CBB Book Promotions Blog Tour, Excerpt, & Giveaway: 27 Days To Midnight (Kristine Kruppa)

Welcome to my tour stop for 27 Days to Midnight by Kristine Kruppa! This is a young adult steampunk novel and the tour runs May 16-27 with reviews, interviews, guest posts and excerpts. 27 Days to Midnight released May 3rd by Giant Squid Books. The cover art is by artist Elizabeth Early.

Check out the tour page for the full schedule.

Everyone in Dahlia's world knows when they're going to die. Except her.Her father has never shown her the pocket watch counting down the days she has left to live. When he sacrifices himself to save her from her scheduled death, Dahlia abandons her comfortable home and sets off after his murderer to uncover the secrets her father died to protect…and the time research that could bring him back to life.Then she meets Farren Reed. She should hate him. He’s an enemy soldier, a cowardly deserter, and the most insufferable man Dahlia’s ever met. Still, she needs all the help she can get, and Farren is the only chance she has to find the man who murdered her father. But Farren has only twenty-seven days left on his watch.In that time, Dahlia must recover her father’s time research, foil a psychotic general’s plot, and learn to survive in a world that will never be the same. But the research holds secrets more dangerous than she had ever imagined. She will have to choose what is most important: revenge, Farren's life, or her own. And time is running out.

Goodreads | Amazon

Kristine Kruppa is a mechanical engineer, writer, and world traveler. Her days are spent designing cool new car parts, but her evenings are filled with writing and cats. She has traveled solo to seventeen countries on five continents. Her other hobbies include hunting for the perfect cup of coffee, exploring used book stores, and accidentally climbing mountains. To keep up with her adventures, follow Kristine on Twitter @kskruppa.  

Dahlia’s heart stopped. She leapt to her feet, hardly noticing the twigs scratching her skin. The backpack slid from her shoulders.

“Run!”

She fled. The long skirt flapped at her ankles, threatening to catch on the lines of low crops. She didn’t care. It was either run or be captured and sold to Anglia, into the clutches of the man who’d killed her papa…

“Dammit!” Farren’s yell snapped through her adrenaline. Dahlia shot a glance over her shoulder without slowing.

The airman had only just managed to extricate himself from the bush. He jogged along, cursing the leg brace with every step, stumbling after her.

A panel slid open in the airship’s gondola. Something leapt out, something huge and shadowy. The hulking shape dropped to the road, stirring dust and shaking pebbles. A pair of burning yellow eyes fixed on Dahlia.

It was a gargantuan mechanical man. Tall and hunched, covered in segmented armor plates that clicked as it started forward. It passed Farren in four massive strides.

Dahlia ran faster than she’d known she could. The mechanical thumped along behind her, heavy steps drawing closer. Panic gripped Dahlia. Her pulse pounded in her ears.

A pistol shot shattered the sound of the mechanical’s metal plates. Dahlia risked a look back, just in time to watch Farren empty his clip into the thing’s head. Four perfect shots.

It didn’t even flinch. The bullets that should have torn through its processing circuits simply splattered against the back of its metal skullplate.

Then it was upon Dahlia. She shrieked with fear as a steel hand wrapped around her waist. The thumb jabbed into the small of her back, and the tips of the fingers pressed against her bellybutton. Her feet left the ground.

Dahlia struggled, beating vainly at arms the size of tree trunks. The mechanical turned her so they were face to face.

“Stop that,” it ordered. The low voice rumbled up from deep within the creature. A slotted face grille shielded the place where its mouth should have been.

One (1) winner receives a hardback copy of the book (US only) 

Three (3) winners receive a digital copy (INT)

One (1) winner recieves a $10 amazon gift card (INT)

Ends 6/1

Prizing is provided by the publisher, hosts are not responsible. Must be 13 or older to enter and parental permission if under 17. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win.

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This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

CLP Blog Tours Interview & Excerpt: The Lobby (Randi M. Sherman)

Welcome to The Shipley Hotel, where the perky and attentive staff provides the gold standard in artificial concern and comfort to all the colorful characters who pass through its polished brass revolving door and find themselves in The Lobby. Practically engineered for eavesdropping, San Francisco’s juiciest hotel lobby offers the perfect place to witness the comings and goings—and the most comedic intersections—of staff, long-term residents, and eclectic guests. Featuring over fifty stories all transpiring in a single twenty-four hour period and intersecting in the Shipley’s elegant lobby, readers will meet an eccentric and vast array of characters, most of whom will look awfully familiar and all of whom will speak to the heart. Employing acute skills in human observation and a keen understanding of the essential human needs—frequently unplanned and unexpected rendezvous, ready laughter at others’ expense, and maybe even a little love and acceptance—Randi M. Sherman’s unique wit and candor will surely make the reader sit up, stand up, roll over, or assume an interested leaning position and take notice. Get comfortable (on the exquisitely upholstered lobby couch) and spy on those checking in and out of the Shipley. Careful: you might just encounter a version of yourself among the ornate balconies and intricate woodwork.

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May 16 – Chick Lit Plus – Review

May 17- Curling Up With a Good Book  - Q&A, Guest Post & Excerpt

May 18 – Chick Lit Goddess – Q&A & Excerpt

May 19 – Poof Books - Review & Excerpt

May 20 – The Little Reading Cabin – Review

May 23 – Granny Loves to Read – Review & Excerpt 

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A native Californian, raised in "the valley," Randi moved to San Francisco decades ago and more recently makes her home in California's wine country. Trying her hand at country living Randi describes herself the Eva Gabor of the Sonoma/Napa area.
Until Randi's huge success as an author, or until potato chips are considered a vegetable and wine is accepted as a fruit, Randi continues to split her time between writing, laughing and actually enjoying her life with more undesirable tasks such as being a stuffy corporate-type using her Bachelors of Science Degree from Chapman University.

Links

http://www.randimshermanbooks.com/home.html

https://www.facebook.com/RandiMSherman

https://twitter.com/RandiMSherman

http://amzn.to/1OqEcK8

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29472933-the-lobby

 What gave you the inspiration to write this book? 

Initially THE LOBBY wasn't the book I started out writing. I had planned on writing a straight novel; One with a beginning, middle, arc and end. One with a single main character. But as I was developing the sub-characters - I loved them so much that I gave them all equal importance in the novel

 Who is your favorite character in the book? 

That's a tricky question. Its like asking which child is a mothers favorite. But if you pressed me I'd say I love the sentimental interaction between Jacqueline and May in the 4:00PM hour.

 Which came first, the title or the novel?

 This is the first time the title came first.

 What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why? 

Again the sentimental scenes make me proud - because after chapter after laugh-out-loud chapter and character after hilarious character it was nice to create a resting place for the readers. Once they rest, maybe even shed a tear - they are back on the road to laughter.

 Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?

 I've learned that a writer needs to take off her shoes, untuck her blouse, raise her hands up over her head and run full speed down the hill. A writer need to let go of all inhibitions and fears and "go for it."

What do you like most about the cover of the book?

 Its beautiful isn't it? I truly depicts what I wanted it to: the luxury, glamour and warmth of au upscale hotel

 What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2016? 

Amy Schumer's new book - I want to see what an 8 million dollar advance looks like

 What was your favorite book in 2015?

The Gold Finch by Donna Tartt and The Truth About Caroline by Randi M Sherman (me)

What’s up next for you? 

I have another book that's almost ready to go -so I look forward to pulling the trigger on that one. I'm also anxious about getting THE LOBBY represented to go from Book to film or Book to stage.

Is there anything that you would like to add? 

Thank you so much Beth. I encourage everyone who reads THE LOBBY to write a review - and/or drop me a line and let me know what you think (send it thru my website ,contact page)

Slump-shouldered and dizzy from exhaustion, Peggy stretched her neck, took a deep breath and rubbed her eyes, willing herself to be awake and perky. Dressed for the day in her high-rise, poly-blend walking shorts, a muted-colored Madras blouse, and an oversized pastel pink Jazzercise visor, she stood in the hotel lobby. It was only 6:00 a.m. Looking out through the front windows of the hotel, she could see the streets were still practically empty, and even the sun was having second thoughts about starting the day. Waking up before six o’clock in the morning was just too early, especially on a vacation.

“Hank, dear,” she said sweetly, holding a Mylar-wrapped breakfast bar. “Have one of these energy grain bars. It has fiber.”

He snatched it from her, peeled back the wrapper, then shoved it into his mouth and ate it in just two bites. Crumbs flying, he said, “Damned right. I’m not going to wait in line at some overpriced coffee shop for a plate of twelve-dollar eggs. We can have an early lunch.” He spotted a basket of shiny red apples on the registration desk. “Mary Margaret, go get a few of those too. They will tide us over.”

Peggy’s movements are hindered by the beige naugahyde pocket-for-everything purse that was slung over her head and shoulder, crossing her chest. The purse strap was too short for it to be worn this way. It cut tightly between her breasts and rested at her side, just below her armpit, causing her arm to hang at a forty-five degree angle from her body.

“You can never be too careful, Mary Margaret.” Hank checked the positioning of her bag. “I hear there is a lot of purse snatching going on in this city.” He stood back to take a look at her. “Maybe you should put on your sweater—you look like a tourist. You’re just inviting trouble.”

It was big talk from Hank, who was dressed in brighter than-white walking shoes with Velcro closures for efficiency, an AARP fanny pack, and his new short-sleeved sport shirt which was tucked tightly into his underwear beneath his sans-a-belt, high-water polyester dress slacks, replete with a bulging back pocket due to an overstuffed wallet. Clutching his cartoonish city map like it was the map to the Holy Grail, Hank marched toward the morning clerk who was standing behind the front desk. He pointed at Peggy’s feet. “Pick ‘em up and lay ‘em down. We have a lot to do today, and it’s already after six.” With purpose, Hank asked the desk clerk Candice, “Is the conger . . . conseer here?”

Another typical tourist, Candice thought. Ready to go at the crack of dawn. Should I tell him that with the exception of a Starbucks, nothing in this city is open before nine? “Good morning, sir,” Candice smiled. “I see you are up early. I’m sorry sir, but Philippe, the concierge, does not get in until nine o’clock. Perhaps I can help you with something?”

“Yes, you can. We have a heavy day of sightseeing ahead of us, and I want to be efficient about it.” Hank slapped the map down on the counter.

“Okay, I’ll see what I can do. What would you like to do today?” Candice smiled again, as she was trained to do. 

“Well,” Hank began, “today we want to walk across theGolden Gate Bridge, ride on a cable car, go to the Cable Car Museum, Fisherman’s Wharf, that curvy Lombardo Street, Golden Gate Park, the Legion of Honor, the Cannery, and Alcatraz.”

Peggy tapped Hank on the shoulder. “And don’t forget Union Square, Hank.”

“You can shop at home,” He called over his shoulder. Turning back to Candice, “What’s the best route? I’d like to work from furthest to closest.” Hank was all about efficiency. “It’s all about organization,” he explained. If a household task could be wrapped up in five minutes he found a way to do it in four. “In the military . . .” Hank would say and then fill in the blank with the most Hank-a-fied, time-efficient way to do something. He meant well, but Peggy knew that he usually made it up as he went along.

Peggy had always hated being called Mary Margaret, Hun, or Marge, but Hank insisted. She endured Hank’s bossy, blow-hard-headedness all for the sake of keeping him calm. They had been married for thirty-five years, and she figured it was probably her fault that he was the way he was. After all, she had been raised to be agreeable. But she secretly wanted to break free of the middle of the row, middle class, very average, superefficient life she was leading and do something wild, something unplanned. Thursday night Bingo just wasn’t cutting it anymore. Anything new or different would be welcome. Dining out somewhere other than the two places in town where Hank was comfortable and where he didn’t spend twenty minutes raving about the “cost of things”— that would be good. Sex with the lights on or for longer than two minutes would be a welcome change. But neither would be enough. Peggy craved the life that she saw on the morning and afternoon talk shows. The life where people were frivolous and chatty, who drank champagne any day, for any occasion, not just at 11:55 PM on December 31st. Wearing a piece of clothing that wasn’t labeled “wash-n-wear” or blended with some fabric that’s name ended in -ester or -oline would be heaven after years in flammable synthetic clothing.

FFBC Blog Tour, Excerpt, & Giveaway: The Season Of You and Me (Robin Constantine)

The Season of You & Me
by Robin Constantine
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: May 10th 2016

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Realistic Fiction, Disability

Cassidy Emmerich is determined to make this summer—the last before her boyfriend heads off to college—unforgettable. What she doesn’t count on is her boyfriend breaking up with her. Now, instead of being poolside with him, Cass is over a hundred miles away, spending the summer with her estranged father and his family at their bed-and-breakfast at the Jersey Shore and working as the newest counselor at Camp Manatee. 
Bryan Lakewood is sick of nevers. You’ll never walk. You’ll never surf. You’ll never slow dance with your date at prom. One miscalculated step and Bryan’s life changed forever—now he’s paralyzed and needs to use a wheelchair. This is the first summer he’s back at his former position at Camp Manatee and ready to reclaim some of his independence, in spite of those who question if he’s up for the job. 
Cass is expecting two months dealing with heartbreak.Bryan is expecting a summer of tough adjustments.Neither of them is expecting to fall in love.

Follow the The Season Of You & Me by Robin Constantine Blog Tour and don't miss anything! Click on the banner to see the tour schedule.

Robin Constantine is the author of The Promise of Amazing and The Secrets of Attraction. A born-and-raised Jersey girl, Robin likes to spend her days dreaming up stories where love conquers all, eventually, but not without a lot of peril, angst, and the occasional kissing scene. She loves swoony books, flip-flops, dark chocolate and the full moon.

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FFBC Blog Tour, Excerpt and Giveaway: Dark Heart of Magic (Jennifer Estep)

Dark Heart of Magic (Black Blade #2)
by Jennifer Estep
Publisher: Kensington
Release Date: October 27th 2015

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Magic, Supernatural

Something Wicked This Way Comes...
As a thief, I stick to the shadows as much as possible. But when the head of the Sinclair Family picks me to compete in the Tournament of Blades, there's no escaping the spotlight—or the danger.
Even though he's my competition, Devon Sinclair thinks I have the best shot at winning what's supposed to be a friendly contest. But when the competitors start having mysterious "accidents," it looks like someone will do anything to win—no matter who they hurt.
As if I didn't have enough to worry about, mobster Victor Draconi is plotting against Devon and the rest of my friends, and someone's going around Cloudburst Falls murdering monsters. One thing's for sure. Sometimes, humans can be more monstrous than anything else...

“What do you want to do about the troll?” I asked. “Because I don’t think he’s coming down from there without a fight.”

Devon was the bruiser, or second-in-command of the Sinclair Family, responsible for overseeing all the Family guards and dealing with all the monster problems that arose in Sinclair territory. Most of the bruisers for the various Families were arrogant jerks who enjoyed bossing people around and taking advantage of the other perks of their powerful position. But Devon was a genuinely good guy who treated everyone in his Family equally, from the smallest pixie to the toughest guard. Plus, he would do anything to help his friends and the folks he cared about, something he’d proven by putting himself in danger time and time again.

Devon’s inherent goodness and devotion to others were two of the many things that made me like him way more than I should have. His soulful green eyes, teasing grin, and rocking body didn’t hurt matters either.

Me? Good and I weren’t exactly close friends, and the only devotion I had was to myself, and making sure that I had plenty of cash in my pockets and food in my stomach. I was a loner thief who’d spent the last four years living in the shadows until I’d been recruited to be Devon’s bodyguard a few weeks ago. Not that he really needed a guard. Devon was a tough fighter who could take care of himself—and then some.

“Well, I say we pick up all the fruit that’s still in one piece and chuck it right back at the troll,” another voice suggested in a snide tone. “Let him see how it feels to get splattered for a change.”

I looked over at Felix Morales, Devon’s best friend and another member of the Sinclair Family. With his wavy black hair, bronze skin, and dark brown eyes, Felix was even more handsome than Devon, despite the fact that he was also covered in pulp. Not that I would ever tell him that. Felix was already a terrible flirt. We’d been in the square for ten minutes, and he’d spent more time grinning at the tourist girls who wandered by than trying to figure out what to do about the troll.

Felix winked at two girls in tank tops and short-shorts who were sitting on a nearby bench sipping lemonade, then waggled his fingers at them. The girls giggled and waved back.

I rolled my eyes and elbowed him in the side. “Try to pay attention.”

Felix shot me a sour look and rubbed his side.

Follow the Dark Heart Of Magic by Jennifer Estep Blog Tour and don't miss anything! Click on the banner to see the tour schedule.

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
Her Elemental Assassin series follows the life and times of Gin “the Spider” Blanco, a barbecue restaurant owner who also happens to be an assassin with magical control over the elements of Ice and Stone.
The Mythos Academy series focuses on Gwen Frost, a 17-year-old Gypsy girl who has the ability to know an object’s history just by touching it. She studies at Mythos Academy, a school for the descendants of ancient warriors.
Her Bigtime paranormal romance books feature sexy superheroes, evil ubervillains, and smart, sassy gals looking for love.
Estep’s new Black Blade series is about 17-year-old thief Lila Merriweather, who has a Talent for sight, along with the ability to take magic others used against her to boost her own powers. She tries not to get involved with the Families who control much of the town, but ends up in the middle of a potential turf war.

Win (1) of (3) print copies of Dark Heart of Magic (US only)

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