Shadow of Deception by Sophia L Johnson w Giveaway!

SHADOW OF DECEPTION (The Kazumi Chronicles #1)

by Sophia L. Johnson

YA Dystopian/Sci-fi

Published on April 19th, 2015

2153, Toronto, United Nation of North America (UNNA)

A horrific plane crash kills all five hundred and forty-two passengers except one. Kazumi emerges from the wreckage physically unscathed but has lost all her memories. Her miraculous survival has the whole city buzzing but all she wants is to go home, wherever home is.

After waiting a month in the hospital with no one to claim her, Kazumi is deemed homeless. She is about to be sent to a nearby teenage shelter when the nurse she grew to trust ushers her down a mysterious path, one that promises safety and maybe even the chance to recover her memories. With no better options available, Kazumi takes her chance and finds herself in the headquarters of the Sarcomeres, a secret society of genetically advanced humans hidden deep inside the Rocky Mountains. The Sarc’s heightened physical abilities and high-tech gadgets are not the only things that fascinate Kazumi. Finnegan O’Riley, a fellow Sarc she meets along the way also gets her heart racing. When Kazumi discovers that she possesses the genetic potential of a Sarcomere, she jumps at the chance to train with them, not knowing the death defying tests that are involved.

Meanwhile, a centuries-old nemesis of the Sarcomeres begins to stir in the dark, setting their dark plans in motion. Just when Kazumi thinks she can help protect her new found home, past memories surface to threaten her new identity. She soon realizes that layers of deception run deep and everyone has a secret agenda, including herself.

Who can she trust when she can’t even trust herself? One wrong decision could bring forth consequences worse than death.

Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Indigo – Google Play

_________________________

All royalties made in the first year will go to a charity

called Covenant House, to help homeless youth.

Excerpt from Shadow of Deception – The Kazumi Chronicles #1

Despite my slower pace, we manage to put a good distance between us and the pursuing soldiers. The ruin that was once the train station is far behind us now.
Just when I think we are out of harm’s way, four dark figures emerge from the trees fifty feet ahead, blocking our path. Their faces are hooded by their purple robes.
Finn stops abruptly and I stumble forward. He tightens his grip on me so I don’t trip and fall.
“What is it?” I gasp, feeling like a very large person is sitting on my chest.
“Neuronics,” Finn says under his breath. “Stay close to me, don’t look them in the eye, and don’t believe anything you see. Use this when you have the chance.” He hands me a gun.
I don’t remember if I ever held a gun before, but it’s heavier than I thought. The cool and smooth metal is somewhat soothing against my hot and sweaty palm. There are red markings infused into its gleaming surface, just like the blades I saw back in the training hall. The lines and curves of the characters remind me of ancient runes. And the red ink inside seems to be moving, like a mini river flowing through a maze. This is his gun, not a stolen one from the soldiers like I thought.
“Duck!” Finn pulls me to the ground as a massive tree trunk flies over our heads. I look up and see the four figures still standing at their original spot. Their hoods lowered, revealing their stern faces. All of them male.
I want to ask Finn where did that tree trunk come from but the blue soldiers have caught up to us from behind. Finn springs onto his feet and collides with the crowd of blue in a flash.
I hold up my gun with trembling hands, thinking I can help Finn clear out a few enemies. But the chaotic blur makes it difficult for me to aim. I shift my attention to the purple figures and they too have advanced closer.
Trying to steady my aim, I heedlessly stare into the eyes of one of the Neuronics and find myself immobilized by his intense gaze. No matter how hard I try to look away, my eyes will not comply. I begin to feel something invisible reaching into my mind, like tentacles creeping through my brain, scrutinizing my every brain cell.
NO!
Frantically, I drop the gun and clutch my head with both hands. I need to get these tentacles out of my head. But they are growing in number and are now in every orifice of my head.
AHH!. . . gross!
I can see their ends flailing from my nostrils. I grab onto one with my fingers and I pinch as hard as I can. But the damn thing won’t die. The feeling is horrible, like a sickening itch in my brain that I can never scratch.
The sensation intensifies. I drop to my knees with a piercing cry. “Get off me!” I scratch, squeeze, rake, and peel at every bit of tentacle that I can get my hands on. They are too slimy and quick. The terrible itch spreads down my neck, threatening to take over my whole body. I yank one tentacle out of my neck just before it creeps down to my chest, but three more take its place with a vengeance.
“AHHHH . . .”
My hands are furiously battling with the creatures when my knee bumps into something solid. Through the flailing limbs, I see the gun on the ground, the gun Finn told me to use when the time is right.
I grab the gun and press the cold barrel to my head. The agony is insufferable. I wrap a finger around the trigger, ready for my sweet relief.



My Review

Well holy crap on a cracker- this is a good one!! This is definitely dystopian but just wow! There's a lot to talk about and little ways to do it without ruining it. The epilogue is a momentary glimpse of Kaz before everything happened. She was a child. But then we watch her wake up from a plane crash and not know anything. Well little things but not even her name, she gets a new one for a little while. And she a wanted commodity because she is the only survivor of the crash. When it's time for her to go from the hospital she is secretly swished away to a place that blew my mind. The first part of the book is Kaz trying to figure things out. She has some help both good and bad. Then she makes friends. The sarcomeres. And there's a lot going on- the sarcomeres are humans with some extra abilities- like strength and speed. The neuronics are mind benders, they control minds. And they really aren't nice. Nope. They want her just as much.

Ok first let's talk about Kaz. Goodness I felt bad for her. She is all alone. No one knows who she is. She is stuck between wanting things and getting them. Including finding herself. She finally gets a little leeway with the sarcs but boy is she in for a total whiplash when she does finally get her memories back. I think I cried when that happened because everything went downhill for her from there. But the book went over the mountain at that moment. I mean wow. She's a strong girl, I'll say that much. And though she has faults, she's given those because she can't even tell you her name. And she immediately fixes then when she does. 

Ok there's a ton of great side characters in the book. Finn of course being our main man and I am saying everything possible prayer to any higher being that it's really not the last of Finn at the end. Please let him be there in book two. Please let her make up with her friend- her kinda one true friend- because it's unforgivable but also understandable what happened between them. Please let it not be really that bad. And Kyle- you won't meet him till almost the end but please please let him have more. 

The world building probably takes the cake here though. Seriously, extremely awesome in creation and back stories and how everything and everyone works. I was so impressed. And everything flowed so well. I did not put this book down. At all. It was that good. The character depth is phenomenal and they are all so well written. Even the bad guys- Marco topping the list. And the way we got to learn everything as Kaz did made the story suspense and endearing at the same time. It will make you feel for her more.  And the plot twist! Well good golly- I'm still trying to screw my jaw back together! I suspected something but not that something and I just want to hug them!! All I need to say is I'm a die hard fan now and seriously need book two!! Like tomorrow :) 5 majorly fantastic paws!! 

Ps- Sylvie- from dark world books- THANK YOU for  convincing me to sign up for this one! I totally owe you a big one for it! And I'd also like to mention that during the first year of this book's release (2015), all proceeds go to a charity called Covenant House. This charity is for homeless, abused and at risk youth. So go out and buy a copy to support this amazing cause! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

With a degree in International Business Management, Sophia has worked in a major marketing firm where she realized the corporate world isn’t one she wants to be in. She then made the switch into the healthcare industry as a Registered Massage Therapist by day and a writer by night. She is now a Massage Therapy instructor and a published author living with her husband and daughter in Toronto. Her go-to genres are science fiction, fantasy, and dystopian; or anything that sweeps her away into a foreign world that promises adventure.

Website – Twitter – Facebook

 

We’re pleased to announce a Tour for the YA Dystopian/Sci-fi
Shadow of Deception by Sophia L. Johnson! The tour is running from July 20th to
August 7th, 2015. There will be interviews, guest posts, excerpts and review copies available + an International giveaway that will run on our site and on each stop.

Shadow of Deception Tour schedule:

• July 20th | Life of a Bookworm (Excerpt)
• July 21st | The Tale Temptress (Review)
• July 22nd | The Writing Greyhound (Review, Author Interview)
• July 23rd | Happy Tails and Tales (Review, Excerpt)
• July 24th | Darkest Sins (Guest Post)
• July 27th | Mind Reader (Author Interview)
• July 28th | Justified Lunacy (Review)
• July 29th | Jody’s Book Reviews (Excerpt)
• July 30th | Sapphyria’s Book Reviews (Guest Post, Excerpt)
• July 31st | The Avid Reader (Review, Excerpt)
• August 3rd | The Reader and the Chef (Review)
• August 4th | White Sky Project (Review)
• August 5th | Reader Girls (Excerpt)
• August 6th | Much Loved Books (Guest Post)
• August 7th | Fuonlyknew (Review)

 

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Spinner by Michael J Bowler w Giveaway!

SPINNER
by Michael J Bowler
YA Horror/Paranormal
Published on August 5th, 2015

Fifteen-year-old Alex is a “spinner.” His friends are “dummies.” Two clandestine groups of humans want his power. And an ancient evil is stalking him. If people weren’t being murdered, Alex might laugh at how his life turned into a horror movie overnight.
In a wheelchair since birth, his freakish ability has gotten him kicked out of ten foster homes since the age of four. Now saddled with a sadistic housemother who uses his spinning to heal the kids she physically abuses, Alex and his misfit group of learning disabled classmates are the only ones who can solve the mystery of his birth before more people meet a gruesome end.
They need to find out who murdered their beloved teacher, and why the hot young substitute acts like she’s flirting with them. Then there’s the mysterious medallion that seems to have unleashed something malevolent, and an ancient prophecy suggesting Alex has the power to destroy humanity.
The boys break into homes, dig up graves, elude kidnappers, fight for their lives against feral cats, and ultimately confront an evil as old as humankind. Friendships are tested, secrets uncovered, love spoken, and destiny revealed.
The kid who’s always been a loner will finally learn the value of friends, family, and loyalty.
If he survives…

Amazon

Excerpt
They were in.
Now to find the grave.
They had a map, of sorts. With the graveyard paperwork Alex’s mother had sent was a map that had numbers on it. Roy knew from his own mother’s funeral that those numbers meant the different graves. One area was circled on the map, and Roy had told them that must be where Alex’s folks were buried. All they had to do was follow the map.
Yeah, he thought, as they stood in a darkened graveyard looking at a paper map with a tiny flashlight beam, trying to figure out just where in the hell on that map they were, sounded easy at the time. Since he was the only one who drove, the others let him plot their way. But shit, he hadn’t been here since last year on his mom’s anniversary to put flowers and, well, that had been during the day!
Israel stood quietly keening with fear, his eyes darting everywhere at once, while Java and Alex waited patiently for Roy to figure things out. Their best landmark was a lake near to where Alex’s parents were buried. They’d have to wander around till they found it.
“They’re near some lake, and there’s a fountain, I think, so we should, like hear water splashing, right?”
Java shrugged, but Alex nodded excitedly. “Yeah, we will. Let’s look around till we hear it.”
They moved out into the tree scattered, grave-filled cemetery with nervous anticipation. Java carried the shovels because he didn’t trust Israel not to drop them if a gopher ran past in the dark.
The grass slowed Alex’s wheels so he let Roy push the chair from behind to conserve his arm strength.
Most of the graves were the small ones like his mom had, just a flat metal plate with names and dates on them. The wind gusted and blew leaves from the fading trees onto the grass, swirling them around their feet as they walked. No one spoke. The silence crushed them. Dark, ominous clouds only added to the horror-film atmosphere, and Roy wished he hadn’t watched so many of those movies at Izzy’s house.
The grass rose up into hills and mounds, all scattered with graves that they passed nervously between. Roy felt weird, walking on top of dead people like this, and he could hear Israel panting with fear. He was about to approach and calm the boy when Java stepped up and flanked Izzy, offering his own muscular body as protection. The gesture surprised Roy, just like the one atop his truck, given Java’s daily frustration with Izzy’s ADHD. But the move clearly helped Izzy, who looked at Java and smiled with gratitude.
The flat graves gave way to the kind with tall headstones by the time the splashing of water came from ahead in the darkness. Roy increased his speed. The tall headstones looked really old, and for some reason they creeped him out more than the newer ones, like somehow older dead bodies would be more likely to haunt them or something.
The splashing grew louder, and the wind stronger. It also got colder, and Roy shivered. Must be the lake water making him cold, he told himself, hoping that was the only reason. The image of that huge, evil cat crept ceaselessly into his mind as he pushed Alex toward his parents’ graves. To find out what? That Alex was a bigger freak than he thought? That he might destroy the world some day? Roy knew these things could never happen, not from Alex. But Alex feared himself even more than he feared the cat. And that broke Roy’s heart every time he thought about it.
The lake loomed ahead, not too big, but bigger than Roy could calculate using his body-height method. A jet of water shot into the air at its center and fell back, hitting the surface with the kind of splashing sounds he used to make in the bathtub as a child.
Java and Israel stopped by the shore of the lake and turned to face him. Roy let go of Alex’s chair and slipped out the map. He squatted down so Alex could see and turned on the tiny penlight. Together, they squinted at the circled spot and tried to figure out which direction it was from the fountain of water.
After a few moments of bobbing his head up and down from the map to their surroundings, Roy thought he’d figured it out. He pointed to their right, to an older part of the graveyard that was a mix of flat plates and stone markers. “Over there.”
The others nodded and they set off. They passed nervously through the rows of graves. Even though Alex hadn’t said anything, Roy felt eyes on them.
Lots of eyes.
But every time he looked around there was nothing but the wind and rustling leaves and their own cushioned footfalls against the grass.
I’m crazy, he thought, imagining dead people watching.
Or maybe it was those creepy-ass stone angels bending toward a grave, hands clasped before them in prayer. Maybe they were watching. Whatever it was, Roy’s skin crawled.
This was the section. He stopped pushing Alex, and the others stopped, too. Now was the part they all hated – reading. They had to look at each grave and try to figure out which one belonged to Alex’s parents. Alex looked at him and Roy whispered, “The last name starts with “O,” right?”
Alex nodded. Roy squinted at the paper and found the name. He could tell because there were two names in front of it and that meant the “O” word was the last name. He pointed to it for Java and Israel. “That’s the name we gotta find.”
“Are dead people, like, you know, laid out by ABCs?” Israel asked.
Java looked at him in annoyance. “Fool, do you even know your ABCs?”
Israel shrugged. “Some of ’em. I always get stuck around, like, ‘G’ or ‘P’ or something like that. I never could–”
Before Israel could start rambling, Roy whispered, “Just look for a last name starting with ‘O.’ Then we’ll check it with the paper.”
Java nodded, but Israel’s mouth fell open. “You mean we gotta split up?”
“Just around here, fool,” Java snapped, keeping his deep voice low and controlled.
“But there’s dead people here!” Israel hissed, his eyes wide with fear.
“That’s why it be called a graveyard,” Java spat, his temper obviously rising.
“Look guys,” Alex said, “you two stick together and me and Roy’ll stick together. ’Kay?”
Java grunted, but Israel nodded rapidly. “Yeah, that’s better.”
The two groups wandered off in opposite directions, each with a penlight.
Roy aimed his light while Alex slowly pushed himself between the graves. The beam struck each headstone or metal plaque long enough for both of them to squint at the last name, and then Roy moved it along to the next. He still felt that sensation of being watched, and it sent chills up and down his spine. The cold, biting wind didn’t help, and he kept his hood up and over his head to keep his hair from blowing into his eyes.
He spotted the other flashlight beam a short distance away, but there seemed to be no one else anywhere around. So who was watching them? Finally, he stepped closer to Alex and leaned down to his face. “Someone’s watching us.”
Alex peered out from his hood, brushed hair from in front of his eyes, and looked at him soberly. “Not someone. Some thing.”
Roy froze. “What thing?”
Alex shrugged.

My Review

What an interesting story. Quite amazing. I read the synopsis, so I knew going in there was a boy in a wheel chair, he had a special power- which happens to be healing people which I love- and he's had a rough life. I was not prepared for all the other good things that would happen. And bad things. And how much I would love and hate the characters. And how very cool this book is in learning about yourself and others and how we should treat each other. Sometimes there's evil, like the abusive foster mom, and then there's evil, those hunting Alex. See, you can't help it, you're intrigued too. 

Alex is definitely a strong character. He's had to go though and is still going through so many things. Not good things. And yet, he never lets his chair get in his way, or lets people make him feel like less of a person for being in it. And he knows he has a lot more to come at him than what he has now. You see, other than his ability to heal people, he also has another little power he doesn't understand. He sees future events. But with this comes the fact that he now has to deal with the people who do not want him to see those future events. And though he is told it, he's definitely not stupid or less than. 

The characters make the whole story. Yes the plot is awesome, and there's great writing that flows so well, but everyone who reads this story will not be able to let go and forget Alex and his friends. They are fighters and I am inspired by that. They all just want a home to belong to and be accepted and loved. All the while learning things about themselves and others around them. It's a sad story and a happy story and a frightening story all in one. I'm glad I read it. Well done. 5 PAWS 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael J. Bowler is an award-winning author of eight novels–A Boy and His Dragon, A Matter of Time (Silver Medalist from Reader’s Favorite), and The Knight Cycle, comprised of five books: Children of the Knight (Gold Award Winner in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards), Running Through A Dark Place, There Is No Fear, And The Children Shall Lead, Once Upon A Time In America, and Spinner. His horror screenplay, “Healer,” was a Semi-Finalist, and his urban fantasy script, “Like A Hero,” was a Finalist in the Shriekfest Film Festival and Screenplay Competition. He grew up in San Rafael, California, and majored in English and Theatre at Santa Clara University. He went on to earn a master’s in film production from Loyola Marymount University, a teaching credential in English from LMU, and another master’s in Special Education from Cal State University Dominguez Hills. He partnered with two friends as producer, writer, and/or director on several ultra-low-budget horror films, including “Fatal Images,” “Club Dead,” and “Things II,” the reviews of which are much more fun than the actual movies. He taught high school in Hawthorne, California for twenty-five years, both in general education and to students with learning disabilities, in subjects ranging from English and Strength Training to Algebra, Biology, and Yearbook. He has also been a volunteer Big Brother to eight different boys with the Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters program and a thirty-year volunteer within the juvenile justice system in Los Angeles. He has been honored as Probation Volunteer of the Year, YMCA Volunteer of the Year, California Big Brother of the Year, and 2000 National Big Brother of the Year. The “National” honor allowed him and three of his Little Brothers to visit the White House and meet the president in the Oval Office. He is currently working on a sequel to Spinner. His goal as a YA author is for teens to experience empowerment and hope; to see themselves in his diverse characters; to read about kids who face real-life challenges; and to see how kids like them can remain decent people in an indecent world.

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On My Knees by J Kenner Blitz w Giveaway!

ON MY KNEES (Stark International #2)
by J. Kenner
Erotic Romance
Published on June 23rd, 2015

I never thought I’d lose control, but his desire took me right to the edge.

Powerful, ambitious, and devastatingly sexy, Jackson Steele was unlike any other man I’d ever known. He went after what he wanted with his whole mind, body, and soul—and I was the woman in his sights. One touch and I surrendered, one night together and I was undone.

Jackson and I had secrets, dark pieces of our pasts that threatened to swallow us both. We couldn’t outrun our demons, or the people trying to tear us apart. But in our passion we found salvation, and in each other’s arms we found release.

I was scared to trust Jackson fully, to finally let go. Yet no matter the dangers that lay ahead, I knew I was his—and now that we’ve laid claim, there’s no more holding back.

On My Knees is intended for mature audiences.

Amazon

_________________________

Read more of Jackson Steele and Sylvia Brooks

in Say My Name (Stark International #1)!

Excerpt

"I'm sorry, Ms. Brooks. I haven't seen him since he arrived."
     I frown, wondering if maybe Jackson didn't leave the building after all. I'd expected him to want to get far away as quickly as possible—I know I would. But Jackson isn't me, and I draw in a breath as I debate whether I should go up to his workspace on the twenty-sixth floor.
On the one hand, he hadn't waited for me, and he hasn’t returned my texts. All evidence suggests that he wants to be alone, and I get that.
     On the other hand, what he wants may not be the most important factor. I'd been royally pissed off at him not long ago, and I'd wanted to be alone, too. But Jackson had followed me to make sure I was okay.
     And right now, I'm terribly afraid that Jackson is a long, long way from okay.
     I thank Joe for his help, then park myself on one of the chrome and leather benches that provide seating in the lobby. I tap out one more text, then actually cross my
fingers.

It doesn't help, and after forcing myself to sit and wait for a full five minutes, I make a decision. Maybe it's selfish, but I want to see him. No, I need to see him. I need to know he's okay. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

J. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres. Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, Victorian-era thrillers (coming soon), and paranormal mommy lit. Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, has been consistently in development in Hollywood since prior to publication. Most recently, it has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for development as series on the CW Network with Alloy Entertainment producing. JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for him.” A three time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her books have sold well over a million copies and are published in over over twenty countries. In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

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Rising Tide by Susan Roebuck Blitz!

RISING TIDE
by Susan Roebuck
Contemporary Suspense
Published by Mundania Press on March 19th, 2015

Time, and most of Portugal, has almost forgotten Luminosa, a small fishing community on the Alentejo coast. A cluster of white and blue cottages huddle under the cliffs overshadowed by the great manor of Herdade Albatroz, whose family has ruled the village since the days of Napoleon. Far off the tourist route, nobody visits Luminosa by chance.
When a ruthless American racketeer turns up, the peaceful village’s way of life could be ruined forever. But will other visitors—Piper Pines, seeking news of her long dead Portuguese mother, and Leo Shine, bereft of a father and brother accused of terrible crimes—help or hinder his objective to drag Luminosa into the twenty-first century?

Amazon UK – Nook – Omnilit – Mundania Press

Excerpt

Alentejo, Portugal 
Leo woke to find the sun on his face. He raised himself onto his elbow, disorientated. Had he slept too late? He’d kicked off the covers during the night and was butt naked, his body sweating in the heat. Shouldn’t it be raining? It always rained in September. The crashing of waves sounded familiar enough, but where were the other usual sounds: the clanking of the dockside crane as it dipped and swung from the fishing boats’ holds, the wagons rumbling towards the canning factory, the glad shouts from crews on the vessels returning home? Where was the everlasting stink of fish and gasoline? Why did it smell of freshly baked bread? He scratched his head to free it from the last clouds of sleep and forced his eyes open wider to look around the cramped room. Against the wall was his open rucksack with his few spare clothes spewing out onto the floor. 
Glancing at his watch, he saw it wasn’t that late and then it dawned on him the sun was in a different position, that’s all, because he wasn’t in his bedroom in the family home on Wharf Street; he was six thousand miles to the southeast and he’d arrived last night. 
****

Leo had wondered during all those hours on the planes if he should charge in when he arrived in the village like a storm trooper and shake the first inhabitant he saw until information rattled out of him along with his teeth. He snorted at the idea. No, he’d play with them like a fish on a line and then reel ’em in once they took a bite of his enticing bait. And if it turned out they had played any part, however small, in the Goblin’s sinking then he, like Luke Skywalker, would be a force to be reckoned with. 
But when he did arrive last night, a stocky and very hairy guy asked, stating, Leo thought, the damned obvious, “Just arrived?” He said his name was Serafim as he placed a dish of steaming fish stew in front of Leo. 
This was a primo. The main one. Serafim was the guy who sent the Christmas cards and he hadn’t been difficult to find in this one-horse town since the sign Serafim’s Bar/Café was the first thing Leo spotted on arrival. 
It felt strange, though, finally meeting a relative who wasn’t his father or brother, and for a moment Leo was tempted to wonder if he could get away with introducing himself. Nah—bad idea. Hadn’t he already decided the best action was to keep schtum? Anyway he was too hungry and he eyed a fragrant dish brimming with clams, white fish fillets, golden potatoes, and chorizo sausage with almost the first feeling of pleasure he’d known since March. 
Leo chewed on a briny clam and eyed possibly more of his relatives: a handful of fisherman who arrived, creating a buzz of too many voices so the air was thick with sounds and a fishy odor that didn’t come from his plate. They didn’t look much different to the hard-lined, weathered fishermen he’d lived and worked with all his life, sitting at the scuffed bar on bar stools that had been broken several times and patched up, their shirts stained with fish blood. Except money wasn’t flowing like it would where Leo came from. In the dingy Halcyon Bar back home there would be a constant ringing of a bell when guys had had a big catch and a bunch of money to spend on buying rounds. Here they hugged their one beer, chewed what looked like flat yellow beans and spat the transparent skins out onto a saucer. 
Still, their leathery faces looked cheerful enough and they’d given him a wave or two as they passed, even though they couldn’t have a clue who he was. Course, they might all be dimwits. His father had once referred to the primos as “all inter-married and crazy as Crackerjacks. Won’t change a thing in the village, it’s like walking into a time slip and going back a hundred years.” 
When it came time for Leo to ask about renting a room, Serafim told him there was one above the café and didn’t even ask his name. 
****
This morning, Leo clambered down the wooden staircase and opened the door that was the inside entrance to the café. The only things he desired right now were freshly baked bread and a coffee. 
The café was empty except for a plump woman holding a straw basket, her ankles so swollen they rose over her shoes and spilled down the side like beer foaming over a glass. She turned as Leo came in, saying, “Good morning,” and her weathered face creased into a brown-tooth filled smile. “Welcome. I do hope you have a very pleasant stay.” 
His mind tumbled in confusion. Where did these people learn their English? It wasn’t like everyone in the country spoke fluently. The cab driver last night had stumbled and tottered over his words several times before he’d managed to convey to Leo he’d have to drop him at the top of the hill that led down to the village because he didn’t think his cab would get down the narrow street. 
Unaffected by Leo’s lack of response, the woman continued, “Would you like a coffee the likes of which you’ve never had before? Just the way Serafim knows how to make it, thick, strong and short—a bit like Serafim himself, but not so hairy.” The woman gargled what could’ve been a chuckle. “One and a half cups and you’ll be buzzing.” 
“Sounds good to me,” Leo said as she threw a final laugh in Serafim’s direction before she placed what looked like jars of honey on the counter and then clattered through the chain curtain hanging at the door. 
Leo turned to his primo behind the counter. Primo. God dammit, families were people you had feelings for and the only people he cared about had been wiped out by a rogue wave. In any case, Leo didn’t think Serafim and he resembled each other in any way. 
“Bica I presume?” Serafim asked, offering the tiny steaming cup of coffee with an elaborate bow. 
In the fug of ground coffee-beans, tobacco, stale beer and wine, Leo held the tiny cup of thick brown liquid to his nose, inhaling deeply before adding three packets of sugar. The coffee began to work its magic, bringing a warm glow to his insides on a par with a gulp of brandy. 
“We aim to please,” Serafim said, obviously reading Leo’s expression correctly. 
The guy had attitude and Leo had to admit he liked it. Serafim wasn’t morose, nor a meathead, and probably neither were the guys in the bar last night because after Leo had turned in, he heard a coarse-voiced chorus from down- stairs which had lulled him off to sleep. “You speak good English,” Leo said. 
“Practice, that’s all,” Serafim said, handing over a warm roll with butter and jelly that, he told him was, “all homemade. If you want any ask Rosa, she’s my sister and the one who just left.” 

So he’d just met another primo, had he? Rosa? Shame, he’d kinda liked her. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sue Roebuck was born and educated in the UK but she now lives in Portugal with her Portuguese husband. She has taught at various colleges and institutions in Portugal and her interest in dyslexia started with a discussion over lunch with a colleague and friend. Nowadays Sue’s mostly occupied by e-learning courses which, when no cameras are used, are also known as “teaching in your pajamas”. But, given a choice, writing would be her full-time occupation. Working from home presents no problem for her since her office window overlooks the glittering point where the Tagus River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The huge container ships, tankers and cruise liners which are constantly on their way in or out of Lisbon harbor are a great source of inspiration (or distraction). She has traveled widely through The States and believes that “being born American is like winning the lottery of life”. If she could live anywhere, she’d live in the Catskills in Upstate New York.

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INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY GRAND PRIZE:
E-copies of Rising Tide, Perfect Score and Hewhay Hall
RUNNER-UPS:
E-copy of Perfect Score
E-copy of Heway Hall

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Fated by JoAnne Kershaw Review Blitz w Giveaway!

FATED (Vanguard Legacy #3)
by Joanne Kershaw
YA Fantasy
Published by Xchyler Publishing on April 25th, 2015

Defeated but not vanquished, the foes of light have retreated. But victory came at a terrible cost to Elora Walker, with her friends lost and scattered. Eleven months later and just seventeen, she commands her own Vanguard quad but struggles with a past that won’t release her and a future she hesitates to embrace.
The barriers between worlds continues to weaken, Dark Seekers are emboldened, and David still plans to engulf humanity in eternal night. Elora means to end the threat once and for all but dreads the personal consequences. Will saving the world demand the ultimate sacrifice? And who must pay it?

Amazon UK – Amazon US

Fated Excerpt:

I thought that, with this being book three, it might be a good idea to introduce you a little to Elora’s new world and the new cast of characters in her life. The main events of Fated take place almost a year after the conclusion of Reflected, and a lot has changed for Elora. Now an active Vanguard, she is finally living an ‘ordinary’ life—you know, aside from the mind-reading and exceptional speed, strength and senses!  Enjoy!

My back slammed into the red brick wall, and a hot breath rushed out of me. Gasping, my eyes flickered shut for a second before I felt myself rise again. Cold, hard hands gripped my neck and lifted me until my face was level with a pair of menacing, soulless black eyes. I didn’t wriggle or squirm, not that I didn’t want to, but the hold the vampire had on my neck was choking the life out of me. Pushing out with my mind, I tried to find my back-up. Where on the Spirits was the rest of my quad?

My quad, however, seemed oddly absent, and I felt my heart beat grow a little more frantic—and probably more delicious-sounding considering my current company. Desperate now, I swung my legs up hard and punched my feet into the centre of the vampire’s chest. A dead thud reverberated through me. He snarled derisively while I pushed against him, trying to force him to release his grip on my throat. One shove, another. The third time, I summoned all of the Vanguard strength I had in me.

I caught the smug creature off-guard—my short stature often led my enemies into a false sense of security. His grasp loosened for a fraction of a second and I twisted away, both of us falling in a tangled heap on the floor while I gasped for breath. I scrambled away, the dirt from the alley pushing up under my fingernails as I skittered backwards. The vampire moved fast, and I was unable to put any real distance between us before his shadow loomed above me.

I cast my eyes towards the shadow, trying to anticipate the creature’s next move. It was not the vampire but my quadmate and commander, Marcus. He held his finger to his lips and I listened inside instead.

“The rest of the quad are behind you, Elora,” came Marcus’ calm, calculating voice. “We need to draw him that way if we’re going to take him alive.” This steady-in-the-face-of-danger attitude was something I had come to expect of Marcus during the last few months, and so I nodded, the panic fading as quickly as it had come.

Marcus slipped back behind a portion of the wall and continued his commands, relying on me to pass them around the quad. This was what I did, after all—human telephone. A sudden lump rose into my throat as the phrase fluttered through my brain, my assigned Vanguard Superior had coined it and he had died a little over six months ago whilst trying to protect me. He was an honourable man. I had trusted him and he had believed in me. It still hurt that he was gone. I had little time to think about it, though; the vampire had hold of my ankle and was slowly lifting me up. The tendons in my ankle popped, straining against my weight. My short, auburn hair slipped from its ponytail as I was lifted completely off the ground.

“They sent a little girl for me?” laughed a dry voice. We had reached the obligatory ‘just before you die’ gloating, and I steeled myself for the usual barrage of taunts and mockery. “Did they really think you would be able to take me down?” the vampire continued. I squirmed a little, making it look good. I knew the others were about to make their move and I was waiting as patiently as I could. “Little girl, I am Ramos. I have been alive probably ten times your lifespan! How dare you think you can kill me?” It was clear that Ramos needed this to be a two-way affair, so I joined in—if only to shut him up.

“Maybe I just look good for my age?” I coughed. It turned out it was difficult to speak when suspended upside down.

Marcus whispered to me that it was probably best not to antagonise the monster any more, but it was a little late for that.

“Good for your . . . ha!” Ramos mocked. “The lack of marks on your uniform show me just how little you are, girl.” The silver flecks on my sleeve were on the sparse side—but I was still new, really, so twelve was pretty good. With a sudden surge, the vampire wrenched me up and around, spinning me so that he once again gripped my neck rather than my ankle. Then he whispered darkly, “I think I will drink you slowly, painfully. Punishment for your arrogance.”

“Now would be a great time to perform your daring rescue!” I urged my quadmates silently. I saw them about the same time as Ramos heard them. They slipped in from three sides and completely surrounded him, like moths to a flame. His grip tightened on my neck for a moment and then he lowered me. Turning slowly, he looked to each of my team in turn. He was no doubt realising that I was the very junior of juniors when it came to Vanguards, and that my quad most definitely were not.

Marcus had his arms folded loosely across his chest. His forearms glistened in the faint orange glow from the distant streetlights. He had many more kills and captures to his name and he was not alone. Simon had an equally glittering past. Finally, Maria, who had been here only six months longer than I, certainly had her fair share.

“Well, well! I see this has become more of a banquet than a snack!” Ramos ran his tongue slowly over his teeth as if to prove his point. All at once, I lashed out with my foot, striking him in the back of the head and nudging him forward. Simon and Maria each grabbed an arm, and Marcus pushed his iron stake firmly through Ramos’ heart. He gasped a chalky breath before disintegrating gently into a fine grey powder. He really never saw it coming, how would he when the signal was invisible?

Other books in the series

My Review


This review may not be a good justification of this book. I have not read the first two books. *sigh* Yes I know, bad Maghon. LOL Anyways, this is the story of picking up the pieces of the chaos that has happened previously. Elora Walker gets my appreciation and respect for her fight. Seriously, this kid has some moxy. And when  the say blood is thicker than water, too bad you can't clean it with clorox because this girl has some seriously cray cray family. And though one part of the fight is won, there's a lot lost. I have a feeling the last book needed a lot of kleenex. 

Elora and her friends are battling demons, and she's mostly alone, with her friends splitting up to help keep the madness down. And now, she is also thrown in the deep end with a whole team of Vanguards she is to command. Oh boy. I know I need to catch up on some things. This is just complicated for her. Oh and her ex, who was bad, is now good, freaking hates her on site. LAWD this girl makes me want to hug her. And then, her dad's BFF unleashes the news that daddy dearest is going to bring hell to earth. Oh man. Let me say that this is an excellent story with great action, a heart wrenching drama, some serious betrayals, and a wonderful set of characters. 

The world building that I see here is excellent. I know it was more established prior so I seriously need to get my hands on the first two books. Oh the romance, which is normally not my thing, but hot damn of this one works hard to be excellent. The characters are wonderful. The writing is well done and all I can say is I can't wait to go backwards. LOL Sounds funny saying that, but now I wanna read the first two books. :) 5 PAWS!! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joanne Kershaw lives in Wakefield, England, with her husband, four young children, and an uppity cat named Dipstick. As a teacher of five- to eleven-year-olds, she spends her days playing at being a grownup, then goes home to delve into Young Adult dark romance and being sixteen again. Joanne lives and breathes books, whether reading, writing, or marking them. She wrote her first novel in six weeks. Encouraged to submit her work by a friend and fellow YA novel addict, Joanne now finds herself a signed author at Xchyler Publishing.

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We’re pleased to announce a Book Blitz for the YA Fantasy Fated by Joanne Kershaw! The blitz is running from May 18th to 22nd, 2015. There will be interviews, excerpts and review copies available + an International giveaway that will run on our site and on each stop.

• May 18th
  Jody’s Book Reviews (Excerpt)
  Life of a Bookworm (Excerpt)
  Devils Light Book Blog (Excerpt)
  
  
• May 19th
  Happy Tails and Tales (Review, Excerpt)
  Proserpine Craving Books (Excerpt)
  
  
• May 20th
  Much Loved Books (Excerpt)
  The Avid Reader (Author Interview, Excerpt)
  Fundimental (Excerpt)
  
  
• May 21th
  Darkest Sins (Excerpt)
  Sapphyria’s Book Reviews (Excerpt)
  Fuonlyknew (Excerpt)
  
  
• May 22nd
  Mind Reader (Excerpt)
  The Reader and the Chef (Author Interview, Excerpt)
  Nomi’s Reading Palace (Excerpt)

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY

GRAND PRIZE:

* $10 Amazon Gift Card + E-copies of the Vanguard Legacy Trilogy

RUNNER-UPS:

* E-copies of the Vanguard Legacy Trilogy + swag

* E-copy of Foretold

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