Pages

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

COVER REVEAL: Fallen from Grace by K Anne Raines

Check out this gorgeous cover from K Anne Raines....




Seventeen year-old Grace grows up knowing she’s different, but she always attributed it to a mother who didn’t want her, a father who abandoned her, and a curse that sets her apart. Despite those struggles, her grandfather remained her rock and confidant. Her life irrevocably shatters the day her grandfather dies.


The day of his funeral sets off a chain of events, making Grace question everything she’s ever known to be true, and as a result, who she can truly trust. She inherits his house, part of his money, his Guardian and something that ties them together.

Just before Grace’s 18th birthday, she is thrust into a world she couldn’t fathom existed and does everything she can to thwart the destiny suddenly forced upon her. She’s been chosen for greatness, but at what cost? With eyes now open, she must choose to either be Chosen, or watch those around her suffer the consequences.

Torn between the man who’s come to protect her and the one sent to destroy her, she teeters on the edge of decision, trying to come to grips with who she is, what she wants and what all of that means for her, those she loves and the rest of mankind.

BLOG TOUR: HALE MAREE by Misty Provencher

We are some really lucky gals here at TSK TSK What to Read. We get to meet and interview some of the most intriguing, entertaining and HAWT characters in the fictional world.
Today is no exception. We had the opportunity to throw a few questions at the ever charming, ever swoon worthy, Oscar Maree- via Skype, before he sets off to start his new life with his heroine, the lovely Hale.


Here's what we were able to get outta him. Actually- he's very forthcoming and easy going. It was really a piece of cake. So have your cake and eat it too- and say hello to Oscar Maree...
Tsk Tsk: Welcome Oscar. We know you're in a rush, so we'll just ask a few questions we think we've all been dying to ask.
Oscar: Thanks so much for having me, Kathryn and Shelley. It is a pleasure.  Hale is asleep beside me right now, so I’m happy to answer whatever questions you have. 
Tsk Tsk: Aw, that's so sweet. And speaking of sweet...
Hale says you smell like apples and sandalwood. What does Hale smell like to you? 

Oscar: Hale is like the very first time you ever smelled country air as a kid.  You want to take a deeper breath because she gets in your lungs and fills you up with this feeling that everything in the world is clean and new.
Tsk Tsk: So she was like a breath if fresh air.
Oscar: Exactly.
Tsk Tsk: You seemed pretty resigned to your arranged marriage. Did you really believe you and Hale could learn to love one another? 
Oscar: I’m a Maree.  We’re family; we take care of each other.
I never thought for a moment that Hale wouldn’t learn to love me like I love her.  She’s young, so I didn’t expect her to figure it out as quickly as I did and I knew she’d need time for that.  And, like I said, I’m a Maree.  We’re not just loyal, we’re patient about getting what we want. 

Tsk Tsk: Spoken like a true romantic.
What do you love most about Hale? 

Oscar: There’s nothing I don’t love about Hale.  She’s an innocent, but she’s also a fighter and that impresses me.  She’s also exceedingly loyal, possibly even more than she recognizes, and that totally turns me on. 
Tsk Tsk: You are obviously in love, Oscar.
Oscar: *smirks* Obviously.
Tsk Tsk: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? 
Oscar: I wanted to be a pilot.  Unfortunately, when I was young, my optic nerve swelled up unexpectedly and when the swelling subsided, it left me with some vision impairment in my left eye, which made piloting a flight an impossibility. 
Tsk Tsk: Oh,  that's terrible. You certainly didn't let it hold you back.
Oscar: Not much you can do but deal with it and move on.
Tsk Tsk: So true. Do you play a musical instrument? 
Oscar: Not fluently.  I can do the basic intro on Stairway to Heaven on my Fender, but beyond that, I’m lost.  
*chuckles all around*

Tsk Tsk: What's your dream car?
I’m a truck guy, actually.  I have an appreciation for a good carbon footprint that I probably shouldn’t have.  Give me a Ford, a Chevy or a Chrysler- doesn’t matter- I know they’ll get my work done, get me wherever I want to go, and protect my family a little more than a low-to-the-road sedan.
Tsk Tsk: Chrysler, huh? Got a minivan or SUV in your future?
Oscar: *shrugs* We'll see.
Tsk Tsk: What is the most special thing Hale could do for you? 
Oscar: Love me.  If she does that, I’ll do everything else.
Tsk Tsk: Awww...
Do you like surprises? 

Oscar: Not particularly.  I like to see what’s coming at me as much as the next guy.
Tsk Tsk: What is your favorite holiday? 
Oscar: It will be my anniversary, each year.  And hopefully, the birthdates of my children.  The other holidays would be nothing without Hale and if she agrees to give my children, there will be nothing more worthy of celebration.
<Could he be any more romantic? >
Tsk Tsk: Is there anything you wouldn't do for the one you love? 
Oscar: Nothing.  I’m a Maree.  We take care of each other even before ourselves. 
Tsk Tsk: What song makes you think of Hale? 
Oscar: It’s a song that happened to be on the radio right after I met Hale.  It was Maroon 5, She Will Be Loved.  It seems to fit her and it’s what I wanted to say to her from the beginning.  I want to make her feel beautiful.
<And there ya go...YES, yes, he could be.>
Tsk Tsk: Do you work out to keep your body so fine tuned? 
Oscar: Sure do.  I do an hour every morning, sometimes two, and I like to do some kind of activity each night, whether it’s a run or basketball with Landon or chasing after Hale.  I particularly like the last one.
<Makes us tired just thinking about it. And daydreamy...okay, stay on task.>
Tsk Tsk: What were you first thoughts of Hale? 
Oscar: So many people don’t believe in love at first sight and I used to be one of them, until Hale happened to me.  The first time I saw her sitting in her father’s truck, I’m not sure it was actually love, but it was definitely attraction.  I’ve never seen a more beautiful woman in my life and I couldn’t figure out why she didn’t seem to want anything to do with me.  I assumed she had a million boyfriends already and didn’t want one more.  I had no idea what we were in for at that point.
Tsk Tsk: Did you have a plan to woo Hale when she was hesitant to the deal? 
Oscar: Sure.  My plan was simply to wear her down.  I’m patient as they come and I knew that if I gave her enough reasons to care about me, she would.  She had to.  I couldn’t have it any other way and I planned to do whatever it took to make her see that.
Tsk Tsk: She sure gave you a run for your money.
What are some of your favorite things to do? 

Oscar: I like everything I do or I won’t do it.  I’m a big believer of living in the moment, so when I’m working, my favorite thing in the world to do is work.  When I’m working out, I love every second of it.  But if you’re looking for hobbies, one of mine is RC planes.  Landon and I both have good collections and we have aerial dog fights with the old ones.  Of course, there’s usually some kind of wager involved, but that’s a story for another time.
Tsk Tsk: You definitely know how to make the most of it.
Thank you for chatting with us. We really appreciate you taking time out from your very busy schedule.

Oscar: Thanks so much for having me by, ladies.  I’m honored that you asked me.  Hale should be getting up soon and we’re going to be leaving for our honeymoon, so I’d better grab a shower here.  Thanks again for the interesting questions!  I hope we’ll be able to talk again in the future!
Tsk Tsk: The pleasure was ALL ours. And we can only hope.
*The monitor goes black and the girls scramble for their notes, giddy.*
S: Speaking of showers...Anyone else need a cold one? Is it wrong to get hot and bothered over a newly married man?
K: Um...probably so, but he's pretty hard to resist.

We hope you enjoyed our chat as much as we did. It's always exciting to have a chance at some one-on-one time with a favorite character. And Oscar has stolen our hearts and quickly become one of our new faves.


Hale Simmons dreams of climbing out of her impoverished life,going to college, and getting herself a titanium crash helmet, so she can eventually bust through the Plexiglas ceiling of her crappy life.  But for now, she’s just a 17-year-old girl with a flimsy hope, barely getting by with her alcoholic father, Jerry.
But for Hale, ‘crappy’ suddenly takes a nosedive, when Jerry becomes the sole witness to a horrible accident.  It is an event which means to effect everyone, especially Hale, who wasn’t even involved.
           While the depth of the accident has just begun to unfold, Otto Maree, a prominent business man and old family friend, stands to lose everything because of it.  Otto is desperate for Hale’s father to stay quiet about what occurred the night the two men met for a drink.  Out of mutual moments of desperation, the two fathers forge a deal.  Jerry is desperate to gain financial stability for both himself and Hale, and Otto Maree is more than willing to pay to keep his secret just that.
           But deals like this need to be made of the strongest vows and bound with the most faithful of loyalties.  Otto proposes a marriage between Hale and his playboy-son, Oscar, in order to assure that the secret remains ‘in the family’. The mystery surrounding the accident continues to grow and Hale struggles against her own mysterious feelings that begin to develop for Oscar, who turns out to less of a playboy, but just as fiercely loyal and dedicated as his father.  
As the pressures around her continues to escalate, Hale realizes that she’s got to decide if this arranged marriage is really just a big mistake or an amazing twist of fate, that has been waiting around for this particular accident to happen.


OH WOW!!! AB-SO-LUTELY LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!!!!!!!
FREAKIN FANTASTIC!!!!
So, not even a full day after finishing HALE MAREE and I am still captivated by the phenomenally awesomeness of this book....
I have read Misty's Cornerstone series and loved it, but HALE MAREE is different, spunky, HOT, suspenseful...I mean, all the great things to make a fantastic novel.
For starters, we have Hale, the heroine, that is bound and determined to live her life the way she wants and not fall in to any kind of trap that is laid before her.  Even when her heart and body tells her a whole different story, she is relentless to not back down on what she feels she will lose.
But, then we have Oscar...AND OMG!!!  here is the new guy that everyone will be talking about because of how wonderful he is...Oscar is the guy that is loyal to the end.  He is also just as bound and determined to make Hale change her mind as Hale is to keep him from changing hers....
The chemistry between these two is explosive. From their first meeting and until the very end, you are wound so tight waiting to find out exactly what is going to happen...did our heroine and hero actually become a couple??? Hmmmm....just gonna have to read and find out!!
And let me say, this book is soooo much more than just the two of them....with a mystery tying all of the lives of our characters together, you are caught on pins and needles, wondering what actually happened, who is actually who in this story...
Overall, HALE MAREE is freaking brilliant!  Misty blew me away with the nail biting moments, the hot budding romance, and the suspense of our underlying mystery all through the book.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! Go get your copy today...like me, you won't be able to put it down!!



I'm sitting here taking in this totally decidedly different and somewhat controversial story. The writing is of course brilliant and so down to earth. I've come to expect nothing less from this author. She has a gift for immediately drawing you in. Captivating you with a storyline so unlike anything you've ever read. Creating characters you find yourself rooting for, swooning over, and unable to pull yourself away from. In short, crafting tales you cannot put down and never want to end. Hale Maree is no exception.
So why is this story controversial? Well, it's not often in this day and age that you find someone forced into an arranged marriage. It's pretty much unheard around here. What's amazing about this situation is the circumstance which provokes the fathers to make such a deal. The details of "the event" are a bit shocking and so suspenseful, and continue to be revealed as Hale and Oscar's own story unfolds.
And Oscar's degree of loyalty to his family- for such a young man to make such a sacrifice and agree so easily to take on a life with someone he's never met. Wow. Also unheard of. And disturbingly romantic.
Of course with Hale being younger, more naive and innocent, well this does not work in to her plans. She wants to date, fall in love- a lot, have a normal teenage love life, and plan for her future. She most certainly wasn't ready to settle down with a stranger. Unfortunately she's not given much of a choice. Her father makes more of a sacrifice in order to make her comply.
As you can probably guess this story is very much about sacrifice, loyalty and trust. It's also about discovery, faith and fate. And playing for keeps.
Aside from the fact that she's beautiful and unique, Hale is so easy to relate to. Despite her unusual circumstance, she's an average young adult. Trying to fit in and find herself while she deals with school and her not so perfect home life. She doesn't trust easily and keeps to herself.
Oscar on the other hand is gorgeous, strong, confident and not afraid to jump in head first. And boy does he.
Theirs is not an easy alliance, but it's obvious they'll have to make the best of it- and the universe has it's own plan.
Hale Maree is a complicated tale that starts with horrific events, uneasy and problematic relationships, and builds into a story filled with suspense, humor and one of the most fun and unexpected love stories I've read in a long time.
It may not have been happenstance that brought Hale and Oscar together, but these two, well...what a joy they were to get to know and grow with.
Hale is like your new best friend; so kind and genuine. And Oscar; he's the guy you might crush on, maybe even attempt to resist..and then you realize he's so much more.
Hale Maree is a true modern faerie tale and I was under it's spell from beginning to end. I really hope Misty returns to these characters. They're fun and charming, and I'm just not ready to say goodbye to them. A truly wonderful and fascinating read.









Best of the Best Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Epic Box of Books Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

COVER REVEAL: Trapped by Ella James


We are soooo excited to be able to bring you the cover reveal of book 2 in the Here series by Ella James...
So, without further adieu, here it is with all its GORGEOUSNESS.....



(CONTAINS SPOILERS - DO NOT READ BEFORE READING HERE):
When Milo Mitchell falls for the beautiful, tuxedo-clad guy she found wandering her family's rural Colorado property, she never dreamed he was a scout from another galaxy, or that their relationship would leave him with an impossible choice: eradicating humankind, or initiating the end of his own people. 
Nick's job is finding the elements his people need to power their elaborate interweb of minds. Being a scout means he is capable of traveling to other planets on his own. It also means that, unlike The Rest, he has access to primitive feelings and individual desires. For eons, he was part of the whole, but when he encountered Milo, his obsession with her changed everything.
Nick's partner, Vera, is capable of independent thought, but not compelled by it. She is satisfied with her existence as one of The Rest, and she won't agree that humans are worth sparing; not when their planet has a precious cache of the gold her people need so badly. 
While Vera tries to force Nick into endorsing an Earth invasion, working behind the scenes to tie his hands, and the Department of Defense lays a trap for them with Milo's mom as bait, Nick and Milo are waging their own war - against a primal desire that can only lead to one thing: heartbreak.
Release Date: December 2012



You can purchase book 1, Here, at the following links




Monday, November 26, 2012

MOST WANTED: week of November 26, 2012



Wicked Fate
by Tabatha Vargo


What if you lived in fear of yourself?For Mage McPherson being afraid of herself is just the norm. Thanks to that fear, being a loner in a small town never bothered the mysterious Mage. Once she received her secret abilities, she figured being alone was the safest way to be. That all changes during her sophomore year at Summerville High when Adam, her equally mysterious secret crush, starts to notice her.
Afraid that she might harm Adam, Mage must learn to either control or deny herself. With Adam by her side she's more powerful than she’s ever been, but is she powerful enough to defeat her worst nightmare? She learns a hard lesson about love and magic when her destiny comes to collect.




Devada
by Tich Brewster


Angels and demons, God and Satan, heaven and hell ~ What do you do when you find out that these things are not some made-up fantasy but they are real? And not only are they real but you were created to fight in warfare against the demons?
Hannah’s life is turned upside down when she discovers that everything she thought was fictional is actually real. Everyone she loves is in danger and to top it off, she learns that she is a Devada. She was created to kill demons.
Will she be able to learn and master her Devada abilities before the demons find her?





Shadow's Claim
by Kresley Cole

Shadow’s Claim features Prince Trehan, a ruthless master assassin who will do anything to possess Bettina, his beautiful sorceress mate, even compete for her hand in a blood-sport tournament— to the death.
HE WON’T BE DENIED 
Trehan Daciano, known as the Prince of Shadows, has spent his life serving his people—striking in the night, quietly executing any threat to their realm. The coldly disciplined swordsman has never desired anything for himself—until he beholds Bettina, the sheltered ward of two of the Lore’s most fearsome villains.
SHE’S BOUND TO ANOTHER 
Desperate to earn her guardians’ approval after a life-shattering mistake, young Bettina has no choice but to marry whichever suitor prevails—even though she’s lost her heart to another. Yet one lethal competitor, a mysterious cloaked swordsman, invades her dreams, tempting her with forbidden pleasure.
A BATTLE FOR HER BODY AND SOUL 
Even if Trehan can survive the punishing contests to claim her as his wife, the true battle for Bettina’s heart is yet to come. And unleashing a millennium’s worth of savage need will either frighten his Bride away—or stoke Bettina’s own desires to a fever pitch. . . 


Lullaby
(Watersong series)
by Amanda Hocking

Harper only wanted a safe, normal life. But when her younger sister Gemma runs off with a dangerous clique of beautiful girls, Penn, Thea, and Lexi, everything changes. Vowing to get her sister back no matter what the cost, Harper must face dangers unlike any she's ever experienced. Fortunately, she has Daniel by her side, a gorgeous guy who's devoted to helping her find her sister—and who's immune to the girls' dark powers.
While Harper searches for her sister, Gemma struggles to adjust to her new life. Gemma's powers are growing by the day, and the longer she lives with her new "sisters," the harder it is to resist entering their magical world. It's a realm both dark and beautiful, and where she's plagued by strange hungers and unspeakable needs. Just as she's drifting far away from her old life, Harper and Daniel find her...but no one can deny how much she's changed. All she wants is to return to her family and the mortal world, but how can she do that when she's become something else entirely—and will they still love her once they learn the truth?



Touched
by Corrine Jackson

Remy O’Malley heals people with touch—but every injury she cures becomes her own. Living in a household with an abusive stepfather, she has healed untold numbers of broken bones, burns,and bruises. And then one night her stepfather goes too far.Being sent to live with her estranged father offers a clean start and she is eager to take it. Enter Asher Blackwell. Once a Protector of Healers, Asher sacrificed his senses to become immortal. Only by killing a Healer can a Protector recover their human senses. Falling in love is against the rules between these two enemies. Because Remy has the power to make Protectors human again, and when they find out, they’ll becoming for her—if Asher doesn’t kill her first.




Steel's Edge
(Edge series)
by Ilona Andrews

The Edge lies between worlds, on the border between the Broken, where people shop at Wal-Mart and magic is a fairy tale—and the Weird, where blueblood aristocrats rule, changelings roam, and the strength of your magic can change your destiny…
Charlotte de Ney is as noble as they come, a blueblood straight out of the Weird. But even though she possesses rare magical healing abilities, her life has brought her nothing but pain. After her marriage crumbles, she flees to the Edge to build a new home for herself. Until Richard Mar is brought to her for treatment, and Charlotte’s life is turned upside down once again.
Richard is a swordsman without peer, future head of his large and rambunctious Edger clan—and he’s on a clandestine quest to wipe out slavers trafficking humans in the Weird. So when his presence leads his very dangerous enemies to Charlotte, she vows to help Richard destroy them. The slavers’ operation, however, goes deeper than Richard knows, and even working together, Charlotte and Richard may not survive.

Devada by Tich Brewster





So today we have a special announcement for you. Our lovely friend, Tich Brewster has a new novella release, Devada. As part of her release day celebration we're here to introduce you to the main characters of this exciting YA paranormal tale.
First here's the book and synopsis:



Angels and demons, God and Satan, heaven and hell ~ What do you do when you find out that these things are not some made-up fantasy but they are real? And not only are they real but you were created to fight in warfare against the demons?
Hannah’s life is turned upside down when she discovers that everything she thought was fictional is actually real. Everyone she loves is in danger and to top it off, she learns that she is a Devada. She was created to kill demons.
Will she be able to learn and master her Devada abilities before the demons find her?










Tich is an Oklahoma resident and the mother of five. Her passion for reading started at an early age when her Aunt Vicky gave her the novel Heidi for Christmas. She didn’t start writing until middle school, after being inspired by her best friend’s short stories. “Genny’s stories weren’t just great but they inspired me to put my pen and paper to good use.” Tich never thought of publishing her works until working with Teresa on the Royal Blood series.

Fun Facts about Tich:
Her favorite color is purple and she adores butterflies, dragonflies, and fairies.
Her taste in music includes: rap, hip hop, alternative, rock, and country. Some of her favorite artists are Enation, Toby Mac, Third Day, Skillet, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jake Owen, and Luke Bryan.
Favorite TV shows are Supernatural, WWE RAW, and WWE Smackdown.



Pretty cool, huh?! Now, we present to you Devada's players, and what we call our "Rap-Sheet". A unique way to profile characters from upcoming releases as well as our favorites. Our first TSK TSK What to Read exclusive.



Hannah is seventeen with blonde hair and hazel eyes, and she is 5'5.

She is a Devada, one created by God to slay demons.
She loves Firework by Katy Perry.
Has a fascination with butterflies, faries, and the color purple. 
Raum  has blonde hair, blue eyes, 6'1, and a Daimon.
Age: (Their ages are not mentioned in the book but if he were asked he would chuckle and then say in a very flirty voice) Baby, age is just a number.
His favorite song is Need You Now by Lady Antebellum
He drives a Harley


Josh as dark brown hair, brown eyes, about 6'0, and he is a Daimon

Age: *this is where he'd look at you and scratch his chin then say* "Let's just say that I've been around for a very long time. 
He drives a Mustang












E-books:
Print book:
 Pennedit    Amazon



Also exclusive- Tich has donated a prize to one lucky reader on each blog stop. Our prize is a poster with the gorgeous Devada cover art.  
How do you enter? Just leave a comment on anything in this post along with your email. We'll pick a winner via random.org on December 3, 2012. 

Make sure you check out the following blogs for the Devada release tour...


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thankful Book Lovers Blog Hop


With Thanksgiving closely approaching, we at TSK TSK What to Read what to share a little of what we are thankful for at this time of the year.
Thank you to Sabrina, Pam, and everyone at Paranormal Reads for asking us to take part in their Thanksgiving Blog Hop. your girls ROCK. And before we get started with our lists, we want to thank the book community as a whole. Before we were bloggers, we were readers and fans just like everyone else. With encouragement from our book friends we took the leap nearly a year ago and we were welcomed with open arms. We can't tell you what an amazing journey it's been this far. We'd be nothing without y'alls support. You've blown our minds, filled our hearts, and made our spirits soar. THANK YOU. HAPPY THANKSGIVING and God Bless. 

    ~Shelley's Grateful List~
I am thankful for so many things. Even in my darkest hours I know I have, and have had more than most could hope for. So limiting this list to 10 was...well, very difficult, but here they are.
1. My folks- Without their love and support I wouldn't have a leg to stand on or a place to lay my head. They're kind and generous to everyone. They're my heroes. My whole family is very dear to me. Near and far.
2. My furball and #1 man, (Spunk) Ransom- He brings me joy, companionship and unconditional love every single day. He's sweet, smart and silly. He tolerates my many moods with ease, and helps me unwrap and show off my book packages to my Facebook friends.(And yes, he's named after RPatt's)
3. My bff's, Jae Harris, Sheila Priestley-Tompkins and Elaine LaPointe- More unconditional love and support. They've seen me at my best and at my very worst and still out in public with me. And when we're all lucky enough to all be together, it's the best thing in the world. You girl's make me fly. And with you I'm able to sing.
4. My newest bff and the best blog partner is the whole wide world, Kathryn- What can I say about this woman that you don't already know? She's smart, strong, funny and fierce. At 2500 miles away from me, she's always got my back.
5. MUSIC- Without music I could not survive- or drive. It's true. I must have music in the car. I sing nonstop. I have friends who are amazing musicians and I cherish what they bring to this crazy mixed up world. Music has been a part of my life since the beginning. It's been an escape, a salvation and an inspiration. It's in my heart and soul. I. CANNOT. LIVE. WITHOUT. IT. And hope I never lose my ability to sing.
6. Books and the amazing authors that bring all my favorite characters to life. TOO. MANY. TO. NAME. But I do have a few who have touched my heart and soul and I'm proud to have them call me friend: Samantha Young, Gracen Miller, Dawn Collier, Misty Provencher and Deena Remiel, you all mean the world to me. I can't thank you enough for the joy you've brought and continue to bring to my life.
7. God and the Great Mother- I'm not the most religious person, but I'm very Spiritual. I have firm beliefs, and I worship in my own way. When all else fails and everything looks hopeless, I know in my heart, if I ask, the Powers will guide me. (I'm just not very good at asking)
8. Nature and wildlife- I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth; Oregon. Everything I could want is within 2 hours of me; ocean, mountains, desert and beautiful forests. And the best thing- they're often combined. I'm a outdoor girl and in nature I truly thrive.
9. Art- in all it's forms, entertains, informs, inspires and makes my life complete.
10. My FREEDOM, my country and all who have sacrificed and served to protect it.

~Kathryn's Grateful List~
Like Shelley, day in and day out, I am thankful for so many things.  So here is my top 9 list....
1.  I am thankful for my family.  First and foremost, my husband and daughter.  Each day they bring me so much joy just knowing that they are who I come home to everyday. Secondly, all of the extended family from my parents, my siblings, aunts & uncles, cousins, etc.  Love them all!
2.  I am thankful for my life/health-- Just being able to do the mundane everyday chores is a blessing.
3.  I am thankful for my job.  I am a teacher and each day being able to impart some wisdom or teach a new concept to a student and see them get it is a reward that will forever capture my heart.
4.  I am thankful for my longtime friends.  There have been a few that have really been there for a long time and having them in my life today gives me so much strength. 
With that said though, there are some new friends that I have met that mean just as much and the instant camaraderie bring a smile to my face so many days when I want to just crawl under the covers and hide.  
Friends here: Jennifer S, Terri W, Nesha J, Amy M, Mary R, Candace S, Mindy J, Andrea K, Kelly S, Mary S, just to name a few
5.  Ah yes, Shelley Bunnell...I am sooo thankful for my blog partner and of course my bff.  Boy, she has definitely touched my life in so many ways.  She helps me to be a better person and I am so thankful that she is there for me.  As she said above, I know we are many miles apart, but distance can't hinder true friendship.  She is the best!  I don't know what I would do without her and each day that goes by, I am even more thankful that she is a part of my life.
6. I am thankful for books...yes, I have to say that one...because first and foremost...I love to read and I am so thankful that I had dedicated teachers that taught me how to read as well as having the desire to dive in to the worlds created by the fabulous authors out there....
7. Which now leads to being thankful for the wonderful author friends I have met and gotten to know.  The talent that they have and in turn share with us readers is gratifying.  I am so thankful that they took the leap and allowed us a glimpse in to their mind.  To name a few of the wonderful authors that I absolutely LOVE and look forward to hearing from day after day is: Gracen Miller, Quinn Loftis, Samantha Young, K A Tucker, Misty Provencher, D C Grace, Nely Cab, Tiffany King, Michelle Leighton, Heather Self, Shelly Crane, A J Sweeney, and sooo many more!!! 
8.  I am also thankful more music...it soothes my soul and allows me to tune out and just feel the with the music.
9.  I am thankful for technology.  I know this may be funny, but without it, blogs and sites linking us to the things we love wouldn't be there.  It allows us to also connect to some fabulous people and of course our friends.  This also includes my phone...which is now just another limb attached to my body.




To further show our gratitude to our followers, we're offering up One Book of Choice for up to $10 from The Book Depository. (If they don't ship to you, we will.)
To enter:
Simply tell us one thing you are grateful for this year, and we'll pick a random winner.
Drawing will end on Wednesday, November 28th.


Make sure you visit all of these bloggers today 
and find out what they are thankful for as well!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

BLOG TOUR: Devil Du Jour by Deena Remiel

For Adult 18+ Readers




Hey all! As you know, we get some pretty great guests on the blog, and today is no exception. I'm thrilled to share with you a rare, intimate conversation with Camille Dutton. The Book Waitress herself. She's agreed, against her better judgement, to sit with me for a few moments. Away from the monsters and worries of world and get personal. You know- have a little girl talk. Something she generally avoids. So let me tell you, I feel very privileged to have her indulge me. Here's how it went down...
Welcome, Camille. Knowing you have a lot on your plate, I won't waste your time fangirl gushing and we'll just get started. Sound good?
C: Hello. Sure thing.
S: You've had previous experience with the big bad. Do you still believe good can win over evil?
C: It depends on the day I've had, really. There are days when I feel badass and like I can take Satan on with no problem. Then there are other days that I feel like it's all senseless and we're spinning our wheels. Mostly I feel that we will triumph over the BIG, BAD DARKLORD.
S: Camille, you ARE badass. And my monies on you, but I sure do worry about what's coming next. You've faced so much already.
Do you think people are inherently good or bad?

C: Hmmm. I think they are inherently good, but something happens to them somewhere along the line. Parents enable poor behavior in their children, which results in adults behaving badly. I just dislike people intensely. Except for a token few, they continually disappoint me.
S: *whispers* I'll let you in on a little secret- we've got that in common. I'm a homebody and I really really HATE groups or large crowds. But like you said, there are a token few. And I can't live without them.
On the ferry to Shelter Island, as you approached the island, you had a bad feeling, but even in your wildest imaginings, would you have guessed what you were about walk into?

C: Absolutely not! I think if I did, I'd have run as far as I could in the other direction.
S: I'm pretty sure most of us would too.
How much do you love your little cottage? Do you plan to lay down roots there?

C: It suits me well enough. It's very charming on the inside. I do miss my old home, though. My plan was to be on the island temporarily, but I don't see that happening now. I do believe my life has changed.. forever.
S: Well I'm very attached to my hometown. Leaving it would be one of the hardest things in the world for me. Your life is most definitely changed forever, but not all for the worst- you've found Derek among are this darkness.
*Camille closes her eyes, smiles and lets out a small breath*
S: So, ghosts? Please tell us a bit about your non-corporeal library residents.
C: Well, all I know right now is that John and Betina have been hanging around the library for quite a while. I think Betina is very helpful, and John, well John is a real bugger. We're going to be seeing a lot more of each other from now on, so I'm sure they will have an impact in my life in some way.
S: They do have distinct personalities. I'm looking forward to seeing more of what they contribute to the war against Satan. And how they interact with you and Derek.
Most people would have caught the next ferry home once they discovered what was really going on. What made you stay on Shelter Island and fight?

C: I don't enjoy being manipulated and taken advantage of, and I don't like seeing bad people win, and Evil would win if I left. Satan has a thing for me, well, I have thing for getting him out of my life once and for all.
S: While I don't like being manipulated, you are much braver than I. Thank God for your grit and determination. You might be what saves us all.
*Camille waves off the thought as if batting away a fly*
S: Tell us something you love about Derek. And something that drives you up the wall.
C: Oh, Derek... *Smiles sheepishly* I love his shaggy hair and dimples. Oh, and I love how he wants to protect me. Never really had someone care for me like that before, beyond my parents, you know. What drives me up the wall is how intensely he looks at me sometimes. It freaks me out because I've never been the object of anyone's intense desires.
S: I won't deny he's very swoon worthy. I know a few gals with crushes. *winks* Of course they know he's all yours. That intensity is a bit disconcerting, but it does feel good to be so wanted. And Cam- girl, you deserve it.
Are you planning for the future or just hoping to make it through another day?

C: I live moment by moment, and hope for the best in each successive one.
S: Some say that's the only way to live your life. It would certainly be easier to look forward without all the horror.
*Camille simply nods in agreement*
S: What do you fear the most?
C: I fear death... because I know Satan won't let me die. He'll find a way to keep me in servitude and oppressed for eternity.
S: *shutters* That really would be worse wouldn't it.
*Camille shakes her head as if trying to clear the scary thought from her mind*
S: The Shelter Island Library sounds pretty amazing. What is your favorite section?
C: That's a hard question! I love the periodicals department because of the knowledge I gain, but I love the fiction department for the escape.
S: Knowledge IS power, but there is something to be said for getting lost in a book.
Do you have a literary crush?

C: I do, actually. Since I love paranormal fiction, I am totally crushing over Acheron, in The Dark Hunter Series from Sherrilyn Kenyon.
S: OMG! I've heard so much about Acheron. I'm pretty sure my soon to deliver friend is naming her son after him. Would go as far as to name your child after a character?
C: *chuckles* As for what name I'd give my child, I think if was a boy, I'd go with Peter, from Chronicles of Narnia. For a girl, I'd go with Emma, from Emma.
S: Do you have a pet name for Derek?
C: Not yet. What do you think I should call him?

S: Um...Supernatural Hottie?!
*giggles*

C: *smirking* Supernatural Hottie? I was thinking more on the lines of Dork instead of Derek. Not very romantic, though...
*the girls share a laugh*
S: Favorite way to end the day?
Logs on the fire, watching the stars, listening to guitar music.
S: Sounds perfect. And not a bad way to end this interview. How about another glass of wine?
C: I'd love another glass of wine!
*the mic clicks off with the sound of clinking crystal goblets. And the girls kick back to enjoy the rest of a rare quiet evening and their vino*
Shelley: Well, there you have it folks. Despite everything she's been through, Camille is quite a gal. Someone to admire and aspire to be. Of course I'd prefer to avoid battling the Big Bad, but her determination, strength and perseverance in spite of it all, shows just what we humans have inside of us all. Ok, ok. Enough with the heavy. I'll leave that to the Word Mistress, Deena Remiel. She serves up evil like no other and Devil Du Jour promises she's got more to  dish out. If you haven't already bitten into The Book Waitress and Devil Du Jour, you'd best get your orders in- this series is HOT HOT HOT- and you won't want to be left on the back burner- unaware, defenseless and cold, when the Darklord raps on the kitchen door. Mwahaha...




The Book Waitress, Camille Dutton, has luck on her side. Good and bad. On the upside, she narrowly escaped death and Satan claiming her soul. On the downside, a portal has been opened, and she can feel every time a creature from Hell crosses over to our world.
Derek Galloway is one tenacious man. His curious nature won’t let him rest until he closes Hell’s portal and finds a cure for Camille’s affliction. Satan will have one helluva fight on his hands if he tries to claim her again.
Camille and Derek, an unlikely couple, have found each other in the darkest of times. Will they find the answers they need to free her and the world from Satan’s grip? Or are they in for the longest, darkest battle of their lives? 












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.






AMAZON: 

B&N: 

Smashwords:

HERE'S the buy link for Book Waitress on AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-Waitress-Series-ebook/dp/B0091ZR9SQ



What a fantastic sequel. Devil Du Jour begins right where The Book Waitress left off...in complete chaos. Derek is beside himself, unable to care for Camille. And Camille is...indisposed and terrified. And that's about all the detail you'll get from me. The events in DDJ are powerful and a bit disturbing. You'll be on the edge of your seat and nibbling on your nails.  
Deena has a knack for making scary appealing. She draws you in with her colorful prose and vivid descriptives. 
She truly is a wordsmith. Knowing what a wonderful person she is, it's amazing to see how dark her writing can be. Her stories instantly ensnare you. Daring you to devour to each and every word until the very last.
And while she captures you in her web with the macabre, here, she holds you with the smoldering romance between Camille and Derek. It's slow building, though the attraction was there immediately, and so it happens rather naturally. Albeit amidst death, destruction and impending doom. We really see their relationship bloom despite the odds against them. These two characters touch your heart and tickle your funny bone. I've so enjoyed their progression. That's not to say it's been easy for them. Obstacles come from the past and the evil they're currently fighting. Still it's a joy to follow their playful banter and growing affections. 
There isn't a lot of action in this installment. At least not as much as is in the first book. That's not to say there isn't a lot going on. Camille and Derek have no time to sit idle. Evil is run amok and they still must find a way to stop it. It's do or die. Devil Du Jour is about suspense and discovery. Heavy on the suspense- which means as soon as you read the last words, you'll be so caught up- and in shock- you'll want to immediately jump into Demon Ala Mode to see what happens to Camille. Sadly for that we will have to wait. 
Deena has thrown in a couple of new characters sure to make you smile- and a couple sure to make you cringe. You'll want to keep a eye out for them in the future. Something I'm hoping to see in the third installment is more of our friendly ghosts, John and Benita. *Not so subtle hint there, Deena*
So my conclusion?? Devil Du Jour is another intense roller coaster of emotional and spiritual turmoil. Sure to send chills up your spine and thrills to your cockles...and other regions. 
Grab it, read it and gear up for the ultimate battle. We may not know what happens next- but you know the worst has yet to come. 





DIRECTIONS FOR READERS: Each stop on the DEVIL DU JOUR Blog Tour will have a letter to collect. After collecting all 13 letters, put them all together to create a sentence! Email Deena what the sentence says and she’ll email you back with a special gift! deenaremiel@yahoo.com

There is also a drawing for a $20 Amazon or B&N gift card for each person who emails in the sentence.

Here's your letter for this stop: L
For more stops on the tour.....The Book Waitress