#IABBAddict: Spinne the Spider's Big City Adventure by MaeMae Spencer

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Author: MaeMae Spencer

Title: Spinne the Spider's Big City Adventure

Pages: 42

Genre: children's book

Date published: October 2, 2015

Synopsis:

Born with only six legs, Spinne is a unique spider. Through hard work she's living life the same as any other spider, without letting her disability disable her. With the love and support of her family, she knows she can accomplish great things. 

Lately she has been dreaming of an adventure all her own. One day when she's older, her mom says, she will have plenty of adventures. Knowing this doesn't keep her from dreaming. 

After accidentally falling asleep on a car, Spinne finds herself zooming from the country to the big city. Looks like that big adventure is going to happen sooner than she realized. Is she ready? Find out in Spinne the Spider's Big City Adventure!

AMAZON // GOODREADS

EXCERPT

Stars twinkled overhead, creating a blanket of light in the sky. Spinne sat on the ledge outside the window of the house, looking up.
"Mom, there has to be more to life than this," she said, waving one of her six legs.
"There is, dear. There is a whole wide world out there. But not all of it is nice, or safe, or kind," she answered as she spun a cocoon around their dinner.
Spinne had been born with only six legs, and it made some tasks like creating an effective web more difficult. Having less legs than every other spider she knew was the way it had always been, so she made it work. "You've said it yourself, we should judge by who someone is on the inside, not what they look like on the outside. I'm good inside. How can we be sure I won't be just fine out there?" This was a conversation they'd had more than once. Spinne wanted to see the good in everyone, and she didn't understand why her mother was so sure about those she hadn't met.
Spinne's mom finished her task and slid down from the web to sit beside her. She looked up at the sky, at the same stars Spinne was studying. "When you were little — a few days old — a group of young ants wandered by. They noticed right away that you were different. One of them made a rude remark about your missing legs and that ant's mother, who was walking along behind, looked over and saw you. She didn't correct her son's mistake, which tells me she didn't think there was anything wrong with what he said."
With wide eyes, Spinne looked up at her mom. "What did you do?"
"I was shocked at his words and even more shocked at his mother's reaction. I was furious enough to give her a piece of my mind but, by the time I recovered, they were gone. What I did instead was cry, and then I promised myself — and you — that I would protect you from that sort of behavior as long as I live. I haven't seen those ants since that day, or I would certainly let them know how inappropriate their responses to you were."
The moonlight shone down, reflecting off the tear as it slipped down her mom's face. The memory must have been very painful for her, if bringing it to mind made her cry again.
Spinne had never seen her mother cry before and felt awful about it. She wanted to make everything better, and searched her brain for something to say.
"Not everyone is like that, though. There are lots of good ones out there… right?"
She wiped the tear away. "Sure, there are plenty that are good."
Not convinced by her tone of voice, Spinne opened her mouth to ask why she didn't sound sure, then closed it again. Maybe she should leave well enough alone.

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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26259378-spinne-the-spider-s-big-city-adventure" style="clear: left; color: #00635d; float: left; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="Spinne the Spider's Big City Adventure" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1444681518l/26259378.jpg" style="border: 0px;" width="213" /></a><b>Author</b>: MaeMae Spencer</div>
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<b>Title</b>: Spinne the Spider's Big City Adventure</div>
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<b>Pages</b>: 42</div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Genre</b><span style="background-color: white;">:</span> children's book</div>
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<b>Date published</b>: October 2, 2015</div>
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<b style="background-color: white;">Synopsis:</b></div>
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Born with only six legs, Spinne is a unique spider. Through hard work she's living life the same as any other spider, without letting her disability disable her. With the love and support of her family, she knows she can accomplish great things.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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Lately she has been dreaming of an adventure all her own. One day when she's older, her mom says, she will have plenty of adventures. Knowing this doesn't keep her from dreaming.&nbsp;</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After accidentally falling asleep on a car, Spinne finds herself zooming from the country to the big city. Looks like that big adventure is going to happen sooner than she realized. Is she ready? Find out in Spinne the Spider's Big City Adventure!</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1Qta6Rz" style="color: #b5653b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">AMAZON</a>&nbsp;//&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26259378-spinne-the-spider-s-big-city-adventure" style="color: #b5653b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">GOODREADS</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">EXCERPT</span></b></div>
<blockquote style="text-align: left;">
Stars twinkled overhead, creating a blanket of light in the sky. Spinne sat on the ledge outside the window of the house, looking up.<br />"Mom, there has to be more to life than this," she said, waving one of her six legs.<br />"There is, dear. There is a whole wide world out there. But not all of it is nice, or safe, or kind," she answered as she spun a cocoon around their dinner.<br />Spinne had been born with only six legs, and it made some tasks like creating an effective web more difficult. Having less legs than every other spider she knew was the way it had always been, so she made it work. "You've said it yourself, we should judge by who someone is on the inside, not what they look like on the outside. I'm good inside. How can we be sure I won't be just fine out there?" This was a conversation they'd had more than once. Spinne wanted to see the good in everyone, and she didn't understand why her mother was so sure about those she hadn't met.<br />Spinne's mom finished her task and slid down from the web to sit beside her. She looked up at the sky, at the same stars Spinne was studying. "When you were little — a few days old — a group of young ants wandered by. They noticed right away that you were different. One of them made a rude remark about your missing legs and that ant's mother, who was walking along behind, looked over and saw you. She didn't correct her son's mistake, which tells me she didn't think there was anything wrong with what he said."<br />With wide eyes, Spinne looked up at her mom. "What did you do?"<br />"I was shocked at his words and even more shocked at his mother's reaction. I was furious enough to give her a piece of my mind but, by the time I recovered, they were gone. What I did instead was cry, and then I promised myself — and you — that I would protect you from that sort of behavior as long as I live. I haven't seen those ants since that day, or I would certainly let them know how inappropriate their responses to you were."<br />The moonlight shone down, reflecting off the tear as it slipped down her mom's face. The memory must have been very painful for her, if bringing it to mind made her cry again.<br />Spinne had never seen her mother cry before and felt awful about it. She wanted to make everything better, and searched her brain for something to say.<br />"Not everyone is like that, though. There are lots of good ones out there… right?"<br />She wiped the tear away. "Sure, there are plenty that are good."<br />Not convinced by her tone of voice, Spinne opened her mouth to ask why she didn't sound sure, then closed it again. Maybe she should leave well enough alone.</blockquote>
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#IABBAddict: Poison by Lan Chan

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Author: Lan Chan

Title: Poison

Series: Wind Dancer, #1

Pages: 193

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian

Date published: August 31, 2015

Synopsis:

Since the night her mother was murdered, sixteen-year-old Rory Gray has known one truth: There are no good Seeders. 

In post-apocalyptic Australia, the scientists known as Seeders have built a Citadel surrounded by food-producing regions and populated with refugees from the wars and famine. To maintain their control, the Seeders poisoned the land and outlawed the saving of seeds.

It’s been six years since Rory graced the Seeders’ circus stage as the Wind Dancer and still the scars on her body haven’t healed. Even worse are the scars on her heart, left by a Seeder boy who promised to protect her.

Now the Seeders are withholding supplies from Rory’s region for perceived disobedience. Utilising the Wanderer knowledge she received from her mother, Rory must journey to the Citadel through uninhabitable terrain to plead for mercy.

However, the Citadel isn’t as Rory remembered. The chief plant geneticist is dying and rumours fly that the store of viable seed is dwindling. The Seeders are desperate to find a seed bank they believe Rory can locate, and they will stop at nothing to get it. 

To defy the Seeders means death. But Rory has been close to death before--this time she’s learned the value of poison.

Recommended for fans of The Hunger Games, strong protagonists, circuses and nature!

AMAZON // GOODREADS

EXCERPT

I run until it feels like my lungs will burst and every drag of air is excruciating. Then I stumble around in the dark for hours until I finally give up and start to climb again. I go up as far as I can, as high as the branches will support me, and wait for the coming dawn.
I’m awoken by the hollowness in my stomach. My eyes are grainy and the light is too bright, but I force them open. I’m way above the first canopy, and this high up, the forest is covered in a layer of mist so dense it could be snow. But no layer of weather would be magical enough to obscure the other sight. High above the treetops, pushing upwards so the tips of the skyscrapers disappear into the clouds, is the Citadel. I hadn’t even noticed it was so close. On this level, the Iron Gates and the six-metre wall surrounding the Citadel are obscured by trees. Besides Warden Tower and the distant gleam from the dome over the Forgotten Garden, the skyline has changed dramatically from what I once knew. Skyscrapers have risen and fallen, and there’s a sense that the entire city is slowly expanding over the mountain it rests on.
It feels wrong to be trying to get back into the Citadel after so long. I barely escaped the first time, and only because I suspect Papa made some kind of untoward deal with the Seeders in exchange for my freedom. Yet seeing it so close, knowing it’s not just a figment of my imagination, fills me with a sense of urgency.
I’m not ready. I don’t have enough information about what I’m getting myself into. So I do the only thing that comes naturally when I’m unsure. I start to climb and don’t stop until the branch I cling to is little more than sapwood. I seat myself with my belly against the tiny leader branch and hug the tree as it sways precariously against the prevailing wind. In this moment, I actually feel like I’m a part of the eternal dance between the earth and the sky. The branch tips horizontally, and I close my eyes and pretend I’m on a ride at the fair that accompanies the circus around the regions.
I smile and then catch myself as a sickening thought occurs to me. Do I really love soaring over the earth, or is it something the Seeders have planted in me by conditioning? If it’s the latter, does it say something about me that I’ve embraced being up so high?

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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440216877l/26143713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: left; color: #3c1f00; float: left; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="26143713" border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1440216877l/26143713.jpg" style="border: 0px; color: #181818; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;" width="200" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Author</b>: Lan Chan</div>
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<b>Title</b>: Poison</div>
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<b>Series</b>: Wind Dancer, #1</div>
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<b>Pages</b>: 193</div>
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<b>Genre</b>: Young Adult Dystopian</div>
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<b>Date published</b>: August 31, 2015</div>
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<b>Synopsis:</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Since the night her mother was murdered, sixteen-year-old Rory Gray has known one truth: There are no good Seeders.&nbsp;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">In post-apocalyptic Australia, the scientists known as Seeders have built a Citadel surrounded by food-producing regions and populated with refugees from the wars and famine. To maintain their control, the Seeders poisoned the land and outlawed the saving of seeds.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">It’s been six years since Rory graced the Seeders’ circus stage as the Wind Dancer and still the scars on her body haven’t healed. Even worse are the scars on her heart, left by a Seeder boy who promised to protect her.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Now the Seeders are withholding supplies from Rory’s region for perceived disobedience. Utilising the Wanderer knowledge she received from her mother, Rory must journey to the Citadel through uninhabitable terrain to plead for mercy.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">However, the Citadel isn’t as Rory remembered. The chief plant geneticist is dying and rumours fly that the store of viable seed is dwindling. The Seeders are desperate to find a seed bank they believe Rory can locate, and they will stop at nothing to get it.&nbsp;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">To defy the Seeders means death. But Rory has been close to death before--this time she’s learned the value of poison.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Recommended for fans of The Hunger Games, strong protagonists, circuses and nature!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1Qt8APF" style="color: #b5653b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">AMAZON</a>&nbsp;//&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26143713-poison" style="color: #b5653b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">GOODREADS</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">EXCERPT</span></b></div>
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I run until it feels like my lungs will burst and every drag of air is excruciating. Then I stumble around in the dark for hours until I finally give up and start to climb again. I go up as far as I can, as high as the branches will support me, and wait for the coming dawn.<br />I’m awoken by the hollowness in my stomach. My eyes are grainy and the light is too bright, but I force them open. I’m way above the first canopy, and this high up, the forest is covered in a layer of mist so dense it could be snow. But no layer of weather would be magical enough to obscure the other sight. High above the treetops, pushing upwards so the tips of the skyscrapers disappear into the clouds, is the Citadel. I hadn’t even noticed it was so close. On this level, the Iron Gates and the six-metre wall surrounding the Citadel are obscured by trees. Besides Warden Tower and the distant gleam from the dome over the Forgotten Garden, the skyline has changed dramatically from what I once knew. Skyscrapers have risen and fallen, and there’s a sense that the entire city is slowly expanding over the mountain it rests on.<br />It feels wrong to be trying to get back into the Citadel after so long. I barely escaped the first time, and only because I suspect Papa made some kind of untoward deal with the Seeders in exchange for my freedom. Yet seeing it so close, knowing it’s not just a figment of my imagination, fills me with a sense of urgency.<br />I’m not ready. I don’t have enough information about what I’m getting myself into. So I do the only thing that comes naturally when I’m unsure. I start to climb and don’t stop until the branch I cling to is little more than sapwood. I seat myself with my belly against the tiny leader branch and hug the tree as it sways precariously against the prevailing wind. In this moment, I actually feel like I’m a part of the eternal dance between the earth and the sky. The branch tips horizontally, and I close my eyes and pretend I’m on a ride at the fair that accompanies the circus around the regions.<br />I smile and then catch myself as a sickening thought occurs to me. Do I really love soaring over the earth, or is it something the Seeders have planted in me by conditioning? If it’s the latter, does it say something about me that I’ve embraced being up so high?</blockquote>
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#IABBAddict: Artist by Juli Valenti

Check out more information on #IABBAddicts here

Join us every Thursday for IABB #Confessions

ABOUT THE BOOK

Author: Juli Valenti

Title: Artist

Series: Redemption Reigns MC, #2

Pages: 193

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Date published: November 8, 2015

Synopsis:

Cecili “Artist” Warren knew what she was getting into when she asked to prospect for Hells Redemption Motorcycle Club. At least, she thought she did. What she hadn’t been prepared for was the grueling training, long working hours at her tattoo shop, and falling for the man who’d tested her limits day after day. 

Shakespeare Carter, Vice President of Hells Redemption, was ruthless in all aspects of life – from his role within the club to the demands he placed on Artist. It was no secret he was a hard man, but even ice melted when confronted with fire. 

After a close friend of Artist’s is shot during a hit on the club, she becomes determined to seek out retribution. Little did she know that would be much harder than any of them ever expected. 

With Shakespeare’s help, can she prove to be as strong as he thinks she is? And, more, will she come out alive on the other side and still recognize herself?

AMAZON // GOODREADS

EXCERPT

“How many times do I have to tell you not to lean on your back foot when firin?’ That’s why you’re missin,’” Shakespeare barked, scolding her, and it took everything she had not to bash him in the face with the butt of the rifle.

It had been eight months since Artist had been given her prospect patch and officially started her road into being a member of Hells Redemption. Since then, she’d been put through grueling tasks and training, testing her worth and her dedication to the MC, and to herself. Most days she fell in bed exhausted, too tired to think or relive the days. But some days, days like today, she was almost driven to violence.

“I’m trying, damn it,” she whispered through gritted teeth, re-centering herself to the target and preparing to fire once more.

Since Poet had put Shakespeare, HR’s Vice President, in charge of her gun skills, it was his pleasure to put her through hell. When she got up in the morning, it was a vigorous workout routine before hopping on her 2013 CVO Harley and meeting him at the shooting field about seven miles from the clubhouse. There, he would quiz her on the weapons he brought, put her to task cleaning and putting them together, before spending hours target practicing. From there, she was sent on her way, sore and exhausted, to her day job.

It wasn’t the training, the gruelingly long days, or the chill of the New Mexico winter that bothered her, though. What bothered Artist was the man’s attitude. Shakespeare was constantly on her ass about everything – her feet weren’t perfectly positioned, her arm wasn’t extended the way he wanted it, she was relying on sights instead of instinct. It was irritating as hell. Two months ago, she'd called him on it exactly one time.

“Excuse me, prospect?”

Her blood chilled, immediately cooling her temper at the tone of his voice. Her VP’s face had hardened, an eyebrow raised, framing a dangerous expression. Artist sighed, knowing she’d lost the battle and points before she'd even been given the chance to play.

“Nothing, VP. Sorry.”

The man standing before her seemed impossibly large, his stature almost dwarfing her as he stepped forward. He grabbed the pistol from her hands and leaned in close. “I’ll stop treatin’ you like a fuckin’ idiot when you stop actin’ like one. We’re done for the day. Get gone.”

Artist nodded, her eyes to the grass and dirt at her feet, ashamed to look at him. She knew better than to snap at any of the members, especially him, and it didn’t take a rocket scientist to know he was going to tell Poet. Who, in turn, would tell Titan. The day was getting better and better.

“Oh, and Artist?” he called, causing her to turn back. She swallowed her pride and glanced up at him, meeting his eyes with sheer force of will though fearing the threat that was sure to come. “Free pass this time around – but don’t push me. You won’t like what happens.”

GIVEAWAY

***GIVEAWAY***Sometimes... Sometimes the littlest things can bring the biggest smiles.And so, having finished Harry...
Posted by Author Juli Valenti on Tuesday, March 1, 2016

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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Author</b><b>:</b> Juli Valenti</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Title</b><b>:</b> Artist</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Series</b><b>:</b> Redemption Reigns MC, #2</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Pages</b><b>:</b> 193</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Genre</b><b>:</b> Romantic Suspense</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Date published</b><b>: </b>November 8, 2015</div>
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<b>Synopsis</b>:</div>
</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cecili “Artist” Warren knew what she was getting into when she asked to prospect for Hells Redemption Motorcycle Club. At least, she thought she did. What she hadn’t been prepared for was the grueling training, long working hours at her tattoo shop, and falling for the man who’d tested her limits day after day.&nbsp;</div>
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<br /></div>
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Shakespeare Carter, Vice President of Hells Redemption, was ruthless in all aspects of life – from his role within the club to the demands he placed on Artist. It was no secret he was a hard man, but even ice melted when confronted with fire.&nbsp;</div>
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After a close friend of Artist’s is shot during a hit on the club, she becomes determined to seek out retribution. Little did she know that would be much harder than any of them ever expected.&nbsp;</div>
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With Shakespeare’s help, can she prove to be as strong as he thinks she is? And, more, will she come out alive on the other side and still recognize herself?</div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://amzn.to/1Qt1iLM" target="_blank">AMAZON</a> // <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27233106-artist" target="_blank">GOODREADS</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">EXCERPT</span></b></div>
<blockquote>
“How many times do I have to tell you not to lean on your back foot when firin?’ That’s why you’re missin,’” Shakespeare barked, scolding her, and it took everything she had not to bash him in the face with the butt of the rifle.<br />It had been eight months since Artist had been given her prospect patch and officially started her road into being a member of Hells Redemption. Since then, she’d been put through grueling tasks and training, testing her worth and her dedication to the MC, and to herself. Most days she fell in bed exhausted, too tired to think or relive the days. But some days, days like today, she was almost driven to violence.<br />“I’m trying, damn it,” she whispered through gritted teeth, re-centering herself to the target and preparing to fire once more.<br />Since Poet had put Shakespeare, HR’s Vice President, in charge of her gun skills, it was his pleasure to put her through hell. When she got up in the morning, it was a vigorous workout routine before hopping on her 2013 CVO Harley and meeting him at the shooting field about seven miles from the clubhouse. There, he would quiz her on the weapons he brought, put her to task cleaning and putting them together, before spending hours target practicing. From there, she was sent on her way, sore and exhausted, to her day job.<br />It wasn’t the training, the gruelingly long days, or the chill of the New Mexico winter that bothered her, though. What bothered Artist was the man’s attitude. Shakespeare was constantly on her ass about everything – her feet weren’t perfectly positioned, her arm wasn’t extended the way he wanted it, she was relying on sights instead of instinct. It was irritating as hell. Two months ago, she'd called him on it exactly one time.<br /><i>“Excuse me, prospect?”</i><i><br /></i><i>Her blood chilled, immediately cooling her temper at the tone of his voice. Her VP’s face had hardened, an eyebrow raised, framing a dangerous expression. Artist sighed, knowing she’d lost the battle and points before she'd even been given the chance to play.</i><i><br /></i><i>“Nothing, VP. Sorry.”</i><i><br /></i><i>The man standing before her seemed impossibly large, his stature almost dwarfing her as he stepped forward. He grabbed the pistol from her hands and leaned in close. “I’ll stop treatin’ you like a fuckin’ idiot when you stop actin’ like one. We’re done for the day. Get gone.”</i><i><br /></i><i>Artist nodded, her eyes to the grass and dirt at her feet, ashamed to look at him. She knew better than to snap at any of the members, especially him, and it didn’t take a rocket scientist to know he was going to tell Poet. Who, in turn, would tell Titan. The day was getting better and better.</i><i><br /></i><i>“Oh, and Artist?” he called, causing her to turn back. She swallowed her pride and glanced up at him, meeting his eyes with sheer force of will though fearing the threat that was sure to come. “Free pass this time around – but don’t push me. You won’t like what happens.”</i></blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">GIVEAWAY</span></b></div>
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IABB READER SURVEY - FEBRUARY

     So every now and then I get this wild hair and I have to do surveys.  They are mostly done out of curiosity, but I also do them in hopes of helping authors and writers gather information about what readers are interested in.  Sometimes this helps them with what they're writing or what they may want to write in the future.

     As authors, it is our duty to write what's in our hearts.  But I don't think it hurts to know what captures the most interest - so here are the results from the survey we recently did.

IABB READER SURVEY - FEBRUARY

This survey had over 300 participants - thank you!

My questions were really random, so please bear with me.

The first question - Do you like to read books that contain cheating?

Yes - 60%

No - 40%

As a follow-up question, do you feel you can forgive the 'cheater' as long as he/she rights his/her wrongs by the end of the book?

Yes - 62%

No - 38%

Do you prefer having a small warning, whether in the blurb or the beginning of the book, if a book contains a trigger? [Rape, Suicide, Abuse, etc]

Yes - 45%

It doesn't matter to me - 45%

No - 10%

Do you like reading M/M [Man on Man Loving] books?

Yes - 56%

No - 44%

Do you like reading F/F [Woman on Woman Loving] books?

Yes - 40%

No - 60%

Do you like reading books that contain M/M/F F/F/M [2 men, 1 woman or 2 women, 1 man] in a romantic relationship?

Yes - 67%

No - 33%

Do Cliffhangers bother you?

Yes - 34%

No - 66%

Do you feel a guaranteed HEA [Happily Ever After] is important to enjoy a book?

Yes - 17%

No - 38%

I'm fine with a "Happy For Now" Ending - 45%

What do you read more of?

Independently Published - 28%

Traditionally Published - 4%

A good deal of both - 68%

Do you like reading interracial romance? 

Yes - 84%

No - 16%

Do you like reading interspecies romance? [Humans/Aliens, Vampires/Humans, etc]

Yes - 74%

No - 26%

What is your absolute favorite genre of all time?

The answers we received based on popularity:

Paranormal Romance

Contemporary Romance

Romance

Erotica

Horror

Sci-Fi

New Adult

Young Adult

Fantasy

Thriller

Other responses received that got a little more technical included "Billionaire Romance", "Romance with baby", "Biker Romance", "Romance with no more than three sex scenes", "Stephen King" (I agree), "Stepbrother", " Rockstar Romance", "Boy Meets Girl", "Vampires please", "I like them all", "Cheesy Romances", "Alpha Males", "Jock loves Nerd", and my personal favorite, "ALL THE ONES".

How many books do you read per month?

The average response was 5, but there were about 20 responses that stated they read at least 30 a month. (GO YOU!)

And my favorite response to this question: Hahaha. 

Getting down to the nitty gritty about our participants, here's some information about the 300+ readers who took our survey:

Age:

Under 20 - 1%

20's - 22%

30's - 40%

40's - 26%

50's - 9%

60+ - 2%

Gender:

Female - 98%

Male - 1%

Gender fluid - 1%

Sexual Orientation:

Straight - 89%

Gay - 2%

Bisexual - 6%

Other - 3%

Based on all this information....

     First off, as a writer I want to say to write whatever the hell you want.  You can take these numbers however you want, but at the end of the day you have to write for you.  If these numbers help you at all, by all means please take them and run.

     But if I have learned anything since starting my career as an author, it is this: Always write what's in your heart and love it completely - or no one else will. 

     Secondly, I am very curious about the last question I asked.  Is it just that straight people *really* like reading about M/M and F/F romances?  Does it give you a secret thrill? Butterflies?  I am just genuinely curious.  Some people like reading about things they will never do, and it's no secret that most of the M/M audience consists of straight women.  There's just something about the idea of two men and passion...

     As for the F/F writers out there, don't give up.  Don't you dare.  F/F's time is coming.  I've felt it in my bones for quite some time now.  Just you wait and see.  So please write that story.  Get it out there because someone needs it.  I foresee a spike in popularity for F/F romances in the future. ;) 

     NOTE- There were a lot of people who participated who wished there'd been a "I haven't read it, but I'm open to it" option.  I'll be sure to include one in the future.

     As always, pretty much anything romance is in the lead when it comes to favorite genre.  Paranormal Romance has already made its comeback, but those regular old human romances don't fall close behind!  On a personal note, I hope vampires do make a comeback.  Those are some great creatures.

     GOOD NEWS, INDIES.  People really like you.  As you can see, they like reading both traditional *and* independently published books equally.  That's awesome, yeah?  I think so, too.

     CHEATING seemed to be a hot issue last year, at least to me.  But it looks like people don't mind so much thees days.

     WARNINGS are still iffy.  While most people don't seem to mind either way, there are still a lot who like to have a small warning if at all possible.  I get it - I really do.  I don't like diving into a book and being traumatized either (*cough* certain time travel book *cough*).  But again, this is completely up to the author.  They can do whatever they want, and as readers, we have to respect their decision in the end.

     CLIFFHANGERS AREN'T THE END OF THE WORLD - I was honestly surprised by the outcome.  So many people complain about cliffhangers in reviews (I've seen this so many times), but it seems like people really don't mind them anymore.  So that's great news for the cliffy kings and queens out there.

     Please understand that this survey was taken by about 330 people.  That's not even the tip of the iceberg as far as the reading population goes.  There are millions of readers out there and they are all different.

     And that also means there are plenty of readers for everyone, right? ;) 

     I hope this post helps a little. If anything, I hope it sates curiosity for inquiring minds all around.

     We'll try really hard to make a new survey every month.

     Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in this survey.  It is super appreciated.

     Happy reading! 

     

#IABBAddict: Chosen by Jennifer Ortiz

Check out more information on #IABBAddicts here

Join us every Thursday for IABB #Confessions

ABOUT THE BOOK

Author: Jennifer Ortiz

Title: Chosen

Series: The Chosen Chronicles, #1

Pages: 275

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Date published: January 8, 2015

Synopsis:

Cal Reynolds has always been special. He comes from a long line of Hunters – a group of humans gifted with exceptional strength, speed, and magical ability. The Hunters’ purpose is to protect the world from demons from the Underworld. But even among this select group, Cal stands out. 

When his strained relationship with his father causes Cal to leave the Hunters, a series of events is set in motion that causes him to discover secrets about himself, his family, and his future that he could never have imagined. In the midst of trying to decipher the pieces left from this chaos, Cal reconnects with Gabrielle Morgan, the only girl he’s ever loved, after a nearly seven year estrangement. 

But Cal is Chosen – and that has far reaching ramifications, not only on himself but on those he loves as well. When Cal is faced with the ultimate deception, he begins to realize that he will need to choose where his loyalties, and his love, lie…and the seduction of darkness is almost overwhelmingly alluring…

AMAZON // GOODREADS

EXCERPT

I was probably going to die.I really shouldn't be surprised. After all, when you hunted evil, supernatural creatures, getting killed was sort of an occupational hazard. But I was good at what I did – really good. And I figured I was still going to die.I watched the Abassy, an iron-toothed man-eating demon, approach riding a dragon. The Abassy was seriously tough shit…and it only had one arm, one eye, and one leg. To make matters worse, its mount was a two-headed, eight-legged, two-tailed dragon. These things were supposed to solely be creatures of the Underworld so how the hell they had gotten out, I had no idea. I had been trying to banish them back, which, despite how powerful the Abassy was, should have been fairly simple. Only what should have been a pretty quick mystical banishment had turned into an all-out clusterfuck of a fight. I laid in the dirt that was slowly being turned to mud, courtesy of all the blood seeping out of my way-too-many wounds. I knew I was in bad shape when I tried to lift my left arm and couldn't feel anything on that entire side of my body. Breathing slowly in and out, I focused on the sweet musk of the earth all around me and ignored the prevalent metallic twang of all the blood (MY blood) that was every-freaking-where. Forcing myself to stand up…or at least stand hunched over, I decided to wait for the Abassy to make a move rather than expend energy in chasing it.Clearly I had caused some injury to the Abassy and its dragon since I could see that they limped towards me but, even with my enhanced vision, between the pitch black of the night and the dark skin of the creatures I couldn't see any obvious wound. I figured I had one decent attack left before my body just completely gave up. My right hand gripped the banishment crystal and I willed my left hand to curl around my dagger. The crystal was going to have to do most of the work so my best hope was to distract with the weapon – thankfully I'd had a semblance of foresight to bring an enchanted blade along, which should sting the Abassy even more, provided I could make direct contact.The Abassy stopped and we engaged in a Western-movie-type stare down. For a nanosecond, I almost felt like John Wayne. But before I had time to blink, it rushed at me. I didn't think, I didn't breathe. I stabbed blindly with my dagger hand and slid my right hand up towards the Abassy's chest, underneath the Abassy's stretched out arm, while twisting my body to avoid the dragon. Searing, jolting pain shot through my body as the Abassy's dragon clamped down on my right leg with two of its own. I heard muscle rip and felt bones snap. My world started to go dark – even I couldn't stay conscious after the vicious ass-kicking I had received.

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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>ABOUT THE BOOK</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412787650l/23344029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412787650l/23344029.jpg" width="213" /></a><b style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #3c1f00; font-family: georgia, utopia, palatino linotype, palatino, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"></span></span></b></div>
<b>Author</b>: Jennifer Ortiz<br /><br /><b>Title</b>: Chosen<br /><br /><b>Series</b>: The Chosen Chronicles, #1<br /><br /><b>Pages</b>: 275<br /><br /><b>Genre</b>: New Adult Paranormal Romance<br /></div>
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<b>Date published</b>: January 8, 2015<br /><br /><b>Synopsis</b>:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Cal Reynolds has always been special. He comes from a long line of Hunters – a group of humans gifted with exceptional strength, speed, and magical ability. The Hunters’ purpose is to protect the world from demons from the Underworld. But even among this select group, Cal stands out.&nbsp;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">When his strained relationship with his father causes Cal to leave the Hunters, a series of events is set in motion that causes him to discover secrets about himself, his family, and his future that he could never have imagined. In the midst of trying to decipher the pieces left from this chaos, Cal reconnects with Gabrielle Morgan, the only girl he’s ever loved, after a nearly seven year estrangement.&nbsp;</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">But Cal is Chosen – and that has far reaching ramifications, not only on himself but on those he loves as well. When Cal is faced with the ultimate deception, he begins to realize that he will need to choose where his loyalties, and his love, lie…and the seduction of darkness is almost overwhelmingly alluring…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1SW09BW" target="_blank">AMAZON</a> // <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23344029-chosen" target="_blank">GOODREADS</a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">EXCERPT</span></b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was probably going to die.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I really shouldn't be surprised. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">After all, when you hunted evil, supernatural creatures, getting killed was sort of an occupational hazard. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">But I was good at what I did – really good.  And I figured I was still going to die.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I watched the Abassy, an iron-toothed man-eating demon, approach riding a dragon.  The Abassy was seriously tough shit…and it only had one arm, one eye, and one leg. To make matters worse, its mount was a two-headed, eight-legged, two-tailed dragon. These things were supposed to solely be creatures of the Underworld so how the hell they had gotten out, I had no idea.  I had been trying to banish them back, which, despite how powerful the Abassy was, should have been fairly simple.  Only what should have been a pretty quick mystical banishment had turned into an all-out clusterfuck of a fight. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I laid in the dirt that was slowly being turned to mud, courtesy of all the blood seeping out of my way-too-many wounds.  I knew I was in bad shape when I tried to lift my left arm and couldn't feel anything on that entire side of my body. Breathing slowly in and out, I focused on the sweet musk of the earth all around me and ignored the prevalent metallic twang of all the blood (MY blood) that was every-freaking-where. Forcing myself to stand up…or at least stand hunched over, I decided to wait for the Abassy to make a move rather than expend energy in chasing it.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Clearly I had caused some injury to the Abassy and its dragon since I could see that they limped towards me but, even with my enhanced vision, between the pitch black of the night and the dark skin of the creatures I couldn't see any obvious wound. I figured I had one decent attack left before my body just completely gave up. My right hand gripped the banishment crystal and I willed my left hand to curl around my dagger. The crystal was going to have to do most of the work so my best hope was to distract with the weapon – thankfully I'd had a semblance of foresight to bring an enchanted blade along, which should sting the Abassy even more, provided I could make direct contact.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Abassy stopped and we engaged in a Western-movie-type stare down. For a nanosecond, I almost felt like John Wayne. But before I had time to blink, it rushed at me. I didn't think, I didn't breathe. I stabbed blindly with my dagger hand and slid my right hand up towards the Abassy's chest, underneath the Abassy's stretched out arm, while twisting my body to avoid the dragon.  </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Searing, jolting pain shot through my body as the Abassy's dragon clamped down on my right leg with two of its own. I heard muscle rip and felt bones snap. My world started to go dark – even I couldn't stay conscious after the vicious ass-kicking I had received. </span></blockquote>
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