No Chance Meeting {Blog Tour & Giveaway}

Alex Jennings is done with life. After losing her brother in Afghanistan, everything has collapsed around her. Getting laid off from her day job and failing in her art career, she has nowhere left to turn. She once had faith to believe that all things would work together for good, but that faith died with her brother. Now she just wants the pain to end.

Riley Conrad served thirteen years in the military until three bullets sent him home. After a year and a half of physical therapy and scraping together a living, all he wants is to live a simple life and perhaps even open the coffee shop he dreams about. However, the weight of failing his parents’ expectations doesn’t make it easy, and working as a bartender isn’t getting him anywhere fast.

Could a “chance” meeting between Alex and Riley set them both on the path God always intended?

Book Review

This book made me really hungry. And that is often a good indication of an excellent story. Blueberry pancakes, cinnamon rolls, cheesy garlic bread... even the descriptions of coffee made me wish I liked coffee. It also helps that Alex is a well-developed, extremely relatable protagonist.

I love how the characters are, realistically, doing what they have to in order to scrape by while still holding onto their "someday" dreams. And the true struggle of seeming to do everything "late," from finding a stable career to dating and getting married (and, in the case of Mindy and Zach, having kids). Speaking of Mindy and Zach - Alex's married best friends - I adored the portrayal of their relationship and the banter between them. No Chance Meeting falls solidly into the category of clean new adult fiction, which is a rare but wonderful thing.

Most of my complaints with this novel revolve around ideological differences, so I tried to look past them as much as possible. Regardless, punching people in the face should not be encouraged as an acceptable form of conflict resolution (this happens only once). And although I appreciate the positive way mental health was addressed in this book, I didn't feel like the treatment was super realistic, and it wasn't talked about much later in the book. There was a lot of potential in that area, and I was disappointed when it didn't follow through.

Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read, and I devoured it happily (and hungrily). Highly recommend to fans of clean romance. Oh, and did I mention that Jaye Elliot (aka Jaye L. Knight) also happens to be one of my favorite Christian fantasy authors?

4/5 leaves

About the Author

Jaye Elliot is an award-winning author, country girl, and hopeless romantic at heart. She loves a good hero and will always sigh happily during the lights scene in Tangled. She writes from her home in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, which she shares with three cats she considers her kids. When not writing romance novels, she pens fantasy and adventure stories as Jaye L. Knight.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

To celebrate the release of No Chance Meeting, Jaye is giving away a reader bundle that includes a signed copy of NCM, a hand-painted watercolor bookmark, a coffee mug, and a bag of Dove chocolates! Enter using the link below. U.S. entries only.

Enter to win the giveaway bundle via Rafflecopter

For her second giveaway, Jaye is offering 3 ebook copies of No Chance Meeting. Open internationally!

Enter to win the ebook giveaway via Rafflecopter

Visit Jaye Elliot's blog to see the full tour schedule. Other participating blogs are sharing author interviews, excerpts, and other fun content you won't want to miss!

Available now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and more!

20% of all February sales will go to the Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs.

 Add to Goodreads

Worlds Beneath {blog tour + giveaway!}

I read K. A. Emmons' first book, The Blood Race, after winning it in a giveaway last year, and it was amazing. So naturally, when asked if I would participate in the blog tour for Worlds Beneath, I enthusiastically signed up! Read on for my thoughts on this powerful sequel, followed by a chance to win your own paperback copy of The Blood Race (believe me, this is a journey you want to take).

I used to think that seeing was believing, but now, as I struggle to stay alive below the ravine, I begin to realize that - good or bad - I will see whatever I believe.

“Who are you, Icarus, that the earth opens its mouth to receive your blood?” Sensei’s words were my last thoughts before I fell into the bottomless ravine, plunging toward my own death, and bringing about Hawk’s at the same time. Or so I thought.

I woke up underwater. I awoke in a strange and unfamiliar world, filled with maze-like forest, shadows, and nightmares seemingly as vivid and dangerous as reality. I had no idea who I was, or how I got there - I couldn’t remember anything, until I remembered her: Hawk. The other half of my soul. 
--from Goodreads

Book Review

In a word: powerful. Worlds Beneath picks up right where the first book left off, and it's at least as good - no "soggy middle syndrome" that many trilogies suffer from! It's a gripping, nail-biting story with beautiful prose. I found it to be rather unpredictable, like a puzzle that slowly, haltingly came together. Themes of faith, hope, and finding courage support a beautiful, subtle allegory that contrasts human nature with the seemingly upside-down love of God.

The plot is brilliantly woven and full of vibrant, real characters with wonderful depth and raw emotion. Amid the tense action, thought-provoking dialogue and text often had me slowing down to savor the book. The characters remain much the same as in the first novel, with Hawk still mysterious and yet familiar, though we are given a more complete backstory for some of them. I love it.

Powerful, gripping, thought-provoking, beautiful.

5/5 leaves

About the Author: K. A. Emmons

When she’s not hermiting away in her colorfully-painted home office writing her next science fiction, passionate story-teller and adventurer Kate Emmons is probably on the road for a surf or hiking trip, listening to vinyls, or going for a power run. Emmons’ debut novel The Blood Race is the first book in her YA science fiction/fantasy thriller series. Get connected with Kate on your favorite social platform, and be sure to check out kaemmons.com!

facebook | goodreads | instagram | twitter

Giveaway Time!

If you haven't yet read book one, The Blood Race, and would like a chance to win a paperback copy, enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below! Both books are also available for purchase at the following links: The Blood Race and Worlds Beneath.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to Livy for coordinating this awesome blog tour!

Half-Blood (Ilyon Chronicles #1.5) {blog tour & giveaway!}

Jaye L. Knight’s new novella, Half-Blood, was released on Tuesday! Learn more about this prequel story to the Ilyon Chronicles and make sure you enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post!


about the book
The gasps and murmuring grew. Though some were hardly more than whispers, clear words reached Jace’s ears — dangerous, monster, animal, soulless. He tried to back away from their accusing eyes, but the collar pulled hard against his throat and held him in place.

For all his years as a slave, Jace has known nothing but the hatred people hold for his mixed blood — one half human, the other half the blood of a race considered monsters. Always, he is the outsider and quickly learns it is better to keep to himself. But, when his volatile ryrik blood leads him to do the unthinkable, he is thrown into a world of violence and bloodshed.

Forced to become a gladiator, Jace finds more and more of his heart dying as his master works to break down his will not to become the monster everyone believes he is. When a stranger interferes with his master’s harsh punishment, Jace’s world is upended yet again. But with it comes the possibility of hope that has long since died. Could the man possibly hold the key to escaping the hopeless darkness that is Jace’s life? Is there such a thing as life beyond the cruelty of slavery?

See where Jace’s story all began . . .

my rating

my review
I said in my review of Resistance (Ilyon Chronicles #1) that Jaye L. Knight has a talent for character development, and I'll say it again here: Jaye L. Knight has an amazing talent for character development.

In her first novel, Jace is a distant character with veiled emotions that we can sense have great depth to them, but we can only wonder at what he hides. In Half-Blood, we finally get an intimate look at Jace, his past, his emotions -- and this person who was a strong supporting character suddenly comes to the forefront and becomes startlingly, tragically real.

This is not a story that begs for pity, nor is it a heroic fight to overcome and conquer. It is a story of survival, and Jaye L. Knight makes it feel very realistic. She captures our hearts and our attention at the very beginning with six-year-old Jace, and guides us on a journey through the experiences that shaped him, and those that he didn't allow to.

I cannot recommend the Ilyon Chronicles enough.

Haven’t discovered the world of Ilyon yet? Find out more at the official Ilyon Chronicles website or read my review of Resistance!




about the author
Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Etsy, and on her new fiction forum where you can interact with other readers of the series.

giveaway
Prizes: an autographed copy of Half-Blood, a blue feather bookmark hand crafted by Jaye, a bronze sword pendant, and a $5 Amazon gift card! (Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

tour schedule
Tuesday, July 14
  Tour Introduction at Jaye L. Knight
  Review and Author Interview at 26 Countless Possibilites
  Review and Author Interview at Lianne Taimenlore
  Review and Author Interview at Crumpets 'n' Cream
  Review at Tialla's Tellings
Wednesday, July 15
  Review at The Destiny of One
  Book Spotlight at One Servant's Heart
  Review and Author Interview at Leah's Bookshelf
  Review and Author Interview at Red Lettering
  Review and Author Interview at Zerina Blossom's Books
Thursday, July 16
  Review and Author Interview at Sutori no Hana
  Review and Author Interview at Scattered Journal Pages
  Review and Author Interview at The Splendor Falls on Castle Walls
  Author Interview at A Writer's Faith
  Review and Author Interview at writinganyone
Friday, July 17
  Review and Author Interview at Written Rest
  Book Spotlight at Tell Tale Book Reviews
  Review and Author Interview at The Pen of a Ready Writer
  Review and Author Interview at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
  Review at Poetree
Saturday, July 18
  Review at A Writer's Heart
  Review at Reality Calling
  Author Interview at The Art of Storytelling
  Book Spotlight at Thilly Little Nothings
Sunday, July 19
  Review at Through My Lens
  Review at Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings
  Book Spotlight at Letters from Annie Douglass Lima
  Review at bookend
Monday, July 20
  Review at Pencils Can Change the World
  Review at Backing Books
  Review at Melody Jackson, Author
  Book Spotlight and Author Interview at In the Character's Shadow
Tuesday, July 21
  Review at A Vintage Girl in the Modern World
  Book Spotlight at However Improbable
  Review at God's Peculiar Treasure Rae
  Review and Author Interview at Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections
Wednesday, July 22
  Review at To Be a Person
  Tour Conclusion at Jaye L. Knight



*Thanks to Jaye L. Knight for sending me a free e-book in exchange for my honest review!

Half-Blood {cover reveal}

by Jaye L. Knight

about the book

The gasps and murmuring grew. Though some were hardly more than whispers, clear words reached Jace’s ears—dangerous, monster, animal, soulless. He tried to back away from their accusing eyes, but the collar pulled hard against his throat and held him in place.

For all his years as a slave, Jace has known nothing but the hatred people hold for his mixed blood—one half human, the other half the blood of a race considered monsters. Always, he is the outsider and quickly learns it is better to keep to himself. But, when his volatile ryrik blood leads him to do the unthinkable, he is thrown into a world of violence and bloodshed.

Forced to become a gladiator, Jace finds more and more of his heart dying as his master works to break down his will not to become the monster everyone believes he is. When a stranger interferes with his master’s harsh punishment, Jace’s world is upended yet again. But with it comes the possibility of hope that has long since died. Could the man possibly hold the key to escaping the hopeless darkness that is Jace’s life? Is there such a thing as life beyond the cruelty of slavery?

See where Jace’s story all began...

coming this summer!

about the author

Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

You can connect with Jaye on her website, blog, Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.

giveaway

As part of a month-long celebration for the one year publication anniversary of Resistance (Ilyon Chronicles - Book 1), Jaye is giving away several fun prizes! Enter for a chance to win using the form below! U.S. entries only please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

participating bloggers

A Writer's Faith

Morgan Elizabeth Huneke

A Writer's Heart

Thoughts and Rants

Written Rest

To Be A Person

Tialla's Tellings

The American Anglophile

Knitted By God's Plan

Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings

Pencils Can Change The World

Crafty Booksheeps

Zerina Blossom's Books

Ryebrynn's Random Ramblings

Through the Realm of Dreams

Red Lettering

Leah's Bookshelf

The Official Website of Brent King

Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections

Shattered Fractals

Flights from the Aerie

E. Rawls

The Pen of a Ready Writer

Scattered Journal Pages

Sutori no Hana

The Art of Storytelling

and the winner is...

Carly C.

Congratulations! I hope you enjoy Dragon's Curse as much as I did!

Thank you to all who participated--it's kind of hard to have a giveaway when there's no one to give away to! :)

Dragon's Curse GIVEAWAY!

Get excited, folks! H.L. Burke has just released Dragon's Debt, book two in The Dragon and the Scholar Saga. I'm a bit biased, having copyedited the novel, but I can assure you that it's an exciting read, full of mysterious monsters, a splash of romance, and, well, dragons!

Haven't read book one yet? Enter below for a chance to win a free digital copy of Dragon's Curse! (Seriously. Enter. I gave this wonderful little gem a 5/5.)

Book Blurb for Dragon's Curse

On her first assignment out of the Academy, young healer and scholar, Shannon Macaulay is summoned to the struggling kingdom of Regone to see to the wounds of a young but crippled king. When the unwanted attentions of an aggressive knight and the sudden appearance of a hated dragon turn her world upside down, she decides to take matters into her own hands even if doing so proves dangerous.

Finding herself strangely drawn to the company of the dragon, Gnaw, Shannon must force herself out of her safe world of books and botany to come to the aid of her unexpected ally in a strange kingdom, cursed by a fateful encounter with a dragon and the loss of a beloved prince. Can she learn to put aside her fears, and perhaps sacrifice her deepest desires, to help a friend and restore a family?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

book lover giveaway and linkup

Whether you look forward to the lacy pink hearts and boxes of chocolates or despise the 24 hours dedicated to romance, a pile of books is hard to pass up! In honor of Valentine's Day, author Jessica Greyson is hosting a Book Lover Giveaway, so hop on over to her blog by the 14th to enter!

She also has a Book Lover Linkup that I couldn't resist participating in:

What book do you love but everyone else seems to dislike?
None come to mind...

What book does everyone else seem to love, but you just can’t get into?

Well, there's always Twilight, but that hardly counts since I haven't actually read it. The Wheel of Time is very popular among fantasy lovers, but I found book one rather mediocre.

Love in books—love or hate it?

I'm somewhere in the middle. Although I generally avoid romances, I will occasionally pick one up if it seems to have a decent plot. I prefer the romance to be a subplot.