BLOG TOUR: Flintlock (Cutlass #2) by Ashley Nixon - Ashley F's Review, Ashley N's Top Ten + GIVEAWAY!

We are SO excited to be sharing today's post with you. As part of the blog tour for Ashley Nixon's newest book, Flintlock (book 2 in her incredible Cutlass series), we've got (our) Ashley's review for you, as well as Ashley (Nixon)'s Top Ten Favorite Things! (Our) Ashley loved Cutlass last year and then loved Flintlock even more! This is definitely a series you want to have on the top of your TBR list.

Also, Cutlass is currently on sale for $0.99, so now would be the perfect time to start reading these books!

Last but not least, be sure to enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter form below, and check out all of the other fantastic blogs participating by going to the tour schedule at the end of this post.

Before we get to Ashley's review, here's a little bit about Flintlock and Ashley Nixon!

About the Book

Title: Flintlock (Cutlass #2)

Author: Ashley Nixon

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publication Date: May 25, 2015

Synopsis: Barren Reed hopes to protect the Orient from his tyrant uncle, but his plans to make the King’s life a living hell aren’t supported by the Elders of the pirate community. As it stands, Barren has earned the Elders’ disdain for his carelessness, and they threaten him into exile if he makes one more mistake.

Barren’s not the only one feeling the Elders’ wrath—they don’t trust Larkin either. Worse, Barren can’t comprehend Larkin’s wish to have a relationship with her father, and the secrets she’s forced to keep create a tension that may pull them apart forever.

When the Pirates of Silver Crest begin to die, bullets laced with dark magic are to blame. With more and more of these weapons infiltrating the Underground, discovering who’s behind the dissemination is no easy feat. As fear and tension mount among the people of the Orient, Barren and his crew find themselves in a race against time to stop the spread of dark magic before the world of Mariana spirals into collapse. 

About the Author

Ashley was born and raised in Oklahoma, where the wind really does sweep down the plains, and horses and carriages aren't used as much as she'd like. When she's not writing, she's hard at work on her Master's degree in Library Science and Information Technology, working out, or pretending she's Sherlock Holmes. Her obsession with writing began after reading the Lord of the Rings in the eighth grade. Since then, she's loved everything Fantasy--resulting in an unhealthy obsession with the 'geek' tab on Pinterest, where all things awesome go.

Author Links:

   

Ashley's Review

Ashley's Cutlass Review

I loved Cutlass, and have been waiting for Flintlock for what seems like forever! I've been dying to jump back into Ashley's incredible world full of pirates, elves, magic and romance. From the first sentence, this book comes to life and jumps off of the page! There's no "second-book syndrome" here, which was a nice breath of fresh air. 

Since this book takes place a few months after the end of Cutlass, things are still pretty much a mess. Barren wants to get rid of his crazy uncle (who happens to also be the king) or at least make his life miserable, Larkin and Barren are in a weird place in their relationship because of all the secrets they're keeping, Cove's position as the Albatross might be at risk, and basically everything is in shambles. Oh, and pirates are dying in mysterious ways. Because obviously the rest of that wasn't enough! 

I loved that all of my favorite characters are back and that we get to learn more about them. I mean, I thought I knew Barren pretty well at the end of Cutlass, but he still has more secrets that are revealed in Flintlock and I'm sure more that will revealed in the next book. I enjoyed getting to know Larkin and Cove better too, and their blossoming friendship was probably one of my favorite things about this book. I also really enjoyed that the characters remained consistent from Cutlass to Flintlock, so it was easy to jump right back in. Especially since it felt like reuniting with old friends!

Speaking of characters, can I take a second here to say how much I love Cove? Watching him in action and seeing him with Sarah made me love him all the more, and I really hope he plays an even bigger role in the last book. There were several places where I almost lost it because of things that happen to Cove, and I'm still very concerned about what will happen in the next book. Please don't let anything horrible happen to Cove!

Ashley has this wonderful way with words that makes the story move along at a really great pace while continuing to establish this crazy, complicated, fascinating world filled with characters who are just as complex. I never felt like the plot was dragging or that the characters were stagnant - even the minor characters go through quite a bit of development. Everything about Flintlock is dynamic, and I was shocked when I went to turn the page and the book was over. Also a little upset, because how can you do that to us?! This was one of those books where I took to social media as soon as it was over to tell Ashley how much I loved it and how much I need her to finish the next book ASAP! 

If you enjoy YA fantasy, you definitely need this series in your hands right now. Especially if you like Ya fantasy with well-rounded characters, gorgeous writing, some of the best world-building I've read, and an exciting plot. Even if you don't typically read YA fantasy, this is a series that could really appeal to anyone who loves books in general. If you've read Cutlass, you NEED to drop whatever you're doing and read Flintlock right this second! A 5/5!

Ashley Nixon's Top Ten Favorite Things

These are in no particular order. I tried to organize them, and well--no numerical order really fits. Just think of these things as things I love.

Writing (of course!) - This is obvious. One of my all-time favorite things is writing. I’ve been a writer all my life. It is my identity. When I'm having a bad day, I just go hang out with some characters. They don't always have bad days, but that's why I write--to get to the good ones. :)

Books (Reading) - I'm being obvious again! This is part of my bookshelf. Sorry it's messy. I tend to just stack stuff. But yes, reading, reading, reading. It's for any day, all day, good and bad!

My Aladdin (a.k.a my boyfriend) - Yes, he is my prince charming. And when I say Prince Charming, I totally mean it. He leaves sweet notes, and tells me I'm awesome very day.

Pride and Prejudice - I know I said books earlier, but P&P has to have a category of its own. It is ridiculous how much I love this book, especially recently. I watch the 1995 and 2005 versions of P&P on a regular basis. Why do I love it so much? I guess in some form or fashion, we can all be Elizabeths (or Mr. Darcys). The pics below are from my own copy of P&P!

Tea & Tea Cups - I LOVE tea. I drink it a lot when I write. I mean one cup after the other. I stopped drinking coffee about two years ago, and well...replaced it. I also love tea cups. The one below is one I got from Windsor Castle!

Travel - I’ve been to Ireland, Peru, Italy, and London and France - in that order. I have always dreamed of traveling, and thankfully, I’ve gotten to do it! There are so many more places I want to go! In 2016, we are returning to London and France to explore more! We also would like to visit Greece! 

Ireland - Dingle Peninsula

Peru - Machu Picchu

Rome - The Colosseum

England - Tower Bridge

France  - Point Du Hoc

Connecting with people who love my books! The feeling I get when I talk or chill with readers is just awesome. I mean, it's still a surreal feeling and I think it will always be, but I hope I can convey how grateful I am for every message, comment, and download of my book.

Cooking & Working Out - I know, I’m probably in the minority here. BUT, let me just say, while I don't always love either of these things, I do them consistently and they always make me feel AMAZING about myself and about my day. Starting a day with a workout, and eating well throughout the day makes me have a better day, I'm convinced. Some of the things I cook are below!

Vegan Shepard's Pie!

Tofu Scramble with Hash browns!

Delicata Squash Salad

Music - I love to write with music, and certain sounds get me into a certain mind set so I can convey the feeling of what I'm writing better (or so I think). Here are some songs I've been listening to recently:

Purple - I love the color purple. I have purple in my hair, the curtains in my office are purple, I even plan to have purple as a color for my future wedding.

The Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

Official Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1521484241467322/ 

May 25 

semishort.blogspot.com

http://krmorrison325.wordpress.com/

http://fictionalrendezvousbookblog.blogspot.com/

http://littleshopofreaders.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Two-Feisty-Angels-and-a-Devil/73289076343681

May 26 

www.carolcassada.blogspot.com

http://coffeehobby.blogspot.com

www.aealbert.com

http://aone-clickaddictsbookblog.blogspot.com/

May 27 

http://cbybookclub.blogspot.co.uk

https://fangirlsreaditfirst.wordpress.com/

http://lizjosette.blogspot.com

http://www.melsshelves.blogspot.com

May 28 

http://www.becausereading.com

http://revengeofthefeels.wordpress.com/

http://silenceisread.blogspot.com.tr

May 29 

http://taliasreviews.blogspot.com

www.tifferzandhersisterz.com

http://bookbeauty411.blogspot.com/?m=0

May 30 

http://theapbookclub.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sarah-Kirstys-Book-Reviews/740671655951314

roomwithbooks.com

https://charmxoneblog.wordpress.com/

May 31 

http://lynnromanceenthusiast.blogspot.com

Http://hopetoread.com

http://authorsandralove.blogspot.com/

http://thenaughtlibrarianplayground.blogspot.com/

Thanks to Ashley for taking the time out of her day to tell us her Top Ten Favorite Things, and thanks to you for checking out this incredible series! 

--Ashley & Paul

The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows - Paul's Review

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: The Orphan Queen
Author: Jodi Meadows

Paul's Pre Reading

Recent Release Date: March 10, 2015

Synopsis: Wilhelmina has a hundred identities.

She is a princess. When the Indigo Kingdom conquered her homeland, Wilhelmina and other orphaned children of nobility were taken to Skyvale, the Indigo Kingdom’s capital. Ten years later, they are the Ospreys, experts at stealth and theft. With them, Wilhelmina means to take back her throne.

She is a spy. Wil and her best friend, Melanie, infiltrate Skyvale Palace to study their foes. They assume the identities of nobles from a wraith-fallen kingdom, but enemies fill the palace, and Melanie’s behavior grows suspicious. With Osprey missions becoming increasingly dangerous and their leader more unstable, Wil can’t trust anyone.

She is a threat. Wraith is the toxic by-product of magic, and for a century using magic has been forbidden. Still the wraith pours across the continent, reshaping the land and animals into fresh horrors. Soon it will reach the Indigo Kingdom. Wilhelmina’s magic might be the key to stopping the wraith, but if the vigilante Black Knife discovers Wil’s magic, she will vanish like all the others

Jodi Meadows introduces a vivid new fantasy full of intrigue, romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s battle to reclaim her place in the world.

------------------------------------------------------------

Review: Jodi Meadows has such a fantastic imagination. I absolutely loved her New Soul trilogy. With this duology, Meadows has a more traditional fantasy tale. In this fantasy world, a mysterious dark wave is overtaking the nation. Magic seems to be the cause, so it has been outlawed throughout most kingdoms. A survivor goes undercover to try and take back her kingdom. And there's an awesome vigilante with a mysterious past.  

Masks and charades are at the center of this novel. I loved the way there are so many levels to some of the characters. I am very much looking forward to the novellas coming up that I'm sure will add more depth to some of the side characters. I want to know more about James!

The way Meadows describes the Wraithland is so captivating. I could clearly picture its eeriness. It reminded me of the sylphs from the New Soul trilogy.

The end was a such a cliffhanger. Those novellas and the sequel need to come out soon!

I really enjoyed this book. It is a simple, fun fantasy with interesting disguises and false identities that takes place in a magically well built world. I give it a 5/5! 




--PAUL

BLOG TOUR: The Last Siege of Haven (Undertakers #4) by Ty Drago - Author Top Ten + GIVEAWAY!

We're super excited to be hosting Ty Drago today as part of the blog tour for the fourth book in his Undertakers series, The Last Siege of Haven! Ty stopped by to give us a list of his Top Ten Zombies, and we've also got a giveaway for you. Be sure to enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post, and visit the rest of the fabulous tour stops by clicking the banner above!

About the Book

Title: Last Siege of Haven (Undertakers #4)

Publication date: May 2015

Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.

Author: Ty Drago

Synopsis: While away on an undercover mission, Undertaker Will Ritter has made an unthinkable alliance...with a Corpse! But though Robert Dillin (aka 'The Zombie Prince') is indeed one of those alien invaders who animate and possess the bodies of the dead -- unlike the rest of his kind, Dillin isn't evil. In fact, he wants to help. And Will needs that help, because the Queen of the Dead has learned the location of Haven, the Undertakers' secret HQ, and is planning a massive and deadly assault.

With the last day of the Corpse War finally upon them, Will and his friends find themselves in a desperate race to close the Rift between worlds and forever kill the Corpses. But can they do before Haven is overrun?

For that matter, can they do it at all?

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks | TBD

About the Author

Ty Drago does his writing just across the river from Philadelphia, where the Undertakers novels take place. In addition to The Undertakers: Rise of the Corpses,The Undertakers: Queen of the Dead, and The Undertakers: Secret of the Corpse Eater, he is the author of The Franklin Affair and Phobos, as well as short stories and articles that have appeared in numerous publications, including Writer’s Digest. He currently lives in southern New Jersey with his wife and best friend, the real Helene Drago née Boettcher. 

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Ty's Top Ten Zombies

I’ve been a zombie fan all my life.  Seriously, I can’t remember a time when the concept of hungry, animated cadavers didn’t fascinate me.  I’ve often argued that Frankenstein’s Monster was the first zombie, though not everyone agrees with me.

The original concept of the zombie, of course, didn’t involve eating brains or – really –anything else.  The word is believed to be originally West African, coming to this continent in the 18th century along with the slave trade.  Later, as part of Haitian Voodoo lore, a zombie is the mindless, undead servant of an evil magician.  But even in this context, they don’t eat people.

The cinematic modern “zombie” was introduced by George Romero is in 1968 classic “Night of the Living Dead.”  Interestingly, the word “zombie” isn’t used in the movie; the characters describe the creatures hunting them as “ghouls.”  It was only later, in an interview, that Romaro dubbed them “zombies.” And it stuck.

So, when I was asked to provide a top ten list of zombies in popular media, I decided to interpret that using the modern definition.  So here, in a list that mixes movies, books, and television, are my favorite zombies in countdown format!

10)  “R” – The unlikely hero of Isaac Marion’s wonderful novel “Warm Bodies” (later a feature film), R is a zombie who falls in love with a living girl, an act that gradually restores his humanity.  I love it because it’s a wonderfully original take on the zombie mythos.

9) “World War Z” – I’m referring to the book by Max Brooks (Mel Brooks’ son, by the way), not the movie with Brad Pitt.  The book is a masterful chronicle of a worldwide zombie war, told through interviews with many different people.  It’s really amazing.

8) “Zombieland” – Now here is a solid zombie film!  Unlike most recent efforts, this movie doesn’t take itself too seriously, and yet still manages to be genuinely scary.  Bill Murray steals it about halfway through, playing … wait for it … Bill Murray!

7) “Rot and Ruin” - Jonathan Maberry’s four-book YA zombie masterpiece is perhaps the finest and most frightening portrayal of post-Zombie America ever written.  I can’t recommend it highly enough.

6) “The Night Stalker: The Zombie” - Admittedly, the classic 70’s show starring Darren McGavin wasn’t great.  But this early episode was fantastic.  It presents a more traditional zombie as servant to an evil Haitian necromancer.  The scene at the end, as Kolchak tries to destroy the “sleeping” zombie by filling its mouth with salt and sewing its lips shut, is genuinely scary.

5) “28 Days Later”- Okay, technically this isn’t a zombie movie.  After all, the mindless killers in this particular movie aren’t dead. They’re just crazy.  But given the tone and edge that the film generates, I can overlook that quibble.  This is a very effective story about a world being overrun by “infected.”

4) “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies”-Oh, Jane Austin must have rolled over in her grave when Seth Grahame-Smith’s masterful parody was published.  It actually follows the plot of the original novel fairly faithfully, except for the Regency period “unmentionables” running around.  

3) “Return of the Living Dead” – In 1985, Dan O’Bannon directed this first great spoof of “Night of the Living Dead.”  It’s the first film to give zombies the capability of speech and, as far as I’m aware, the first to describe them as brain (rather than just people) eaters.  The classic zombie line, “Braaaaaiiinnsss!” originated in this one.  A true classic.

2) “The Walking Dead”-This insanely successful television show, based on an insanely successful series of graphic novels, works because it keeps its focus narrow: a group of people struggling to survive the zombie apocalypse.  The word “zombie” is never used.  Instead, the “walkers” are only one threat in a world where, really, living men and women are the real danger.

1) “Night of the Living Dead”-Top of the list.  End of the countdown.  George Romero’s immortal horror story started it all!

The Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What are some of your favorite zombies in popular media? Let us know in the comments!

Thanks to Ty for taking the time to give us his Top Ten Zombies, and thanks to your for stopping by and supporting Ty! 

--Ashley & Paul

M9B TWO FOR THURSDAY BLITZ – Call Me Grim by Elizabeth Holloway and Into the Fire by Ashelyn Drake + GIVEAWAY!

Hello and welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T
presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!

Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy,
and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!

You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you:

Call Me Grim by Elizabeth Holloway and

Into the Fire by Ashelyn Drake

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

The truck should have turned Libbi Piper into a Libbi Pancake—and it would have, too, if Aaron hadn't shown up and saved her life. The problem? Aaron's the local Grim Reaper . . . and he only saved Libbi's life because he needs someone to take over his job. Now, Libbi has two days to choose between dying like she was supposed to, or living a lonely life as Death Incarnate. Talk about a rock and a hard place. And the choice goes from hard to sucktastic when her best friend shows up marked: condemned as a future murderer. Libbi could have an extra week to stop the murder and fix the mark . . . but only if she accepts Aaron's job as Reaper, trapping herself in her crappy town forever, invisible and inaudible to everyone except the newly dead. But, if she refuses? Her best friend is headed straight for Hell.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Chapters Indigo! | TBD | iBooks

WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:
“Call Me Grim is humor, brilliance and a success altogether.” – Paula, Her Book Thoughts


“Okay, just the story line over all was GENIUS. I have NEVER EVER read a book like this before. It was just so original and plain awesome. MEGA props to the author. I'm still grinning from what I've read.” – Rachelann, Goodreads Reviewer


“Call Me Grim is one of those books that you do not want to put down. At the same time there is something about it that makes you just want to savor it - you want to know what is going to happen next but at the same time you do not want it to end.” – Mike, Goodreads Reviewer

Elizabeth Holloway is a maternity nurse living in Southern Pennsylvania with her two teen children and their pets, Bam-bam the dog and Tinkerbell the cat. In addition to nursing and writing, she’s also an avid reader, an artist, a karaoke singer, a music lover, and a kick-ass Pictionary player. Her debut YA novel, CALL ME GRIM, will be released from Month9Books in Fall 2014.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Seventeen-year-old Cara Tillman’s life is a perfectly normal one until Logan Schmidt moves to Ashlan Falls. Cara is inexplicably drawn to him, but she’s not exactly complaining. Logan’s like no boy she’s ever met, and he brings out a side of Cara that she isn’t used to. As the two get closer, everything is nearly perfect, and Cara looks forward to the future.

But Cara isn’t a normal girl. She’s a member of a small group of people descended from the mythical phoenix bird, and her time is running out. Rebirth is nearing, which means she’ll forget her life up to this point—she’ll forget Logan and everything they mean to one another.. But that may be the least of Cara’s problems.

A phoenix hunter is on the loose, and he’s determined to put an end to the lives of people like Cara and her family, once and for all.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Chapters Indigo! | TBD | iBooks

WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:

“You witness a major loss to the main character that does not involve a death, and also fully understand just what is about to face the main character. It was such a hook for me and I just had to find out what would happen next.” – Maria, The Paisley Reade


“I love finding series about unique paranormals, and Ashelyn Drake did a really good job with this one.” – Michelle, Book Briefs

“Kelly Hashway aka Ashelyn Drake has created an impeccable story surrounded around mythology, romance, family and deceit.” – Nay Denise, Nays Pink Bookshelf

Ashelyn Drake is a New Adult and Young Adult romance author. While it’s rare for her not to have either a book in hand or her fingers flying across a laptop, she also enjoys spending time with her family. She believes you are never too old to enjoy a good swing set and there’s never a bad time for some dark chocolate. She is represented by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary Agency.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BLOG TOUR: The Singular and Extraordinary Tale of Mirror and Goliath by Ishbelle Bee - Author Interview

Hello! We're really excited today to be hosting Ishbelle Bee, who took the time to answer some questions for us, as a part of the blog tour for her upcoming book, The Singular and Extraordinary Tale of Mirror and Goliath. Her book will be out in just a few days from Angry Robot, and we can't wait to read it and have this gorgeous cover on our bookshelves!

About the Book

Title: The Singular and Extraordinary Tale of Mirror and Goliath (The Peculiar Adventures of John Loveheart, Esq. Volume One)

Author: Ishbelle Bee

Publication Dates: June 2, 2015 (US/CAN), 4 June 2015 (UK)

Genre: Fantasy

Synopsis: 1888. A little girl called Mirror and her extraordinary shape-shifting guardian Goliath Honeyflower are washed up on the shores of Victorian England. Something has been wrong with Mirror since the day her grandfather locked her inside a mysterious clock that was painted all over with ladybirds. Mirror does not know what she is, but she knows she is no longer human.

John Loveheart, meanwhile, was not born wicked. But after the sinister death of his parents, he was taken by Mr Fingers, the demon lord of the underworld. Some say he is mad. John would be inclined to agree.

Now Mr Fingers is determined to find the little girl called Mirror, whose flesh he intends to eat, and whose soul is the key to his eternal reign. And John Loveheart has been called by his otherworldly father to help him track Mirror down…

An extraordinary dark fairytale for adults, for fans of Catherine Valente and Neil Gaiman.

UK Print & Ebook

Amazon.co.uk | Book Depository | Waterstones | WHSmith

North American Print & Ebook

Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | BarnesandNoble.com | IndieBound.org

Global DRM-Free Epub & Mobi Ebook

On-sale 2nd June 2015 from the Robot Trading Company

About the Author

Ishbelle Bee writes horror and loves fairy-tales, the Victorian period (especially top hats!) and cake tents at village fêtes (she believes serial killers usually opt for the Victoria Sponge).

She currently lives in Edinburgh. She doesn’t own a rescue cat, but if she did his name would be Mr Pickles.

@IshbelleBee on Twitter

The Interview

How did you come up with the idea for The Singular and Extraordinary Tale of Mirror and Goliath?

I originally wanted to write a story about an exorcism and demonic possession of a little girl. Goliath was going to be a priest. I was researching Victorian Spiritualism at the time and fascinated with the various weird and obscure objects surrounding the cult of death. This all inspired me to create a variety of odd characters within my own very strange Victorian England.

What are some of your favorite classic fairy tales? 

 My favourite is BLUEBEARD as it’s a really interesting glimpse into the role of self -destructive female desire. 

If you could spend the day with any author, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I am going to pick spending the day in a London pub with Neil Gaiman.

What books are currently on your nightstand?

The Anchoress by Robyn Cadwallader

The Earthsea Quartet by Ursula Le Guin

The Witch Must Die by Shelden Cashdan

Besides top hats, what do you love the most about the Victorian Era?

Generally the clothing I find gorgeous and wish we all dressed like that today. Monocles, big curved pipes, corsets, weird shaped moustaches. It’s a wonderful, richly strange time in history to write about and even more fun to metamorphose into something even more bizarre. The world of Victorian England is reminiscent of a trifle. The top layer of high society which is emotionally restrained through curious,  formal rituals, is the custard. Underneath, the Underworld (sponge fingers and jelly) the home of those repressed desires and violence which when they emerge to the surface can reveal themselves as psychotic episodes.

How would you describe The Singular and Extraordinary Tale of Mirror and Goliath in 10 words or less?

A very strange fairytale in an upside down Victorian England. 

Which character was your favorite to write?

Mr Loveheart is my favourite character to write as he’s wonderfully inventive in his language and peculiar in his view of the world. I never quite know how he will react to a situation, he surprises me most of the time and this makes him the most fun to write. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love painting and illustrating and when I finish a book I like to do squiggles of the characters. Big noses are a reoccurring theme ! I have a fondness for drawing nutty looking wizards with big pointy hats. 

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you?

Yoda (can he be a thing?)

A truck load of chocolate 

The Box of Delights (the actual magic box, not the book)

If you could be any animal on a carousel, what would you be, and why?

What a wonderful question! It would be a dragon.

Thanks so much to Ishbelle for taking the time to answer all of our questions, and thanks to you for stopping by! 

--Ashley & Paul

FREE BOOK: Cutlass (Cutlass #1) by Ashley Nixon

What's better to chase away the Monday Blues than a free book? Today only, the first book in Ashley Nixon's epic pirate fantasy series, Cutlass, is FREE for Kindle in celebration of the release of the second novel, Flintlock (it's out now!)! Ashley absolutely loved Cutlass (you can find her 5-star review here), and thinks that anyone looking for action, adventure, pirates, magic mystery, and a little bit of romance should give it a chance, So head over to Amazon to get your copy ASAP!

After today, Cutlass will be $0.99 for the remained of the Flintlock release activities. And speaking of Flintlock, check back on May 30th for Ashley's review as a part of the blog tour!

In case you haven't heard about Cutlass, how about some more information about the book, as well as some info about Ashley Nixon?

About the Book

Amazon│Barnes & Noble

Title: Cutlass (Cutlass #1)

Author: Ashley Nixon 

Publication Date: November 13, 2014

Synopsis: Notorious pirate Barren Reed has one thing on his mind: Revenge against the man who killed his father. So kidnapping his enemy's fiancé seems a perfect plan…until he actually does it.

Larkin Lee is more than a pretty face and fiancé to a powerful man. Her fierce personality is enough to make any pirate want to push her overboard.

But when the King of the Orient comes to Barren with a task—to find the Bloodstone, a powerful gem thought only to exist in legend, Barren sees another opportunity to destroy his enemy. Together, Barren, Larkin and a crew of
pirates set off to find the stone, only to discover it caused the death of Barren’s own mother and Larkin’s, too. As his strongest allies turn into his greatest enemies, and the life of the girl he kidnapped becomes more important than he ever dreamed, Barren’s quest for revenge becomes a fight to save the Orient.

About the Author

Ashley was born and raised in Oklahoma, where the wind really does sweep down the plains, and horses and carriages aren't used as much as she'd like. When she's not writing, she's hard at work on her Master's degree in Library Science and Information Technology, working out, or pretending she's Sherlock Holmes. Her obsession with writing began after reading the Lord of the Rings in the eighth grade. Since then, she's loved everything Fantasy--resulting in an unhealthy obsession with the 'geek' tab on Pinterest, where all things awesome go.

Author Links: