Exalted Tour

Opening scene: Kathryn and Shelley are sitting, nervously fidgeting and eagerly awaiting today's guest. Why are they so nervous you may ask?
Well, let's just peek in and see...
Shelley whispers LOUDLY to Kathryn: "He's coming! He's coming!!! OMG! He's even more gorgeous than I imagined! OMG! OMG!!!" *wiggles excitedly in her chair*
Kathryn: Oh he is STUNNING! Shhh! *touches finger to lips* He's close. He  can probably hear us. Gawd! Settle down and sit still. Don't embarrass me again."
*Shelley shoots Kathryn a hard glare, fixes her hair and attempts to regain some composure. *
Kathryn: "Hey everyone! Welcome back to the blog! We have a very special guest for you today. Cayne from Ella James' Stained series is here to shed some light on his awesomeness and hopefully, his hot and heavy relationship with the series heroine, Julia."
Shelley: "Did you say "hot and heavy"? *snorts* He'll love that!"  
Kathryn: "Anyway...Cayne is a great guy. Uber sexy. Uber strong. And beyond intriguing. Let's get this interview started so you can see why we're so enamored with this rebel with a cause..."

TSK TSK:  Welcome, Cayne.  We're very excited to have  you here with us today.  Let's start off by saying we don't pussyfoot around the hard questions.  We have inquiring minds...and we want to know.

So, we'll jump right in...

TSK TSK:  What is your biggest fear?

Cayne: seated in a fold-out chair, looks right up into our eyes with his amazing green ones.. "Losing Julia - Without a doubt."

TSK TSK: Do you believe you are Julia are meant to be?

Cayne: shrugs "I believe we're going to be."

TSK TSK: How difficult is it dealing emotionally with someone as young and petulant as Julia?

Cayne: "She's young, but I don't consider her petulant.  No more than other girls her age.  When we first met, she was kind of..." He shakes his head, like he won't say whateverr he was thinking.."Let me tell you a secret: I liked her sooner than I let on."

TSK TSK: If you could change one event in your lifetime, what would it be?

Cayne: rubbing his together and frowns, "Just one?"

TSK TSK: nods

Cayne: eyes flashing, "I'd change something I can't change."

TSK TSK: "What's that?"

Cayne:  "My father."

TSK TSK: Is there something you miss from the old days?

Cayne:  bitter expression on his handsome face, "I used to like the Falls of Dochart."

(TSK TSK asked Ella James about this after the interview.  She says he has a good reason for being pissed off about this, and about his dad, but you'll have to read Exalted to find out more.)

TSK TSK:  What is the most difficult of your traits or instincts to control?

Caayne:  "The most," looking annoyed and then a little rueful, "Try all of them.  I'm not used to...rules.  I find them very encumbering."

TSK TSK:  How much do you love flying?

Cayne:  "I love it, it's...relaxing."

TSK TSK:  If you could love anywhere, where would you choose?

Cayne:  "Julia said she wants to live at the beach.  There's some good places in Australia.  South America." shrugging..."Anywhere lacking other people."

TSK TSK:  What is your favorite thing about Julia?  Your least favorite?

Cayne smiling, a true-blue, all-out smile, the kind someone has when they're about to eat a chocolate chip cookie..

TSK TSK:  thinking....we'd forgotten how handsome his smile is...

Cayne:  "My favorite thing?" looking thoughtful "She's kind.  Very forgiving.  Very loving." looking more seriously "Whatever happens to her, she works around it.  I admire that."

TSK TSK:  There must be something about her that you don't like.

Cayne:  "There is.  I don't like worrying about her."

TSK TSK: Do you think you can prevent an all-out war between the Chosen (Stained) and the Nephilim?  Between Heaven and Hell?

Cayne sits for a few seconds, looking down at his hands, which are clasped loosely between his legs...

TSK TSK:  getting the feeling he doesn't want to answer, he finally looks up at us with his beautiful green eyes.  They are serious and maybe a little sad...

Cayne:  "No."

Shelley: "Beyond amazing answers! Thank you so much for opening up. We know a few of these questions were uncomfortable and difficult to answer. But, WOW! We're so glad you trusted us enough to be honest and candid."

*Cayne grunts, nods once, and gracefully and swiftly takes his leave*
Shelley: "Wow! I thought I was gonna pass out from all that deliciousness!"
Kathryn: *chuckles* "I know he was pretty amazing! I'm actually surprised he indulged us on a couple of those." 
*Shelley nods* "Uh. Huh." *tries to collect herself, again*
Kathryn: "Well, we think you can see why we find Cayne soooo fascinating. He's (as we've already mentioned),  beyond hawt, honest, charming, a bit disarming and insanely complicated."
"If you haven't checked out the Stained series...what are you waiting for????  You need to find out even more about Cayne, Julia and follow them on their exciting, scary and exhilarating journey! If you're already a fan...GO!...RUN! Get your copy of Exalted (Stained #4), NOW!!!"
Shelley: "We seriously love Cayne and Julia and we're certain you will too. Thanks so much for joining us again!"

Thank you, Ella James for allowing us so many liberties with Cayne. For letting us be a part of the Exalted blog tour. And for being so awesome yourself. <3
Ta, ta for now! Happy reading! ~TSK TSK




Stained

After a fire destroys seventeen-year-old Julia's home and kills her foster parents, she chases the half-demon responsible across the country and back, determined to avenge her family and discover why a host of celestial baddies want her dead. With Julia is enigmatic hottie Cayne, who has his own score to settle with the half-demon, and who might be just as dangerous as the creature he and Julia hunt.
*Nominated best debut novel at UtopYAcon 2012.*

Stolen (book 2)

With Cayne's fate in the hands of his enemies and Julia spirited away to the covert Stained compound, the two are separated by impenetrable walls and a gulf of unanswered questions. Soon Julia learns the truth about the Stained and the plans they have for her, the compound is attacked, and a new group is running from an unwanted destiny, searching the globe in pursuit of the knowledge that just might save them all.

Chosen (book 3)

Julia has been chosen. While at the Stained compound, she was tapped as The One to win the war against the Nephilim and leashed with an illness that worsens each day she is away from The Three. Determined not to return to the frightening Chosen leaders and desperate to escape her fate, Julia and her friends journey to the Swiss Alps, home of a rogue Chosen clan. In this snowy haven, all hell breaks loose. Someone is traitor. Someone changes sides. Someone is dragged to Hades. A new romance blossoms. An old romance is damned. And The Three will stop at nothing to recover the weapon that will help them regain power.

Soon to be released...

Exalted

Ripped apart by the betrayals of two friends and ensnared by their respective celestial captors, Julia and Cayne are poised to fulfill their fatal role in The Three’s return to power. Their Chosen friends will move Hell and Earth to win their freedom, but how will they fight fate when more sinister forces take control? The net will come down. Someone will be sacrificed. A dear friend will die. And a mighty celestial battle will play out on Earth, with everything—and everyone—at stake. 

All about....

Ella James lives in Alabama with her amazing husband, energetic baby, and mopey dog. Her books have been nominated best debut novel and best sci-fi/fantasy at utopYA Convention 2012, received a Flamingnet Top Choice Award, and been featured on numerous Amazon bestseller lists. She is the author of the popular Stained Series, the Here Trilogy, and Before You Go—all YA romance—and has four more titles forthcoming in 2012. 

To find out more about Ella’s projects and get exact dates on her upcoming releases, friend her on  Facebook and follow Ella's blog. Questions or comments? Tweet her @author_ellaj  or e-mail her at ella_f_james@ymail.com.

And now for our special giveaway...
Cayne has graciously offered one of his feathers in a form that you can wear and keep close to your heart!  Fill the rafflecopter below for your chance to win this awesome prize!

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Make sure you check out.... A Diary of a Book Addict for Ella's next tour stop!! 

This or That with Deena Remiel

For Adult 18+ readers

 
Welcome to our stop on The Serving Up Evil-Book Waitress blog tour. We thought we'd serve up a little This or That with the author,and see what she's cooked up for us. A little naughty or a little nice? How about a little of both. Just the right amount of spice. Deena is a fun-loving gal with a big heart, a great sense of humor. She knows how to have a good time and never fails to entertain us. So here's a lighthearted look into the mind of Deena Remiel. We call it Dishin' with Deena...

Candlelight or lights ON?   CANDLELIGHT

Beer or wine...or HARD liquor? CABERNET SAUVIGNON OR MARGARITA ON THE ROCKS

On the beach or the mountains? ON THE BEACH

Sweet or salty? SWEET THEN SALTY THEN SWEET THEN SALTY... ;)

Map or GPS? MAPS

Hard rock or smooth jazz? HARD ROCK

Truth or DARE? DARE

Down and dirty or sweet and sensual? DOWN AND DIRTY

Dinner and a movie or stay in and order take out? DINNER AND A MOVIE

Fifty Shades or The Notebook or _________ ? RELIC!!! ;)

*We suspected she might chose one of the Brethren series...`cos they`re HOT!!!*

Gin Rummy or Strip poker? STRIP POKER

*Yep...HOT!!!*

Bubble bath or shower? SHOWER

Keds or Converse? CONVERSE

Hairy beast or baby-bottom smooth? BABY BOTTOM SMOOTH

Flowers or candy? CANDY

Captain Hook or Captain Jack Sparrow? CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW

Movie star Glam or girl next door? GIRL NEXT DOOR

Suit and tie or jeans and a T-shirt? JEANS AND T-SHIRT

Plane or train? PLANE

Lipstick or lip gloss? LIPSTICK

City street or country road? CITY STREET

Cologne or au naturale? AU NATURALE

Good morning or good night? BOTH ;)

Don't you love those answers? We told ya she was a lot of fun! 

Camille Dutton learned early in life Satan was not to be trifled with. Escaping his evil clutches as a child, he’s come back with a vengeance for her now.

Derek Galloway’s inquisitive nature has led him to be an award-winning investigative reporter and straight into the path of pure evil.

When a child vanishes from a sleepy island town, Camille, its subdued librarian, becomes embroiled in Derek’s investigation. A satanic cult has plans for the child, while Satan has plans for Camille and the rest of the world. Amidst evil of the most supernatural and human kind, Derek and Camille find a shred of light and goodness in the form of their budding relationship.

First in the Book Waitress Series, the portal between Hell and Earth will be torn asunder, and it will take everything Camille and Derek have and then some to close it. Satan won’t go down easy, but nothing worth everything ever comes without a price.

©DeenaRemiel2012

Deena Remiel

It was the mystique of Arizona’s history and landscape that called to Deena and catapulted her career
as an author. When she’s not writing romance novels and poetry in the wee, small hours of the
morning or in the deep, dark of night, Deena teaches language arts to middle school students. She
currently lives in Gilbert with her husband and two children, but New Jersey will always tug at her
heartstrings. She loves connecting with her fans, so find her at www.deenaremiel.com.

Where you can find Deena:

Book Waitress fan page link: https://www.facebook.com/TheBookWaitress  

Deena Remiel's Place: www.deenaremiel.com

Facebook: facebook.com/deena.remiel

Twitter: twitter.com/deenaremiel

Where to purchase The Book Waitress

Amazon

Smashwords

Barnes and Noble

Shelley's Review of The Book Waitress:

*WARNING* The Book Waitress is nothing like Deena's previous series; The Brethren, so, if you're expecting more sexy angels here, you will be sorely disappointed. I know, I know, I love those men too. Now, don't pout and run away mad.
Instead, get your evil butt kicking mojo rising and get ready for a new heroine and different kind fight against a very old adversary.
So, you may be asking then, just what will you get with The Book Waitress? Well let me tell you...
An exciting and frightening trip into the mysterious and sometimes shocking world of the occult.
You get to travel with Camille to Shelter Island. A town full of dark and deadly secrets...a town apparently and unbeknownst to it's residence, controlled by a disciple of Satan... (Satan??? Oh, yes...this story is very very dark.) A town where evil runs rampant and no one questions the bizarre or unexplained.
That is until our sweet, sarcastic and slightly agoraphobic librarian steps off the ferry to fill in temporarily at the Shelter Island Library. Cammy is a smart cookie. She follows her gut...which is telling her to RUN before she even approaches her destination, but it's only for a short while, right? Once she's on the island, she finds her temporary home is quite charming and settles in quickly.
Next stop, her home away from (her newly rented) home, the Shelter Island Library. A librarian's dream. A place she describes as having a historic pedigree. A place that houses books found nowhere else.
A place where...
she's immediately confronted with oddities and antics of her colleagues and the libraries other inhabitants in the form of ghosts. Are these spirits trying to scare her or help her discover what's really going on?
Well, I'm certainly not going to give that away.
What I will tell you is Camille quickly discovers she should always listen to her intuition. She discovers there is way more than meets the eye to this small town. And she discovers an ally in a charming and disarming investigative reporter. And this is just the beginning...
This tale is scary intense and will have you biting your nails waiting to see what happens next. Full of action, snark and spice. Ripe with ritual and entertaining characters (both good and very, very bad), The Book Waitress is paranormal suspense ala mode. We all SCREAM for, well, you get what I'm saying here.
So, if you're looking for something a bit different, a bit darker, a bit more macabre with a little bit of sexy...then this story is sure to fit the bill. Order up NOW!
Ah, Cammy? I'm ready to check out!
Until book 2...

Shelley gives The Book Waitress

=SCORCHER

That's not all we've got on the menu today. Here's an excerpt of The Book Waitress to wet your appetite and...a GIVEAWAY! Check it out...

“Watch your step there, young lady.” A deep, raspy voice broke through Camille Dutton’s frantic mind. “Just up those stairs to the upper deck. It’ll be about eight minutes to the island once we shove off. Enjoy your trip.”
 “Thank you.” Eight minutes? It might as well be eight years! Ignoring the nausea threatening to erupt and drown the ferry before it even left the dock, she smiled graciously. The weather-beaten gentleman, the deckhand, she supposed, nodded at her with a crinkled smile and ushered the next person onboard. With every step she climbed up the steep metal stairs, she repeated a mantra to soothe unsettled nerves.
  It’s not forever. It’s not forever. Finding an opening at the bow of the ferry, she took up
temporary residence against the railing, and dropped the heavily laden backpack from her shoulder to the deck. The churning clouds mirrored her dark mood and hovered dangerously low over the expanse of water. Eight minutes of deep, dark wetness would now separate her from the life Camille had known for twenty-four years. She’d never been further than eighty miles from her home. She didn’t need to travel far; not when she had thousands of books at her disposal to take her wherever she wanted to go.
  Her involuntary transfer to the Shelter Island Library, or forced exile as she preferred to call it, would last only as long as it took to find a permanent librarian. Her boss had promised, and she vowed to hold him to it. With her parents’ recently passed, she longed to stay in the house where they’d infused her life with cherished moments. This upheaval at work made their absence all the more painful to bear.
  Shelter Island seemed the antithesis of its name. Camille had been lovingly sheltered by her parents and insulated within the comforting walls of her town’s library. She’d read all of the books repeatedly, from cover to cover. Going to this unknown town, living in a strange home, and working at an unfamiliar library left her feeling exposed to more than just the elements. It invited all manner of creature born to lay siege on her well-constructed fortress of solitude.
  The ferry’s whistle blew as its engines kicked on and thrust the boat into the Sound. She
gasped and closed her eyes, pressing fingers against the cold steel that kept her from jumping ship. A gusty breeze whipped her ponytail into a frenzy of curls that slapped at her neck and cheeks. Eyes smarted and watered as a rush of air assaulted her face. She couldn’t bear to watch as her life receded into the horizon. Looking forward was just as painful, and she pondered what lay ahead.

We love our paranormal romance...and we ALL know that dish is best served HOT and SEXY. Don't waste a minute more, go grab your copies of The Brethren series (You love smexy angels, right?), starting with Trinity, Brethren Beginnings (a Brethren novella) and Relic then get ready for book 3, Elixxir, as well as what else but the reason we're here...The Book Waitress!

Thanks again for joining us...and thank you, Deena for playing along. HOT<3 We'd also like to thank Kristina Haecker, for letting us co host this tour with her. xoxo

HAPPY READING...you've been SERVED!!!

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The Wild Ones by M. Leighton

For Adult 18+ Readers

Passion as hot as midnight in the South and love as wild as the horses they tame.

Camille “Cami” Hines is the darling daughter of the South’s champion thoroughbred breeder, Jack Hines. She has a pedigree that rivals some of her father’s best horses. Other than feeling a little suffocated at times, Cami thought she was pretty happy with her boyfriend, her life and her future.

But that was before she met Patrick Henley.

“Trick” blurs the lines between what Cami wants and what is expected of her. He’s considered the “help,” which is forbidden fruit as far as her father is concerned, not to mention that Trick would be fired if he ever laid a hand on her. And Trick needs his job. Desperately. His family depends on him.

The heart wants what the heart wants, though, and Trick and Cami are drawn to each other despite the obstacles. At least the ones they know of.
When Trick stumbles upon a note from his father, it triggers a series of revelations that could ruin what he and Cami have worked so hard to overcome. It turns out there’s more to Trick’s presence at the ranch than either of them knew, secrets that could tear them apart.

A little info about Michelle...

I was born and raised in the United States, and I’ve lived in several of the fabulous fifty. Though I currently live in the deep South, I spent much of my childhood up North and hope to return there one day. A few other things about me: I believe that sometimes you have to look really, REALLY hard to find the good in people, but it's there. I believe that I'm shrinking (I swear five years ago I was two inches taller). I believe my husband is quite possibly one of the most amazing men in the entire world (I can't be sure because I haven't met all of them). I believe coffee and chocolate, when combined, could be the basis for world peace. I believe that Jesus rocks and communism doesn’t. I believe that white makes me look fat and black collects lint. I believe summer's too hot, winter's too cold and fall was made for football. I like dogs better than cats and the first movie in a trilogy is invariably the best. But most of all, I believe that love conquers all.

Where to find more info:
M. Leighton's website
Twitter
Goodreads
Facebook

Where to Purchase:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble


Kathryn's Review of The Wild Ones
I just want to start by saying that I have just now found M. Leighton (Michelle) and even though she has a few books out, I decided to start with this book because of the raves from friends and authors that I follow.
Needless to say, it was a great choice.  Every moment that I could find, I was glued to the pages of this book.  From the very first page to the pain staking last page...and I mean pain staking because it was the end...you are drawn in to this book.  And that may be putting it mildly in my case.  Days after I finished The Wild Ones, I am still obsessed with it.  My memories are taken over by the words of those pages and I begin to get overwhelmed with longing for that world again.  
M. Leighton forged a tale of two people that you are instantly drawn to and throughout their journey, you are rooting for their success and aching inside when things fall apart.  The Wild Ones is brilliantly written and evokes so many emotions that you know this one will be a part of the very fabric of your being because you are so connected to these two special people...Cami and Trick.
Ahhh....Cami and Trick...First, lets start with Cami.  Sweet, smart, girl who comes from money, yet has a great personality with compassion for the people around her.  College girl, majoring in Business, so that one day she can take over her dad's thoroughbred business we see that, all in all, Cami has her world planned out...AND then guess what??? While home from school for the summer and spending time with the bestie, in walks Trick.  Whew...Let me say this...WHAT...A...MAN!!!! You can feel him just explode off the pages with the hotness that he is...but, what I love about him is not that he is like the TOTAL package in looks, he is the all around guy.  He's smart, funny, caring, and he is passionate about horses.  And that last part touches my heart even more...I love my horses!!  
I am not going to go in to details about the story.  You truly need to experience it for yourself.  Make sure you have time to not be disturbed, because you will not want to put this down...
So, to wrap it up, let me just say, The Wild Ones is a beautiful story of two people finding each other and dealing with everything that can possibly destroy them.  With HOT, steamy, passionate scenes to endearing, heart wrenching ones, you can't help but fall in love with Cami and Trick...
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!  Just click the Amazon link above and get your copy today!! You won't be disappointed...

Kathryn gives The Wild Ones

=SCORCHER

Tiger's Destiny Blog Tour

Welcome to TSK TSK What to Read, Tiger's saga fans! If you're not already a fan of this magnificent series, we really hope we can entice you to check out what the fuss is all about. We're just one of several stops on the exciting Tiger's Destiny blog tour and we encourage you to visit each of the blogs involved. We promise you'll be glad you did.
As fans ourselves, we're excited about Tiger's Destiny's release and so honored to have been asked to be part of the fun. Shelley was lucky enough to spend a few moments with our heroine, Kelsey. So now that you know what this is all about, let's jump right to it and get to know Kelsey a little bit better. 

Shelley: Kelsey, thank you for joining us today. I can't tell you how excited I am to have you here. *fangirl gushing*
We share a hometown; Salem, Oregon, and for those that don't know, this is where your adventure begins. So to ease in with the questions, we'll start there too...

Shelley:   What do you like and dislike the most about Salem or Oregon as a whole? 

Kelsey:  The only thing I dislike about Oregon is that India is too far away

Shelley:   Your journey has taken you to many exotic locales. Places most of us only dream about visiting. What has been your favorite place so far? 

Kelsey:  Tibet was a place I’d like to visit again when the curse is behind me. There is something special about the place. It feels like a part of the world and yet otherworldly.

Shelley:  Do you still remember the first time you and Ren kissed? 
Yes, we want details...please. ;) 

Kelsey:  How could I forget something like that? I’d never kissed anyone before and it was like we became a part of each other in a new way. I wasn't wholly myself after that. I knew a piece of me would belong to him forever after that first kiss. I’ll admit that it scared me a little. I wasn't ready for the intensity of his feelings. He was ready to declare his love for me to the world. His personality is to hold nothing back, but I’m more reserved. To me, our first kiss was a baby step. That’s one of the reasons I tried, but failed, to keep my distance for a while.

Shelley:  You've encountered several creatures along the way. Is there one that's really stuck with you or frightened you more than the others? 

Kelsey:  There is nothing I've fought that compares with the giant shark. I’d take a Kraken or a Kappa any day of the week before getting in the water with a shark again. It freaks me out just to think about it. Still, the worst monster I have faced is the human, or mostly human, Lokesh. The shark just wants to eat but Lokesh wants to devour for no other purpose than to amuse himself.

Shelley:  Can you tell us one thing about the men in your life that only you would know? 

Kelsey: 

Ren likes to leave me little notes and poems. I find them on my breakfast plate, tucked in my blanket, on the bathroom sink, and under my pillow. Most of them are about me but some are just pieces of other things he’s been working on, a lyric, a couplet, or just a few lines in free verse. It’s hard to control my pulse when Ren’s around. Sometimes I can feel his presence in the room even when my back is turned to him. I get an allover tingly feeling any time he’s near me. Sometimes that happens when I just think about him.

Mr. Kadam is the sweetest man. He never thinks of himself. When we eat lunch together he makes my favorite dishes instead of his own and he bought a whole shelf full of books that he thought I might be interested in reading. I often find surprises in my room—little presents like a particular bath soap or a barrette for my hair that used to belong to some duchess or another—things he thinks I will like.

Kishan notices everything. If I’m feeling sad he suggests going for a walk together or a swim. Kishan is a great listener and he manages to get me to share things I’d normally keep to myself. He’s been very sympathetic about the emotional turmoil I've experienced and he doesn’t push me, he just provides a very muscular shoulder to lean on. I don’t know what I would do without him. When he holds me in his arms I feel safe and loved.

Wow! What fantastic answers. Of course, I had a few more pressing questions, but hey, Kelsey's a private and very busy girl. I was thrilled to get this much out her.
It's fun to get inside a favorite character's head, especially when it's someone as complex as Kelsey and her Tiger's. Kelsey makes it easy to see the reasons we, as readers, also love these 3 men. They truly are special.
And speaking of special, Kelsey is amazing in her own right and we can't thank her enough for coming by today and taking us a bit deeper into her world. We feel rather privileged that she answered the tough and personal questions with such honesty and emotion.
I'm also thrilled to hear she loves her hometown as much as I do. It's difficult to leave a place you love so much and build a new life.
I have a feeling though, she'll end up just where she's supposed to be... somewhere magical and with the one she truly loves and who wholly loves her in return. She's destined for a HEA (happy ever after)...wouldn't you agree?
Thank you all for joining us today as well.
We hope you enjoyed our spotlight and will continue to follow Kelsey and the boys onto their next adventure.

With three of the goddess Durga's quests behind them, only one prophecy now stands in the way of Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan breaking the tiger's curse. But the trio's greatest challenge awaits them: A life-endangering pursuit in search of Durga's final gift, the Rope of Fire, on the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal. It's a race against time--and the evil sorcerer Lokesh--in this eagerly anticipated fourth volume in the bestselling "Tiger's Curse" series, which pits good against evil, tests the bonds of love and loyalty, and finally reveals the tigers' true destinies once and for all.

Shelley's Review of Tiger's Destiny

**I want to thank Colleen Houck and Sterling Publishing for the opportunity to read this fabulous ARC. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!**

Aw, intense, emotional...wonderful. Cannot imagine where this will end! Come on September 4!

Those were my first thoughts when I closed the book. Obviously I have so much more to say. It is me, after all. So here goes... I started Tiger's Destiny immediately after finishing Tiger's Voyage. I was so wrapped up and exasperated by the ending. And quite frankly exhausted from the extremely emotional ride. 
Well, let me tell you, that was nothing. I felt like Colleen literally ripped out my heart, stomped on it and then served it to me on a silver platter. "Here you go, I hope that didn't hurt too badly." Oh she knows me, as a reader, well. I thrive on these heartbreaking-gut wrenching tales. The more wrapped up I get, the better. And so, here we are again. I thought Kelsey had to make difficult choices in the past. In this installment, her choices affect not only her and the boy's lives, but quite possibly change the world...the actual course of history. No pressure and talk about choosing one's fate. But is it really fate then? Oh for that, you must read on...and read the book!
Ok, ok. On to the guts and glory of our tale. The story begins right where Voyage left off. Kelsey is separated from her tigers. And the three of them must find a way to bring her home-and out of the clutches of Lokesh. This beginning is brilliant. Clever, scary and surprisingly fun. You know I don't spoil, so I'll tread lightly here. Well, so much for fun. Never, ever are events small or insignificant. There's a tragedy that sets Kelsey and the boys world on edge. Sets them reeling. But there's no time to waste on their shock and pain. They each have a destiny to fulfill and this tragedy actually leads them on to their next journey. And what an amazing journey it is.
As always, there is a quest that must be completed and that itself is a struggle and very exciting. But amongst all that are other challenges; between themselves and those they perceive as enemies. Colleen introduces some truly amazing characters and creatures here. Different and exciting. Frightening and breathtaking. All essential and a colorful part of the rich mythology she weaves so well into this modern young woman's tale. The story is intricate and powerful. Often driven by Kelsey's emotion and her attempts to come to grips with the choices she's already made. Her love for both tigers is evident, as is their love for her. It's heartbreaking "watching" them each try to make the best of their circumstances. Most difficult when dealing with Ren and his obvious pain. He loves this girl. Heart and soul. They are connected in ways that no one else could ever feel or understand. Not even Kishan. Though his love for Kelsey is also true. And of course, Kelsey struggles to maintain that she has made the right choices-for everyone. So emotional. There is that thing I call "sweet torture" again. Oh, yes, you'd better believe this book made me cry. There were places I had to put it down and just sob. No reading through those tears. Moments of "Why Colleen, WHY?!?".
It hurts just recalling them. *sniff sniff*
Amidst all this oft times irrational and impassioned turmoil, lies a very real battle with unimaginable demons and powerful magic. A battle like none they've encountered before. One that may very well be the end of all them. It's a long road the three have to travel, with stops along the way where they are tested over and over again, confronted with their own demons and introduced to new dangers, some that become allies-but it's hard to know who to believe, who to trust and how to know what's real. Destiny reintroduces beloved characters like Phet, the old wise Indian prophet, and brings one of my favorites, Fanindra, to the forefront of all action. In the end, this is as action packed as ever, full of unexpected twists and surprises and as romantic and tear jerking as we expect a Tiger saga read to be. It encompasses everything I love about a good, YA paranormal book. It's one of the darker of the series, but it really gets down to the nature of things; life and death-and after death, good vs evil and whether you can really fight for the greater good. Is the such a thing as fate and your one true love?
Does it answer these questions? Well, in true Tiger fashion, Colleen leaves things wide open for us to discover...later.
I was lucky enough to get this ARC, but as I'm sure you've all heard by now, I have to wait until September 4th, along with everyone else to see how it all ends. Having said that, where the ARC leaves off is a cliffhanger in itself. I really cannot imagine how she's going to pull off an ending here and where she could possibly be leading us into next.
My finally thoughts....I loved Tiger's Destiny. It may be my favorite of the series thus far. I guarantee it will take you on a wild ride that will leave you breathless and panting for more.

Shelley gives Tiger's Destiny:

=SCORCHER

Colleen Houck’s New York Times bestselling Tiger’s Curse series has received national praise with the fourth book, Tiger’s Destiny, debuting September 2012. Colleen is a lifelong reader whose literary interests include action, adventure, science fiction, and romance. Formerly a student at the University of Arizona, she has worked as a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter for seventeen years. Colleen lives in Salem, Oregon, with her husband and a huge assortment of plush tigers.

Where you can find more info about Colleen and the Tiger Saga:

Tiger Saga Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Facebook

A special thank you to Colleen and Sterling Books for this amazing series. Tiger's Destiny was beyond fantastic and I just know you'll love it as much as I did.
Also a big thank you to Jean Vallesteros of Jean BookNerd, for the chance to be a part of this very fun and exciting tour.
Please be sure to drop by each stop. Everyone has something special to share with you as well as the chance at our amazing Tiger's prize pack! The deets on the GIVEAWAY are just below...
GOOD LUCK and happy reading! ~ Shelley and Kathryn

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Week of August 26, 2012

Enshadowed

(Nevermore series)

by Kelly Creagh

Varen Nethers is trapped in a perilous dream world -- a treacherous and desolate realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life. Isobel Lanley, plagued by strange visions and haunted by the nightmares of Varen's creation, is the only one who can save him.
Isobel knows that her only hope lies within a Baltimore cemetery. There, in the early morning hours of Edgar Allan Poe's birthday, a mysterious stranger known as the "Poe Toaster" will make his annual homage at the legendary poet's grave.
Only the Poe Toaster holds the key to the way between worlds. But even greater dangers lie ahead for Isobel. An ancient evil, draped in veils of white, is watching, challenging her for Varen's affections. When Isobel finally finds Varen, he is no longer the quiet and brooding boy who once captivated her, but a dark force, powerful and malevolent.

The Iron Legends

(Iron Fey series)

by Julie Kagawa

 Enter the world of the internationally bestselling Iron Fey series. Dangerous faeries. Heartbreaking romance. Thrilling action and limitless adventure. The world of the fey has never been so powerful. This collection includes three novellas set in the world of the Iron Fey plus the Guide to the Iron Fey with exclusive information about Julie Kagawa's unforgettable world of Faery.

Winter's Passage
Never make a promise to a faery. They always come to collect. Now Meghan Chase must fulfill her promise to Prince Ash of the Winter Court and embark upon a dangerous journey into the heart of enemy territory—while being pursued by a relentless new foe and guarding her own foolish heart.
Summer's Crossing
What can turn enemies into reluctant allies? A call from the Exile Queen, Leanansidhe, ties legendary prankster Puck to his archenemy, Prince Ash, on a journey that may end in betrayal and will set them both on an irreversible path.
Iron's Prophecy
Before she ever knew what she might become, Iron Queen Meghan Chase was warned by the oracle that her firstborn child would bring nothing but grief. And even as Meghan and Ash celebrate their long-awaited union, the prophecy stirs.…
Three Iron Fey novellas for the first time in print!

 Starling

by Lesley Livingston

"Love is just the beginning... of the end."
Mason Starling is a champion fencer for Gosforth Academy, but she’s never had to fight for her life. Until now. When a ferocious storm rips through Manhattan and unleashes terrifying creatures onto Gosforth’s campus, Mason barely escapes alive. Without help from the mysterious stranger who appeared in the midst of the storm, she might not have made it at all. But now, in the aftermath, Mason’s life begins to spin dramatically, mystically out of control, and the only one who seems able to help her is the stranger who can remember nothing but his name: Fennrys Wolf.
As Mason and Fenn uncover more about Fenn’s past and the strange events that surround them, they realize that Mason’s family — and its dark allegiance to the ancient Norse gods — is at the center of everything. A predetermined fate seems to be closing in on Mason, but is it possible to change one’s destiny?
Readers who fell in love with Lesley Livingston’s Wondrous Strange trilogy and those who love Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series will be captivated by the sweeping romance and pulse-pounding action of Starling.

Defiance

by C. J. Redwine

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.
At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.

Embers & Echoes

(Wildefire series)

by Karsten Knight

Fan the flames: A teen goddess fires up her search for love and family in this sequel to Wildefire.

Ashline Wilde may have needed school to learn that she is actually a reincarnated goddess, but she’s ready to move beyond books. She leaves her California boarding school behind and makes for Miami, where she meets a new group of deities and desperately seeks her sister Rose, the goddess of war. But she’s also looking for love—because even though her romance with Cole had to be snuffed, Ash is a volcano goddess—and she doesn’t get burned.
This sequel to the edgy and action-packed Wildefire continues a fiery drama on an immortal scale.

Confessions of an Angry Girl

by Louise Rozett

Rose Zarelli, self-proclaimed word geek and angry girl, has some confessions to make…

1. I'm livid all the time. Why? My dad died. My mom barely talks. My brother abandoned us. I think I'm allowed to be irate, don't you?
2. I make people furious regularly. Want an example? I kissed Jamie Forta, a badass guy who might be dating a cheerleader. She is now enraged and out for blood. Mine.
3. High school might as well be Mars. My best friend has been replaced by an alien, and I see red all the time. (Mars is red and "seeing red" means being angry—get it?)
Here are some other vocab words that describe my life: Inadequate. Insufferable. Intolerable.
(Don't know what they mean? Look them up yourself.)
(Sorry. That was rude.)

The Lost Girl

by Sangu Mandanna

Eva’s life is not her own. She is a creation, an abomination—an echo. Made by the Weavers as a copy of someone else, she is expected to replace a girl named Amarra, her “other”, if she ever died. Eva studies what Amarra does, what she eats, what it’s like to kiss her boyfriend, Ray. So when Amarra is killed in a car crash, Eva should be ready.
But fifteen years of studying never prepared her for this.
Now she must abandon everything she’s ever known—the guardians who raised her, the boy she’s forbidden to love—to move to India and convince the world that Amarra is still alive.
What Eva finds is a grief-stricken family; parents unsure how to handle this echo they thought they wanted; and Ray, who knew every detail, every contour of Amarra. And when Eva is unexpectedly dealt a fatal blow that will change her existence forever, she is forced to choose: Stay and live out her years as a copy or leave and risk it all for the freedom to be an original. To be Eva.

The Stone Girl

by Alyssa Sheinmel

 She feels like a creature out of a fairy tale; a girl who discovers that her bones are really made out of stone, that her skin is really as thin as glass, that her hair is brittle as straw, that her tears have dried up so that she cries only salt. Maybe that’s why it doesn’t hurt when she presses hard enough to begin bleeding: it doesn’t hurt, because she’s not real anymore.
Sethie Weiss is hungry, a mean, angry kind of hunger that feels like a piece of glass in her belly. She’s managed to get down to 111 pounds and knows that with a little more hard work—a few more meals skipped, a few more snacks vomited away—she can force the number on the scale even lower. She will work on her body the same way she worked to get her perfect grades, to finish her college applications early, to get her first kiss from Shaw, the boy she loves, the boy who isn’t quite her boyfriend.
Sethie will not allow herself one slip, not one bad day, not one break in concentration. Her body is there for her to work on when everything and everyone else—her best friend, her schoolwork, and Shaw—are gone

 Foretold

14 Stories of Prophecy and Prediction

(Check below for list of authors)

Richelle Mead, Lisa McMann, Michael Grant, Meg Cabot, Laini Taylor, and nine more of the hottest YA authors to hit the shelves explore the concepts of prophecy and prediction in this story collection edited by NYT bestselling author of The Forest of Hands and Teeth, Carrie Ryan.

Have you ever been tempted to look into the future? To challenge predictions? To question fate? It's human nature to wonder about life's twists and turns. But is the future already written—or do you have the power to alter it?

From fantastical prophecies to predictions of how the future will transpire, Foretold is a collection of stories about our universal fascination with life's unknowns and of what is yet to come as interpreted by 14 of young adult fiction's brightest stars.

This collection includes works from:
Malinda Lo (Ash)
Lisa McMann (Wake)
Kami Garcia (Beautiful Creatures)
Margaret Stohl (Beautiful Creatures)
Laini Taylor (The Daughter of Smoke and Bone)
Michael Grant (Gone)
Saundra Mitchell (The Vespertine)
Richelle Mead (the Vampire Academy)
Matt de la Pena (I Will Save You)
Meg Cabot (The Princess Diaries)
Heather Brewer (The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod)
Diana Peterfreund (Rampant)
Simone Elkeles (Perfect Chemistry)
Carrie Ryan (The Forest of Hands and Teeth)