Blog Tour (Interview, Review, Giveaway): Meeting Destiny by Nancy Straight

Welcome to Meeting Destiny Blog Tour!

Today you'll have the opportunity to win a Signed Copy of Meeting Destiny! But before that, let me introduce to you the lovely author herself--Nancy Straight. I had the privilege to ask her some fun questions which I am excited to share with you! Here is Ms. Nancy Straight...

Author's Bio:

Nancy was born in Sioux City Iowa, left the cold of the Midwest in 1991 and only returns to see family in the summer time. She spent ten years traveling the world as a US Marine and settled in rural SC with her husband, two children and three dogs. She enjoys RVing with her family, writing Paranormal Romance / Urban Fantasy and reading all types of Paranormal and Young Adult literature.

Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads 

Tell us a bit about yourself. 

Let me see if I can give you something more than the standard answer that will give you some real insight into me.

I LOVE Starbucks’ White Mocha Latte and Mountain Dew, (but not together). I have a lead foot so I set cruise control when I drive, even in 25 MPH zones. I almost never win when I play Angry Birds, but have my 7 year old close, so he can clear the hard levels for me. I grew up on a farm and am opposed to eating fresh chicken. I am a huge fan of the show, Big Bang Theory, on CBS. I have a stray cat that I feed every night and morning but she’s never let me get closer than within 3 feet of her – I keep thinking eventually I’ll wear her down. I share my life with two fantastic sons, three rotten dogs and a husband that I adore.

Have you always wanted to be a writer? 

I’ve always been an avid reader, and I thought writing would be fun, but until recently I never pictured myself as an actual writer.

 

What's the best part of being a writer? 

The best part is by far the people that read my novels and contact me afterwards. I can’t tell you how excited I get when I read a great review, receive a message on Goodreads or a tweet from someone that just finished one of my books! It’s a real adrenaline rush to know that a story I made up moved someone to tears, made them laugh out loud after their husband was already sleeping or kept them guessing on what would happen next into the wee hours of the morning. 

What's the worst part? 

I don’t believe I’ve run across a part that I don’t like.  There is a stigma attached to being a self-published author, that the work isn’t good enough for traditional publishing.  I find this a little offensive, but I think self-publishing is such a new phenomena that this stigma will dissolve in the not too distant future.  Although I don’t begrudge any author that chooses to publish the traditional way, there are things that make self-publishing much more attractive, for me.  I don’t have an agent or a publicist representing me, absolutely every reader that contacts me, gets a response - from me.  I feel connected to the friends I’ve made that enjoy my books and they are an exceptional source of motivation on the days when I’d rather park myself in front of the television and goof off.  I have full control over my books, I can change covers, I can change text, I can even give a whole bunch of them away and no one can stop me (Meeting Destiny’s e-book is FREE right now).    

How did you come up with the story of Meeting Destiny? 

I’m a hopeless romantic, believing that there really is someone out there for everyone.  If by some chance you don’t connect with them the first time, fate will find a way to reintroduce you until you click.  I liked this idea and took it a step further, that a couple truly devoted to one another could share multiple lifetimes together.

What was the hardest part of writing the book? 

Editing is a labor of love.  The story itself was written in three months, but the editing took an additional six.  I can’t tell you how many times I said out loud, “this is really the last edit,” only to have the story edited several more times after.  

What was the easiest?

The whole Destiny Series was a story in my head that was screaming to get out.  The very first chapter in the book was by far the easiest to write, when I decided to write the book I knew exactly how I wanted it to begin.

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

If so, who's character you can totally relate with? One of the small characters in the story is a mouthy physical therapist, Gretchen.  Although I’ve never done anything remotely medically related, her personality and some of the comments she says to motivate Lauren are things I could see myself saying in the same situation.  

Where do you get your inspiration? 

Readers, reviews posted by readers, other authors, bloggers and other books that have captured my heart.  I don’t know if people realize how much of an impact their kind words have on authors.  But a note from someone that says, “I read until 2 am.” or “I couldn’t put it down.” are really an adrenaline rush and inspire me more than any other factor.    

What kind of music do you listen to when you write?

It depends on what I’m writing.  Anyone that has read the Destiny Series will tell you there is a good bit of action, suspense and some swoony romance.  The music tends to mimic the emotion of the scenes I’m writing.  My iPod has around 500 songs so I just keep hitting “next” until I find one I like, then sometimes I loop it while I’m writing.  I have a diverse pallet for music: Adelle, Norah Jones, Keesha, and old EMINEM songs as well as much of the popular country songs are all favorites. 

Aside from being a writer, is there anything else you wanted to be? 

I’ve been fortunate to realize many dreams.  I wanted to travel the world, so I joined and spent ten years doing just that in the US Marine Corps.  I wanted to improve some of the technology available to war-fighters so I worked as a Civil Servant managing some pretty cool programs for the Department of Defense.  When I was younger I would have liked to work for the CIA – but I’m sure that was a result of watching the “Bourne” movies too many times.  LOL!  At this stage in my life (early 40s) I’m able to draw from so many experiences that writing is both a joy and a passion.   

Do you have a favorite or inspirational quote that you want to share with us?

The idea of soul-mates have been around for a VERY long time.  “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” - Aristotle

MORE FUN STUFF:

What's your biggest dream?  

For my boys to think I’m cool, even when they’re teenagers.

What's the thing that scares you the most? 

It’s a toss-up between spiders and snakes – I’m not fond of either.  I had a close encounter with a Cobra in Thailand and there are Brown Recluses throughout the area I live in South Carolina.  Choosing which one I fear more is like being given the option of a punch in the head or a kick in the belly.  

What are the top five things you can never live without? 

Family, friends, books, DirecTV and Mountain Dew.

What is your favorite book?

I just finished Rachel Higginson’s Star-crossed Series – I’m DEEPLY in love with it and will probably read it a second time very soon.  Shelly Crane’s Significance Series, Charlotte Abel’s Channie Series and Shannon Dermott’s Beg for Mercy are all big favorites as well.

How about your favorite food?  

Anything that I don’t have to cook! (That’s my family’s favorite food, too!)

Are you a science geek or a math geek?

I’m a nerd, or at least my son tells me I am, but I struggle helping him with his Algebra homework, so I think that means: no.

Any talent? (Aside from writing of course). 

I am an exceptional shot with a rifle, I can shoot a target from 500 yards without aid of a scope.  I can usually find a funny story to make others laugh.  I’m a good listener.  Not sure if any of the three qualify as talents, but I’m proud of all three!

Meeting Destiny (Destiny #1)

Author: Nancy Straight

Publication Date: June 26th 2012

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Buy Links:

Amazon (Paperback | E-book)
Barnes & Noble

Summary | Add to TBR

Lauren is visited in her dreams for years by a stranger claiming to be her destiny. Destiny becomes reality when paths cross during a failed robbery attempt. Lauren and the stranger experience chemistry like no other and now her doubt over her long time relationship with her high school sweetheart is not her only secret…someone else knows about her keen intuition and sixth sense. A mysterious clairvoyant seeks Lauren out and tells her not only of her life now but what the future may hold. Soon Lauren is in the middle of a murder investigation and a questionable friendship with the key suspect. Law enforcement, friends and family are concerned for Lauren but unfortunately they are unaware of the true danger… Sinister forces are at work and will stop at nothing to destroy Lauren’s abilities.

My Thoughts:

Even before I learned about the blog tour, I already picked up this book for my Kindle. So when I was invited to join the tour, I was beyond thrilled. I think Meeting Destiny is one of those books that will always remind me of the word "soulmates" and of course the word "destiny".

Lauren and Max are destined to be together. Lauren had always dreamed of him for years and when she finally meet him, she's certain that he's the only one for her. She broke up with her bestfriend and sort-of-boyfriend Seth to pursue Max and make him remember everything he said in her dreams. But meeting Max didn't make her life less complicated since Lauren isn't just an ordinary girl. She has the ability to sense danger around her and other people.

Max is a dreamy kind of guy--gorgeous, strong, dependable and a gentleman. There seems to be more about him to discover in the next installment. I want to know everything about Max and how he and Lauren will fulfill their purpose and their destinies together. Lauren is independent and strong-willed, though I think she should be more open with Max about things and her decisions. But then, that made her who she is. 

The story is full of suspense and never-ending mystery. It will keep you guessing up to the last page. And the ending? What a cliffhanger! Does it have to end like that? Oh my Max. This will certainly make you anxious to read the next book.

Overall, the story is good, entertaining and gripping. The mysteries that surrounds Lauren and her abilities, Max and his purpose, and their stories together that are waiting to be told makes this book a very good start for a compelling saga that you might not want to miss.

My Rating:

P.S. One reader told me via Amazon that my review somehow confused her. I gave this book a rating of 3/5 but when you read my review, it seems like I really liked it. Maybe, I didn't explained it much in my review, but I think I owe it to my readers and followers. I don't want to change my original stand/thoughts once I already posted. I only give my honest opinion because I believe in integrity. So, I've decided to just further explain my thoughts on why I give it a 3/5 instead of a higher one. 

I honestly liked Meeting Destiny and I'm still looking forward to read the next books in the series. A rating of 3 out of 5 doesn't mean a "negative" review for me. It was actually ok. In Goodreads, it means "I liked it", and in Amazon it means "It's OK." Here in my blog, I mean it as "A Good Read". The only thing that I've forgotten to mentioned (which probably caused the confusion) is the reason why 3? I've been too busy babbling on the good stuffs that I forgot to mention what I didn't like. Well, honestly, there's nothing hated about the book. It's just that the relationship of Max and Lauren didn't do it for me that much... I'm still waiting for something deeper... something strong that will make my heart tingles, and my body tense when I read about them. Something that is more than what they have in the book. Nevertheless, this book is good. I meant it and I still do. :)

And now, for the GIVEAWAY, you can win One (1) Signed Copy of Meeting Destiny. This is open for U.S. Residents only (sorry to my international readers/followers, but don't worry 'cos you can still own an E-BOOK of Meeting Destiny at Amazon Kindle cos it's still FREE! 

To enter in the giveaway, simply fill up the Rafflecopter below. It ends on April 30th 2012.

GOOD LUCK!

Book Review: KISS OF FROST by Jennifer Estep

Kiss of Frost (Mythos Academy #2)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Publication Date: Kensington

Publisher: November 29th 2011

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

Summary | Add to TBR

I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Acad­emy, and I have no idea how I’m going to sur­vive the rest of the semes­ter. One day, I’m get­ting schooled in sword­play by the guy who broke my heart—the drop-dead gor­geous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invis­i­ble archer in the Library of Antiq­ui­ties decides to use me for tar­get prac­tice. And now, I find out that some­one at the acad­emy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword—with Logan’s help—I just might die by the sword...

My Thoughts:

In Kiss of Frost, a Reaper is trying to kill Gwen, and a beautiful, hot guy is showing interest in her. There's a red diary that she wants to unravel, and a Winter Carnival she's trying to enjoy while trying to forget her feelings for the drop-dead gorgeous spartan--Logan. 

I loved Kiss of Frost. This book is much better than the first book and I'm so glad that I finally read it. There are still the same issues from the first book like being too repetitive sometimes, but it didn't bother me that much. What I appreciate the most is how Gwen's character developed and how she finally learn how to grasp her powers as it began to awaken. I'm thrilled to see the progress of Logan and Gwen's relationship and I'd say that it didn't disappoint. In the first book, we only get a glimpse of something romantic between the two, something that tells us there is a romance that will soon to blossom. And yes, Kiss of Frost gave me that tingling sensation I was looking for. It was so good to see that Logan is finally showing what's beyond his mysterious personality and it's a very nice start for the readers to know the real Logan and understand why he's trying to control his feelings. He's even hotter in this book too! You sure don't want to miss Logan Quinn.

From the time I started this book, I couldn't put it down. There's so much mysteries and I just wanted to know what will happen next. I wanted to unravel the secrets that surrounds Oliver's red notebook, I wanted to know who the reaper was, and I wanted to know if Logan and Gwen will finally be together. I read it in less than a day and I want more. I want more of Gwen as her powers began to awaken, I want more of Logan, I want more of Oliver, I want more of Daphne and Carlson.  Beyond the mysteries and the exciting events that surrounds the characters in Kiss of Frost, there are a lot more to be told, a lot more to discover and it makes the story so gripping that you wouldn't want to put it down until you know the ending.

I have to stop babbling before I give away too much, so let me just say this: I really enjoyed Kiss of Frost that I want the next book NOW. I love Logan and I love Logan. Oops, I said that already. Anyway, if you've read and enjoyed Touch of Frost, I'm sure you'll gonna love this book. I didn't expect to really liked it this much but I did. I just want the next one and I want it now. The story is getting even more exciting. The book is getting better and better. It's very entertaining, you should read this one!

My Rating:

Book 1 in Mythos Academy Series 

by Jennifer Estep

My Review: Touch of Frost (Mythos Academy #1)

Read Summary/Add on Goodreads

Book Trailer Reveal & Book Excerpt: TASTE by Kate Evangelista

I am so excited to be a part of the Book Trailer Reveal and Book Excerpt of the upcoming YA Paranormal Romance TASTE by Author Kate Evangelista. I once posted a Cover Reveal of the book and if you haven't seen it or heard about it, please take a look at the gorgeous cover and read the blurb below. Along with this post, you can also find a super-exclusive excerpt of Taste. But you have to find the link in order to see it. Look around... it's not so hidden :)

Taste by Kate Evangelista

Publication Date: TBA
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Summary | Add to TBR

At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Luka has other plans.

When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn’t realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Luka the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud.

Now, for an even exciting part, here's the book trailer and book excerpt of TASTE. Enjoy!

Song Credits: "Hunger" © Noelle Pico. 

Full Download available at http://sheisnoelle.bandcamp.com

Excerpt: Taste

I sat up and followed Calixta’s gaze upward. I rubbed my eyes. I didn’t know what I was seeing at first. A statue? ­My brain refused to snap together coherent thoughts. I didn’t realize I’d fallen so close to one of the garden benches until I stared up at the boy that sat on one. He was strikingly beautiful. His tumble of blonde hair curled just above his sculpted cheekbones. He wore a silk shirt and a loosened cravat, like he’d become bored while dressing and decided to leave himself in disarray. His ivory skin and frozen position was what had me mistaking him for something carved from marble by Michelangelo. Then he sighed—a lonely, breathy proof of life. If I had to imagine what Lucifer looked like before he fell from heaven, the boy on the bench would certainly fulfill that image. My brain told me I had to look away, but I couldn’t. 

“Luka,” Calixta said again, her voice unsure, almost nervous. It no longer contained the steel and bite she had threatened me with, which made me wonder who the boy was. 

He leaned on his hands and crossed his legs, all the while keeping his eyes fixed on the night sky. His movements spoke of elegance and control. I’d encountered many people with breeding before, but his took on the air of arrogance and self-assuredness of someone used to getting what he wanted when he wanted it. 

I only realized I’d been holding my breath when my lungs protested. I exhaled. My heart sputtered and restarted with a vengeance. Luka tore his gaze away from the stars and settled it on me. I’d expected pitch-black irises, like the other Night Students, but blue ice stared back at me. 

“Human,” he whispered. 

He reached out, and with a finger, followed an invisible trail down my cheek. I stiffened. His touch, cooler than Demitri’s, caused warm sparks to blossom on my face. He lifted his finger to his lips and licked its tip. He might as well have licked me from the way my body shivered. 

Luka’s curious gaze held mine. “Leave us,” he said, but not to me. 

“But—” Calixta protested like a spoiled child. 

He spoke in a language I hadn’t heard before, remaining calm yet firm. The words had a rolling cadence I couldn’t quite follow, like rumbling thunder in the distance. They contained a harsh sensuality. The consonants were hard and the vowels were long and lilting. 

Footsteps retreated behind me. 

Luka reached out again. 

It took me a minute to realize he wanted to help me up. I hesitated. He smiled. I smiled back timidly and took his hand, completely dazzled. Even with my uniform soaked from melted snow, I didn’t feel cold—all my attention was on him and the way his callused hand felt on mine. Without moving much from his seated position, he helped me stand. 

“What’s your name?” he asked. He had a voice like a familiar lullaby. It filled my heart to the brim with comfort. 

I swallowed and tried to stop gawking. “Phoenix.” 

“The bird that rose from the ashes.” Luka bent his head and kissed the back of my hand. “It’s a pleasure meeting you.” 

My cheeks warmed. My head reeled, not knowing what to think. I couldn’t understand why I felt drawn to him. And the strange connection frightened me. 

From behind, someone gripped my arms and yanked me away before I could sort out the feelings Luka inspired in me. I found myself behind a towering figure yet again. Recognizing the blue-black silk for hair tied at the nape, relief washed over me. Calixta hadn’t come back to finish me off. 

Demitri’s large hand wrapped around my wrist. Unlike the night before, no calm existed in his demeanor. He trembled like a junky in need of a fix. The coiled power in his tense muscles vibrated into me. 

“What are you doing here?” Demitri asked. 

I didn’t know he’d spoken to me until I saw his expressionless profile. I sighed. 

“Phoenix.” 

I flinched. The ruthless way he said my name punched all the air out of me. “You owe me answers,” I said with as much bravado as I could muster. 

“I owe you nothing.” He glared. “In fact, you owe me your life.” 

“I don’t think so.” 

Ignoring my indignation, he faced Luka, who’d remained seated on the bench during my exchange with Demitri. “Why is she with you, Luka?” 

“I wasn’t going to taste her, if that’s what you’re implying,” Luka said. “Although, she is simply delicious. I wouldn’t mind if you left us alone.” 

There it was again. Taste. The word that kept coming up between these Night Students and I was connected to it in an increasingly uncomfortable way. To taste meant to sample, but what? My flesh? They had to be joking because the alternative wasn’t funny. 

“The sins of the father …” Demitri left his sentence unfinished. 

Luka’s smile shifted into a snarl. “Obey my command.” His chin lifted. “Kneel.” 

Demitri’s stance went rigid. His grip tightened around my wrist. 

Okay, weird just got weirder. Why would Luka want Demitri to kneel before him? I thought back to Eli and the others bowing to Demitri when he questioned them, but they didn’t kneel. Seriously? Were they all living on a different planet or something? 

“Kneel.” Luka’s detestable smirk made his features sinister rather than angelic. The real Lucifer: a fallen angel. 

Without letting go of my wrist, Demitri knelt down on one knee and bowed his head, his free hand flat at the center of his chest. “Your command has been obeyed,” he said formally. 

Luka nodded once. 

Demitri stood up and pulled me toward the school without telling me where we were going. Not having the time to thank Luka for saving me from Calixta, I risked a glance back. Luka smiled at me. His smile spoke of whispers, secrets, and promises to be shared on a later date.

. . . . .

About the Author:

When Kate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn't going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is in possession of a piece of paper that says to the world she owns a Literature degree. To make matters worse, she took Master's courses in creative writing. In the end, she realized to be a writer, none of what she had mattered. What really mattered? Writing. Plain and simple, honest to God, sitting in front of her computer, writing. Today, she has four completed Young Adult novels.

Author Website | Twitter | Facebook 
Find Taste on Goodreads | Crescent Moon Press page for Taste

What do you think? I can't wait to know what will happen next.  Did you find the not-so-hidden link for the super exclusive content of Taste? Oh, and don't forget to add this book to your TBR :) I'm super excited for this one!