Sunday, September 22, 2013

BOOK BLAST & GIVEAWAY: CHASING HOPE by Kathryn Cushman


Chasing Hope
Chasing Hope by Kathryn Cushman

A Personal Drama of Shattered Dreams and Second Chances

A talented runner fully committed to Olympic dreams, Sabrina Rice's future was shattered by a devastating diagnosis. One forfeited scholarship and several years later, she has new goals and dreams that have nothing to do with running--something that's become far too painful to think on.

Until the day she sees Brandy Philip running across the community college campus, easily outpacing security. Sabrina immediately recognizes world-class speed, and it's all the more painful that it belongs to a teenage graffiti artist. When a chance encounter brings the two young women together, Sabrina becomes Brandy's best hope for staying out of juvenile hall. Soon, Sabrina begins to feel an uncomfortable nudge that her new life is just about to be toppled...that God may be calling her to minister to this talented but troubled girl.





kathryn
Author Kathryn Cushman

Author Kathryn "Katie" Cushman is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy.

She is the author of five novels, including Leaving Yesterday and A Promise to Remember, which were both finalists for the Carol Award in Women's Fiction.

She is also the co-author of Angel Song with Sheila Walsh.


Kathryn and her family currently live in Santa Barbara, California.




chasing hope tour





BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 10/11/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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REVIEW: A MAP OF NOWHERE by Martin Bannister

Title: A Map of Nowhere
Author: Martin Bannister
Publisher: Legend Press Ltd
Publication Date: July 1, 2013
Reviewed by: Margitte
Source: NetGalley
Margitte’s rating: 5/5

SUMMARY

David Price always wished life would blow up in his face. And then it did. His mother died. The urge to paint left him. Then Sarah came his way, followed by Pete, a psychiatric outpatient. Now David spends his time worrying about Sarah’s eating habits, visiting her terminally ill sister and working as Pete’s carer.

When Pete’s odd behaviour starts to leave David fearing for his own safety, he is shocked to discover that Sarah knows the reason why but will not disclose it. What is about to happen will change everything.

Funny, moving, compelling and wholly original, A Map of Nowhere leaves us wondering just how well it’s possible to know others and, indeed, ourselves.



REVIEW

I am so bowled over by this story, I do not have the words to write a review, and I really mean it.

Baggage. The human spirit. The amazing gift of forgiveness. And Karma, steering lives without showing itself voluntarily. After all, 'they say the brain is like an ocean - largely unexplored and pretty much doing its own thing. Unpredictable baffling. A force to be reckoned with. Maybe the brain is more like a smartphone. Fast and powerful when new, sluggish when too many apps are up and running. 

David Price thought his life was fairly okay. He did relatively well as an artist, he had a relatively good childhood, he coped well. Until he met Sarah, Claire, and Pete. They knew a secret that David did not. And when he finally got to know it, he felt upended by his own backstory. He would feel like an actor in a role he thought he perfected, but suddenly finds himself flattened or fake by the events - like Jim Carey in The Truman Show when the tip of his boat tears a hole in the painted-on sky.

Before I reached page 100, I was convinced that this book was not for me. The initial pace was slow, due to the detail often too overwhelming, the issues too unsettling, the atmosphere not something I could handle at this moment in my life. But then the pieces of the puzzle started making sense in their color heaps. David, the first person narrator and protagonist, packed them neatly in colored heaps, before the different characters fitted the tale into one magnificent piece of art. The end left me totally speechless, not because it was a surprise(it was that as well), but because of the emotions I was left with. I wanted to laugh and cry. Happy and sad. Blown away by my feelings. 

Endearing. Amazing. Well-written, with nothing I would have loved to change in it. Okay, maybe the end, but that would be for selfish reasons. All the elements blended perfectly. Not even the kite strings were left dangling aimlessly in the wind. It has an understated, powerful message. The question the reader is left with is: how would you have handled it?

A great book - recommended for sure. 




PURCHASE LINKS



REVIEW: BROKEN WINGS (Broken Wings, #1) by Glory Keverne

Title: Broken Wings
Series: Broken Wings, #1
Author: Glory Keverne
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
Publication Date: July 23, 2012
Genres: African Adventure, Mystery
Reviewed by: Margitte
Source: Received from author for review
Margitte’s rating: 4/5

SUMMARY

No book description available. Please see below review for book details.



REVIEW

***This review contains SPOILERS***

The Divine Drawing - first book in a planned trilogy in the Broken Wings series

WILD, ROBUST, THOUGHT-PROVOKING

Twenty-seven year old Daniel 'Surefire' Lasky - August 1945: He had a tough life, apart from feeling guilty for knowing that his mom died giving birth to him. He always felt unworthy and condemned to carry his mother's maiden name as his middle name through life.

He needed to get away from the marriage-hungry nineteen-year old Miss Mitty, a tourist guide at the Grand Canyon, and Benjamin ' Burning Sky' Smith - also called Benjy or Sky- his longtime friend.

["As the crippled youngest of ten children, proving his manhood in a society which tended to mollycoddle the disabled, had been a constant struggle. Rejected by the army at the age of nineteen, he'd gone off to find toughness that would take him on. Pitting himself against ferocious felines in Africa was not be the same as walking unaided, but it sure gave him a great edge. And back home he'd force himself to excel at whatever he set his mind to. In the air, on horseback and in water, his lameness was less inhibiting, and he could manoeuvre a plane like some dog-fighting German ace, ride a horse like the old-time redskin warriors, and, with his fine upper-body physique, swim strongly. His Indian tracking, skilled markmanship and death-defying exploits made him a champion trick-shooter and America's most acclaimed rodeo stuntman." 

He had a rootless life, following rodeos around the country in a horse-trailing truck, showing off his roping, telling hunting anecdotes, sing cowboy songs, do horse-riding stunts, show off his rifle, tomahawk and knife skills. He lived his young adult days refining his skills in gambling, girls, smoking loco-weed and cheap liquor, while acquiring his pilot license with the money he saved up. The hair-dangling eagle feather was his proudest possession. And a lion-claw necklace would be another trademark. An African-shaped birthmark had a place on his face. His horse is named Buckwheat and his swag-bag, a stuffed sock, full of money concludes his worldly possessions. He is also known as 'Manshadow'. He associated easier with the Indian culture becoming more Indian than the Indians themselves. He would therefor be regarded as the 'Indian-aping atheist' at the mission.

He received a letter from Doctor Jonas Burns Cadence of the Episcopal Church, offering him a proposition in Africa where Luce Lasky previously spent two years. They were to set off for Mamelodi (Holy Water) mission in Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) on the continent,known as 'The White Man's Grave'. Luce Lasky was asked to find the grave of Dr. Cadence's long lost twin brother, Josiah. He promised the censorius Dr. Cadence that he is compromised in certain activities, such as roller-skating and dancing the jitterbug, but he has the aptitude 'to think as clear, shoot as straight, and lay as many wimmen'as the rest of 'em!'

" Gold might be the god of some men, precious gems the treasure others hankered for, but for Daniel 'Surefire' Lasky, hunting African lions constituted the very elixir of life."

He already killed 49 and could not wait to deliver no. 50 to the taxidermist.

At twenty seven years of age, and coming from bad, sometimes cruel, experiences as a foster child in Christian care, he was disrespectful towards the Christian lifestyle of his African missionary family. His one-sided distaste and aversion of Christianity is evident in his scathing thoughts: 

["Settling down, he started reading 'Worldwide Missionary Victories for God through the Ages'. Surefire was soon riveted by the cold cruelties and dishonourable dealings shamelessly confessed. It seemed that, after bludgeoning much of the world into compliance with its infamous medieval crusades, 'civilized' Christians had begun looking around for fresh fields to conquer. By this time, although no longer overly using swords or witch-burning to convert non-believers, their strategy was ultimately no less coercive and devastating."]

He rejected all forms of authority (which might be in stark contrast to real Indian teachings). He walked shirtless in Indian garb all over the mission station and beyond, probably to make a statement and uphold an image. Overcoming serious illness and injury by sheer strength of mind, justified his confidence in his own abilities. Absolutely nothing would keep him down, not while his will and wit were pitted against it. He was determined to solve the mystery of 'The Mountains of Tomorrow' which everybody, locals as well as missionaries and pilots, refused to investigate. He believed he could do it.

My opinion: A really relaxing, tension-builder which never falters throughout the book. Although the pace is not super fast, it is still constant enough to keep the reader interested in the story. There is enough adventure, social comments, humor and thought-provoking moments, even some really scary ones, that makes the narrative colorful and beautiful. It is Africa through another female eye, addressing a Wilbur Smith adventure with a touch of Indiana Jones thrown in. It also contains similar elements as Caleb's Crossing, written by Geraldine Brooks.

The detailed book is beautifully written, the characters human with a dollop of mysticism and fairy tale slightly mixed in. The descriptions in the book are well done. The inclusion of the fauna and flora, and very well executed, capture the spirit of magical Africa excellently. There were scenes in the book that had me looking for a safer place on my bed! Overall I enjoyed the book! I am sure it will delight many more fans of African books. It is definitely a good read. Great penmanship! The under-current of the book is gentle, kind, but also sparky and defiant. Humor lightens many moments and the issue of Christianity used as a tool, rather than a conviction/belief are illustrated very well. However, this journey will change his outlook on life and severely test everything he ever believed in...


PURCHASE LINKS

Barnes & Noble

Saturday, September 21, 2013

REVIEW & KITTY STUFF: A CAT CALLED DOG by Jem Vanston

Title: A Cat Called Dog
Author: Jem Vanston
Publisher: Troubador
Publication Date: July 1, 2013
Genres: MG, Humor
Reviewed by: Books4Tomorrow
Source: NetGalley
My rating: 5/5

SUMMARY

Dog is a cat - the only problem is he doesn't behave like one. Instead he wags his tail, sticks out his tongue and yaps in a manner distinctly puppyish. Something has to be done; the pride of cats is at stake!

Against his better instincts, George, an old ginger tom, decides to take on the enormous task of teaching the confused kitten how to behave like a proper cat. In the company of the cheeky Eric, the mysterious and exotic Francois and the elegant Miss Fifi, George commences his teaching of the cat curriculum, including lessons on the feline 'Holy Trinity': eating, sleeping and washing. 

But things do not go smoothly. Maybe Dog will find it impossible to change and unlearn all his bad habits?



REVIEW

There’s no use cutting off your tail to spite your bottom.

I read this entire short novel with my mouth set in a permanent smile. I bet I looked like a freak, grinning like the village idiot; but trust me when I tell you it’s nearly impossible to read this cute little story without smiling the whole time or laughing out loud at the snark and puns so generously sprinkled throughout A Cat Called Dog. The title alone had me grinning!

Two things I noticed right away. The first is that it’s very much written in the fashion of Roald Dahl’s books, and secondly, for some strange reason I had Neil Gaiman narrating the story for me in my head. Go figure!

A cat must behave like a cat, not like a dog-it is the way things are. And the way to achieve a change, and to help this kitten become a cat, is education.

Being un-heducated never done me no ‘arm, muttered Eric.

That’s a matter of opinion,said George-rather cattily, Dog thought.

The characters each have their own distinct personalities, quirks and traits, and easily made their way into my heart. From George the sophisticated old ginger tom, Francois the well-traveled, refined tabby with a French accent, Eric the “un-heducated” stray, to a she-cat called Fifi. With their personalities at opposite ends of the spectrum, the laughs just kept coming. And, of course, the star of the show: Dog – a little kitten-cat who wags his tail when he’s happy, pokes his tongue out puppy-fashion, and whose brave is much bigger than he is. Together, this ragtag group of felines sets about to save the day, and in the process become the best of friends.

A Cat Called Dog is a delightfully charming read suitable for both cat- and dog lovers of all ages. It also makes for a wonderful bedtime story for younger readers. For the novice cat-person, this book can serve as a guide jam-packed with interesting cat facts and tidbits, albeit in the form of an entertaining story. I highly recommend this novel for anyone looking for an uplifting read that will brighten up their day and leave them with a different perspective on people (or two-legs, as humans are referred to in this little gem) and life in general, through the eyes of a feline. Though the story itself merits a four-star rating only, the author’s knowledge of cat behavior ups the aforementioned rating to a well-deserved five stars, which makes this a definite must-read!



This review forms part of my three-month participation in the NetGalley Knockout Challenge for 2013.


 PURCHASE LINKS


MY FAVORITE CAT QUOTES

Because I’m a cat person through and through, I want to share a few of my favorite feline quotes. Plus, I added in some LOLcat pics because…well…because I can. :)

This particular image speaks to me. :)



Of all God’s creatures, there is only one that cannot be made slave of the lash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve the man, but it would deteriorate the cat.
- Mark Twain

I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior.
- Hippolyte Taine

Everything I know I learned from my cat: When you’re hungry, eat. When you’re tired, nap in a sunbeam. When you go to the vets, pee on your owner.
- Gary Smith

When I play with my cat, how do I know that she is not passing time with me rather than I with her?
- Montaigne

Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.
- Anonymous



Thank you to CatQuotes.com for these awesome quotes! More can be found on their website here.


KITTY TIDBITS

Did you know?

When well taken care of, a cat can live twenty or more years.

A cat cannot see directly under its nose, which is why a cat cannot seem to find tidbits on the floor.

Most cats have no eyelashes.

Cat “kneading” behavior is left over from kittenhood when they kneaded their mother’s belly for milk. The “marching” or “kneading” means that the cat is happy.

Nearly 10% of a cat’s bones are in its tail.

A cat spends nearly 30% of its life, grooming itself.

A cat can recognize its owner’s footsteps from hundreds of feet away.

More of these interesting kitty tidbits can be found here.



Friday, September 20, 2013

BLOG TOUR: INTERVIEW: SINS OF THE LOST (Grigori Legacy, #3) by Linda Poitevin


Title: Sins of the Lost
Series: Grigori Legacy, #3
Author: Linda Poitevin
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: October 15, 2013

SUMMARY

From the author of Sins of the Angels and Sins of the Son comes the newest novel in the “electric, thrilling and extremely intelligent” (Ex Libris) Grigori Legacy series.

Heaven and Hell are on the brink of war as Lucifer builds his Nephilim army and waits for his new agenda to become a reality — that of having a Nephilimchild of his own bloodline to lead his forces to cataclysmic victory.

With rumors of the pending war rampant on Earth, Alex fights to save humanity from its own panic –­ leaving little time for her fledgling relationship with Seth, the man with heavenly origins who has captured her heart. But when Nephilim children begin to disappear, along with Alex’s own vulnerable niece, the inevitable war between Heaven and Hell becomes as personal as sin.

Heaven has its own plans to fight the coming apocalypse, but first it needs Seth back. Asked to betray the man she loves, Alex must turn for help to the soulmate she thought she’d given up — the Archangel Aramael, who may be her last chance to save her family and humanity from the ashes of Lucifer’s Armageddon.




PURCHASE LINKS



BOOKS in this SERIES









INTERVIEW with LINDA POITEVIN

What would your choice of music be as a theme-song for Sins of the Lost?

Ooh...good question! I love it! And my answer would be No More Heroes by Slash. It would be perfect. J

What sparked the idea for this series?

The very first spark came from the movie City of Angels...or, more specifically, from one of the songs in the movie, Angel by Sarah McLachlan. A line in the song, “safe in the arms of the angel,” triggered my whole ‘what-if’ process: what if it wasn’t safety you found in an angel’s arms, but something else? What if angels weren’t the benign creatures we’ve come to view them as, but something darker and more warrior-like?

Those initial questions led to some wonderful conversations with a friend of mine who is well versed in angel mythology; that led in turn to some serious research and the uncovering of some rather more obscure stories. And now we find ourselves at the third book in a series that came as rather a surprise to me, because I only set out to write a single book, lol.

How long did it take you to write Sins of the Lost?

With or without the time I took to procrastinate? *sigh* I danced around the story for almost six months before I managed to settle into it, rewriting the first chapter a grand total of 17 times before I got it right. Once I really got moving on it, however, I wrote it in four months flat (mostly because my deadline at that point was really, really, really tight). I’ve decided to aim for a six-month timeframe with future books...that seems to be the most reasonable for me.

How much impact does your childhood have on your writing?

I don’t think my childhood has had an impact, but my early adult years most definitely have. I worked as a dispatcher for the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) for almost three years, then married a cop. Being a part of that culture has definitely influenced my decision to write Alexandra Jarvis as a homicide detective, and it has helped immensely with getting the police procedural details right.

Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?

I think Alexandra is a little bit of me...or at least the me that wanted to be a cop myself when I was younger. So yes, I see myself in her.

Except as yourself, which character would you want to play in a movie about your life, and why?

Bite your tongue! Me? Act in a movie??? That is so not happening...ever. *dives under the table*

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

Coffee. Wine. Chocolate. Oh, wait...those are products, not attributes. How about the ability to drive in order to procure those products? Ahem. Right. Seriously, I think you need to have an extraordinary amount of patience (the wheels of the publishing industry, they turn slowly!) and the ability to distance yourself emotionally from your book once you’ve finished it (you have to view it as a product rather than as your baby). And if you don’t already have a thick skin, you might want to consider growing one.

Are there any occupational hazards to being an author?

The risk of your butt fusing to your chair. Back, shoulder, and neck problems caused by hunching over your computer. Questionable personal (and house) hygiene when you’re under deadline. Poor nutritional habits during that same time period.

Has the dog ever eaten your manuscript?

No...but the computer gremlins have sure had their share!

What are you like first thing in the mornings before you’ve had your first cup of coffee?

Wait...there’s a morning before coffee???

What's the most blatant lie you've ever told?

Grade One. I begged my mother to let me take cherry tomatoes in my lunch, and she caved but told me I would get a spanking (this was the old days, remember) if I got any of the juice on my new dress. First bite into a tomato...juice squirted all down my front. It just so happened that the school bully chose that moment to throw an orange peel at me. Quick thinker that I was, I burst into tears and went to my teacher (also the school principal) and blamed Stewart for the stain on my dress. The poor kid got the strap (old days!), my teacher sent a note home to my mother, and I got off scot-free. I’ve never quite forgiven myself for that incident...if you happen to be reading this, Stewart, I’m sorry!!!

What is the worst “crime” you committed as a teenager, which your parents had to punish you for?

Are you kidding me? I was way too smart to get caught. ;-)

What is your worst/best memory of high school, and why?

We had an annual 50s dress-up day (that was retro for us...wow, I’m really dating myself here, aren’t I?) and in Grade 10, I got the dates mixed up and came to school dressed up on the wrong day. We lived 3 miles from the school, so I couldn’t go home to change and had to go through the entire day in my dirndl skirt, bobby socks, and mother’s cardigan. Oh, the stares... *cringes at the memory*

And the worst part? I did the exact same thing the next year. For realz. *face palm*

Are you fun to go on holiday with?

Define your idea of fun... J I’m actually pretty relaxed on holidays, and I’m independent enough that if others aren’t interested in doing what I am (or vice versa), I’m happy to go off on my own.

What makes you laugh?

I have a warped sense of humor (I blame my parents), so I can find humor in just about anything. I think that’s a blessing, to be honest.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Be willing to go through the full process needed to produce a good, readable book. Self-publishing has changed the face of the industry and made it easy for anyone to put out a story, but in my opinion, that’s not all for the better. Too many writers are slapping up their stuff without going through the rounds of editing they need to—and trust me, all authors need to have their stuff edited. So do yourself—and your readers—a favor and take your time. Learn your craft, do your job, and put only your very best book (edited and proofread!) out there. Oh, and have fun doing it!


ABOUT the AUTHOR

Linda Poitevin was born and raised in B.C., Canada’s westernmost province. Growing up in an era when writing was “a nice hobby, dear, but what are you going to do for a living?”, Linda worked at a variety of secretarial jobs before applying to be a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Due to an error in measurement, however, she was turned down when she didn’t meet the height requirement of that time. Undeterred, Linda became a civilian member in the force and was a dispatcher for two and a half years, during which time she met her husband, a police officer.
Following their transfer to Ottawa, Linda went on to become a real estate agent and then a human resources consultant before starting a family. She remained a stay-at-home mom, homeschooled her youngest daughter for nine years and, now that she has realized writing can be more than a nice hobby, she continues to live her dream of being a cop vicariously through her characters.
Linda currently lives near Ottawa with her husband, youngest of three daughters, one very large husky/shepherd/Great Dane-cross dog, a cat, two rabbits, and a bearded dragon lizard. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found in her garden or walking her dog along the river or through the woods.In addition to her books, Linda also does freelance writing and editing. Information about her services can be found here. Linda is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, Quebec Writers’ Federation, Romance Writers of America, RWA Futuristic Fantasy Paranormal Chapter, and Ottawa Romance Writers’ Association.


AUTHOR LINKS

Website    *    Facebook    *    Twitter    *    Goodreads    *    YouTube


***GIVEAWAY***

There are two awesome giveaways included on the tour -

1 - GRAND PRIZE Giveaway (US & Canada ONLY) for a surprise prize package from Penguin - ONE Winner
5 - GRIGORI LEGACY Swag Packs (International) - tote bag, pen, fridge magnet, sticky notes & bookmarks - FIVE Winners

- The Grand Prize Giveaway is open to US/Canada.
- The Grigori Legacy Swag Pack Giveaways are open Internationally.
- Giveaways end on November 10th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.
- Giveaways are open to anyone 18 and older.

Tweet daily for additional chances to win!


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Thursday, September 19, 2013

BOOK BLAST & GIVEAWAY: ROCKY ROAD by Josi S. Kilpack

Rocky Road
Rocky Road

It was supposed to be a girls’ weekend in scenic St. George, Utah that would include shopping, trying out the local cuisine, and participating in a breast cancer fundraiser. The fact that one of the organizers of the fundraising event, a local doctor, disappeared two months ago was not supposed to be Sadie’s problem. In fact, she refuses to participate in the grassroots investigation her friend Caro, and Caro’s cousin, Tess, have put together prior to her arrival. But then she meets the ex-wife of the missing doctor. How could she not ask a few questions . . . that lead to a few more questions . . . that lead to a small town and yet even more questions. Before she knows it, Sadie is in the middle of yet another murder investigation and trying to piece together a convoluted trail of good intentions, hidden motivations, and philanthropy turned big business.




Author Josi S. Kilpack

Born and raised in Salt Lake City Utah, I met my husband in high-school--well, he wasn't my husband then, just the cute guy in weight training with the permed mullet--and we married in 1993. I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child and have gone on to publish 20 novels, the most recent being part of The Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series.

I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, children, and cat.




rocky road



Culinary Mysteries by Josi Kilpack

culinary mysteries





BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 10/6/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

BOOK BLITZ: EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: CONTRITION (Perception, #3) by Lee Strauss




Title: Contrition
Series: Perception, #3
Author: Lee Strauss
Publisher: Self-published
Publication Date: September 26, 2013
Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction

SUMMARY

Zoe, Noah and the other plane crash survivors are stranded in the Arizona desert.
They all have secrets,
and reasons to hide.
But they’re not alone.
Cyborg soldiers.
War.
Humans and humanoids.
Who can be trusted?
Zoe’s life is in danger.
Noah must make an impossible choice.
Will their love survive their brokenness?
Will the world as they know it end before they can find out?



EXCERPT

“What was Tucson, like?” I asked. It was code for were there pictures of my face?
Noah stared at the ground. “It was busy, just like any other city. Lots of people. Traffic. Noise.”
“And…”
His eyes caught mine. “And lots of billboards. They’re still after us, Zoe. The reward for your return has been upped to two million.”
My heart whooshed. “And you?”
“The same. But the president doesn’t care if I’m brought in alive.”
Fear gripped my throat. “You can’t go into Tucson, anymore, Noah.”
He brushed it off. “Ah, the picture of me makes me look like I’m a twelve year-old boy. I didn’t get a second glance.”
“It’s true,” Taylor said. “Your photos look hot, but his, meh.”
I laughed at Taylor, and he grinned back at me before disappearing into the tech cave. I watched Noah as he unloaded the last of the items from the buggy. He caught me staring, and I glanced away. My shoes were suddenly very interesting. I dug at the sand with my toe. I casually looked up again from under my lashes. Noah’s eyes were on me now. I stayed locked on his gaze. What is he thinking? Did he feel the pull of attraction I felt? Did the longing for something more make his soul ache like mine did?
And if so, would he ever give into it again?
Sweat dripped between my breasts and down my spine. I felt dizzy and slid to the ground with a thump. Thankfully, the others were all busy focused on other things and didn’t notice. I held my chest, willing my heart to slow.
Something was wrong with me.
I didn’t know what, but I should be stronger. I should actually be the healthiest. Well, along with Taylor, though technically I’d been a GAP for longer.
When my heart calmed, I reached into my bag for a “clean” shirt and mentioned to Hannah that I was going to the stream to freshen up. The sun was low on the horizon, and I wanted to make it back before it got dark.
I’d collected the soap and shampoo on my way out of the cave looking forward to the shock of cold water. My hair hung in greasy strands, long enough now to tie back at least. I removed the tie, along with my clothes, and slipped in.
The water was strangely warm. Something was weird, but I wasn’t going to complain just yet. I’d tell Taylor when I got back. I made good use of the soap and was about to reach for the shampoo when I heard movement.
“Knock, knock.”
I startled at the voice. “Noah?”
“Sorry, I didn’t know you were here.”
So, now you do. Why are you just standing there, staring? I was fully aware that, though submerged, I was naked. Noah’s eyes zeroed on mine, and I could sense the debate going on in his head. He wanted to stay.
Suddenly, all the oxygen felt like it was sucked out of the cave.
I took a chance. “Would you… like to join me?”
“Yes,” he said, “against my better judgment.”
“If it helps, I want you to.”
“It helps.”


PURCHASE LINKS



BOOKS in this SERIES


This novella is FREE on Amazon. Get your copy HERE.


Perception (book one) is currently FREE on Amazon! Get your copy HERE.

ABOUT the AUTHOR

Lee Strauss writes historical and science fiction/romance for upper YA and adult readers. She also writes light and fun stuff under the name Elle Strauss.

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***GIVEAWAY***







plus a cool eternity bracelet from Etsy!


Just enter the rafflecopter below!

In case you haven't read book 1 or 2 of the trilogy yet,  PERCEPTION is free and 
VOLITION is .99 until the launch.



a Rafflecopter giveaway