Win a $75 Amazon Gift Card from Clean Teen Publishing!

SUMMER READING GIVEAWAY! 

It's officially Summer and Clean Teen Publishing wants to feed your reading addiction with a $75 Amazon Gift Card! One lucky winner will receive a $75 Amazon Gift Card on 7/31/14! Enter the contest below to win.


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(If the code doesn't work for you, click HERE! Don't miss out. =D) 

"Tempestuous" by Anne Berkeley (3 Stars)

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Tempestuous

Tempestuous #1

by Anne Berkeley

Genre: Paranormal Romance

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**I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.**

The protagonist of our story is an 18 year old girl by the name of Brynja Teare, and we first meet her in a bar, where she gets herself in deep and fast, by tangling with a dark spirit. She's unwillingly rescued by a blonde Viking of a man, one Galinn Gunn, who will be forced to reveal to her a heritage and a fate she once only dreamed of.

TEMPESTUOUS has a gorgeously simple and elegant cover. Even if I knew nothing of the book, I'd have been drawn in by the cover art alone!

The story was good, but I had some issues that really came down to personal taste. There are many, many characters named and introduced throughout and I got held up trying to absorb them all and recollect who was who and who was related to whom and how. I also found some of Brynja's reactions to extraordinary sights and information to be somewhat lacking, and her insanely powerful abilities to be something of a hindrance to my enjoyment overall. But again, I stress that these are just my personal opinions and should in no way hold you back. The book is well-written, the love story appealing, and the mythology fun. So get a copy for yourself! I look forward to seeing how the story comes along in Book 2!

SUMMER/WINTER Sale of "Tempestuous" @ SMASHWORDS!!
Enter coupon code: SW100  at checkout and get it for FREE!

Want more? Check out GOODREADS | AMAZON | The author's WEBSITE!

"Flame" by Alicia Michaels: It's RELEASE DAY!

NEW RELEASE in The Bionics Series by Alicia Michaels!

Available NOW! 

 

GET YOUR COPY TODAY FOR $2.99! 

War has come to the United States. It’s been brewing for years as the government and Military Police wage war on the outcasts known as the Bionics. It’s spilling out into the streets as the militant Rejects continue to wage war against the ‘inferior’ humans, the M.P.s are raiding neighborhoods and putting Bionics to death, and I am fighting alongside the Resistance to save our kind from extinction. To top it all off, the president has now declared martial law, and the rights of American citizens are being stripped away one by one.

Together, with the vigilante known as The Patriot, and my Resistance family, I am prepared to fight the impossible fight, to stand up for what’s right. From a single spark, our little rebellion has grown into a revolution, a roaring fire that will envelop the nation. At the same time, things in my personal life are finally turning around. I’m in love with a beautiful girl who loves me back, and we might have a shot at a real future … unless the enemy manages to snatch away from me everything that I hold dear.

THE BIONICS SERIES by Alicia Michaels

New Adult Dystopian Romance 

(Mature Content)

Published through: Crimson Tree Publishing

(The Adult Imprint of Clean teen Publishing.)

The year is 4010.

Nuclear war and the wasteful nature of humans have all but destroyed the United States. A new government regime rules the day with strict laws, rationed food, and careful control. When those injured in the nuclear blasts that rocked many of the nations largest cities are offered another chance by the Restoration Project, how could they refuse?

Little do they know that the robotic additions to their body will paint targets on their backs once the government decides that they are dangerous. At the forefront of the resistance is a girl with a bionic eye, Blythe Sol, who wants nothing more than to be a normal girl. Blythe has yet to realize that normal will never exist again for her, or anyone else.

The Revolution has begun...

The Bionics (Book 1) 

FREE

(New Adult or YA Mature) 

Most nineteen year-old girls are thinking about college, stretching the wings of newfound adulthood, and boys. Well, I’ll probably never go to college and all my dreams of the future are gone. I’ve been an adult for much longer than I should have been and my girlhood was stolen the minute the North Koreans dropped their nukes over the United States. As for boys … well, that’s pretty much out of the question now, too. My love life is too messy to even talk about.

I have nothing.

Except, maybe, my cause, my mission, The Resistance. It is the hope I have to cling to, I am counting on it to pave the way to my future. As things heat up and the terrorist sect known as The Rejects make themselves known opponents of society in this war, the choice to be on the side of good is harder than ever. My friends are broken; Olivia is a shell of her former self and Jenica is barely hanging on. Dax and Gage … well, we’re not talking about my love life, remember? 

The Rejects, the government, President Drummond; they are pressing in on us from all sides and the weight is tremendous. Still, when given the choice to crumble or stand, I’d rather stand. Times are dark, but we are here, a rebellion, a whisper in the dark, a spark that lights the flames of change.

Titanium (Book 2) 

(New Adult or YA Mature) 

Secrets (Book 3) 

(New Adult or YA Mature) 

NEW RELEASE:

SPARK (Book 4) 
(New Adult or YA Mature)

About Alicia Michaels:

Ever since she first read books like Chronicles of Narnia or Goosebumps, Alicia has been a lover of mind-bending fiction. Wherever imagination takes her, she is more than happy to call that place her home. The mother of two and wife to an Army sergeant loves chocolate, coffee, and of course good books. When not writing, you can usually find her with her nose in a book, shopping for shoes and fabulous jewelry, or spending time with her loving family.

"GEMINI RISING: Ethereal Fury" by Jessica O'Gorek (4 Stars)

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Ethereal Fury

Gemini Rising #1

by Jessica O'Gorek

Genre: Paranormal Dystopian Romance

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**I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.**

GEMINI RISING is a unique tale, a lesson to those who care nothing for this planet we live on. In this story, Mother Earth is getting herself some serious payback by turning the souls of the recently departed into Gemini, a race of supernatural spirits bent on destroying humanity.

In ETHEREAL FURY, we follow an important Gemini in the movement, known as Onyx, as he embarks on a mission to bring a bishop and his flock to its knees. With violence in his heart, he is surprised to find there is one human being invoking a whole new set of feelings inside him, and she may just wind up being his downfall.

For the first part of the book, I admit to some difficulty in getting into it. I wasn't really sure how everything would come together or how I felt about the different angles and relationships, but I determined to stick with it and I was glad that I did. Things got a lot more exciting as it went on and by the end of the book, I found myself invested in Onyx, Violette, and poor Slate and I am greatly looking forward to the next book in this series!

To Note: There has apparently been some discomfort among readers regarding the 40-something year old Gemini spirit having lusty thoughts about the 16+ Violette. I did not have any issue with this because to me, the Gemini aren't human - they're spirits. If Onyx was 300 years old, would it be more acceptable? Not if he was human... but if he's an ageless spirit, sure, why not?

Also, the main setting is a church/orphanage/school run by some religious folk who don't seem to especially like kids, and Mother Earth hates to the point of extermination. This book might make you uncomfortable, but you have to admit, it keeps you reading and it definitely has its own voice.

Want more? Go to GOODREADS | AMAZON | The author's blog!

Bionic spine, please.

A metal spine? I'll take 2!

Forgive me, readers, for I have sinned. It has been 2 weeks since my last internet visit. My excuse is chronic pain. My crime is that I am only just now understanding that I will never be rid of it, that no one can cure me, that I am 38 years old and will live with this for the rest of my (Powers That Be willing) long life.

It's been a hard blow to the psyche. You'd think that after more than a decade of deteriorating condition, that I would have figured it out before now, but in my defense, who wants to accept the fact that they're young and have the rest of their lives to be in pain? Don't get me wrong. I love my life. I wouldn't end it or change it. I have everything that is important to me - a family that is loving and supportive. I could sit here all day gushing about them but you'd likely make gagging motions at me and click to another page. I love life, my life, and living. It just would be even better without the, you know, often severe agony and inability to stand up straight. -_-

Complete with that sassy glow.

Anyway... shall I just get back to the point? Which was...

My apology.

I am terribly sorry that I have been absent. Believe me. Aside from a doctor visit and my pain management group, the only other places I have been are 4 rooms in my house and the places that books can take me to. I'm trying to learn this "pacing" thing, but I can't promise it won't happen again. I've missed a lot of family get-togethers, date nights, and fun outings, let alone being capable of sitting up at the computer for any length of time. But I am determined to learn how to manage my pain so that I can live a fuller life and for you that means, more book reviews. Of which I have 7 to post.

So until I get that Bionic Spine, please bare with me!


Warm wishes,
Rebecca, aka Sister Sinister

"The Culling" by J.C. Andrijeski (3 Stars)

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The Culling

Alien Apocalypse #1 (aka The Slave Girl Chronicles)

by J.C. Andrijeski

Genre: Dystopian Sci-fi

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I received this novella from NetGALLEY in exchange for my honest review, and while I enjoyed the atmosphere, I did have some issues with repetitive word use (a pet peeve of mine), such as 'anyway, 'hard' and 'chuckled'. That will seem like a small thing to some readers, but it is something that gets under my skin. There are so many wonderful words out there to describe the same thing and dictionary.com has a free thesaurus.

As I mentioned, the atmosphere is well plotted and visually engaging with some strong details you sometimes see forgotten in a dystopian setting. I particularly liked the toxic water/fish, poisonous meat situation.

In this short book, Jet is a 'skag', a human survivor living outside the alien occupied Green Zone. She and her friend Anaze, are abducted for the purpose of serving the alien Nirreth, bi-pedal lizardy beings with venomous barbs at the end of their tails. Kept as pets, sex-slaves (what?!), and fighters for their coliseum-style games, Jet has to wonder what her fate will be.

I found this to be an intriguing idea with enormous potential. Even though I did find some faults with the story, it was overall enjoyable and I definitely want to read the next book in this series!

Check it out at GOODREADS | AMAZON | NetGALLEY | 
The author's WEBSITE!

"Knockout" by Tracey Ward (5 Stars)

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Knockout

A North Star Novel

by Tracey Ward

Genre: New Adult/Contemporary Romance

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I received a copy of this book in echange for my honest review and wasn't the least bit surprised that Tracey Ward knocked this one out of the park. I've read several of her books now and I've not yet been disappointed. KNOCKOUT may not be her usual paranormal romance, but it's still romance and it's still excellent.

Jenna has loved Kellen since she was 13. He's the older boy all the girls want and all the other boys respect. He's also a boxer, he's super smart, and he's meeting Jenna for the first time when her lawyer father legally represents him.

Kellen is used to keeping the world at a safe distance, until he meets Jenna. Even from the start of their friendship, she's the one he will confide in. The one he will return to, again and again. But will she stick by him, no matter what?

 This book *is* a knockout.

Interested? See it at GOODREADS | Buy it at AMAZON

"Certain" Cover Reveal

There are moments in life that take you by surprise - an outcome you weren’t expecting, an instant connection with a virtual stranger, or those warm tingles of new love. No matter what happens, you are certain that you will never be the same. Step inside and join these best-selling authors as they offer you a glimpse into the hearts and minds of some of your favorite characters. From dystopian to paranormal to contemporary romance, this collection provides a taste of all that you love.

Coming Soon to:

Available now!

Amazon | Smashwords | Goodreads

About the Authors:

Anna Cruise

Anna Cruise has been writing and drooling over boys since middle school. Lots of years have passed but some things never change...

Her books include the best-seller IT WAS YOU, IF I FALL (Mature YA) and MAVERICK (Contemporary Romance. Additional titles include DOWN BY THE WATER (Romantic Suspense), SET IN STONE (YA Paranormal) and IT WAS ME and IT WAS US, the follow-up stories to IT WAS YOU.

Anna loves to hear from readers and authors. 

Carlyle Labuschagne is a South African Debut Author working her way into the hearts of international readers with her First Young Adult Dystopian Novel "The Broken Destiny. She is not only an author but works as a Sales Rep and Marketing Manager by day. She holds a diploma in creative writing through the writing school at Collage SA. Loves to swim, fights for the trees, food lover who is driven by her passion for life. Carlyle writes for IU e-magazine India, an inspirational non-profit magazine that aims at inspiring the world through words. The drive behind her author career is healing through words. Carlyle is also the founder of the first annual book drive - Help build a library in Africa project.

"My goal as an Author is to touch people's lives and help others love their differences and one another."

A firm believer in - YA saves!

CL Foster is eclectic, geeky, positive, nature-loving and completely non-"normal" (just the way she likes to be). She has been a fan of literature since she was a small child and finally decided to take her dreams (both waking and sleeping!) and do something positive with them.

CL has lived all over the world and has a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, minoring in Psychology and Forensics. Which means you don't want to cross her because she knows how and where to hide a body so it's never found! She proudly admits to hearing voices in her head, but at times, her characters' impromptu visits can be rude and annoying. Thankfully, she has adequate patience for their shenanigans and can out ninja them any day of the week.

CL's voice is boisterous, sassy, and not finished yet! Stay tuned!

 

Delphina Henley is a stay at home mother of four, an avid reader and a shifter crack addict.  Her NA paranormal romance, Unless You Can Be A Unicorn, is set to release in October 2014. The prequel, "Always Be Yourself" is a part of the anthology, Certain.

E.L. Todd

My journey to this profession was slightly unorthodox. I received my bachelor's degree in biological sciences, worked as an award-winning researcher, and worked various jobs to pay the bills. While I enjoyed every moment of this adventure, it wasn't my passion. I've been writing since I was a young girl and have read anything that I can get my hands on. When people ask me what my favorite book is, I always respond, "All of them."

After I showed my work to my closest friends and gained their confidence, I realized that this is something I could commit my life to, something that I love. I never imagined--dreamed--that I could make a living as a writer. This is the greatest profession that I ever could have asked for, and I am so thankful for the support from everyone in my life. How many other jobs let you work in your pajamas?

I'm very grateful that I've had success with my various series. The Forever and Always Series is very close to my heart. I realize all the characters are fictitious, but in reality, they are real people living in my mind...as creepy as that sounds.

The Hawaiian Crush Series, The Essence Series, The Soul Saga, and the Southern Love Series are all also extensions of who I am, just played out in word. It's the greatest job in the world to explore different places and people and actually get to write about it. What makes it even better is when people love reading it.

When I receive fan mail through email, my website, or on Goodreads, I'm extremely flattered and humbled that people take the time out of their lives to compliment my work. I appreciate all the love and support. Without it, I would be nothing. I really would.

Kelly Risser knew at a young age what she wanted to be when she grew up. Unfortunately, Fairytale Princess was not a lucrative career. Leaving the castle and wand behind, she entered the world of creative business writing where she worked in advertising, marketing, and training at various companies.

She's often found lamenting, "It's hard to write when there's so many good books to read!" So, when she's not immersed in the middle of someone else's fantasy world, she's busy creating one of her own. This world is introduced in her first novel, Never Forgotten.

Kelly lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two children. They share their home with Clyde the Whoodle and a school of fish.

N.L. Greene is a writer of YA and NA Contemporary and Paranormal Romances. She currently lives in Florida with her husband and two beautiful daughters. When she isn't writing or reading, she enjoys traveling around the world with her family, shopping and doing other girly things with her girls, or playing video games with her husband. She is a lover of dogs, chocolate, and anything pink!

 Randi Cooley Wilson was born and raised in Massachusetts where she attended Bridgewater State University and graduated with a degree in Communication Studies. After graduation she moved to California where she lived happily bathed in sunshine and warm weather for fifteen years. Randi now resides in Massachusetts with her husband and daughter.

 Sharon Rose Mayes lives in Lufkin, Texas with her two sons. She chronicles her daily life at her personal blog Not Your Mom Blog and has been active in the blogosphere for seven years. When she is not chasing her kids and playing soccer mom she writes and dreams of all of the places she can't wait to travel.

 Susan Burdorf has loved fairy tales since she was old enough to read. The story of Sleeping Beauty, on which Affliction is based, is one of her favorites. Susan lives a quiet life in Nashville TN where she enjoys taking time to explore her second childhood with her grandchildren,with whom she continues to read fairy tales long after they have fallen asleep. She can often be found searching for fairy rings in her backyard.