Drasmyr Review + Giveaway

The Drasmyr book tour is orgainzed by  the wonderful team over at Goddess Fish, and when I saw this tour pop up I knew that I had to be involved.
Title: Drasmyr by Matthew D. Ryan 
Pages: 203
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Reading Level: 14+
Source: Received in exchange for an honest review in conjunction with a book tour.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Add to your shelf: Goodreads  Shelfari 

We vampires do not make easy prey. Our weaknesses are few, our strengths many. Fear is something we do not know, and death but a distant memory. So tread softly, pray to your god, and gird yourself with silver when the moons arise and night’s dark prince awakens. We fear not the wizard, nor the warrior, neither rogue, nor priest; our strength is timeless, drawn from darkness and we know no master save the hot lust of our unending hunger. We long for blood, your blood and no blade, nor spell, nor clever artifice, can keep us long from our prize. Feel our teeth at your throat, your life ebb from you, and know as darkness comes to claim you that the price of your folly is your everlasting soul.

I change shape and take to the air. It is a clear, cold night, with no clouds to hinder my vision. Below me, the dark canopy of the forest bears an even darker scar; the trail of the old river and its sister road to town and Arcalian.

Despite my near limitless power, I am cautious about openly wandering in a human city on a clear night. I have had run-ins with them before and I have no wish to draw undue notice. I soar in a long gliding circle to free my mind for concentration.

It takes but a moment.

Then the storm begins to build, drawing in clouds from the distant sea. They roil and churn in the darkening night, reaching forth with long writhing tendrils as if to grasp the town with a shadowy hand. A chilling gust of wind sweeps through the forest trees and the mists boil forth from the valley floor. All told, I spend an hour circling the town while the storm gathers its strength. Then, as the first lightnings begin to flash and the rains begin to fall, I descend on shadowy wings into the heart of Drisdak, the city on the Sea of Sorrows.

The mages guild is easy to find; its rancid stench of magic can be smelled from blocks away. It’s a tall building, made of stone, looking more like a miniature keep than a guild house. Five circular towers loom up from a central stone edifice. I have no doubt that Arcalian can be found in the highest tower in the room of the guild master, undoubtedly basking in the luxuries my services provided.

There are many different types of vampires in fiction today, there's the sparkling vampires in Twilight, the warrior vampires in The Black Dagger Brotherhood, the Atlantian vampires in Argeneau novels to name just a few. Each is different in their own right. The vampires in Drasmyr are not like any of these.

This is much more true to the legends we grew up on (well, at least I grew up with), the Dracula myth. It also includes mages, though in other myths you might call them witches.

Though this is classified as a YA novel, I myself didn't get that vibe, adults would easily enjoy this book along with teens 14 and up. There is also quite a bit of action going on. 

Matthew D. Ryan tells a dark haunting story, with a strong plot, engaging characters with a mystery wound within it's pages. I found it very difficult to put this book down. This is one author that I will be keeping an eye on.

This title is currently free at B&N, Smashwords, and Amazon. Go get your copy today. 

Matthew D. Ryan is awarding a package of metal miniatures of vampires/vampire hunters to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. This giveaway is only open to US and Canada residents.

So leave a comment and follow the tour for more chances to win here. The more comments you leave across the blogs, a greater chance you have to win. 

 Matthew D. Ryan is a published author living in upstate New York on the shores of Lake Champlain. He has a background in philosophy, mathematics, and computer science. He also has a black belt in the martial arts and studies yoga. He has been deeply involved in the fantasy genre for most of his life as a reader, writer, and game designer. He believes he saw the legendary Lake Champlain Monster (a.k.a Champy) once and he has a cat named Confucius.

Broken by Diane Alberts 1Night Stand Story

Welcome to Decadent Thursdays! 

Title: Broken

Author: Diane Alberts

Genre: Contemporary, erotic romance, military romance

Heat level: 4

Source: My Kindle

Reviewer: Tamaria Soana

Pages: 39

Price: $2.99
Blurb: Staff Sergeant Matt Warwick returns from war with two broken legs—and a shattered future. Abandoned by his fiancée, he withdraws into a protective shell to hide from the pity filled glances thrown his way. His squad worries he’s fallen into depression, and arranges a 1NightStand through the renowned Madame Eve. Matt agrees but fears he will not be able to satisfy his date, for who would want a crippled man in her bed?

Tiffany Forsen escaped a brutal relationship, and seeks to jump-start her life with a fling. Bars aren’t her scene, so when she hears of the fabulous 1NightStand service, she contacts Madame Eve immediately. All she wants is a night of fun with the hot guy in her picture—but winds up with much more. Can she convince him that she doesn’t see a crippled man…but a hero?

Or will his defenses keep her at arm’s length?

Excerpt:
He snorted at the same time as he took a sip of champagne. It spewed out, spraying all over her chest. His hand covered his, but he ruined the effect by bursting into laughter.

“Well, I didn’t see that coming,” she murmured.

“I’m sorry. But if you could have seen the way you looked at me,” he managed through his laughter. He lost it again, doubling over in renewed merriment. Seeing him so happy, so carefree, made her lips twitch into a smile as well. “You’re so small, and dainty, but you looked ready to track her down and beat her to death. Maybe you should enlist in the Marines.”

“Hell no. Army brat all the way.”

“Blasphemy,” he said, wiping the tears from his cheeks. “God, Tiffany, I don’t remember the last time I laughed so hard. Or at all.”

Their gazes collided and they both froze. An invisible pull, some indescribable magnet, pulled them closer, even as it built up tension. Her stomach clenched, and her body tingled from head to toe. The man’s ability to weaken her with desire was laughable. If he made her this hot before trying, imagine what he’d be like in the bed. Or on the floor.

“Then it’s been too long.” She rose to her feet, ready to get things moving. She had the perfect excuse. Knees wobbling, she turned her back to him, slanting a coy look over her shoulder. “Can you unbutton me? I want to get out of this wet dress.”

He swallowed hard, set his champagne down next to hers, and wiped his palm on his jeans. Reaching out, he parted her dress one button at a time. His fingers brushed against her skin with each movement, making her bite back a moan. Her legs grew even weaker, her knees shaking. How much longer would she be able to remain standing?

When he reached the last button, right above her butt, she took a steadying breath, shrugged her shoulders free, and allowed the dress to float to her feet. He drew in a harsh breath behind her. She turned to him, her red lace panties and matching bra her only clothing. She kicked her sandals off, paused—dare she be so brave?—and slid onto his lap.

She didn’t tend to act so boldly, but damn, she needed him now. Not because it had been six months since she’d been laid. Not because she’d had a few glasses of champagne. No, she needed him now because of…well…him. From the moment she’d seen him, she’d craved him.

She met his eyes, running her fingers down the arms she’d been admiring from afar all night long. “Excuse my forwardness, but I can’t wait any longer to have you.”
~My Review~

Those of who know me are aware that I love the 1NS series, and that I'm a sap. I love stories that make me feel.

Tiffany and Matt are both broken for different reasons. Madam Eve brought them together for one night of passion but more then that transpired, mainly healing.


Miss Alberts puts you on an remarkable emotional journey in Broken. I cried many tears, but after reading the last word… I closed my Kindle with a smile.

I strongly recommend Broken so I proudly give it 5 stars!

Diane Alberts lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her husband, four kids, and a bird. She lives in the mountains-but wishes it were the beach. She has been writing since she was in elementary school, but only recently fulfilled her dreams of being published in 2011. Enjoys dyeing yarn and knitting in her “spare” time.

She loves interacting with readers, so feel free to email her!

Email address: diane@dianealberts.com

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YA Review: Seaweed

Seaweed by Elle Strauss 
Series: N/A
Pages: 233
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Reading Level: 11 and up should be just fine
Source: Received in part of a blog tour for an honest review.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Reviewer: Viari Rose
Find it at:   Amazon     B&N

Dori Seward can’t wait to get out of Eastcove, a sleepy fishing village on the border of New Brunswick and Maine. She bides her time by hanging out with friends, attending swim club, and holding her biggest competition, Colby–who wants more than just friendship, at arm’s length.
Then Tor Riley comes to town and he has everything Dori dreams of in a boyfriend–looks, athleticism and mystery.
But Tor also has a tantalizing secret and Dori is determined to find out what it is. The truth is crazier than her wildest imaginations and more dangerous, too. Dori has new enemies, and they will do anything to get to her.
Her life, her dreams and her love for Tor are all weighing in the balance. Will Dori risk it all in order to have it all?

Seaweed is an enjoyable light read. I didn't care for the love triangle going on with the two male main characters. In fact that was the only main issue I had with it, that and Dori on occasion got my nerves. (I'm nor comparing it to any other YA book here)
It was well written, with an engaging story line, and a seamless blending of reality with the paranormal. It was also very well though out.
It is a good clean romance with a fast pace with an ending that will leave you wanting more, with hopefully a sequel. I would recommend this one to my readers with children, it'd hit perfect for the 12 to 15 crowd.
This ebook is one I would surely hand to my 13 year old daughter.

The giveaway is US and Canada only.
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Follow the tour here

Elle Strauss writes time travel and merfolk chic-lit, light SF and historical YA fiction. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, hanging out with friends and family, and sometimes traveling. To ward off writer's butt she does a bit of hiking, biking and yoga. Elle is married with four children and divides her time between British Columbia, Canada, and Germany. She writes upper/mature YA (historical and science fiction) under the name Lee Strauss.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

This week I'm waiting on... Perception. 


The cover alone! I mean look at it, I'm in love with it, and I can't wait for it to hit my ereader!

Seventeen year old Zoe Vanderveen is a GAP—a genetically altered person. She lives in the security of a walled city on prime water-front property along side other equally beautiful people with extended life spans. Her brother Liam is missing. 
Noah Brody is a natural who lives on the outside. He leads protests against the GAPs and detests the widening chasm they’ve created between those who have and those who don’t. He doesn’t like girls like Zoe and he has good reason not to like her specifically.
Zoe’s carefree life takes a traumatic turn. She’s in trouble and it turns out that Noah, the last guy on earth she should trust, is the only one who can help her.

You can read it as well on September 12th.  Add to your Goodreads shelf.

What book are you waiting on?

A Hero Rising Spotlight

I have a tour today that comes from Shades of Rose Marketing.

A Hero Rising by Aubrie Dionne
Find it at:   Amazon     B&N    

After watching his love leave on a colony ship, James Wilfred must save those left behind from a planetary apocalypse. Their salvation lies in an unfinished ship tucked away in a secret government base, and only James can break in and pilot him and his people to freedom on a nearby space station.Skye O’Connor’s boyfriend never returns after his gang attempts an assassination of the Governor, and the State Building is destroyed. Worse, crazed moonshiners addicted to the chemical Morpheus have stormed the city, and she must find a safe place for her and her boyfriend’s daughter. When a heroic man saves her, Skye asks to accompany him on his quest to find the last colony ship left on Earth.As the city falls around them, James and Skye must work together to build a new future, all the while rediscovering their ability to love, before the apocalypse claims them both.

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Aubre Dionne is an author and flutist in New England. Her writings have appeared in Mindflights, Niteblade, Silver Blade, Emerald Tales, Hazard Cat, Moon Drenched Fables, A Fly in Amber, and Aurora Wolf. Her books are published by Entangled Publishing, Lyrical Press, and Gypsy Shadow Publishing. She recently signed her YA sci fi novel with Inkspell Publishing titled: Colonization: Paradise Reclaimed, which will release in October 2012. When she's not writing, Aubrie teaches flute and plays in orchestras. She's a big Star Trek TNG fan, as well as Star Wars and Serenity.