JC's Book Haven

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Sunday Cover Scramble [42]

Let's have some fun! I am going to post covers on here every Sunday that are scrambled up graphically, making it hard to tell what cover it is. I would like your guesses on what cover you think I've posted. I won't answer you until the next day to let you know if you are right, allowing other to guess as well. Some will be hard, and others may be easy. If you need hints, I will only post covers of series talked about on my blog previously. Also, let me know in the comments if you'd like some more hints and I'll offer some more throughout the day if no one guesses it correctly. Here we go:

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Friday, November 8, 2013

Sidekick Showcase [49] - Lady's Man

Sidekick Showcase, previously known as Sidekick Saturday, is a weekly bookish meme, hosted here by Jaclyn at JC's Book Haven. There are many secondary characters that are as great as the primaries. In some cases, the sidekicks actually steal the show and you like them better than the heroine or hero. Maybe they didn't have enough page time for how great they were. Anyone can play along! I will post my Sidekicks on Saturday, then whichever day during the week that you would like to post yours, you can put your link in on my page. Just do the following:

• Choose a sidekick *or someone other than the hero or heroine* that you would like to put in the spotlight that fits in the week's topic
• Share a picture (if you can) and information about the character
• Give the title and author of a book the character can be found in
• Please don't include too many spoilers when describing why the character is such a great sidekick
• The day of your post, put your link in below and grab the code for your post so you can see the others that post their's throughout the week as well

Next week is One-of-a-kind

This week is Lady's Man

My choice is Cole Bemont
Jaz Parks Series by Jennifer Rardin

Cole Bemont Picture created by Jaclyn Canada

I love Cole in this series. He is a bubble-gum chewing, ex-private investigator. He's also proficient in numerous languages and an excellent sniper. When I think of Cole, I think of Grape Bubble Gum, Converses, and Shirts with great and funny slogans. He's so much fun with this uber charisma that the ladies come running when he just flashes a smile. I love when I first meet him in a woman's bathroom and he gets a kiss within the first few pages just with wit, charm, and banter.

Quotes:

“I sat up. Slowly. Between the belly dancing, the fire, the visit to Dave and it's aftermath, the night had taken its toll.
You look like crap!" Cole said merrily. "I like the hair though."
He made a camera frame with his thumbs and forefingers and in the genie voice from Aladdin said, "Now what does this say to me? Homeless women? Tornado victim? Britney Spears? I've got it! Preschooler who's misplaced her gum!"
I regarded him balefully. "You're a morning person, aren't you?"
You make that sound like a bad thing."
Not if you stop talking.”

Cole - I just thought of a new game.
Jaz - What's that?
Cole - Splat the Specter.
Jaz - Rules?
Cole - You can help me make them up. Right now all I know for sure is that it involves water guns filled with grape Kool-Aid and two ferrets named Biff and Chlamydia.
Vayl - Why Ferrets?
Jaz - Really? You want to know about his choice of pets when he's named one of them after an STD?

“Cole!" Cassandra smacked him on the shoulder.
"Wha-?" When he opened his mouth all you could see was half-chewed goo.
"How old are you?" I demanded. I threw shrimp at him and it got stuck in his tangle of wig hair. Bergman fished it out, wiped it off, and put it back on the serving dish.
"Now, thats disgusting," said Cassandra.
"Children!" Vayl's voice boomed in our ears, loud and sudden enough to make us all jump guiltily. "I trust you are all preforming actual work right now."
"Chill out, Vayl," I replied. "Bergman is just conducting and experiment to see how vampires respond to ingesting brown hair dye."
"That makes me curious, Vayl," said Cole in a sticky, goodie-between-the-gums voice that reminded me of Winnie the Pooh after a major honey binge. "Have you ever colored your hair? You know blonds have more fun."
"Not when they are in the hospital.”

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Tuesday, November 5, 2013

November Kindle Fire HDX Giveaway

This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT! Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7".

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

NOVEMBER SPONSORS

Sign up to Sponsor the December Giveaway (starting around December 2nd) http://www.iamareader.com/2013/10/december-kindle-fire.html

Giveaway Details 1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7". Ends 11/30/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, November 4, 2013

Book Blast and Giveaway: Fields of Elysium and Valley of Darkness by AB Whelan

Fields of Elysium Saga Book Blast!!

Win $50 Amazon Gift Card prize pack below.

Bloggers can win a special prize pack for sharing this blast.

Praise for

FIELDS OF ELYSIUM by A.B. WHELAN

"The novel's take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans."

- Kirkus Reviews

"I expected a good love story with a paranormal twist. I got so much more. I think you should take the chance and read it. Let this book take you on the adventure, fall in love."

- Young Adult and Teen Readers

"Fields of Elysium is a fabulous read. ... Whelan paints her faith into the fabric of her story with deft, light brushstrokes, making her work accessible to all, no matter their spiritual beliefs or background."

- Readers Favorite

"Very creative in the description of Arkana and the characters are enjoyable."

- Book Nerds Across America

"A.B.Whelan has an amazing imagination, she has certainly developed a very complex and rich world."

- Mei's Reviews

"This coming of age sci-fi story involved jumping back and forth between two world and the many exciting adventures had on them. There was plenty of action which kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting more."

- Larry Gray's Reviews

Fields of Elysium

(Fields of Elysium #1)

by A.B. Whelan

December 12th 2012 by InMotion Capitol

Summary:

How can love mend a heart full of hate?

Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly's life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings.

Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.

Winner of the Indie Book of The Day and the Book of The Week by My Guilty Obsession!

Fields of Elysium is for sale at:

Amazon * Amazon UK * Amazon CA * Kobo * Diesel * Smashwords * Barnes and Noble

Praise for VALLEY OF DARKNESS

“A.B Whelan’s world building and storytelling is remarkable. A very well deserved 5 STARS”

– Addicted to Novels

“This novel exceeded my expectations, and proved that the series just continues to get better. … Valley of Darkness is interesting, beautifully written, and altogether a wonderful addition to the series.”

– The YA Lit Chick

“Once again, AB Whelan captivates me with her storytelling. I loved this book. Actually, I love this whole story.”

- Clean Teen Reads

“A sci-fi YA novel you will not be able to stop reading.”

- Larry Gray’s Reviews

Valley of Darkness

(Fields of Elysium #2)

by A.B. Whelan

November 2nd 2013 by InMotion Capitol

Summary:

After months of amazing adventures and secrecy, Molly and Victor find peace in each other’s arms. Adam’s memory has been erased. The secret of the Arkanians is safe. Life couldn’t be more perfect.

But Molly is robbed of her short-lived happiness when a devastating tragedy strikes her family, shattering her entire existence. Faced with a terrifying future, she feels that there is nothing left for her on Earth but an insensitive aunt and her little brother, while Arkana promises a place where she might find happiness and purpose again.

Victor tries to convince Molly to move to his village in Arkana, where they can live together in secret. But Molly refuses to live in the shadows. She wants to be a Sentinel and join the fight against the Terrakas. But getting into the Academy requires more than a pretty face.

Valley of Darkness - book two of the Fields of Elysium Saga - was released in two parts in Ebook.

Part 1 release date: May 30, 2013

Part 2 release date: November 2, 2013

Now available!

eBook on Amazon * Paperback at Createspace

Valley of Darkness Part 1 ebook is for sale at:

Amazon * Amazon UK * Amazon CA * Smashwords * Barnes and Noble

About the Author

A. B. Whelan

I'm a Hungarian born American writer, who was lucky enough to travel Europe, Africa, and The Middle East and live in Ecuador, Crete and Italy. I graduated as a computer engineer, thus if anybody tells you math and literature can't walk hand in hand, don't believe them. *smile*

I'm the author of the Fields of Elysium saga, which I like to call a young adult romantic fantasy. The first book of the series was inspired by amazing movies like Dirty Dancing, Avatar, and Twilight and earned praise from prestigious review companies and readers. I'm currently working on book three and four, and planning to write two more novellas to finish the series, dedicated to two very interesting characters in my story, Victor Sorren, the byronic hero, and The Prophet, the mysterious leader of the Arkanians.

If you would like to know more about my series, please check out my:

Blog * Facebook Author Site * Facebook Saga Site * Twitter * Goodreads

Blast and Blogger Giveaways

Blast Giveaway - 3 Winners! (International)

1) $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash

2) One paperback copy of Fields of Elysium and one paperback copy of Valley of Darkness

3) One Italian Handmade jewelry box with Murano Glass top.

Ends November 16th

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by the author and Prism Book Tours http://prismbooktours.blogspot.com/ and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Are you a blogger and want to join in on the fun?

Enter this giveaway for posting this blast, reviewing, and sharing!!!

Blogger Giveaway Gift Pack (1 Winner, International)

1) One Modella cosmetic bag
2) One Twilight Woods triple moisture body cream by Bath & BodyWorks
3) One Shiny Kiss flavored gloss by Victoria's Secret
4) One signed copy of Fields of Elysium
Ends November 16th.

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by the author and Prism Book Tours http://prismbooktours.blogspot.com/ and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Booking Tours for 2014

& spontaneous Flash Bookblasts

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Sunday Cover Scramble [41]

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Friday, November 1, 2013

Sidekick Showcase [48] - Fairytale

This week is Fairy-tale

My choice is Grumpy
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
and Once Upon a Time

Grumpy Picture created by Jaclyn Canada

Grumpy from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs lives up to his name. He is contrary. He is the first one to question why they should allow this strange woman to stay in their home and the only one to vote against it (which is really what any sane person would do!). Of course, I selected a character that actually got his personality and like-ability from the Disney version of the story, but I'm rolling with it. Grumpy acts like he doesn't care about Snow for most of the film, but it shows so much especially when he's on a mission to rescue her.

Now, most of you know that Once Upon A Time is my favorite show. So there will never be a better Grumpy for me than the one Lee Arenberg portrays. This character takes such a turn in the show with an amazing back-story. I really enjoyed getting to know more about why he is Grumpy and what makes him tick. I don't think anyone could play it better. He's still by Snow's side and with the other dwarfs, but he stands out among them and rallies them together. He's also in jail a lot, but that's beside the point.

Quotes:

Grumpy: Angel, ha! She's a female! And all females is poison! They're full of wicked wiles!
Bashful: What are wicked wiles?
Grumpy: I don't know, but I'm agin' 'em.

Doc: Shh! Not so loud. You'll wake her up.
Grumpy: Ah, let her wake up! She don't belong here nohow!

From Once Upon a Time:

Leroy: No one touches our crop.
Anton: Your crop? I thought you guys were miners.
Leroy: Work is work. It's what we do.

From Once Upon a Time:

Grumpy: Are you OK, sister?
Snow White: [tearfully] Not even close.
Grumpy: You didn't find him?
Snow White: Worse. I lost him.
Grumpy: Come on.
Snow White: Where are you taking me?
Grumpy: Home. We all lost someone today.

From Once Upon a Time:

Grumpy: I don't want my pain erased. As wretched as it is, I need my pain. It makes me who I am. It makes me Grumpy.

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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Harry Potter Moment of the Week [15]

This is a meme hosted by Uncorked Thoughts.The aim of this meme is to share with fellow bloggers a character, spell, chapter, object or quote from the books/ films/ J. K. Rowling herself or anything Potter related! She is picking a topic within HP for us to focus on each week and then if anyone wants to take part feel free! All she asks is to link back to her blog :). There is now a full list of the topics to come here.

Favorite Villain

Bellatrix Lestrange picture created by Jaclyn Canada

Old Voldy makes a spectacular villain, but the one that is my favorite in the series is Bellatrix Lestrange. She's certifiably insane. She does a lot of evil in the books as Voldemort's most loyal supporter, and by that I mean that sometimes as the reader you hate her even more. She certainly causes more anger and passion for revenge from Harry than I saw Voldemort get out of him. Helena Bonham Carter does a remarkable job bringing her to life in the movies. She's spot on in my opinion. Who is your favorite villain in the series?

Happy Halloween everyone!! We have lots of rain going on at the moment so I'm hoping it slacks off enough to go trick-or-treating.

Zane and I last year for Halloween. Medieval Princess and Where's Waldo.

This year he's going as Ash from Pokemon. What are you/your little ones going dressed as?

Pages

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Friday, November 8, 2013

This week is Lady's Man My choice is Cole Bemont Jaz Parks Series by Jennifer Rardin Cole Bemont Picture created by Jaclyn Canada

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Monday, November 4, 2013

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Friday, November 1, 2013

This week is Fairy-tale My choice is Grumpy Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Once Upon a Time

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Favorite Villain

This week is Lady's Man

My choice is Cole Bemont
Jaz Parks Series by Jennifer Rardin

Cole Bemont Picture created by Jaclyn Canada

This week is Fairy-tale

My choice is Grumpy
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
and Once Upon a Time