REVIEW: "Be Brilliant...Be Bold...Be Beautiful You" - by BK Walker (Virtual Book Tour Cafe)

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"If you could reach for your dreams and become the author you've always wanted to be, would you do it?

BK Walker is here to help. She will hold your hand and guide you through the entire process from an idea for a book to actually writing it, getting published, and marketing your book for sales, helping you reach your dreams and live your passions.

In this book you will learn:

-How to put your ideas into writing
-How you can write your book in one weekend
-When to start building your author platform
-How to decide which type of publishing is for you (Self-Publishing vs. Traditional)
-Cover Designing to capture your readers
-Writing Killer Synopsis' to close the sale
-Creating a marketing plan
-Marketing on a Shoestring Budget
-Free Writing & Marketing Strategies at bkwalkerscafe.com

If you're ready to put your dream of writing into action, then this book is for you. It's time for you to Be Brilliant...Be Bold...and Be Beautiful You!"
AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jack of all trades, master of none. BK Walker is first and foremost a mother and a wife. With three beautiful children and a wonderful husband, she enjoys her days living on their farm in Eastern Pennsylvania. Her writing began when she was a child, reading Nancy Drew mysteries and always telling stories to her imaginary friends and stuffed animals.  When BK’s not writing, she manages her time organizing virtual book tours for other authors, and helping her husband as a consultant in their jointly owned business. Putting most of her time into research, BK is always seeking for the most effective ways to market and promote books and business alike. She sees ghosts when she least expects it, LOVES Cheesecake, and HATES peas! Art is a secondary love, and you may often find her sketches popping up on one of her blogs, or simply catch her reading the magic created in the pages of a great novel. Who knows? It just may be yours.

Email  *  Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Linkedin * Goodreads

REVIEW
Has anyone ever told you "you should really write a book" and you've thought they may be right, but had absolutely no friggin idea how to get started?  Have you ever walked through the day while narrating what happened as though those in your life were characters in the latest best-selling novel?  Have you ever dreamed of seeing your name in a movie right next to the caption "inspired by the best-selling novel...."?  Writing is a daunting task, yes, but would you be encouraged to take that next step if you knew what that next step looked like?

REVIEW: "If You Were Me and Lived in Norway" - by Carole P. Roman (Fire and Ice Book Tours)

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"Join Carole P. Roman on a trip to the Northern Hemisphere and learn about Norway - The Land Of the Midnight Sun. In this exciting series, children are able to read about the many things we share in this great, big world of ours. If You Were Me and Lived in...Norway describes many things that make that country unique and fun. Readers will be able to learn about the capital, common names, a beloved holiday, as well as favorite food and other fun facts. This book is an excellent introduction for those beginners who want to learn about the many thrilling places and great people who share our planet."

Genres: Children, Multicultural, and Nonfiction

GOODREADS  *  AMAZON (print)  *  AMAZON (kindle)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 for her first book, award winning author Carole P. Roman started writing as a dare from one of her sons. Using an imaginary game she played with her grandson as a base, Captain No Beard was born."Captain No Beard- An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life" has not only been named to Kirkus Best of 2012, it received the Star of Remarkable Merit, and won the Pinnacle Award for 2012. "Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience" Book 2 in the series, received 5 Stars from The ForeWord Review The Clarion Review. It has followed with six more books to the series.  Motivated by her love of yoga, Roman has written a book that not only teaches four poses, but shows how easy and accessible yoga can be. 

Her new non fiction series, "If You Were Me and Lived in..." combines her teaching past with her love of exploration and interest in the world around us. The debut book in the series, "If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico" has won the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Non Fiction 2012. France, South Korea, and Norway. They will be followed with Kenya, Turkey, India, and Australia. She plans to do Portugal, Greece, and Argentina next year.

Writing for children has opened up a whole second act for her. While she is still working in her family business, this has enabled her to share her sense of humor as well as love for history and culture with the audience she adores. Roman lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children.

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  *  FACEBOOK, FACEBOOK, FACEBOOK  *  BLOG  *  TWITTER  *   WEBSITE  *  GOODREADS  *  PINTEREST 

REVIEW

Many little kids dream of visiting different countries, and/or want to learn more about people who live in other countries.  In seeking out a book to help teach children about different countries, parents want to find something that is informative and takes children's curiosity and ability to absorb information seriously.  

Restaurant Review - My Huong Kitchen

     A few weeks ago, my husband, Dibbun (my son - not his real name, a nickname stolen from Brian Jacques books), and I went to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.  Husband and I went to this nearly every year before Dibbun was born, and this was the first time that our 18-month-old son was able to attend.  

     Partway through the day, Dibbun began making the noises that every parent recognizes, the noises of a hungry child.  It was a hot day.  Very hot.  Like, melt-a-candy-bar-on-your-toes kind of hot (90+ degrees).  Dibbun was cranky because it was so hot...and he was hungry.

     Well, being at Renaissance Festival meant that Husband and I were wearing costumes.  Women's costumes notoriously don't have pockets, so I didn't have my wallet. 

Baby was hungry. 

     My husband had his wallet, so I trucked off to a restaurant booth to retrieve ye old num nums for Dibbun.

Baby was very hungry.

     Food was ordered, made, and handed to a Momma eager to appease a hungry Dibbun.  Momma reached for Husband's credit card...and knew by the look on the lady's face that they must not take card.  We had no cash.

Baby was hungry.

     The woman behind the counter, who is the owner of the restaurant, told me to go "feed your baby" and come back to pay later.  After settling down with Dibbun to give him the newly acquired food, I sent Husband across the Festival to the ATMs to fetch cash.  Upon arriving at the ATMs, he realized the only card we had was credit, not debit.  Credit cards don't give cash out of ATMs...at least not this one.

     Dibbun was not taking much of the offered food anyways because he was too hot (we got him cooled down, don't worry) and I gingerly picked up the plate of food and headed back towards the food booth with my tail tucked between my legs.  
   
     The owner was AMAZING!  I explained the situation, and she said "feed your baby, don't worry about it".  Seriously.  She restored some of my faith in humanity right there.  I felt like an absolute cad...I am not one to order food and then leave without paying.  We got caught in an awkward situation, and she totally bailed us out.  So to the owner of "My Huong Kitchen", THANK YOU!!  You are totally a lifesaver!!!

     My son LOVED the food.  I LOVED the food!!  The food at this place is amazing, the service is amazing...it is pretty much amazing.  I shall always go by their booth whenever I see it anywhere...hopefully this time with cash in hand.  : )

My Huong Kitchen

2718 Nicollet Ave.,  

Ste 101B

Minneapolis, MN 55408

Neighborhood: Whittier

(612) 872-2323

BLITZ: "Phase One: Identify" - by Rose Winters (Fire and Ice Book Tours)

Blurb

"A letter found on the clear glass case of the only gun shop in Pleasant, LA

Hello,

My name is Tabitha Alexanders. Congratulations. If you're reading this letter, you're one of the survivors from the zombie apocalypse. Take care, or you won't last for long.

I'm 18 and just graduated this year. I didn't get to enjoy it, though. I was working at the grocery store as a checkout girl when the first body slammed against the clear glass. I'll never forget the fear that washed over me at the sight of his red, hungry eyes. That night marked the loss of my innocence.... And my freedom.

Now my life is something different. No longer can we take the basic things like safety and food for granted, not to mention our lives. The zombies destroyed our entire town that first night, including the family of the college guy I had a crush on in the past. We were able to save him, but he's not the same. He's different, but so am I.

Our numbers are extremely small, but the humans have united. A new group of survivors is emerging in this nightmarish world.... And we aren't afraid to fight dirty if it ensures our survival.

We had to leave Pleasant in order to save our lives. We barely made it out alive. These zombies are entirely different than the way I'd always seen on television. They are fast, preternaturally strong, and even aware. They used that awareness to discover our small group of survivors hidden within our home. If it wasn't for Kellan we'd be dead right now, wandering the streets of Pleasant.

Kellan is something completely different than any man I've ever seen before. He's too powerful and too controlled to ever be anything like the average male. I can't explain him, but I'm glad he's on our side. Heaven help us all if he ever decides we're not worth the effort.

He's taken us to his home outside of town, if the massive fortress can be considered that. It's large enough for many more than us, self-sustaining should we be forced to remain beyond the high fence. There's something strange about the way he was so prepared for the zombie apocalypse, but it's not my place to question it. I've learned that Kellan doesn't enjoy questions, and he doesn't want anybody getting too close.

I'm leaving a handwritten map here in the hopes that there is still someone alive in this town to find it. God, I hope you are. It feels like we're the only ones left, and it's horrifying...

Tabitha Alexander" 

GOODREADS

About the Author

Rose Wynters is the paranormal romance author of six books and three series, including the bestselling series, Wolf Town Guardians.

When not writing about hot, alpha characters and unique heroines, she enjoys pulling her head out of the fantasy world by traveling, camping, and experiencing new adventures.

A lifelong fan of both the paranormal and romance, she loves developing plots that combine these into sizzling hot reads with an exciting, sexy hero. 

Author Links:

WEBSITE  *  TWITTER  *  FACEBOOK 

Excerpt

     "The reporter looked to be somewhere around his early 30's. His handsome face was pale and drawn, his expression frantic. It was soon apparent he wasn't working from any type of script, as he addressed the viewers that were watching. “The police department is urging residents to stay inside and lock your doors, and stay away from what people are classifying as zombies.”

     Somebody cried out loudly in the background, but the reporter continued, “Police have no idea what what the death toll is. Numerous attacks have been reported. Do not get close to anyone that appears to be injured in anyway.”

     A woman moved in front of the camera, pushing the reporter out of the way with her body, before grabbing the microphone from his slack grip. Her face was pale, but her dark eyes were filled with determination as she stared into the lens. She got right to the point.

     “Don't let this reporter sugarcoat this with his evasions. There are dead people walking out there, and they are fast, deadly, and supernaturally strong. There is a name for them, one we've heard before but thought was only fiction. These dead people are zombies, and they don't care about nothing but getting their teeth into your flesh.”

     The reporter tried to grab the microphone back, but she shot him a deadly look. “You're not getting this till I'm done,” she told him in a firm voice. “I'm not gonna stand by while you get your five seconds of fame and leave these innocent people out there to die. People deserve to know what they are up against, and how to protect themselves. Now back off.” Surprisingly, he stood still and listened.

     She turned back to the camera. “I know there are some of you out there that don't believe in this. You wanna box it all up, neat and tidy-like, and believe that there must be some rational explanation for this, and come morning it will all be gone. If you believe that though, you're going to find yourself dead before the sun ever hits the sky tomorrow.”

     She leaned into the camera, and I felt as if she were talking directly to me. “For those of you that want to live though, listen and listen well. These zombies aren't the slow, dumb creatures we have all seen on film. These zombies are fast, faster than we are. The more they eat, the stronger they seem to get. The ones I have seen tonight have red eyes as well. The only way to kill them is by shooting them in the head or cutting their head off.”

     “I object to that,” the reporter broke in, his voice loud enough for us to hear him. He shook his head at the woman, his expression angry. “I simply can't tolerate you suggesting to viewers to go out and murder these people. We don't know what's wrong with them, maybe they are just ill.”

     She looked back at him in disbelief. “So how many people have you ate the last time you felt ill, Mr. big time, know-it-all reporter? I'll tell you what. Since you're so concerned with saving the zombies that wouldn't think twice about killing you, why don't you go out there and show us what you've got? I'm sure your cameraman here would be only to happy to film you through the window when you become dinner.”

     The reporter smirked at her before eying her with disdain. “What makes you such an expert?”

     She ignored him, turning her attention back to the viewers. “If you're still alive and hearing this, I beg you to listen. I've never seen anything like this before. Tonight I lost my whole family to these animals. If you want to stay alive, be cautious.

     Don't go out unarmed, and don't go out alone. If it's safe, try to make it to the police station. These zombies are everywhere now, and I guarantee the dead are outnumbering the living. Try to not join their ranks.”

     She turned back to the reporter, holding out the microphone. “I'm not an expert, I'm a survivor. I hope you can learn how to be one yourself.”

     With that, she turned and walked away."

Ooooooooo, doesn't that just give you chill bumps??

AMAZON *  BARNES AND NOBLE  *  SMASHWORDS  

To see the tour home page, click here!

Rose Wynters is giving away a $20 Amazon Gift Card. Giveaway starts on 10/17/13 at 12 AM Eastern Time and ends on 11/1/13 at 12 AM Eastern Time. Must be 18 and over, open internationally! Enter daily through Rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

COVER REVEAL: "Unmaking Marchant" - by Ella James (Mark My Words Book Publicity)

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     "Marchant Radcliffe, owner of the exclusive Love Inc. brothel outside Vegas, is no stranger to darkness. He lost his sister in childhood and his parents in college. Since his best friend helped him finance the Love Inc. ranch almost ten years ago, Marchant has drowned himself in business—and he’s thrived, despite the heavy secret that has plagued him since his parents’ deaths. Then, after ten years of good fortune, Marchant’s skeletons start to peek out of the closet, tossing him down a trail of ruin that begins with arson and could end with murder. Because he’s kept his struggles private, he has no one to pull him back from the brink. Except for Suri Dalton. After a breakup with her longtime fiancé, Suri, the daughter of one of Silicon Valley’s tech tycoons, has nowhere to go except her BFF’s new penthouse in Las Vegas. The last thing Suri is looking for is a man, but after drowning her woes in wine on the flight over, she stumbles into a torrid make out session with a beautiful stranger—who just so happens to be Marchant Radcliffe, a playboy and a literal pimp. Despite an immediate attraction, Suri writes Marchant off as exactly the sort of guy she should avoid. Until Love Inc. goes up in flames, Marchant winds up at the bottom of a swimming pool, and Suri is the only one around to pull him out. What happens when what you see isn’t what you get? What do you do when destiny is too alluring to resist and too dangerous to survive?"

A LOVE INC. NOVEL

                                         COMING WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013  

ABOUT THE BLOG

     Ella James is a Colorado author who writes teen and adult romance. She is happily married to a man who knows how to wield a red pen, and together they are raising a feisty two-year-old who will probably grow up believing everyone's parents go to war over the placement of a comma. Ella's books have been listed on numerous Amazon bestseller lists, including the Movers & Shakers list and the Amazon Top 100; two were listed among Amazon's Top 100 Young Adult Ebooks of 2012. To find out more about Ella's projects and get dates on upcoming releases, find her on Facebook at facebook.com/ellajamesauthorpage and follow her blog, www.ellajamesbooks.com. Questions or comments? Tweet her at author_ellaj or e-mail her at ella_f_james at ymail.com.  

WEBSITE  *  Twitter

COVER REVEAL: "After the Rain" - by Karen-Anne Steward (Xpresso Book Tours)

Doesn't this cover just make you want to know what in the heck is going on??

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"Finally able to put her harrowing past to rest, Raina looks forward to her future with Kas, but the Ghost has other plans. As the FBI team gets closer to taking down the largest human trafficking ring in the modern world, the Ghost begins a wicked game, making Raina the pawn and the target. Never before encountering a worthy adversary, he’s fascinated by Raina and is enjoying the refreshing challenge of her intellect.

The danger ignites to a blazing new level, and Kas struggles between the need to finally exorcise the Ghost and his need to protect his wife. Tension mounts as an internal battle wages, tormenting Kas as he watches Raina put her all into taking down the man responsible for horrific sex slavery and gruesome deaths. When a new player takes control, Jefferson orders the end of the Ghost’s game with Raina, which results in one final, devastating act, leaving Kas desperate and willing to do whatever it takes to save her…by whatever means necessary."

After the Rain: The Final Novel in The Rain Trilogy
Karen-Anne Stewart
Publication date: Late October, 2013
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Goodreads 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

"I am a new author and have recently discovered that I am now addicted to writing. My first novel, Saving Rain, was originally going to be a single novel, but it quickly turned into a trilogy. I fell in love with the characters and had to continue with the story to delve more into their intriguing, dangerous lives. The Rain Trilogy is a powerful story of abuse, human trafficking, and beautiful, redeeming love (new adult contemporary romance suspense meant for readers 18 and older). Saving Rain and Healing Rain are live now, and After the Rain will be live by the end of October 2013.

I live in the mountains with my family, and I love to read, hike, and travel when I am not writing. I am a sucker for romance, especially a book with a strong alpha male who has a sensitive side. I also enjoy a good mystery and thrillers. My favorite author is James Patterson, he is an amazing writer.
With being a newbie, I am just learning all the ropes, but I'm loving the wild ride. I plan on writing for as long as my fingers have dexterity."

WEBSITE * FACEBOOK  *  TWITTER  * GOODREADS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbBurAKibhc

TEASER: "Stealing Promises" - by Brina Courtney (Mark My Words Book Publicity)

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"Promises are made to be kept, never stolen. But that’s exactly what happened to Victoria Blane and Levi Manor. Tragedy strikes their perfect relationship leaving Victoria struggling to overcome the darkness that threatens to bury her. With Victoria’s life in tatters she decides that running away is easier than dealing with her troubles. But when a friend finds her on the floor in her kitchen, she knows it’s time for a change.

  Brighton Hanley knows what it’s like to lose someone. He knows what it’s like to be haunted by things that can never change. When he meets Victoria he recognizes the pain she’s trying to bury deep in her eyes. He knows she’s trying to run away, but he also knows that you can’t run forever.

  Victoria is drawn to Brighton in ways she never expected. He becomes her champion, her life line… her sunshine in the darkness. But is Victoria ready to let go of the past and grab on to her future?  Or will she run away from Brighton before she can be hurt again?"

Title: Stealing Promises

Author: Brina Courtney

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 20th, 2013

Goodreads

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brina Courtney is a new adult author obsessed with chocolate, crime shows, and fantasy movies. She’s spent the last few years as an elementary teacher and a high school cheering coach. She lives in a small town in Pennsylvania with her husband and two very loud, small dogs.

Website  *  Facebook  *  Twitter

TEASER

  The next morning Victoria was surprised to find it drizzling outside. She snuggled further under the quilt but when she reached over for Levi, he wasn’t there. She groggily opened her eyes and started to sit up looking for him, but he wasn’t inside the small cabin.

Wrapping the quilt around her body she shuffled over to the window to look out and see Levi rearranging some things in the truck. She opened it slightly and called out to him, “Morning, did you have breakfast yet?”

He waved back at her, there was mud down his jeans but he looked relaxed and almost cheerful. “No not yet. I’m trying to get down to the main house to get us some, it was included with our stay. God damn truck is stuck in the mud.”

Victoria sighed deeply, so much for getting to see the small town that was close by. “Well I packed some snacks.”

He smiled back at her and shrugged his shoulders and walked into the cabin taking off his muddy boots upon arrival.  He walked over to Victoria and delivered a light kiss on the cheek, “How did I get so lucky?”

She smiled back at him devilishly, “Can’t tell ya. So what’s the grand plan for today vacation planner?”

He laughed at her teasing, “You’ll just have to wait and see won’t you?”

She set her lips into a thin line, Victoria didn’t like surprises very much.

“Don’t worry about it. Just eat your granola bar.”

After they ate and Victoria had gotten dressed Levi led her to the back of the cabin to a small trail. “I think you’re really going to enjoy this.”

They walked through the cool spring air while trees shed sprinkles on them. They walked in silence, hand-in-hand over small rocks and twigs, through the mud until Victoria finally heard rushing water. “Is that a waterfall?”

Levi smiled at her. “Nope. I did you one better.”

As they continued to walk they came upon a clearing with a small hot spring receded into the ground. There were rocks set up around it clearly put there by nature while others had been moved by people to keep clothes dry and supplies away from the steam. Victoria smiled and pushed Levi playfully. “You know I didn’t bring a bathing suit!”

Levi kissed her on the lips pushing his body against hers, “Of course I know that.” He quickly began to strip, taking his hoodie and shirt off in a flash. Victoria watched with interested eyes as he turned to her, his tanned muscles rippling beneath the light rain. He walked over to her and wrapped his hands around her body to bring her closer. “You’re going to join me, right?” He whispered hotly in her ear.