Fire Spirits Blog Tour

It's a magical day here at TSK TSK What to Read?! The Fire Spirits blog tour is in full swing and this week is all about Borrowed Ember. Yesterday you got a little background on one of our favorite characters from the series; Charlie Creagh. It's our turn today and we've got Charlie right here with us. Yep, that's right. He's a brave brave young man/mage meeting up with the likes of us for a second go round. Of course we're gonna get as much of the inside scoop as we can for y'all.

<Last time we saw Charlie he was here with Ari and Jai. Hopefully he'll feel a bit more comfortable- it got a little intense between the guys.>

K: So let's jump right to it. Welcome back, Charlie.
S: Hi Charlie! Thanks for agreeing to meet with us again.

Charlie: *gives a slight wave of his hand and takes a seat.* Ok. Hit me!

<the girl's grins widen.>
K: What’s your favorite thing to do with magic?

*Charlie leans back in his chair and crosses his ankles on the coffee table*
Charlie: Using the Peripatos has come in handy lately so I’ll go with that.

K: What is something you have learned throughout your ordeal?

Charlie: That there is no going back.

S: That's the truth.

K: Do you think you will ever find peace?

Charlie: I’ve come to realize that it was never peace I was seeking. Exacting revenge doesn’t bring you peace. Just more demons.

S: We were all hoping you would realize that a bit sooner, but like you said, you can't go back.

K: Which leads us to...Why did you kill Akasha when you knew the consequences?

Charlie: She’d taken everything good from my life. Mikey and Fallon deserved justice. I gave them that. Nothing else mattered.

<the air feels heavy for a moment>

K: What is your greatest achievement so far?

Charlie: I don’t know if anything I’ve done could be classed as an ‘achievement’. I had a goal. Kill Akasha. I met that goal. It’s up to you if you think that’s an achievement.

<Well we're certainly happy to see that monster out of the picture>

S: What do you do for fun?

Charlie:  Lately? Avoid Guild Hunters.

<snort Right!?!>

S: Favorite food?

Charlie:  Grilled cheese sandwich.

K: Favorite Band/Music/Song?

Charlie: Oh man that’s like asking a parent who their favorite kid is…

S: That's what I always say.

K: Do you still enjoy your magic after all that's happened as a result of using that power?   Does your addiction scare you?

Charlie: It is what it is.

<the girls nod collectively.>

S: I hate to ask, but you know I have to...How much do you miss Fallon? Do you think you could have found love with her?

Charlie: I miss her. I don’t know about anything else. I just know she deserved more.

<Fallon. *heavy sigh* We miss her too.>

K: Knowing what was behind the attack... Are you still seeking revenge for Mike or has your plan changed?

Charlie:  That revenge has been met. Now it’s about staying alive.

K: What do you think of Trey? *wags her eyebrows*

Charlie: Trey’s a good guy. I hope he stays out of my way because that’s a fight I don’t want to happen.

S: I was really hoping for a bit of gossip...maybe a bromance???

Charlie: Yeah...NO!

K: What was it like in Mount Qaf...outside of prison?

Charlie: Hypnotic. It’s addictive serenity. You know… when you’re not on trial or having dinner with Azazil.

<We imagine it's breathtaking.>

S: Did you think you might actually be executed for killing Akasha?

Charlie: There’s no ‘might’ about it. I feel these guys breathing down my neck. Mount Qaf wants justice and they’ve sent their little soldiers after me.

<a sudden chill hits the room.>

K: Do you think you can trust any of the Jinn, besides Ari and Jai?

Charlie: I’d like to believe I can trust The Red King but who knows at this point.

K: He certainly has a lot of up his sleeves. Be. Careful.

S: *shakes her head at Kathryn*
K: If you could have any Jinn's power, who's would you choose?

Charlie: Azazil’s. Maybe then I’d finally be free.

S: Hmm. Do you think we're ever truly free? Especially in the Jinn world?
K: Don't get all philosophical *chuckles*

Charlie: *shrugs his shoulders* Perhaps not.

K: Are you still in love with Ari?

Charlie: Always.

<Awww...>

S: How shocked were you to find out her mother was alive?

Charlie: Uh, yeah, pretty shocked. Ari had a hard time growing up without a mom so I imagine it was kind of bittersweet for her.

K: She's very lucky to have you and Jai to look out for her. Speaking of looking out...Who is the most frightening of the Jinn?

Charlie: That’s a definite toss up between Azazil and Asmodeus. That Asmodeus guy gives me the creeps.

<He creeps us out too- but he's so enthralling.>

S: What do you think Asdmodeus wants with Ari?

Charlie: *grunts* What do you think? She’s a beautiful girl. He wants what most men want from beautiful girls. Let’s hope Jai knows how to kick some centuries old ass.

K: Boy we hope so too. Thanks so much for stopping by again. It's been such a pleasure.
S: Thanks, Charlie! I'm sure we'll be chatting again soon...perhaps you'll pop in for Darkness, Kindled? Hint hint.

Charlie: *shakes his head and smiles* I'm sure Sam will have something arranged. She can't seem to say no to you two.Later!
*flames blaze and Charlie makes his exit*

K: I will never get used to seeing them do that.
S: I know- but it sure is cool!

That's it for Charlie- and for us as well. We hope you enjoyed getting in his head for just a little while.
What we love about Charlie is, despite all he's been through, and all he's seen, he still loves his family and Ari...and still hopes for a future. The kid's got guts and a heart of...well yeah, he's got a heart of gold.

And don't miss out on the awesome Fire Spirits GIVEAWAYS below. And please be sure and follow the tour each day for another great blog featuring these amazing characters.

Everything in Ari’slife until this point has felt borrowed.

Her human life with afather who wasn’t really hers.

A love for a boy thatneeded more than her to be strong.

Kisses with a Jinnwho refused to do anything but lend them out in moments of weakness.

And even her resolve,which seemed to fail her whenever she needed it most.

But Ari is doneborrowing. She finally feels strong enough to make hunting Jinn not just ahobby to get her through her dismal situation… but to make hunting a permanentand necessary career. Her friendship with Charlie might finally make it ontoreal and steady ground if only she can save him from the trial on Mount Qafthat may mean his death. And her love for Jai could be eternal, if only shecould gain control over the darkness of the Seal within her.

Ari believes all ofthis is fixable. That finally Ari will truly own the relationships in her lifeand to a certain extent have ownership over her future.

For some reason Ariforgot it wasn’t up to her.

That high in theemerald mountains of Mount Qaf, the Sultan Azazil has been keeping secrets…even from the Jinn Kings. Secrets that will change everything… and bring Ari tothe crashing realization that once again…

… she’s borrowedsomething that will never truly belong to her.

I absolutely LOVE this series! Each installment draws me in further and further. I get more and more attached to these characters, especially Ari and Jai. Aw, Jai! *fanning self* If only men in the real world had growth like this one. We'd all be a whole lot happier. Just sayin, guys.
Anyway...Sam wastes no time throwing us back into the action of the Fire Spirits. We meet up with Ali right where we left off. With everything up in the air and everyone's life at stake, this book has you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I couldn't read it in one (or two) sittings and man, I just really didn't want to stop reading until I reached the end, but alas life calls sometimes and you have no choice. That's not to say I didn't whine and complain. I. Did. Not. Want. To. Put. It. Down. So much happens in Borrowed Ember. Much of it heartbreaking and somewhat astonishing...Sam does not back away from tragedy and I think she may even enjoy torturing us as well as her characters. <I know you're reading this, Samantha!> But there is also some serious romance here. And it's HAWT! And heartwarming. And...well, yeah, it's good. And a little bromance. Yay, TREY!
So, needless to say it's another roller coaster ride. I laughed. I cried. I got angry, screamed and cheered. It was emotional, full of action, surprises and revelations. And I loved every word of it. I just can't wait to see what's in store in Darkness, Kindled.

Ah, where do I begin?  I guess first I want to say that Sam Young is a brilliant writer and everything that I have read by her has been phenomenal.  So, now, I am now ALWAYS eager to get my hands on something she has published...

With that said, let me tell you about Borrowed Ember.  This is the third book in the Fire Spirits series and WOW!!! From start to finish, you are just blown away at everything that happens in this book. I was so excited when this book came out and being able to pick up with Ari because at the end of Scorched Skies, we were left wondering what was going to happen to Charlie, her best friend.  And YAY!!  Borrowed Ember picks right up from where Scorched Skies left off and in no time, we are thrust back in to the world of the Jinn.  So much happens in this book that truly you are glued to it throughout just to make sure you don't miss any details.  

Once we learned about Charlie, the turmoil heats up and we follow Ari through a series of events that is nail-biting, heart-wrenching, terrifying, yet at the same time having some fun, passionate moments with our hero of Borrowed Ember, Jai.  Oh Jai, he is the guy that every girl wants.  And the love story between these two fills your heart making you crave more when the book ends.

And sadly, yes, the book ends...and as I already mentioned above that I am now ALWAYS eager to get my hands on anything Sam Young has written, so, I am absolutely DYING to read Darkness, Kindled.  I LOVE these characters and falling in to their world.  It is unique, intriguing, fascinating, and it completely overwhelms you with a storyline so powerful, that you won't put it down.  

Borrowed Ember is a GREAT read.  If you haven't started this series yet, Go out TODAY and get Smokeless Fire, book one and get started....I HIGHLY recommend this series and of course this book!!!

Samantha Young is a26 year old writer who resides in her home county of Stirlingshire, Scotland.She is a self-proclaimed book addict and Kindle junkie, using fantasy,dystopian, sci-fi and paranormal novels to feed her addiction.

 After graduating fromthe University of Edinburgh with a degree in ancient and medieval history,Samantha returned to her main passion, writing, and often incorporates historyand mythology into her novels.

 Samantha’s firstrelease, The Tale of Lunarmorte trilogy, was followed by a second series titledWarriors of Ankh. At present, she is a full-time writer working on a number ofprojects for near future release. She is the author of nine novels and onenovella. Her young adult paranormal series are Amazon bestselling novels.

the FireSpirits series website, herblog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads

Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

Darkness Kindled

(Fire Spirits book 4)

Releases soon....

Ari Johnson wishesadjusting to living with her boyfriend was her only source of excitement andanxiety.

She wishes a lot ofthings.

But then wishing waswhat got her here in the first place.

Ari chose to be aGuild Hunter. She wanted to stalk dangerous Jinn and destroy them before theycould harm innocent people. But now that Ari is a member of The Guild, shefinds herself in the impossible position of hunting her ex-best friend –human-turned-dangerous sorcerer, Charlie Creagh. As Ari struggles to come toterms with her duty, an ancient Jinn and his companion want revenge on her forusing the command of the Seal against them; the White King refuses to give upon his quest to resurrect Lilif, and Asmodeus isn’t done toying with her.

When Ari can take nomore, rushing to the Sultan Azazil’s side to demand of him the favor he owesher, the events she sets in motion will not only alter everyone’s lives, itwill kindle a darkness that will shake the realms to their very core.

Smokeless Fire week: Monday, October 15th - ParajunkeeTuesday, October 16th - Rants N ScribblesWednesday,October 17th - Book BriefsThursday, October 18th - Coffee, Books & MeFriday, October 19th - Tater's Tall Tails

Scorched Skies week: Monday, October 22nd - Refracted Light ReviewsTuesday, October 23rd - Seeing NightWednesday,October 24th - Ruby ReadsThursday, October 25th - Books With BiteFriday, October 26th - Urban Fantasy Investigations

Borrowed Ember week: Monday, October 29th - Obsession With BooksTuesday, October 30th - Tsk, Tsk! What To Read?Wednesday, October 31st - I Just Wanna Sit Here And Read!Thursday, November 1st - Nick's Book BlogFriday, November 2nd - Unabridged Andra

Our Giveaway on the Fire Spirits Tour consists of a daily prize and entrance in to the Grand Prize...Make sure you enter the rafflecopter below for your chance at both.

Daily Prize: 

2 Borrowed Ember swag packs (pen, poster,bookmark, keyring, magnet)

Grand Prize:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Most Wanted for October 29, 2012

Iced

(Fever series)

by Karen Marie Moning

The year is 1 AWC—After the Wall Crash. The Fae are free and hunting us. It’s a war zone out there, and no two days are alike. I’m Dani O’Malley, the chaos-filled streets of Dublin are my home, and there’s no place I’d rather be. 

Dani “Mega” O’Malley plays by her own set of rules—and in a world overrun by Dark Fae, her biggest rule is: Do what it takes to survive. Possessing rare talents and the all-powerful Sword of Light, Dani is more than equipped for the task. In fact, she’s one of the rare humans who can defend themselves against the Unseelie. But now, amid the pandemonium, her greatest gifts have turned into serious liabilities.

Dani’s ex–best friend, MacKayla Lane, wants her dead, the terrifying Unseelie princes have put a price on her head, and Inspector Jayne, the head of the police force, is after her sword and will stop at nothing to get it. What’s more, people are being mysteriously frozen to death all over the city, encased on the spot in sub-zero, icy tableaux. 

When Dublin’s most seductive nightclub gets blanketed in hoarfrost, Dani finds herself at the mercy of Ryodan, the club’s ruthless, immortal owner. He needs her quick wit and exceptional skill to figure out what’s freezing Fae and humans dead in their tracks—and Ryodan will do anything to ensure her compliance.

Dodging bullets, fangs, and fists, Dani must strike treacherous bargains and make desperate alliances to save her beloved Dublin—before everything and everyone in it gets iced.

Gravity

by Melissa West

In the future, only one rule will matter:

Don’t. Ever. Peek.

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed — arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.

Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn’t just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know — especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.

Flutter

by Melissa Andrea

Sara

Sara's life is forever changed -

Waking up, buried & hidden deeply in the last place anyone would want to be, will do that. She is determined to find out how she ended up there & why, but when the only person who can help her, continuously lies to her, she finds herself forced to suffer alone. She can't ignore the strange things that begin to happen to her nor can she hide from the nightmares that haunt her sleep. And when her world collides with Adan - the mysterious boy whom she can't seem to stay away from, literally - she is consumed by the familiar flutter that sparks whenever he is around and she is desperate to discover the reason why.

But the biggest discovery will come from the secret of what she is…

Adan

Adan’s mission to find Sara has finally approached -

It seemed simple: bring her back to the enchanted world that lives, breathes and survives because of her, but he quickly finds himself faced with an entirely new challenge. Immediately, Adan realizes that staying unknown to Sara is a task he will fail before even attempting. The pull to her is far too strong to refuse, and being with her will defy the very reason he existed. He was the key to her survival and loving her was not part of the plan that he had been born to follow. Can he find it in himself too resist the urge to be with her and follow through with their destiny or will he destroy everything that had been left to Sara to protect and defend -

And the kingdom she is unaware she rules…

Flutter

As Sara and Adan struggle to overcome their own separate battles - 

There is a far more determined evil that is stalking the shadows and waiting to annihilate them both. 

Sara will figure out that not everything is what it seems and knowing what she can and can not trust will be the key to finding out the truth to what happened to her, the reason why she had been buried alive and who she really is…

Sara and Adan will discover the hidden meaning to why she was the reason he existed and why he would be the reason she survived & together they will fight to change the rules and rewrite their fate.

Discover the Meaning, Discover the Secret, Discover Flutter

Touching the Surface

by Kimberly Sabatini

Experience the afterlife in this lyrical, paranormal debut novel that will send your heart soaring.When Elliot finds herself dead for the third time, she knows she must have messed up, big-time. She doesn’t remember how she landed in the afterlife again, but she knows this is her last chance to get things right.

     Elliot just wants to move on, but first she will be forced to face her past and delve into the painful memories she’d rather keep buried. Memories of people she’s hurt, people she’s betrayed…and people she’s killed.

     As she pieces together the secrets and mistakes of her past, Elliot must find a way to earn the forgiveness of the person she’s hurt most, and reveal the truth about herself to the two boys she loves…even if it means losing them both forever.

After Dark

by Emi Gayle

What eighteen year old Mac Thorne doesn’t know will probably kill her.

In exactly eight months, five days, three hours and thirteen minutes, Mac has to choose what she’ll be for the rest of her life.

She has no choice but to pick. As a Changeling, it’s her birthright. To Mac, it’s a birthchore. Like going to school with humans, interacting with humans, and pretending to be human during the pesky daylight hours.

Once darkness descends, Mac can change into any supernatural form that exists—which makes her as happy as she can be. That is, until Winn Thomas, the biggest geek in her senior class figures out there’s more to what hides in the dark than most are willing to acknowledge.

In this first of the 19th Year Trilogy, Winn might know more about Mac than even she does, and that knowledge could end their lives, unless Mac ensures the powers-that-be have no choice but to keep him around.

Midnight City

by J Barton Mitchell

In a post-apocalyptic world controlled by alien invaders, two teens and a young girl with mysterious powers embark on a dangerous journey. What they find will change everything...

Earth has been conquered. An extraterrestrial race known as The Assembly has abducted the adult population, leaving the planet’s youth to fend for themselves. In this treacherous landscape, Holt, a bounty hunter, is transporting his prisoner Mira when they discover Zoey, a young girl with powerful abilities who could be the key to stopping The Assembly. As they make their way to the cavernous metropolis of Midnight City, the trio must contend with freedom fighters, mutants, otherworldly artifacts, pirates, feuding alien armies, and perhaps most perilous of all: Holt and Mira’s growing attraction to each other.

Venom

by Fiona Paul

Cassandra Caravello is one of Renaissance Venice’s lucky elite: with elegant gowns, sparkling jewels, her own lady’s maid, and a wealthy fiancé, she has everything a girl could desire. Yet ever since her parents’ death, Cassandra has felt trapped, alone in a city of water, where the dark and labyrinthine canals whisper of escape.

When Cass stumbles upon a murdered woman—practically in her own backyard—she’s drawn into a dangerous world of courtesans, killers, and secret societies. Soon, she finds herself falling for Falco, a mysterious artist with a mischievous grin... and a spectacular skill for trouble. Can Cassandra find the murderer, before he finds her? And will she stay true to her fiancé, or succumb to her uncontrollable feelings for Falco?

Beauty, love, romance, and mystery weave together in a stunning novel that’s as seductive and surprising as the city of Venice itself.

Snow White Sorrow

by Cameron Jace

Sixteen year old Loki Blackstar is no Prince Charming. His mother is a ghost. His only friend is a red Cadillac that talks to him through the radio. He looks like an Angel but acts like jerk. No wonder he has been banned from Heaven, which is the least of his troubles. Loki needs a job to pay for school and support himself.
Still, Loki has a rare gift: He is a Dreamhunter. One of the few in the world who can hunt and kill immortal demons in their dreams so they never wake up again.
When Loki is sent to kill a sixteen-year-old vampire girl the locals call Snow White Sorrow, he is pulled into a magical but dangerous world. The locals believe the monster to be Snow White.
The real Snow White... living in the ruins of an ancient castle in a small town. She is described as horribly beautiful, terrifyingly enchanting, and wickedly lovely.
What he finds instead is a beautiful monster girl filled with rage and hurt, who has an epic untold story to tell of things such like why the Brothers Grimm altered the fairy tale, who the Evil Queen really is, where the mirror came from, and who possessed it.
Snow White has killed every person who has dared come near the castle where she once lived with the queen. Mysteriously, she lets Loki live.

Forbidden 

by Jacquelyn Frank

The unexpected happens in an instant. On her way to work, secretary Docia Waverley hurtles into a crashing crossroads, and she quickly begins to suspect that things will never be the same. Then, when a tall, blond, muscular stranger intervenes on her behalf, telling her it is his duty to protect her at all cost, what is just a feeling turns to proof positive. That is, as long as Docia’s savior doesn’t turn out to be a crazed kidnapper.
When Ram finds Docia, he has no doubt that she is his queen. But as this golden warrior sweeps in to protect her, he feels something more than body heat every time they touch. He is overwhelmed by a searing connection that goes deep into the twin souls inside him. A desire rises in him that is forbidden—this woman is his queen, the mate of his king, his leader, his best friend. And yet Docia is so vulnerable and attractive that she awakens a hunger in Ram that is undeniable, a carnal craving he cannot yield to . . . not without risking the very survival of the Bodywalkers.

Paradise Hops by Liz Crowe

For Adult 18+ Readers

Hi all! Today we've got award winning romance author Liz Crowe with us. Liz's books are touted as being "Romance for Real Life". We're here to find out just what that means..and to learn a bit about the craft beer brewing and drinking author, herself.

We posed these questions to Liz and here are her sharp and very interesting answers. We think she may have done this before.

TSK TSK: You're happiest when---

Liz: there is a craft beer in my hand, I’m sitting in my Tap Room writing while simultaneously looking around at a packed house full of happy craft beer drinkers.

TSK TSK: What's on your iPod right now? (Top 5 songs)

Liz: I’m more a Spotify girl and the songs I tend to listen to most lately are:
Madness (Muse)
Some Nights (Fun)
Live and Die (Avett Brothers)
Payphone (Maroon 5)
Paradise (Coldplay)

TSK TSK: Describe your writing style.

Liz: Crisp, straight forward, realistic, dialogue heavy, character driven, snarky at times, devoid of the words: “purple,” “Pulsing,” or “mushroom shaped.”

TSK TSK: What are 3 things you have to have for an overnight trip?

Liz: My Mac Air, my Iphone, six pack of craft beer (preferably mine)

TSK TSK: What was the last book you read? Tell us something about the story.

Liz: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn—I am more of a mainstream reader and lately have been alternating highly recommended mainstream fiction like this one, a classic (just finished Of Mice and Men again), a young adult (YOU GOTTA READ: The Fault In Our Stars by John Greene—amazing!), and my own genre but I don’t read paranormal. The last one of those I read was by Sylvia Day. 
Gone Girl is a very fascinating story of marriage between two fairly narcissistic people that goes very very bad. The character development is fabulous but the ending did not work for me. I would recommend it as a loaner, from the library or a friend.

TSK TSK: Finish this sentence: I have never-- 

Liz: read a book with the word “Harlequin” on the cover.

TSK TSK: Tell us something only your best friend would know.

Liz: Well…then it would no longer be a secret now would it? How about this:  I am sick addicted to karaoke and am a ringer. It’s the show off in me I guess.
Oh, here’s another one: I got arrested by the Turkish Gendarme.

TSK TSK: Oh now, we would love to hear that story. Maybe next time *wink*

TSK TSK: Who is your favorite author?

Liz: I come at this question this way: What author’s books will I read no matter what? As in I’d read a shopping list he/she scratched on a restaurant napkin?
Margaret Atwood, John Irving and Jonathan Franzen
If you want me to name authors in the “erotic romance” genre that would be Lauren Dane and Shayla Black but only the contemporaries, no vamps or shifters please and thank you very much.

TSK TSK: Name a food you refuse to share with anyone.

Liz: Homemade Mac and Cheese….just back away from me very slowly…..

TSK TSK: What's the one thing you can't live without?

Liz: Tie: craft beer and great music

TSK TSK: Can you share a favorite quote or passage from Paradise Hops?

Liz: A short passage when Lori meets her anti-hero, Eli for the first time:
Lori wrestled open the back brewery door, ears already ringing from the curses that echoed through the large, brightly lit room. The brewery boys and three second brewers stood in a line, like they were in a marine barracks all looking as nervous as mice observed by a very hungry cat.
"And, who the fuck," boomed a voice, "might you be? No one told me there was a girl brewer in this place."
As a reflex, Lori looked around, seeking out the female who'd pissed off the faceless angry voice that must belong to Eli Buchanan their new master brewer. She'd been instrumental in convincing her father to hire the guy. He was a brewing celebrity, a genius, temperamental, and prone to quit perfectly good breweries if the mood suited him. He was exactly what Brockton needed. They had to get past their staid, complacent attitude in a rapidly changing craft beer environment.

"Yeah, I'm talking to you. The one who showed up fifteen minutes late for my morning staff meeting." She flushed, frowning at the line of men, many of whom had worked for her father for years, as they shuffled their feet and wouldn't meet her eyes. "Who the hell are you, and why are you on my brewery floor?"
She cleared her throat, squared her shoulders, and channeled the anger building in her chest. "I'm Lori. Lori Brockton. This is the first day of my brewery rotation." She hated how thin her voice sounded.
"Your brewery rotation eh?" She stumbled back at the vision that emerged from between towering stainless steel fermentation vessels. "What is this? Brewing Day Camp? I'm supposed to babysit the Brockton kids?" He glared at her, making her blink in the glare of his bright, steely blue gaze. Eli Buchanan was larger than life. At least six foot five, with long blonde hair held back by a small piece of leather. Clad in light blue jeans and a Brockton Brewing grey T-shirt, the span of his shoulders and definition of his torso forced an exhale from Lori's lips. He kept quiet as her eyes took him in, from rubber boot clad feet to the light red hair covering his jaw. "Well? See anything you like?"
"Uh, no, I mean, it's not camp. I mean, you are…I'm…." she stuttered, then stopped. The man remained stock still, still holding her gaze as if challenging her. She stood up straighter. "I'm here for the next six months to learn this part of the business. You know, so I can be your boss someday." He frowned at her. She frowned back.
Then he tilted his head back and laughed, stepped into her personal space and smacked her ass so hard she yelped. "I look forward to that day girl Brockton. Yes, I do." A couple of the men started forward as if to protect her, but she waved them back. This asshole had another thing coming if he thought she'd be intimidated by him. As much as she felt she should have been, something about him was as non-threatening as Garrett, but in a different way—a much more spine-tingling way.

TSK TSK: Ah, Eli, he sets a tone doesn't he? You simply have to meet this tough guy yourself. 

TSK TSK: Name 5 famous people you would love to have dinner with (dead or alive).

Liz: Bill and Hilary Clinton
John Irving
Eleanor Roosevelt
Sam Calgione (founder of Dogfish Head Brewing—he’s hawt and we have had drinks together before….)

TSK TSK: Oh to be a fly on the wall at that little gathering.

TSK TSK: What is one thing you hope readers feel when they finish a Liz Crowe book?

Liz: As if they would like to go back and read it again, immediately, after they call all their friend to tell them to read it.

TSK TSK: The last line of your autobiography would be?

Liz: The cable series based on her novels is still the top rated download on Hulu. Liz and her current boy toy split their time between her homes on the southern coast of Turkey and Las Vegas.

TSK TSK: Love it!

TSK TSK: What's next? 

Liz: Continuing the Stewart Realty series with a releasing and book signing in Ann Arbor on November 4 (Escalation Clause, book 6). Then finishing Mutual Release (book 7) and working through the final book, Good Faith.
Finalizing the first 3 books of the Black Jack Gentlemen Series, an off shoot of the realty series that are planned for early 2013 release.
And I have a couple of more mainstream projects in mind for 2013.  In His Shadow will be the story of a young woman conned and subsequently abused by a man posting a “Dom,” her journey of self-discovery when she escapes and reclaims her life.  Also, “Precious Vessel” is the working title of a very long project about, ostensibly, women’s reproductive rights in the US when it is discovered that American women have suddenly become unable to either get or to stay pregnant.  It is set in the vague far away future but is not science fiction or “dystopian” other than in its reflection of the misery of women who are made important by their value as vessels.  It’s a bit of a Handmaid’s Tale/Hunger Games/Logan’s Run mashup with some Children of Men thrown in.  I’m looking forward to diving into it.

And finally for 2013 my Brewing Passion series will be re-written an re-released with Tri Destiny publishing late in the year.
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TSK TSK: To say Liz is a busy woman would be...well, ridiculous. She's a nonstop writing machine, yet she lives a full-bodied life in the craft beer world.
Yeah, we're wondering how she juggles it all too. ~Hmm...it's almost as if she lives a double life. Perhaps we should have asked her.

Perhaps- next time we will...
We sure enjoyed getting to know Liz Crowe, and look forward to more from this Real Life Romance author. As soon as our hearts have recovered. We hope that all of you will try a sample of Paradise Hops- and be sure to check out her other titles as well.

Now...To thank you for stopping by for our author spotlight, Liz has offered an ecopy of Paradise Hops to one lucky winner.So, make sure you scroll below to enter.

Thanks so much to Liz Crowe for indulging our "need to know" neurosis. Thank you also for the opportunity to review Paradise Hops for you.

GOOD LUCK, Readers!  We're off to our next adventure...Ta ta for now...

...HAPPY READING!!! Kathryn and Shelley

 
A brutal attack left Lori Brockton convinced she was damaged goods. By the time she emerges from hiding two years later, ready to run her family's famous brewery, she's determined to be independent--never rely on anyone ever again. Nearly a year of working in every corner of Brockton Brewing Company, from warehouse to pub, front office to kitchen, teaches her all she needs to know about the business. Then, she comes face-to-face with masculine perfection in a suit and her world is rocked in more ways than one. Garret Hunter is the new Brockton business manager who takes one look at the beautiful, sad young woman and his entire existence coalesces around winning her heart.
But standing between Garrett and what he believes is his true love, is a six-feet six-inch blond-haired bad boy brewer.
Eli Buchannan is a craft beer rock star, recently hired by Brockton to drag the company into the 21st century. He brings innovation and attitude plus a prima donna ladies’ man reputation. But he's sworn off anything resembling commitment, personal or professional, after getting burned at his last job on both fronts.
Garret Hunter is “The Perfect Man” -- handsome, successful, stable, eager to settle down. Eli Buchanan... is not. Compelling, smoking hot, creative and elusive, he represents everything Lori Brockton should avoid. But just as she makes a difficult choice, a drastic life-changing shift occurs, and nothing is ever the same again.

Microbrewery owner, best-selling author, beer blogger and journalist, mom of three teenagers, and soccer fan, Liz lives in the great Midwest, in a major college town.  Years of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as an ex-pat trailing spouse, plus making her way in a world of men (i.e. the beer industry), has prepped her for life as erotic romance author.
When she isn’t sweating inventory and sales figures for the brewery, she can be found writing, editing or sweating promotional efforts for her latest publications.
Her groundbreaking romance subgenre, “Romance for Real Life,” has gained thousands of fans and followers who are interested less in the “HEA” and more in the “WHA” (“What Happens After?”)
Her beer blog a2beerwench.com is nationally recognized for its insider yet outsider views on the craft beer industry. Her books are set in the not-so-common worlds of breweries, on the soccer pitch and in high-powered real estate offices.  Don’t ask her for anything “like” a Budweiser or risk painful injury.

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OMG!! Paradise Hops is one of those books that grabs you instantly and then decides to through some huge event in there to completely knock you on your rear.  

I was so caught up in Lori's world and her struggle with the two great guys in her life that I was utterly shocked that Liz Crowe threw in this plot twist to turn everything upside down.  With such wonderful writing, great character development, I immediately knew who my favorite guy was going to be.  To top it off, we see a broken Lori in the beginning of this tale and by the end we see such a strong woman that has overcome so much that even though the "shocker" happens, you can accept it and be happy for Lori.  

With three true main characters to meet and fall in love with, Lori, Garrett, and Eli weave us through Paradise Hops , causing discord, joy, heartache, hot steamy relationships, and just an overall intrigue in to their lives. Rooting for certain events to happen, upset when certain decisions are made, and just floored when the emotional twist rips through...

I also want to add, that I thoroughly enjoyed how Liz Crowe set Paradise Hops in a brewery.  Learning about the factory and just little details in what goes in to the everyday process of brewing lagers was extremely fascinating to me.  AND...this also added to so much of the storyline throughout Paradise Hops...

So, to leave with you parting words on this steamy, fast-paced, emotional book, go and check it out...Buckle yourself in and be ready for the exhilarating ups and downs of this ride!!

This has one of the most difficult reviews for me to write. Typically when I struggle, it's because I can't seem to find the words to truly convey my thoughts. With Paradise Hops- it's more that the story brought back feelings I fight so hard to keep in check.
Ghosts from the past that plague your every day life- causing you to be less yourself out of fear and humiliation. To avoid what you crave the most in life, in order to sidestep rejection, pain and ridicule.
On this level I connected so wholly with Lorelei Brockton. On the surface, she's strong, smart and driven. In reality, she's a scared, scarred, people pleaser, too broken to take a chance on anything resembling intimacy. Liz portrayed her perfectly. So much so, it brought those wounds of mine to the surface and I immediately felt for Lori. Wanted her to open up her heart and mind to the possibility of real love. And willingly followed her into the arms of Garrett.
Oh, Garrett. What can I say about Garrett. He's near perfect- near. He's a bit of a control freak, but by learning his back story, it's easy to understand how he's become that way. Despite that, he's beautiful, strong and quite possibly just what Lori and Brockton Brewing Company need. She finds herself drawn to him and what he represents. There's a strong attraction, a spark of hope.
So does she take the leap? Give Garrett a chance?
Ah, wouldn't that be grand...and too simple- far, far too easy. And really, as a reader of romance, how long would it hold your interest? What is a love story without conflict and confusion?
As often happens, once you open yourself up, the universe provides more opportunities, and Lori finds herself caught between a man she thinks may be "the one" and the notorious bad boy who should be kept at arms length.
Eli is Garrett's polar opposite. He doesn't care what anyone thinks. Talks down to everyone, throws his weight and knowledge as Brew Master around. He also has a reputation that proceeds him. This should be a red flag to Lori- and yet he also sparks something in her she thought was lost forever.
And so the lustfest is now in full effect- and we're in for one hell of a ride.
This story is well written. Liz has an easy flowing style that grabs your attention and keeps you glued to the page. Having it all take place around a brewery made it fun. Coming from a family that harvested hops, and living in an area known around the world for it's craft beers, I enjoyed the atmosphere Liz created. Her love for, and knowledge of the whole process of brewing are so evident and made it easy to see what Lori also loved about this way of life. It's hard and satisfying work.
As events unfold we learn more and more about each of these characters, and I found that I loved them all. And though the side characters aren't strong in the storyline, I liked Lori' s father and Mrs. Anderson, the office assistant, very much. They provide needed perspectives (as in back story) and influence. And while their parts are small, they help to paint a complete picture of life inside the walls of a brewery. And Mrs. A is quite funny and endearing when she comes to Lori's rescue and defense.
As I mentioned before, this is an emotional roller coaster. If this story doesn't move you, well, you're a heartless shrew.
Now to another difficult part. Since I connected to the characters and became emotionally invested in them, I was thrown by certain turns of events. And Lori's world spins upside down and out of control.
I wasn't prepared anymore than Lori was. It was so left of field, I was shocked- and angry. How could Liz do this to us??? I'm telling you- I was mortified. I wanted to put the book down and never return to it.
Extreme? Maybe. But I continued on. And though it was a struggle, I carried on with Lori, and found that love comes in all shapes and sizes and shades. There is no one perfect love. And truly- though you never completely get over the pain, you can endure and make the most of what you are given.
Does Paradise Hops have a HEA? Well, I can't really tell you that. I fully expect you to go through it all as I have. Your experience will be very different than mine, but I'm sure I can guarantee this book will be a gut wrenching, thought provoking,entertaining, beautifully written tale.
Make sure you have plenty of tissues handy, your phone set to speed dial your bestie for consolation, and water to rehydrate after yourself after your watershed. You think I'm exaggerating. Ha!
I found no faults with Liz's storytelling other than one sequence I felt carried on a bit longer than necessary- though it carries a lot of meaning. Otherwise I highly recommend Paradise Hops to anyone that enjoys realistic romantic fiction. If you like heart pounding erotic scenes, your nerves set on edge and your faith tested- then this book is for you. But be warned: Paradise Hops is not a light, easy read. Hold on to your heart and your seat- but don't be afraid to feel. After all, LOVE is a feeling.

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BLOG TOUR: Power of the Moon by Tina Carreiro

For Adult 18+ Readers

Haunted by visions of death, and a past that holds her prisoner, Mia Starr never imagined her life could become even more complex. Untapped psychic powers spark to life, and her chosen solitary existence fills with creatures that shatter her safe reality. Now the very thing she fears the most is the one thing that will complete her in every way possible.

Detective Cole Barnett has mastered the vampire within. It has earned him respect and a position with Sector 13, the hardest job a vampire can hold. When a beautiful mortal is thrown into his investigation, with powers able to subjugate vampires, she tests his restraint.

Cole and Mia’s passion ignites, but Mia’s fear holds her back and she struggles to forget his touch and possessive kiss. What she doesn’t realize is the more she runs from him, the more excited he becomes, and the hunt is something he cannot resist.

Tina currently resides in the south with her two adorable kids, which are her best creations. Along with her loving husband who is her greatest adventure.

She began her love for storytelling at a young age. When she was in fifth grade, she wrote a short story about the adventure of a piece of sand on the beach which won the class competition. She loves to write, it is an extension of her and passion flows from her fingers when she is working on a project. Once a story embeds itself in her mind, weeks of sleepless nights will follow until the story is typed and ready for editing.

She never imagined having her stories, her creations out for the world to read and enjoy. Now that they are, she can’t stop writing. Years of stories lay dormant, waiting to be consumed, loved and with hope – cherished. Her stories are like her children and she has poured much love into them.

 She loves the paranormal and horror genre and what fascinates her most is the darkness within people. For every bit of darkness, there is a light and she combines those forces together to create powerful characters for your entertainment. As fantasy comes to life with vampires, shifters, ghost and more you will get a charge from the love that is forged between the characters.

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Power of the Moon is one of those books that really shocked me.  I believed I would like it, but I didn't know just how much I would like it.  

So as we start out on this intriguing tale, we meet Miakoda...aka Mia...and we find out quickly that she is a dynamic character.  Mia has visions and is really able to understand the dead through these visions.  But, truthfully, this power is really just the tip of the iceberg on the unraveling journey that we take with Mia.  Beginning with just a little bit and ending with soooo much information that you are still sitting back trying to consume it all days after you have finished the book is exactly what I am talking about. And this is just about our main heroine Mia...

Let me introduce to the heartthrob of our tale...Cole Barnett...and OMG...he is one of those characters that you just love to read about.  He is hot, sexy, smart, broody, commanding...I mean, just WOW!!  And now, put him and Mia together...EXPLOSIVE!!!

So, the tale has begun and our main characters have met...we are now on the twisty twurvy turmoil that these two cause.  SO much is happening in their world that trying to develop a relationship is trying.  Not to mention that both have baggage that entering in to a new relationship is somewhat hazardous.  But, the instant bond and constant trouble that these two happen to find themselves in bring emotions and pasts up front and center.  

Will they be able to solve the problems that are causing life and death decisions for them?

Will they be able to succumb to their passion and strong connection to embark on a relationship that can be out of this world?

Well, if you want to know these answers, you are going to have to read the book.  Filled with hold on to your seat action, nail biting suspense, and a blooming hot sexy romance, Power of the Moon is a book you don't want to miss out on...

Get your copy today!!

Now, on to the goodie!!!  Thanks to the wonderful Tina Carreiro, she is going to give one lucky winner an e-copy of Power of the Moon....So, just enter the rafflecopter and Good Luck!!

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