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I don't just read a book; I "crawl" right into one.
I read, I devour, and I consume every last word until the story is running like a movie through my brain!

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11/26/11

Tour Stop & Giveaway "Destiny Redeemed" by Gabrielle Bisset

Destiny Redeemed
by Gabrielle Bisset
Amazon Digital Services
October 9, 2011
ASIN: B005UGV9MW

Blurb
Sentenced to spend the rest of his three remaining lifetimes in Nil, Amon Kalins is freed with the help of his Sidhe servant, Gethen, but now he must accept his life is never to be his again as the Council won't rest until he's safely back imprisoned within Nil's cold walls. Broken and nearly dead from his time in prison, Amon is saved by an Aeveren healer named Althea Forester. As a healer, Thea has served her people for forty-five lifetimes, never having a destined one and always knowing each lifetime would ultimately end with her alone. But destiny hasn't forgotten her.

Drawn to the seductive Amon, Thea quickly becomes a pawn the Council uses to trap him. Taken prisoner by the sadistic leader of the rebel group, the Soren, Thea must survive the vicious world of the people hellbent on taking her destined one away forever, and Amon must risk everything dear to him to free her from those who would sacrifice her to claim the bigger prize and return him to Nil.

About the Aeveren:
Aeveren are a race of people descended from humans, but long ago they were chosen by the Archangel Raziel to be his people.  He gave them the gifts of reincarnation, powers beyond what humans have, and destined ones.  Aeveren live fifty lifetimes through reincarnation and carry with them their memories from their past lives.  Upon reaching their twentieth lifetimes, they receive a power, such as telepathy, teleportation, or the power of time travel.  However, some Aeveren are born with their abilities, making them far more powerful than the rest of the race.  Finally, each Aeveren soul is given destined ones, other Aeveren meant only for them.  However, Aeveren possess free will, so like humans, they don't always choose as they should. 

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    Amon felt Thea’s body stiffen at his touch and even without probing her mind he knew he needed to brace himself for the onslaught of her emotions. As she turned around slowly to face him, he was secretly thrilled to notice she was still wearing his shirt.
Maybe this won’t be so bad.
    “How the hell did you get in here? And who invited you in?” she snapped as she stood toe to toe with him, her hands on her hips and her blue eyes blazing.
    Amon saw the genuine displeasure he’d caused and rethought the joke he wanted to make about not having to be invited in like a vampire. It was going to be as bad as he’d anticipated. And as painful if she continued to be angry.
    “I’m sorry, Thea. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” In the hopes of diffusing the situation, he intentionally focused on softening his tone.
    “Frighten me? Is that what you think you did? First, you have your goon kidnap me as if I’m your personal healer created just for you, and now you’re back to kidnap me yourself! Frightened? I’m so past frightened, Amon.”
    If her emotions weren’t beginning to take their toll on him physically, he might be turned on by Thea’s outburst. He liked her like this. Feisty. Brave. A perfect match for him. Her emotions were beginning to cause him great pain, though, and in his still weakened state, he knew he wouldn’t be able to sustain much more of her anger.
    “Please, Thea. Don’t be angry. I missed you.”
    As he spoke, he took her hand in his and stroked his thumb over the soft skin of her knuckles.
    “Amon, you broke into my house.”
    Smiling happily as he felt her anger abate just a little, he answered, “Technically, I didn’t break in because I didn’t use the door.”
    Thea looked at him with a confused look that made him want to explain, if only because it seemed to have calmed her down.
    “I teleported in. So no breaking, really.”
    “Teleported?”
    “Yes, it’s one of my powers.”
    “One?” Thea seemed to consider what he’d said and then continued.  “I don’t care. You can’t just come into my house without being invited in.”
    “I’m sorry. Can we sit down and talk?”
    Amon saw her resolve weaken and knew he’d won her over for the moment. Still holding her hand, he walked with her to the couch and sat down next to her.
    “Your house is very nice.” His words were predictable, but he hoped to avoid another emotional outburst from her that would be sure to hurt.
    Thea turned her body toward him and smiled. “Amon, why are you here, if it’s not to kidnap me again?”
    Her refusal to let him set the pace made him smile. He was going to have to tell her about Sevine.
    “I missed you. I wish you hadn’t left.”
    “Amon, I can’t just stay at your house for the rest of my life. I have a job...”
    Thea caught herself and corrected what she’d said. “Well, I had a job before you sent that man to kidnap me and you held me captive.”
    Amon felt her sadness wash over him, and he felt truly sorry for what had happened. “I never intended for that to happen. I will compensate you well to make up for everything. I promise.”
    While he spoke, he looked directly into her eyes and wished they were back at his house together. Or better yet, at his home in Greece, somewhere he was sure she’d enjoy.
    “You can’t just do things that hurt others and then simply throw money at the problem. I loved my job, and now I’ve lost it.”
    Thea’s sadness stabbed at him, and he closed his eyes to ward off the pain. Unlike before, this was more an ache than searing pain.
    “Are you okay, Amon?” he heard her say and he opened his eyes.
    Wincing, he nodded, but concerned, she placed her hands on his and held them. “Where is the pain located?” she asked when she couldn’t figure out how to heal him.
    “You can’t heal this, Thea. This is the pain I explained to you before.”
    Gently squeezing his hands, she said quietly, “I can heal your pain. Please tell me where it’s coming from.”
    There would be no explaining this away, so he decided to tell her the truth.
    “Thea, you can’t heal it because you cause it. Or more specifically, your unhappiness causes it. My destined one cursed me to feel unrelenting pain each time I make you unhappy.”
    “Why? I thought you said you hadn’t even seen her in lifetimes.”
    “I haven’t.”
    “Then why curse you with something from me?”
    Amon sighed and knew he couldn’t avoid telling her the most important part of Sevine’s curse.
    “She didn’t. The curse is more general than that. It affects me with anyone I love.”
    Lifetimes of confidence seemed to evaporate in seconds as he watched Thea’s face darken.
    “Love me? Is that what you think coming to my house to take me away is? Love?”
    “You don’t understand. I found out...”
    Thea cut him off in mid-sentence and put her hand up. “I understand perfectly. You want me back at your house to heal you, and you think the way to soften me up into accepting being kidnapped a second time is to tell me you love me. You must think I’m pretty pathetic if you believe that will work.”
    Pain once again raged through his body and Amon silently reached out to Gethen to call for help. Moments later, he and Markku entered through the front door and Thea leaped from her seat on the couch.
    “Don’t either of you have any manners either? Get out of my house now!”
    Both men stood still waiting for instructions from Amon and appeared to almost look right through her. With each word, Amon felt weaker, and he leaned back against the couch, twisted in pain.
    In a strangled voice, he whispered, “Thea, please listen. They’re here to help me. Your emotions are killing me.”
    Turning to see his face drained of all color, she asked, “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

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An avid reader of all types of books, I read my first romance even before I was a teenager.  I must have been a very precocious young lady!  I still remember the book, if not the title.  It was about a Southern man during the years before the Civil War and his illicit affair with one of the slaves of a woman he "frequented".  I remember vividly reading the word "manhood" often in the book, and the slave's name was Sukie.  Isn't it amazing what the mind can remember?
Fast forward a couple dozen years and I'm a college history instructor.  I still love history as much as that romantic young woman did, so I teach it to college students, and the romantic streak has never gone away.  Now I get to do things that have to do with my other favorite love: romance novels. 

The idea for my first book came to me in a dream.  I know that seems almost cliched, but it did.  I woke up one morning after having an extremely vivid dream and began to jot things down that I was able to remember.  Days later, I had the first pages written and the ideas that I had dreamed about had become the characters in my first book.  Those characters are the basis for the first series I've written, The Destined Ones Series, about a people called Aeveren who have lived side by side with humans since almost the beginning of recorded time. The first book in that series, Stolen Destiny, was published in June.

I'm still working on The Destined Ones books, and I look forward to what my imagination has waiting for me next.  The second book about Aeveren, Destiny Redeemed, is scheduled to be released on October 13.  I've finished the Victorian Erotic Romance Trilogy,  three erotic novellas set in Victorian England. The first one, Vampire Dreams, is a paranormal erotic romance. The second novella, another erotic romance but an historical, Love's Master, involves some light BDSM.  The third novella, Masquerade, is a straight historical, no kink or paranormal. After that, a paranormal romance set in the great city of New Orleans is up in December--Blood Avenged. Anyone who read Vampire Dreams will remember Vasilije, Brandon's sire. Blood Avenged is his story.

After that?  Well, I'm in the planning stages of another trilogy, this time maybe novel length, that will come out in 2012.   But one thing's for sure: no matter what the story is, it will involve gorgeous, Alpha male heroes; strong heroines; and steamy romance!

Grab your eCopy of Destiny Redeemed today!

Find Gabrielle on the Web

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Destiny Redeemed Tour Wide Giveaway!

Enter to win 1 of 7 ebook copies of Destiny Redeemed 
Winners to be chosen randomly at the end of the tour 
7 winners will be chosen 
No purchase required to enter


This tour hosted by the lovely Roxanne Rhoads of:





Nov 1 and 2 Review and Guest Post
The Enchanted Book

Nov 3 Guest Blog
Mad Moose Mama

Nov 5 guest blog
Reading Between the Wines

Nov 5 Interview
For The Love of Reading!

Nov 5 Guest Blog
Lisa’s World of Books

Nov 12 Guest Blog
Ramblings From This Chick

Nov 14 Interview
JeanzBookReadNReview

Nov 16 Guest Blog
Getting Naughty Between the Stacks

Nov 17 Blog Promo and Review
Urban Girl Reader –

Nov 18 Review
Sapphyria's Book Reviews

Nov 19 Guest Blog
Cocktails and Books

Nov 21 Guest Blog (review later)
Bookin' It Reviews

Nov 23 Interview
Authors By Authors

Nov 24 Review
Braintasia Books

Nov 25 Review
Reviews by Molly

Nov 26 Promo
YzhaBella's BookShelf

Nov 28 Review and Character Interview
Reading Romances

Nov 30 Guest Blog
Kay Dee Royal

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Reviews are written on a volunteer basis and are only the opinions of the individual review author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and/or views of the author, publisher, or public readers in general Copyright © YzhaBella's BookShelf 2010-11

11/25/11

Holiday Hop Give Away!


It's that time of year again!
Come back to the BookShelf December 2-6 to join in the fun!

Holiday Givaway Hop hosted by 

Each participating blog hosts a giveaway and then we link up together allowing our followers & blog readers to hop easily from one giveaway to another.
For blog readers this means lots of chances to win.
For blogs hosting a giveaway it means lots of new visitors.
It's a win-win!

All participating blogs will be linked up through a  
Enter one, enter many, enter them all!

There are  over 230 participating blogs!!!


Here's what you can win at YzhaBella's Book Shelf!!

1st Winner 
(International Book Depository)
Baby, It's Cold Outside (When I Fall in Love)

2nd Winner
(US Only)
$5.00 Gift Card for Amazon.com

3rd Winner
(Only Canadians...eh!)
Mystery Swag Bag!
Lots of great goodies! Buttons, Book Marks,
and maybe even an extra surprise!

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 Comments will  open for entries on 12/2/11!

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Reviews are written on a volunteer basis and are only the opinions of the individual review author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and/or views of the author, publisher, or public readers in general Copyright © YzhaBella's BookShelf 2010-11

11/23/11

Sometime Life Just Gets in the Way! =(

Hello friends.

I'm sure you've all heard it or experienced this sentiment before. It's not fair, in fact it totally sucks. But, life does tend to get a little crazy from time to time and one must pick and chose what remains at the forefront and what must be set to simmer on the back burner for a while.

It is with great regret that I have elected to "simmer" the BookShelf for a while. I will still be posting and hosting from time to time but with a much less regular frequency...I will when I can.


There are a few commitments I have elected to keep up, one of these being the Holiday Hop for December 2-6. I will also be hosting a few interviews and giveaways for some of my more favorite authors. Reviews have already been, and will remain, sporadic but I do have plenty left to write when I get the chance.

Book love and blessings to all.

Read lots, read well, and read for the pure joy of it!

Huggles and Snuggles to all and I hope to "see" you all again sometime soon!

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Reviews are written on a volunteer basis and are only the opinions of the individual review author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and/or views of the author, publisher, or public readers in general Copyright © YzhaBella's BookShelf 2010-11

11/21/11

Guest Blog w/ Kenya Carlton "Sweet As Sin"

Good day folks! Thank you for stopping by!

Today we have Kenya Carlton, author of Sweet As Sin, here to entertain us with a post about what she likes in her leading man!

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Leading Men
by Kenya Carlton

Recently I’ve noticed that there is a distinct personality trait that I love in my leading men, overly confident arrogance.   Now I don’t want to confuse anybody; I’m not talking about the stereotypical stupid arrogant jock or the over confident computer nerd that merely needs a little love to let his hero shine through. No I’m talking about the barbaric funny con-man.  The sweet twinkling eye geniuses that will make you swoon by a single touch.  The guy you love to hate and hate to love.  This particular flawed fictional human opens the door for an array of possibilities.  Let me give you the rundown of my type of bad boy’s D.N.A. make-up. 

1.He has to have a sense of humor.  Who wants an easy on the eyes non-funny jerk?  Trust me when I say that old song and dance would wear thin. Any leading man unable or incapable of laughing at themselves is not the guy I want to spend a cool night with in front of a warm fire.  Quite frankly if you don’t make me crack a smile then kindly shake your pretty little ass right back out that door.

2.  My heroines don’t want you to save them and they don’t need you to save them, but if you would be so inclined to save them it would be much appreciated.  I’ll be the first to tell you none of my leading ladies are chicken littles or faint of heart, but if this beautiful stranger can put out his hand and pull a gal up on her feet without the shade of a condescending smile or a the inkling of a petty gloat than you’re the man I want to read about it.

3. You got to be able to fix some shit.  If a man can’t figure out which end of the hammer pounds the nail (and yes that hammer and that nail as well), then your name will be promptly stricken from my heroine’s lips forever.   

4. The wounded strong man.  This is the most important ingredient of my overly confident arrogant hero. A man with no back story is not a man at all.  My guy needs to hold a smidge of sadness, a touch of mystery, or a wink of a fallible past.  I’m not talking Batman’s The Prince of Darkness type; that would be too much for any heroine to deal with. All I’m saying is a dab of life experience will go a long way. 

These are a few simple examples of the sprinkles that make up the whole cupcake of a man that I assemble for my readers, but I would love to know what are yours?

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Sweet As Sin
by Kenya Carlton
Parker Publishing Inc.
September 2011
ISBN-10: 1600431046
ISBN-13: 978-1600431043

Blurb
The rich and available Captain Drake Devilin had the biggest body count in World War I.  Injected with serum that turned him into something unnatural, Drake’s troop annihilated the enemy, but once his tour ended, Drake was plunged into a world of family tragedy and financial ruin. 

 Sienna Caldwell is stunning to even the biggest cynic; with her exotic looks and rich brown skin, the playboy wasn’t exempt from her charms.  Buckling under the pressure of his financially strapped inheritance, Drake makes a deal with the devil to marry the prosperous landowner in order to protect her. 

After one year, he can return the black beauty back to her island and collect on the fortune that will save his family’s reputation, but the task proves far easier said than done.   The war may have made Drake into something lethal, but he soon finds his new bride was born more powerful than he could ever imagine.  Not only does Drake have to figure out away to keep his hands off his alluring wife, but also he has to make sure she stays alive.

Grab your copy of Sweet As Sin

Want to learn more about Kenya Carlton? 
Visit her website here:

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Sweet As Sin Excerpt, pages 15-16

“May I?” The shadow at Sienna's small cottage door asked. Drake's muscular frame was a stark contrast to the chaos from the elements beyond him.

“Do you need an invitation?”

“For the sake of my honor and politeness, I certainly do,” Drake admitted. Not completely satisfied with his answer she considered his request. He may not be the undead but he was definitely something.

Sienna sat nestled in her favorite love seat, facing the fire finally relenting, she told him, “Be my guest.” She noted the quick way he surveyed his surroundings when he stepped across the threshold, first the exits-windows, décor than finally his eyes settled upon her. Unwilling to bend to his close scrutiny, she took a sip from her wine.

“It's cozy here, not anything like the resort. May I?” She nodded for him to help himself to her spirits as he took a seat in a cushioned chair. Masculine man, dainty chair taking up space with his mere presence made Drake appear even bigger and stronger than he had in the gazebo.

“Courage?” she asked him pouring a glass.

“Restraint,” Drake answered before holding it up for a toast. “To good decisions.”
“Good decisions,” she reiterated kissing his glass with hers. A moment was taken to drink and think before he began to press her for answers.

“It's a simple proposition,” he stated.

“Is it?” Sienna tightened the shawl she held around her bare arms, the fire made no difference to the temperature of the room; she merely made the fire for ambiance but now she felt exposed so close to this imposing man. The bright and colorful flames helped with her state of mind as well as the red wine and Mary Shelley book that now lay abandoned on her lap.

“You're exquisite,” he said matter-of-factly.

“That didn't sound much like a compliment, Mr. Devilin.”

“Why aren't you married?”

“A proposal has never come up.”

“I find that hard to believe.” In a single gulp, he finished his wine.
“How old are you, Mr. Devilin?”

“I’m thirty six. Please call me Drake.”

“And you've never been married?”

His smile was one of a pure blooded playboy. “It's never come up,” he replied with a lopsided smirk.

“What's good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander, I suppose.”
Sienna grabbed the wine bottle and offered him a refill; he gladly accepted.

“I understand my benefit in this whole crazy scheme but not yours.” He gently pushed.

“Does that make you uncomfortable, not knowing?”

“It makes me question the sanity of this request, Sienna. I don’t believe in one sided deals and I don't believe in modern day martyrs.”  From the intense look in his eyes, she believed what he said.

Agitated by this man's closeness and all he would change in her world, she uncurled her feet from beneath her and set them on the floor. The storm beyond her four walls picked up. Sienna crossed to the window to watch the thunder and lightning explode.

“I'm afraid my answer remains the same.”
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Author Bio
Kenya has a B.A. in Mass communication, Television and Radio. She has fifteen years in production of television and film and five in television engineering. In 2009 Kenya Produced Dawn a short film and Executive Produced Destination Everywhere the pilot for a travel series through her production company Black R.O.K Productions established in 2008.

Kenya Carlton is a PR Client of the lovely Roxanne Rhoads over at:



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Reviews are written on a volunteer basis and are only the opinions of the individual review author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and/or views of the author, publisher, or public readers in general Copyright © YzhaBella's BookShelf 2010-11

11/18/11

Guest Blog & GIVEAWAY! K.E. Saxon "Diamonds and Toads"

Howdy friends! Thanks for stopping by!

So, tell me. How many of you know what the heck a "patchouli" is? Darn, I'm not even sure I can pronounce it right!

Well, we are all in luck! K.E. Saxon is joining us today with a wonderful Guest Post about how she ties "patchouli" into her latest tale, Diamonds and Toads: A Modern Fairy Tale.

And, don't forget to stick around to the end of this post! K.E. has generously offered up TWO eCopies of Diamonds and Toads: A Modern Fairy Tale to TWO LUCKY COMMENTORS!

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Patchouli

Good morning, readers!  Today I thought I’d share a little bit about patchouli, the scent that the fairy, the star of my debut hot/steamy contemporary romance, Diamonds and Toads: A Modern Fairy Tale, uses for her arrivals and departures. But first, let me give you a short description of the story:

Inspired by the Gordon Laite illustrations in my childhood book, My Little Golden Book of Fairy Tales, and with a nod to the 17th century author of the fairy tale, Charles Perrault, Diamonds and Toads is a modern take on the tale of the same name, but with more emphasis on the love story. Crossing genres between hot/steamy contemporary, comedy, and fantasy romance, it is written in two parts, the first concentrating on the "good" Perrault sister, who is blessed by the family fairy with a fortune from diamonds and an engagement to the man of her dreams, while the second concentrates on the "bad" Perrault sister, her curse (her every utterance an obscene and humiliating quip), and her “frogman” ex-lover. In both parts, the fairy’s often comical appearances and maneuverings serve to further the plots to their “happily-ever-after” conclusions.

Patchoulihas some interesting qualities, both mystical and magical, and has been used for metaphysical purposes for years.

Things you may not know about patchouli:

  1. It has the ability to simultaneously stimulate and relax the body
  2. When inhaled, its scent is believed to release destructive energy from the system, relieving stress and anxiety and replacing negativity with clarity of mind
  3. It is most prized as a mood lifter
  4. It can be an extreme relaxant and cause drowsiness
  5. Patchouli is used before meditation to ground and center the mind
  6. It is often used in incense as an aphrodisiac
  7. It is thought to bring about strength, love and passion
  8. It is also used in love potions
  9. Is well known for its feminine/yin enhancing qualities
  10. Is often worn to enhance physical energy, awaken fertility, and to dispel negative energy
  11. It can be used in both protective and definitive spell work as well as to hex or protect yourself from hexing

Thank you for stopping by today and I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit about my modern fairy tale, as well as this wonderful herb, patchouli.

Thank you so much, Yzhabella, for allowing me to post here today!

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Wow! I definitely MUST get me some patchouli!
Thank you very much for sharing, K.E.!

And readers, check out the following for some Diamonds and Toads: A Modern Fairy Tale goodness!

Don't forget to enter to win your very own copy of this tasty tale!

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Diamonds and Toads: A Modern Fairy Tale
by K.E. Saxon
Amazon Digital Services
Sept. 22, 2011
ASIN: B005OYOHG0
ISBN 0013398970
ISBN13 2940013398979

Blurb
Once upon a time, there were two sisters, one blessed,and one cursed by fairy magic...

So each sister's story begins.

Delilah Perrault is blessed with riches beyond her wildest dreams and the man she's had her eye on for ages--even though he secretly has designs on her newfound wealth instead. Delilah's half-sister, Isadora, is cursed with having her every utterance come out as an obscene and humiliating quip, just when the gorgeous hunk she dumped years before under pressure from mama swaggers back into her life.

If you like Bewitched, Sex and the City and Gossip Girl, try out this modern girl's fairy tale.

Read an Excerpt Here

Grab your very own copy today!

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Author Bio
K.E. Saxon is a third-generation Texan and has been a lover of romance fiction since her first (sneaked) read of her older sister's copy of The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. She is a member of the West Houston Chapter of Romance Writer's of America and is a devoted subscriber to the Romance Divas online forum. She has two cats, a 24-year-old cockatiel, a funny, supportive husband, and a garden that's been fried by the recent drought. When she isn't in her writer's cave writing, you can find her puttering in her organic vegetable garden or in her kitchen trying out a new recipe. An animal (and bug) lover since before she could speak, she made pets of all kinds of critters when she was a kid growing up. Her mother even swears that she made a pet of a cockroach one time (but K.E. doesn't believe her). She likes to write funny, sexy romances

Find K.E. Saxon on the Web

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This tour hosted by the lovely Roxanne Rhoads of:



Nov 2 Guest Post
Mama Knows Books
www.mamaknowsbooks.blogspot.com

Nov 2 Interview
For The Love of Reading!
www.niinas-reading-and-reviewing.blogspot.com

Nov 4 Interview
Ashley Suzanne
www.ashleysuzanne.com

Nov 6 Guest Blog
Sapphyria's Book Reviews
www.saphsbookblog.blogspot.com

Nov 7 Interview
Rai29BookReadNReview
www.rai29bookreadnreview.blogspot.com

November 9 Review & November 10 Guest Post
Bending The Spine
www.bendingthespine.blogspot.com

Nov 10 Guest Blog and Review
Lucy Felthouse
www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk

Nov 13 Guest Blog
Sit Here and Read
www.sithereandread.com

Nov 16 promo and interview (review later)
JeanzBookReadNReview
www.jeanzbookreadnreview.blogspot.com

Nov 17 Guest Blog
Flutey Words
www.authoraubrie.blogspot.com

Nov 18 Guest Blog
YzhaBella's BookShelf
www.yzhabellasbookshelf.blogspot.com

Nov 18 Promo
Reading Between the Wines
www.readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com

Nov 19 Promo and Review
The Ramblings of Amy
www.amylunderman.blogspot.com/

Nov 20 Guest Blog
Le Vanity Victorienne
www.thevictorianvanity.blogspot.com

Nov 25 Guest Blog and review
ReaderGirls
www.readergirls.blogspot.com

Nov 25 Promo
All the days of
www.allthedaysof.blogspot.com

Nov 26 Promo and Review
Cocktails and Books
www.cocktailsandbooks.com

Nov 28 Guest Blog
Kay Dee Royal
www.kaydeeroyal.blogspot.com

Nov 30 Review

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Reviews are written on a volunteer basis and are only the opinions of the individual review author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and/or views of the author, publisher, or public readers in general Copyright © YzhaBella's BookShelf 2010-11

11/16/11

Guest Blog & GIVEAWAY! Amy Lunderman "Demonsoul"

Welcome to the BookShelf, my friends!

Today we are treated to an insiders look at the writing process of a stay at home mom! So, sit back and enjoy!

Don't forget to see the GIVEAWAY details at the end of this post for YOUR chance to WIN your very own copy of Demonsoul!

Thank you for joining us, Amy!

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My Writing Process
by Amy Lunderman

I am a stay at home mom, so my two year old daughter, Madilyn, occupies pretty much all of my time. She is young enough however, that she still gets at least one good nap a day. This is usually when I do most of my writing. Lately, I’ve been setting goals for myself, so that I can approach writing in a way that it won’t consume me. I can usually finish the first draft of a novel in about two weeks, so I try to at least write four or more chapters a day. This varies, as day to day life intervenes, but so far so good.

I’ve sat down one night a couple months ago and outlined all of my works in progress and mapped out what my release and writing schedule will be like for the next year or so. Luckily, I have a ton of budding ideas, so I should be pretty busy for a while. This is the way I like it! As time goes on and life gets in the way, I’m sure I’ll post pone certain works. For now though, it’s a nice feeling to have all these goals to work forward to.

Speaking about writing process, does anyone have a certain order or way they write? What I mean is, I write up a chapter outline and then I go from there. Usually I write the story out of order, just starting with what I can picture clearly at first. Then I go back and fill in the blanks, and most of this is done with music blaring through my headphones. I don't know about anyone else, but I have to be listening to something when I write, otherwise it feels wrong to me. So I basically set my own soundtrack early on like it's a movie or something. But it works for me, not for my headphones sadly, I blew a speaker. lol.

I'm sure I'm letting my geek flag fly here, but the other thing that helps me focus when writing is putting pictures together of the story cast. Weird right? I pretty much make collages of actors and actresses that fit to the story and go back to remember what they look like. It's very helpful, less word documents filled with notes on their looks and such.

Amy Lunderman

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Demonsoul (The Misadventures of Daria Pigwidgeon)
by Amy Lunderman
September 21, 2011
Amazon Digital Services
ASIN: B005OTCN48

Blurb
The people I call family (and I use that term loosely by the way) aren’t the Walton’s by any means. For starters the whole lot of them are demons. Myself included. Who knew right? It’s so bizarre I don’t even believe it. Or want to believe it.

Except, I don’t have a choice.

And I haven’t since the day I was plucked from my mother’s loins. I remember everything as if it was yesterday, and I wish I didn’t. Let’s call it a gift of sorts, my memory, because it’s the only that has kept me alive all this time. Why you ask?

I have a soul.

That’s right, yours truly, Daria Pigwidgeon (a name I gave myself at an early age from a show on MTV my brothers used to watch. And it’s much preferred over scum, which was used often by my parents. Scum Pigwidgeon, not very catchy) is a proud member of her very own soul. And with that came many years of taking care of myself.

Unlike the filthy bottom feeders that are my family, I’m the first one born with a clean viable human soul. The first in generations really. You’d think it’d be a good thing, something to treasure even. Only it’s something that has left me cursed.

And very far from treasured.


The first book in a young adult urban paranormal fantasy trilogy begins when Daria decides to flee her home in Bakersfield, California. With no clear plan she picks a random place, and heads for the cooler climate of upstate New York. Feeling like she finally has a fresh start she takes her life into her own hands, free of threats. Her first adventure, is in high school, as the new girl.

Making friends and vying for normalcy while staying true to herself to NOT use her demon gifted abilities, life is harder than ever. Just when she thinks she might be finding an unexpected love in the boy next door, new comers arrive in town.

Her family. The ones she ran away from in the first place.

Now she must face what it means to be what she is. A demon with a soul. Except, she's not the only one keeping secrets. And it'll shock her to her core when she finds out who and why

Excerpt

It’s cold, hard, and damp this slab I lay on that somehow passes itself off as a mattress. Not that I’m complaining, after all this is much better than the floor I’m normally accustomed too. You’d think I’d be pleased to finally have something of my own to rest on at night, but for reasons that constantly give me the chills, I don’t trust it.
Not unlike the witch feeding Hansel and Gretel before she plans to eat them. I just know my mother has her own reasons for finally gracing me with a mattress. Granted, it’s barely an inch off the ground and is so worn I can still feel the concrete below me, but still. Something is not right. Which is why, as the rest of my family lay sleeping a deep slumber courtesy of one sleeping draft cleverly planted by yours truly in this evening’s soup, I’m planning my escape.
I’m sure you’re wondering why a girl would drug her family members and plan on creeping out like a bad dream in the middle of the night. Well, let me tell you. The people I call family (and I use that term loosely by the way) aren’t the Walton’s by any means. For starters the all of them are demons.
Myself included.
Who knew right? It’s so bizarre I don’t even believe it. Or want to believe it.  I don’t have a choice. And I haven’t since the day I was plucked from my mother’s loins. I remember everything as if it was yesterday, and I wish I didn’t. Let’s call it a gift of sorts, my memory, because it’s the only that has kept me alive all this time. Why you ask?
I have a soul.
That’s right, yours truly, Daria Pigwidgeon (a name I gave myself at an early age from a show on MTV my brothers used to watch. And it’s much preferred over scum, which was used often by my parents. Scum Pigwidgeon, not very catchy) is a proud member of her very own soul. And with that came many years of taking care of myself. Unlike the filthy bottom feeders that are my family, I’m the first one born with a clean viable human soul, the first in generations. You’d think it’d be a good thing, something to treasure even. Only it’s something that has left me cursed.
And very far from treasured.
It’s a good thing my family is gifted with their demon heritage though. Each one possesses their very own unique ability, myself included. Coincidentally, it’s also the thing that has kept me alive all these years. Before the very first time opening my eyes, I’ve been more than conscious of my surroundings. Alert, if you will. So much so, that I could feel the distain in my mother’s body as she took me in her arms. It was the only time she held me.
Not that I mind, because really, she’s rather frost bitten. I don’t just mean a cold person. I mean she can suck the heat out of the room at will. I’ve suffered my fair share of summer nights feeling like I might actually get frost bite. That was the first time she ever really threatened my life. Not the last unfortunately, but it was the last time I let anyone get close enough to try.
Besides being the smartest toddler, I had a knack of making people forget about me. And not from my winning attitude either. I’m not sure of the exact name for such a thing, mostly because my family never shared personal information. But I’ve been calling it a memory block for some time now. In short, I can cause a person (or demon) to forget they just saw me at will. Which is pretty dang handy, what with my own mother trying to off me.
And that isn’t even the best part. What’s more you ask? Well, courtesy of my beautiful soul ( I think anyways, again I can’t really ask about these things) if I’m threatened in any way I send of  a sort of electrical surge. I guess you can say if someone touches me without permission, I zap them. Only if my memory block doesn’t work that is. Which isn’t very often, not that I’m boasting, I’m just that confidant.
Although, lately I’ve noticed that it’s getting harder to use my gift on my family. Maybe they are getting a resistance to it since I use it on them all the time, kind of like people who pop Tylenol all the time for a headache and it stops working eventually.
Just one more reason for me to get the heck out of dodge.
Finally pulling myself up into a sitting position, I gaze around the place that has been an impromptu bedroom the last sixteen years of my life. Technically, my mother was hoping for it to be more of a dungeon when she tossed my down the basement stairs. I’m sure she hoped to locked me in and throw away the key, but then I made her forget. See what I mean, my gift (curse) totally rocks. 
As basements go, this one isn’t so bad. A little moldy and damp sure, but it’s better than sleeping outside. Plus, I’ve kept it relatively clean and looked after. I spy the magazine cutouts that grace the walls, and pride myself that I managed to swipe my sister’s teen mags. Not that she would remember me taking them, but still. For such a simple thing, I’m glad I made the best of my room. In a strange way, I know I’ll kind of miss this. Not the having to hide and praying no one remembers where I dwell, but a space that is mine.
See, I do have a soul, it makes me attached.
Praying that I’ll have that wherever I go, I stop myself from feeling guilt over leaving. Getting to my feet, I don’t bother stretching my back to work out the kinks from lying on the mattress on the floor for so long. I got over that years ago, thick skinned that is me. Not wanting to wait longer than I already have, I quickly pull up my waste length pitch black hair and knot it into a bun. After jerking it tight enough to bring tears to my eyes, I’m satisfied it won’t fall out. Then with a sense of urgency I rush out from behind the stairs, which are on the other side of my little cubby. I reach for my backpack that carries the essentials, that rests at the base as I move not bothering to stop.
Tossing it over one shoulder, I can’t resist the need to hunch over as I creep up the stairs. Taking this route more often than not, I know every creak and wobble. I take care with them now. I ease upward like its second nature, only stopping when I finally reach the door. Knowing everyone is out like a light, doesn’t make me rush out the door without another thought. If anything, it makes me overly cautious. A habit, that has kept me alive.
Grasping the brass handle, I make sure I hold it tight enough so it doesn’t rattle. Then I brace myself as I slowly turn it to the left. I can feel the jerks as the knob shifts itself to release the door and I hold my breath the entire time. When the door finally bounces free in my grasp, I let out my breath, grateful that I know the doors habits to keep it quiet. Easing the door outward, I keep my eyes alert for any movement and sound around me.
The hallway is still and silent.
Rather than feeling relieved, I force myself to be more alert as I slowly step out of the door. Clinging the backpack to my side as I do. Once I’m safely out in the open space of the hall, I turn back to the door and again grasp the handle tight enough to keep it quiet as I turn it to the right. Easing it back, I push it closed and start the agonizing process of spinning the knob back into place. I have to remember to keep the door pulled outward to me, otherwise the knob with snap in place and alert anyone. So I spin the knob more than I should, and give it a couple yanks before releasing it.
Stepping back, I eye the door like it’s about to give me away at any moment. When it doesn’t, I shift my pack so that it’s over my other shoulder and nestled against my back and not my side. Straitening, I turn to the left and gaze down the hallway to the bright hope that’s at the end of it.
The front door.
Wanting nothing more than to dash for it and yank it open so I can run through the barrier and never stop, I allow myself a quick pace as I move towards it. The house that has been my home, is dark and silent of the wee hours of early morning (or maybe late night, not quite sure) and I’m afraid if I listen close enough I can hear my family sleeping on the floor above me. It doesn’t make me pause to change my mind though. If anything, it makes me walk into a fast tip toeing jog to the door.
Reaching the end of the hall, I come to a stop and like I’m at a four way road stop, I look both ways before crossing. In the open space between the hall and door, I feel too vulnerable. Now I allow myself to dash for the door, and I can’t stop the way my legs jerk at the conflicting movement. Knowing there aren’t any particulars to this door, I don’t pause in testing the knob before I pull it open with a yank. I salivate in the hot rush of air that rushes at me, even though I’m covered in an instant sweat, it still feels like freedom to me.
Not looking back, I step over the threshold.
I’m free.

Grab your copy of Demonsoul, today!

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Auhtor Bio
Amy Lunderman is a stay at home mom, with a passion to write paranormal romantic thriller's whether they be adult or young adult. She lives in Rhode Island with her fiancé and their beautiful daughter. She enjoys writing, reading, being a mom, watching movies and television, having dance party, youtube, and status updates on facebook.

Find Amy on the Web

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Tour Wide Giveaway!

5 ebook copies of Demonsoul are being given away tour wide

5 winners will randomly be chosen from all entries

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11/15/11

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11/13/11

Guest Blog: Alayna Williams "Delphi Oracle" Series

Howdy Folks!! Welcome to the BookShelf!

Once again, I am delighted to bring you all some terrific bookish delights! Please join me in welcoming Alayna Williams, another of Bewitching Book Tours latest PR clients!

Alayna has elected to treat us all to a wonderfully entertaining and unique Guest Blog that I am certain you all shall enjoy immensely!

So, as the saying goes, grab a Cup o' Joe, pull up a cozy chair, and enjoy!

Welcome to to the BookShelf, Alayna!!

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Profiling Characters with the Tarot


Tarot cards are a fun and effective way to get past writer's block. I wrote both DARK ORACLE and ROGUE ORACLE with a deck of cards at hand - much like my heroine, Tara Sheridan, a criminal profiler who uses Tarot cards to solve crimes. I was ready to immerse myself in the hero's journey of Tarot - and the cards became an engrossing tool to help me visualize the story.

The cards are useful to draw at random to help build plots and sub-plots. Whenever I pull one, I free-associate a whole new set of paths for my characters to wander down. The images in the cards become settings, allies, and obstacles, and outcomes.

But my favorite way to use the cards is to profile my characters with them. And I'll show you how to do a quick and dirty analysis of a character's strengths and weaknesses.

Start with a deck of Tarot cards that you like. I'm using the classic Rider-Waite deck in this example, but you can use any deck that has symbolism that speaks to you. I do suggest using a deck that has pictures on the numbered Minor Arcana (pip) cards, rather than just numbers. Also, find a good book of Tarot card meanings. There are many out there - I'd suggest a separate book, because it will have more information than the short paragraphs usually contained in the small pamphlets that come with most Tarot decks.

Grab some paper and a pencil, too. All set?

Next, pick a significator for your character. In Tarot reading, a significator is chosen to represent the querant, to focus the reading and sometimes provide additional information about where a person is in life at the time. I know that my own significators have shifted over time as I've changed...and so have the ones for my characters.  You can choose one at random, or select one that calls to you. I generally suggest choosing a card that has a person figuring prominently, like one of the twenty-two Major Arcana Tarot cards (the ones that show the Hero's Journey) or one of the court cards (the Knights, Pages, Queens, and Kings). Many books have been written on the art of choosing a significator, and there are a lot of details for those who want to get deeply into the  meanings of significators. But for now, just pick one that looks like your character or speaks to you in some way.

Here's an example. I picked Strength to represent Tara Sheridan, the heroine of my story. The card shows a woman with flowers in her hair, wearing a long white dress. She has a calm, peaceful expression on her face as she leans down to close the jaws of a lion with only her hands. This isn't a bloody battle of swords and fists. She's accomplishing her goal with a certain amount of tenderness, a gentleness that we can almost see in her face as she looks upon the lion. The lion seems to submit to her willingly, without a struggle, in the face of her compassion.

Take a moment to free-associate about what you see in the card. Does the figure hold anything in her hands? What's her expression? What does the landscape look like behind her? What do you suppose she's thinking? Is she looking at something unseen off in the distance? You may wish to record your answers as they come to you.

Next, flip through your book of Tarot meanings to find your card. Read about the meanings and attributes of the card in the upright position. These will be your characters strengths or positive attributes. For Strength, the card symbolizes fortitude and control over our own animal instincts, discipline to accomplish one's goals. It's interesting to me that Strength subdues her opponent without bloodshed. By her pose, we can't tell if she's been holding the lion's jaws for moments or hours. She is determined to achieve her goal, and she approaches it from a deep wellspring of courage and faith in her own power.

That sounds like Tara to me. I was accustomed to heroines who kicked down doors with guns blazing and asking questions later. But in creating Tara, I wanted her to be different. I wanted her to have the endurance to solve the cases she's working, to be able to approach the lion in a thoughtful fashion. But I didn't want her to face all of her problems with a gun. As I thought about this card, I wanted her to be powerful, and confident in her power.

But...all people have a dark side. They have weaknesses, challenges, and negative qualities about their personalities. To start to look into those aspects, take a look at your book of Tarot meanings. Search for the "Reversed" meaning for your card. Reversals in Tarot are usually read when a card appears upside down.. But reversals are also very helpful in exploring the shadow side of a character or situation.

In my example, I learn that Strength has some drawbacks. The reversed meaning of the card involves the inability to be in control, to harness one's power or instincts. And this rings true for me...in ROGUE ORACLE, Tara's powers with her cards are changing. The cards are coming to life in her dreams, and she's wandering the surreal landscapes of the Tarot, encountering people she knows in the guise of the figures and symbols of the cards. This is a new development in her power, one that she's struggling to control. She comes to question herself and her ability to put the pieces together. She second-guesses her instincts on the nuclear secret-smuggling case she's working with and relationship with her sometime lover, federal investigator Harry Li.

Often, the cards open up more avenues for me to explore, make me wonder about the paths my characters are walking. Try it out sometime, and see where it takes you.

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Thank you so very much for stopping by, Alayna! It's always a treat to learn  a little more about the authors we love or, to learn the tasty tid bits about authors we are just discovering!

Your post has been extremely educational for me. I've heard of Tarot. I'm sure just about everyone has. But, I've never truly gained an understanding of their purpose and power. You've shared a pretty vivid example that has left me quite intrigued.  I think the idea of using Tarot as a writing tool is magnificent. So much so that it actually makes complete sense to me!


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DARK ORACLE, Delphic Oracle #1
by Alayna Williams
Pocket Juno Books
June 2010
ISBN 978-1439182796

Blurb
Can an oracle change the future she sees?

Tara Sheridan swore off criminal profiling years ago. By combining Tarot card divination with her own intuition, she narrowly escaped the grasp of a serial killer who left her scarred for life. She put down her cards and withdrew from work and society. Now, Sophia, a member of an ancient secret society connected to the mythic Delphic Oracle, asks Tara to find a missing scientist who has unlocked the destructive secrets of dark energy. Tara resists— she fears reawakening her long-buried talents and blames Sophia’s Daughters of Delphi for the death of her mother. But, grudgingly, she agrees to search for the missing scientist, Lowell Magnusson.

Tara travels to Las Alamos National Laboratory, the location of Magnusson’s disappearance. She meets the serious, impatient, and highly attractive Agent Harry Li— and re-encounters her old partner, Richard Corvus. Corvus is now chief of the Special Projects Division, a position Tera might have held, had she not dropped out of investigative work. Corvus considers Tara mentally imbalanced and not to be trusted— but it may be Corvus who is untrustworthy.

Tara’s investigation and Tarot cards tell her Magnusson’s daughter, Cassie, may hold the key to her father’s plans, and that they both are in grave danger. Meanwhile, Corvus and the Daughters of Delphi have their own plans...and the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Read an excerpt here


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ROGUE ORACLE, Delphic Oracle #2
By Alayna Williams
Pocket Juno Books
Feb. 22, 2011
ISBN 978-1439182819

Blurb
The more you know about the future, the more there may be to fear.

Tara Sheridan is the best criminal profiler around - and the most unconventional. Trained as a forensic psychologist, Tara also specializes in Tarot card reading. But she doesn't need her divination skills to realize that the new assignment from her friend and sometime lover, Agent Harry Li, is a dangerous proposition in every way.

Former Cold War operatives, all linked to a top-secret operation tracking the disposal of nuclear weapons in Russia, are disappearing. There are no bodies, and no clues to their whereabouts. Harry suspects a conspiracy to sell arms to the highest bidder. The cards - and Tara's increasingly ominous dreams - suggest something darker. Even as Tara sorts through her feelings for Harry and her fractured relationships with the mysterious order known as Delphi's Daughters, a killer is growing more ruthless by the day. And a nightmare that began decades ago in Chernobyl will reach a terrifying endgame that not even Tara could have foreseen…

Read an excerpt here


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Author Bio
Alayna Williams has an MA in sociology-criminology (research interests: fear of crime and victimology) and a BA in criminology. She has worked in and around criminal justice since 1997. Although she does read Tarot cards, she's never used them in criminal profiling or to locate lost scientists. She recently took up astronomy, but for the most part her primary role in studying constellations and dark matter is to follow her amateur astronomer-husband around central Ohio toting the telescope tripod and various lenses. Like the Pythia in Dark Oracle, she's been known to belly dance. Unlike the Pythia she'd never consider herself a professional.

Writing as Laura Bickle, she's the author of EMBERS and SPARKS for Pocket - Juno Books. Writing as Alayna Williams, she's the author of DARK ORACLE and ROGUE ORACLE.

More info on her urban fantasy and general nerdiness is here.

Linkage for Alayna!

Website

Blog

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Word-Whores

Alayna Williams is a PR Client of the lovely Roxanne Rhoads over at:



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Reviews are written on a volunteer basis and are only the opinions of the individual review author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and/or views of the author, publisher, or public readers in general Copyright © YzhaBella's BookShelf 2010-11