Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Teaser Tuesdays: Hollywood Ever After

• Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"Hollywood Ever After" [The Red-Carpet Series, Book 1] by Sasha Summers

Book Teaser:
I let my eyes wander as Shannon answered several questions effortlessly.
“So excited. Just thrilled,” she was saying. “I’m just so happy to have been a part of this project. This film was such fun! We know it’s going to do well.” Amy barely tapped Shannon’s elbow–I assumed that was the signal to move on. Shannon thanked the reporter and moved a few feet down the carpet, smiling as the camera flashes continued.
I blinked in an attempt to adjust to the rapid bursts of white light.
I stumbled on a cord and tipped back, mortified. To fall, on the red carpet? I’d be forever humiliated.
Two large hands caught me from behind.
“Thank you.” I blushed as I looked back at my rescuer.
“All right?” my savior asked with a clearly enunciated British accent.
Not now, I wasn’t.
I knew without a doubt that I was staring. My heart was already pounding from my almost accident, yet it picked up considerably. There had been air in my lungs, but it was gone now. ~ within Chapter 1

Monday, October 22, 2012

Cover Reveal: Magick by Trish Milburn

"Magick" [The Coven Series, Book 3] by Trish Milburn (aka Tricia Mills)

Imprint : Bell Bridge Books
Audience : Young Adult
Novel length : 166 pages
Format : Paperback
Publication Released Date : September 27, 2012

Author's Book Cover :

Author's Book Description :
    The covens are coming for her.

    But is she a White Witch, or a Dark Witch? In a war for control of the witch world, the answer will save—or doom—everyone she loves.

    In "White Witch," Jax gained friends she’d die for and a staggering power that threatens them all.

    In "Bane," Jax did the unthinkable and killed a supernatural hunter to protect her friends. She found herself lost in darkness and prisoner to the Bane, a secret society of witches sworn to prevent the use of the dark magic.

    Now, in "Magick," the powers of Jax and her friend Egan have been magically bound by the Bane. She must convince the Bane she can learn to control her power and become a White Witch in truth. She’s their only hope now that the dark covens have called a Conclave with one purpose—to kill this generation’s White Witch and anyone who has ever stood with her. If Jax can’t amass an army of her own, rebuild the trust of her friends and boyfriend, and find the White Witch’s elusive weapon against the dark, it may be too late.

About the Author :
    The first book Trish Milburn ever wrote was a romance. She just didn't know it yet. That book, "Land of the Misty Gems," was a class project way back in the sixth grade. She wrote the text, illustrated the book with colored pencils, even bound it with twine and pasted a fabric cover on her creation. And now -- mumble, mumble -- years later, she still has that book. It was the beginning of her writing career, even if until the early 1990s that writing consisted mainly of research papers and essay test questions and then newspaper articles.

    Trish was born and grew up in Western Kentucky and began reading so long ago she doesn't really remember how it all started. She does remember loving a little book called "The Runaway Pancake," then the regular treasures that would appear in her mailbox from the Weekly Reader Book Club, then books like the Little House on the Prairie series. The library was one of her favorite places. And even though being a bookworm didn't do wonders for her social life when she was in her teens, she wouldn't trade her love of books for the world.

    After college, she worked as a newspaper reporter and magazine editor and still does some freelance writing and copy editing. But most of her writing now is fiction, and no matter what kind of story it is she can't resist putting at least some romance in it alongside the paranormal or suspense elements. Her writing has finaled in Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart Contest eight times, winning twice. "White Witch," her February 2012 release from Bell Bridge Books, was the 2007 Golden Heart winner in the Young Adult category.

    In her free time, she loves watching movies and TV (she bought herself a TiVo when she made her first sale), hiking, reading and road trips.

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1 | Book 2

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **

Find Trish Milburn :

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Made the Grade: The Last Princess of the Dream Dragons by Janet MacDonald

Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: ??? KB | Release Date: October 05, 2012 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Smashwords

"The Last Princess of the Dream Dragons" by Janet MacDonald

My Book Summary : Peeps is the only one of her kind (part-dragon and part-Sylph) but because of that, her only friend is a baby dragon named Marbles. Ever since her adopted mother died Marbles and Peeps have lived together never having a steady place to call home.

Recently Peeps broke one of her wings so while they are waiting to be seen by a healer they are caught in the middle of a raid that Prince Falcore is leading for his brother the King. However, when trying to escape Falcore captures Peeps!

Falcore is intrigued by Peeps almost immediately and knows he wants her more than just what she can do to help him dethrone his brother. Both Peeps and Falcore find that their time together fuels passions in them that they've never felt before. Will they find that they have more in common then they originally thought and work together to become more then captor and slave or will Falcore's determination to dethrone his brother ruin everything between them?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this is a fast-paced short story about a unique girl just trying to get by who falls in love with her captor. Even though some things were a little farfetched, I enjoyed all the twists that came with this novel!

However, I wish the ending had more and didn't leave you hanging. Therefore, I hope there will be another book to take off where this one left off.

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes romances steeped from fantasy!

Book Teaser(s) :
A woman with similar regal bearings and features as the Prince exited and she looked to be close to Peeps age, Graft was carefully holding her hand as he helped her out of the carriage and even from here Peeps could see the shine in the young girls eyes at his touch. Momentarily the Prince was there and the girl gave him a very unceremonious hug, Peeps hissed at the embrace...then caught herself. She had never done that before; the feeling of not wanting another female to touch the Prince rode up inside her and crashed over her in a wave of anxiety. She heard him say her name “Rea” and it was full of love for his obvious family member.
Bewildered she fluttered back down to the itchy bed, her mind stunned by the sudden want to be in Prince Falcore’s arms alarmed her. She wondered if maybe her food had not been drugged or poisoned even, she had been overwhelmed with hunger and had not given it much thought at the time she had eaten it. ~ within Chapter 3
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Janet, then please check her out on the Smashwords' website.

Blog Tour - Feasted On: The Memory Jar by Tricia Goyer | Review & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Tricia Goyer, with a review of her debut novel "The Memory Jar," which is the 1st book in her Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to sign up for this tour's GIVEAWAYs (listed below)!! [Blog Tour will run from October 16 - November 7, 2012 | Giveaway ends on November 6, 2012 | Denise's Facebook Author Chat Party is on November 7, 2012]



- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 342; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1970 KB; Audiobook - Unabridged | Expected Release Date: October 23, 2012 | Publisher: Zondervan | Obtained: LitFuse Publicity Group

"The Memory Jar" [Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Series, Book 1] by Tricia Goyer

My Book Summary : For an Amish woman Sarah is unique. She grew up in a small town/Amish community in Montana where her parents never had a problem with her having friendships with English people that they deal with on a daily basis. One thing that Sarah loves to do is bake, however, she is not the typical Amish baker since, even though she knows how to bake bread and other typical Amish baked goods, she LOVES to create/bake cupcakes. Her best friend Patty has encouraged her since she was young to follow her dreams of owning her own bakery. However, that dream seems to get further and further away as the years pass. Especially since, she would need to find a husband that would support her dream and encourage it and not want her to just take care of their home, and with no husband prospects, Sarah is finding that her dreams might be all that they will amount to.

Sarah world was shaken two years ago when her best friend, Patty, dies in a canoeing accident. Since then Sarah has put all her efforts into her baked goodies as a way to get over her loss, yet in the process, she seems to have kept everyone at arms length from her as a way to protect herself.

Therefore, when Jathan comes into her life she doesn't initially see the type of man he is. Nevertheless, on a hiking trip gone array they find they have a lot in common and both really like each other, if only they are able to follow their personal dreams and open their hearts they might just make it.

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars. It's a sweet and endearing romance. About getting over a terrible loss while fulfilling dreams that would give them a better purpose then what is planned for them. An easy read that kept me guessing a lot of the way through, but with memories throughout that had me crying by the end of this novel. I loved reading about the bond between Patty & Sarah it was so sweet and touching while at times it felt as though some of the things that Patty says were as if she was looking into the future. Very special and I recommend having tissues by you when you read the last few chapters.

I liked the gradual romance between Jathan and Sarah. However, even though I know Jathan was only trying to stick to the traditions he grew up with and some that were forced on him, I didn't like some of the choices he made or the way he let his family walk all over him. In addition, I wasn't a fan of how his mother handled things when it came to Sarah towards the end, I understand her point-of-view about to many changes at her bakery, but to try shutting out Sarah from having any contact to Jathan I thought was a little too much. Therefore, if I was being truthful and rating this book on the romance between Jathan and Sarah then I'd have to give this novel 3.5 out of 5 stars. Yet I gave it the score I did because of how much I loved the forever friendship between Sarah and Patty. =0)

Overall, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys Amish novels and contemporary romances.

- On a side note -
I found the brief Amish glossary in the front of the book very helpful! =0)

My Previous Guest Post(s) by this Author : Family Traditions: A Glimpse into Christmas Future - December 2011 | What I Am Not - May 2012

Author's Novel Extras : The Memory Jar--My Amish Novel | How to Make Your Own Memory Jar & Other Crafts | The Memory Jar Promotion | Get to Know Tricia | My Writing

Author's Series Extras : Amish Country Research | Tricia's Amish World | Video Book Club Chats

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :
Teaser #1 ~ within Chapter 1
"Do you want to catch a bachelor?" Jathan asked as he gently set her down.
The question caught her off guard, and her ankle ached as seen as her foot touched down. She stumbled slightly. Sarah grabbed Jathan's arm to steady herself.
"Uh, ne," she answered. "I'm not wanting to catch anyone ... else." She swallowed hard and squeezed his arm. She couldn't believe she'd added that last word, but seeing his face brighten, she continued, "What is the Englisch saying, 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush'?"
Jathan chuckled, his laughter causing her heart to dance. "Well, Sarah, if I'm a bird, I'm a big one. But I don't mind being caught, not one bit." ~ within Chapter 12
"Spreading out light, that's what it's all about," Patty said. And then she finally submitted to a yawn.
Sarah covered her mouth with her hand and did the same. "
Ja, the world needs more of it, don't you think?"
"Not only the world but our neighbors." Patty stretched. "Sometimes it seems the ones who have the light are the worst at realizing all they hold within. With sharing it."
~ within Chapter 20
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Tricia, then please check out her website.



About the Author :

Tricia Goyer is the award winning author of over thirty books including "Beside Still Waters," "Remembering You," and the mommy memoir, "Blue Like Play Dough." Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences and is the host of Living Inspired. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.



Giveaways!! :

Welcome to the series launch of Tricia Goyer’s brand new Amish series, Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors! The first book, "The Memory Jar," takes Goyer’s readers back to Big Sky country. To celebrate, Tricia is hosting a fun Amish Kindle Gift Pack Giveaway (including a custom-made Memory Jar Kindle cover and authentic, Montana, Amish-made items!) and a Facebook party on November 7th. Be sure to click the link below to watch the video trailer or try your hand at one of the simple, keepsake crafts Tricia has put together on her website.


One fortunate winner will receive :

  • A brand new Kindle Fire
  • Custom-made Memory Jar Kindle Cover
  • Amish-made decorative items {Wall hanging, horse/buggy and Amish houses}
  • "The Memory Jar" {Be swept away by this captivating series.}

To Enter : Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on November 6th. Winner will be announced at the "The Memory Jar" Author Chat Facebook Party on November 7. Connect with Tricia for an evening of book chat, Amish trivia, and a live video chat! There will also be a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of "The Memory Jar" and join Tricia on the evening of the November 7th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book – don’t let that stop you from coming!)

Enter via Twitter Enter via Facebook Enter via Email

Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP TODAY. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 7th!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out LitFuse's other Blog Tour Stops for this novel!!




Find Tricia Goyer :

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Giveaway Winner of Tangled Web by Crista McHugh



Andrew from Dyadic Echoes


Congratulations, Andrew!! You just won an e-copy of "Tangled Web" by Crista McHugh!! You should be receiving an email from me and the publisher soon.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this giveaway and checked out my review for "Tangled Web!" Please keep up-to-date with my blog tours by checking out my event calendar so you'll know when you really want to stop by From Me to You.... Or you could just friend/follow the blog too!!

What are you all reading lately?? Me? Currently I just finished reading "The Teacher's Billionaire" [The Sherbrookes of Newport Series, Book 1] by Christina Tetreault---which was a cute book but not enough for me to feel the need to write a review about it. =0/ So, I hope you're reading something you're finding more interesting. =0P

Anyway ... I hope everyone has a wonderful day!!

Take care, Jess

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Teaser Tuesdays: The Memory Jar

• Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here

"The Memory Jar" [Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors Series, Book 1] by Tricia Goyer

Book Teaser:
Through the open front door, Sarah spotted what she'd been looking for. Her jar. It sat there covered with what looked like tin foil and...
Sarah stepped forward. A snake was inside! Her brother had dumped out her things to keep an ugly ole brown garter snake?
She picked up the jar, crumpled the foil, and slipped her hand inside the jar.
"Well, I'll be." The man's voice caused Sarah to start, and she nearly dropped the jar.
There, striding up the wooded path leading from the road, was Amos Byler with another of the bachelors by his side.
Sarah looked at the jar in her hand and, with a quip grip of her fingers and a flip of her wrist, tossed the snake into the yard. It bounced slightly and then slithered away into the tall grass.
The two men stood staring. Amos ran a hand down his smooth face.
Then she remembered. My kapp. ~ within Chapter 1

My Previous Guest Post(s) by this Author : Family Traditions: A Glimpse into Christmas Future - December 2011 | What I Am Not - May 2012

Monday, October 15, 2012

Giveaway Winners of Flirting To Win & Bargain in Bronze by Natalie Anderson



Becky Moe & Nuzaifa


Congratulations!! Becky -- you just won an e-copy of "Flirting To Win" -- Natalie Anderson's latest anthology! You should be receiving an email from me and the publisher soon.

While Nuzaifa -- just won a kindle version of "Bargain in Bronze" [Flirting to Win Anthology, Novella 1] by Natalie Anderson! You should be receiving an email from me and Amazon.com soon!!

Thank you to everyone who participated in this giveaway and checked out my review for "Flirting To Win!" Please keep up-to-date with my blog tours by checking out my event calendar so you'll know when you really want to stop by From Me to You.... Or you could just friend/follow the blog too!!

Thanks again!! I hope everyone will have a great day!

Best regards, Jess

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Feasted On: I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

Format: Hardcover | Pages: 433 | Release Date: February 2012 | Publisher: The Daily Press | Obtained: Page After Page Bookstore

"I've Got Your Number" by Sophie Kinsella (aka Madeleine Wickham)

My Book Summary : It's about two weeks from Poppy's wedding, to her fiancé--Magnus, and she's hanging out with some of her best girl friends at a hotel's Marie Curie Champagne Tea event. Everything is going well when one of her friends asks to try on her emerald engagement ring (which was a family heirloom), she lets them and it gets passed around their group. However, things suddenly change for the worse when the hotel's fire alarm goes off in the middle of her ring being passed around which make her loose the ring. To top that off in the middle of her looking for the ring her cell phone gets stolen!!

Now the hotel is blowing her off saying since it hasn't been turned in they'll let her know if and when it does. Yet she doesn't want Magnus to find out about the lost ring so she needs to think of a number they can inform her on while she's dwelling on that worry she finds the answer to her prayers .... a WORKING CELL PHONE was dropped into the trashcan!! Therefore, since it doesn't seem like anyone calls her out when she takes it out of the trash can, she takes it for herself.

Nevertheless, Poppy soon finds that taking a used phone isn't as easy as it seems, especially if Sam Roxton has anything to say about it. Since that phone was his PA's phone who just quit that day and it has his business life on it (as his PA's and his emails go to that phone).

Poppy won't take no for an answer, which makes the both of them to fall into each other’s lives in ways they never expected and derailing the plans they had for their lives. Yet will they find the changes in their lives are a good or bad thing before everything gets even more complicated for and between them?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! Ms. Kinsella does it again with this fun & quirky novel!! Poppy seemed like a great mix of Emma from "Can You Keep a Secret?" & Samantha from "The Undomestic Goddess," making her the typical-quirky-heroine type that Ms. Kinsella puts out and we all love while still having the enjoyable humor that keeps the books lively. Plus, I could not get enough of Sam! He is a stoic yet sexy man who develops into being a great guy in this novel. Sam and Poppy are so cute and sweet together that you just want to root for them and their dreams!!

However, this novel will definitely keep you on your toes throughout this fast-paced comedy, especially with all of the sudden twists that arrive in the last few chapters! Some of the twists will shock you and some are ones you probably were hoping for (like me), but all of them make this novel into one that you won't forget about anytime soon!

I recommend this novel to those who are fans of Sophie Kinsella, as well as, anyone who enjoys contemporary comedic romances!!

- On a side note -
I liked the varied footnotes throughout this novel since I thought it was a cute way to enhance the plot. Also, for those who've read Dayla from Confessions of a Book Addict's review of "I've Got Your Number" I'm just going to say don't worry about the binding your books since I got my copy at a local book store and it was able to put up with my one year old's antics (like dropping it on the floor repeatedly but accidentally) and still is in one piece looking very good! =0)

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : The Wedding Girl | The Gatecrasher

Author's Novel Extras : Audiobook Extracts | USA Today gives IGYN a great review!

Author's Book Trailer :

Author's Series Interview(s) :





Book Teaser(s) :
OK. I know it was cheating. I know it was a bad thing to do. To be honest, I kept expecting someone to catch me out. But I put the ring tone on silent and no one realized I was texting Sam all the way through. 43
And, yes, of course I feel guilty. Halfway through, I felt even worse when I texted Sam in admiration, How do you know all these words? and he replied, I don't. The internet does.
The internet?
For a moment I felt too shocked to reply. I thought he was thinking of the words, not finding them on Scrabble words.com or whatever.
That's CHEATING!!!! I typed.

43 Haven't both Antony and Wanda ever invigilated exams as part of their jobs? Just saying. ~ within Chapter 5
"We spoke about it last night."
"Well, I wanted to thank you," he says earnestly. "I know this was your influence. You two guys will add so much heft to the cause. Oh, and thanks for the donation. We really appreciate it."
I stare in astonishment. Sam gave a donation to the Guatemala trip? He gave a donation?
Now Matt is beaming at me. "Hello again. Are you interested in the Guatemala trip?"
Oh my God, I would love to go to Guatemala.
"Well---" I begin enthusiastically, before Sam cuts me off firmly:
"No. She's not."
Honestly. What a spoilsport. ~ within Chapter 10
For more information on this book and/or any other books by Sophie, then please check out her website.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Made the Grade: Baby Under the Christmas Tree by Teresa Carpenter

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 192; Kindle Edition - File Size: 290 KB | Expected Release Date: November 1, 2012 | Publisher: Harlequin Romance | Obtained: NetGalley

"Baby Under the Christmas Tree" by Teresa Carpenter

My Book Summary : Elle has been a girly girl for as long as she can remember. Being the youngest of four boys and their annoying affiliation for playing sports or enjoying sporting games can do that to a girl. Therefore, she is still trying to find a guy who is able to straddle the line between liking/possibly playing sports to enjoying the symphony and other cultural things too. However, she definitely does not believe that Max (also known as "The Beast" and is the enforcer for the San Diego Thunder hockey team) could ever be her "Prince Charming."

Nevertheless, they will find out if the chemistry that they sparked a year ago is still there or not during their forced time together while, Elle helps Max get custody of his son, Troy. While they are together, will Elle decide to protect her heart by distancing herself from them as much as she’s able or is she willing to break her job’s rules to be with Max and Troy as a family? Maybe beauty just found her beast...

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, this fast-paced novel is a sweet and fun story about two unlikely people coming together! I liked how Elle handled herself throughout this whole novel. She was smart, decisive, kind, and feisty, definitely keeping Max on his toes. Max, Elle, and Troy made a great trio that I enjoyed reading about!

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes contemporary romances!

Book Teaser(s) :
"She wasn't a hellion," Dad defended her. "She was my pretty little princess."
Elle grinned and turning the other way she kissed her dad on the cheek. "I love you, too."
"It says something, doesn't it---" hope filled Becca's voice "---that he trusts you with his son."
Elle gave a long-suffering laugh. "Good try, Mom. Not going to happen."
"Okay." Her mom sighed. "But it's a shame."
"Why is that?" Elle was almost afraid to ask.
"As Dad says, you were his pretty little princess. As a little girl you spent hours playing Belle. I can just see the two of you together, Beauty and The Beast."
Elle nearly choked on the moisture stick she was using on her lips. People really had to stop saying that. ~ within Chapter 8
For more information on this book, and/or any other books by Teresa, then please check her out on the Goodreads' website.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Blog Tour - Feasted On: Tangled Web by Crista McHugh | Interview, Review, & Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Crista McHugh, who I interviewed about her latest novel "Tangled Web," which is the 1st book in The Deizian Empire Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY!! [Blog Tour will run from October 11 - 17, 2012]



My Q&A with Crista McHugh :

Jess : Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Crista : In real life, I’m a doctor and a mother of 2 small children (which may explain some of my insanity). I refer to writing as “therapy”. In the past, I’ve some odd jobs like being a morgue attendant and autopsy assistant. I’ve also been a contestant on Jeopardy!

Jess : What books did you enjoy reading while growing up?

Crista : I had the entire series of the Babysitters Club. I also enjoyed reading Sunfire books (historical romance for teens looong before it was known as YA historical). And I loved Tamora Pierce’s Song of the Lioness series.

Jess : Which of your characters would you most & least to invite to dinner, from which book and why?

Crista : The answer to both questions would be Loku, the disembodied chaos god from my Soulbearer series. He’s fun, snarky, and bit unpredictable, which would either mean a lively dinner or a complete disaster.

Jess : Please describe your hero, from "Tangled Web," in one to two sentences.

Crista : Titus is an idealist, a man of philosophy and letters rather than swords and warcraft, but don’t underestimate him. Underneath those deep thought thoughts is a man with an iron will and the strength to make his dreams a reality.

Jess : What sparked the idea for The Deizian Empire series?

Crista : A switch of the channel. I watching Stargate and changed the channel to a documentary on the emperors of Ancient Rome (I happened to catch them just as they were transitioning to the reign of Caligula). I thought it would be cool to create a world loosely based on Ancient Rome where an alien race with “magic” (technology) enslaved the sentient races, and thus, the Deizien Empire was born.

Jess : If "Tangled Web" were to be made into a film, who do you see playing the main characters and why?

Crista : I’d love to see Freida Pinto playing Azurha.


As for Titus, I’d probably go for Jeremy Renner or Sam Worthington.

or

Jess : Out of all of the secondary characters within your The Deizian Empire series, do you have one or two favorites so far? If so, who are they and can you tell us why?

Crista : Actually, I was so intrigued with Galerius and Claudia that I’ve already given them a story (it’ll be out next year). They are both characters with tortured pasts and seem to be slaves to their roles in society. Marcus is another character I’m toying with. He’s got it really bad for a woman named Sexta, and I’m still trying to give them a good story worthy of a HEA.

Jess : When writing "Tangled Web" did you listen to a certain song list/playlist that you could share with us?

Crista : I hate to admit it, but I didn’t have any musical inspiration with this book. Usually, there’s a song that fits a scene or two in something I’m writing, but not this time.

Jess : In regards to "Tangled Web," if you could write it all over again, would you change anything about it?

Crista : There was a scene I was forced to delete because it didn’t fit the character arcs for Azurha and Titus. I’d love to find a way to incorporate it into the story, but maybe I’ll save it for another book.

Jess : Which usually comes first for you, the character(s) story or the idea for the novel?

Crista : It’s almost always characters. I get a glimpse of a person or hear the sound of their voice, and I’m furiously trying to take notes on all the ideas running through my mind.

Jess : How many books have you written? Which is your favorite and why?

Crista : Which is your favorite and why? I’ve written 10 novels (3 that will never see the light of day and 1 that needs some serious reworking), 6 of which have already been published or contracted, along with a handful of novellas and short stories. "Tangled Web" is one of my favorites because of the complexity of the characters, closely followed by "A Soul For Chaos."

Jess : Do you have any other projects in the works? If so, can you share a little of your current work with us?

Crista : I’m taking a break from writing for a month after writing two books (and having a baby) so far this year. "A Soul For Vengeance" is next on my plate, which will wrap up the Soulbearer Trilogy. After that, I’ll be working on the sequel to "The Tears of Elios" (or Marcus’s story, if I can ever get that hammered out to something I like).

Jess : Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?

Crista : Usually, there’s no point because the hubby is still sleeping in it. He’s nocturnal, so he’s rarely out of bed before noon.

Jess : If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Crista : LOL – probably, "I Dare You To..." since most of the important things in my life are the result of a dare or challenge.

Jess : What book are you reading now or have recently finished? How do/did you like it?

Crista : Right now, I’m reading "Fortune’s Hero" by Jenna Bennett and loving it!

Thanks for having me over!
-C.

Jess : YOU'RE WELCOME!! Thanks being here!! =0)



About the Author :

Crista McHugh is a multiple award-winning author of fantasy and paranormal romance. Her latest book, "A SOUL FOR TROUBLE," received 4 1/2 STARS (a keeper rating) from RT Book Reviews.

Growing up in small town Alabama, Crista relied on story-telling as a natural way for her to pass the time and keep her two younger sisters entertained.

She currently lives in the Audi-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and daughter, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician by day while she continues to pursue writing on nights and weekends.

Just for laughs, here are some of the jobs she's had in the past to pay the bills: barista, bartender, sommelier, stagehand, actress, morgue attendant, and autopsy assistant.

And she's also a recovering LARPer. (She blames it on her crazy college days)

To be the first to know about her latest releases or to be entered into exclusive contests, please sign up for her newsletter using the contact form on her webpage, www.cristamchugh.com.




- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 317 | Expected Release Date: October 9, 2012 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Select | Obtained: Entangled Publishing

"Tangled Web" [The Deizian Empire Series, Book 1] by Crista McHugh

My Book Summary : Within the past seven years, Azurha has become a freed slave but also a deadly assassin known as the Rabbit. She has built a reputation for herself. In addition, she hopes that after she completes, and gets the payment for, her latest job she will have solidified her reputation and made enough money for her to retire and live a peaceful life. However, as soon as her latest job begins, killing Titus Sergius Flavus (Titus)--the newest emperor, she realizes that it'll be harder to achieve then any assassinations in her past. This is because not only is Titus the most attractive man she has ever met and the nicest, he also seems to have a thoroughly planned out agenda to redeem his ancestors and bring the empire into a new and better age for everyone.

Therefore, as Azurha's time with Titus turns from days into a week and longer she knows her time with him to either kill him or just spend time in his arms is coming to an end soon. Will she be able to follow through with her original plans? Or will she protect Titus against the ones who hired her? Furthermore, will she be able to admit the truth of herself to Titus before everything becomes too late for both of them?

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! This one intriguing sci-fi-ish novel will keep you tangled in its web until the very end! It's like an alien-type of ancient Rome mixed with the political agendas of the "Game of Thrones" which is what creates the backdrop for this fascinating new series!! I LOVED the characters, especially Titus & Azurha!! So much so, that I wish this novel had an epilogue so I could find out what happened not long after the last scene. However, since it doesn't I'm hoping that book 2 of this series will be able to keep us readers updated with their antics!

The only flaw I found in this novel was how long Azurha pushed off informing Titus of who she was. I mean I understand why she did it, and I liked the way everything played out within the novel. Nevertheless, it made me not like Azurha a bit, because of how she acted. But oh wells ... everything turns out for the best. =0)

I recommend this series and novel to anyone who likes sci-fi/fantasy romances!

My Previous Review(s) for this Author : A Waltz at Midnight

Author's Book Trailer :

Book Teaser(s) :
“Are you telling me the truth?”
“Why would I lie about something like that?”
Disgust filled his eyes, and her own stung. Yes, that’s right. Think of me as a common whore. Used goods. Sullied to the point where you never want to touch me again. It will make killing you that much easier.
Instead of shoving her to the floor and ordering her out of his presence, he flipped her hand over and delicately traced the lines on her palm. Then he covered her hand and threaded his fingers through hers. “I know you said you were bound to no one,” he said quietly, “but as long as you reside in my palace, I will never share you with another man.”
When he possessively squeezed her hand, a gasp broke free from her. Her mouth went dry. Could he possibly mean what he said? ~ within Chapter 8
“If you wanted that kind of entertainment, I would have happily supplied it.”
It would be all too easy to snap his neck. In any other situation, she would have made him pay for his insult. Instead, she bit her tongue and focused on appearing demure while she let his words roll off her like water on glass.
“Be careful what you say, Rutilius.” Titus moved between her and their host. “Insulting her means you insult me.”
Part of her wanted to tell him that he didn’t need to come to her defense, but her heart melted at the sight of the muscle rippling along his jaw and the rigid way his body shielded her. ~ within Chapter 14
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Cari, then please check out her website.



My Giveaway!! :

  • An ARC e-book copy of "Tangled Web" to one randomly drawn person from Rafflecopter
The Fine Print -- To Enter :
  1. This contest ends on October 17th 2012.
  2. This contest is International!!
  3. You must be 18 years-old or older!!
  4. It's the author/publisher's responsibility to ensure that the winner gets "Tangled Web," not mine.

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Find Crista McHugh :
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