Thursday, August 30, 2012

Romancing the Hop!

Welcome to Romance the Hop
What is your favorite thing about Romance? Well, we authors are ready to share our romantic tips and favorite romance reads! Starting on Friday and ending on August 31st, over 100 Authors and Bloggers will share their favorite things about romance, reading romance, and dating.

And while we do that, we are EACH doing a giveaway. Yep. There will be over 100 giveaways on each blog hosted by that Author or Blogger.

But that's not all....

We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 100 times!

Now what are those prizes?

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
2nd Grand Prize: A $130 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!




Yep. ALL of that! Whoot! Be sure to come back here on Friday and over the weekend to enjoy some stories and facts about our favorite Romance events and reads and enter to win!

Now for Forget the Housework, I'm Reading.......'s prize
US B&N or US Amazon formats please
An eBook of Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark
An eBook of Racing to Love ~ Carter's Treasure by Amy Gregory

These are 2 of my fave book from this year's reviewing.  Dancing Naked in Dixie is a fun Chick Lit and Racing to Love is a wonderful love story.
Here's a little about the books



Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired.With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she's offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage.

Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia's story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage? 

--------------

Lauren Clark is the author of Stay Tuned and Dancing Naked in Dixie. She writes contemporary novels set in the Deep South; stories sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets.

A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Her big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends. Check out her website at www.laurenclarkbooks.com.


To get a copy of Dixie or Stay Tuned:


Find more about Lauren here:



Excerpt

For a guy who could see the end of his twenties, love had always been elusive, and he sure wouldn’t have believed in love at first sight.  It wasn’t so much that he was a skeptic, but Carter Sterling had a career that kept him moving—literally.  He was racing before he entered grade school, and had made a winning career of it.  But it left him with little chance to connect with anyone, especially a woman who could understand.  When he saw her for the first time, it was as if the air had been knocked out of him.  A connection so strong, so magnetic, that he knew instantly Molly West was the woman for him.  Perfect in every way, a love so strong and pure, it was almost too good to be true.  Carter had an innate need to protect her without even realizing if there was a need to.  The mark on Molly’s back proved his gut instinct was absolutely spot on






a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out these other amazing stops for the hop


Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Showing my fun mail!

I thought I’d share some pics. These are some of the prizes I’ve won from giveaways!!! 
How awesome right? 
This isn’t all of them just a taste.
I started blog hopping in April and have been addicted to “hopping” and giveaways since! 
That is why I love hosting giveaways! A big thank you to the blogs who host giveaways!  <3


Monday, August 27, 2012

Promo: The Restaurant @ the Mill by Linn B. Halton



 

Contemporary Romance/Women's Fiction

Title: The Restaurant 

Author: Linn B. Halton


Date to be Published: 8/2/12

Publisher: Sapphire Publishing


Synopsis: 

Age, relationships, and careers – we are all unique. Yet beneath the exterior facade we choose

to show to the world at large, what do we have in common? The things we bury deep inside; the

worries and fears we are unable to verbalise, and the hand fate takes in our lives is a common

thread. Sometimes we fail to recognise in each other that innermost struggle on the path to true

love.

 

Six very different stories, six couples linked by The Restaurant @ The Mill, owned by Hilary

Marks and Ben Adams. As the restaurant thrives the atmosphere is alive with conversation,

snapshots of lives unfolding; each one a personal journey.

Excerpt

When your family is affected by a tragedy, you find yourself in the midst of emotions that are so strong it’s almost impossible to keep a grasp on normal life. The tragedy happened to my sister, Mya, who was driving home one dark night in the pouring rain. The car that hit hers swerved to avoid a cyclist whose wheel had struck a pothole, and the effects of that night spread out like ripples on a pond to catch us all.

Sam was my sister’s boyfriend, and during the long months following the accident we were all distraught. My parents had each other for support, but I couldn’t add to their burden, could I? So I shared my feelings with Sam and he, in return, shared his feelings with me. I was nineteen at the time and Sam was twenty-seven. He always talked to me as if I was his equal; he made me feel that my fears and worries mattered, that I mattered.

The day I knew beyond a doubt that I had fallen in love with him was, ironically, the day he made the decision to gently disengage himself from our family. One moment he was a part of everything that was going on and within a few weeks he was no longer there when I looked for him. Mum and Dad accepted it was time for him to move on, grateful for the way he had taken care of me. I knew from that very first day when he appeared late and left early, that it was the start of the end; I also knew that I couldn’t change how I felt about him. I had no idea whether he noticed the difference in me, because either way it could never work. If he felt something for me, how could we pretend that he hadn’t once loved my sister? If he thought of me simply as Mya’s younger sister, that would break my heart.
 


 
Author Bio
Linn B Halton lives in the UK, in the small Gloucestershire village of Arlingham, on
the banks of the River Severn with her adorable husband and cat with attitude – Mr
Tiggs! She writes romantic fiction with a psychic or astrological theme and many of the
paranormal events that feature in her books are real life experiences.
 
Linn is also a featured new Author on http://loveahappyending.com/ and Editor of the
feature ‘Author & Associate Catch-Ups’ including ‘Reader/Author Team Reports’ on the
website’s magazine-style blog.
 
 
Visit Linn’s author page: 
Twitter: @LinnBHalton


Friday, August 24, 2012

Weekend Hiatus!!

Happy Birthday to me!!!

I'll be taking a short hiatus to focus on my family and reading this weekend but I'll be back on Monday for my birthday and a Book Blog Tour!


So as I read hopefully I'll be writing reviews and scheduling for the future!!! 

Thanks for all your support my amazing friends and followers!

<3 Tobi
P.s. don't forget the follower giveaway!!!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Review: Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

Goodreads Synopsis
Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys - all the ones she doesn't want. Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They're powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life's at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who's hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming.
First thoughts after……
Amazingly addictive book, however Storm ended too soon for me.  The book had an abrupt ending.  I want more of Chris and Becca! <3
How Distracted Did I Get?
Becca is a normal teenage girl who is teased relentlessly labeled as easy her junior year isn’t going that great.  After a self-defense class she witnesses a boy being beat up by 2 other boys.  What to do?  She scares them off and there is Chris lying on the pavement unconscious.  She takes him home.  Before she knows it she is mixed up in a mess she has no clue about.
Will Chris and Becca form a bond that will get them through the craziness or will a new kid in town steal her away?
How Many Baskets?
Storm is an amazing story that I didn’t want to put down.  It starts off action packed and doesn’t disappoint anywhere in the book.  With the perfect teen angst and romance Storm is a great book for an escape from reality!

I gave Storm……





5 Baskets!!!!!!

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Poll #2 Hunger Games

Yes I know pitiful!  I have yet to read any of the Hunger Games books!  
I want to buy them but how?  Please vote in the poll!
I'll Close it Monday, August 27th!



survey services

Review: Renovated Heart by Jean Joachim

Synopsis

Can a broken heart be renovated like an old house? Kit’s life came to a halt when her husband slapped her with a divorce. Finding herself without a job or a place to live, she’s forced to take Tunney Nichols up on his offer of cheap rent for his parent’s house.The catch: she must allow him to renovate while she’s living there. Out of fear, Kit tells a lie she soon regrets as she is drawn to the sexy man plastering and painting his way into her heart.
Can Sarah forget the abuse from her late husband? Can she fix her heart and the hearts of her children?  With her two children in tow, Sarah relocates to be near her sister, she meets Jim, a neighbor and English professor. A mutual interest in writing, paves the way for a friendship that blossoms into romance. But is Jim the right man for Sarah or does another man from her past still light her fire?



First thoughts after……
Wonderful book!  I want to know more about the 2 main couples and where their life leads them next……
How Distracted did I get?
Kit’s husband Johnny has taken her to dinner to tell her they are getting a divorce after 12 years together.  She’s not going on tour with him and not going to be able to write her book based on the tour.  Kit moves to Willow falls to be close to their daughter Zoe in her private boarding school!  Exploring the town and having dinner led her to meeting Tunney.  Will he be the love of her life or will Johnny come back wanting the life they had together before?
Sarah’s abusive husband died in a car crash.  She moved to Willow Falls to be close to her sister and her family.  Her handsome neighbor has his eye on Sarah!  He hits it off with her kids and things progress from there.  Will they be able to live happily ever after or will someone from the past tear things to shreds?
How Many Baskets?
Renovated Heart is a wonderfully written lovely story.  The characters grip your heart and don’t let go.  I would love to read more about the 2 couples as they progress with their relationships.

I give Renovated Heart……..
5 Baskets!!!!!

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Upcoming Events!


Hello everyone!  Happy Saturday!!!!!
I just wanted to let y’all know about some stuff going on!
Thank you to all my new followers!  I hope you are enjoying my reviews! 
So, my birthday is in a week and next weekend I will be reading for fun (not that I don’t normally but no books up for review by request).  Reading books that are sequels etc…… Mainly Onyx by JL Armentrout! <3  So, there will be quite a few paranormal reviews coming up so woohoo!  I have been heavy on the romance and chick lit lately so this should even it out! <3
Starting Aug 31st I’m participating in the Romance blog hop so make sure you come back for that!  Giving away 2 eBooks of my romantic choice!!! <3
The month of September is going to be flippin’ amazing!  It will be called Fall for XIII Hour Month this is a series created by Blue Remy the Dark Princess of Fairy Tales!  Every Wednesday we will have a new post introducing you to Blue her book and her characters!  This is going to be an amazing series!  Make sure you follow!  There will be a giveaway of 2 eBooks donated by Blue’s Publisher Sapphire Star Publisher that the rafflecopter will run through the month!
On September 14th I’ll be participating in another blog hop so keep your eyes open for details to come!
Thanks y’all!
<3 Tobi

Friday, August 17, 2012

ARC Review: Not the Marrying Kind by Nicola Marsh

Goodreads Synopsis
LA party planner Poppy Collins has kept her secret side business – planning divorce parties as the Divorce Diva – a close secret, but keeping her business afloat is proving tougher by the day. When her sister’s divorce party gives Poppy the opportunity to save the day and boost her business, Poppy approaches Vegas golden boy Beck Blackwood for help. But this time, she’s about to get way more than she bargained for…

Beck knows Poppy’s secret, and he’s not afraid to use it to get exactly what he wants – a wife. With his reputation and business expansion plans on the line, the only way he can repair the damage is by getting hitched, and fast. And if blackmail is the only way to get Poppy to the altar, then so be it…

But they’re in the city of high stakes, and Poppy has a few aces up her sleeve. Now it’s time to find out if they’re playing to win… or if they’re playing for keeps.
First Thoughts after……
Good book but ended too soon for me.  
How Distracted Did I Get?
Poppy is running her sister’s business while she is in a rehab for depression after her sister, Sara’s, husband left her.  Bills are piling up and she needs to get this divorce party idea going.
Beck needs to sign the deal of his career to go nationwide with his company.  The investors don’t want to sign because of a mistake one of his employees made.  What would make them trust him?  He needs to appear stable that means a wife and pronto!  Beck is also planning a divorce party for his bff and “requests” Poppy’s presence for her pitch.
Will Beck and Poppy get what they both need from their crazy business deal or will love lead them in a completely different direction?
How Many Baskets?
Not the Marrying Kind is a sweet book that was really easy read and an escape from the real world.  If you want a sweet romance that will help you live in another world for a day or two this is the book for you!
I give Not the Marrying Kind………
4 Baskets!!!!!

Nicola Marsh's Bio

As a girl, Nicola dreamed of being a journalist and travelling the world in search of the next big story.  Instead, she chose a career in the health industry while honing her writing skills with a daily entry in a "not-so-secret" journal! 

Luckily, she had the opportunity to travel but her dream to write was never far from her mind.  She worked as a physiotherapist for thirteen years before she tired of saying "I'm going to write a book one day" and actually did it.  She started writing late 2001 and found once she started she couldn't stop!

The inspiration for her first novel, THE TYCOON'S DATING DEAL, came from a magazine article on speed-dating and she sold this book in May 2003.  It won the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Harlequin Romance 2004.

Nicola currently writes for Harlequin Mills and Boon Romance and Riva/Presents series, has published 32 books and sold over 3 million copies worldwide.

She's a Bookscan, USA Today and Waldenbooks bestseller, has finalled in several awards including the prestigious HOLT (Honoring Outstanding Literary Talent), Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, Booksellers' Best, Golden Quill, Laurel Wreath, More than Magic and won several CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Awards.

Nicola loves the hip, vibrant, cosmopolitan vibe of her home city, Melbourne, where she's set the bulk of her novels, highlighting  fabulous cultural and food havens like Acland Street (St. Kilda), Brunswick Street (Fitzroy) and Lygon Street (Carlton).

When she's not writing she's busy raising her two little heroes, sharing fine food with family and friends, cheering on her beloved North Melbourne Kangaroos footy team and her favourite, curling up with a good book!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Review: In Need Of Therapy by Tracie Bannister


Goodreads Synopsis
Lending a sympathetic ear and dispensing sage words of advice is all part of the job for psychologist Pilar Alvarez, and she’s everything a good therapist should be: warm, compassionate, supportive. She listens, she cares, and she has all the answers, but how’s the woman everyone turns to in their hour of need supposed to cope when her own life starts to fall apart? 

While working hard to make a success of her recently-opened practice in trendy South Beach, Pilar must also find time to cater to the demands of her boisterous Cuban family, which includes younger sister Izzy, an unemployed, navel-pierced wild child who can't stay out of trouble, and their mother, a beauty queen turned drama queen who’s equally obsessed with her fading looks and getting Pilar married before it’s “too late.” Although she’d like to oblige her mother and make a permanent love connection, Pilar’s romantic prospects look grim. Her cheating ex, who swears that he’s reformed, is stalking her. A hunky, but strictly off-limits, patient with bad-boy appeal and intimacy issues is making passes. And the sexy shrink in the suite across the hall has a gold band on his left ring finger. 

When a series of personal and professional disasters lead Pilar into the arms of one of her unsuitable suitors, she's left shaken, confused, and full of self-doubt. With time running out, she must make sense of her feelings and learn to trust herself again so that she can save her business, her family, and most importantly, her heart

First thoughts after
Laugh out loud feel good chick lit!
How Distracted Did I get?
Pilar Alvarez is a psychologist who started her own practice.  She is the family peace maker and martyr for her patients.  With 3 men in her life Pilar has a crazy life.  Pair that with her crazy family and you’ve got one stressed out Pilar!
Her across the hall neighbor Psychiatrist, Ford, is totally off limits but there is a spark between them.  Then  Victor the annoying cheating ex that will not leave her alone and the sexy patient who starts hitting on her.
Yes, Her life is crazy!  Will Pilar choose the right man? How will she keep things straight in her family?
How Many Baskets?
Tracie wrote an amazingly funny book.  I was laughing out loud literally!!! My 5 year old thought I was laughing at him!  LOL  In Need of Therapy is Big Fat Greek Wedding type comedy only Cuban style!!!

I give In Need of Therapy………
5 Baskets!!!!

Monday, August 13, 2012

Review: Murder In Silence by Gary Kassay

Goodreads Synopsis
When two police officers are found with their throats ripped open with surgical precision, there are no witnesses to the crime and no connections between the dead officers. Left with two clues that make no sense, Inspector Duke Becker is about to face a diabolical killer whose rampage has just begun.

The tenacious Becker, head of the NYPD's Special Investigations Unit's Homicide Division, is proud of his impeccable record for solving unusual or high profile murders. But the bulldog detective may be facing the most challenging case of his career as he desperately searches to either find some connection between the two murdered cops or deal with the less than desirable alternative-that someone is randomly killing cops for no reason whatsoever.

With only bizarre clues to follow, Becker and his squad immerse themselves in a deadly race to stop a killer before another police officer's throat is brutally slashed and the city of New York is thrown into turmoil.


First thoughts after…..
Great book, wonderful cliffhanger
How Distracted Did I Get?
For Duke Becker being a cop is in his blood.  His father and brother were cops also.  Inspector for the head of Homicide Special Investigations Unit, Duke gets the hardest case of his life.  Cops are being killed mysteriously and it’s a tough case to crack.  Through the investigation he meets Dr. Elizabeth Cunningham who helps with some leads. 
Will Duke and Liz get their calendars together and does Duke’s Unit have any chance of catching this ghost of a killer?
How Many Baskets?
Murder in Silence is a great book.  It’s a thriller mystery with a good mix of comedy and romance to offset the thrill and chill.  I would definitely read the next Duke Becker novel.

I give Murder In Silence……….
4 Baskets!!!!

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Review: Knowing Me Knowing You by Mandy Baggot

Goodreads Synopsis
Recently single mother Kate is struggling. Clinging on to a career and bringing up her 2 year old daughter leads to nights alone drowning her sorrows in the cheapest white wine she can find. Forced to employ Joel, a male escort, to accompany her to a professionals' dinner, Kate somehow ends up in the middle of a relationship contest, competing for a 100,000 prize alongside someone she barely knows.With her boss, the Lady Dragon Miranda, desperate for Kate to flounder, her tarot card reading child-minder trying to match-make and her ex-husband making her life a misery, can Kate keep her life on an even keel? And more importantly can she put her trust in a serial dater who used to be an underwear model?


First Thoughts After
I know you hear me say this a lot but I want more about this couple.  To give you an idea I want to know if the couple gets married did they have kids etc...... So yes I want more of Kate and Joel!
How Distracted Did I Get?
Kate is a single mom(mum depending where you're from) who is still wrapped up in her ex-husband.  She gets forced into finding a date for a work function and employs an escort, Joel.  Kate's "Lady Dragon" boss set her up to be in a couples game show.  Will Kate and Joel make it to the end in one piece and live happily ever after or will circumstances ruin everything???

Kate is a self proclaimed doormat but she is sweet and tough for all she's been through.  She does have self esteem problems but I don't think it's nothing that Joel can't help her along with.  
Joel is Mr. Hottie McTottie though he has issues from his past too.  Which makes him even more handsome and lovable!  I'd love to know who Mandy has in her head when she thinks about Joel?
How Many Baskets
Knowing Me Knowing You had me wrapped up so tight in the story I honestly didn't want to put the "book" down til I was finished with the story.  It was funny and dramatic.  Just watch out for a giant dove!  I gave Knowing Me Knowing You...........(to the left is Mandy dressed in the Dove costume!!!!  Isn't it awesome?????)
5 Baskets!!!!!!!

Friday, August 10, 2012

Morrigan Cover Reveal!!! By Laura DeLuca



Welcome to the Morrigan Cover Reveal Giveaway, sponsored by Author Laura DeLuca, Mom to Bed by 8, The Sisters Elemental, The Whimsical Pixie, Crones Magical Crafts / Moonwise Creationz, and New Age Mama! This is a giveaway filled with magic and we're sure you will enjoy walking through the land of Tír Na nÓg with our heroine and all her supporters.  To start off the fun, lets share a little about the YA novel, Morrigan, which is due to be released by Pagan Writers Press on October 31st, 2012!


Morrigan Blurb

Shuffled from place to place in the foster system, Morrigan doesn't know the meaning of home. Plus, she is different. She has power over fire, the ability to move objects with her mind, and glimpse into the future. Just when she believes her life can’t get any stranger, she discovers her true identity.

Filtiarn, a knight with a dark past and a surprising secret, has been tasked with guiding the heir of Tír Na NÓg through countless perils to be returned to her family. Once Morrigan has been reunited with her mother and grandmother, their triad can save the forgotten land of magic from being devoured by an ancient evil.


Morrigan Excerpt 
      Morrigan took out a white candle and a stick of dragon blood incense, and set them up in the corner of the room. She sat cross-legged, and leaned forward to light them. No matches were necessary.  No lighter either. She simply touched her finger to the end of the wick, and with an iridescent spark, the candle flickered to life.  It shone at first with a bright blue flame that gradually settled into a more normal orange. It was the same with the incense—another reason why she preferred not to have an audience.
     She stared into the candle for a moment, and took a few deep breaths to clear her mind of all thoughts but those of the magic she intended to perform. Danu and Dagda sat on either side of her, instantly falling into silence, as though they knew she needed her complete concentration. Their energy beside her only seemed to add to the every growing sense of power that charged the room.
     Morrigan closed her eyes and began to shuffle the cards. As she did, she allowed her breathing to become more even. A silence filled the room as the rest of the mortal world fell away. Soon the only sound she heard was the light thump of her own heartbeat, echoed by the quicker, fast paced beat of the cats’ hearts. She wasn’t sure how much time passed as the cards slipped through her fingers. It might have been minutes. It might have been hours. When she allowed herself to fall into a trace, time became insubstantial, irrelevant. 
     The tarot cards were so old; the designs on the back were almost completely worn away. She had to shuffle gently to keep them from crumbling to pieces in her hands. Yet they held a power that she knew no newer cards could ever offer. As she shuffled them, she focused her energy into them, silently requesting to be given the answers she was seeking.  She allowed the image of her mother to fill her mind. When she finally felt the cards had fallen into the order they were meant to be in, she placed the deck face down on the floor, and cut them with her right hand. Then, taking one last, calming breath, she lifted the top card from the pile. With a trembling hand, she laid it down and read it.
     “Wheel of Fortune,” she said aloud.
      In the center of card was a wheel. As she stared at the picture, that wheel seemed to start turning clockwise. The movements made her feel slightly dizzy. The bedroom around her became more and more surreal.  The scene on the card became her reality. The figure of the sphinx that sat on top of the turning wheel looked so very real. It might have turned its head to look at her. Its lips may or may not have moved. But Morrigan swore she heard a deep, resonating voice whispering the meaning of the card into her ear. Destiny approaching. An unexpected and sudden change was coming—change that could lead to good fortune.
       It was the card of fate and karma returned. It meant that she needed to be prepared—to expect the unexpected. Morrigan knew the cards were telling her something was going to happen—and soon. Her destiny, whatever it was, was about to be realized. Even if it did bring with it fortune of some kind, it still scared her to death. So much so, she considered packing up the cards right then and there. Her rational mind had every intention of doing just that. The problem was, her hands didn’t get the message her brain was sending them. Before she knew what she was doing, she had already flipped over the second card.
     “The Empress,” she whispered. She exhaled deeply. “My mother.”
       It was the only interpretation imaginable. Even as she said it, the pregnant woman, crowned with stars and adorned in a gown decorated with pomegranates, turned to her and smiled. No longer the vague featureless stranger that was there just a moment ago, but the same woman she had sketched earlier that day—a face that mirrored her own. It was an older version of herself, which she saw in the reflection in the nearby full length mirror, had turned chalk white.
     The Empress was a symbol of maternal power—of a strong feminine influence. But could it mean…did she even dare to hope that her mother was returning? She had never allowed herself to consider such a possibility. To dwell on something so unlikely would have been too painful.  But now, with just the flip of a card, she found herself daring to dream it might be so. There was only one way to find out for sure. She had to keep going with the reading.
     “Six of Cups.”
      The third card in the spread represented her past, and even her immediate present. The six of cups specifically symbolized childhood, and she was, technically, still a child. But she had a feeling that her childhood was about to end quite abruptly. The cups in the picture were lined up across a high, stone wall, each cup holding the memories of her past.
     Her past. It was nothing but a childhood filled with longing—longings which were perhaps about to be fulfilled.  She visualized herself taking each cup down from the wall, and pouring the troubling memories away. It was time to start fresh. A new world was about to open up for her. She had known it as soon as she had seen the image of her mother’s face. But what would that world be like? What was waiting for her in the future?
     Morrigan turned over the fourth card.
     “The Knight of Wands.”
      The man on the horse carrying the staff had her baffled. Not because she didn’t know its normal meaning, but because as she stared at the card, it began to take on the physical attributes of the knight in her drawings.  He had the same long dreadlocks, the same bewitching stare, even the same cocky smile. It was not at all the blank face that was nearly worn away from time that should been staring back at her. Yet, the familiarity did not cancel out the meaning of the card. The knight of wands was representative of a dark man filled with a kind of honey-tongued charm. He was also fiery and arrogant, a man with a definite possibility of a dark side. If the knight of wands was coming into her life, she knew she needed to proceed with caution.
      She thought she was done with the fourth card, and was preparing to move on to the next, when once again, she found she had lost control of her own body. This time, her hands refused to move, while her eyes forced their way back to the knight in the card. She watched as the longhaired stranger began to move forward—wondering over various landscapes—some high mountains, some meadows and fields ripe for the harvest. He kept looking back over his shoulder, as though he were speaking to someone. He was on a journey, and he wasn’t alone. Morrigan didn’t need to see his companion to know who it must be.
     So, her journey would soon begin, and she wouldn’t be traveling alone. She would have a guide. Whether or not that would be a good thing was another question best left to the cards to answer. However, the next card told her nothing she didn’t already know.
      “The Moon,” she said. “Caution.”
      It was a scary card. It warned of tricks and illusions. The two howling wolves that stood under the moon looked back at her menacingly, growling, showing their pointed fangs in a snarl.  For the first time since she began the reading, Danu and Dagda made their presence known by lifting their heads and hissing threateningly in the direction of the beasts.
      Even the cats sensed it. The journey she was about to embark on wouldn’t be all fun and family reunions. There would be obstacles and deceit, most likely from people she though could be trusted. The moon was a sign that danger was certainly awaiting her. In was an ominous omen.
      “Shhhh.”
     She hushed the still hissing cats, and gave them each a gentle stroke to try to settle them down, though she was far from settled herself. Again she felt the urge to stop the spread. Her instincts were telling her that no good was going to come out of this reading. That she was only going to scare herself. She should never have done it in the first place. When would she learn that sometimes it was best to just let life play out without interference or prophetic warnings? Then again, she knew that to be forewarned might be her only advantage. So with more bravery than she felt, Morrigan flipped over the final card.
      “No…” she gasped when she looked down at the terrible, skeletal face.  “Oh no…”
     She should have known. She thought perhaps a part of her did know even before she glanced down at the gruesome scene—a skeleton with a scythe in a field of body parts. With the divination going in the direction it was, what else could be the final outcome?
     “Death,” she whispered. “Death.”
     She knew that in most cases, the death card was more a symbol of personal transformation than literal death. But a deeper sense of understanding told her that this time the card was meant to be taken literally. She saw only glimpses and shadows in her mind. Brief flashes of faces, some familiar, like her mother and the knight—some still strangers, like a beautiful, almost angelic blonde woman in a flowing white gown. But around them all, including herself, she saw the shadows of death. Someone would die. That was certain. Whether that person was Morrigan or someone else, neither the cards nor her sixth sense was willing to reveal.
         Morrigan felt decidedly shaky as she gathered up her tarot cards. She placed them securely in the bottom of her bag just as she heard the door downstairs slam shut. The reading hadn’t made everything as crystal clear as she had hoped, but one thing was certain. She would soon be leaving on a journey—a journey that would undoubtedly end in death.



About the Author

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart.  In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a  review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years


Other Books By Laura DeLuca


Available  for $3.99 in e-book format or currently $15.73 for print copies on Amazon.

The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.

Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.

Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.


 Destiny
Available for only $.99 in e-book format or $14.95 for print version on Amazon.

Gabriella is a witch. The problem is, she doesn't remember. She repressed the memories of her powers years ago when her mother was murdered. Now, the warlock who was responsible for her mother's death has set his sights on Gabriella. He is determined to use her fear to turn her to the dark side of magick…even if it kills her. Her mother's spirit is reaching out to warn her, but even that she pushes away. Desperate to save her daughter, the spirit finds a male witch–one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron is more than willing to help but the two young witches will have way more to battle than just an evil warlock. There are overbearing jocks and petty rich girls who get tempers flaring and often set Gabrielle and Darron at odds.

There is more to the story than Gabrielle and Darron could even imagine. There are terrible secrets to be revealed, battles to be waged, and lives will be lost. Only after Gabrielle and Darron both come to terms with who they really are, and open themselves up to the true meaning of magick, can they have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.



 Destiny Unveiled
Available for only $3.99 for e-book version or $14.89 for print version on Amazon.

Gabriella and Darron thought their magickal battle was over when they defeated the evil warlock, Richard. When her Aunt Donna seeks Gabriella's help in rescuing her catatonic daughter from the Dark Coven, Gabriella discovers that her cousin holds a power within her that would be catastrophic in the hands of the evil witches. Gabriella's coven sets out on a journey that may be their last. Along the way, they meet new allies, face devastating treachery, and battle not only the Dark Coven, but the darkness within themselves. When Gabriella finally comes face to face with the cousin she never knew existed, her true destiny is unveiled, and the fate of the mortal world is in her hands.

THE GIVEAWAY

And now for the exciting part! Three fabulous Etsy shops have created original works of art to go along with the Morrigan cover! Below you fill find the prizes they are sponsoring, as well as links to their shops in case you would like to order any of their wonderful products for yourselves.


The Whimsical Pixie offers an array of unique hand crafted items for the altar, home and garden for practicing pagans and the whimsical at heart. New for Spring, The Whimsical Pixie has Sabbat kits, ritual kits and more to enhance your celebrations. 



Paula from the Whimsical Pixie has created a beautiful wood burned tarot card box emblazoned with the Celtic symbol featured in the title of Morrigan. The box has special significance to the story. If you read the excerpt above, you will see that Morrigan is quite gifted with Tarot cards.   The box measures 5.25"Lx3.25"Wx2"H; retail value $26.99; tarot cards not included. 



The Sisters Elemental offer natural luxury bath salts, cold process soaps, hand and body lotions, and other spiritual & inspirational tools to help you connect to the Universe. They hope you enjoy them as much as they enjoy creating them! Much love and light to you and yours, ~*Earth*~, ~*Fire*~, and ~*Water*~ 


 Commissioned by Laura DeLuca to make something that will pull you in to the world of Morrigan, the main character of her to-be-released book Morrigan, we think that this combination will bring you to her world. A mixture of Dragon's Blood, Cypress, and Sweet Orange essential oils with an accent of Hibiscus petals will leave you feeling blessed by the goddess and wrapped in magick. Created by ~*Fire*~ 



Using seashells from the beautiful beaches in Florida, I hand painted the Elder Futhark rune symbols on each shell. Used like regular runes, they give guidance for almost anything imaginable. The most amazing part about these is the connection to the ocean. They are infused with the sea, and loving thoughts of peace and love from me, as I painted them. I believe you'll find these an amazing addition to your divination tools. And maybe even feel a little more connected to the ocean and it's life!



 Mother Earth handmade cold process soap ~ very outdoors and earthy; made with cypress, cedarwood, fir needle, wintergreen, and patchouli essential oils and lightly colored with green zeolite clay. Get in touch with Mother Nature herself! ~*Earth*~ Creation: All my soaps are infused with positive energy, love, and made with 100% natural vegan ingredients right in my own kitchen. Approximately 4.5 oz bar.
Moonwise Creationz / Crones Magical Crafts 

Moonwise Creationz/Crones Magical Crafts offers Jewelry Design and Fine Crafts ! Inspired by Mother Moon and the divine feminine. Goddess Jewellery, priestess crowns, ritual tools. altar sets, charm bracelets. Pentacles,and sacred symbols, amulets and all things magical! 



Commissioned exculsivly for Author Laura Deluca in celebration of her latest novel Morrigan.
This one of a kind jewellry set features bold and striking colors of Baby and periwinkle blues accented with pastel greens. Made with gemstones of sodalite crystals,and Tiara crystal beads and glass pearls accented with delicate silver filigree and celtic knot beads.The focal Of the necklace is a striking sodalite cabochon with a detailed silver celtic triquetra knot ,set on a filigree cameo frame.
The set comes with a matching charm bracelet, and earrings.
Retail Value of 70.00$
Compliments Of Crones Magical Crafts & Moonwise Creationz
Denise Reid * Jewelry Artist


Author Laura DeLuca is also offering a signed copy of her debut novel, Destiny, a rose quartz pendant, three packs of incense, three crystal points, a clear crystal pendant, and a geode.  ARV: $50.



And finally, our two sponsoring mommy bloggers are each tossing in a $25 Gift Certificate to Amazon for a total of $50 . The total value of the complete prize package is well over $300! One lucky winner is going to walk away with all this fantastic swag!  To enter, just fill out the rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is open to the US & Canada, but please note the prize in is US dollars. The giveaway will end at 12:01 est on 9/28/12.  Winner will be selected at random and will have 48 hours to reply to the winning notification before another winner is selected.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


A super huge thank you goes out to all the wonderful sponsors as well as the bloggers and authors who helped make this giveaway possible!  We would also like to thank Paragraphic Designs for designing the beautiful cover for Morrigan!