THANK YOU!

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Barb

THANK YOU!

thank you #2

All of us at The Reading Cafe want to take this time to thank everyone for helping celebrate our first year. Our month long Anniversary Celebration is now over, and it has been a blast. We have enjoyed being able to offer such great giveaways to all of our members.

We have been blessed to have been able to meet some wonderful people along the way, as well as to read so many fantastic books, Interview all those wonderful authors & Cover Models, find exclusives, and share them with you.

Our first year has been especially rewarding working with the wonderful authors, publishers, assistants and agents. Many of whom have commented to us about how much they enjoy The Reading Cafe, and it is those comments that make this experience so rewarding. Below in the comment section, we will post a comment from such an author to give an example of how wonderful everyone has made us feel, and prove why this all so worthwhile.

From Barb, Sandy and all of our contributors, we Thank You for being a part of The Reading Cafe. We move on to another year, which we plan to continue to give you the best that we can be.

The Reading Cafe Team

Special Note: The remaining Giveaway winners names will be posted as soon as we have received confirmation from the winners.

A few of the giveaways are still open until March 3, 2013. Please check the end dates to be sure.

Darynda Jones Prize Package Giveaway

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Sandy

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Darynda Jones Prize Package Giveaway

Giveaway Banner

Our FINAL One Year Anniversary giveaway prize package has been graciously donated by DARYNDA JONES. Darynda has donated the first three books in her Charley Davidson series: First Grave on the Right/ Second Grave on the Left/Third Grave Dead Ahead.

ONE giveaway winner will receive SIGNED COPIES of all three paper books from Darynda Jones.

Click HERE for Darynda Jones’ Website.

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TO ENTER: Giveaway open to 18 years of age and older

NOTE: Register at The Reading Cafe using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter or Facebook etc, please post your email address with your comment, as Twitter etc does not account for email contact.

1. Open to US and CANADA only

2. Please post a comment telling us to enter you in the giveaway.

3. Giveaway runs until March 3, 2013

EMBRACING THE FLAMES by Candace Knoebel-cover reveal

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Sandy

Embracing The Flames by Candace Knoebel-Cover Reveal

embracing the flames

NOTE: The Reading Cafe has scheduled an interview with Candace Knoebel for March 20, 2013.

The Stone of Immortality has been protected under the watch of the Draconta for as long as time has existed. That is, until the betrayal of a Fate. Now everything is about to change.

Aurora Megalos accepted her destiny without blinking-even if it meant succumbing to her dragon side. Deemed the Progeny, she left the ordinary life she knew and has done everything in her power to learn the ways of her new realm and what it means to be part dragon. But when her mentor, Astral, suddenly disappears, she is forced to take the reins. With war on the brink, she sets out on an epic journey to not only find her mentor, but to stop her Arch Enemy, Zordon, from attaining the Stone of Immortality. But what she discovers about him along the way is far worse than she could’ve ever imagined. She will be tested and pushed to the limit. Lives will be lost, love will be questioned, and a battle will begin.

Expected Date of Release: Summer of 2013

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Candace Knoebel ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Website

Hello! I’ve been writing ever since I was little, but never considered it a career until 2009. Probably due to the amount of boredom that came with my job. I love mexican food-actually, I just plain love food. And I dance when I eat out of sheer elation due to yumminess. I have a love/hate relationship with jogging and weight lifting. Why? Because I live in Florida…yay heat (note the sarcasm). I am obsessed with 30 Seconds to Mars, Tobuscus, and all things mixed media. I love to laugh and make silly music videos with my friends. I also believe in magic.

Now to my writing career.

I began dreaming up characters in 2009 that would one day mold my first novel, Born in Flames. Then I met my best friend who shared the same passions and pushed me to go for my dreams. Through lunch breaks and late nights after putting my kids to bed, I built a world where I could escape the ever-pressing days of an eight to five Purgatory. I found my calling in life and knew that this was more than dancing on Broadway could’ve ever meant to me.

Once complete in 2010, I began the grueling process of finding a publisher. With relentless determination, I was finally able to realize my dream in December of 2011 when 48fourteen offered me a contract. With a HUGE yes and a happy dance, I now continue my Trilogy while waiting for the big day of being published.

Keri Lake-Soul Avenged Guest Post and Blog Tour

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Sandy

Keri Lake-Soul Avenged Blog Tour

Keri Lake-Guest Post on Writing

For a working mom of two, squeezing in a few hours here and there for writing can be close to impossible. Throw in laundry, grocery shopping and long commutes and well, some days are just more difficult than others. I suppose this is why my muse tends to take an ‘on call’ status—front and center when I’m ready to roll. Don’t get me wrong, there are days when I can’t summon a single sentence and begin to question silly things like the spelling of simple words. Fortunately, those occasions are few and for the most part, I get cooperation from my imaginative half.

So how does a book manage to get written in the thick of this war zone?

Simple. I wake up at ungodly hours.

My alarm goes off at four sometimes three in the morning—well before I have to get up and on with my day. With peace and quiet (and a really strong pot of coffee), I can crank out 3-4,000K words in a sitting. I’ll blame my half-asleep state for the dark nature of my stories at that hour. If there’s time later in the evening to throw some words on the page, I might squeeze in another 1-2K.

Soul Avenged was written in six weeks. In part, based on excitement for the characters and the storyline—I couldn’t wait to get up in the morning to finish scenes from the night before. The other part was recognizing that I wasn’t really supposed to be indulging this little distraction. I was supposed to be writing the second book of my Halos trilogy.

Did I mention that I’m easily distracted?

Like a kid with her hand in the cookie jar, I scrambled to write this book as fast as I could get it out of my head, the characters prodding me along all the while. I kept a notebook beside the bed for those last minute details I knew I’d forget by morning. I like to visualize the very final scene in the book—it keeps me galloping like a maniac toward the finish line. And the end of Soul Avenged was plotted well before anything in between.

My method of writing wouldn’t appeal to most. The first drafts ain’t pretty—lots of dialogue and very few descriptions of anything. The idea is to write as fast as I can for as long as the muse is game. For my hectic lifestyle and me though, it works. It gets stories written—maybe even a little faster than if I had all the time in the world to do nothing but write them.

Keri

SoulAvenged

ORDER: Amazon/ Barnes and Noble / Amazon.uk / Smashwords

SOUL AVENGED (Sons of Wrath, #1)
By: Keri Lake
Release Date: February 6, 2013
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance/Dark Urban Fantasy
ISBN: 978-0-9848517-3-7
Number of pages: 533

ABOUT THE BOOK

Passion is blind in vengeance and love …

Ayden’s suburban home was invaded by a pack of Lycans.

The brutal attack is the only memory she carries of her former life.

Now, one motive burns in her soul:

KILL THEM ALL.

The Sons of Wrath—a brood of vengeance-dealing warrior demons—band with Ayden to hunt the Lycans on Detroit’s most deadly feeding grounds.

Kane Walker should’ve been her easiest kill.

Unfortunately, the newly bitten Lycan has something she wants—clues that may finally lay her past to rest. To reach them, she must be willing to submit to the sensual pleasures awakened by his touch.

Time is running out.

In seven days, Kane will become what Ayden despises most. She can halt his transformation but the antidote requires the ultimate sacrifice. As the beast takes hold, Kane becomes more of a threat.

Ayden must choose between her lust for revenge, or surrender to her enemy and discover a horrible truth.

Sons of Wrath
Never gamble with vengeance

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Keri Lake

Follow Keri: Goodreads / Website / Twitter/ Facebook

Keri Lake is a married mother of two living in Michigan. She writes paranormal romance, urban fantasy and loves a good, tragic love story. Though novels tend to be her focus, she also writes short stories and flash fiction whenever distraction manages to suck her in to the Land of Shiny Things.

When she isn’t toiling away on plots and protagonists, she enjoys reading, music and travel. If she could create mystical powers for herself, she’d have the ability to flash to anywhere in the world. And if she could flash to anywhere in the world at this very moment, she’d be staring at the ocean from her adirondack chair on the shores of North Carolina.

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Soul Avenged Blog Tour “Fire & Ice” Giveaway Info:

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CLICK a Rafflecopter giveaway to enter!

Grand Prize: (Valued at approximately $280)

1-Kindle Fire HD (approximate value $199)

1-Signed Paperback Soul Avenged (Sons of Wrath, #1)

1-Sons of Wrath t-shirt

1-Sons of Wrath coffee mug

1-Soul Avenged Notebook

1^st Runner-Up: (Valued at approximately $75)

1-$25 iTunes giftcard

1-Signed Paperback Soul Avenged (Sons of Wrath, #1)

1-Sons of Wrath t-shirt

1-Sons of Wrath coffee mug

1-Sons of Wrath notebook

2^nd Runner-Up: (Valued at approximately $35)

1-Signed Paperback Soul Avenged (Sons of Wrath, #1)

1-Sons of Wrath t-shirt

CLICK a Rafflecopter giveaway to enter!

Soul Avenged by Keri Lake-a review

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Sandy

Soul Avenged (Sons of Wrath #1) by Keri Lake-a review

SoulAvenged

ORDER: Amazon/ Barnes and Noble / Amazon.uk / Smashwords

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 13, 2013

Passion is blind in vengeance and love …
Ayden’s suburban home was invaded by a pack of Lycans.
The brutal attack is the only memory she carries of her former life.
Now, one motive burns in her soul:

KILL THEM ALL.

The Sons of Wrath—a brood of vengeance-dealing warrior demons—band with Ayden to hunt the Lycans on Detroit’s most deadly feeding grounds.
Kane Walker should’ve been her easiest kill.
Unfortunately, the newly bitten Lycan has something she wants—clues that may finally lay her past to rest. To reach them, she must be willing to submit to the sensual pleasures awakened by his touch.

Time is running out.

In seven days, Kane will become what Ayden despises most. She can halt his transformation but the antidote requires the ultimate sacrifice. As the beast takes hold, Kane becomes more of a threat.
Ayden must choose between her lust for revenge, or surrender to her enemy and discover a horrible trut

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REVIEW: Long ago, Demons and Lycans have lived in harmony… Until one kind, humans, decided to change that. For the Lycans, it is to dominate or be dominated. And some have become ruthless, because of their nature that their numbers have suspiciously climbed. To control the growth of the Lycan population; and for other personal reasons, a mad scientist, General Jackson Wade, created an almost indestructible human army…the Alexi soldiers.

As a rule, Alexi soldiers are forbidden to pursue any of their personal vengeance. But Ayden isn’t just any other Alexi soldier. She is General Wade’s first and prized immortal creation to succeed. In addition, he alters the Alexi’s memories so they only remember the last few minutes of their attack. A fuel when it comes to combats with the Lycans. That memory alone and the mentality that she does not belong to no one, has made her decide to leave the compound and to seek revenge. Partnering up with the Sons of Wrath, demon warriors of vengeance, they have managed to eliminate a significant number of Lycans in the Detroit city. Still, something did not seem right…

Kane Walker, a Director for the Children’s Cancer Institute, has only days before he becomes one of Ayden’s most hated enemy. But with any physical contact with Ayden, images will flash in her mind. A memory? Hers, or the Lycan who had killed her? She does not know, and she’s determined to find out; promising his death in the end before his final transformation. However, going through with this new mission might mean a disaster to the rest of her Alexi life. So is she ready to find out the truth? And what will she do to Kane as he brings forth warm sensual feelings that are foreign yet pleasant to her?

SOUL AVENGED is the first novel of Keri Lakes new series the Sons of Wrath. As was stated above, Wrath demons are warriors of vengeance, they are the sons of the demon Prince, Wrath. They are responsible to punish those who have wronged on earth. Furthermore, they don’t make deals, rather they make contracts. That was how Ayden happened to be under their protection and has become her partners when seeking out to eradicate the Lycans.

This novel contains some gruesome scenes as are shown in horror films. As detailed as it was, the scene did not bother me…but for a reader with a weak stomach, might be a different story. This was an exciting and entertaining read. Although it’s Ayden’s and Kane’s story, meeting the sons of Wrath (Gavin, Logan, Calix, Zeke and his twin brother Zayne) makes it a quintuple excitement because they must find their Tazschla (mate) or suffer the Sovidon where it forces them to choose a mate to ensure the continuation of their species.

Copy supplied by the author

Review by Neni

One Year Anniversary Prize Package Giveaway-February 27, 2013

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Sandy

One Year Anniversary Prize Package Giveaway-February 27, 2013

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Today’s ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY giveaway package is a 3pack of Hardcover books from Kelley Armstrong’s Otherworld Series including a signed copy of Waking the Witch.

ONE winner will receive all 3 Hardcover books and some Kelley Armstrong bookmarks.

Click HERE for Kelley Armstrong’s Website

KelleyArmstrong-WOTOseriesgiveaway

TO ENTER: Giveaway open to 18 years of age and older

1. Open to US and CANADA only

2. Please post a comment telling us to enter you in the giveaway.

3. Giveaway runs until March 2, 2013

Wait For You by J.Lynn-Cover Reveal

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Sandy

WAIT FOR YOU by J.Lynn-Cover Reveal

What do early readers have to say about WAIT FOR YOU?

“J. Lynn creates a wonderful cast of characters that will make you laugh, swoon, and cry. Cam stole my heart.” – Cora Carmack, NYTimes and USA TODAY Bestselling Author of LOSING IT

“For the love of all that is Cameron without a shirt on! Wait for You will have you laughing out loud, fanning yourself and anxiously waiting to know what will happen next.” – Molly McAdams, NYTimes and USA TODAY Bestselling Author of FROM ASHES and TAKING CHANCES

“I don’t think I have ever read a NA Contemporary novel with as much depth as this one. It really moved me and by the end I was just speechless over how inspirational and uplifting it was as well as being sexy and cute and funny and emotional.” – K Books

“Wait For You is uniquely different from anything else J. Lynn’s written but it might possibly be her best work yet.” – Jenuine Cupcakes

“For all of you in love with Aiden and Daemon, PREPARE YOURSELVES! Your heart will have to expand a little more for Cam.” Total Bookaholic

“For the love of all things CAM, this book deserves more than 5 stars.” – Mundie Moms

“I cannot even begin to explain how much I adored this perfectly crafted contemporary.” – Shortie Says

Excited? Ready to see the cover for WAIT FOR YOU?

Synopsis

Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…

WAIT FOR YOU is available now!

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Jennifer Armentrout J. Lynn, also known as Jennifer L. Armentrout, is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of the adult romance Gamble Brothers’ series, the young adult Lux Series and award winning Covenant Series. She pretty much writes everything—contemporary, paranormal, and fantasy. All of her books have one thing in common no matter the name or genre: kissing… and stuff. When she’s not busy writing, which is never, she’s usually hanging out with dog Loki, watching reruns of The Walking Dead, or procrastinating on the Internet. You can find out more about Jennifer by visiting the following websites:

Twitter
https://twitter.com/JLArmentrout

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/JenniferLArmentrout

Website:
http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/

Tracey Devlyn Guest Post and Giveaway

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Sandy

Tracey Devlyn-Guest Post and Giveaway

Historical romance

The Popularity of Historical Romance

First off, big thanks to The Reading Café for having me today. I look forward to chatting with everyone.

As a reader, I have always gravitated toward historical romance. I love many of the other subgenres of romance, but historical will always be my fav. Why? I think it has something to do with how careful men were with the women. How they protected them, honored them, praised them, though sometimes to a fault.

I love my independence and would never truly want to be transported back to Regency England. Much of what we read in historical romances is romanticized fiction. Women in the early 1800s had little say and few means of expressing themselves. Widows would be the one exception.

But in historical romances, authors take great enjoyment in breaking the social mores of whatever time period in which they’re writing. Or, at least, I know I do. Makes for terrific conflict between the characters, especially the hero and heroine.

Thanks to Hollywood, historical romances are becoming more popular than ever. Yes, you heard that right.

Historical drama = historical romance

Behind every great movie/TV series set in pre-World War II times is a heart-tugging romance. Consider these movies/TV series:

Last of the Mohicans
Robin Hood
Braveheart
Game of Thrones
Pride and Prejudice—all the Jane Austen adaptations!
The Mummy
Troy
300
Princess Bride
Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Van Helsing
Shakespeare in Love
Young Victoria
Patriot
Dances with Wolves
Titanic
Downton Abbey
Jane Eyre
Ever After
Upstairs Downstairs
North and South
The Tudors
Rome

Every single one of the above dramas keeps the viewer in a state of anticipation. Will they? Or won’t they?

Like historical romance novels, movies and TV series open up a whole new world for the viewer—costumes, scenery, speech, customs, weaponry, manufacturing, politics, etc. As I see it, the main difference between historical romance novels and Hollywood historical drama is how they end. Romance novels guarantee the reader a feel good ending. Hollywood not so much, though many movies do have a satisfying conclusion, but it might not be the one we expected.

I also think many of today’s historical romance novels are moving firmly into “you can’t go there” territory. Authors are taking greater risks, making their stories darker, more suspenseful, more emotional, faster paced.

The most technologically advanced automobile of today will have to undergo a facelift in 3-5 years. Same goes for romance novels. In order to keep readers’ attention, authors must adapt to the changing needs of their audience. It’s exciting—and terrifying—and I love the challenge of upping the scale each time I write a story.

What am I missing? Share with me your thoughts on why historical romances are on the rise. What makes you gravitate toward historicals?

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Checkmate, My Lord

CHECKMATE, MY LORD:

A desperate mother falls in love with the spymaster she’s forced to betray.

THE STAKES ARE HIGH, THE PLAYERS IN POSITION…

Catherine Ashcroft leads a quiet life caring for her precocious seven-year-old daughter, until a visitor delivers a startling ultimatum. She will match wits with the enigmatic Earl of Somerton, and it’s not just her heart that’s in danger.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN…

Spymaster Sebastian Danvers, Earl of Somerton, is famous for his cunning. Few can outwit him and even few dare challenge him–until now. After returning to his country estate, his no-nonsense neighbor turns her seductive wiles on him–but why would a respectable widow like Catherine risk scandal for a few passionate nights in his bed?

BUY LINKS:

Available February 5, 2013
Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN-13: 978-1402258251

“Devlyn delivers an emotional, powerful read.” ~ RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

“Devlyn’s edgy and sexy series is gaining momentum, and historical-romantic suspense fans, particularly those who enjoy Brenda Joyce, will delight in this.” ~ Booklist

“Love the characters, lots of mystery, murderers, spies and lots of romance! CHECKMATE MY LORD is an edge of your seat exciting read!” ~ Fresh Fiction

“Tracey Devlyn’s writing style is compelling and powerful. She taps into the emotions and senses of the reader as she reveals the dark side of human nature as well as the giving, honest, and loving side that overrides the darkness.” ~ Long and Short Reviews

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tracey Devlyn writes historical romantic thrillers (translation: a slightly more grievous journey Toward the heroine’s happy ending). She’s a co-founder of Romance University, a group blog dedicated to readers and writers of romance, and Lady Jane’s Salon-Naperville, Chicagoland’s exciting new reading salon devoted to romantic fiction.

An Illinois native, Tracey spends her evenings harassing her once-in-a-lifetime husband and her weekends torturing her characters. For more information on Tracey, including her Internet haunts, contest updates, and details on her upcoming novels, please visit her website at: www.TraceyDevlyn.com.

TraceyDevlyn.com | Newsletter

Twitter.com/TraceyDevlyn | Facebook.com/AuthorTraceyDevlyn LadyJanesSalonNaperville.com | Goodreads.com/TraceyDevlyn | Discover a New Love

Sourcebooks and Tracey Devlyn are offering a paper copy of CHECKMATE, MY LORD to one lucky member at The Reading Cafe.

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address along with your comment as Twitter etc does not account for contact information.

3. The giveaway runs from February 27 to March 2, 2013

4. The giveaway is open to USA and CANADA only.

THANK YOU!

Darynda Jones Prize Package Giveaway

Embracing The Flames by Candace Knoebel-Cover Reveal

Keri Lake-Soul Avenged Blog Tour

February 6

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MARCH 6

Soul Avenged (Sons of Wrath #1) by Keri Lake-a review

One Year Anniversary Prize Package Giveaway-February 27, 2013

WAIT FOR YOU by J.Lynn-Cover Reveal

Tracey Devlyn-Guest Post and Giveaway