Thursday, June 26, 2014

#3 Cover Love - June 2014



Our first month of summer is nearing its end (unless you're from Australia), which means it's about time for another Cover Love post. This time it was extremely difficult to pick out only the best. So many wonderful covers on wonderful books have been released to the world! Doesn't it just make you happy? It sure makes me happy. Now, if only I had a credit card, tons of money, and my own library...

Back to the pretties. I knew since the beginning of June what my favourite cover of the month would be, but as weeks went by, I realized I'll be having some trouble with the rest of my picks. Therefore, instead of picking THREE to stand below my very favourite, I'm picking FIVE. What a fabulous month in book covers it was, I just can't tell you guys enough! :D


And the cover of the month is...



...The Girl Who Never Was by Skylar Dorset!


I love a well-made photomanipulation. I can't detect any errors in the mixing of stock pieces. And I love the colors: the contrast in the dark alley above, the almost glowing light purple water and the blending of violets, the bright red flower and even the not-entirely-white of the text. Simple fonts are my favourites as well. The boy reaching out from this other dimension with a simple flower, a clear sign of love, is adorable.

As for the models - first you'd need to know that I've never been into fashion or modelling. I've seen models in magazines and TV and I've never once thought these people are extraordinary. Their weird poses make them, well, weird, and what seems to be their standard in facial expressions is most often simply awkward. Guess I just like naturality in people's appearances. But the point is, I usually don't like people on book covers. They often look like models in middle of photo shoots rather than real characters from the books. Then why do I like this cover? Firstly, their poses are quite natural. The expression on the girl's face is slightly fake, but it's a very tiny speck among the awesomeness. I will definitely get myself a copy of THE GIRL WHO NEVER WAS, for both the summary and the great cover!



Some others that caught my eye:






I'd gladly hear your opinions on the book covers of this month! What do you think of my picks? What has caught your eye? Do you have any of this June's pretty covers on your shelf and do they look even prettier in print? I want to hear all about it! (:

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Blackwood Crossing by MK McClintock & Giveaway

 
Blackwood Crossing
Blackwood Crossing

If you had to make a choice, would it be loyalty or love?

Torn between loyalty to her family and refusal to marry a laird she despises, Rhona Davidson accepts a dangerous proposal from a man she knows only as Blackwood.

Leaving behind a life of leisure, Charles Blackwood bravely serves his country with honor and the skill of a trained British agent. When his newest case returns him to the wild Highlands of Scotland, he is faced with a choice between killing a man and saving the only woman he has ever loved.

Charles and Rhona join their lives, only to discover that their choices will result in bloodshed, unless they can uncover a truth long buried, deep in the Highland soil.

 




Praise for Blackwood Crossing

“MK McClintock has spun an enchanting tale deeply entrenched in the lands of Scotland and England that will leave you riveted to your chair until you turn the last page.” - Donna McBroom-Theriot, mylifeonstoryatatime.com

 
“This is a wonderful book with suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat and surprises to keep me guessing . . . a feisty heroine and a strong, gentle hero . . . My poetic soul is fed by the beautiful descriptions of nature.” – Verna Mitchell, author of Somewhere Beyond the Blue


“Ms. McClintock has written another whirlwind romance set in a historical world. I loved returning to a world with such a mesmerizing atmosphere, and I am more than eager to read Devon's romantic story in the next British Agent Novel.” – R. Harness, Amazon reviewer


“Her writing is always top notch . . . In BLACKWOOD CROSSING, her storytelling flows with a clear plot and strong characters.” – L. Townsend, Amazon reviewer

 

Amazon Kindle * Amazon Print * B&N NOOK * Kobo * AllRomance

 
 
Excerpt

“Rhona?”

She ignored the light rap on the door, not wishing for Wallace to see the results of her father’s anger.

“Would you like me to send him away, my lady?”

Rhona looked across the room at Emsley, her maid of three years. Her brother knocked again. “No, please let him in.”

“I’ll return later.”

“That won’t be necessary, Emsley. I prefer quiet tonight, but thank you.”

Emsley gathered up the dress Rhona had worn that day and answered the door. She glanced back at Rhona before stepping aside, allowing Wallace to enter. Rhona waited until the door closed behind the maid before speaking.

“I thought Father would have you occupied all evening.”

Wallace stepped toward the fire and lowered himself into the chair opposite Rhona. She kept her face turned. Though it didn’t appear it would bruise, her cheek still bore the redness from her father’s strong hand.

“He only just released me, but then I spoke with Graham.” Wallace leaned forward and using a gentle touch, turned her face. “You should have told me.”

“It would only have angered Father to have you caught in the middle.”

Wallace’s face tightened. “Has he ever done that before?”

“No, but it was bound to happen. Father and I have been at odds for years.”

“I know you stayed for me, Rhona.”

She smiled at her brother. Wallace had started at Eton when he was thirteen but returned home during all of his breaks. Rhona never wanted her brother to find himself alone for too long with Calum Davidson, but now that he was eighteen, Rhona knew she could no longer protect him.

“I’ve never regretted that decision.”

Wallace stared into the low-burning flames. “I want to go to university, but I can’t imagine returning here after. Alistair will inherit, and I have a chance to make a life for myself.”

“You’ve decided on a course?”

“I want to study the law.”

Rhona slowly shook her head. “If you told Father that, I can’t imagine he’s pleased.”

Wallace grinned. “Irate is what he is. He forbade it, of course, and promised to cut me off, but I don’t care.”

Rhona scooted forward in her chair. “You’ll make a fine solicitor one day. Don’t worry about Father. Mother’s money is not for me alone.”

“I cannot take anything from you.”

“You won’t. I’m giving it to you. Mother left you enough to pay for Oxford.”

Wallace sat forward. “You never said anything.”

“I couldn’t, not as long as you were beholden to Father. You can make your own decisions now, without interference.”

Wallace leaned back, his lips forming a wide grin. “Father won’t like this.”

Rhona laughed, then covered her mouth. “No, he won’t.”

Wallace sobered, his eyes studying her cheek. “Promise me you won’t stay here any longer.”

Her brother’s fierce words brought her reality to the surface. She would be gone, but she would not marry Crawford. The only way to ensure that her father could not force her was to act tonight. Her plan would require her brother’s cooperation.

“Wallace, listen to me. I need to ask something of you. It won’t be easy, and I can’t explain why.”

“You’re worrying me.”

Rhona reached out and covered his hands with her own. A few moments ago mirth had filled her mind, but now desperation clouded her heart. “Will you trust me?”


- -- - -- -  


There’s also another giveaway taking place on Goodreads. Blackwood Crossing Goodreads Giveaway


 
MK McClintock
Author MK McClintock

MK McClintock is an author, entrepreneur, and photographer. She enjoys spending hours walking along rivers or over mountains, loves the Scottish Highlands, and likes to put her creative energy to use in the kitchen. She dreams of a time when life was simpler, the land rougher, and the journey more rewarding. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, McClintock lives and writes in Montana.

 
 

Goodreads * Facebook * Twitter

Pinterest * YouTube * Website * Blog

 
 

 
 





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Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 6/30/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Brand new covers for Lancaster House and The Middle Aisle & Giveaway

COVER REVEAL!
Brand new covers for Lancaster House and The Middle Aisle!
~A paranormal romance series by Taylor Dean~

I love my OLD covers. (Pictured on the left.) I really do. They're different from the norm and that's why they captured my attention.
For Lancaster House, I liked the idea of a hand reaching out from the grave. It seemed appropriate to the story; Andre reaches out to Zoe from beyond the grave. It was Carrie-like and kind of creepy.


There's just one problem.

This is not a horror novel. Not at all. This is a paranormal romance. People who like horror are drawn to the cover and are sadly disappointed when they realize it's a romance.

People who love paranormal romance are turned off by the cover because it looks too creepy.

In other words, the cover just wasn't working.


I love The Middle Aisle cover because it matched Lancaster House so perfectly. And part of the story takes place in Monterey, California. Monterey is known for its Cypress trees. The tree on the cover of The Middle Aisle reminded me of a Cypress tree and seemed perfect.

But, if the right people aren't reading the first book, no one will ever read the second one no matter what the cover looks like!

Bam! Decision made!

It was time for new covers for Lancaster House and The Middle Aisle! I love the new covers because they speak so perfectly as to what's on the inside.







Without further ado, here they are, the new covers!

Add
Lancaster House
to
 
 


















Lancaster House
on
 
 

Add
The Middle Aisle
to
 


















The Middle Aisle
on


 



Author Taylor Dean
Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.




Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 6/8/14
Open Internationally

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