Blog Tour & Giveaway: Cowboys & Kisses (Teens of Black Falls Texas, #1) by Sasha Summers

Cowboys & Kisses
(Teens of Black Falls Texas, #1) 

By Sasha Summers

Blurb: 

Allie had big plans for the future. Falling for a cowboy wasn't part of it.

1. Get out of Black Falls Texas - aka Redneck Hell
(Graduation was eight months away. After that, she was out of there.)

2. Avoid Wyatt Holcomb at all costs.
(Except he was everywhere and kind of hard to ignore since he was hot-and a really nice guy.)

3. Avoid her parents.
(Shouldn't be too hard to do since her father hated her and her mother pretended nothing was wrong.)

4. Stop thinking about Wyatt.
(Which would be a lot easier if he wasn't so sweet... and he'd keep his shirt on.)

5. Decide what she really wants.
(Instead of holding onto the past and the guilt.)

Available for purchase at 

            

Excerpt

Wyatt was carrying me. I like this dream…

I’m glad I was sleeping. If I wasn’t, I’d have to wake up. He’d put me down. I’d have to get pissy with him—because that’s what I did, acted pissed. Right now, I didn’t want him to put me down. And I was way too warm and comfortable to get pissy.

The front door opened. We were going inside, up the stairs…

I burrowed in a little, to breathe against his chest. His really strong, no-give chest. God, he smells good. Really really good.

I turned, pressing my cheek against him. His heartbeat picked up…a lot. And his arms tightened, holding me more surely. Something about that, the way he was holding me, made my heart thump. Maybe I should admit I was awake?

I heard the floorboard creak. We were almost to my room. Which was good. So why was I feeling panic?

Because he’ll put me down and leave…

My hand gripped his shirt front. I needed…wanted to hold on to him, to keep him here, protecting me, holding me. And for some new and bizarre reason, I felt sort of…frantic about it. “Allie?” His voice was soft, his breath stirring the air by my ear.

I didn’t say anything. What was I supposed to say? I’m awake but don’t put me down? You smell really good…and you feel even better? Yeah, that wouldn’t go over very well.

Or would it? What if he was cool with it? What if he stayed? Did I want him to stay? I swallowed.

I was being lowered, slowly. I felt the muscles in his chest and arms and shoulders move against me and felt…breathless and hot and confused and… I’m so in trouble.

My bed was soft beneath my back, but before his arms slipped out from under me I opened my eyes. 

About the Author

Sasha is part gypsy. Her passions have always been storytelling, Hollywood, history, and travel. It’s no surprise that her books include a little of each. Her first play, ‘Greek Gods and Goddesses’ was written for her Girl Scout troupe. She’s been writing ever since. She loves getting lost in the worlds and characters she creates; even if she frequently forgets to run the dishwasher or wash socks when she’s doing so. Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and supportive.

You can stalk, I mean find Sasha here

          


Oh, Did you know that Sasha has a Street Team? She does! If you love/like her books and want to help support her join the Street Team. What would you have to do if you join? Let's see...

1.) Have Fun
2.) meet other people with common interest
3.) you get first dibs on info, snippets, excerpts and even get to review in advance!!
4.) your input! We might ask you to name her next cowboy! LOL
5.) there will be missions where we ask you to share links and information, but we provide you with all the info so it's easy as pie. Or cake! What ever you prefer!

So if you want to support Sasha, ask to join her Street Team here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/456419371077920/

Giveaway

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: Book One: The Girl (The Sanctum) by Madhuri Blaylock

A warm welcome to Madhuri Blaylock!

Thank you for having me! 

Dev is the girl I wanted to read.  

I had been devouring various fantasy and paranormal novels and series and found myself, more often than not, coming away wishing the female lead had a little more umpf, was fierce from the get-go. Instead of being in charge, they stumbled around rather confused about what was happening to them. They reacted instead of acted. And although they evolved into badass chicks by the final parts of the story, they didn’t begin that way. And more often than not, they needed a boy to point them in the direction of the aforementioned badassery . 

I wanted a girl who knew what was the what from jump, was self-aware and self-assured (even if sometimes a little too much). She knew her power and self-worth and had no issues kicking ass and taking names. She was smart as a whip, strong as a bull and drop-dead gorgeous as an afterthought. She was kind of a bitch.  

So I created Dev.

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Release Day Blitz: Six Months by Dannika Dark

Six Months

(Seven Series, bk #2)

By Dannika Dark

Blurb:

April Frost is a compassionate young woman with a steady job and ambitious goals. But the harder she runs away from her past, the more it threatens to destroy her. When three strangers enter her life, April is forced to face her demons and it’s a battle she may not win.

Private investigators in the Breed world are men who take risks, and Reno Cole is no exception. As a Shifter, he’s expected to control his inner animal. But lately his wolf has been venturing dangerously close to the city, and he’s about to discover why. When Reno is reintroduced to a family friend, the attraction is immediate. April captivates him with her secretive eyes and resilient spirit. She’s also in trouble, and despite the fact she’s a human, Reno can’t turn his back on her.

April is caught between two worlds: One that threatens to bury her dreams and another that could fulfill them. Can she trust the wolf at her door and find the courage to overcome her demons?

Available for purchase at

      

Excerpt

The second I saw the man Trevor was salivating over step onto the curb and adjust his mirrored shades, it triggered a memory. As did his spectacular body beneath his tight, long-sleeved shirt—nary an inch of skin showing. Not to mention his chiseled face that had a light dusting of whiskers around the chin—a face I’d thought I’d never see again. Only now, fully dressed, he gave off more of a paramilitary vibe. Maybe I’d forgotten the scary aspects about him, but his looks still lingered in my mind all these months later.

“I think I know him,” I said under my breath.

Four months ago, I gave Lexi a ride home. Reno Cole, Austin’s brother, was outside throwing horseshoes in the yard without a shirt on. A thin sheen of sweat covered his broad torso, which was the only thing I noticed since he was wearing sunglasses and a baseball hat. I had a “stupid” attack and almost tripped in front of him. I’d never felt more intimidated by a man’s presence in my life. I felt cowardly and my mouth refused to work, and when it finally did, I mentioned something about the heat like I was a walking weathergirl. Reno’s fit body spanned just over six feet, but his expression was tight and menacing. I shamelessly fled the scene, but the tire on my car wedged into a pothole. He stalked over as if he might rip my car door off and pummel me for messing up their driveway.

But he didn't. He pushed the car free and I never saw him again.

Fingers snapped in front of my face and Trevor gave me a killer smile. “Nice to see you still have a pulse. I was beginning to think your libido took a permanent vacation."

About the Author

This is the segment where you learn a little more about who I am, so here's what I can tell you:  I drink copious amounts of vitamin water placed precariously close to my laptop while writing. These are two healthy habits I have no intention of breaking. I'm a transplant living in the south, but I was born in the 70's to a military dad who moved us around the world.

When I'm not writing (which is all the time), I'm hunting down Indie music, watching movies, reading, eating Tex-Mex, discovering new ways to humiliate myself bowling, and burning up my laptop battery on the Internet. I have a relaxed, easy-going personality and don't like drama. I live with a cat who thinks she is a dog, or a goat (she eats plastic, so I'm not sure which).

Throughout my life, I've had insomnia. Counting sheep never worked and eventually I would imagine those sheep were the sole source of food after an apocalyptic battle where only thousands survived. I made up stories in a futile attempt to bore myself to sleep. The problem was, I got so wrapped up in my "head stories" that I would continue them through the following nights, changing it up each time to make it more exciting. Eventually, I started writing my ideas down - creating short stories, and then I discovered my love for poetry.

It's almost embarrassing how many spiral notebooks and stacks of paper I have of poetry and lyrics.

Another passion: digital art. I design all my book covers, marketing, and series art. I'm a very visual person and pursued photography as an avid hobby for many years.

I am not a YA author (I feel like I have to state this only because I've had a few people ask), but I think it's wonderful there are so many books available to teens in Urban Fantasy and Paranormal.

I am finally doing what I have always wanted to do: giving my characters a pulse through writing full time. I focus on adult urban fantasy romance, but I don't like labels and I enjoy blending genres to break out of the confines of predictability.

But it's what I love to do.

Danni

You can stalk, I mean find Dannika here: 

            

Presented by

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Tempt Me Tuesday #56 by Mad Hatter Reads

Witches and demons and steampunk, oh my! This week is filled with a mixture of paranormal creatures, so you should be able to find one…or more…that shout Pick Me! Pick Me! Hmmm…I wonder how many I can get away with this week *looks around to see if anyone is watching…one-click, one-click, one-click*

Bite Me by Shelly Laurenston

Pride, #9

Livy Kowalski has no time for idiots. When you shapeshift into a honey badger, getting through life’s irritants is a finely honed skill. Until she gets stuck housing her nutso cousin and dealing with her dad’s untimely and unexplained demise.

That’s where Vic Barinov comes in—or his house does. Vic can’t step outside without coming back to find Livy devouring his honey stash and getting the TV remote sticky. It gets his animal instincts all riled up. But he’ll have to woo her at high speed: all hell is breaking loose, and Livy is leading the charge.

Call of the Siren by Rosalie Lario

Demons of Infernum, #4

When darkness threatens...only love will bring them light.

The half-siren half-demon bounty hunter Dagan Meyers swore he'd never settle down. His older brothers might’ve adjusted well to family life but tying himself to one woman is so not Dagan’s bag. Until he meets the gorgeous angel Lina, his brother Ronin’s long-lost adopted sister, and he can’t think of being with anybody but her. Too bad Ronin’s well aware of Dagan’s party-boy lifestyle and won’t let him anywhere near his angelic baby sister.

Lina is still getting over the abandonment issues that began when she was orphaned as a child and has devoted her life to taking down evil Otherworlders. The last thing she wants is to develop feelings for man she knows will eventually leave her, too. But as the battle against a growing darkness continues—a powerful fae who’s harnessed untold power—Dagan and Lina find that love may be their greatest weapon against the very thing that threatens to destroy them all.

Dawn's Early Light by Philippa (Pip) Ballentine & Tee Norris

Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, #3

Working for the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, one sees innumerable technological wonders. But even veteran agents Braun and Books are unprepared for what the electrifying future holds.

After being ignominiously shipped out of England following their participation in the Janus affair, Braun and Books are ready to prove their worth as agents. But what starts as a simple mission in the States—intended to keep them out of trouble—suddenly turns into a scandalous and convoluted case that has connections reaching as far as Her Majesty the Queen.

Even with the help of two American agents from the Office of the Supernatural and the Metaphysical, Braun and Books have their work cut out for them as their chief suspect in a rash of nautical and aerial disasters is none other than Thomas Edison. Between the fantastic electric machines of Edison, the eccentricities of MoPO consultant Nikola Tesla, and the mysterious machinations of a new threat known only as the Maestro, they may find themselves in far worse danger than they ever have been in before.

Notorious by Allison Brennan

Max Revere Novels, #1

New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan introduces an irrepressible heroine in her pulse-pounding new thriller Notorious, which Lisa Gardner says is, "Guaranteed to keep you up late at night."

Maxine Revere has dedicated her life to investigating murders that the police have long since given up any hope of solving. A nationally renowned investigative reporter with her own TV show and a tough-as-nails reputation, Max tackles cold cases from across the country and every walk of life. But the one unsolved murder that still haunts her is a case from her own past.

When Max was a high school senior, one of her best friends was strangled and another, Kevin O’Neal, accused of the crime. To the disgrace of her wealthy family, Max stood by her friend, until she found out he lied about his alibi. Though his guilt was never proven, their relationship crumbled from the strain of too many secrets.

Now Max is home for Kevin’s funeral—after years of drug abuse, he committed suicide. She’s finally prepared to come to terms with the loss of his friendship, but she’s not prepared for Kevin’s sister to stubbornly insist that he didn’t kill himself. Or for an elderly couple to accost her at the airport, begging her to look into another murder at Max’s old high school. Max is more interested in the cold case at her alma mater than in digging around Kevin’s troubled life, but she agrees to do both. As Max uncovers dark secrets, she finds herself caught in a complicated web of lies that hit far too close to home. And it’s becoming increasingly clear that someone will do whatever it takes to make sure the truth stays buried.

Shadowbound by Dianne Sylvan

Shadow World, #5

Spread throughout the dark corners of our world lies the Shadow World, a society of vampires who feed off the living. In Austin, Texas, one woman must quell the cravings rising within her, as the very fate of the world rests in her hands.

Ever since her Prime, David Solomon, returned from the dead, Miranda Grey has been hungry. The transformation from ordinary vampires into the ultrapowerful children of Persephone has left both Miranda and David craving the taste of death—and their appetites are growing.

Meanwhile, a formerly vague threat from a fringe group of humans has turned into a full-on war. The Order of the Morningstar has devoted itself to eradicating vampires and has begun to assassinate Primes all over the globe.

The Shadow World’s fate depends on the circle of Signets descended from those who subdued Morningstar hundreds of years ago—but if even a single one is killed, the war is almost certainly lost. Now, with the help of a strange new ally, Miranda must put aside her hunger and access long-forgotten magic to save the circle, but time is running out.

Shadow Spell by Nora Roberts

The Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy, #2

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts comes a trilogy about the land we’re drawn to, the family we learn to cherish, and the people we long to love…

With the legends and lore of Ireland running through his blood, falconer Connor O’Dwyer is proud to call County Mayo home. It’s where his sister, Branna, lives and works, where his cousin, Iona, has found true love, and where his childhood friends form a circle that can’t be broken…

A circle that is about to be stretched out of shape—by a long-awaited kiss.

Meara Quinn is Branna’s best friend, a sister in all but blood. Her and Connor’s paths cross almost daily, as Connor takes tourists on hawk walks and Meara guides them on horseback across the lush countryside. She has the eyes of a gypsy and the body of a goddess…things Connor has always taken for granted—until his brush with death propels them into a quick, hot tangle.

Plenty of women have found their way to Connor’s bed, but none to his heart until now. Frustratingly, Meara is okay with just the heat, afraid to lose herself—and their friendship—to something more. But soon, Connor will see the full force and fury of what runs in his blood. And he will need his family and friends around him when his past rolls in like the fog, threatening an end to all he loves.

Six Months by Dannika Dark

Seven, #2

April Frost is a compassionate young woman with a steady job and ambitious goals. But the harder she runs away from her past, the more it threatens to destroy her. When three strangers enter her life, April is forced to face her demons and it’s a battle she may not win.

Private investigators in the Breed world are men who take risks, and Reno Cole is no exception. As a Shifter, he’s expected to control his inner animal. But lately his wolf has been venturing dangerously close to the city, and he’s about to discover why. When Reno is reintroduced to a family friend, the attraction is immediate. April captivates him with her secretive eyes and resilient spirit. She’s also in trouble, and despite the fact she’s a human, Reno can’t turn his back on her.

April is caught between two worlds: One that threatens to bury her dreams and another that could fulfill them. Can she trust the wolf at her door and find the courage to overcome her demons?

The Midnight Witch by Paula Brackston

"The dead are seldom silent. All that is required for them to be heard is that someone be willing to listen. I have been listening to the dead all my life."

Lilith is the daughter of the sixth Duke of Radnor. She is one of the most beautiful young women in London and engaged to the city’s most eligible bachelor. She is also a witch.

When her father dies, her hapless brother Freddie takes the title. But it is Lilith, instructed in the art of necromancy, who inherits their father’s role as Head Witch of the Lazarus Coven. And it is Lilith who must face the threat of the Sentinels, a powerful group of sorcerers intent on reclaiming the Elixir from the coven’s guardianship for their own dark purposes. Lilith knows the Lazarus creed: secrecy and silence. To abandon either would put both the coven and all she holds dear in grave danger. She has spent her life honoring it, right down to her charming fiancé and fellow witch, Viscount Louis Harcourt.

Until the day she meets Bram, a talented artist who is neither a witch nor a member of her class. With him, she must not be secret and silent. Despite her loyalty to the coven and duty to her family, Lilith cannot keep her life as a witch hidden from the man she loves.

To tell him will risk everything.

Spanning the opulence of Edwardian London and the dark days of World War I, The Midnight Witch is the third novel from New York Times bestselling author Paula Brackston.

Vampire Warrior Kings Box Set by Laura Kaye

Vampire Warrior Kings, #1-3 (Releases March 24, 2014)

NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Laura Kaye sizzles with this sensual series featuring virgins and vampires...

In the Service of the King

Kael, Warrior King of the Vampires loathes the Night of the Proffering. He needs the blood of either his mate or a human virgin to maintain his strength, but hasn't enjoyed the ritual since he lost his mate. Until he lays eyes on his new offering, Shayla McKinnon, who will give him anything he wishes. Will Kael give in to their overwhelming desire--even if it means risking Shayla's life?

Taken by the Vampire King

Henrik Magnusson is supposed to be immortal but, thanks to a mysterious ailment not even the blood of the Proffered can sustain him now. Then he rescues a beautiful young woman s, and is filled with blood lust and desire he hasn't felt for centuries...

Seduced by the Vampire

Kate Bordessa has fled to Russia to escape her family's hopes that she'll become one of the Proffered. But when she stumbles upon a wounded vampire, she's instinctively driven to protect him. Will her connection now to Vampire Warrior King Nikolai Vasilyev be strong enough for her to embrace a destiny neither of them was expecting?

Waking the Dead by Heather Graham

Cafferty and Quinn, #2

They say a painting can have a life of its own…

In the case of Ghosts in the Mind by Henry Sebastian Hubert, that's more than just an expression. This painting is reputed to come to life—and to bring death. The artist was a friend of Lord Byron and Mary Shelley, joining them in Switzerland during 1816, "the year without a summer."

That was when they all explored themes of horror and depravity in their art….

Now, almost two hundred years later, the painting appears in New Orleans. Wherever it goes, death seems to follow.

Danielle Cafferty and Michael Quinn, occasional partners in solving crime, are quickly drawn into the case. They begin to make connections between that summer in Switzerland and this spring in Louisiana. Danni, the owner of an eccentric antiques shop, and Quinn, a private detective, have discovered that they have separate but complementary talents when it comes to investigating unusual situations.

Trying to blend their personal relationship with the professional lives they've stumbled into, they learn how much they need each other. Especially as they confront this work of art—and evil. The people in the portrait might be dead, but something seems to wake them and free them to commit bloody crimes. Cafferty and Quinn must discover what that is. And they have to destroy it—before it destroys them.

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Celebrate Virna DePaul’s upcoming release of TURNED!!! Blog Hop Giveaway!

The Belladonna Agency Series

Welcome to a mesmerizing world where vampires hide among humans. This centuries-old species has its own rules, code of conduct, and taboos. Only the FBI knows that vampires exist—and although the Bureau agrees to keep their secret, it also plots to give humans the upper hand.

Turning mortals into vampires is forbidden.

But there are creatures who refuse to play by the rules.

Ever since he was turned, FBI special agent Ty Duncan has had one mission: bring rogue vampires to justice. As a recruiter for Belladonna, a shadow agency formed to keep vampires in check, Ty must tap Ana Martin, a troubled ex–gang member and one of the few mortals who can infiltrate places that his kind and the law cannot. From their first encounter, Ty fights a hunger to make Ana his own.

When Ty claims to have information about Ana’s missing sister, Ana has no choice but to trust this captivating stranger who awakens her deepest desires. But as she and Ty climb the heights of pleasure and passion, an enemy is conspiring to destroy them both.

Can Ana help Ty find his humanity in a love that could heal them both, or will their passion lead them into a darkness impossible to escape?

To celebrate Virna DePaul’s upcoming release of TURNED, there are some amazing giveaways going on The Turned Blog Hop.

 Look at all the great prizes to be won! 

Make sure to visit each site to increase your chances to win!

Here are the prizes!!!

Prizes (must be 18 or older with a US mailing address to participate):

∙ 10 Preview copy winners of TURNED by Virna DePaul ∙

∙ 5 Preview Copy winners of WANTED by J Kenner  ∙

∙ 2 Preview eBook copy winners of A Vampire’s Salvation by Virna DePaul  ∙

∙ 2 Preview eBook copy winners of Arrested by Love by Virna DePaul  ∙

∙ Grand Prize of $20 Gift Certificate to eRetailer of choice!!  ∙

Follow the Blogs Here!

1.	Author Sascha Illyvich	2.	iReadiWriteiLove
3.	Paranormal Haven	4.	Manga Maniac Cafe
5.	Kate George - Author	6.	Dee - Dark Horse Romance Reviews
7.	Bea's Book Nook	8.	Bitten By Love Reviews
9.	The Book Nympho	10.	The Book Reading Gals
11.	Book-A-Holic Anon	12.	Swanangel15's Book Review
13.	Swanangel15's Book Review	14.	Simply Ali
15.	Wild Wordy Women	16.	Sweet Spot Book Blog
17.	The Lusty Literate	18.	Romancing the Readers
19.	Red Me isatjung.blogspot.com	20.	Close Encounters with the Night Kind
21.	Books-n-Kisses	22.	The Suburban Eclectic Review
23.	Book Lovin' Mamas	24.	VIRNA DEPAUL ~ TURNED ~ BLOG HOP WITH BOOK OBSESSED CHICKS
25.	What I'm Reading	26.	A Caffeine Addict's Tangents/Books
27.	Art, Books, & Coffee	28.	The Autumn Review
29.	Romance and Beyond	30.	Geeky Bloggers Book Blog
31.	Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews	32.	As the Pages Turn
33.	From the TBR Pile	34.	Books Make Me Happy
35.	To Read or Not To Read	36.	Reading Reality
37.	Lori Adams Blog	38.	Romancing the Dark Side
39.	The Romanceaholic	40.	Tome Tender
41.	Inner Goddess Forum	42.	Readaholics Anonymous
43.	Bottles & Books Reviews	44.	J. Kenner Website
45.	Evie Knight	46.	Virna DePaul Website
47.	Turned Blog Hop	48.	About That Story

Enter to win here – Good Luck! 

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How fast can you read a book?

       I came across this article in the Huffington Post, today. Funny how I missed it, being the avid Huffington Post stalker that I am, but miss it I did. Anyway, it talks about reading faster and how there is now a new app for that. The article allows you to determine how fast you currently read by supplying readers with three different reading speedometers. Do you read at 250 wpm, 350 wpm, or at 500 wpm? After testing myself, I read somewhere between 250 and 350 wpm. Ha, who knew!

I thought to myself, WOW! I could actually read more articles and books in a day if I

 used this app. Oh, I'll supply the link in a second.  Then it dawned on me, hmm.....

For reading articles or studying this will be fab, but what happens when I read a good novel? Will the connection to the literature be the same? Will reading faster change my relationship with the characters? Does the time we spend with a novel alter how it resonates with readers?

When I love a book, I devour it! Yes, you know one of those all day binges that all you do is sofa surf, eat only when necessary, and decide early on that you may just have to call in sick because you are about to pull an all nighter. Yep, we've all been there. It's either the new edition to a beloved series or a "new to you" find that you just can't believe you've been lucky enough to grab. Books that leave you raw, breathless and starving for more when you realize,to your horror, that you've reached the end of the book. I don't set out to read it in a day, but that's what happens when you have connections to great books. You know you will be taken some where magical, some place other, so you allow yourself that time.  Yet, never have I said,"Yes, I'm going to read this book in 90 minutes because I have another one waiting."   It's about the story not the time.  We know it's going to take a day, more or less, based on previous experiences with the author or book length. Book lovers hardly, if ever, define a book by how long it will take them to read it. All we have running through our heads is, "must read, must read" and at times, "my, Precious".  If anything we stress about how quickly we will be done and how yearning for the next book will more than likely drive us mad. Does speed reading diminish that euphoric feeling, that rush after reading? Do I need to read Harry Potter in 90 minutes?

If you are an avid reader, that reads for pleasure, I'm thinking, apps of this nature may put a damper on your experience. Different software developers are looking into adapting these kind of extra settings into our e-readers as well. Need to read a book in half an hour?  Well, now you can.   I can see how it can be of value for students, educators, etc as a way to adsorb more information in a shorter amount of time, but for lovers of the written word, that dine on stories as part of a well balanced life, not so much.

Now, to be fair, I have not used the app. Who knows it may be just mind blowing! Yea, but the more I think on it, the more I find it doubtful.  I for one, like to go back and reread, making sure I captured what the author wanted to portray, reliving that moment in the book when your toes curl.  You catch my drift. I can see all the potential it may have outside of the reading for pleasure realm, but aside from that, I'm not feeling it. Great books are like fine wine, you savor each mouthful, you never rush the experience.  That's why those stories stay with us, we savored them.  

There have been other programs on the market for just this purpose but they have never aligned the words like the new Spritz app does. Read the article and you'll have a better understanding. Oh, here it is. ARTICLE HERE  Don't forget to take your speed reading test!  The Spritz app can currently be found on the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Samsung Gear 2 watch.  I'd love to test it out, by the way, just saying. I'm currently playing with other gadgets, but a girl can never have too many toys. You can bet more companies are already jumping on this gravy train and will have similar apps made available to a wide variety of computers, tablets, and phones.  Oh yes, and smart watches. Productivity needs have never been higher.  There is an app for iPhone titled Flash Reader, but it is limited to certain formats. That and the fact that anything you can read has to be opened with FR may be a deal breaker. Plus there have been some less than favorable reviews of this app.  Many stating that it has no support or is an incomplete app. I'm sure there must be more apps out there that I've never heard of, too.   Integrated apps in reading devices will be the only way many readers will be willing to use it.  Everyone will want a "Speed Reading" button, next to "Settings" if speed reading becomes a must have for them.

This application would work beautifully for me when gathering information.  Being an information curator, I can double the amount of articles I read in a day.  Yet, I doubt I will ever use it read books of the "guilty pleasure" variety. Those shall be savored to the last word.

Has anyone used a similar app?  If so, which ones?  For what purpose? Has it changed how you view the book as a whole? What about the Samsung Gear 2 watch, do you own one?

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Tempt Me Tuesday #55 by Mad Hatter Reads

 

I had to dig a little deeper for our temptations this week so I hope you like what I found. Let me know if there was anything I missed and what you’ll be reading this week!

 

Elusion by Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam

Soon, Elusion® will change the world and life as we know it.

A new technology called Elusion is sweeping the country. An app, visor and wristband will virtually transport you to an exotic destination where adventure can be pursued without the complications—or consequences—of real life.

Regan is an Elusion insider. Or at least she used to be. Her father invented the program, and her best friend, Patrick, heir to the tech giant Orexis, is about to release it nationwide. But ever since her father’s unexpected death, Regan can’t bear to Escape, especially since waking up from the dream means crashing back to her grim reality.

Still, when there are rumors of trouble in Elusion—accusations that it’s addictive and dangerous— Regan is determined to defend it. But the critics of Elusion come from surprising sources, including Josh, the handsome skeptic with his own personal stakes. As Regan investigates the claims, she discovers a disturbing web of secrets. She will soon have to choose between love and loyalty…a decision that will affect the lives of millions.

Suspense, thrills, and romance fuel this near-future story about the seductive nature of a perfect virtual world, and how far one girl will go to uncover the truth behind the illusions.

 

Feral Heat by Jennifer Ashley

Shifters Unbound, #5.5

Jace Warden is sent to the Shiftertown in Austin to find a way to free all Shifters from their Collars. But pulling off the Collars can cause Shifters to go mad or kill them outright.

In Austin, Jace meets Deni Rowe, a wolf Shifter with troubles of her own—she was deliberately run down in the road, and while her body has healed, she still has episodes of total memory loss during which she retreats into her pure animal self.

Jace has never met anyone like Deni. Courageous and beautiful, she volunteers to help him test the Collar removal. And as Deni and Jace work together, they feel the mate bond begin. But can Jace help Deni believe she can heal enough to be anyone’s true mate?

 

Night Angel by Lisa Kessler

Night, #2.5 (Releases March 17, 2014)

Sometimes the only way to heal is to love...

When Colin Flynn returns home to Ireland, the immortal Night Walker is not the protector he had once been. Although his flesh has healed, the scars hide a broken spirit.

Juliana Duffy is a survivor. She owns a florist shop and continues to play piano in spite of her deafness. Her prophetic dreams warn her of coming death and show her the faces of two men: one a customer and one a handsome stranger.

After hearing her music, Colin finds himself drawn to this woman who refuses to be defined by her injury. As an ancient enemy emerges and threatens her safety, Colin will need to learn Juliana's secret to overcome his wounds, and regain his strength.

But falling for a mortal could be the greatest risk of all...

 

Storm Bound by Dani Harper

Grim, #2

Kidnapped on his wedding day in the twelfth century and forced into a thousand years of servitude by a cold-hearted faery princess, rugged blacksmith Aidan dreams of nothing but revenge on his captor. Then the spell of a beautiful witch awakens him to the present day—and a passionate desire. But to build a future, he must first confront his past…

Modern witch and magic-shop owner Brooke doesn’t think her life is missing anything, until a wayward enchantment lands a brooding medieval blacksmith in her spell room—and in her arms. Yet even after their passion proves to be truly magical, Aidan’s first commitment is to vengeance. Now Brooke must team up with friends and ancient warriors alike—and push her own powers to their limits—to save her love from the wrath of an evil fae.

 

The Course of True Love (and First Dates) by Cassandra Clare

The Bane Chronicles, #10

Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood might fall in love—but first they have a first date.

When Magnus Bane, warlock, meets Alec Lightwood, Shadowhunter, sparks fly. And what happens on their first date lights a flame...

     

Vicious by Olivia Rivard

Built for death…altered by love.

When the world convulsed under the burden of overpopulation, hardly anyone noticed a few girls going missing. Turned against her will into something out of a horror movie, Anna was one of those girls. But she learns to control the hungry monster she has become, and she gets out. After orchestrating the escape from the secret lab, Anna leads a faction of freed vampires and searches for a peaceful balance between human society and her new family. Then she meets Grant.

Grant walks into Anna’s world unafraid, looking for adventure, on a quest for something to believe in, something to fight for.

But love is a complication Anna can’t afford. Not when she’s in a power struggle with a rival group of vampires and another laboratory in another prison has been discovered. Except Grant won’t be pushed away easily.

Anna needs all the vampires to work together to take down the laboratory, and the leader of the rival faction has shown a deadly interest in Grant.

Product Warnings

Contains a reluctant vampire and a hero who doesn’t hesitate to step into the danger zone to be with her.

 

Winter Craving by Marisa Chenery

Canyon Creek Wolves, #2 (Releases March 21, 2014)

Mate branded and in need of finding his mate, Cyrus had no clue the woman lost in a winter storm he’d volunteered to look for would be his one and only. He’d planned to go wolf and use her scent to locate her, but one sniff and his body came to life, declaring her as his mate. Now he must find her before the snow claims her and she’s lost to him.

Shyla knew she’d messed up after becoming hopelessly lost in the storm raging around her. Though waking up naked in the arms of her hunky rescuer as he tried to warm her up, suddenly turned her bad luck into good. Craving more than his body heat, she can’t help acting on the feelings he stirs inside her.

As a wolf shifter, Cyrus only has so long to claim Shyla as his or lose the human half of himself. As their new relationship spirals out of control, he may yet face the ultimate price.

 

Without a Summer by Mary Robinette Kowal

Glamourist Histories, #3

Up-and-coming fantasist Mary Robinette Kowal enchanted fans with award-winning short stories and beloved novels featuring Regency pair Jane Ellsworth and Vincent. In Without a Summer the master glamourists return home, but in a world where magic is real, nothing—even the domestic sphere—is quite what it seems.

Jane and Vincent go to Long Parkmeade to spend time with Jane’s family, but quickly turn restless. The year is unseasonably cold. No one wants to be outside and Mr. Ellsworth is concerned by the harvest, since a bad one may imperil Melody’s dowry. And Melody has concerns of her own, given the inadequate selection of eligible bachelors. When Jane and Vincent receive a commission from a prominent family in London, they decide to take it, and take Melody with them. They hope the change of scenery will do her good and her marriage prospects—and mood—will be brighter in London.

Once there, talk is of nothing but the crop failures caused by the cold and increased unemployment of the coldmongers, which have provoked riots in several cities to the north. With each passing day, it’s more difficult to avoid getting embroiled in the intrigue, none of which really helps Melody’s chances for romance. It’s not long before Jane and Vincent realize that in addition to getting Melody to the church on time, they must take on one small task: solving a crisis of international proportions.

 

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