Wednesday, July 31, 2013

TAM'S TWO CENTS BLOGIVERSARY CELEBRATION**


It's been one year since I started this blog and I've made so many friends along the way! To help me celebrate, some of my favorite authors have donated some fantastic swag for my Anniversary Celebration bash and Giveaway. Be sure to follow all these authors through their links listed below, for updates on their new releases and keep an eye out here for reviews, tours and interviews with them all as they release new books for us to get lost in!! 
 
I can't thank ALL the authors that have visited TTC and all my followers, the blog wouldn't be what it is today without all your love and support. I have to raise my glass to my PIC (partner in crime) Jessica Johnson of BookEnd 2 BookEnd as well. We make a great team for our Indie tour group that allows us to gain even more exposure for our favorite Indie Authors. Here's to another year of success for Tam's Two Cents!!
 
James Vallesteros
Belinda Boring


** UPDATE ** leave a comment below and let me know if there is a specific prize pack you're interested in! I aim to please if allowable.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Review & Giveaway with Author Sandrine Gasq-Dion. A Betting Man and A Marrying Man**

** Warning ** A Betting Man and A Marrying Man are adult contemporary M/M Romanace books, not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Also not recommended for narrow minded people that can't appreciate the beauty of strong, sexy gay men! ** Just sayin..

A Betting Man
How bad could one harmless bet be? Kent Samson is about to find out. Raised in Alabama, Kent has hidden his past and now loves his life as a big time ad exec for a prestigious advertising company in New York. But when he makes a bet with his best friend, Blaine, Kent is thrown for a loop—for Kent has to make the next person to walk through the door fall in love with him.

Terry Barron is hiding out in New York. Raised in England in a wealthy family, Terry escapes to New York to avoid arranged marriages and the lifestyle he’s grown to hate. When he delivers a package to an advertising firm, he meets the unbelievably sexy Kent Samson. Suddenly, secrets and lies complicate everything and both men find themselves in uncharted waters. How will Terry feel when Kent is revealed as a betting man?









Short, Sexy and Steamy… wait for it, my three favorite colors!!

Kent Samson is the suave, ad exec and David Beckham look alike that can get, and has mind you, any woman he wants. He messed around with his best friend slash business partner, Blaine, years ago, but that’s the extent of his man love experience. Terry Barron is a bike messenger with ratty clothes, an earring and a purple streak in his hair. Openly gay and completely comfortable with it, he’s admittedly shocked when the womanizing Samson asks him out on a date.

What starts out as a bet leads to so much more as Kent courts Terry, in an attempt to make him fall in love with him. No one is more surprised than Kent himself when he actually falls in love with Terry. But both men have secrets they aren’t sharing, secrets that may well tear them apart and leave a few broken hearts along the way. All bets are off when their secrets are revealed and a crushed Terry retreats to the one place he swore he’d never go back. Can Kent convince the vibrant, charismatic young man he’s fallen in love with to forgive him?

Engaging, intriguing and down right sexy! I devoured this book In one setting. Both men grew so much over just a few short pages, they have depth and they are flawed but they are perfect for each other. Kent opens up and shows who he really is to Terry, not the ad exec he’s molded himself into. All the secondary characters in the story get ample page time and only add to the excitement of the story. The scene on the balcony on NYE is worth the read alone, passionate and sensual and thank god for fire works or all of New York would know what these two were doing!

I cannot wait for book 2, A Marrying Man, out July 31st. Terry’s boss Spencer and Kent’s friend Blaine are getting their own story. So mark your calendars guys. This one is highly recommended by me.


A Marrying Man
It’s been almost a year since a disastrous bet dropped Blaine McKlintock and his best friend, Kent Samson in hot water. Now, Kent is getting ready to propose to Terry Barron. Blaine couldn’t be happier for his best friend, but when Kent asks Blaine to plan the wedding, Blaine is thrown for a loop, especially when Kent drops another bomb. Spencer Cassidy will be helping. Blaine remembers Spencer very well, but the former Wall Street force doesn’t seem to remember him. Blaine’s changed a lot since the bet, but will Spencer see it too?










 
We were first introduced to Blaine McKlintock and Spencer Cassidy in book 1, A Betting Man. Blaine is successful and stunning, but he’s missing that someone in his life that would complete him. Spencer is just gloriously sexy and he’s obviously caught Blaine’s eye, but he hasn’t quite gotten over the whole ordeal with the bet and still holds that grudge against Blaine. And he’s straight right? Or so Blaine keeps telling himself.

It doesn’t take long for Spencer to notice the affect he has on Blaine, the man can’t seem to form coherent sentences or not trip over his feet when he’s in the same room with Spencer. This doesn’t bode well since they are not only the best men for their best friends, Terry and Kent, but they are their wedding planners as well. Can Blaine and Spencer find time for love in the midst of floral arrangements, caterers and photographers? Or will secrets and a very vindictive ex-wife tear them apart at the seams.

The dialogue was fresh with a bit of dry humor, the story flowed and the plot was believable. Strong MC’s surrounded by secondary characters with just as much depth and reality as them, made this an intriguing story to read. There were only a couple steamy guy on guy scenes, but what the author lacked in quantity she definitely included in the quality. Hot-cha-cha!!! I especially liked the ‘gift’ that Slater, Spencer’s brother, gave him and how Blaine put it to damn good use!

Gasq-Dion fans rejoice, she has done it again. I definitely recommend this book as well as any other book this author has penned. She has a knack for building a story for the main characters, but always keeping you involved with the secondary characters lives as well, without taking away from the core of the current story. I’m excited to see what comes next.. Slater and Casper’s story; or Drakon and Matthew. Oh the horror of waiting, fans please flood SGD inbox with requests that she write faster!


 
I have been blessed in this life to not only have parents that support me, but kids that do as well. I grew up in a loving but "Old School" French household. My parents worked for the airlines (TWA) so I was able to see a lot of Europe as a kid. I moved to Seattle Washington at the age of 22 and stayed there for twelve years before moving to Alaska for a little over two. Fairbanks, AK was one hell of an experience and I wouldn't hesitate to go back! I spent a little over a year in South Carolina before moving back to Arizona. I then left for Kansas for five years and now reside in the South for another two years. I've been married to the military in one way or another for over half my life and wouldn't change a thing about it. Writing has become my fulltime job and I've never been so happy doing a job I love and being able to do it in my jammies. I plan on writing until I dry up and die. Hopefully, that won't happen soon!


Stalker links:
 
 
 
 
SNEAK PEEK at the Littlest Assassin Shifters!! Copyright 2013

The sun was high in the sky and the day’s heat was coming to a peak. The kids were spread out between the center, the park and the water. Colin Greystone and Nikolai Markov were helping on Derek Jacobs’ boat. They were going out and taking kids water skiing in intervals. Mateo had volunteered as well. They sat in the seats of the boat and watched as one of the kids struggled to get up on his skis. They had gone out far enough to avoid running into... other boats that were anchored near Gas Works Park to catch the fireworks show. Mateo clapped as the kid finally got up on the skis. Justice took a straight shot out further into the water and they glided across calm waters. Mateo sat back and looked around the crowded boat. One of the kids that had been at Camp Pride had joined them this year. Mateo’s brows furrowed as he tried to remember the kid’s name. It was something uncommon.
“You look like you’re about to explode.”
Mateo snapped out of his daze. The kid he’d just been thinking about stood before him with a small smile. Short brown hair styled in spikes and doe brown eyes looked at him.
“Oh, funny you should say that—”
“It’s Stone.” He grinned.
“How did you know?”
“Well, you were looking right at me with this look of either constipation, or deep thought.” Stone chuckled.
Mateo patted the chair next to him and Stone sat down. The kid was maybe seventeen, but he looked younger. Wayne had sent him to a private school for the gifted after his parents had refused to move, and or send him to a new school.
“How have you been since camp?” Mateo sipped his bottle of water.
“Good,” Stone nodded. “I’m going to the regular high school next year with Elijah.”
Mateo sat back in surprise. “You are?”
“Yep. I moved in with Skylar after school got out. Wayne knows and understands. Skylar’s been real nice to me. So have Ryder and Elijah. We have a lot in common so…” Stone trailed off and looked out onto the water.
“Were you being bullied at the other school?” Mateo asked quietly.
“No, I just felt, I don’t know, weird or something? It’s like those other kids didn’t know how to be kids, ya know? I mean they didn’t play video games or anything. I have some good friends there and even they are thinking of switching back to public school.”
“Well, you do what makes you happy, okay?” Mateo mussed Stone’s hair.
“Not wearing a uniform would make me happy.” Stone chuckled. “I can’t wait to wear ripped jeans and a freakin’ t-shirt.” Stone motioned to Elijah. “Something’s up with him lately.”
Elijah was sitting by himself just staring out at the water. Mateo got up getting ready to make his excuses, but then noticed Jaxon was making his way over. A sly smile rose to his lips. Elijah had a crush on the older Jaxon, Mateo sat back to catch the show.
~*~
“Hey.” Jaxon sat down next to Elijah. The kid had been quiet and reserved all morning. Jaxon was starting to think something was wrong; Elijah hadn’t even hit on him once. Elijah looked over and nodded.
“Hey.”
“Are you okay?” Jaxon scooted closer to him.
“I’m fine.” Elijah said quietly.
Jaxon leaned in closer and saw Elijah’s jaw clench. “You don’t seem fine. You’re very quiet. It’s not like you. Normally you’d be feeling my ass and asking me to kiss you.” Jaxon said teasingly.
“It won’t happen anyway, so what’s the point?” Elijah moved over on the bench.
Jaxon sat back and regarded the younger man. “What’s wrong, Elijah?”
“I said nothing, okay?”
“No, it’s not okay. Is everything okay at home?” Jaxon put his arm around Elijah. A soft hiss escaped the younger man and Jaxon pulled back. “What’s wrong?”
“I said I was fine!’ Elijah stood up and backed away.
Jaxon searched Elijah’s features. His eyes caught what looked like a black mark on Elijah’s upper arm, right under the sleeve of his t-shirt. Jaxon stood up and immediately crossed the space between them. He reached for the sleeve and Elijah backed up again.
“What are you doing?” Elijah looked around in a panic.
“Let me see your arm.” Jaxon said calmly.
“I don’t have to show you anything.” Elijah made his way to the back of the boat. He felt a hand around his bicep and swung around. Jaxon had a hold of his sleeve and yanked the material up. Elijah froze as a murderous look crossed Jaxon’s features.
“Who did this?” Jaxon seethed.
“It’s nothing. Just got hurt in gym.” Elijah removed his arm from Jaxon’s grip. “You know those dodge ball games are brutal.”
“Don’t lie to me, Elijah.” Jaxon raised his eyes to Elijah’s. “If someone is hurting you, I want to know about it.”
“Like I said. Gym.” Elijah backed away again.
The sound of the boat slowing down caught Jaxon’s attention. He had to go reel in a skier. He turned back to Elijah.
“This conversation is not over.”


 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Burning blog tour Spotlight & Giveaway **

 


 
 
 
Ben: Having just graduated from high school, Ben is set to leave Gypsum, Nevada. It's good
timing since the gypsum mine that is the lifeblood of the area is closing, shutting the whole town
down with it. Ben is lucky: he's headed to San Diego, where he's got a track scholarship at the University of California. But his best friends, Pete and Hog Boy, don't have college to look
forward to, so to make them happy, Ben goes with them to check out the hot chick parked on
the side of Highway 447.
Lala: She and her Gypsy family earn money by telling fortunes. Some customers choose Tarot
cards; others have their palms read. The thousands of people attending the nearby Burning Man festival spend lots of cash--especially as Lala gives uncanny readings. But lately Lala's been questioning whether there might be more to life than her upcoming arranged marriage.
And the day she reads Ben's cards is the day that everything changes for her. . . and for him.

 

 


ELANA K. ARNOLD completed her M.A. in Creative Writing/Fiction at the University of
California, Davis. She grew up in Southern California, where she was lucky enough to have her own horse--a gorgeous mare named Rainbow--and a family who let her read as many books as she wanted. She lives in Long Beach, California, with her husband, two children, and a menagerie of animals. She is represented by Rubin Pfeffer of the
East/West Literary Agency. Sacred is her debut novel.

    

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dare Me, Book Blast and Giveaway**

 

When Ben Candido and his friends, Ricky and John, decide to post a YouTube video of themselves surfing on top of a car, they finally feel like the somebodies they are meant to be instead of the social nobodies that they are. Overnight, the video becomes the talk of the school, and the boys are sure that their self-appointed senior year of dares will live in infamy. Every dare brings an increased risk of bodily harm, but Ben cannot deny the thrill and sense of swagger that come with it. The stakes become even more complex when a mysterious donor bankrolls their dares in exchange for a cut in the online revenue the videos generate. But at what point do the risk and the reward come at too high of a price? What does it take to stay true to one’s self in the face of relentless pressure?






Eric Devine is the Young Adult fiction author of Dare Me (pub. date 10/8/13), Tap Out and This Side of Normal.
He is also a high school English teacher and education consultant.
Eric married his high school sweetheart, and together they are raising two daughters in Upstate, NY.
He is represented by Kate McKean of the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency.
Both Dare Me and Tap Out are edited by Lisa Cheng and published by Running Press.












a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Defiance blog tour stop. Review, Author Interview & Giveaway**

 
Defiance (The Priestess Trilogy #1)

Shiovra has been named High Priestess of the village Tara, but she quickly finds herself hunted by the Milidh, a clan born of war and vengeance. With the safety of Tara at stake, it is decided th...at she is to seek aid from her betrothed, one she considers the enemy.

At her side is Odhrán, a Milidh warrior sworn to protect her and determined to gain her trust. But their journey is fraught with peril and Shiovra learns that darkness lurks in the hearts of her own kin.

Steeped in ancient Irish myth, this tale is spun of love, war, and DEFIANCE.


 
Born in 1982 in Cleveland, Ohio, Melissa has always been an avid lover of fantasy. In her youth she would write short stories and add artwork to them. While in high school, she decided to change her career path from graphic art to writing, though she still enjoys drawing up a random picture or two, usually of her characters. During her younger school years, she won a Young Authors Honorable Mention for a short story she had written. Melissa has also won a few Visual Arts awards during her school years and upon graduation from High School, she was given a President’s award for Outstanding Academic Achievement.

The first book she began to write seriously for publication was The Priestess. Began in 2004, the story was completed in 2008 and separated into a trilogy upon publication in 2010 (Twilight, Destiny, and Eclipse). When Melissa switched publishers, she revised the story and changed two of the titles (Defiance, Betrayal, and Eclipse).

Her current book series is The Chronicles of Midgard, which will be a five book collection once completed.
 
*Where are you from, and where do you call home?
 
I am from Ohio. I was born in Cleveland and lived there till I was around eleven and then my family
moved out here to Medina. I haven’t left since.
 
*For those that aren’t familiar with your book, Defiance, how would you describe it?
 
An Irish fantasy mingled with myth, mild humor, seriousness, and adult romance.
 
*What research did you do while writing Defiance?
 
Lots and lots of research. I spent a whole year gathering  info from books and the internet.
 
*What are the pro’s and con’s to being an Indie Author?
 
Pro’s are knowing that the whole story is mine and there is no fear of a publisher wanting to change
things up. Con’s are not having a publisher to go “Hey! Check this out! Buy it! Buy it now!”
 
*What is the most interesting review or comment you’ve received about Defiance?
 
There have not been many reviews actually left on “Defiance”, mostly just stars without any comments. 
 
*Who in your life would you say has influenced you the most?
 
My husband and friends. I offer all my books to them with much love.
 
*If you could have dinner with anyone, who would you pick?
 
David Tennant hands down! I love my Doctor!
 
*What are you reading now?
 
“Ashes, Ashes” by M.A. Bronson (I've included the Amazon link below for this book, it's quite good)
 
*Details on the next book in the series?
 
Well, in “Betrayal” the main character, Shiovra, learns the truth about Odhrán’s purpose as well as
discovers enemies who could be potential allies.
 

 

What I loved most about this story was the way Sasina created a world you could get lost in. Her imagery was detailed and painted Tara as a fantastical place that I could envision in my mind through her writing. Shiovra is strong and driven as the priestess who's life is about protecting her people. She is hunted by a rival clan so she sets out to find allies and soon, enemies become more than friends.
 
The story flows well and there's lots of action and suspense to keep the reader guessing. The forbidden love affair between Shiovra and Odhran gives the romantics equal parts passion, romance and angst to keep them interested as well. The story will keep you on your toes with unusual and unique names of people, places and things while still capturing and holding your interest.
 
The story of Shiovra and Odhran itself is still a bit of mystery to me. At times it came across as forced, but they still conveyed a level of passion and endearment. So perhaps Sasina meant this to be more angst than uncomfortable.. or both. Either way Defiance is a must read for fans of fantasy, adventure, romance and intrigue with a strong female lead in Shiovra the priestess.
 
 
DEFIANCE BLOG TOUR (A TTC/B2B tours event) JULY 21ST - 27TH
SCHEDULE AND LINKS:
 

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Immortal Circus, Act Two.. Book Blast**

 
Vivienne is almost content with her new life in the Cirque des Immortels. She has moved up from selling cotton candy to telling fortunes, she has a gorgeous, magical boyfriend, Kingston…and no one has been murdered since the clash between the otherworldly Courts. Her life under the faerie big top would be perfect, in fact, if not for the nightmares and visions that compel her to seek and confront her halfremembered past. But for Viv, not knowing her past may well be a blessing. There’s a reason she ran The second act of the fantastically evocative Cirque des Immortels series, The Immortal Circus: Act Two draws readers further into a world that’s at once wonderful, seductive…and deadly. But can she truly escape herself? Step right up…
 
Alex is many things, but first and foremost, he’s a Sagittarius.
In the past few years he’s taught circus in Amsterdam and Madrid, gotten madly lost in the Scottish wilderness, received his Masters in Creative Writing from Glasgow University, drummed with Norse shamans, and even spent a few months as the assistant to Holly Black and Cassandra Clare.
THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS, book one in his Cirque des Immortels series, is now available from 47North.
MARTYR, the first book in his post-apocalyptic YA fantasy series, THE HUNTED, is set to be published. When he’s not writing or climbing in the rafters, he’s probably outside, staring at the clouds, as he now resides in Seattle, there are clouds aplenty.And seeing ACT TWO will be released June 11, 2013.
October 28, 2014 by Spencer Hill Press.





a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

SYLO a D.J. Machale Novel blog tour Spotlight & Giveaway


Book Nerd Tours



 
 
Does Tucker Pierce have what it takes to be a hero when the U.S. military quarantines his
island?
Fourteen-year-old Tucker Pierce prefers to fly under the radar. He’s used to navigating around
summer tourists in his hometown on idyllic Pemberwick Island, Maine. He’s content to sit on the
sidelines as a backup player on the high school football team. And though his best friend Quinn
tells him to “go for it,” he’s too chicken to ask Tori Sleeper on a date. There’s always tomorrow,
he figures. Then Pemberwick Island is invaded by a mysterious branch of the U.S. military
called SYLO. And sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option for Tucker, because tomorrow
may never come.
 
 
It’s up to Tucker, Quinn, and Tori to uncover the truth about the singing aircraft that appears
only at night—and the stranger named Feit who’s pushing a red crystal he calls the Ruby that
brings unique powers to all who take it. Tucker and his friends must rescue not just Pemberwick
Island, but the fate of the world—and all before tomorrow is too late.
 
#1 New York Times bestselling author D.J. MacHale brings his brilliant plotting and breathless
pacing to SYLO, the first in this ultimate end-of-the-world adventure trilogy.
 
D.J. MacHale is a writer, director, executive producer and creator of several popular television
series and movies. As an author, his ten-volume book series: PENDRAGON – JOURNAL OF
AN ADVENTURE THROUGH TIME AND SPACE became a New York Times #1 bestseller.
 
He was raised in Greenwich, CT and graduated from Greenwich High School. While in school,
he had several jobs including collecting eggs at a poultry farm, engraving trophies and washing
dishes in a steakhouse…in between playing football and running track. D.J. attended New York
University where he received a BFA in film production.
 
His filmmaking career began in New York where he worked as a freelance writer/director
making corporate videos and television commercials. He also taught photography and film
production.
 
D.J. broke into the entertainment business by writing several ABC AFTERSCHOOL SPECIALS.
As co-creator of the popular Nickelodeon series: ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK?, he
produced all 91 episodes over 8 years. D.J. also wrote and directed the movieTOWER OF
TERROR for ABC’s WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY which starred Kirsten Dunst and Steve
Guttenberg. The Showtime series CHRIS CROSS was co-created, written and produced by D.J.
It received the CableAce award for Best Youth Series.


    
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Sora's Quest 'revamped' blog tour. Review, Dream Cast & Giveaway **



~ THIS BOOK IS FREE EVERYDAY! GRAB YOUR COPY NOW ~
 

 


Sora Fallcrest was born into Nobility. She has it all: money, maids, a fancy estate. But she never expected to be kidnapped.
...
Abducted from her manor, Sora is plunged into a world of magical races, arcane jewelry and forgotten lore. She finds herself at the mercy of a dangerous assassin, haunted by an even darker past. She yearns for freedom, but he won't let her go -- not when her Cat's Eye necklace is the only thing that can save his life.

But the necklace itself presents a problem. It is an ancient device from the long forgotten War of the Races, and its magic has the ability to steal souls. Can Sora learn to wield its power -- or will the power wield her? (Winner of the SKOW 2006 Best Fantasy Award)


Let me start by saying, Cover LOVE! The story did not disappoint, I was jerked in from the first page and, before I knew it, I was screaming at my Kindle because I’d come to the end. The writing and the story are completely original and, although you’re just reading the story, it will seem as though you’ve been swept away and dropped into the middle of Sora’s world; Shreffler is just that good a writer. Her characters embody realism, depth and courage.

Crash (AKA Viper) stole the book for me though, a complete ass to the point of hating him in the beginning.. and yet, there is that mystery about him that makes you second guess your initial opinion of him. Sexy, brooding and secretive; I can’t wait to run into him again in book 2 (conveniently titled Viper’s Creed!). I thoroughly enjoyed watching the relationships between the characters as they developed and grew, leaving me in tears several times! Shreffler leaves us on the edge of a cliff, anxiously waiting to see what will happen with Sora and Crash.

I do love a strong female character and Sora definitely delivers. She is young and unsure of herself to start but, she is determined to see her journey through to the end and becomes extremely loyal and protective of her 3 new friends by the end.

 
 
T. L. Shreffler lives in Los Angeles, CA. She loves diversity, fantasy, romance, iced tea, long walks, philosophy, and thrift store shopping. She recently graduated with a BA in Badass (Creative Writing) and her poetry has been published consecutively in Eclipse: A Literary Journal and The Northridge Review. She works as the assistant editor for the funky and fantastic Tinsel Tokyo Magazine.
 
TAMS DREAM CAST FOR THE CAT'S EYE CHRONICLES
 
My pick for Sora is Zoey Deutch. You may recognize her from the ill fated Beautiful Creatures movie, and she has taken on the coveted role of Rose Hathaway in The Vampire Academy movie coming in 2014! Daughter of Hollywood alum Leah Thompson.
 
 
My pick for Viper/Crash is Jake Gyllenhaal. Jake is fierce, sexy and slightly scary, just like Viper!
 
 
Volcrain, now this one is a bit more difficult to choose. Volcrain is part distinguished, evil and tormented with a dash of serial killer thrown in for good measure! My pick for Volcrain is Eddie Redmayne. Most of you will remember his stellar performance in Les Miserables, but I loved him as the tortured soul son of Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie in The Good Shepard and the twisted killer in Like Minds.
 
 
 
 
SORA'S QUEST BLOG TOUR JULY 10th - 20th (A TTC/B2B tours event)
Schedule and Links:
 
July 10th ~ The O'Raven Chronicles
 July 11th ~ Lindsay and Janes Views and Reviews
  July 12th ~  Becca Ann's Reviews
July 13th ~  Buried Under Books
July 14th ~  Jean Booknerd
July 15th ~  Kelly P's Blog
 July 16th ~  Oh My Shelves
July 17th ~  A World of Words
July 18th ~  Paranormal BookClub
July 19th ~  Romance Bookworm
July 20th ~  Tams Two Cents
 

 
 
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway