Book Buzz: The Appeal of Evil by Pembroke Sinclair

YA Paranormal Romance, The Appeal of Evil by Pembroke Sinclair is set to launch next year on January 14th and boy does it look hot or what?  Check out the book description below:

Katie wants to invest her heart and soul in love, but she may lose both to Hell.  

Katie, a senior in high school, is torn between loving the “good” guy, her childhood friend Wes who makes promises he doesn't keep and abandons her when she needs him the most, and the “bad” guy, the new kid at school Josh who is also a real demon from Hell. 

Katie wants someone who pays attention to her and puts her first, but what is she willing to give up to find him?

Sounds cool, huh?  And the cover is pretty smoke'n too.  You can pre-order your copy today by clicking here!  

About the Author: 

Pembroke Sinclair is a literary jack of all trades, playing her hand at multiple genres. She has written an eclectic mix of fiction ranging from horror to sci-fi and even some westerns. Born in Rock Springs, Wyoming--the home of 56 nationalities, it is no wonder Pembroke ended up so creatively diverse. Her fascination with the notions of good and evil--demons and angels and how the lines blur have inspired her writing. Pembroke lives in Laramie, Wyoming with her husband, two spirited boys, a black lab named Ryder and a rescue kitty named Alia, who happens to be the sweetest, most adorable kitty in the world! She can not say no to dessert, orange soda or cinnamon. She loves rats and tatt’s and rock and roll and wants to be an alien queen when she grows up.

Find out more about Pembroke by visiting her blog or Facebook or Twitter!

Happy Monday!

Mina B.

IWSG: Don't Ever Give Up!

It's time for Insecure Writers Support Group.  This monthly meme is brought to us by  Alex J. Cavanaugh and now has a new home.  If you haven't visited their new website, click here and check it out! 

I'll keep my post short. Like most writers, I've had way too much going on.  To give you an example, it's 11:30 at night here and right now I'm trying to write a compelling post.  *Smacks forehead*  That's just the way it goes, huh?  
Anyway, my insecurities this month--which seem to be a common theme for the year--are surrounding my novel and some setbacks I have had.  This is not necessarily a bad thing but it has caused some insecurity for me. That said, I haven't dwelt on that insecurity for too long.  In truth, finding time is my biggest challenge with my writing these days.  Do hurdles like this make a writer want to give up?  It used to, but I realized a long time ago that this whole writing process is a journey so I'm doing my best to enjoy the ride.

And no I haven't given up either.  To show you I haven't I thought I'd share this writers creed with you:

Have you seen this before?  It's perfect for the publishing industry, huh?  Can you guess which one's publishing and which one's me?  Can you relate?  What type of insecurities are you faced with this month?  

Mina B.

Book Buzz: Wind and Shadow by Tori L. Ridgewood

Have you had a chance to read, Tori L. Ridgewood’s new book Wind and Shadow: Book One of the Talbot Trilogy? It's a paranormal romance filled with mystery, witches, vampires and of course romance. Ridgewood's thrilling story was published by Melange Books, was released over the summer.  

Here's the synopsis:

After a series of misadventures including being accused of attempted murder in high school, Rayvin Woods, a photographer and natural witch, left her hometown of Talbot in Northeastern Ontario, hoping to start her life over and never return. Ten years later, circumstances force her back to face her past and her former crush Grant Michaels.

 
Malcolm de Sade, a cunning vampire, escapes from an underground prison looking for vengeance. His accidental release unleashes his hunger and ambition on a small, sleepy town. Rayvin’s power is all that stands between de Sade and his domination of Talbot, and beyond.
 
Grant Michaels, a police officer, thought Rayvin was a murderer. He will do whatever it takes to protect the community he loves from danger... but will he learn to trust his heart, and the word of a witch, before it's too late?

Rayvin didn't count on rekindling a lost love or battling a malevolent vampire and his coven for her life when she came home to Talbot. Facing the past can be a nightmare… It’s worse when a vampire is stalking you.

Wind and Shadow: Book One of the Talbot Trilogy - 
Click here for an excerpt.

Purchase Wind and Shadow: Book One of the Talbot Trilogy Amazon

About Tori:

After her first heartbreak, Tori found solace in two things: reading romance novels and listening to an after-dark radio program called Lovers and Other Strangers. Throughout the summer and fall of 1990, the new kid in town found reading fiction and writing her own short stories gave her a much needed creative outlet. Determined to become a published author, Tori amassed stacks of notebooks and boxes of filed-away stories, most only half-finished before another idea would overtake her and demand to be written down. Then, while on parental leave with her second baby, one story formed and refused to be packed away. Between teaching full-time, parenting, and life in general, it would take almost seven years before the first novel in her first trilogy would be completed. In the process, Tori finally found her stride as a writer.

At present, on her off-time, Tori not only enjoys reading, but also listening to an eclectic mix of music as she walks the family dog (Skittles), attempts to turn her thumb green, or makes needlework gifts for her friends and family members. She loves to travel, collect and make miniature furniture, and a good cup of tea during a thunderstorm or a blizzard. Under it all, she is always intrigued by history, the supernatural, vampire and shapeshifter mythology, romance, and other dangers.

You can find Tori at the following places:

Tori on Twitter

Tori's Website

Sounds cool, huh?  Witches are wicked cool, but long lost loves and stalking vamps?  Well, isn't that intriguing?

Mina B.

2013 Gratitude Giveaways Blog Hop

The Gratitude Giveaways Blog Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer is here! This is another favorite blog hop because its so important in life to show gratitude. 

                                                        

Every year I make a list of what I'm thankful for.  Here's my list for this year:

* Family

*  Writing

* Friends
*  Writer Buddies

* Minions
* Blogger Buddies

     Thank you for being so awesome!

Anyway, I'm giving away one (1) $10 Amazon GC to the winner. The Giveaway hop starts on November 15th and runs until November 30th, eod.   International participants welcome!

To enter…
You MUST be a follower of my blog and MUST fill out this entry form. (And yes, I do check GCF) 

That's it!  Wahoo!..

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Feel free to comment and thanks again for everything.  Want to see who else is participating?
Mina B.

Book Review: That Fatal Kiss by Mina Lobo

Mina Lobo, a.k.a. Goth Mom Lite, launched her debut novel, That Fatal Kiss recently and WOW what a story. Take everything you think you know about Greek mythology and throw it out the window.  Lobo's takes Hades and Persephone's story to whole new level.

That Fatal Kiss was fanciful, romantic and heart-stopping good.  And I don't say this lightly because I'm not normally a fan of Greek mythology.  Besides the wonderful writing, Lobo's story is enchanting.  It begins with Hades arising from the depths of the Underworld to seize his chosen bride, Persephone.  Hades is arrogant, sensitive and an impenetrable force in the Underworld and the realm of gods. Once Hades captures Persephone, it's much like the epic tale of the clash of the titans—where two mythical gods literally go at each other.  In truth, they have much to learn about each other.  Hades has to learn romance  doesn't mean taking what he wants, and Persephone has to learn that submitting to Hades  isn't necessarily a bad thing.  The chemistry between these two is catching and in a word dazzling. But don't take my word for it, if you missed the excerpt, I posted a few months back, click here.

As the story unfolds, Persephone must make a choice, stay with Hades and be his eternal wife in the Underworld or lose her destined love forever. That Fatal Kiss also features a slew of mythical gods with robust personalities who erupt right off the page. Towards the end of the novel, these gods convene in a spectacular showdown—all in the name of Hades and Persephone. Trying to have a relationship is one thing but having some mythical deities scheming for your demise—well that makes for some great storytelling.

What I loved most about this book were the two classic characters: Hades and Persephone. Their love story was epic and the way Mina Lobo tells it; you can understand why.  That Fatal Kiss was an intense, wild mystical ride filled with seduction. I gave it a 4.5 because it was simply awesome.

If you’re looking for a refreshing take on paranormal romance, try That Fatal Kiss and be prepared to be seduced.

Mina B..

NBC’s Dracula: Have you been bitten?

NBC’s Dracula featuring Jonathan Rhys Meyers premiered on last Friday night.   Did you get a chance to see it?  Since I’m such a huge fan of Bram Stoker’s classic, Dracula, I had to watch it.  My thoughts?  Truthfully…I’m on the fence.  Check out a sneak peak below:

Warning:  Spoilers are mentioned.  Read at your own risk.

NBC's Dracula was entertaining but completely different from the original story.  If you want a brief overview of the classic lit novel, see my review here.  The NBC version of Dracula is definitely unique because he's more of a vigilante and not necessarily a soulless bloodsucking monster (not yet anyway).  Interesting huh?  In the late 1800’s Dracula is awakened and reinvents himself as a wealthy American industrialist named Alexander Grayson.  He’s sworn vengeance against a secret group of ruthless business and political leaders called The Order of the Dragon.  This group did unspeakable things to Dracula hundreds of years ago, and he demands revenge.

Some of the original characters are present in this tale, including Mina, Jonathan, Lucy and even Van Helsing but the story has of course deviated.  Since this is a series, NBC must create plots that will entice viewership beyond the original tale.  And so how will Dracula extract revenge from his adversaries?  In short, Dracula wants to launch "wireless electricity technology" to the world and put the Order of the Dragon out of business.  I said it was a different story line, didn't I?    

Was it entertaining?  I suppose.  Will it be enough for me to watch an entire season or two?  I hope so, but I’m not sure.  Did you see the premier?  What were your thoughts?  If not click here to watch episode 1!  

Mina B.

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop

The Spooktacular Giveaway Hop is here hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.  With Halloween just around the corner this has become one of the biggest book blog hops of the year.  Are you ready for Halloween yet?  Have you read any good books that awaken your spirit this season? No?  Well don't fret.  There are over 375 blogs participating this year giving away lots of wicked books.  How cool is that?  

Since this giveaway must be book related, I'm giving away one (1) FREE Amazon Gift Card so the winner may pick their own poison.  How's that for keeping things simple?

To enter…

You MUST be a follower of my blog and MUST fill out this entry form. (And yes, I do check GCF)

Extra entries…
+1 Like me on Facebook/MinaBurrows
+2 Follow me on Google Plus
+1 Retweet this Twitter (limit 1 retweet)

Again, the giveaway runs from 12:01 AM on Oct. 15th - October 31st, midnight. Contest is open to International participants. 

Want to see who else is participating?  Visit I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and check out all the links and hop on by.

Update: Congrats to Tiffany D. for winning the Spooktacular Book Hop. The winner was chosen by the reputable Random.org and has been notified via email. They have 72 hours to respond.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mina B.

On the blog: Partners in ParanormYA

Hey, friends, I have two very special guests I'd like to welcome to my blog today.  The female version of the dynamic duo, Partners in ParanormYA featuring Gwen Gardner and Angela Brown.  

Hi girls!  *waves emphatically*  I'm so excited to have these mystic babes here and so should you.  Sit back and take a tour as both Gwen and Angela give us a sneak peak at their new releases and give us a special treat.  

Popcorn to Go

Abby: Fighting should be used as a last resort, at least that’s what I was taught at V’Salicus Academy.

Indigo: I’m not much of a fighter, or a lover or any of that. Why are we doing this in the first place?

*Abby moves her head in a slow circle, stretching her neck muscles.*: Get you ready , you know, for another investigation.

*Indigo tugs at her sweatshirt.*: I can’t really touch ghosts…not even trying to get close to the Soul Collector.

*Abby reaches her arms above her head, then resituates her sweatpants on her hips after checking that her sports bra was firmly in place*: I’m talking about the flesh and bone perps that don’t take too kindly to you and the gang asking questions.

Indigo: Oh…them. Yeah. *her face reddens*

*The door to the Partners in ParanormYA training room opens and closes. Badger and Basil settle on the floor leaning back on yoga mats propped up against the wall. Soda pops, popcorn and candy fill their arms.*

Abby: Uh, we’re busy here.

Badger: Don’t mind us. Just here for the show.

Abby: I’m trying to teach Indigo how to fight.

Basil: Exactly. This should be fun.

*Badger and Basil fist bump then grab their bags of popcorn.*

*Abby and Indigo share a glance. They saunter across the room and snatch the popcorn from their fingertips.*

Abby: Not this time, fellas.

*And the girls take their popcorn to go.*

Will the girls get to make up the botched session? Will Indigo need a few kick-butt pointers for A Guilty Ghost Surprised? Will Abby get to put her skills to use in They All Fall Down? Answers to two of three of these questions await discovery.

About A Guilty Ghost Surprised: Indigo Eady and gang are back with a feather and a Chance setting off another twisting-turning investigation to bring a cold case, and loved ones, closure at last.

Get your copy here:  Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About They All Fall Down: Free of their duties as Cleanser and Harvestor, Abby and Basil try to move on with their lives. But some secrets remain. And what is done in the dark won’t be good when it comes to light.

TAFD buy links: Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About Partners in ParanormYA:

Gwen Gardner and Angela Brown - YA paranormal authors embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. Share with us as we take the Indie journey to bring our works to the world. Buckle up! There'll be mystery, mayhem, action and emotional roller coasters...oh, and a few things that go bump in the night.

Hauntings are scary but we love interaction:

Angela’s author FB page | Gwen’s author FB page

Tweet Angela | Tweet Gwen

Angela’s blog | Gwen’s blog

And don’t forget about the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks girls for stopping by.   Congrats to you both.

Mina B.