Sea of Strangers ~ ~ Release Week Blitz, Excerpt, & Giveaway!

Welcome to the Release Week Blitz for

Sea of Strangers (The Ryogan Chronicles #2)
by Erica Cameron

Publication Date: December 5, 2017
Publisher: Entangled Teen

Grab your copy today!

Congratulations Erica!

Know your enemy if you want to survive…

The only way for Khya to get her brother back alive is to kill Varan—the immortal ruler who can’t be killed. But not even Varan knew what he was doing when he perverted magic and humanity to become immortal.

Khya’s leading her group of friends and rebels into the mountains that hold Varan’s secrets, but if risking all their lives is going to be worth it, she has to give up everything else—breaking the spell that holds her brother captive and jeopardizing her deepening relationship with Tessen, the boy who has been by turns her rival and refuge since her brother disappeared. Immortality itself might be her only answer, but if that’s where Khya has to go, she can’t ask Tessen or her friends to follow.

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EXCERPT:

The sight of him against the stone sparks a memory that makes my hands still. I laugh. “You know, it’s several moon cycles late, but we’re finally exactly where the entire city thought we were when we kept sneaking off.”

“I’m glad they’re finally right.” He runs his free hand up my bare thigh, his touch and his voice shaky, but it’s the wide-eyed disbelief on his face that makes my heart skip a beat. “I hoped, but I wasn’t sure it’d ever happen.”

I sit up straighter, flattening my palm against the center of his chest and watching him. “The way you’re looking at me, it seems like you’re still not sure it’s happening.”

“The good moments have been rare recently.” His hand slides over my hip and presses against the center of my lower back, drawing me down until his lips brush against mine before he whispers, “And this is unbelievably good.”

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Erica Cameron is the author of books for young adults including the Ryogan Chronicles, the Assassins duology, and The Dream War Saga. She also co-authored the Laguna Tides novels with Lani Woodland. An advocate for asexuality and emotional abuse awareness, Erica has also worked with teens at a residential rehabilitation facility in her hometown of Fort Lauderdale.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!

Sea of Strangers Prize Pack, including:**

* A signed copy of Sea of Strangers

* A $20 Visa gift card

* A swag pack

**For international: 1 copy from book depository and a $20 Visa gift card

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Thirteen Therapists

Sanders, R.J. (2012). Thirteen Therapists. Featherweight Press.

Young Adult / Contemporary / Relationships 

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Book Blurb: Senior Aaron Hardaway has a new bad boy lover and he wants his mother out of his hair---super therapist Thirteen warns eyes wide open, but will Aaron listen? He's the son of one of Chicago's richest families. He'll graduate from an exclusive Chicago prep-school. He cruises in a Benz SLK300, a grad present from his father. Aaron Hardaway has it all. But a boyfriend. And a loving mother. Sylvia Karnes Hardaway, evil Queen of Chicago society, long ago thrust her son into therapy hell. Twelve shrinks later, Thirteen enters Aaron's life. Thirteen's mantra is eyes wide open. Thirteen will transform Aaron's life. So will bad boy Derrick. Aaron hooks up with Derrick, and things will never be the same. Maybe he should have kept his eyes wide open.

Watch the book trailer!

  

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HALL WAYS REVIEW: It's been four years since I read this book. . . And I still remember it. I read it straight through in one sitting because I had to know how things were going to turn out for Aaron Hardaway -- a character I came to adore.  I am not sure how posting my review slipped through the cracks (I had it framed, I had my notes) but it did. The good news is that Thirteen Therapists is as timely as ever with its characters and premise, so here goes. 

On the surface, Aaron is living the teen dream: money, the best of everything it can buy, status, and connections.  Beneath the surface, he is alone and drowning in it all, and he longs to be his authentic self. Aaron is someone that readers will immediately like and want to feel loved and kept safe; but he doesn't always make it easy. 

As readers watch the decisions Aaron makes, we understand and feel things right along with him: the passion of sexual attraction, the comfort of belonging, the anxiety of ditching common sense, the thrill of the forbidden.  Right along with those feelings, author Russell Sanders makes sure readers are ill at ease with how the story is unfolding as Aaron and willing Aaron to keep his eyes wide open, as Aaron's therapist (nicknamed Thirteen) has advised him. 

The writing is outstanding and the book is wonderfully edited. The secondary characters, particularly Aaron's mother and bad-boy boyfriend Derrick, are well-written and fully imaginable and realistic. (And evoked strong emotional reactions from me. Momma Bear, claws out.) Sanders also does a great job of building the tension for readers and plants subtle (and not so subtle) hints that there's a train wreck coming. We don't want to believe the wreck is really going to happen, but again, as is human nature, we have to watch. 

Thirteen Therapists is totally engaging. It has twists, turns, and surprises; it has heartbreak, humiliation, and humor; and it has drug use, underage drinking, and male/male sex -- pretty graphic at times -- so sensitive readers beware.  Sanders is an excellent writer, and he has written a bunch of other books since this debut (and I have two of them on my Kindle reader right now.)

Thank you to the author for sharing his book with me so many years ago (and sincerest apologies for not sharing my opinion with the world sooner) in exchange for my honest opinion -- the only kind I give.

BUY THE BOOK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Russell  J. Sanders is an actor, a musician, a teacher, and now, a writer. He loves writing for young adults, and his novels Thirteen Therapists, Special Effect, The Book of Ethan, and Colors are coming of age tales that will appeal to all. His latest book, All You Need is Love, was published March 21, 2017 by Harmony Ink Press

Russell lives in Houston, Texas, with his husband, where he spends his time writing and volunteering and spending time with friends and just living a good life.  

Connect With the Author:  

Amazon Author Page ╿ Website ╿ Twitter ╿ Facebook ╿ 

 

Stowaway (The Reservation Trilogy, Book Two)

Castleberry, J. (2016). Stowaway. Self-published.

Young Adult / Dystopian / Fantasy

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Blurb: Twelve years ago, Nathan was forcibly transferred into governmental custody.

Once a brother, a son, and an outsider, he is now little more than an instrument of the Continental Order.

At least, that's what his superiors think.

Now, the Order is shipping out, and a resurgence of destruction lies in wait for the continent.

Will Nathan break free and embrace the hostile outside world, or will he take his place on the last train scheduled for the Reservation?

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HALL WAYS REVIEW:

Stowaway, book two in The Reservation Trilogy, is the follow-up to Cargo, and in this installment, readers get to read from main character (and hybrid!) Nathan's point of view. Who knew so much was going on in Nathan's head? His often poetic, soft thoughts don't mesh with his outward appearance and actions, so this perspective is a delightful change of pace. 

Since Nathan is alone and/or alone with his thoughts for much of the book, his non-stop internal monologue is what keeps him (and the story) moving forward.  It makes sense that he'd talk through so much, as he leads an intentionally lonely life and spends time talking himself out of having feelings (especially about Cassidy, the main character in Cargo) that would jeopardize his lone wolf status.

Readers must be patient the first quarter of the book, as it's primarily world building and reflection, with very little action.  However, author Jen Castleberry writes highly descriptive passages, one after another, using a variety of figurative language devices.  For example, Nathan says (to himself),

The sun “caresses every part of me, sweeping out the old draft of the garage, soothing my body like a swallow of bread, straight off the coals.”

While the similes, metaphors, personification, imagery, and symbolism are more striking than not, the sheer volume of literary devices was a bit overwhelming. However, as a glass-half-full kind of gal and former language teacher, I kept thinking about what a fabulous high school literary devices lesson this book would make, especially given the story length.

The story is short -- a novella, really -- and well-written with just a few errors, none of which interfere with reading.  At times, it is difficult to believe that a seventeen-year-old male could think and process things the way Nathan does, but then, Nathan isn't fully human . . . or is he more human than those who have the genetics to be categorized that way?

Sensitive readers need to be aware that there is violence, and it is sometimes fairly graphic. Several characters use expletives and blasphemous language, and there are references to sexual situations but none are overly descriptive. 

Thank you to the author for providing me a print copy in exchange for my honest review -- the only kind I give. 

 

ABOUT JEN CASTLEBERRY: Jen Castleberry is a North Carolina native currently based in Virginia Beach, VA. She is a Communications graduate and proud ECU alum.  When she's not writing, Castleberry works full-time as a Veterinary Assistant at a local animal shelter.

Her affection for all critters, large and small, comes home with her at the end of each day. She frequently lends her house and heart to homeless animals in need of foster. Her own clan of silly creatures include an Akita, a Basset Hound, a Maine Coon, and of course, her active-duty husband.

The first installment of her YA debut series premiered in January of 2016.  Connect with Jen:

GOODREADS   WEBSITE   TWITTER   

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

INSTAGRAM  FACEBOOK

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CLICK FOR HALL WAYS REVIEW

 

Soul Keeper Series ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Blog Tour Promo*

 

LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE Blog Tours

presents

L.A. Starkey's

SOUL KEEPER SERIES

 

 

They say a soul is the immaterial essence, the animating principle, the actuating cause of an individual life.

But what if you had to share yours with the one person you hated the most?

The soulmate principle states that for every one soul there is another that will recognize its match, hence creating the perfect union.

But what if you had two soul mates, which would you choose?

What if your choices had eternal ramification?

Deceived, the debut novel in the Soul Keeper Series, is a modern day love story about the implications of having more than one soul mate, and having to choose between the two of them. The decisions of the gods has left the next generation, their heirs, torn between fate and reality, and the balance of the future hangs in anticipation of what's to come.

Praise for DECEIVED

"This book! Oh my word. To sum it up in one word: amazing! L.A. Starkey absolutely slayed me with Deceived." - Kristen, Pretty Little Pages Blog

"I love how the Greek myths are woven into this story with detail yet its still a modern high school romance. Sam is just an ordinary girl, mostly. The writing is tight and I got lost in the characters." - Loren Weaver, Author of The Victoria Novak: Paranormal Division Series

"I read this book in one day because it kept me so engaged with the story that I didn't want to put it down. There's lots going on in the story, but it all flows really well and I like books with the ancient Gods and mythology of any nation." - Rosie, Roses are Amber

"Just found LA Starkey and I am so excited I did! I love her writing style and the Soul Keeper series! I purchased book one and then went straight into book 2!" - W.J. May, Author of the The Chronicles of Kerrigan & The Senseless Series

"All I can say is WOW I was not expecting this at all. Deceived, (Soul Keeper Series 1) is a wonderful book and will keep your interest until the very end and leave you wanting more." - JC Brennan, Author of The Fine Line, The Beginning

"The first thing that wow'ed me was the beautiful storytelling by Starkey. Just beautiful. This book had me guessing from the get-go - a sure sign that I'm hooked." - KK Allen, Author of The Summer Solstice

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DECEIVED is FREE for download everywhere

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BOX SET of entire SOUL KEEPER SERIES

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From Chapter Two:

Marcus sat up in bed, covered in sweat. The room was cold, like death itself had made an entrance, namely because it had. He looked over to see the one person he hated most in the world—Nicolas.

Nick stood tall and defiant in his usual attire of black pants, a tight black t-shirt and black boots.

That color matches his soul. Marcus breathed in deeply, exhausted at the mere prospect of dealing with Nick.

Nicolas looked around Marcus’s room and sneered. “This place looks almost inviting. I mean with the warm, beige and black color scheme matching the furniture and even the picture frames on the walls. God, Marc you’re such a pansy.” Nick smiled devilishly. “Did a girl decorate it for you?”

Marcus walked over to the corner and stood before his brother. It was like looking into a twisted mirror, as their physical appearances were identical. Marcus had never understood their intertwined existence, and his mother never was one to give up family secrets. Much to his annoyance, the mystery remained.

Each year he’d encounter Nick once, possibly twice if he was truly unlucky. Once upon a time, long ago, seeing Nicolas would be the highlight of his day, but that was irrelevant now.

“I hate you,” Marcus growled.

A white cloud of smoke rose from Marcus’s feet, filling the room. He was ready for a fight and there was no one better to beat than his worthless half-brother, Nick. As usual, Nicolas crossed his arms across his chest, lowered his head and gave Marcus his best sardonic smile.

“What’s the matter, little brother? Not up for some healthy competition? Worried she’ll choose me?” Nicolas deepened his smile and arched a playful eyebrow, though Marcus knew from their sordid past that Nick had no intentions of being friendly nor playful, not anymore.

Marcus charged forward. The strength of his opponent equaled his own, as if they were two halves of a whole, which is what Nicolas believed to be true.

Ridiculous, Marcus scoffed.

As always, he plowed into an invisible shield and cursed. “Don’t call me little brother. I disowned you a lifetime ago. Don’t call me anything. Regardless of your belief that we are two parts of a whole, I refuse to believe the words of some jacked up prophecy. I’ll warn you for the last time, Nicolas—she’s mine. If you cross this line again, so help me, I’ll find a way to break the disgusting curse that protects your pathetic existence.”

“Bravo. Good performance. Bravo, Marc.” Nick applauded. “I’ll leave you to your craziness shortly, Brother. Just let me reiterate what a fool you are to actually believe that you love her. Your feelings are far beyond your control. Fate’s reared its ugly head and created in you an unbreakable bond. Sounds poetic, but really it’s all a crock, Marc. Wake up and regain your independence, Brother.”

Marcus growled low in his chest.

Nick laughed and held up his hands. “Fine, fine. I know I’ve said this all before, and yet you still refuse to believe my words. But you’re the poor, ignorant schmuck that’ll get what he deserves.”

Marcus responded with another violent punch that resounded off the invisible shield.

“Calm down before you wake your guardian, little brother,” Nicolas said, rubbing his jaw in mock pain from the punch that had never landed. “Besides, it’s not like I did anything with her tonight you haven’t done yourself. You should really try tasting her while you’re in spirit form—she’s just … What's the word people use today? Oh yeah, the same as we’ve always used … delicious.” Nick winked and licked his lips.

Marcus knew better, but lunged again with resolve. Nicolas vanished as quickly as he’d appeared, flipping the bird on his exit.

What’ve I done to be so cursed? To be immortal with no one other than him to haunt me for all of eternity?

 

L.A. Starkey is the author of the Soul Keeper Series, a supernatural young adult series, and The Liarus Detective Series, a supernatural middle grade series.

She is a fulltime writer, and loves spending time with her family and reading a good book. With more ideas than one person should be allowed, she is blessed to have a muse that doesn't seem to take a vacation and more energy that one might consider healthy.

She also writes under the following pen name: Kate Thomas - NA/Adult Paranormal (http://amzn.to/1SKV9ey)

 

 

Never miss a new release! Join LA Starkey's readers group and grab your free copy of The Beginning: The Prophecy for the Soul Keeper Series! http://eepurl.com/9Nrc1

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CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THIS TOUR:

Tuesday, December 8 - All For the Love of the Word - promo

Wednesday, December 9 - Crazy Booksellers - promo

Thursday, December 10 - Texas Book-aholic - promo

Friday, December 11 - All For the Love of the Word - review

Monday, December 14 -Blogging For the Love of Authors and Their Books author interview

Wednesday, December 16 - Hall Ways - promo

Friday, December 18 - Bookishjessp review

Monday, December 21 - Because This is My Life, Y’all review

Tuesday, December 22 - Missus Gonzo - review

Wednesday, December 23 - The Page Unbound review 

 

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*NOTE FROM KRISTINE at HALL WAYS: The content of this promo post was provided by Lone Star Literary Life Blog Tours.  If you're a Texas blogger interested in joining the ranks of Texas Book Blog Tours, contact Tabatha Pope.