GIVEAWAY & Release Day Party: The Migraine Mafia by Maia Sepp

Welcome to the Release Day Party

& Giveaway for

The Migraine Mafia

By: Maia Sepp
Genre: Humor, Contemporary,Women's Fiction
Release Date: December 13th, 2013

Synopsis: 

On paper, Viive McBroome lives the perfect life--a key player in a fast-paced, technical field, one promotion away from real success--but that's only if you ignore one little problem.

Sandwiched between one migraine and the next, Viive's life is like those choose-your-own-adventure books you read as a kid, only less fun and with a lot more drugs. And lately, as her bosses politely march her toward a vacation that might never end, even the good days feel like a struggle for survival.

Faced with frustration from her loved ones and the dark machinations of a new colleague, Viive feels herself getting pulled under by guilt, apologies, and workplace shenanigans. But then she meets the Migraine Mafia, a quirky, vibrant support group, and her fragile camouflage begins to crumble. She discovers that a room full of strangers just might be able to change the way she views her illness--and realizes that if she doesn't learn to ask for help, her health isn't the only thing she stands to lose.

Sometimes painful, frequently hilarious, always entertaining, The Migraine Mafia is the story of one woman's life-altering decision to thrive in the face of chronic illness.

Where to Purchase The Migraine Mafia

Amazon  |  Kobo   |    Barnes & Noble

About the Author ~ Maia Sepp

Maia left the tech sector to write about sock thievery, migraines, and...the tech sector.

The Sock Wars is her debut novel. The first chapter of The Sock Wars was published as a short story/novel excerpt titled Irish Drinking Socks, and became a Kobo bestselling short story. The Sock Wars has been a top-100 digital bestseller on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the iBookstore, as well as a genre bestseller on Kobo.

Maia's next novel will be released in December 2013: The Migraine Mafia, a story about a nerdy thirtysomething's quest to come to terms with a chronic illness.

Giveaways!

There are two giveaways for the Release Day Party...

Giveaway #1
Author Maia Sepp will be giving away a $50 Amazon gift card to a lucky winner via the Rafflecopter below!

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Giveaway #2

Plus, one lucky commentor at each stop will win an ecopy of The Migraine Mafia. To enter to win simply leave a comment below. One commentor will be randomly selected!

Good Luck!

 

 

Giveaway & Review of This Much is True by Katherine Owen

About THIS MUCH IS TRUE

Fate brings them together

Fame & lies keep them apart

One truth remains…

She’s become the Paly High girl with the most tragic story…

At 17, Tally Landon just wants to graduate and leave for New York to pursue ballet. Her best friend Marla convinces her to attend one last party—a college party—where she can be among strangers and evade the whisperings about the heartbreaking loss of her twin that follows her everywhere she goes. She meets Lincoln Presley, Stanford’s famous baseball wonder and has a little fun at his expense—when she lies about her age and who she really is—intent on being someone else for the night and escaping her tragic story.

His only focus is baseball, but he can’t forget the girl he saved on Valentine’s Day…

At 22, Lincoln Presley’s star is on the rise—about to finish at Stanford and expected to be taken early in Major League Baseball’s upcoming draft—his cousin’s party serves as a welcome distraction. But then, he sees the girl from Valentine’s Day that he saved from that horrific car accident and can’t quite hide his disappointment when she appears to look right through him and not remember him at all. He vows to learn her name at least before he leaves. What’s the harm in getting to know this girl? What’s the worst that can happen?

Fate soon tests these star-crossed lovers in all kinds of ways...

And yet, despite the lies being told to protect the other, and the trappings of fame that continually separate them, and in lieu of the deception by those they’ve come to trust the most; one truth remains.

This much is true. 

Caution: This title contains some strong language, some violence, and some sexual situations and is intended for readers 18+ in age.

Title: This Much Is True

Author: Katherine Owen

Release: August 11th, 2013

Age Group: New Adult/Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance; Sports Romance, Holiday Romance, New Adult College Romance

Tour organized by: AToMR Tours; http://atomrbookblogtours.com

Available in Paperback & eBook at:

{Click to Purchase}

Also available at Kobo & iTunes.

My Review of THIS MUCH IS TRUE

From the opening line of This Much is True, the heart-wrenching story of young, aspiring ballerina, Tally Landon, is a  gratifying journey of heartache and suffering. Throw in  future Hall of Fame baseball play Lincoln Presley and you yourself a book that will draw you in on the first page and leave you with a fulfilled ending on the last!

This Much is True is the first book I have read by Katherine Owen, but it will not be the last. I agreed to read the story as part of the book tour and I am very glad I did. While, This Much is True is a rather long book, it's well worth the read and every chapter has it's own mini-climax. I thoroughly enjoyed that about this book as there was no, 'waiting around to see what happens' next or boring chapters that were simply put there to fill space in the binding. It's very fast paced, but not so much that you feel like you are missing out on anything and have to wonder what happen between point A and point B. 

I won't go into too much detail because I wouldn't want to spoil a good great thing, but I will tell you that this is the most heartfelt, drama-filled story I think I have ever read. Don't get me wrong, I've read dozens of great, well-written, engaging, 5-star books, but none that had so much drama! Drama, drama and more drama... all of which was a good thing of course. While most books have a few unexpected twists turns, this one was full of unexpected events and outcomes that kept the plot entertaining and engaging. Just when you think you what's going to happen... the unexpected happens and Tally's hit with yet another curve ball in life and is left helplessly hanging on to what's left of her heart. Some of which, she brings on herself, others are simply another hard twist of fate. 

One thing I found to be unique about This Much is True, and actually enjoyed about the book, was that each chapter is being told from either Tally or Lincoln's point of view. A couple chapters will be written as if you are right there, sitting next to Tally with her pouring her heart and soul out to you, while the next chapter you are a thousand miles away seeing Lincoln's side. I really enjoyed this part because there was no wondering why something was the way it was. You knew... you knew what he was feeling, you knew why he wasn't there, you knew why she did what she did, and why she thought she was doing the right thing. Back and forth, back and forth. It was like sitting on the fence and straddling the line, while getting to see the grass that was greener on the left, and the not so green on the right. 

What can I say? It's full of drama, it's very realistic and easy to relate to (I'm mean if you are a baseball player and a ballerina of course). The story is so well-written that you are completely engaged and become entangled in the web of lies, tears and heartache. (And constantly grabbing another Pringle and cheering for Team Linc.)  I absolutely adored the characters, the plot and witty style of writing bouncing back and forth between Tally and Linc.

There is no way I could rate this book any less than 5 well-deserved stars! Absolutely Awesome! If you love a great heart-felt, then This Much is True is a must-read!

About the Author, Katherine Owen

Dark. Edgy. Contemporary. Romantic. Were we describing me? Or my fiction? Sorry.

I drink too much...coffee, not enough water. I swear too much for God and my mother, and I slip these into my fiction. Sorry.

I'm impatient, a perfectionist, a wordsmith, a dreamer, which ends up being good and bad. I'm a workaholic; ask my "fam-dam-ily".

I've written four novels in as many years: "When I See You, "Not To Us", Seeing Julia" as well as my latest release "This Much Is True" (which hit #1 on Amazon best seller lists for Sports Romance, Holiday Romance within a week of its release). Competitive; much, KO? Oh yes.

If you love angsty, unpredictable love stories, I'm yours. ♥ Connect with me at facebook.com/KatherineOwenAuthor.

~ Connect with Katherine Owen~

Website & Blog: http://www.katherineowen.net

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

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/katherineowen01

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You can follow the rest of the tour and read more reviews, guest posts and interview with author Katherine Owen by following the rest of the tour at ATOMR.

FTC Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of THIS MUCH IS TRUE for an honest review. The review in this post is my honest opinion and was not influenced in anyway, nor was a I compensated to provide a positive review. 

COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY: Calm Before the Storm S. K. Hartley

Release Day: December 10, 2013

Synopsis

When Dylan Harper comes home from college for the weekend, she thought she was in for a nice relaxing break with her family.

But life doesn't work like that.

When she stumbles into the arms of her old high school crush, Storm Mathews, the notorious bad boy, thunder crashes, lightening flashes and the rain just keeps on coming.

There is a storm brewing and all they can do is hold on for the ride.

Teaser

We finally paid for our mountain of items and left the grocery store. But as we stepped towards my baby, my whole body froze. My feet became rooted to the ground as a clap of thunder crashed over head, the first of the summer raindrops grazing my goose pimpled skin.

"Dylan?" I heard Tyler say.

Everything echoed around me, the lightening, the thunder, the sound of the rain now coming thick and fast, pounding against every surface.

"What's wrong, Dylan?" Her voice was barely audible as I willed my body to move, but I was frozen in place.

I felt the brown paper bag disintegrating in my arms, the contents of the bag suddenly hitting the ground. My heart was in my throat, my hands shook and my knees were weak.

"Storm."

  Meet S.K.

Facebook - Blog - Twitter - Goodreads

S.K. Hartley is a mother, wife, avid reader and writer based in the not so sunny North West of England. You can find her either glued to her computer desk, in the library (yes they still exist) or floating around her favorite authors book signings!

What sort of except do authors usually post? IE. sex scenes, love scenes....

Giveaway

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Giveaway & Review: Snowed Over by Angie Stanton {A Christmas Novella}

 

Welcome to the Snowed Over Book Tour

 

Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to get in the mood for the holiday than with a sweet Christmas romance novel?

 

Below you will find my review of the Angie Stanton's new Christmas Novella, Snowed Over, and an awesome giveaway for a $50 Amazon Gift Card and two $20 Amazon Gift Cards!

 

Hope you enjoy. Happy Holidays!

  

 

About Snowed Over

 

Author: Angie Stanton
Title: Snowed Over
Release date: October 2012
Age Group: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance Novella

Synopsis
To college student, Katie Brandt, ‘Home for the Holidays’ sounds like hell. When her parents separated, their holiday traditions shattered like a dropped ornament. What could be worse than celebrating Christmas with her suddenly single mom and mom’s new boyfriend?

Alex Walker, an engaged 20-year-old, dreads going home for his own reasons. He has a daunting task ahead of him and wishes he could skip the holidays altogether. So when a friend of a friend needs a ride north, Alex finds that having beautiful Katie seated by his side proves to be just the distraction he needs.

A simple ride home for Christmas turns into a nightmare when light snow rages into a full-scale blizzard. Katie and Alex find themselves stranded, and a vacant cabin becomes a haven from the storm.

Under different circumstances, time alone with Alex would be the ultimate Christmas gift, but Katie knows Alex is engaged and she must hide her growing attraction.

However, Alex harbors a secret that just might change this holiday from the worst Christmas ever, to the best.

Goodreads

Snowed Over is Available in eBook & Paperback at:

{CLICK TO PURCHASE}

 

 

 Review of Snowed Over

Snowed Over is the perfect little addition to any Christmas book list! Whether you enjoy a sweet romance, a holiday themed book, or just a great read in general, Snowed Over is a wonderful Christmas Novella that won't disappoint you.

To avoid an accidental spoiler, I won't go into any actual details of the book except to say it is a well-written novella that has just the right amount of drama, a near-tragedy and few heart-felt moments to keep you coming back for more without over doing it.

I didn't quite rate the book a full 5 Stars, but that's not because it wasn't a great read. Honestly, it was a wonderful read! However, there were no extreme shock factors, no major climax and no incredibly exciting moments. Don't confuse that with me saying the book was boring, it was far from it! It just didn't have your typical fireworks, oh's and ah's.
Overall, I would say... Put it on your holiday reading list!  Snowed Over is a WONDERFUL Novella, and I strongly recommend it for anyone who likes a sweet and innocent read. One that will make you all warm and fuzzy on the inside, without making your grandma blush.

 

  About the Author

 

Angie Stanton never planned on writing books, she wanted to be a Rockette. However, growing up in a rural setting with her brothers' 4-H pigs as pets, dance didn't work out. Instead she became an avid daydreamer. After years of perfecting stories in her head she began to write them down and the rest is history.

She loves dipping french fries in chocolate shakes, natural disaster movies and Broadway Musicals. When not writing, Angie is concocting ways to make more dreams come true, whether it be tickets to a Broadway show or convincing her family they should rent an RV and travel the country. She's still working on that one.

Angie is a proud double finalist of the 2011 National Readers Choice Awards for Love 'em or Leave 'em, as well as a finalist for the Golden Quill Awards.

~ Connect with Angie Stanton ~
         Website | Facebook

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You follow the rest of the tour and find more reviews, excerpts and other book related info via the Snowed Over Tour Schedule at Atomr Book Tours.

 

 

FTC Disclosure: I did receive a free ecopy of Snowed Over in exchange for participating in the virtual book tour and posting an honest review. The fact that it was free did not influence my opinion, nor was I asked to provide a positive review. The review posted for this book, and all other books on this blog, are my own opinion and not influenced in any way.  

COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY: TAUT: The Ford Book by J. A. Huss

 

Welcome to the COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY for

 TAUT: The Ford Book

By J. A. Huss

 

 

{Cover Reveal}

 

Title: TAUT: The Ford Book

(A Rook and Ronin Spin-off)

Author: J.A. Huss

Publication date: January 2014

Genres: New Adult Contemporary Romance

TAUT: The Ford Book Synopsis:

Ford Aston is getting the f*ck out of Denver. He does not give a shit about blizzards, getting his old ass Bronco over the Rocky Mountains in one piece, or a girl knocking on his hotel door looking to be saved.

Ford Aston is known for many things. Being an emotionless, messed up bastard, a freakishly smart social outcast, and a cold, domineering master who keeps “pets” instead of girlfriends.

And after Rook broke his heart, he plans to keep it that way.

******

Ashleigh is getting the f*ck out of somewhere, but she’s not quite sure where she’s coming from, let alone where she’s going.

Ashleigh is known for nothing, and that’s exactly what she’s got going for her. She’s broke, stranded in the mountains with a three month old baby, and Ford Aston is f*cking with her head.

Big. Time. 

And she plans to f*ck with his right back.

****** 

It’s a coy game at first, filled with flirting, and innuendo—but Ford soon realizes something is not quite right with Ashleigh. In fact, something is seriously, seriously wrong and the closer they get to their final destination, the closer Ford gets to the truth. 

One night of devastation, self-loathing, and emptiness turns into the best thing that ever happened to Ford Aston. But one day of in-your-face reality threatens Ashleigh's whole existence. Can Ford allow another woman into his heart and risk the possibility of being hurt, or will he walk away from Ashleigh just when she needs him most?

Goodreads

 

 

More information about the series or to purchase the books, visit:

 

 {Click the Retailer You Would Like to Visit}

 

 

AUTHOR BIO

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

~ Connect with J. A. Huss ~

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

 

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Book Blast & Giveaway: Sisters in White by Melissa Foster

Welcome to the Book Blast & Giveaway for
Sisters in White
By Melissa Foster
 Snow Sisters Series

About Sisters in White

Danica and Kaylie Snow are about to celebrate the biggest day of their lives—their double wedding—on an island in the Bahamas. But no wedding is complete without a little family drama. The two sisters aren’t ready to face the father they haven’t seen since he divorced their mother and moved away to marry his mistress, and live with Lacy, the half sister they’ve never met.

While Danica has exchanged letters and phone calls with Lacy, Kaylie has fervently tried to pretend she doesn’t exist. Lacy is sweet, fun, and nearly a mirror image of Kaylie. To make matters worse, not only is Lacy looking forward to meeting her sisters, but she idolizes them, too. As the countdown to the wedding date ticks on, their parents are playing a devious game of revenge, and there’s a storm brewing over the island, threatening to cancel their perfect wedding. The sisters are about to find out if the bond of sisterhood really trumps all.

CLICK TO PURCHASE: Sisters in White

Add to your shelves on Goodreads

About the Author

Melissa Foster is the award-winning author of four International bestselling novels. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on  Fostering Success. Melissa is also a community builder for the Alliance for Independent Authors. She has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on The Women’s Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe. Join Melissa and the YaYa Writer Girls at their annual in-person event. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Connect with Melissa Foster
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor

Website: http://www.melissafoster.com/

Find out more about the Snow Sister Series

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Home For the Holidays Hop: $450 Giveaway + The Best Ever Red Velvet Cake Recipe

Welcome to the Home for the Holidays Blog Hop!

During this hop you have a chance to
win a $450 Gift Card or Paypal Cash, 
a HUGE Ebook Grab Bag and several other prizes on participating blogs! 

The blog hop consists of several bloggers and authors who have sponsored the event to bring you prizes, recipes, book recommendations, and most of all, holiday cheer!

For my stop on the hop I decided to share my 
red velvet cake & cream cheese frosting recipes. 

I am also hosting a 

$25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway 
below, which is completely separate from the main 

Home for the Holidays Blog Hop Giveaway

You will find all the details for both giveaways below the recipe! 

Without further ado, I bring you.... 

The Best Red Velvet Cake Recipe, Ever! 

The secret to the best red velvet cake recipe lies below...

I had originally posted this recipe on my other blog, So Simply Stephanie, last Christmas and it instantly became a huge hit! Since this is my favorite holiday recipe  and my other readers enjoyed it, I thought I would share it for the Home For The Holidays Blog Hop.

This red velvet cake is a little different from most recipes and quite frankly, the BEST I HAVE EVER HAD! Red velvet cake has always been my favorite-- when it's made right. I have only found a few people in my lifetime who made the perfect red velvet cake and my husbands aunt is one of those people. I had searched high and low for a great recipe and even tried the Paula Deen's Red Velvet Cake recipe and it didn't turn out to my liking, either. Possibly my error, possibly because it's just not the one. 

Unlike traditional red velvet cake recipes, this one has it's own little secret...

Are you ready?

Lean in a little closer so no one else hears...

Instead of flower, it uses a boxed butter cake mix! Shhh! Don't tell anyone until AFTER they have tried it and they tell you how wonderful it is!... No, this recipe still calls for all the other true-red-velvet ingredients such as the vinegar, cocoa, and butter milk. The boxed cake mix is a substitution to the flour only.

So, are you ready to try it? I have included both the Red Velvet Cake Recipe & the Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe!

Red Velvet Cake Recipe:

• 1 Box Butter Cake Mix ( Something Like Betty Crocker  Butter Cake 18.5 oz.)
• 2 ½ Tbsp. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 1 1/3 Cups Buttermilk
• 1 oz. Red Food Coloring
• 1 Stick (8 Tbsp.) Butter, Melted
• 3 Large Eggs
• 1 Tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 Tsp. Baking Soda
• 1 Tbsp. Distilled White Vinegar
• Flour for Dusting Pans
• Shortening for Greasing Pans

1. Place rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees.

2. Grease 3 9-inch pans thoroughly with shortening or margarine, and then dust with flour.

3. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl, and beat on low speed for 1 minute, or until all ingredients are well blended. Scrape the sides of the bowl and mix again for 2 minutes on medium speed.

4. Divide the batter evenly among pans, about 1 ½ cups of each, and smooth the tops with a rubber spatula.

5. Bake the cakes for 17-21 minutes or until the sides start to separate from the side of the pan. You can also use the toothpick method. Insert a toothpick, if it comes out clean it’s done.

6. When cakes are done, transfer them to wire racks to cool for 5 minutes. After cakes have cooled, run a knife around the edge of the pan to separate the cake from the pan. Next, flip the pan over on the wire rack so that the cake is upside down on the rack. Now, place another rack on top of that and flip it back over so that the cake is right side up.

7. Move your layers one at the time to your cake plate and frost with cream cheese frosting.

8. ENJOY!

Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe:

• 1 8oz block cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 stick of butter, at room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• Optional: 1 cup crushed pecans... Optional, but really, it's a delicious-must!

1. Combine cream cheese and butter in a large bowl and beat 1-2 minutes or until light and fluffy.

2. Scrape the sides of the bowl, pulling the frosting back to the center of the bowl. Add vanilla and gradually add powdered sugar. Beat on medium until well combined. Next, beat on high speed for 1 -2 minutes until you reach your desired consistency.

3. If you want to add pecans, which I strongly suggest, stir them in now. Save a couple tablespoons to garnish the top for a beautiful red velvet cake.

Now that you have the recipe for the best red velvet cake you will ever put in your mouth, are you going to try it?

Now for the fun part.... the giveaways!

Okay, for my blog giveaway I am offering a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card to one lucky winner via Rafflecopter. To enter simply complete the entries on the Rafflecopter below. Some of which will also qualify you for the blog hop Grand Prize of $450+ ! 

BE SURE TO LEAVE YOU EMAIL in the comment

 so that we can contact you if you win!

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To enter the Home for the Holidays Blog Hop Giveaway simply post a comment below. 

Then, be sure to visit the main blog hop page by clicking on the banner. There you will find a list of participating authors and blogs were you can visit and comment for more chances to win! 

Hope you enjoy! 

Good Luck & Happy Holidays!