Spacehive by Kenna McKinnon

Want a great Christmas gift for that teen on your list? Get Spacehive today! An amazing stocking stuffer that any young adult or middle grader (or older) would buzz about for months after.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

There's a buzz in the air--and it's deadly...

After getting kidnapped by giant alien bees, twelve-year-old Jason Anderson is transported to a spaceship called SpaceHive. There, he learns of a horrifying plot to annihilate Earth's human population so that extraterrestrial bees and wasps can migrate to a new world.

As a swarm of spaceships make a beeline toward Earth, Jason must convince three friendly worker bees to help him escape his space prison and find other humans to aid in his mission to stop the invasion. But General Vard, wasp commander of the Black Watch, has other plans.

Can Jason unite the nations of Earth in their common fight to destroy these alien invaders? Or will Earth be lost to the sting of conspiracy and a worldwide massacre?

EXCERPT

Earth was in danger.

Jealous eyes gazed toward our Sun from a planet called Jive Hive in another star system, black compound eyes that peered without compassion as though we were flies caught on sticky paper ready for the fire.

The first of their suns was setting as blood-orange light spilled into the valley. Three female worker bees, two over seven feet tall and the other not quite five feet, sat under a purple-flowered tree, sorting through various blossoms, while other bees worked nearby.

"We can't go on like this much longer," Banter said. "There are too many of us. The hive has to find a new home. The Black Watch wasps, vicious as they are, know what they're doing. They've been scanning the skies for hundreds of years and keeping a check on our population."

She sat next to her cousins, Zibb and Bipp. They had worked all day collecting pollen for their hive. Now they rested and talked of the Imperative—to colonize. The whole Jive Hive planet was abuzz with the news.

"Yes," Zibb agreed. "The queen said this one is a plum ripe for the picking and only eight light years away. We'll be tired from the long sleep when we arrive. It'll be a brand new adventure for us. A new Jive Hive."

"Too bad there are beings there." Banter selected a fresh flower and began culling its nectar.

"Too bad we have to kill them all," Zibb said.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

"Wickedly funny and brimming with satire—a strange and quirky twist on the science fiction genre that will leave you in stitches."—Derrick Hibbard, author of IMPISH

"Sometimes humorous, sometimes terrifying, and always imaginative, this high-tech, interplanetary tale will keep you buzzing through page after page. You will never look at bees the same way!" —Val Muller, author of Corgi Capers: Deceit on Dorset Drive

"Highly recommended for youngsters and their parents alike!" – Derrick Hibbard, author of Impish

"Many novels have a sting in the tail, SPACEHIVE is literally full of them! I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. SPACEHIVE is not only imaginative, but also extremely thought provoking. An absolute credit to this first time author. Bravo!" —Philip Parry, author of Wishful Thinking

"SPACEHIVE is a fast paced, cross-pollination of a plot populated with invading giant wasps and bees sure to sting the imagination of its target audience." ~ Paula Shene, author of Mandy the Alpha Dog

"Don't get stung and miss this. You'll hive a great read and get a buzz." —Alan Place, author of Pat Canella: The Dockland Murders

AUTHOR BIO:

Kenna McKinnon is a freelance writer/photographer and self-employed medical transcriptionist who lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. SpaceHive is her debut novel, published by Imajin Books.

Her most memorable years were spent at the University of Alberta, where she amazingly graduated with a degree in Anthropology (1975). She has lived successfully with schizophrenia for many years and is now a senior woman, member of the Writers' Guild of Alberta and the Canadian Authors Association.

Kenna is the author of SpaceHive, a middle grade sci-fi/fantasy novel traditionally published by Imajin Books; The Insanity Machine, a self-published memoir with co-author Austin Mardon, PhD, CM, including the latest research available at the time of writing; and DISCOVERY – A Collection of Poetry, all released in 2012. Her books are available in eBook and paperback worldwide on Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, and selected bookstores and public libraries. Kenna's newest MG/YA novel, BIGFOOT BOY: Lost on Earth, will be released October 30, 2013 by Mockingbird Lane Press, a traditional small press.

Kenna is the proud mother of three wonderful children and three grandsons. Follow her blog or follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

IMPORTANT LINKS

Her author's blog: http://kennamckinnon.blogspot.com

Twitter: @KennaMcKinnon

Facebook: KennaMcKinnonAuthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon:  http://tinyurl.com/cvg9c4t

Createspace:  https://www.createspace.com/3966763

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/351999

NEW RELEASE: Honeysuckle and Jasmine by Liz Grace Davis

Hi everyone,

I'm very excited to announce the release of my new novel, Honeysuckle and Jasmine. This was the hardest novel for me to write for two reasons. Firstly, it's a slightly darker novel than what I normally write and secondly, while writing and editing the manuscript, I was pregnant and extremely exhausted all the time. I almost gave up on the novel but thanks to the support of my family and friends (especially my author friends), I'm so happy I didn't. So, I'm glad to finally share with you Senia and Miina's story.

The book is available for purchase on AMAZON.

It would mean a lot to me if you could also share the news with your family and friends. Thank you in advance.

The past is never far behind.

Senia Loato's life has been needled by disappointment, and the wounds that fester go beyond skin deep. She is certain if she puts miles between her and her tainted past, she will somehow outrun it. When she's offered the chance to leave her island home of Mintang to become an au pair for three boys in Germany, she takes the opportunity to start running.

In Germany, she meets Miina, another African au pair. What builds between them is a life-defining friendship, one they will risk everything for.

And soon, they'll be asked nothing less.

When Miina is betrayed and left stranded, Senia stands by her, risking much more than just her stay in Germany. She also stands to lose rich, handsome, turquoise-eyed Roman Dorenwald, the first man she has allowed into her heart.

But they're risks worth taking.

Eventually, Senia makes a sacrifice that catapults her back to her past, where she's forced to draw back the curtain and discover the shocking truth of her history.

Can she confront her nightmares, reach deep into her soul, and forgive those who have hurt her? Or is it easier to just keep running?
***This story was partly inspired by true events***

New Cover Reveal: Chocolate Aftertaste by Liz Grace Davis (Great Giveaways)

I'm so very excited to finally show you the new cover for Chocolate Aftertaste. Although I loved the old cover, I think the new one is more what I had envisioned for the story. It does tell the story. To celebrate the reveal, there are great prizes. Use the rafflecopter at the end of the post to enter. Also, Chocolate Aftertaste will be 0.99 cents for a limited time. So, grab your copy, if you didn't already.
Here is the cover:

Previous Cover

New Cover

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Nora Darkin’s life has never been her own, but that’s about to change, and what she finds on the other side will taste a lot like sweet freedom.

Aidan Darkin, a wealthy entrepreneur, has controlled his daughter, Nora, since the death of his wife years prior. Nora never thought to question the decisions he made for her, always believing he knew best. But trust comes with a price, and for Nora, the sacrifice is her own happiness.

On the eve of Nora’s wedding, confronted with a truth that will change everything and a betrayal that will fracture the life she’s always known, she will do the unthinkable—defy her father and make her escape.

On her own for the first time, Nora makes the quaint country town of Dreara, known for its extraordinary chocolate, her temporary home. Faced with choosing for herself for the first time in her life, Nora sets out to capture her own independence, to fall in love for the right reasons with a man of her own choosing, and embark on a journey that will fulfill her soul—even if that means risking it all, and losing more than she ever imagined.

But even a place known for its chocolate doesn’t offer Nora the sweet beginning she’d hoped for.

For a limited time, Chocolate Aftertaste is only 99 cents. Get your copy today!

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Book Blast: The Reluctant Bride by Beverley Eikli

I’m excited to introduce you to a new book, The Reluctant Bride by Beverley Eikli.

Beverley has also brought along a prize that will be awarded to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Leave a comment for a chance to win a $20 Amazon/BN GC. And follow the tour to increase your chances of winning. You’ll find the tour dates HERE. 

I love the book cover.

 

BOOK BLURB:

Winner of the Choc-Lit Australian Star competition!

Emily Micklen is proud, passionate – and left with no option after the death of her loving fiancé, Jack, but to marry the scarred, taciturn, soldier who needs to secure a well-connected wife.

Major Angus McCartney hopes that marriage to the unobtainable beauty whose confident gaze about the ballroom once failed to register his presence will offer both of them a chance to put the past to rest.

Emily’s determination to be faithful to Jack’s memory is matched only by Angus’s desire to win her with honour and action. Sent to France on a mission of national security, Angus discovers how deeply Emily has been duped, but the secrets he uncovers lead them both into danger. Can Angus and Emily unmask the real conspirators before they lose everything?

EXCERPT

‘It’s not a sin, unless you get caught.’

The gentle breeze seemed to whisper Jack’s teasing challenge, its soft, silken fingers tugging at Emily’s ingrained obedience. She put down her basket and stared with longing at the waters below, sweat prickling her scalp beneath her poke bonnet as desire warred with fear of the consequences.

‘Where’s your sense of adventure, Em?’

Still resisting, Emily closed her eyes, but the wind’s wicked suggestiveness was like the caress of Jack’s breath against her heated cheek; daring Emily to shrug aside a lifetime of dutiful subservience – again – and peel off her clothes, this time to plunge into the inviting stream beneath the willows.

She imagined Jack’s warm brown eyes glinting with wickedness. Taunting her like the burr that had worked its way into the heel of her woollen stockings during her walk.

Exhaling on a sigh, Emily opened her eyes and admitted defeat as she succumbed to the pull of the reed-fringed

waters.

Desire had won, justified by practicality. If she had to remove one stocking to dislodge the burr she might as well remove both.

Scrambling down the embankment, she lowered herself onto a rock by the water’s edge. Her father would never know. If he glanced from his study in the tower room, where he was doubtless gloating over his balance sheet, he’d assume she was a village lass making her way along the track. Emily had never seen him interest himself in the poor except …

Like most unpleasant memories, she tried to cast this one out with a toss of her head, still glad her father had never

discovered what she’d witnessed from her bedroom window one evening five years ago: the curious sight of Bartholomew

Micklen ushering the beggar girl who’d arrived on his doorstep into his carriage.

Then climbing in after her before it rumbled down the driveway and out of sight.

Now was just another of those moments when Emily was glad her father remained in ignorance. Her insurance, should she need it, was that she knew a few of her father’s secrets the excise men might just want to know.

By the time the first stocking had followed Emily’s boots onto the grassy bank she was bursting with anticipation for her swim.

What did one more sin matter when she’d be Mrs Jack Noble in less than a week?

AUTHOR Bio:

Beverley Eikli is the author of eight historical romances published by Pan Macmillan Momentum, Robert Hale, Ellora's Cave and Total-e-Bound. Recently she won UK Women's Fiction publisher Choc-Lit's Search for an Australian Star competition with her suspenseful, spy-based Regency Romance The Reluctant Bride.

She's been shortlisted twice for a Romance Readers of Australia Award in the Favourite Historical category — in 2011 for  A Little Deception, and in 2012 for her racy Regency Romp, Rake's Honour, written under her Beverley Oakley pseudonym.

Beverley wrote her first romance when she was seventeen. However, drowning the heroine on the last page was, she discovered, not in the spirit of the genre so her romance-writing career ground to a halt and she became a journalist.

After throwing in her job on South Australia's metropolitan daily The Advertiser to manage a luxury safari lodge in the Okavango Delta, in Botswana, Beverley discovered a new world of romance and adventure in a thatched cottage in the middle of a mopane forest with the handsome Norwegian bush pilot she met around a camp fire.

Eighteen years later, after exploring the world in the back of Cessna 404s and CASA 212s as an airborne geophysical survey operator during low-level sorties over the French Guyanese jungle and Greenland's ice cap, Beverley is back in Australia teaching in the Department of Professional Writing & Editing at Victoria University, as well as teaching Short Courses for the Centre of Adult Education and Macedon Ranges Further Education.

She writes Regency Historical Intrigue as Beverley Eikli and erotic historicals as Beverley Oakley.

Beverley won the Choc Lit Search for an Australian Star competition with The Reluctant Bride.

Shortlisted for the 2012 Australian Romance Readers Award for her novel Rake's Honour

Finalist in the 2011 Australian Romance Readers Awards for her novel A Little Deception.

Important Links:

Website: http://beverleyoakley.com/Beverley_Oakley/Welcome.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beverley.eikli?ref=tn_tnmn

Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/The-Reluctant-Bride-Beverley-Eikli/dp/1781890862/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1372649516&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=beverley+eikli

Amazon.co.uk - http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Reluctant-Bride-Beverley-Eikli/dp/1781890862/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372649607&sr=8-1&keywords=the+reluctant+bride+beverley+eikli

Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-reluctant-bride-beverley-eikli/1114869375?ean=9781781890868

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Beverley-Eikli/e/B0034Q44E0

 

The Eyes of Love Tour ($50 Giftcard Giveaway)

Dear friends and visitors,

I’m excited to welcome Angelina Rose, the author of The Eyes of Love, to Novel Moments. Before introducing you to the novel, she was kind enough to put together a blog post for authors interested in reading about research from another author’s perspective.

After reading the post, please stay a while. The author is giving away a $50 Amazon or BN.com gift card to one lucky commenter. To increase your chances of winning, follow the tour and comment. You’ll find the tour dates HERE.

Now, Angelina Rose, give us some researching tips.

Researching tips

Research doesn’t have to play a huge part in fiction writing, but it will add the polish and knowledge that will make your readers view your work as credible. You don’t want to receive comment after comment on your romance novel about a farmer and his bride pointing out wheat doesn’t really grow in Wyoming when you’ve worked so hard on all the other elements of your story.

A good start is always a quick Internet search, especially if you just need a small amount of information. For example, obviously your romance novel doesn’t include the daily ins and outs of farming, but you will probably mention a crop or two and you should make sure they grow in that region. Even for a larger search, the Internet is a great starting point. However, don’t take everything you read online as the whole truth! It’s always good to verify any of the information you use by looking it up on several other sites just to make sure your original source was correct.

Another great thing about using the Internet to search is you will often find links to other articles that might help you in your story as well. Chances are good the person writing what you’re reading did their own research and their sources are usually mentioned, which is an excellent way to get keywords for a new search.

 BLURB:  

After a tragic loss five years ago, Sally Overby becomes an Attorney in Atlanta. She convinces herself that all she'll ever need again is her young son, David, and her life as an attorney. Until one day, Colin Dean barges back into her life and promptly blows her safe world apart, driving her crazy as only a guy she'd had a "school girl crush" on can.

Sally is wary to love deeply. Only, with every loving look Colin gives her plus every sweet kiss, as the attraction between them sparks, she can’t help but wonder if she’s met the one she should be with. And although Colin didn’t realize his life was going to change so quickly, amazingly, he isn’t the least bit interested in fighting that change. Instead, he’s gearing up for a different fight altogether. The one for Sally’s heart.

Will Colin be able to convince her that's it safe to love him... and that forever isn't really out of reach?

The Eyes of Love is a novella… so you can enjoy it in just one day!

EXCERPT

"Hi there. I'm Gracie..." the waitress said as she put down a napkin and some silverware.

"Gracie. It's me. Sally Overby," she said grinning.

Gracie stopped in her tracks and squinted her eyes. "Sally? I can't believe it! You're stunning, honey!" she said reaching down and hugging her. "What are you doing in town?"

"Reunion. And to see Momma, of course."

"I can't get over how beautiful you are!"

"Thanks."

"You were always a sweetheart of a person, but now your outside matches your inside."

"That's a nice way to look at it."

"So, what have you been up to?"

"Let's see... Became an attorney, got married, had a son, became a widow..."

"Oh, Sally, I'm so sorry! I remember that now. Your Momma told me a few years back. You're still single?"

"Yep. But I have a date to the reunion tomorrow night, so I guess I'm officially back on the dating circuit now," Sally said giggling.

"Date? Who with?"

"Colin Dean."

Gracie started fanning herself. "Oh, girl, you scored on that one, huh?"

"I did. He's a wonderful guy."

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Angelina Rose has wanted to write ever since she could hold a pencil. The first daughter of immigrant parents, Angelina had her head buried in books, lost in a world of heroes, heroines and exotic places.

It was a shocking experience that jump-started Angelina's author career.

"I awoke in the ICU... I had been unconscious for several days," Angelina says.

In 2010, Angelina had a long stint in hospital following her involvement in a motor vehicle accident: the longest time off work (as a Registered Nurse), she'd ever had in her life!

It was then she took up pen and paper and started to write again, just as she had done when she was a child. She wrote four short fiction stories for young adults, entered them in several competitions, and managed to win three first prizes!

After happily dipping her toes into writing those short fiction stories for young adults, Angelina has now authored four books in a new "Mill Creek Crossing Romance" series... contemporary romance intended for adults.

The "Starting Over Series" is another contemporary romance series she wrote about a subject she knows well... nurses and their love life. At a recent reunion of her graduating class, she could not help but notice how the same girls would group together and laugh, chat, and even shed some tears over their lives since graduating. Many of the girls had divorced... so Angelina thought "what if a group of the nurses came up with a plan to meet in two years and have a new love story to share?" Then the first story in the series was born.

There is always a story running around in her head. A man with thick dark hair, gray-blue eyes, with an engaging smile and a quick wit... or a girl crying over a broken relationship. She finds herself talking to these characters during her day: when she's doing dishes, or bathing babies at the hospital. These characters crop up on days at the beach or on walks through the neighborhood. This is how the stories start to grow.

Angelina's mother was an author, so Angelina grew up with a love of words and stories. If she wasn't writing a short story about something that took her fancy, her head was buried in books... reading, reading, reading, as her brother constantly told her...

When she's not spending time with her good looking man, or quality time with her laptop, she's working at the hospital, hanging out with her family and friends, or walking her two dogs around the neighborhood. Angelina spends as much time as she can traveling, then coming home and including some of those adventures in her stories.

Angelina really loves to hear from her readers and she invites you to connect with her on Facebook as she interacts daily with her readers there!

Buy Link:  http://www.amazon.com/The-Eyes-of-Love-ebook/dp/B00CRM1Q4I

Facebook:  https://facebook.com/angelinaroseromanceauthor

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RoseRomanceBook

Website:  http://AngelinaRoseRomance.com

Goodreads:   http://www.goodreads.com/angelinaroseromance

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