Friday, December 20, 2013

Not so Secret Santa: Author/Blogger Exchange‏

Posted by BookGroupies 4 comments
 
 
Hello Amazing readers :) we get to introduce to you the fantastic author M.R. Merrick
We had the pleasure of having a little chat with him, grilling him with all of our questions.
We hope you enjoy the interview, we found it quite entertaining.
 
 
 

1.       What inspired you to become a writer? Is it something you always thought of doing?

I’ve always enjoyed writing, but I had never planned on becoming an author. In fact, I’d never really tried my hand a fiction. After a particularly rough patch in my life, I found myself needing an escape, and for some reason unbeknownst to me, I decided to disappear into someone else life for a little while. I thought I’d create something that had me dealing with someone else’s problems, in a world where I was in full control of what happened. I had had a scene in mind for a long time and I started with that, and six hours later I realized there was story there. My imagination was moving so fast I had trouble keeping up, but I wanted to. I wanted to stay with the magic I felt was happening, and so the journey to writing Exiled began.
2.       What piqued your interest in writing this genre?
Fantasy, particularly Young Adult, was something that I enjoyed reading. Fantasy has always been my favorite genre to experience. I love magic, mythology, legends, all of it. This seemed a natural place for me to work, and for me, I didn’t get into reading into very late in my life. As a youth, I never did find the right book to capture me, and I wanted to write something that could perhaps be an outlet for young readers to escapes to, much like it was for me. I had hoped to find that reader that didn’t like to read, and change their perspective on books.
3.       What can you tell new readers about yourself?
I’m a huge movie junkie and what I like to call cereal enthusiast. Cereal, to me, is good for you at any time of the day, for any meal, and always in large quantities. I love music, it’s helped me through the hardest times in my life, and writing is something I put my heart and soul into. I eat far too much candy, I’m obsessed with my oral hygiene, and can’t sleep with my feet outside of the covers.
4.       While writing your books was there something that stuck with you to help you along the way?
Music was there the entire way. I listened to it as loud as I could while I wrote, and it helped me stay focused. That was something that went hand in hand with my writing. As for what helped me stay focused? My family. The dream of being a published author and one day making a career out of it is a constant inspiration. Plus, it’s something I hope can inspire my kids one day. If you want something bad enough, and you’re willing to put the work in, you can make it happen. Even if that dream is to make things up for a living.
5.       What is your all-time favourite book or author? 
The Harry Potter series has always stuck with me. The characters, imagination, the world building, all of it. I absolutely adored the series. But in all honesty, whatever book I’m reading and enjoying in the moment seems to be my favorite.
6.       Is there anything from your books that you’d want your readers to take from reading them?
Never give up. When the only option left is taken away, and you’re left with no hope, find another path. There’s always another door open, and if not, break one down and make a trail. Never lose hope.
7.       Have you ever experienced something crazy thanks to a fan?
I don’t think I’m quite there yet. Although, I have had a few readers contact me and tell me how my stories were something that saved them during a difficult time in their life. They were an escape, or an inspiration, or something along those lines, and although I haven’t quite wrapped my mind around the idea that something I created can do that for a person, it’s inspiring to me nonetheless.
8.       What can you tell fellow newbie writers? Any advice that may be helpful?
Two things. First, never give up. And second, and equally important, no matter how long it takes, put out the best product you possibly can. If you don’t have money for an editor or a cover artist, take your time and save up, or find another way that works for you. Don’t rush your project for any reason. This is your work, a piece of your life and soul. If you’re going to share it with the world, make sure it shines. 
9.       What keeps you going as a writer?
My kids. I never want to lose that “anything can happen” belief that a child has. That hope that dreams can come true and magic does exist. I want to see things for the first time, every time, and be amazed at how complicatedly simple the world can be. And I want that magic and those details to come through in my writing.
10.   Can you tell new readers a little bit about your books and why you think people love them so much?
I think it’s different for each reader, but some of the recurring comments I’ve heard is the magic, the other dimensions, and how vivid it all becomes. I’ve been lucky enough that the imagery I’ve created has managed to suck a few people in and really help them experience the adventure in a way that’s real to them. When I’m writing, I close my eyes and lay it all out there. I paint the best picture and create the best world and characters that I possibly can, and with the help of their imaginations, magic happens. When they pick up my books, we connect and have a shared experienced, and together, we take an adventure. I feel blessed to have found a small group of readers to take that adventure with me, and hopefully they’ll be more to come!
 
About the author


M.R. Merrick is a Canadian writer, and author of Exiled, the first installment in The Protector Series. Having never traveled, he adventures to far off lands through his imagination and in between cups of coffee. As a music lover and proud breakfast enthusiast, he's usually found at the computer, between a pair of headphones and in front of a large bowl of cereal.
You can check out his books on his site, he even has the first few chapters up, plus some shorts :) they are pretty fantastic.
I just started reading his first book Exiled and I'm already loving it, very different from what I'm used to but that's what makes it so gripping!!

 
 
 
you can also follow him on twitter
 
 
 
 
Chase Williams is a demon hunter in the Circle, or at least he was supposed to be. On his fifteenth birthday, Chase stepped up to the altar to claim his elemental power, but it never came. Elemental magic is passed down to a hunter through the bloodline, but on Chase's birthday, the bloodline stopped.

Exiled without the Circle's protection, Chase has spent two years trying to survive a world riddled with half-demons and magic. When he has a run in with a frightened and seemingly innocent demon, he learns the Circle's agenda has changed: the Circle plans to unlock a portal and unleash pure-blood demons into the world. Vowing to stop them, and knowing he can't do it alone, Chase forms a reluctant alliance with Rayna — a sexy witch with an attitude and a secret.

In their attempt to stop them, Chase and Rayna find themselves in the middle of the Circle's plan, leaving one of them to decide what their friendship is worth, and the other's life depending on it.
 
Buy it here:
 
 
Now time for the awesome giveaway!!! yay *jumps around*
 
 
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Monday, December 9, 2013

Perfect Ruin-review

Posted by BookGroupies 0 comments
Author: Lauren DeStefano
published: October 1st 2013
Series: Internment Chronicles Book 1
 
 
Book Blurb:
 
On the floating city of Internment, you can be anything you dream, unless you approach the edge. Morgan Stockhour knows getting too close can lead to madness, like her older brother Len, a Jumper. She takes solace in her best friend Pen, and in Basil, the boy she’s engaged to marry. When she investigates the first murder in a generation, she meets Judas. The suspect was betrothed to the victim, but Morgan believes he is innocent. Nothing can prepare Morgan for the secrets she will find – or whom she will lose.
 
 
Review:
 
I was given the opportunity to read the first 10 chapters of this story on Pules It and it completely blew me away within the first few chapters. This story is like nothing else I've ever read. It's compelling, enthralling and enchanting. Could you imagine a city floating above our heads and we are completely unaware of it. This book is a little poetic when I truly think about it, it only proves to us that we are never truly content with what we have especially when something wonderful is just out of reach.
 
This is a whole new taste on what we believe in, God's and what we all think they are capable of. Not only does it take a new spin on that but it also shows us how no matter what love really matters, that even when there are hard times never lose your faith and that yes there are always dangers right around the corner but you must face them.
 
It also proves to us that even in a floating city above there is a sort of law and unjustness and a crazy dictator just like the ones in our history books. No matter what you can never truly escape the craziness but you can make a small difference and fight to make a change. Nothing is every really out of reach if you are willing to fight for it.
 
Her characters are so realistic, so tangible is as if they are your friends and you are with them every step of the way. You can easily identify with Pen or Morgan, you can see them in yourself or in someone close to you. I loved their friendship, it wasn't perfect but it was real, I also loved the boys Judas, Basil and Thomas. Judas for his mysteriousness and snide comments/intelligence, Basil for his undivided love and compassion/strength, Thomas for his silliness and his capacity to love even when it isn't always requited, he never gives up :).
 
I loved Lex's and Morgan's sibling relationship, it's so much like my own it makes me smile. No matter what the older brother loves his little sister even if he doesn't always like to show it. Alice Lex's wife is so strong and someone you'd look up to, she is one of my favourite characters in this book.  
 
Lauren did a fantastic job with this story and can't wait to see what will happen in the next book, I definitely give it 10 out of 5 stars ;) because of it originality and amazingness that sucks you right in.
 
 
(floating city in Skyward Sword)
I kept picturing this game as I read the book
 
I pictured the jumpers trying to do this too as I read.



Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Sweet Requiem (Sweet Series #3) by Bailey Ardisone COVER REVEAL!

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Sweet Oblivion (Sweet Series #1) - FREE everywhere ebooks are sold!
Author: Bailey Ardisone
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy/Romance
Release Date: December 30, 2012


When two worlds collide, nightmares become reality. And some secrets...are best kept in Oblivion.
...Until there is hope.


Have you ever wanted to forget? Nariella Woodlinn has. Many times. Especially when her already frustrating life gets turned upside down by a mysterious boy who randomly shows up in her small town. And she can't seem to understand anything about him, despite how much she tries.

​Nari hates everything about her life, except for her best friend Rydan, but now that they've been separated during their senior year of high school, she has to learn to make new friends without him. When strange, unexplainable phenomena start becoming an every day part of her life, Nari struggles to come to grips with reality. And with love.

~
​Naminé has responsibilities. Duties. It is her obligation to fulfill all that is asked of her by their King. But when a glimmer of hope is introduced to her by a prisoner she tends to, it means life or death for her and her people. She does all that she can to turn that hope into reality, and finally end the vicious war that has been ensuing since she was born. Even if that means keeping it secret from her King. Even if it means carrying out the biggest betrayal against the King ever seen during her time.

She has hope. She will fulfill her duty. She will not let her people down.


Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AVAV9AO
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sweet-oblivion-bailey-ardisone/1114302592?ean=2940044244092
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sweet-oblivion/id595594949?mt=11


Sweet Escape (Sweet Series #2)
Author: Bailey Ardisone
Genre: New Adult Fantasy/Romance
Release Date: July 25, 2013


Sometimes the hardest war to fight is the one raging within yourself…

Life will never be the same for Nariella Woodlinn. Just when she thought she had it all figured out, her world comes crumbling down around her-yet again. With no idea who she is or even where she came from, how can she save herself?
She once thought her biggest problems were the ones brought on by the mysterious man she refused to fall in love with—Mycah. But she quickly discovers none of that compares to what she is about to encounter next.
This time, it isn’t because of who Mycah is.
This time, it’s because of who she is.
~
Naminé risked everything to save her people. Her goal was to bring their only hope back to their Kingdom. As the war rages on around her, Naminé gets thrown into the lion’s den—the false King’s chambers. Can she fool a King who can’t be deceived on his playing field? Forced to do his bidding, can she prevent the downfall of the only hope she worked so hard to bring home? Will she be able to escape with her life and mind intact?

With everyone’s world falling apart and deceit around every corner…can any of them truly Escape?


Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E56G6IU
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sweet-escape-bailey-ardisone/1116264488?ean=9781491240878&isbn=2940045162807







Sweet Requiem (Sweet Series #3)
Author: Bailey Ardisone
Genre: New Adult Fantasy/Romance
Release Date: November 29, 2013


Returning to Kennebunkport isn't all that it's cracked up to be for Nari and Rydan. Barely escaping one evil by the skin of their teeth, running head first into the next was the last thing they were expecting. With Nari's best friend Zaylie held hostage by the leader of the Black Eagles, Nari's number one priority is getting Zaylie, along with everyone else she cares about, back home safe and sound. Only, the worst thing that could possibly happen has happened.


Death.


With the hope of undoing what would normally be permanent, Nari, with the help of the two brothers she loves most in the world, sets out on a unique quest that could ultimately mean her downfall. Is the end result worth the sacrifice? Is Nariella truly willing to do whatever is necessary to fulfill a vow?


Or is there nothing that can reverse the start of a Sweet Requiem?




Author Bio:


Bailey Ardisone was born and raised outside of Chicago, Illinois. She married the love of her life and spends her days submerged in books, movies, music, or art, and loves traveling. Fantasy books and movies have been a huge part of her life, and she is obsessed with Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.



Links:


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSweetSeries
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BaileyArdisone
Blog: baileyardisone.blogspot.com
 
 



(fan art by Meg . E )

Friday, October 11, 2013

Mythology:The WIcked BOOk Blitz Book Release Day!!!

Posted by BookGroupies 2 comments
 
 
*JUMPS UP AND DOWN EXCITEDLY*
Peeps this book we have been craving, dying, getting no sleep because we want it so bad if finally out *fan girl squeal* how exciting is this amazing news??
 
 
IT’S RELEASE DAY FOR MYTHOLOGY: THE WICKED!
 
 
MYTHOLOGY: THE WICKED (Mythology #2)
Book Description
 
A demon with a pure heart, Micah Condie lives his life by a code of ethics, but breaking that code may be the only way for him to survive. A supernatural entity in her own right, Hope Gentry would do anything in her power to protect her loved ones, but she may be the one who puts them in peril.
When the Demon Impiorum challenges the laws that keep guardians and demons in balance, ancient enforcers of justice intervene. Micah, Hope, and their mentor Jonathan become entangled in a conspiracy that will test even the deepest love and trust.
Someone will commit an act of betrayal. Someone will forever abandon a loved one.
 
Someone will enter THE WICKED.


Buy the book here Amazon
or here Barnes & Nobel
 
 

 
GRAB BOOK ONE FOR JUST 99 PENNIES!!!
 
 MYTHOLOGY (Mythology #1)
 
Book Description
Hope Gentry doesn’t believe in Fate. Born with an unusual power to see the dark memories of those around her, Hope just wants to be a normal teenager. But on the first day of her senior year of high school, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to a transfer student named Micah Condie. At first glance, Micah seems like a boy that most girls would dream about. But when Hope's powers allow her to discover Micah's darkest secret, she quickly becomes entangled in the lives of mythical entities she never dreamed existed. Was this her destiny all along? And will her powers help her survive the evil of the Demon Impiorum?
Mythology isn’t just for English class anymore.
 
 
Amazon  
 
 
The Amazing author Helen Boswell
 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


 
Originally from upstate New York, Helen Boswell spent several years of her early adult life tromping around in the city of Buffalo with frequent trips to Toronto, Canada. These two cities in particular serve as inspirational settings for her urban fantasies, and while Helen has since moved to live in the southwestern United States, she will have fond memories of urban life and high-heeled sneakers for all eternity.
Helen earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University at Buffalo and dedicates her time to teaching biology and other fun things to college students, spending time with her wonderful family, and eating chocolate while writing.
The YA urban fantasy MYTHOLOGY is her first novel and the first one in the Mythology Series.
Find out more about Helen at http://www.helenboswell.com.
Or follow her on twitter Helen
And Follow the star of this book Micah on twitter Micah
 
 
Interview with the lovely star himself :) enjoy ;)
 

 
Thank you so much for joining us BFF *smiles at you* we hope you have fun. Now please take a seat where ever you’d like, oh and here *hands you brownies and water* Jazzy and I thought you’d might like a snack.
 
Jazzy-*giggles and looks at you seriously* So Micah, how do you think you would fair against the Winchester brothers?  Please say you know who they are.
Hello, ladies. So nice to visit your blog today. Thanks for hosting me and for the brownies *takes one*. Now as for your question about Sam and Dean? I like those guys and have no reason to fight them. Yet. *evil smiles*
Meg-*trying to keep a serious face* Does your relationship with Jonathan turn into a bro-mance? 
Haha. Uh, that would be a huge fat “no.” Pretty much the opposite of that, actually.
Jazzy-*crosses legs and looks at you, patiently waiting for answer* what is your favorite horror movie? And why?
I like the original Wes Craven movies like Nightmare on Elm Street instead of the newly remade stuff. Or the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Because they’re scarier :)
Meg-*smiles brightly* Now I can’t wait to see what kind of music you like so If you could see anybody in concert who would it be?
I’ve always wanted to see Coldplay. Maybe Hope will hook me up one of these days, huh?
Jazzy-*smiles encouragingly at you* what do you want people to learn from your story?
I think one of the biggest themes of this book is about justice. We need to be very careful about how we judge people and their actions.
Meg-*Gives you a pointed look* So Micah is there anything that we should know, before we read your book?
Hmm… *ponders this* You should know that it’s going to be quite the ride, but that everything we do is for a good reason (even if we don’t know what that reason is) *glares at author*
Jazzy-*leans closer to you and smiles* So Micah If you could do anything in the world, what would it be and why?
Career-wise, you mean? I want to go into law, ideally follow in the footsteps of my boss Jack Williamson. Demon district attorney, can you see it?
Meg-*laughs* yes totally random but Pepsi or coke?
Coke. I actually drink a few of them in book two. *looks around for endorsement check*
Jazzy-*sits back and gives you a quizzical look*Why do you have such a problem with swearing?
It’s how I was raised. *whispers* But I may throw a few swear words out there in book two because of extreme circumstances. Don’t judge me and don’t tell my mom.
Alright Micah we have thrown in some would you rather or yes and no questions so be prepared*giggles* some are quite silly.
Uh oh.
Meg,Jazzy *both siting at the edge of our seat* After high school, do you plan on proposing to Hope? Yes or No
Yes.
Meg-*shudder and looks at you* would you rather be a girl for a day? OR get your soul ripped out?
Haha. I’d rather be a girl for a day. I had my soul ripped out before, and it’s not something I care to go through again.
Jazzy-*takes a pen and paper out* ok I need new music so do you think there is a song that describes you and Hope’s relationship?
For book two? Demons by Imagine Dragons. Yeah, yeah, I know I’m very original. It fits, though.
Meg-*looks at you sadly* what is the one thing that you regret the most?
Accidentally hurting my mom. After book two, I have another huge regret, but I can’t tell you about that yet.
Jazzy-*grins at you* what is the one thing in life that scares you the most? *nudges you* come on something must frighten you.
Ravens kind of freak me out. You can thank Poe for that one.
Meg-*glares at you* So BFF do you think that we will need Kleenex and chocolate while reading this book? *rolls up sleeves* better hope not mister.
Yes. Definitely yes. *hands you both*
Jazzy-*Burst out laugh while asking the question* would you rather get a tattoo of Hope on your butt OR eat raw meat?
Oh man, really? Ummm…. I guess… the meat?
Meg-*hands you a napkin after you spat out water thanks to the last question* If there was one book that you could live in, what would it be and why?
Huh. That’s a tough one because I already live in a book. I think I need to stay in mine so I can work things out before I move on to another one. Sorry for the lame answer. :)
Jazzy-*sighs and looks at you adoringly* what is your ideal date that you want to take Hope on?
Ideal date would mean I’d give her the choice of three places she wanted to go and fly her blindfolded to one of them. I’ve actually tried this before, but we wound up making out in the sky and didn’t get very far. *blushes* And then there was that whole curfew thing that she has nowadays.
Meg-*grabs your hand looks at you* If you could go on vacation with Hope, where would you take her?
We talked about this over our semester break – we threw darts on a map and planned it all out. I think we decided that we’d go to Africa, Australia, Japan, the Mediterranean, and Indonesia. Not necessarily in that order.
Jazzy,Meg-*both say at the same time* Can we interview you, Hope and Jonathan sometime soon?
You bet. We’d be happy to come visit you. Any time.
Thank you again Micah for joining us today *shrugs and giggles* we really hope you enjoyed the random awesomeness of these questions. After book two we will probably have many more question for you *both give you a giant hug*
*hugs you back* Thanks for having me, Meggy and Jazzy. :)
 
 

 






 (fan art by Megan)



EXCERPT EIGHT


I close the door as softly as possible, whispering, “Hey, we need to keep our voices d–”

But Micah’s not by the window anymore, and he grabs me in a hug. I twist around to face him, noticing that his clothes already feel dry if not a little steamy. But those thoughts drop to the floor along with the towel as he pulls me even closer.

His skin is so warm.

His lips press against mine and are even warmer.

He smells like summer, like the warm air right after it rains. I stand on my toes and slide my arms up and around his neck. One of his hands laces through my hair, and the other presses against the small of my back. His mouth opens, the heat from his kiss transferring to me and melting away my stress from the night.

A tiny part of me wonders why he came back tonight, if something else happened, or if he didn’t want to be alone because of what happened to Jack. But it’s getting harder to think rationally with Micah kissing me like this.


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