It’s launch day for Rise of the Faire-Amanti (Ascendant Series #3), and Raine Thomas is celebrating with a big giveaway! Read on for more details…
Book Blurb:
Stranded in the desolate Dark Lands, Kyr and Ty share a bittersweet reunion. Alametria lies on the brink of darkness. Their people are still reeling, believing she’s dead at Ty’s hands. With no other choice, many have turned to the Guardians and Advisor Vycor for guidance, never suspecting they’re being led to slaughter.
Kyr and Ty encounter overwhelming challenges in their fight to save their people: a deadly environment, murderous Marauders, and powerful protections preventing them from reaching the palace. When the journey itself could mean their deaths, the one thing that keeps them going is the thought of bringing VycorDane to justice.
Facing a battle on multiple fronts, lacking resources, and significantly outnumbered, Kyr and Ty must rely on each other in the race to save their planet. Will they beat the odds and restore peace to Alametria…or will Vycor’s evil destroy them all?
Turning so he faced Kyr, he lifted a gloved hand to her shoulder. Are you sure you want to do this?
She nodded, but he saw the rapid pulse in her neck belying her fear. They were both struggling to ignore the flight reflex pounding in their minds.
He considered walking to the storage bay and pulling out the sleeping pallets Gren had packed for their use, but he worried that taking even that much time would have them both abandoning this plan and giving in to the protections. Instead, he bent down and kissed her.
The feel and taste of Kyr shoved every other thought to the far corners of his mind. Although it had only been a few days since he last touched her like this, he felt like a starving man being offered a sumptuous buffet. Her soft lips eased open beneath his, begging him to deepen the kiss. He obliged, rubbing his tongue against hers as she tasted him just as thoroughly.
He ached to touch her. He broke away from her long enough to yank off his goggles and gloves. She hastily did the same. As if of one mind, they didn’t stop there, stripping out of their flight gear with quick, purposeful movements. When Ty was done, he helped Kyr remove the rest of her clothing. Then they came together in a mad rush, their mouths once again finding each other in a searing kiss.
Open your mind to me, Kyr thought. Only to me.
Yes. Only you.
He barely processed her demand over the raging need coursing through his body, but understood what she wanted. Since their first time joining here in the Dark Lands, he had learned that he had to keep a barrier between them when they made love. If he didn’t, they ran the risk of their joined power spiraling out of control like it had that time. On the more practical side, there was also the fact that if he allowed himself to feel everything she felt, their lovemaking would be over practically before it started.
Trust in us, she encouraged him as her hands ran along the muscles of his arms and chest.
Heedless of the consequences, he did as she asked, fully opening his mind to hers.
Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of bestselling Young Adult and New Adult fiction. Known for character-driven stories that inspire the imagination, Raine recently signed with multiple award-winning producer Chase Chenowith of Back Fence Productions to bring her popular Daughters of Saraqael trilogy to the big screen. She’s a proud indie author who is living the dream. When she isn’t writing or glued to e-mail or social networking sites, Raine can usually be found vacationing with her husband and daughter on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.
To celebrate the launch of Rise of the Faire-Amanti, Raine is offering a Kindle Paperwhite to one lucky winner! This giveaway will only run for TWO DAYS (12/14 & 12/15).
To enter, please visit Raine’s author page on Facebook and Like, Comment (on the giveaway post), and Share. You could win a Kindle just in time for the holidays!
I am a hoarder of sorts. A collector, if you will… of signed books and swag. I love them, and I love to share them with my beloved readers… so over the past few months, I’ve been collecting (or hoarding) books and swag that I’ve picked up at various conferences… most of which is from UtopYA 2014 (because, let’s face it, that was the most epic conference ever and I can’t wait for UtopYA 2015)!
And today seems like a fine day to run an epic giveaway. Yes?
Here’s a detailed list of everything you can win:
What you’ll win:
Signed paperback of Take Me To Your Reader by Tammy Blackwell, Amy A. Bartol, Amanda Havard, Sarah Ross, Tiffany King, Raine Thomas, Heather Hildenbrand, and C.A. Kunz (signed by all the authors)
Signed paperback of The Light Tamer by Devyn Dawson
Signed paperback of Blood Debt by Nancy Straight
Signed paperback of The One by Heather Self
Signed paperback of Soul Survivor by Michelle N. Files
Signed paperback of Spirits and Spells by Hollie Westring
Signed Tote Bag–Amy Evans
Wildflower Seed Packet signed by Elizabeth Sharp
Temporary Tattoos: Alien and Spade
Tissues from Michelle N. Files
Cell Phone Cleaner from Mindy Ruiz
Signed Coaster from Amy Miles–Captive
Lip Balm–Going Down in Flames by Chris Cannon
One Tiny Secret by T.A. Kunz Trading Card
The Dark by Heather Self–Card
My Endless Endings Pen
PLUS:
Signed Bookmarks from:
Maggie Stiefvater—The Raven Boys
Brenda Pandos—The Sapphire Talisman
Brenda Pandos–Everlost
Georgia Cates—Beauty From Surrender
Jennifer L. Armentrout—Don’t Look Back
Bella Roccaforte—The Ink Series
Dani Hart—A Firefighter’s Flame
Dani Hart–Reality
Casey Peeler—No Turning Back
C.L. Foster—Light and Shadows Collide
Jon Messenger—Wind Warrior
Kristie Cook—Purpose
Kristie Cook—The Space Within
Becca Vincenza–Healed
Rebecca Gober and Courtney Nuckels–Project Ele
Devri Walls–Wings of Arian
Emma Shade–Finding Obscurity
T.A. Kunz–With Hunter Olivia
Misty Provencher–Full of Grace
Paulina Ulrich–Chosen
Kelly Risser–Never Forgotten
Stacey Marie Brown–Blood Beyond Darkness
Bookmarks from:
Tiffany King—Jordyn: The Final Battle
Megan Curd—Steel Lily
Stuck in Books
Paulina Urlich–Flightless Birds Book Thong
Misty Provencher–Stronger
Keychains:
Return of the Ascendant by Raine Thomas
House of Spades and Poker Chip from Mindy Ruiz
Clicks and Dolphin by Amy Evans
Dani Hart Bottle Cap
Angel Wing
Magnets from:
Elizabeth Kirke—Snow Bound
Raine Thomas—Becoming
Elizabeth Kirke—Semester Aboard
A Book Vacation Reviews
Miranda Kavi—Rue and Rive
P.K. Hrezo
Chris Cannon–Going Down in Flames
P.K. Hrezo–Diary of a Teenage Time Traveler
Amy Evans–Jellybean Kisses
Stories About Melissa
Krystal Wade
Signed Cards from:
Becca Vincenza–Damaged
Nely Cab–Forever Begins
Georgia Cates–Beauty From Love
Courtney Farrell–Bait
Kelly Risser–Never Forgotten
Buttons:
5 from Casey L. Bond
Lucky Number Four by Amanda Jason
T.A. Kunz
“I Like Big Books and I Cannot Lie”
“Keep Calm and Read a Bethany Lopez Novel”
“Don’t Eat the Food–Through Glass”
“I went to Area 51 and all I got was a stupid implant”
Fair Feathered–Paulina Ulrich
Curiosity Quills
Illusions Begin by N.L. Greene
Stickers:
Flightless Birds by Paulina Ulrich (signed)
Lucky Number Four Amanda Jason
Jordyn by Tiffany King
Author Paulina Ulrich
Witch Hunter Olivia by T.A. Kunz (signed)
Rubber Bracelets:
#ExpandYourClump
C.L. Foster—”Ninja in Training
Dani Hart—”A Firefighter’s Flame”
KristenDayBooks
Green and Black
Candy:
Blue Sucker
4 Stick Candies from Karice Bolton
Jewelry:
Angel Wing Necklace from Devri Walls
The Broken Destiny by Carlyle Labuschagne–Pendant
Abberant by Ruth Silven–Charm
Dark Reflections by Elizabeth Sharp Bottle Cap–Charm
Rout of the Dem-Shyr by Raine Thomas–Charm
Dolphin Ring from Amy Evans
Necklace from Anne Elliot
And breathe…
…
…
…
…
Excited?
To enter you must:
-Be 18 years or older (or have parent/guardian permission)
-Fill in the mandatory questions on rafflecopter (extra entries optional)
This contest is open internationally and will end at 12:01am EST on November 20th. The winner will receive email notification! Please read my giveaway policy and leave me a comment!
**This is a New Adult novel recommended for ages 16+.
Determined to overcome a dark and tragic past, college student Everly Wallace is only months away from earning her degree in physical therapy. She’s consumed with school, caring for her ailing grandfather, and figuring out how to pay the next bill. The last thing she wants is a relationship, but it just might be the one thing she needs.
Major League pitcher Cole Parker hasn’t fought for anything in his life. He went from a privileged upbringing to a multimillion dollar All-Star career. But when his pitching shoulder starts to give him trouble at only twenty-four years old, he faces the possibility of his injury becoming public knowledge and costing him everything.
In a desperate bid to save his career, Cole decides to hire someone to treat his injury, someone who will keep things off the record and out of the media. He finds the perfect solution in Everly. As mysterious as she is beautiful, she provides an enticing distraction from his pain. Soon, physical therapy is the last thing on his mind.
When an act of betrayal brings the truths they both fear to light, Cole will have to fight for the first time in his life…not just for his career, but for Everly’s love.
“I know you’re not seeking any romantic connections right now, Everly,” Wyatt interrupted, giving Cole a quelling look. “We’re here in a strictly professional capacity.”
Now she looked more at ease. “I see. Are you seeking a consultation over Cole’s rotator cuff injury?”
Cole stiffened. He glared at Wyatt.
“I haven’t told her a thing,” Wyatt said with raised palms.
“You didn’t have to say anything,” she said with a shrug, leaning back against Rowan’s desk. Her keen gaze met Cole’s. “I noticed that you favored your left hand throughout your meal, using it to drink, eat, and bring your napkin to your mouth, but you’re a right-handed pitcher. And just now, when you moved to clear space on the couch, you stopped breathing and swallowed hard when you moved your right arm, telling me you’re hiding pain and have a reduced range of motion.”
His mouth opened over her observations. He looked again at Wyatt. His brother gave him a look that said, See?
“But how do you know it’s a rotator cuff injury?” Cole asked. Could other people see what she did? If so, he was so screwed.
“That, I’ll admit, was an educated guess based on your age and profession,” she answered. “I’ve only observed your symptoms and haven’t done any scans or tests to confirm. You’ll want to rule out bursitis, tendonitis, adhesive capsulitis, and other possible causes of your shoulder pain, of course.”
Despite what he’d seen this evening and his brother’s assurances, Cole was surprised by Everly’s quick assessment. She looked like she should be out club-hopping, not spouting medical jargon with such an intent expression on her face.
He also realized, since she knew his profession, that she had known who he was the moment she saw him. So why hadn’t she mentioned that before now? Maybe she wasn’t a fan.
“We’ve had scans done,” Wyatt said. “X-rays, an MRI—the whole load.”
He moved over to the desk. Everly stepped to the side as Wyatt reached over to retrieve the large manila envelope resting there. She hit Cole’s leg and nearly toppled onto his lap. Out of instinct, he reached out to help her maintain her balance. His hands ended up on her nicely shaped rear end.
She sprang away like a gazelle fleeing a lion. When she turned to look at him, he realized her cheeks were nearly as red as her hair. Her reaction went a long way toward putting him back on an even keel.
“I don’t bite,” he said with a grin. “Come and have a seat.”
He patted the cushion beside him. She looked at it warily, then moved her gaze to him. He patted the cushion again. Her lips moved on a whispered comment of some kind as she stepped around his legs and sat down. It was a small victory, but he felt better.
When he turned to look at her, he caught her scent, a unique fragrance that reminded him of whipped vanilla cream and frosted wildberries. She met his gaze. The combination of her nearness, her scent, and the cautious look in her lovely eyes had his whole body reacting.
Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of bestselling Young Adult and New Adult fiction. Known for character-driven stories that inspire the imagination, Raine recently signed with multiple award-winning producer Chase Chenowith of Back Fence Productions to bring her popular Daughters of Saraqael trilogy to the big screen. She’s a proud indie author who is living the dream. When she isn’t writing or glued to e-mail or social networking sites, Raine can usually be found vacationing with her husband and daughter on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.
Rout of the Dem-Shyr by Raine Thomas (Ascendant #2)
Genre: New Adult Sci-Fi Romance
Audience: Ages 17+
Cover Design by MaeiDesign
Review:
From Goodreads: Touted as the future ruler and savior of worlds, Ascendant KyrVawn is ready to put her growing power to good use. She intends to begin with her home planet of Alametria, where hints of corruption have infiltrated the highest levels of the palace. It’s a monumental task, but one she won’t undertake alone.
By her side is her personal bodyguard and secret lover, Dem-Shyr TaeDane. Together, they’re determined to uncover the truth behind the changes that occurred while they were off-planet…changes that violate long-standing Alametrian laws.
But it’s hard for them to champion the rules when they don’t live by them. Their love is forbidden by official decree, and with every illicit touch, they edge closer and closer to discovery and disaster. Despite their good intentions, they’ll find out that sometimes love doesn’t conquer all.
In fact, it might just be the very thing that destroys them.
If you’re looking for an intense, sexy, powerful series that will leave you breathless, look no further. Raine Thomas’ Ascendant series is the perfect blend of action, romance, thriller, and mystery as readers are taken on a ride throughout the galaxy.
Fraught with tension, Rout of the Dem-Shyr definitely made my heart hurt as I read—especially with the opening of the story, a jaw-dropping revelation that put me on pins and needles through to the conclusion! Thomas is indeed a master storyteller, building up each scene in a way that grips readers and holds us on betted breath, and I found myself 100% invested in the storyl and its characters as it unfolded. Though my heart broke on numerous occasions, rest assured that Thomas has a rhyme and a reason behind every seemingly closed door, and in order to become stronger and ultimately win against evil, both Ty and Kyr must endure unspeakable evil and heartache.
At one point, I threw my kindle down, frustrated that the world was crashing down on my two most favorite characters in the world—evil is triumphing in this novel, and it’s a hard pill to swallow, especially because everything that Ty and Kry stand for is beautiful. Of course, I picked my Kindle back up immediately because this novel is so drawing that I just HAD TO KNOW what would happen next for Ty and Kry. They are perfect together in every single way, and their society’s prejudices and backlashes drove me insane with hatred, and yet, it had to happen. While I wanted nothing more than for everything to work out perfectly for my hero and heroine, it just isn’t feasible, and the story would not have been as realistic should only good triumph. I had to repeat this mantra as I read, knowing that ultimately Thomas would fix it all, but the wait almost killed me.
The last few pages of this novel did, indeed, having me rejoicing, pumping my fist in the air, and squealing because… though Ty and Kry aren’t out of the woods yet, the sun is rising in the distance, and I am so excited to see them come back in book three, Rise of the Faire-Amanti, and kick evils butt once and for all. Five glorious, amazing, gut-wrenching, perfect stars.
If you haven’t yet read book one in the series, Return of the Ascendant, be sure to scoop it up and read it first. It’s a must!
I received this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
“Welcome back, Ma’jah Kyr,” Zasha greeted her as she and Ty entered her chambers.
Kyr smiled. Per her request, the Wrym who worked with her every day had recently started speaking to her, though they only did so if Shaya wasn’t around. Zasha seemed the most comfortable with this change.
“Thanks, Zasha. I’m ready to get refreshed after that training session.”
“Would you like some tea, Ma’jah?”
“No, thanks.” Kyr headed straight to the bathing chamber. “I really just want to have a bath.”
Zasha hurried ahead, signaling to Heshi and J’li, the Wrym waiting to draw the bathwater. They added scented foam that filled the air with musky hints of wild tilly blossoms as the central cascade of water filled the pond-sized tub. Kyr stood compliantly so the Wrym could help her remove her lightweight armor. She noted that Ty was the only Mynder keeping watch over her bath and barely contained her smile.
“Thank you for preparing my bath, ladies,” she said once she had been completely disrobed. “But now I would like for you to give me some privacy.”
The three Wrym in the room looked at her with wide, unblinking eyes. They obviously didn’t know how to respond.
“As I’ve mentioned,” Kyr explained as she entered the scented water, “I still retain my memories from my time on Earth. I’ve found that I miss taking care of certain personal tasks on my own, including bathing. Since it’s my Day of Life celebration today, I would like to ask that you please give me the gift of privacy. I’ll call you back in here the moment I’m ready to be prepared for today’s event.”
The silence stretched for so long, she didn’t think they’d do it. Zasha was the first to recover.
“Of course, Ma’jah,” she said with a bow. “As you wish.”
She took the arms of her still-befuddled companions and hurried out of the room, closing the door behind them. Ty watched them go before turning back to her.
What was that all about?
Rather than answer him, she walked back out of the water. She had only gone in far enough to reach her waist, so it didn’t take more than a few steps to leave the water and cross the room to him. He showed no reaction as she stood naked before him, but she sensed his uncontrollable surge of desire.
It’s your Day of Life celebration, too, Dem-Shyr, she thought, reaching for the fastenings of his tunic. Others may wish to ignore that, but I refuse to. We were born on the same day, at the same time, under the same star. We’re fated to be together. That deserves celebrating.
He held her gaze as she bared his chest. This is a risk, he warned.
We live every day with risk. If we were still on Earth, we’d be celebrating with my college friends, enjoying some drinks and having a good time. I don’t see why we can’t enjoy ourselves at least a little just because we’re on our home planet.
She didn’t have to convince him any further. He took over for her, disrobing in swift, efficient movements that made her lips turn up at the corners. There was no denying he was just as excited about this daring tryst as she was. Even if his body didn’t betray him, she could read his thoughts loud and clear.
Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of bestselling Young Adult and New Adult fiction. Known for character-driven stories that inspire the imagination, Raine recently signed with multiple award-winning producer Chase Chenowith of Back Fence Productions to bring her popular Daughters of Saraqael trilogy to the big screen. She’s a proud indie author who is living the dream.
When she isn’t writing or glued to e-mail or social networking sites, Raine can usually be found vacationing with her husband and daughter on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.
From Goodreads: Expecting to enjoy another typical college night at a frat party with friends, Kyra Vaughn’s plans derail when she’s almost killed…twice. Her savior, a tall, sexy stranger who calls himself TaeDane, claims that he’s the personal bodyguard for the Ascendant of Alametria. She’s convinced he’s crazy.
Especially when he insists that she’s the Ascendant.
With dark enemies hunting her down, Kyra has no choice but to trust her supposed bodyguard. Ty vows to help her remember her past and return her safely to Alametria, but someone seems intent on interfering, challenging his abilities at every turn.
As Kyra’s memories emerge, she remembers that Ty is more to her than he’s let on…much more than he’s allowed to be. She’ll also discover that there are many things about her planet and herself that she’d rather forget. In the end, she’ll have to make a choice: cling to the life she knows, or risk it all to become the person she’s destined to be.
___________________________________________________________
Fast-paced and full of heart-pounding adventure, Thomas takes readers on a ride they won’t soon forget as Kyra learns the truth of her heritage in Return of the Ascendant. I am in awe of Thomas’ sheer writing ability, in love with Ty, and dying to know what happens next. Thankfully, Thomas does not make it a habit of leaving her readers on a cliffhanger, and while this novel is the first in a series, it does have an epic conclusion that helps tide readers over as we await the next installment of this amazing alien series.
Currently residing on earth, the only planet Kyra consciously knows she’s ever lived upon, her world comes crashing down as a handsome and mysterious stranger enters her life, carrying her away as the shadows creep down upon her and her friends. Complete with romance, epic battles, and a plot that thickens at every turn, Kyra’s story is sure to entice readers from the very beginning, drawing them in and not releasing until the very last page.
As Kyra slowly begins to remember her past and accept her future as the Ascendant, the ruler of worlds, she must battle the rigid and unforgiving etiquette of a society she wants nothing to do with, and a group intent on stopping her from accepting her right as the Ascendant. It’s heart-pounding fun, and I will admit that there were multiple times that my entire body tensed as Kyra and Ty found themselves up against the odds, facing difficult, dangers, and even heinous situations.
This one is a MUST read; I highly recommend it to all NA lovers 18+–reader beware, there are a few hot hot scenes, hence the age warning.
There is also a short novelette prequel to this novel called” The Ascendant,” which focuses on the memory Kyra shares with Ty concerning a car accident. While explained well enough in Return of the Ascendant, this short novelette is well worth the read as it is more specific and sheds light on the story. I read the novellete first and was dying to read The Return of the Ascendant by the end–“The Ascendant,” too, is indeed a must read. Find it in the Take Me To Your Reader Anthology. Five stars all around.
I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of a series of YA fantasy/romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the Daughters of Saraqael trilogy and the Firstborn trilogy. She is also the author of the bestselling New Adult Contemporary Romance, For Everly, and the much-anticipated spin-off, Meant for Her.
She is a proud member of Romance Writers of America and is a contributing blogger to The Writer’s Voice. When she isn’t planning weddings, writing, or glued to social media, she can usually be found on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches with her husband and daughter or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.
Escape reality and immerse yourself in these steamy paranormal romances. With everything from tattooed bad boys and sexy demons to hot, otherworldly bodyguards, you’re going to fall in love. Beware: you’ll be up reading well past your bedtime!
THE SPACE BETWEENby Kristie Cook: Self-contained dancer Leni Drago and inked-and-pierced playboy Jeric Winters must discover the truth behind their connection as well as their ties to a journal from 1989 – and they must do it fast, before all evidence that they ever existed disappears. Two love stories, one mystery and a paranormal twist that readers call “mind blowing.”
Kristie Cook is a lifelong, award-winning writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. She continues to write the Soul Savers Series, a New Adult paranormal romance/ contemporary fantasy, with the first five of seven books, Promise, Purpose, Devotion, Power, and Wrath currently available. She’s also written a companion novella, Genesis: A Soul Savers Novella, currently available. Over 300,000 Soul Savers books have been sold, with Promise peaking at #54 on the Amazon Top 100 Paid list and at #1 in the Amazon Fantasy category.
The Space Between kicks off her second New Adult paranormal series, The Book of Phoenix, with part two, The Space Beyond, releasing in 2014.
Besides writing, Kristie enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. She has lived in ten states, but currently calls Southwest Florida home with her husband, three sons, a beagle and a puggle.
FROSTBITEby Lynn Rush: Love is warm and fuzzy for most people, and it would be for eighteen-year-old Amanda Smith, too, if her kisses didn’t cause frostbite.
About Lynn Rush
Driven to write, Lynn Rush often sees her characters by closing her eyes, watching their story unfold in her mind. Lynn Rush is a pen name that is a combination of two sources – Lynn, the first name of her mother-in-law, who passed away and Rush – since the author is a former inline speed skater and mountain biker. All of Rush’s books are dedicated to Lynn, her namesake.
CURSEDby R.K. Ryals: Sometimes being bad is better… A vintage-loving witch. A cocky demon. An old grimoire. An ancient curse. A family secret that changes everything.
About the Author
R.K. Ryals is the author of emotional and gripping young adult and new adult paranormal romance, contemporary romance, and fantasy. With a strong passion for charity and literacy, she works as a full time writer encouraging people to “share the love of reading one book at a time.” An avid animal lover and self-proclaimed coffee-holic, R.K. Ryals was born in Jackson, Mississippi and makes her home in the Southern U.S. with her husband, her three daughters, a rescue dog named Oscar the Grouch, A Shitzsu named Tinkerbell, an OCD cat, and a coffee pot she honestly couldn’t live without. Should she ever become the owner of a fire-breathing dragon (tame of course), her life would be complete.
Connect With R.K. Ryals Online
I love to hear from readers. Please visit me online!
RETURN OF THE ASCENDANTby Raine Thomas: Party plans derail for college student Kyra Vaughn when she’s nearly killed…twice. She’ll have to rely on a sexy stranger with unusual abilities to keep her alive and help her discover who she’s destined to be.
About the Author
Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of bestselling Young Adult and New Adult fiction. Known for character-driven stories that inspire the imagination, Raine recently signed with multiple award-winning producer Chase Chenowith of Back Fence Productions to bring her popular Daughters of Saraqael trilogy to the big screen. She’s a proud indie author who is living the dream.
Raine is a hopeless romantic with a background in the fields of mental health and wedding planning…two areas that intersect far more than one would think. Her years working with children and young adults with emotional and behavioral challenges inspired her to create protagonists who overcome their own conflicts. When she isn’t writing or glued to e-mail or social networking sites, Raine can usually be found vacationing with her husband and daughter on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.
Connect With Raine Thomas Online
I love to hear from readers. Please visit me online!
REPOSSESSIONby Rachael Wade: The Invaders have come for Earth, and Skylla Warden’s in the very center of the upheaval. On a mission to take back what is rightfully theirs, Earth’s population is determined to make sure this isn’t the end. But some endings were never theirs to begin with.
About the Author
Rachael Wade is the Amazon bestselling author of THE PRESERVATION SERIES, LOVE AND RELATIVITY, and the upcoming New Adult sci-fi series, THE KEEPERS TRILOGY. When she’s not writing, she’s busy going to concerts, watching too many movies, and learning how to protect animals and the environment. She’s an avid Brandi Carlile fan and loves all things Tim Burton.
Connect With Rachael Wade Online
I love to hear from readers. Please visit me online!
Books-to-Movies Celebration: Raine Thomas’ Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy on Sale!
The big news is out: Raine Thomas’ bestselling YA fantasy romance trilogy, The Daughters of Saraqael, has been optioned by Back Fence Productions to be made into movies! Heading the project is multiple award-winning writer and producer, Chase Chenowith, whose film credits include working with Anthony Hopkins, Naomi Watts, Alec Baldwin, Dan Ackroyd, Christopher Walken, Brenda Blethyn, Alfred Molina and James Denton, among others. His films have won 11 Best Picture Awards and 29 total awards.
The books follow eighteen-year-old sisters, Amber, Olivia, and Skye, as they discover the truth about their origins and fight to save a race of beings they never knew existed. Filled with action, adventure, love and intrigue, the stories will translate wonderfully to the big screen.
To celebrate the big news, Raine is having a sale and hosting a giveaway! Here’s what you could win:
~ Three signed paperbacks of the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy
~ Three bracelets inspired by the books
~ $10 Amazon gift card
~ YOUR NAME IN THE NEXT ESTILORIAN NOVEL
That’s right! There will be a seventh book in the Estilorian series coming out in 2014, so now’s the time to get caught up on these popular stories. To get you started, Raine is offering the first book in the series, Becoming , for just 99 cents until 12/27. Or you can pick up the entire trilogy for just $4.99 during that time, a two-dollar savings!
From Goodreads: Photographer Sierra Stratton views the world through a lens all her own. She has an uncanny sense about people, something that often causes her trouble. When she meets the sexy and brooding Evan Dorsey, her intuition tells her he’s suffering, and she wants to be the one to help him.
Evan isn’t open to help from anyone, however. His focus is on his Major League career and making himself as marketable as possible for his upcoming free agency. He plans to ride out the season in Atlanta and then sign with another team, away from the painful memories that haunt him.
Someone’s eager to send him on his way, too. Between anonymous threats and equipment sabotage, it’s clear he’s earned himself an enemy along the way. To him, it’s one more sign that he’s right to move on.
But Sierra threatens his conviction. Her contagious smile proves hard to resist, as does her kiss. She tempts him in ways he never anticipated, making him question his plans for the first time. If he’s not careful, she might just convince him that he’s meant for her.
Raine Thomas has quickly become one of my top authors to read. If it has her name on it, I’m definitely going to pick it up, especially after being blown away by both this novel and her previous NA release, For Everly. Set in the same world of major league baseball, both Meant For Her and For Everly unite America’s favorite pastime with angsty men, exceptional women, a bit of mystery, and much intrigue in order to create breath taking, amazing reads.
While both novels are technically stand alones, Meant For Her takes place a few months after the conclusion of For Everly, following a completely different set of characters but also looking in on Everly and Cole, uniting the couples in friendship. I loved this because, after reading For Everly, I wasn’t ready to give up one of my favorite couples of all time, and it was great to see them in the background of this novel as Sierra and Evan took the lead and stole my heart.
Sierra is an amazing woman, and I love the splash of photography that Thomas adds into the mix, showing scenes through the lens of the camera and really painting an amazing portrait within this novel. Though Evan struggles to commit, Sierra’s understanding and love captures his heart, and her unwavering stance made me love her from the get-go. Evan has his moments when it’s easy to love him, but he also struggles with the recent loss of his mother and, unwilling to allow himself to feel this type of loss again, he pushes everyone away. At times, I really understood where Evan was coming from, and at others, I wanted to slap him in the face, yet Sierra never gives up on Evan and, though rebuffed time and time again, she ultimately breaks down his hard barriers.
I loved the relationship between Sierra and Evan in this novel, and I enjoyed the aspect of baseball as well. Though not a huge fan of the game, Thomas includes just enough that it’s intriguing but not overwhelming as most of the novel revolves around the relationships of the characters, and the threats against Evan as a newcomer to Atlanta. The mystery and intrigue arises here as Evan shrugs off the threats, ignoring Sierra’s intuition and, ultimately, putting himself and those he loves in great peril. Overall, the truth of the matter is somewhat of a shock because Thomas points in another direction from the start, which is another reason that I really enjoyed this novel. It’s a beautiful read, one I highly recommend, and once you finish, be sure to go back and read For Everly if you haven’t already. You won’t be disappointed! Five stars.
I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of a series of YA fantasy/romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the Daughters of Saraqael trilogy and the Firstborn trilogy. She is also the author of the bestselling New Adult Contemporary Romance, For Everly, and the much-anticipated spin-off, Meant for Her.
She is a proud member of Romance Writers of America and is a contributing blogger to The Writer’s Voice. When she isn’t planning weddings, writing, or glued to social media, she can usually be found on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches with her husband and daughter or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.
From Goodreads: Every three years, Amber Hopkins explodes. Okay, not a blown-to-smithereens explosion, but whatever it is always hurts like hell and leaves her life a shambles. She’s already worked her way through five foster placements, and she’s doing whatever she can to avoid getting blasted into a sixth.
As her eighteenth birthday approaches and she feels the strange and powerful energy building, disaster looms. When the inevitable explosion occurs, her life gets its biggest shakeup yet. She’ll not only learn how her fellow foster and best friend, Gabriel, really feels about her, but she’ll discover that she isn’t really without family.
To top it all off, she’ll finally find out why she’s having the power surges: she isn’t entirely human.
Amber must Become, transitioning to another plane of existence and risking the loss of the most important relationship she’s ever had. Her choice will impact the future of an entire race of beings, and will pit her against an enemy that will prey upon her doubt to try and take her very life.
Kind of makes the explosions now seem like a cakewalk.
This is a very well written novel that takes place in two planes, or worlds, if you will. The beginning half of the novel centers around Amber and her life on the human plane as she gets ready for graduation and taking the next steps in her life. Thomas fleshes out her characters, Amber and Gabriel, during this time, making the reader fall in love with them as we get to know them on a deep level. Having grown up together in foster care, watching them thrive and fall in love was extremely gratifying, and I really enjoyed their characters. I especially love Gabriel. He’s a great male lead and Thomas does such a great job making him believable and real, just like she does with Amber. I loved both leads very much, though Gabe steals the show, in my opinion.
Now, whereas this novel begins on the human plane, it ends of the Estilorian plane, giving equal time to both “worlds,” though they’re not technically separate worlds, from what I understand. It’s more like equal existences in an alternate reality, if I understand correctly. But, regardless, the world building is epic! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Estilorian place, and while I don’t necessarily understand everything about the plane because I’m not really scientific, I’ve believe I have good enough sense of it all based on what Thomas reveals through Ini-herit and the other characters during the transition period of the novel, and from the prequel, The Prophecy, as well.
The ending of Becoming was a little rough for me as I was convinced that Thomas was going to do something drastic to the characters, and I nearly threw the book across the room in tears. However, rest assured, Thomas doesn’t do anything to the plot that isn’t needed, though that probably don’t assuage potential reader fears… just know the end it perfect.
I’m very excited to read the next novel in this series because I liked Amber’s sisters, but didn’t feel I learned enough about them individually as this novel focuses mainly on Amber. But, I believe Thomas has written this series to follow a different sister in each novel while still flowing in sequence, which is awesome! I first was introduced to this type of serial style by Brigid Kemmerer’s Elemental series, which follows a different brother in each book, yet spurring on the overall plot, and it’s an epic way to tell a story. Amber’s had her turn, and while we’ll still learn about her in the next segment, the focus will move to Olivia, which makes me really excited because she intrigues me. Four stars.
Photographer Sierra Stratton views the world through a lens all her own. She has an uncanny sense about people, something that often causes her trouble. When she meets the sexy and brooding Evan Dorsey, her intuition tells her he’s suffering, and she wants to be the one to help him.
Evan isn’t open to help from anyone, however. His focus is on his Major League career and making himself as marketable as possible for his upcoming free agency. He plans to ride out the season in Atlanta and then sign with another team, away from the painful memories that haunt him.
Someone’s eager to send him on his way, too. Between anonymous threats and equipment sabotage, it’s clear he’s earned himself an enemy along the way. To him, it’s one more sign that he’s right to move on.
But Sierra threatens his conviction. Her contagious smile proves hard to resist, as does her kiss. She tempts him in ways he never anticipated, making him question his plans for the first time. If he’s not careful, she might just convince him that he’s meant for her.
Brief author bio: Raine Thomas is the author of bestselling YA and NA romantic fiction, including the award-winning Estilorian series. She’s a proud member of Romance Writers of America and is a contributing blogger to The Writer’s Voice. When she isn’t planning weddings, writing, or glued to social networking sites, she can usually be found on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches with her husband and daughter or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.
From Goodreads: **Mature Content Warning** This is a New Adult novel recommended for ages 17+ due to language, sexual content, and mature subject matter.
Determined to overcome a dark and tragic past, college student Everly Wallace is only months away from earning her degree in physical therapy. She’s consumed with school, caring for her ailing grandfather, and figuring out how to pay the next bill. The last thing she wants is a relationship, but it just might be the one thing she needs.
Major League pitcher Cole Parker hasn’t fought for anything in his life. He went from a privileged upbringing to a multimillion dollar All-Star career. But when his pitching shoulder starts to give him trouble at only twenty-four years old, he faces the possibility of his injury becoming public knowledge and costing him everything.
In a desperate bid to save his career, Cole decides to hire someone to treat his injury, someone who will keep things off the record and out of the media. He finds the perfect solution in Everly. As mysterious as she is beautiful, she provides an enticing distraction from his pain. Soon, physical therapy is the last thing on his mind.
When an act of betrayal brings the truths they both fear to light, Cole will have to fight for the first time in his life…not just for his career, but for Everly’s love.
For Everly is an absolutely beautiful novel that pulled me in from the very beginning, wrapped me up tight between the pages, and kept me glued to the powerful storyline until the very last page. Both Everly and Cole are vivid, real characters that hold a presence that’s impossible to ignore; it’s as if they lift off the pages and come to life before the reader’s very eyes, and long after the end they still resonate in our minds and hearts.
Raine Thomas has written a pure gem in this tale of love and redemption, investing readers in the story from page one as Cole comes tearing onto the scene in a very literal sense. Though it took me a little while to warm up to Cole due to his numerous mistakes and occasionally dangerous actions, his heartfelt remorse made him likeable and real. And as the story unfolds, and he learns the truth about Everly’s past and heartache, his love and will to protect her from all harm make him just shy of perfect in my eyes.
But Everly certainly isn’t a push over character in need saving. She has a strong will, works hard for a living, cares for her grandfather, and puts other’s needs before her own. She’s exceptionally smart, doesn’t fool around, and she has her head on straight, which makes her instantly likable in my eyes. Yes, she has a rather abrasive past, though no fault of her own, and Thomas’ compelling novel also promotes extremely important themes concerning depression, suicide, and abuse. These are difficult and heavy topics to address, yet Thomas lays their reality bare in such a delicate manner that it isn’t overbearing, yet it speaks loudly enough to capture the readers attention and root for Everly, Cole, and her grandfather as set back after set back lands in their path, some of which have deadly potential. Five stars.
I received a review copy of novel from ATOMR Tours in exchange for an honest review.
Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of a series of YA Fantasy/Romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy and the Firstborn Trilogy, and a New Adult Contemporary Romance, For Everly. She is a proud member of Romance Writers of America and is a contributing blogger to The Writer’s Voice. When she isn’t planning weddings, writing, or glued to social networking sites, she can usually be found on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches with her husband and daughter or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.
From Goodreads: Saraqael hadn’t intended to fall in love with Kate. It shouldn’t have even been possible. His kind didn’t experience emotion, and they certainly weren’t supposed to become attached to humans.
When he discovers that Kate’s dying and there’s nothing he or her human doctors can do for her, Saraqael realizes how deep his feelings for her run. And he understands just how far he’s willing to go to save her.
He vows to search until he finds a way to save her life. With the help of his best friend, Quincy, he embarks on a quest spanning the Estilorian plane…a quest that will forever change the future of his kind.
This novelette is a great short story to pique reader interest. About 30 pages in length, it tells the background story of Saraqael, an Estilorian, and his undying love for Kate, a human, a bond that’s unheard of, especially as Estilorian’s aren’t supposed to feel, let alone love. This is a very fast read, my first taste of the series, and I’m definitely interested to know what happens next, especially with this glimpse of the Estilorian prophecy. While this novelette isn’t long enough to make me fall in love with the characters, it is just a taste, afterall, it does give an overall sense of their dispositions and some insight into their background, though it raises a number of questions including that of who the Estilorian’s are, and where they hail from… and I can’t wait to learn the answers. And, I can already tell that the world building Thomas will include in the full series is going to be epic based on this quick glance of life on Estilorian and what the people there are capable of.
Having read the bonus chapter from Becoming at the end of this novelette, I must say that I am glad I read the prequel first as it really helped, and I can’t wait to read the entire series. Three stars.
Books: The Cheapest Vacation You Can Buy 