Release Day Blitz: Curses, Fates & Soul Mates!

Posted in Release Day Launch, The World of Books by talesofbooksandbands

I’ve got exciting news for all of you! 5 full-length novels from 5 of the hottest authors in New Adult Paranormal Romance are being released today! *Throws confetti*

I have read books by a few of these authors and am dying to try out these new books by the others!

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!

ONLY AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME!

Retail value = $14.95

Limited time release = $.99

Giveaway: Books to Movie Celebration for Raine Thomas

Posted in Giveaways, The World of Books by talesofbooksandbands

Daughters of Saraqael

I am beyond thrilled to be sharing not only an exciting giveaway with you all today but super exciting news for an author who is near and dear to me. Raine Thomas revealed recently that her Daughters of Saraqael series has been optioned for film. OPTIONED FOR FILM!!!! *Collective Happy Dance Ensues Now*

The series has been optioned by Back Fence Productions. 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.

If there is one thing Raine knows how to do (except create brilliant book playlists, write awesome stories, and be a super supportive and awesome author friend) it’s throwing a giveaway. Raine is having a sale and hosting a giveaway, (which is super freaking awesome by the way)! 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!

Daughters of Saraqael Button

WHERE TO FIND THE BOOKS:

The Prophecy (Daughters of Saraqael #.5)

Goodreads // Amazon // Barnes & Noble

Becoming (Daughters of Saraqael #1)

Goodreads // Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Book Review

Central (Daughters of Saraqael #2)

Goodreads // Amazon // Barnes & Noble

Foretold (Daughters of Saraqael #3)

Goodreads // Amazon // Barnes & Noble

WHERE TO FIND THE AUTHOR:

Twitter // Facebook // Goodreads // Pinterest // Linkedin // Website // Blog

GIVEAWAY:

Click here to enter the giveaway!

25Oct2013

Thank God It’s Indie Friday (1)

Posted in Music To Listen To, Thank God It's Indie Friday, The World of Books by talesofbooksandbands

TGIIF

TGIIF is a new feature here at Kate’s Tales of Books and Bands in which I will feature an indie author and indie band/musician every week. If you are an author or musician interested in being featured, please check out this blog post for more information!

To kick off my very first TGIIF, I will be introducing a few of my favorites. Raine Thomas, indie author, is not only kick-ass when it comes to writing books and making up book playlists, but she is also one of those people I just want to squeeze. Her kindness and generosity knows no bounds. As for today’s indie artist, I had a super non-difficult time selecting them. The Avett Brothers have become one of my all-time favorite bands over the years. Since their beginning they have been putting music out there that is original, meaningful, and oh so amazing. While they are now signed to Ramseur Records, their dedication to staying themselves and putting music out there that truly means something regardless of what is popular, makes them one indie band that everyone should be lucky enough to listen to.

Today’s Indie Author Is…

Raine Thomas!

Raine started up her own publishing label, Iambe Books back in 2011. Since then Raine has published 9, yes I said NINE books. With her Daughters of Saraqael series, her Firstborn trilogy, and two AWESOME NA Romances under her belt, there is something there for EVERYONE to enjoy.

For today’s post I am going to be featuring all of Raine’s books in one post. I’ve compiled a list with covers, links as well as all of the fun stuff Raine has participated with here on the blog. Please be sure to share some love for this author because she made of pure awesome.

The Prophecy (Daughters of Saraqael #.5)

Goodreads // Amazon // Barnes & Noble

Becoming (Daughters of Saraqael #1)

Goodreads // Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Book Review

Central (Daughters of Saraqael #2)

Goodreads // Amazon // Barnes & Noble

Foretold (Daughters of Saraqael #3)

Goodreads // Amazon // Barnes & Noble

Defy (Firstborn Trilogy #1)

Goodreads // Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Book Playlist

Shift (Firstborn Trilogy #2)

Goodreads // Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Book Playlist

Elder (Firstborn Trilogy #3)

Goodreads // Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Book Playlist

For Everly

Goodreads // Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Book Review // Book Playlist

Meant For Her

Goodreads // Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Book Review // Book Playlist

About The Author:

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.

Twitter // Facebook // Goodreads // Pinterest // Linkedin // Website // Blog

Today’s Indie Artist Is…

The Avett Brothers!

Brothers Seth and Scott Avett have been sharing music long before The Avett Brothers were an actual thing. And now with Bob Crawford and Joe Kwon on board, they have released an insane amount of music that my ears can’t seem to get enough of. I’ve got all sorts of links for you to check out below as well as a Spotify playlist of their music. Enjoy!

Website // YouTube // Twitter // Facebook

17Oct2013

Blog Tour + Book Playlist + Book Review + Giveaway: Meant For Her by Raine Thomas

Posted in Blog Tours, Book Paylist, Book Reviews, Giveaways, Music To Listen To, The World of Books by talesofbooksandbands

Meant For Her Banner

Meant For Her

Title: Meant For Her

Author: Raine Thomas

Pages: 337 pages

Publisher: Iambe Books

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

Source: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review

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 yet again impressed me with her Contemporary Romance writing abilities. Sierra and Evan’s story was a story filled with a little bit of darkness, a little bit of healing, and a little bit of love and compassion.

Evan was a difficult character to really grasp at the begging. Since the story is told through dual points of view, I would see the way he treated Sierra through her eyes which wasn’t always all that great and then switch over to Evan’s point of view and witness the reasons behind his actions which didn’t necessary excuse his actions but at least give me some insight into the real Evan. Despite the gruff, distant attitude he has at the beginning of Meant For Her, the more time Evan spends with Sierra, the more we are able to see how much pain he carries around with him. Right along with Sierra, I took the simple joys of every little piece of progress that Evan made; haring a piece of his past, hanging out with his friends, smiling every now and then.

Sierra is the definition of a carefree, easygoing, free spirit. Everything about this character was truly good. She was passionate about everything she cared about from her photography, to her family, to her friends, and to even complete strangers. I just appreciated how easy of a character she was to love. As Evan’s neighbor and also being the niece of his professional baseball team’s manager, Sierra decides she is just the person to break down Evan’s walls and get to the root of his pain and despair. And considering this character has enough love and caring within her to put the rest of us to shame, she is the perfect option.

Reading about Evan by himself was enjoyable but not without struggles. Reading about Sierra by herself was inspiring and touching. But reading about the two of them together was a completely different story. I LOVED the connection these two had. Sierra knew Evan harbored deep pain before she ever even spoke to him. On the flip side, Evan has been lost for a long time but even more so during the past year but Sierra changes something for him. It is because of her he can finally begin to heal, learn to trust and care for others, and even open up about himself. I also love that this relationship was not without struggles. Sierra pushes Evan too far, Evan pushes Sierra away. Evan allows Sierra to get too close and then he closes off out of fear. But despite all of the problems that their relationship faced, there was enough romance, compassion, and natural chemistry between these two to make it all worth the read.

On top of all this other greatness that Raine has going on in the story, she also went and added in two of my favorite characters from her previous NA contemporary book, For Everly. That’s right people, Cole and Everly are in this book. And I don’t mean in a “Oh we passed a cute couple on a street” way but “Oh Cole is friends with Evan and Everly is friends with Sierra” way. I just adored the fact that even though their book is over, their story wasn’t. I can’t share much more about their parts in the story in fear that I’ll spoil it for you but I will let you know that it made my heart oh so happy.

I could go all day talking about all the things I love about this book but what you really know is that Raine makes it oh so easy to read her books. Her characters are ones I love, the struggles they go through are ones that hurt my heart, but in the end, the changes they make and the struggles that they overcome make it worth it!

And now, because Raine and I are allll about music over here, she’s put together an Ah-Mazing book playlist for all you awesome book lovers! Take a listen below and read all about how the specific songs play a part in the book!

BOOK PLAYLIST:

Meant for Her features Evan Dorsey, a professional baseball player who has recently lost the only person who really mattered to him. The pain caused by her death has left him with a lot of issues to face. “Demons” by Imagine Dragons fits his story perfectly. I particularly love this version of the video, since it’s dedicated to a man who lost his life to cancer…a topic in Meant for Her.

KEY LYRICS:

They say it’s what you make,
I say it’s up to fate.
It’s woven in my soul,
I need to let you go.

Your eyes, they shine so bright.
I wanna save that light.
I can’t escape this now
Unless you show me how.

When you feel my heat,
Look into my eyes.
It’s where my demons hide,
It’s where my demons hide.
Don’t get too close,
It’s dark inside.
It’s where my demons hide,
It’s where my demons hide.

The female protagonist, Sierra Stratton, has a unique view of the world. Her insights into other people often make Evan uneasy. It’s harder, however, for her to have strong insight about herself and how she handles conflict with others. Evan wants her to stand up for herself, so Sara Bareilles’ song, “Brave” speaks to me about this.

KEY LYRICS:

Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out.
Honestly, I wanna see you be brave

With what you want to say,
And let the words fall out.
Honestly I wanna see you be brave.

I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I just wanna see you
I wanna see you be brave.

Sierra and Evan have a connection the moment they meet, but it takes time for Evan to accept it. He’s drawn to Sierra, despite his desire to avoid making connections and putting down roots in Atlanta. It isn’t long before Sierra has his head spinning. “Clarity” by Zedd is the song that reminds me of this element of the story.

KEY LYRICS:

Don’t speak as I try to leave, ’cause we both know what we’ll choose.
If you pull then I’ll push too deep and I’ll fall right back to you.

‘Cause you are the piece of me I wish I didn’t need,
Chasing relentlessly, still fight and I don’t know why.

If our love is tragedy, why are you my remedy?
If our love’s insanity, why are you my clarity?

After spending some time befriending Evan, Sierra gives their relationship a nudge to the next level. From that moment on, things are different between them. The song “Everything Has Changed” by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran reflects this development.

KEY LYRICS:

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now.
I just wanna know you, know you, know you…

‘Cause all I know is we said, “Hello.”
And your eyes look like coming home.
All I know is a simple name.
Everything has changed.
All I know is you held the door.
You’ll be mine and I’ll be yours.
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed.

Evan’s demons come back to haunt him, making him have doubts when things progress with Sierra beyond where he envisioned. The choices he makes then propel the story into another light. “Stay” by Florida-Georgia Line captures the essence of Evan’s difficult choices.

KEY LYRICS:

My heart’s on my sleeve, but it’s turning black.
(I guess I know what it feels like to be alone).
Without your touch I’m not gonna last.
(I know you know that I need ya just to carry on)
It feels like my walls are caving in.
(You’d always hold me before I left you hanging on)
And I’ll do anything to have you here again.

The song that ultimately captures the relationship between Sierra and Evan is “I Need Your Love” by Ellie Goulding (featuring Calvin Harris). It even reflects the fact that they’re neighbors and pass each other’s doors. The lyrics speak for themselves!

KEY LYRICS:

I take a deep breath every time I pass your door.
I know you’re there but I can’t see you anymore.
And that’s the reason you’re in the dark.
I’ve been a stranger ever since we fell apart,
And I feel so helpless here.
Watch, my eyes are filled with fear.
Tell me do you feel the same?
Hold me in your arms again.

I need your love,
I need your time.
When everything’s wrong,
You make it right.
I feel so high,
I come alive.
I need to be free with you tonight.
I need your love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Raine Thomas

Twitter // Facebook // Goodreads // Pinterest // Linkedin // Website // Blog

WHERE TO FIND THE BOOK:

Amazon // Barnes and Noble // Kobo // iBooks

GIVEAWAY:

One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of both For Everly and Meant For Her, a necklace inspired by the book, and a $25 Amazon gift card. Just fill out this rafflecopter form!

17Sep2013

Cover Reveal: Meant For Her by Raine Thomas

Posted in Cover Reveals, The World of Books by talesofbooksandbands

Title: Meant For Her

Author: Raine Thomas

Publisher: Iambe Books LLC.

Publication Date: October 17th 2013

Cover Design: Regina Wamba of www.MaeIDesign.com

Cover Photos: Kelsey Kukal-Keeton of K Keeton Designs

I am beyond thrilled that I am able to be part of the cover reveal for Raine Thomas’s upcoming New Adult novel, Meant For Her. I fell in love first with Raine’s fantasy series and then fell even more in love with her previous New Adult novel, For Everly. To say that I am excited for this new one to release is a bit of an understatement Govn’r! And since I know you are all here to see an awesome cover and not hear me ramble off Easy A quotes, let’s move on!

Meant For Her

So what do you think? Awesome right!?! I love, love, LOVE the couple! I mean he is rather easy on the eyes and her highlights are pretty freaking awesome so together they make one good looking couple. I also love that baseball makes an appearance on the bottom portion of the cover.

Be sure to check out all the additional info & links below and of course, let us know what you think about the cover in the comments section!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Raine Thomas

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.

WHERE TO FIND THE BOOK:

Goodreads

Purchase For Everly so you can meet a few of the characters before they make an appearance in Meant For Her:

Amazon // Barnes & Noble

6Jun2013

Blog Tour + Book Review + Book Playlist + Giveaway: For Everly by Raine Thomas

Posted in Blog Tours, Book Paylist, Book Reviews, Giveaways, Music To Listen To, The World of Books by talesofbooksandbands

For Everly Banner

For Everly

Title: For Everly

Author: Raine Thomas

Publisher: Iambe Books, LLC

My Rating: 4/5 stars

Source: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.

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.

When I first heard the Raine was writing a Contemporary New Adult book, I squealed like a little girl and I am not even ashamed to admit that. I absolutely adored her fantasy Young Adult book, Becoming, so I was excited to see what she would do with something so different. It turns out all of the excitement was so worth it! Raine proved that her smooth, lovely writing and ability to create realistic characters shines just as brightly in her Contemporary writing as it does in her Fantasy writing.

For Everly captured me from the very beginning. Actually, if I am being honest, it captured me before the beginning when Raine posted a teaser on her blog some time before I received the book. I loved that the story was told from dueling points of view, allowing me to see where Cole and Everly started out and seeing how they struggled, stumbled, grew, and blossomed throughout the course of the story.

Cole and Everly come from two completely different places; Cole with his privileged lifestyle of having a loving and supporting family on top of his professional baseball career and Everly who has the love of her grandfather but has also had to work her butt off from day one. I loved seeing how two contrasting people could work so well together. When we first meet Cole, he is a little bit cocky, a little bit spoiled, and a little bit self-involved. Despite the fact that Cole is so completely unaware of how the other half lives, you could still sense this sweet, generous, caring guy just beyond the surface. It isn’t until he spends more time with Everly that he truly begins to show just how great of a guy he is. Everly can come across a bit distant and closed off but once I learned of her past, of all of the things she has had to go through and everything that she still struggles with, my heart couldn’t help but hurt for her. With the help of Cole, Everly learned to open up and I loved the sweet, caring, wonderful person that I saw. Overall, both characters were amazing. I loved that they weren’t perfect, both had their faults but they helped to balance each other out and they were there for one another when it mattered most.

Throughout the course of the story, just when things were going good, something would happen to shake it up, much like how life can throw you curveballs. The story starts off with Cole putting him and Everly in a compromising position. With the threat of both of them losing their careers looming over both of their heads added to the fact that Everly has some very major demons coming back from her past and the idea that someone seems dead-set on hurting both of their images, made me wonder just how the two of them would ever make it through. Some of these issues pushed Cole and Everly apart, some brought them closer together, and some pushed their relationship to the absolute limits but in the end it only made their relationship seem more stable and real to me.

The major problem I have now is deciding which type of story I like better from Raine! Raine’s believable characters mixed with the amount of compassion she was able to make me feel about their stories made me an even bigger fan-girl of her writing. For Everly was a touching, sweet story and I would most definitely recommend it to those of you who need a little romance in their lives…and it wouldn’t hurt if you also happened to be a fan of baseball ;)

BOOK PLAYLIST:

Raine has put together an INCREDIBLE book playlist to go along with For Everly! I always enjoy seeing what Raine does for her book playlists because her reasons behind each song are always spot-on. Check out the playlist below along with a reason why Raine selected it and which key lyrics from each song stand out to her. Hope you enjoy!

When I think of Everly Wallace, I think of a determined young woman with a lot of focus. By working so hard to overcome the hardships of her past, she’s missing out on experiencing life in the present. To me, Alicia’s Keys’ “Girl on Fire” reflects Everly’s character.

KEY LYRICS:

She’s just a girl and she’s on fire
Hotter than a fantasy, lonely like a highway
She’s living in a world and it’s on fire
Filled with catastrophe, but she knows she can fly away

Ohhhh oh oh oh oh
She got both feet on the ground
And she’s burning it down
Ohhhh oh oh oh oh
She got her head in the clouds
And she’s not backing down

This girl is on fire…
This girl is on fire…
She’s walking on fire…
This girl is on fire.

Cole meets his match in Everly. Before he knows how it happened, she comes to mean more to him than he ever anticipated. I think of OneRepublic’s “If I Lose Myself” when I think of Cole learning to follow his heart after years of thinking mostly of himself.

KEY LYRICS:

I stared up at the sun,
Thought of all of the people, places and things I’ve loved.
I stared up just to see
With all of the faces, you were the one next to me.

You can feel the light start to tremble,
Washing what you know out to sea.
You can see your life out of the window tonight.

If I lose myself tonight,
It’ll be by your side.
I lose myself tonight…

The core of For Everly’s plot centers on Everly’s dark past and Cole’s attempts to help her cope with it. The problem is that she’s not ready to accept his help. Fun’s “Carry On” conveys the message Everly has to learn.

KEY LYRICS:

Though I’ve never been through hell like that
I’ve closed enough windows to know you can never look back

If you’re lost and alone
Or you’re sinking like a stone
Carry on

May your past be the sound
Of your feet upon the ground
Carry on.

As Cole and Everly’s relationship progresses, they share more time together. Maroon 5’s “Daylight” reminds me of their parting after a night that changes everything.

KEY LYRICS:

Here I am staring at your perfection
In my arms, so beautiful
The sky is getting bright, the stars are burning out
Somebody slow it down

This is way too hard, cause I know
When the sun comes up, I will leave
This is my last glance that will soon be memory

And when the daylight comes I’ll have to go
But tonight I’m gonna hold you so close
Cause in the daylight we’ll be on our own
But tonight I need to hold you so close.

Despite herself, Everly is unable to fight against Cole’s attempts to break down her defenses. “With Ur Love” by Cher Llyod is the perfect song to represent this element of the story.

KEY LYRICS:

Baby, you the best ’cause you worked me out
I keep building walls up but you tear ’em down
I’m fighting, I don’t wanna like it but you know I like it
But you know I like it, like it, like it
Used to always think I was bullet proof
But you got an AK and you’re blowing through
Explosive, you don’t even know it, I want you to know it
I want you to know it, know it, know it.

“The Reason” by Hoobastank is probably my all-time favorite love song. The opening lyrics truly capture Everly and Cole’s relationship…it’s not perfect, but they’re perfect for each other.

KEY LYRICS:

I’m not a perfect person
There’s many things I wish I didn’t do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

I’ve found a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Raine Thomas

Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of a bestselling series of YA fantasy/romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the Daughters of Saraqael trilogy and the Firstborn trilogy. Her latest book is a New Adult Contemporary Romance titled 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.

Twitter (http://twitter/Raine_Thomas)

Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/rainethomas)

Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5053436.Raine_Thomas)

Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/raine_thomas/)

Linkedin (http://www.linkedin.com/pub/raine-thomas/53/111/bb3)

Website (http://rainethomas.com)

Blog (http://rainethomas.com/blog/)

WHERE TO FIND THE BOOK:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Goodreads

GIVEAWAY:

Raine is hosting an incredible giveaway to celebrate the release of For Everly. One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of the book. Follow this link to fill out the rafflecopter form to be entered in the giveaway. Best of luck!

FOLLOW THE TOUR:

May 27

Amanda’s Book Adventures

Dream Reads

Indie Writer’s Review

Rachel in the OC

The Bibliophile’s Corner

May 28

Bethany Lopez

Bump on a Blog

Kathleen Valentine’s Blog

May 29

Proserpine Craving Books

A Diary of a Book Addict

May 30

May 31

June 1

Every Free Chance Reviews

June 3

I Read Indie

Writing, Stuff and Nonsense

June 4

June 5

June 6

Kate’s Tales of Books and Bands

Writing on the Sunny Side of the Street

June 7

Step Into Fiction

Sarah’s Books and Life

June 8

Erica Lucke Dean

Laura Howard

June 9

Jess’s Book Blog

Sandwich Making Book Bitches

Book Boyfriend Reviews

June 10

Author Delancey Stewart

My Pathway to Books

26Apr2013

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: For Everly by Raine Thomas

Posted in Cover Reveals, Giveaways, The World of Books by talesofbooksandbands

The absolutely lovely and talented Raine Thomas has another book coming out and guess what, this one is going to be a New Adult Contemporary Romance! *happy dances while simultaneously throwing confetti* The book in question is titled For Everly and we are going to be getting the first look at the covers today (Yes I said covers! More information on that down below!) Before we get to the cover reveal, let’s learn a little bit about what this book will be about!

Title: For Everly

Author: Raine Thomas

Expected Publication: May 27th 2013 from Iambe Books, LLC

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.

Excuse me while I squeal over the pure AWESOMENESS that will soon be this book! In case you may have missed it, Raine leaked a sneak peek of the book on her website and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I am sure you are just dying to see the covers and are also probably wondering why I keep using the plural version of that word. Well here’s the deal: Raine can’t decide which cover to use so she is asking for your help!

After commissioning two talented cover designers, Tonya Dsigns and Allie B Designs, to send her concepts, Raine fell in love with their different styles. Raine has set up a poll so you guys can vote on YOUR favorite cover! The winning design will be announced on Monday, May 6^th. To support your favorite one, follow this link and cast your vote! And now, on to the gorgeous covers!

For Everly

Aren’t they both just fantastic! I can’t decide what I like better; the colorful one or the black and white one! I love that both seem to be set in a gym/physical therapy clinic because DUH, it goes along with what’s going on in the book!

Be sure to 1) cast your vote and 2) let us know in the comments what you thought of both covers!

Giveaway:

Raine is hosting an AWESOME giveaway for a signed paperback of For Everly. To be entered to win, follow this link and fill out the Rafflecopter form!

About The Author:

Raine Thomas

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. Her upcoming release, For Everly, is a New Adult Contemporary Romance. 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.

Blog Tour + Book Playlist: Elder by Raine Thomas

Posted in Blog Tours, Book Paylist, Music To Listen To, The World of Books by talesofbooksandbands

If you have followed my blog in the past, odds are you have heard me mention my good friend Raine Thomas. Not only is Raine a “Blog Post Tweeting Extraordinaire” but she is also the AWESOME author behind the Daughters of Saraqael series and the Firstborn series! Elder, the third book in the Firstborn series was recently released so when the time came for the blog tour, I had no other option but to hop on board! Raine and I have had so much fun with book playlists in the past so I asked if she would put one together for you guys, and trust me SHE DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Raine has compiled so many awesome songs to fit in with Elder but before we get to that, let’s learn a little more about the book!

Clara Kate is one of the eight beings needed to activate the Elder Scroll, an ancient artifact causing tragedy and darkness on the Estilorian plane. She knows that her focus needs to be on finding the final piece and stopping the evil Mercesti, but Ini-herit isn’t making it easy.

He’s working closely with Clara Kate on the quest to stop their enemies…too close for her comfort. His presence serves as a constant reminder of the love they shared on the human plane, a love that he no longer remembers at all.

Her life and the lives of those she loves are at risk, and she knows she has to put aside her personal problems. So far on their journey, she’s endured heartbreak, terror, pain and loss. She’s even been brought to the brink of death.

She thinks things can’t get any worse.

She’s wrong.

I’ll admit, I still need to read the first two books in this series (I am confident this WILL happen in 2013) but I just can’t help but want to read this one ASAP! It sounds so good! Now I know you guys all came here for a little fun and a lot of music so without further ado, here is the book playlist for Elder!

Playlist for ELDER by Raine Thomas

Elder begins with a focus on the relationship between the two main characters, Clara Kate and Ini-herit. The prologue conveys the depth of the connection they shared before the trilogy begins, and the reader finally realizes why they’re now so distant. Katy Perry’s “Wide Awake” is the perfect song to convey what Clara Kate—nicknamed Angel by Ini-herit—experiences.

KEY LYRICS:

I’m wide awake.

Yeah, I was in the dark,

I was falling hard

With an open heart.

I’m wide awake.

[Chorus]

Falling from Cloud 9,

Crashing from the high,

I’m letting go tonight.

Yeah, I’m falling from Cloud 9.

Early on in the writing of Elder, I often listened to “Both of Us” by Taylor Swift and B.o.B. The essence of this song captures the core of what Clara Kate feels as she puts her heart to the side to focus on the bigger picture.

KEY LYRICS:

I wish I was strong enough

To lift not one but both of us.

Someday I will be strong enough

To lift not one but both of us.

Since Defy, readers have watched Zachariah work through the negative feelings he has about his past. In Elder, that self-exploration continues, and he relies heavily on Tate’s love to help him find himself. Kelly Clarkson’s “Dark Side” really resonates with this element of the story.

KEY LYRICS:

There’s a place that I know…

It’s not pretty there, and few have ever gone.

If I show it to you now,

Will it make you run away?

Or will you stay,

Even if it hurts?

Even if I try to push you out,

Will you return

And remind me who I really am?

Please remind me who I really am.

Everybody’s got a dark side.

Do you love me?

Can you love mine?

Another relationship developed throughout the trilogy is that between Tiege and Ariana. Ariana changes more than any other character throughout the books. She has much to overcome to feel worthy of love, and Tiege is just the male to show her she is. “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes brings to mind their relationship.

KEY LYRICS:

You know I’d fall apart without you.

I don’t know how you do what you do.

‘Cause everything that don’t make sense about me

Makes sense when I’m with you.

Like everything that’s green, girl I need you.

But it’s more than one and one makes two.

Put aside the math and the logic of it.

You gotta know you’re wanted, too.

‘Cause I wanna wrap you up,

Wanna kiss your lips.

I wanna make you feel wanted

And I wanna call you mine.

Wanna hold your hand forever,

Never let you forget it

Yeah, I wanna make you feel wanted.

Outside of the individual relationships progressing in Elder, there is also the coming together of the eight beings required to activate the Elder Scroll. The level of commitment between the eight is reflected, at least in part, in the song “Oath” by Cher Llyod.

KEY LYRICS:

My best friend, best friend ‘til the very end,

‘Cause best friends, best friends don’t have to pretend.

You need a hand, and I’m right there right beside you;

You in the dark, I’ll be the bright light to guide you.

[Chorus]

Wherever you go, just always remember

That you got a home, for now and forever;

And if you get low, just call me whenever.

This is my oath to you.

Throughout the battle at the end of Elder, I listened to “Skyfall” by Adele. There is something so compelling about the dark sweeps of violins and her amazing, smoky voice. The lyrics also tie well into the story, so there was no leaving it off the playlist.

KEY LYRICS:

Where you go I go,

What you see I see.

I know I’d never be me

Without the security

Of your loving arms

Keeping me from harm.

Put your hand in my hand

And we’ll stand.

Let the sky fall (let the sky fall)

When it crumbles (when it crumbles)

We will stand tall (we will stand tall)

Face it all together.

The conflict in the relationship between Clara Kate and Ini-herit hinges on emotion. When I heard “Feel Again” by OneRepublic, I knew that it would round out the Elder playlist. It’s just too fitting!

KEY LYRICS:

It’s been a long time coming since I’ve seen your face.

I’ve been everywhere and back trying to replace

Everything that I’ve had ‘til my feet went numb,

Praying like a fool that’s been on a run.

Heart’s still beating but it’s not working,

It’s like a million dollar phone that you just can’t ring.

I reach out trying to love but I feel nothing.

Yeah, my heart is numb.

But with you…

I feel again.

Yeah, with you…

I can feel again.

So what did I tell you guys? It is made of pure awesomesauce! I think I may be in love with every single song on this playlist! It’s safe to say it has made me even more anxious to pick up Elder! If you are a Spotify user, you can subscribe to the playlist by clicking this link. Also, since Raine is made of awesome (as I’ve stated time and time again) she has put together one heck of a giveaway for you guys in celebration of Elder’s release! You can find all information regarding the giveaway by checking out Raine’s website and entering this Rafflecopter form. I would like to send out a HUGE congratulations to Raine for making it through book number six; you have so much to be proud of! Show Raine some love by letting us know what you thought about the playlist in the comments section and of course be sure to check out all the little links at the bottom of this post for more information about Raine and her books!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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 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.

WHERE TO FIND THE BOOK:

Defy’s Goodreads page

Shift’s Goodreads page

Elder’s Goodreads page

Elder’s book trailer

Purchase Elder on Amazon

Purchase Elder on Barnes & Noble

29Nov2012

Cover Reveal: Elder by Raine Thomas

Posted in Cover Reveals, The World of Books by talesofbooksandbands

Title: Elder (Firstborn #3)

Author: Raine Thomas

Release Date: December 27th

Clara Kate is one of the eight beings needed to activate The Elder Scroll, an ancient artifact causing tragedy and darkness on the Estilorian plane. She knows that her focus needs to be on finding the final piece and stopping the evil Mercesti, but Ini-herit isn’t making it easy.

She thinks things can’t get any worse.

She’s wrong.

Elder

I am so, so, SO EXCITED to be apart of another one of Raine’s cover reveals! The first two books in the series, Defy and Shift both have absolutely gorgeous covers and Elder can certainly be added to that category. Defy has this whole peacock them going along with it while Shift has a beautiful butterfly theme. While Elder is just as pretty as the previous two covers, I love that the character on the front has this whole “tough” thing going on! The blacks, grays, and whites along with the sword and that bright pop of blue for the title just make the whole cover stand out! It is safe to say that Devan Edwards of Nimbi Designs did an absolutely FABULOUS job on the cover for the final book in Raine’s Firstborn trilogy!

And please don’t forget to add Elder to your shelf on Goodreads!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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 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.

Twitter (http://twitter/Raine_Thomas)
Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/rainethomas)
Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5053436.Raine_Thomas)
Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/raine_thomas/)
Linkedin (http://www.linkedin.com/pub/raine-thomas/53/111/bb3)
Website (http://rainethomas.com)
Blog (http://RaineThomas.com/blog/)

30Aug2012

Blog Tour + Book Playlist: Shift by Raine Thomas

Posted in Blog Tours, Book Paylist, Music To Listen To, The World of Books by talesofbooksandbands

One of my good friends and author Raine Thomas has just released yet another one of her awesome books, Shift! When she asked if I wanted to be a part of her launch tour I had no other option but to say yes! I have yet to ready Defy, the frist book in the series but you guys better believe I am so psyched to get my hands on the both of them. Since Raine is incredibly awesome and knows me oh so well, she compiled a playlist for Shift for me to share with all of you today. But before we get to that, let’s learn a bit more about this book!

Title: Shift (Firstborn Trilogy #2)

Author: Raine Thomas

Publisher: Iambe Books

Having the ability to shapeshift, Sophia is familiar with change. But even she feels the rising tension in her homeland.

A shadowy male and deadly beast reside in their midst. The births of the newest Kynzesti loom. Hostile Mercesti continue to hunt for the Elder Scroll, and a traumatized female is too afraid to use her abilities to stop them.

Topping off Sophia’s stress is Quincy, the male she’s convinced can’t stand her. She rues the loss of their friendship, but can’t figure out how to move past it. She’ll soon learn, however, that mending that rift bears more significance than she ever imagined.

The search for the Elder Scroll takes on unexpected urgency, and Sophia finds herself in a race across the mainland. To stop the Mercesti led by Eirik, she and her companions must get past their differences and unite against them. If they don’t, Eirik will acquire the immense power he seeks, and two of the beings Sophia loves most will die.

BOOK PLAYLIST:

At the core of the story in Shift is the relationship between Sophia and Quincy. Quincy is a full Estilorian, so he appears no older than a human male in his late teens or early twenties, even though he’s several hundred years old. His love for the eighteen-year-old Kynzesti, Sophia, is perfectly described in “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri.

KEY LYRICS:

Time stands still

Beauty in all she is

I will be brave

I will not let anything

Take away

What’s standing in front of me

Every breath,

Every hour has come to this

One step closer

I have died every day

Waiting for you

Darlin’, don’t be afraid

I have loved you for a

Thousand years

I’ll love you for a

Thousand more

The second major element in Shift’s plot is the hunt for the powerful Elder Scroll. One of the characters, Ariana, suffered at the hands of the evil Mercesti searching for the scroll, but she has to try and overcome her fears to stop them. Her story includes a blossoming romance, and is reflected in “Lights” by Ellie Goulding.

KEY LYRICS:

I had a way then

Losing it all on my own

I had a heart then

But the queen has been overthrown

And I’m not sleeping now

The dark is too hard to beat

And I’m not keeping up

The strength I need to push me

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone

You shine them when I’m alone

And so I tell myself that I’ll be strong

And dreaming when they’re gone

‘Cause they’re calling, calling, calling me home

Calling, calling, calling home

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone

You shine them when I’m alone

As Sophia and Quincy’s relationship unfolds, things don’t turn out like Quincy hopes. The depth of his feelings for Sophia is conveyed in “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz.

KEY LYRICS:

I won’t give up on us

Even if the skies get rough

I’m giving you all my love

I’m still looking up

And when you’re needing your space

To do some navigating

I’ll be here patiently waiting

To see what you find

The time comes for Sophia to stand with her friend, Ariana, in the quest to stop the Mercesti seeking the Elder Scroll. Her parting from Quincy leaves her with a lot to consider. “Wherever You Will Go” by Charlene Soraia resonates with Sophia’s inner conflict. ()

KEY LYRICS:

I know now, just quite how

My life and love might still go on

In your heart, in your mind

I’ll stay with you for all of time

If I could, then I would

I’ll go wherever you will go

Way, way up high or down low

I’ll go wherever you will go

Along with Ariana, the Kynzesti, Tate, must use her abilities to try and thwart the Mercesti. There’s no better song than “The Fighter” by Gym Class Heroes to convey Tate’s core character.

KEY LYRICS:

If you fall pick yourself up off the floor (get up)

And when your bones can’t take no more (c’mon)

Just remember what you’re here for

‘Cuz I know Imma damn sure

Give ‘em hell, turn their heads

Gonna live life ’til we’re dead.

Give me scars, give me pain

Then they’ll say to me, say to me, say to me

There goes the fighter, there goes the fighter

Here comes the fighter

That’s what they’ll say to me, say to me, say to me,

This one’s a fighter

Shift’s ending will surprise many readers, as it departs from the norm as far as the other Estilorian novels go. Still, “First Time” by Lifehouse is a great way to round out the playlist!

KEY LYRICS:

We’re both looking for something

We’ve been afraid to find

It’s easier to be broken

It’s easier to hide

Looking at you, holding my breath,

For once in my life, I’m scared to death,

I’m taking a chance, letting you inside.

Feeling alive all over again,

As deep as the sky, under my skin

Like being in love, she says

For the first time

Maybe I’m wrong,

But I’m feeling right where I belong

With you tonight

Like being in love

To feel for the first time.

If this playlist is any indication to how great this book will be, then I have no doubt I will love it. So what do you guys think of the playlist? Are there any songs you just love??? Let me know in the comments and of course, don’t forget to check out Raine’s website for all of the other tour stops!

PURCHASE THE BOOK:

Purchase from Amazon

Purchase from Barnes and Noble

Watch the book trailer

Add on Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Raine Thomas is the author of an award-winning series of YA fantasy/romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the Daughters of Saraqael trilogy and the Firstborn trilogy. 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.