Monday, February 10, 2020

[Release Day] THE KISS LIST from Sonya Weiss


THE KISS LIST

by Sonya Weiss Publication Date: February 10, 2020 Genres: Adult, Entangled: Bliss, Sweet Romance, Contemporary, Romance

SYNOPSIS

All Haley Bowman has ever wanted was her One True Love. But now, with her cousin getting married and Haley back in her small town, the pressure is on. Good thing she’s got a foolproof Kiss List, full of potential OTLs. Her parents knew they were soul mates at their first kiss, so surely Haley will know the same. All she needs to do is…well, kiss each of these guys…
Enter Max Gallagher: bane of Haley’s existence, her nemesis since childhood, and, unfortunately, as a local, her way in with all the guys on the Kiss List. Max wants nothing to do with love and certainly nothing to do with Haley, but he can clear the way for her to get to know the guys on the list. Of course, he wants something in return: to be made a partner in Haley’s family’s business. One kiss for relinquishing her hold-out vote on Max.
But the more time Max and Haley spend together, the clearer it is that there’s a paper-thin line between love and hate. Max will have to decide between the job he’s always dreamed of or the girl of his dreams before his fate is sealed with someone else’s kiss.
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ABOUT SONYA WEISS

Sonya Weiss is a freelance writer, ghostwriter and author. She’s addicted to great books, good movies, and Italian chocolates.
She’s passionate about causes that support abused animals and children. Her parents always supported her bringing stray animals home although the Great Dane rescue was a surprise.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Friday, February 7, 2020

[Release Day Blitz] MEN OF VALOR ANTHOLOGY



I am so excited that the MEN OF VALOR ANTHOLOGY by authors Yolanda Olson, Dani René, Holly J. Gill, Asleigh Giannoccaro, Anna Edwards, Catherine Wiltcher, India R. Adams, N.M Catalano, Cole Denton, & Dee Garcia is available now and that I get to share the news!
If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful charity anthology, be sure to check out all the details below.
This blitz also includes a giveaway for a $10 Amazon Gift Card, International, courtesy of the authors and Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.
About the Book:
Title: MEN OF VALOR ANTHOLOGY
Authors: Yolanda Olson, Dani René, Holly J. Gill, Asleigh Giannoccaro, Anna Edwards, Catherine Wiltcher, India R. Adams, N.M Catalano, Cole Denton, & Dee Garcia
Pub. Date: February 7, 2020
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Pages: 553
Find it: GoodreadsAmazon

FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED!!!

In the depth of the bright orange glow, come the Men of Valor.
These are the heroes who risk their lives to save ours.
They’re the men who walk into the inferno,
Who step between the heat of danger,
And give themselves in order to save lives.
They’re fearless, they’re heroic, and it’s time to honor them.
All proceeds of this anthology will be donated to the CFA (Country Fire Association). As fire wages war with Australia, we would like to do our part in helping. Fall in love with the firemen in each story, while giving back a small part by purchasing a copy today!

Check out all the awesome covers!































Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a $10 Amazon Gift Card, INTERNATIONAL.



Wednesday, February 5, 2020

[Pre-Release Blitz] WE THE WILDFLOWERS by L.B. Simmons



I am so excited that WE THE WILDFLOWERS by L.B. Simmons is releasing one week from today and that I get to share the news!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author L.B. Simmons, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a finished copy of the book, courtesy of Spencer Hill Press and Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

About The Book:

Title: WE THE WILDFLOWERS
Author: L.B. Simmons
Pub. Date: February 11, 2020
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Pages: 391
Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD

“Their strength and ferocity stem from below the surface where their roots are forever tangled, interwoven in such a way that for the remainder of time they bloom together …”

Genesis
Adam
Chloe
Lukas


No one loves them, no one cares about them, no one even sees them until they end up in Mary Rodriguez’s home, an outpost for Sacred Heart’s troubled youth program. It is within these walls that the four teens forge unlikely friendships. They experience the intensity of first loves, share secrets, and suffer losses, vowing to make the world a better place in spite of their personal battles with addiction, depression, loneliness, and abuse. But when the unthinkable happens, those friendships are tested in ways they never could have imagined.

Will they find strength enough to survive or will their bonds be too fractured to heal them yet again?

We, the Wildflowers is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.

"It’s difficult to imagine anything more damaging than knowing your parents want nothing to do with you, so when Chloe’s life is signed away to a program for troubled youth, she goes silently. It’s there that she learns to truly “see” others and there that she is finally seen, too, by the loving Mrs. Rodriquez, who runs the program, and by Adam, Genny, and Lukas, her fiercely loyal wildflowers, who form a friendship holding all the love and acceptance they all could ever need. But in the wake of sudden change, all the progress they’ve made is about to be upended. In this story of misfits, Simmons evokes the spectrum of emotions her readers have come to expect from her. Writing teens who have otherwise been discarded ultimately finding purpose, Simmons sculpts characters who are damaged but introspective, pained by their past but in pursuit of meaning in their future. Readers will revel in the slow-budding romance, sympathize with the insurmountable pain, and be lifted by endless pages of resilience. Hand to fans of character-driven stories of growth." — Mahjabeen Syed, Booklist


The seasons play an important and meaningful role in We, the Wildflowers. 

The Wildflowers find commonality with each other and even name themselves after a resilient patch of wildflowers they visit at their pond. Because of this, they too are affected by seasons. Each season in the book represents not only the actual season at the time the story is happening, but also the emotional state of the Wildflowers themselves.

A lot of growth tends to happen for the Wildflowers in spring, in summer they find confidence and start to really bloom, fall brings uncertainty and a tinge of fear, while winter brings devastation they could never imagine. Then the cycle begins again.

I think we all face seasons as we live our lives, and the idea behind showcasing them in this book is to remind people that yes, you may face your winter or winters even, but strength can be found in the knowledge that spring isn’t far behind. It too will come.


Excerpt:

Excerpt from We, the Wildflowers Chapter 9 pages 76 - 81

Genny rises, flicks the light on, and signals with a jerk of her head. “This way.” Single file, we follow her through the long blades of grass. Interspersed are several patches of light purple and pink wildflowers. I try not to step on them as we walk.

Several minutes later, we finally arrive at our destination. On a muddy bank lining the pond, our small patch of wildflowers is in full bloom, the stark white petals differing from the many other colorful blossoms that have overtaken the field behind us. They bend and bow with an oncoming breeze, and I smile, picturing them waving at us as if cheerfully greeting old friends. Genny grins with similar recognition. Slowly, she crouches to the ground, lovingly curling her fingers around the blossom of the closest wildflower. “Lukas.”

He begins to take a step forward, but halts suddenly, his expression taut across his face. He stares at the ground in contemplation before turning to face me.

Taken completely by surprise, I can do nothing but gape as he curls his fingers under the hem of his hoodie and whips it over his head in one swift movement.

It’s quite possibly the sexiest thing I’ve ever witnessed. To make matters worse, I’m ogling the movement of his muscles beneath his white T-shirt as he wordlessly shoves the hoodie in my face. Even Adam is helpless facing this glorious display. He exhales sharply next to me, and I elbow him in the ribs. And then, the impossible happens. Because standing in front of me, Lukas holds my eyes for a brief moment, then—I kid you not—he shakes his head and…grins.

Teeth flash, and Lord help me, a dimple sinks deep into his left cheek. Adam and I sigh in unison, which only serves to broaden his smile.

And in this moment, I know I’m totally and utterly screwed.

My entire body crackles as I take hold of his offering, the body heat trapped in his hoodie instantly warming my hands. It smells like him. And I know with absolute certainty I was right.

A simple smile from Lukas White is most certainly enough to sustain a thousand broken souls. Mine included. He looks back to the ground. “You’re cold.”

“Thank you,” I respond, smiling meekly in appreciation.

He silently acknowledges my gratitude with a dip of his head before turning back to Genny. She’s looking at me, her grin unconcealed.

When Lukas slowly kneels beside her, I lift the hoodie to slide it over my head. Adam chuckles beside me, elbowing me in the ribs this time while I’m defenseless. I curse him from within the heavenly confines of the hoodie before poking my head through the neck hole and pushing my arms through the sleeves.

Ignoring us, Genny wisely continues with the introductions. “Lukas, these are our wildflowers. Our namesakes.” She gestures to the field behind us, brimming with colored blossoms. “You see, every one of these flowers will eventually succumb to the seasons’ brutality. Mark my words, all will be worn down by extreme heat and by the middle of summer, they’ll be gone. Every single one.”

Her hand stalls on the white flowers still dancing happily in the breeze beside her. “Except these badasses, because they’re stubborn. Resilient. They will last long after the others are gone. Like us, they continue to flourish in defiance of the demanding seasons. Their strength and ferocity stem from below the surface where their roots are forever tangled, interwoven in such a way that for the remainder of time they will bloom together, and when winter finally prevails, they perish as one. But even in death they remain connected, thriving within the comfort only they can provide each other, until spring brings them to life once again.” Genny angles her head and smiles lovingly at the wildflowers, then cups an open blossom between her hands.

After a silent moment shared between the two, she releases it and looks to Lukas. “Wildflowers, this is Lukas. He’s one of us.”

Without another word, she rises and steps away, allowing ample time for Lukas to familiarize himself with the flowers in question. My teeth sink into my bottom lip as I watch him reach forward and timidly brush the velvety petals with the tip of his finger. His hardened expression relaxes, and when the flower cheerfully waves back at him, the corner of his mouth lifts, softening it further.

God, he’s beautiful.

I take a quick sharp breath, to make sure I can still breathe.

He gives the flower another gentle stroke, then gingerly trails his finger down the stem. Once through, he remains crouched in a silent moment of kindred connection, then after another meaningful touch of the white petal, he rises. And I as watch the encounter, the oddest thing happens. Or maybe I just imagine it.

But I could swear that the flower stills, then with all its tiny might, lengthens its stem to follow him as he stands. She stretches herself to her limit, but sadly, she cannot follow. Eventually she concedes, drooping in defeat when he turns away before giving him a despondent wave goodbye. I offer her a sympathetic grin.

I know how you feel, my friend.

As soon as Lukas has risen to his full height, Genny pins each of us with a lengthy stare. “We, the four of us, are bound together by our own horrific pasts. But within this group, we find solace in each other because only we can truly comprehend the devastation endured. And the devastation we will endure. Because the truth is, winter is inevitable. But I find comfort in the fact that we have each other to hold on to until spring finds us once again.” She glances at the patch of white flowers then back to Lukas. “So yeah. The very definition of being a Wildflower is just that. We’re bound so closely that your pain is our
pain. Your story is no longer just yours to bear—it’s ours. And when winter strikes any of us, we perish together knowing we will rise together as well. We are four, but we are one. And together, there’s nothing we can’t overcome.” Genny’s face splits into a wide, shit-eating grin as she concludes, “Plus, I’m Genesis. I’m the creator. So, you really don’t have a say. You just are.”

I roll my eyes and shake my head.

Adam barks a laugh.

Lukas remains silent, but his gaze drops to the wildflowers before it lifts to meet our eyes. And when he finds mine, I know her message has been received loud and clear. Vulnerable Lukas looks back at me.

And although we’ve always known he would, he now has finally accepted his fate.

As the Fourth and final Wildflower.

Top Ten Songs and Playlist Link, While Writing We, the Wildflowers:
https://open.spotify.com/user/1258682205/playlist/0gitXuh7F0JqpeDppYjMlx?si=eH8FEql4QXy-K7YEnxGPQg 

1) “Heathens” – Twenty One Pilots

2) “Sweater Weather” – The Neighborhood 

3) “Echo” – Jason Walker 

4) Go – Meg Myers

5) “Under the Tide” – CHVRCHES

6) “I Don’t Wanna Be In Love” – Dark Waves 

7) “Illusory Light” – Sarah Blasko 

8) “Tongue Tied” – Grouplove 

9) “Hymnal” – In the Valley Below 

10) “Bravest Everything” – Yuna 

Bonus Track:

“Best Part of Me” – St. Leonards




About L.B.:


After graduating from Texas A&M University, L.B. Simmons did what any biomedical science major could do. She entered the workforce as a full-time chemist. Years later, never in her wildest dreams would she have imagined herself a USA Today Bestselling contemporary romance author as well.

What began as a memoir for her children, ended up being her first self-published book, Running on Empty. Initially it was written to chronicle their actions, their phrases, and their silly arguments so that when they were older, they would always have those memories. The memoir soon began to take on a life of its own, morphing into the story of a single mother with three little girls finding love when she least expected it. Soon after, her girls were given reoccurring roles in the remainder of what became the Mending Hearts series.

That's how her journey as an author began, and she hopes to God it never ends.

L.B. Simmons doesn’t just write books. With each new work, she attempts to compose journeys of love and self-discovery so she may impart life lessons to readers. Several novels later, she’s tackled suicide, depression, bullying, eating disorders, as well as physical and sexual abuse, all the while weaving elements of humor into the storylines in effort to balance the difficult topics. Often described as roller coaster rides, her novels are known for eliciting a wide range of emotions in each story she tells.





Giveaway Details:
1 winner will receive a finished copy of WE THE WILDFLOWERS, US only.

Giveaway ends February 14th at midnight EST.

Saturday, February 1, 2020

3 years, 5 months, 10 days Later...


Do you ever wonder what happened to the time? How can you turn around only to realize that it’s been over 3 years since you’ve done something that you really love?

That’s what happened.

Seriously. 3 years, 5 months and 10 days since I posted on the blog and it’s still alive.

I miss you guys!!! Here’s just a short snippet of what happened in my personal life since then. I realized that I never really shared much about myself but getting wrapped up in the world of literature can make your real life seem unimportant sometimes.

1.       I broke up with a boyfriend of 8 years
2.       I switch careers. Twice
3.       3 businesses have been started, all within the last year
4.       I moved states – from Seattle to Boise. And all for love
5.       Yes, new love. Plus he has two kids so I suppose I could call myself an Insta-mom

And so, so much more. I think that at this point of my life, I could potentially write a memoir on the last three years of my life and make it more of a comedy.

But overall, I am just happy to be here again. Cheers to the new year and let’s get some good reads!

Monday, August 22, 2016

Weekend Reads - Summer Edition

Do you know what every summer needs? A vacation! Between getting another job, competing in fitness competition (see my progress and updates at http://www.kuklae.com/), this summer has been pretty crazy! But have no fear! Because books are here and they totally have saved my ass haha
Here's a list of what I have been reading during my vacation and a short summery of what I thought about it or think about it so far :)



Truth or Dare (Truth or Dare, #1)

So far? Actually intriguing. Not going to lie, I really freaking want to know who the darer is!! Grr
This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity, #1)

So far? My love for monsters have died down over the years but not going to lie, this has been a pretty interesting one. So I'm hoping for the best! 



The Good Kind of Bad

So far? I typically would have been bored already but I really freaking want to know what kind of "dangerous" twist this will bring. Overall, they did promise drama hehe




What are some of your favorite summer reads so far? 

Sunday, December 6, 2015

[Book #Review] The Casquette Girls by Alys Arden

the casquette girls banner

the casquette girlsTitle: The Casquette Girls
Author: Alys Arden
Publisher: Skyscape
Date of Publication: November 17, 2015

Seven girls tied by time.
Five powers that bind.
One curse to lock the horror away.
One attic to keep the monsters at bay.
**
After the storm of the century rips apart New Orleans, sixteen-year-old Adele Le Moyne wants nothing more than her now silent city to return to normal. But with home resembling a war zone, a parish-wide curfew, and mysterious new faces lurking in the abandoned French Quarter,normalneeds a new definition.
As the city murder rate soars, Adele finds herself tangled in a web of magic that weaves back to her own ancestors. Caught in a hurricane of myths and monsters, who can she trust when everyone has a secret and keeping them can mean life or death? Unless . . . you’re immortal.


The Casquette Girls is hands down one of the best books that I have read in 2015. Filled with mystery, fantasy, romance, and magic, I couldn't put it down. Taken place in New Orleans after a huge storm destroyed the city and left so many families stranded, it also shows a different side of magic that's hidden in the broken windows. 

“And when all was done and all was said, we sat silently staring at the moon's reflection on the rippling river, soaking it all in. The differences between people, cultures and times.
The monsters. The myths.
The heroes.
The victims.
The love and loss.
Loss and love.”

Story begins with Adele Le Moyne returning from living with her mother back into New Orleans to stay with her dad. And just because her wardrobe improved, doesn't mean that she isn't still the same girl that had to leave her house when the Storm started. Struggling with the destruction around the city that she knows so well, Adele witnesses way too many strange things that should not happen. Even being able to move things without even touching them starts to wake her up. When she meets two brothers that are even stranger than anything she have seen, her life would be changed forever. 

“In the words of the great Monsieur Baudelaire, 'The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he doesn't exist.”

I loved Adele, I really did. Although she seemed to be naive and a little too immature for my taste, I learned how to appreciate her personality and view on the world. The book had a good pace, was entertaining, and will make a great read on those cold windy days! 


Alys
Alys Arden was raised by the street performers, tea leaf-readers, and glittering drag queens of the New Orleans, French Quarter. She cut her teeth on the streets of New York and has worked all around the world since. She either talks too much or not at all. She obsessively documents things. Her hair ranges from eggplant to cotton-candy-colored.
One dreary day in London, while dreaming of running away with the circus, she started writing The Casquette Girls. Her debut novel garnered over one million reads online before being acquired by Skyscape in a two book deal. Rep’d by ICM.
Website | Twitter: @alysarden | Facebook | Blog


Giveaway

2 physical copies open US only.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

[$50 #Giveaway Book Blast] Seaside Christmas by Stacy Claflin

seaside christmasSeaside Christmas by Stacy Claflin
He can’t stand her. She thinks he’s crazy. Will their feelings stay etched in permanent ink?
Cruz Hunter has always stuck out in his small hometown. Now that he’s covered in tattoos, the residents peg him as even more of an outcast. It seems like the whole world is against his dream of opening a local tattoo parlor.
When he finally finds the perfect place for his new business, Cruz discovers a pastor and his daughter have already bought it. The only thing more irritating than the change in his plan is Talia, a beautiful and feisty argument in a dress. Cruz would like nothing more than to have her out of his life and his mind, but for some reason, she’s the only thing he can think about.
If Cruz and Talia can stop arguing long enough, opposites may do much more than attract.
add to goodreads
amazon
Meet the Hunter brothers of Kittle Falls…
The Seaside Hunters novels are a series of contemporary sweet romances. They’re set in the beach town of Kittle Falls, following the Hunter brothers as they make their way back to their hometown and find the loves they couldn’t elsewhere. Each book is a standalone.
Seaside

StacyAuthor Stacy Claflin
I don’t stick to a single genre in my writing, reading, or viewing. My favorite shows include Supernatural, The Walking Dead, Pretty Little Liars, Lost Girl, Vampire Diaries, and Once Upon a Time.
I’ve been writing and telling stories for as long as I can remember. As a kid, my story telling would get me into trouble because I would try to convince others that my stories were real.
When I’m not busy writing, I like spending time with my family and friends. I also educate my kids from home.
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$50 Book Blast Giveaway
Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/20/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by readinglight.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Tuesday, December 1, 2015

$300 Holiday Cash #Giveaway

Holiday Cash Giveaway
$300 Holiday Cash Giveaway – December 1st to 21st
An Awesome Group of Authors & Bloggers have joined with me to bring you 1 fabulous prize!!
We’re giving away $300 in Paypal Cash! Or alternately you can choose a $250 Amazon.com eGift Code!
Sponsor List – Thanks to these awesome bloggers & authors for sponsoring this giveaway!!

Sponsor List
I Am A Reader
eBooks for Review
Lori’s Reading Corner
Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Author Inger Iversen
D.E. Haggerty – author
Author Ednah Walters
Leisure Reads
Glistering Bs Blog
Jennifer Bardsley 
Rockin’ Book Reviews
Suzi Love
B. Kristin McMichael
Laurie Here – Contemporary Fiction and More – Book Reviews
Raven Haired Girl
Rae Lori
Here We Go Again…Ready?
Author Dorothy Dreyer
Julie Antonovich Reece
Pat Esden, paranormal romance author
Author Melissa Wright
Coupons and Freebies Mom
Melissa Giorgio
Cynthia Luhrs Author
Author Deb Atwood
Melissa A. Hanson, Author
Lisa Orchard
Nicole Tone
Kathryn Purdie
Y.A. Chit Chat
Kelsey Ketch
Simple Wyrdings
Pintip Dunn
Aubrey Wynne: Romantasy Through the Ages
My Reading Spot
Every Free Chance Books
Spiced Latte Reads
Megan Tayte (YA author)
Hannah Fielding ~ Romance Novelist
Lorca Damon
Charnell @ Reviews from a Bookworm
Book Nerd Addict
HOT LSITENS
YA author Nina Rossing
Auggie @ AuggieTalk
Amy McNulty
Everly Frost
Heather Gray, Author
Literary Winner
Bex @ Aurelia {lit}{geek}{chic}
Giveaway Details
$300 in Paypal Cash or a $300 Amazon.com eGift Card
Ends 12/21/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or who can redeem an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway