Ruby's Birthday Giveaway Hop!

Happy Birthday Ruby!!
She is celebrating with you! How cool is that?

So... I'm helping Ruby of Ruby's Reads celebrate her birthday!!

For this stop... I'm giving away the ebook of...

Half-Blood (Covenant #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

Why? Well, first, I think the series rocks. The second one just came out and for those yet to read it, I thought you needed to get started NOW! I did like this book more than Ruby did and this is also my way of telling her she needs to read the second book. The tension she wanted I do believe is there in Pure. ;) You will like Seth in that one. :D

Anyhoo... my giveaway is international because it is an ebook. I'll be giving it away through Amazon or B&N. Just fill out the rafflecopter form below!

Don't forget to check out the other participants:

Ruby's Blog Hop Page

Earthseed (Seed #1) by Pamela Sargent with International Giveaway!

The classic YA science fiction adventure by Nebula and Locus Award–winning author Pamela Sargent The ship hurtles through space. Deep within its core, it carries the seed of humankind. Launched by the people of a dying Earth over a century ago, its mission is to find a habitable world for the children—fifteen-year-old Zoheret and her shipmates—whom it has created from its genetic banks. 

To Zoheret and her shipmates, Ship has been mother, father, and loving teacher, preparing them for their biggest challenge: to survive on their own, on an uninhabited planet, without Ship’s protection. Now that day is almost upon them...but are they ready to leave Ship? Ship devises a test. And suddenly, instincts that have been latent for over a hundred years take over. Zoheret watches as friends become strangers—and enemies. Can Zoheret and her companions overcome the biggest obstacle to the survival of the human race—themselves?

This is an older YA sci-fi genre book. It's considered "older" YA because of the amount of smex (nothing graphic) mentioned and violence. However, it makes sense since it is a group of teens that have never had adults to learn from, only a "ship" who is really just a personable voice to them. They were born in a lab.

Within the ship they are sent to a part where it is "wild" with nature and wild animals. They are there to learn how to survive because the goal is to "seed" other areas of the universe with thriving earthlings. While they are living in the "hollow" and coming of age, they find that tensions arise and problems within the society they created are dramatic and tense. Arguments on leadership and punishment while maintaining a utopian view within tensions arise. You also question what you would do in the same situation. No easy answers were found nor provided.

The book ends as a full book even though it is a trilogy. There is an opening for further exploration and unless you read the excerpt for the next book, you aren't sure where the series will take you. You just know it will be another adventure filled ride when you get there.

I give this book 3 stars. Although Zoheret is well defined, some of the secondary characters lack a bit in definition. However, the adventure the characters find themselves in do make up for that lack. Those that shy away from sci-fi because of the tech talk do not need to worry. It is more about the adventure of survival that is the focus of this book.
I received this book from the publisher Tor, and no compensation for my review was given.


This book was recently optioned by Paramount. I'm curious as to how it will show on the big screen. In honor of this the book has been reissued and I have been allowed by Tor to giveaway a copy of the book. Oh and guess what? It's INTERNATIONAL! Whee! Just fill out the rafflecopter form below:

Pure (Covenant #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout Blog Tour

There is need. And then there is Fate...

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her.

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon... and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude... or killing her.

When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

First I must start this review by saying that I admit... I'm such a fan of this series. I love the way it draws me into the story and keeps me wanting to stay after it's over. Plus, it has such a swoon-worthy cast. Especially in Aiden. *sigh*

Yes, I love her characters and they are further enhanced within this story. The story also had me cycle through a lot of emotions including almost sobbing. Yes, I cried and if you read any of my reviews or comments... you know I hate to cry. But then Ms. Armentrout broke my heart. Not just once, but several times over the same event. The tissue companies should sponsor this book. ;) However, those that feel the same way, take heart. You will also laugh a lot in the book as well. I just love that about Alex, the main character. Her snark makes my day and I would SO be her friend.

It also deals with a lot of issues. Mental rape, slavery and racism, also present itself here. Heavy handed topics that are dealt with in a way that doesn't overwhelm but still makes you want to yell to those in charge that it isn't fair... or at least kick them in the arse repeatedly.

Ah this book I did love, except for the ending (and the crying). I wanted it to continue. My questions weren't answered and I found myself adding a few more. I know that Deity (Covenant #3) will be here in Nov. However, it's not soon enough. *sigh* I curse Ms. Armentrout for leaving me too soon with a bunch of crumpled tissues surrounding me. *shakes fist* However, I will forgive her if she makes Aiden real and gives him to me. I mean, it's only fair... right? ;D

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I can't wait to continue this series!!
I was given this ARC by the publisher, Spencer Hill Press and no compensation for my review was given.

There are also a couple of giveaways associated with this blog tour:

Tour schedule

First is by the tour host, Stuck in Books:

After commenting here (which gives you an extra entry) go HERE to win the following paperbacks:

1st place: Daimon, Half-Blood, and Pure

2nd place: Half-Blood and Pure

3rd place: Pure

Also, go to A Cupcake and a Latte:

Go HERE to enter for:

Signed copy of Daimon and swag!

Winners!

The winner of:

is...

Darlene!

(confirmed)

The winners of:

are as follows...

Winners for:

are:

Doodle!

(confirmed... and can I say I love the handle name?)

and...

Denise!

(confirmed)

Winner for:

is...

Barbara E.!

(confirmed)

Congraties everyone! Remember that the giveaway for a hard cover of Immortal Rules is still going on HERE! Also, there will be more giveaways coming up this month. Stay tuned! *hands tuning fork*

West of Want Book Tour by Laura Kaye

Meet WEST OF WANT’s Characters & Get Ready to Win! 

In just a few days, I’m going to be hosting a huge Preview & Prizes Event at over 40 blogs to celebrate April 10, the original release date for Book 2 in my Hearts of the Anemoi series, West of Want. In the past few months, some really cool things happened: my publisher, Entangled Publishing, signed a huge deal with the nation’s biggest book distributor, which means for the first time ever, my books will be shelved in brick-and-mortar bookstores. And then, West of Want received a very nice pre-sales estimate by the booksellers and Barnes and Nobles bought it for all their stores nationwide (and it got bought for airports, too—squee!). The only bad news in this whole scenario was this: the release date got pushed back, by three LONG months! LOL So, I thought I’d celebrate the original release date with a preview of the book and a big contest, and give you a small taste to whet your appetite until the actual release date arrives.

Beginning on April 10, I’m going to be giving away hundreds of dollars in prizes and gift cards. So, to get you excited for that—and for exclusive, never-before-shared excerpts from the book itself—I thought I’d introduce you to the hero and heroine to give you a taste of things to come. And, take a look at these brand-spanking-new romance trading cards for West of Want, being shared for the first time here!

First, WEST OF WANT’s Blurb:

Betrayal is all he's ever known, but in her, he'll find a love strong enough to be trusted...

When Marcella Raines' twin brother dies, she honors his request to be buried at sea, never expecting the violent storm that swamps her boat. Though she's gravely injured--and still emotionally damaged from her recent divorce--Ella fights to survive.

Zephyros Martius is the Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, but being the strongest Anemoi hasn't protected him from betrayal and loss. Worse, he's sure his brother Eurus is behind it. When Zeph's heartbreak whips up a storm that shipwrecks a human, his guilt forces him to save her.

Ella is drawn to the vulnerability Zeph hides beneath his otherworldly masculinity and ancient blue eyes. And her honesty, empathy, and unique, calming influence leave Zeph wanting...everything. When Eurus threatens Ella, she and Zeph struggle to let go of the past, defend their future, and embrace what they most want--a love that can be trusted.

"Laura Kaye’s captivating writing and vibrant world-building will have readers hooked on the gods of the Anemoi. WEST OF WANT is steamy, spellbinding, and a must-read for all romance fantasy fans." 

~Elisabeth Naughton, author of the Eternal Guardians series 

MEET HERO ZEPHYROS MARTIUS:

Ella’s first impression of Zeph: Zephyros was fierce masculinity personified. Ella couldn’t stop her brain from resurrecting the image of Zeph tearing off his shirt as he sat on the edge of her bed. As if the man’s broad shoulders and bulging biceps weren’t impressive enough. As if the ridged muscles of his abdomen didn’t just call out to be traced. She had absolutely never seen with her own eyes, on a real man, that incredible cut of muscle just above his hips. But, yeah, he had it, and then some.

Zeph’s Job: Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring, one of the four Cardinal Anemoi

3 Words that Describe Zeph: Loyal, Powerful, Tortured

3 Things he Loves about Heroine Ella Raines: Her acceptance, her belief in him, her passion

MEET HEROINE ELLA RAINES:

One of Zeph’s early impressions of Ella:

He was ancient. He was immortal. He was a god. Yet this slip of a mortal woman pulled the ground out from under him over and over again. And she didn’t even know he was there.

Or maybe she did?
Every time he convinced himself to go, she said or did something that intrigued him. Or, worse, concerned him, and he’d find himself negotiating for just a little more time. Her pleased reaction to his flowers, her lie to the doctor and nurses, her pain at seeing her own reflection, at having that young doctor poke and prod her ruined shoulder. He couldn’t leave. In truth, he didn’t want to.

Ella’s Job: Ella is between jobs, having recently come into an inheritance, but, a life-long sailor, she’s looking at volunteering full-time for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation

3 Words that Describe Ella: Survivor, Adventurous, Strong

3 Things she Loves about Hero Zephyros Martius: That he’s survived so many tragedies and is still so kind and loving, the man beneath the otherworldliness, his strength

Pre-order West of Want on Amazon | B&N

Thanks so much for reading! And can’t wait to share the book with you for real on July 10!

~Laura Kaye

Now, about that 

WEST OF WANT PREVIEW & PRIZES EVENT… 

Here’s what you’ll be able to win if you join in the fun beginning 4/10: 

1 $100 Amazon or B&N gift card 

1 $75 Amazon or B&N gift card 

5 $15 Amazon or B&N gift cards 

Several sites are offering West of Want gift bags 

West of Want bookmarks and romance trading cards 

Click here to see all the participating sites

But in the meantime, there’s a contest here too! 

One commenter here will win a West of Want bookmark and a full set of Laura’s romance trading cards from all her books. Simply comment to enter to win and be sure to leave your email address. These prizes will be announced as part of the event festivities on April 10. Open to international. 

Giveaway ends on 4/9 midnight

Introducing the newest trading cards (part of the giveaway):

click to see larger picture

About Laura Kaye:

Voted Breakout Author of the Year in the 2011 GraveTells Readers’ Choice Awards, Laura is a bestselling and award-winning author paranormal and contemporary romance. Hearts in Darkness is the EPIC eBook Award Winner for Best Novella, Forever Freed won the NJRW Golden Leaf Award for Best Paranormal of 2011, and North of Need, the first book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series, was named GraveTells’ Best Book of 2011 and won their 5-STAR Gold Heart Award, and won Sizzling Hot Read of the Year at Sizzling Hot Books. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

Buy Laura's Books

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