Blog Tour Fun...

An Uncommon Love Blog Tour, Interview AND Giveaway!

on 

Dey For Love

Check it out!

This sounds like a nice romantic story, by MJ Schiller.

It's on my wish list!!

PLUS MJ is giving away some of her books for free to lucky rafflecopter winners.

CHECK IT OUT HERE...

Howling Heart blitz!

The Howling Heart Blitz features the new book

 by April Bostic on "Dey for Love!" ‬ Check it out! :)

MORE HERE!

I love finding new authors. 
--Kara xxooxx

Books I Like #13

Resenting the Hero by Moira J. Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun read! Lee is spunky if a little cranky, and Karish is...well, adorably misunderstood. Looking forward to reading the next one!

--Kara

View all my reviews on Goodreads...

Everville: The First Pillar Ebook Giveaway Contest!

Another head's up! On my main site...

Like free books? Like free books that are amazing? Have I got one for you!

Enter a chance to win a free Kindle ebook of Amazon’s #1 international epic fantasy bestseller Everville: The First Pillar. Also, be sure to stay tuned for details on the upcoming second book in the series Everville: The City of Worms, expected to be released in late Summer.

Where? HERE...  ;)

--Kara xxooxx

Nely Cab's Latest Cover Reveal on Dey For Love!

Just a head's up...

Reality and dreams blend into a dangerous mix in this book by Nely Cab. To find out more about "Creatura," check it out on Dey for Love!

See the full cover done by talented Phat Puppy Art.

Check it out HERE...

--Kara xxooxx

Curiosity can be profitable...

Hi! I'm on Babette James' site today. Stop by and say hi. I'm giving away a ten dollar gift card to a random commenter who answers my question.

I think it's a question all kindle authors wonder about, too! 

--Kara xxooxx

Link? Hello :) 

INTERVIEW ON BABETTE JAMES' SITE

Zombies on my Main Site!

You know you like 'em. They moan. They groan. They shuffle off to Buffalo.
Zombies. Check out Clive Riddle's book, "The Burning Z."

I have more info on my main site HERE...

Interviewing Anne Lange on Dey For Love

Anne Lange is on Dey For Love this holiday weekend. Do you enjoy steamy romance? Something short and sexy to read while the hot dogs are getting hotter? Then check out my interview and Anne Lange's new book release.

http://deyforlove.com/interview-with-anne-lange/

HAVE AN EXCITING AND FUN FOURTH OF JULY. LET YOUR ROMANCE BE FILLED WITH FIREWORKS!!!

And remember whenever and wherever possible, support your local bookstore! :) 

--Kara xxooxx

Big Giveaways on tellerofdestiny.com!

To celebrate the forthcoming release of

The Teller of Destiny™ Series, Book Two: Princes and Fools,

EVERYONE gets a special ToD image AND one lucky person will receive the Teller of Destiny™ White Wanderer Necklace and a signed limited edition print!

It’s easy! Here are your instructions for this giveaway: 

For the limited edition image:

1. Sign up for the Teller of Destiny™ newsletter (from the site tellerofdestiny.com menu).
2. That’s it. The image will be emailed to you.

To be included in the drawing for the necklace and print:

1. Sign up for the Teller of Destiny™ newsletter (from the site tellerofdestiny.com menu).
2. Like A. H. De Carrasco’s fan page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AHDeCarrasco
3. That’s it. You’ll be entered into the drawing (plus you will get the email image, of course). Note: Your names should match for the newsletter and the fan page so we can make sure you get proper credit for your efforts!

Giveaway ends 06/19/13.  Newsletters go out occasionally to let you know about updates to trivia, new giveaways, and releases. We won’t clog up your email. Promise. 

I am Talking Smack about Marketing and Bad Attitudes

Got a bad attitude when it comes to marketing? Yeah? Well, share your thoughts. I'm at Diane Burton's today doing just that...

http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/2013/06/meet-kara-ashley-dey.html

Author Appearances & Give your "IMHO"

Need your opinions! 

I'm on Star-crossed Romance today, talking about forbidden love and giving away a set of lovely "Stealing Sky" earrings! Come visit.

Star-crossed Romance!

AND check out my review of Golden Heart Finalist Lynda K. Scott on 
Dey For Love. 

Learn more about her latest books!

http://deyforlove.com/engaging-interview-with-lynda-k-scott/

Have a great rest of the week!

--Kara xxooxx

I'm interviewed!

My first time in the interviewee's chair. Check it out and you could win a pair of earrings, inspired by the red ruby earrings Cassie had to barter on Heaven's Hand in "Stealing Sky."

http://cynthiawoolf.com/blog/interview-with-kara-ashley-dey/

Care for a Gargoyle? A Gargoyle Book Tour?

Like Gargoyles? Who doesn't? They protect us from mean demons and are kind of cute in cartoon form...


If you find the stony beasts irresistible, check out this new series by Lorraine Beaumont. It shows a lot of promise. And this isn't your typical Gothic cliche. These are interesting characters with fascinating mythologies.


My main site is the first stop on the Gargoyle Book Tour. Stop by, enjoy and let me know what you think! READ MORE HERE…

Book Lover's Buffet. Over 175 books at 99 cents. Big Prizes.

CHECK THESE LOVELIES OUT. ONLY 99 CENTS. OH YEAH!

Learn more here. Entering the contest is easy. Buying the books is even easier. 

http://bookloversbuffetdotcom.wordpress.com/fantasy-horror-scifi-timetravel/

Check it out.

-Kara xx00xx

Twelfth Spell Caster Installment

Chris A. Jackson was a seafaring wanderer soul long before he picked up the pen to write seriously. Stop by the main site to check out how those years have seasoned his life and writing. One of my favorite interviews.  Check it out HERE

I talk world building on Rachel Firasek's blog

Psssst... Hey peeps. Just a quick note, I talk World Building and History on Rachel Firasek's blog. One day left to join the giveaway -- one free copy of "Stealing Sky."  Note: The site is 18+
See you there.

Contemplating Alternate Futures in World Building

-Kara xxooxx

Authors in Bloom Giveaway Hop: Grand Prize, Kindle or Nook, Plus $25 Gift Card

Hey! Want to win some fun stuff? Grab a few recipes while you're at it? I make a wicked bean dip on karaashleydey.com. Click on the flowery picture below, hang out, write a comment, and possibly win a $10 gift certificate to Macaroni Grill or DSW.

Why not go on to deyforlove.com while you're at it and do the same? I'm giving away one $10 gift certificate to Amazon or B&N. If you're feeling super ambitious, you can go to all the websites on the blog hop and be eligible to win a Kindle! Hoot!

Links to the Hop List are available on my websites. Either way, Rock On brothers and sisters.
--Kara xxooxx

The New Walking Dead Game or Why I Must Finish Editing ASAP!

Oh, the woes of a writer. How long have I promised myself that as soon as my edits were done I'd be rewarded with a week of nonstop gaming. Weeks go by, then months. Do I even remember how to use an XBox or PS3 controller? Will I get them mixed up again and run forward instead of hop backward?

But I have to finish. The Walking Dead Survival Instinct Game is out! What's even neater is that some of my former co-workers put their blood, sweat, and snot (they don't cry, mind you) into this game.

Here are some lovely pictures courtesy of the game's main website (links listed at the end of my over-excited gushing). These folks have done a fantasmagorastic job.

And this one...

Of course, this is just a taste to whet your appetite. Indeed. There are some scary shots that nearly made me wet my pants. Like a super dark set in a warehouse. Eeks!

To catch more of the action, and find out about cool features like Visceral Zombie Combat, Survival Tactics, Resource Management, and Survival Choices, and to see the trailers. Check out:

The Main Website: http://www.thewalkingdeadsurvivalinstinct.com/game-overview

Terminal Reality's Website: http://www.terminalreality.com/

Daryl. Crossbow. 'Nuff said...

-Kara xxooxx

Games I like #5

Okay! I've got more fun games to share. These are probably some of the most beautiful games I have played yet, and if you haven't checked out the Drawn series, well I say please do or I may have to set a dalek's plunger on you (Yes, I have just begun to accept Dr. Who into my life. What? Meh...I started out with Torchwood. Tough act to beat!). BTW, Drawn has absolutely nothing to do with Dr. Who really, that I know of but...

Oh well, just look at this picture...

And this one...

How about this one....

And though these are quite lovely--they ain't the half of it.  This is just a peek --not to spoil your gaming  appetites. Actually, I could probably show you the whole darn series here and you wouldn't be satiated--at least that is how I feel. The games are available on iPad, Windows and Mac. To learn more, check out Drawn's Website. 

This series was developed by Big Fish, in house. Check out the creatives -- Big Fish Team here.

Now I must note not everything is painted in shades of teal and orange. Every scene is a unique experience of puzzle solving. Perfect for the casual gamer who wants to experience something beautiful.
 --Kara xxooxx

A New Gen of Editors

I'm talking about the new generation of editors jumping into the writing market, fresh out of school--or still neck-deep in ivy. Hear from one such editor on my main website HERE. :)

Spell Caster Updates

What's new with thee bewitching crew? Orange is IN...

FIRST---Sad zombie! Yes, A sad zombie is featured on the latest Monster Soup page created by Devin Blake. Check it out. Ya know ya want to. ;)

Oh! Yes. I have been waiting for this book for awhile and it is finally here. Thank you Jenn Reese. Mirage (Above World) -- The sequel to Above World. Check it out!

More music to soothe my savage beast and get me writing at my best! Hollan Holmes brings us more ambient sound waves. Phase Shift Check it out and turn it up! 

And remember, wherever and whenever you can--support local! (Katy Budget Books ---> )

If you haven't yet, check out their Facebook pages. Peace out.

https://www.facebook.com/MonsterSoupComic 

https://www.facebook.com/jennreeseauthor 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hollan-Holmes-Music/366752073334927 

Kara xxooxxoo

Games I like #4

More to travel with...

Today I am highlighting a couple games I have and one on my wish list. These games were developed by Blue Tea Games and published by Big Fish. Namely, the Dark Parables Series. LOVE this group of games! Blue Tea has taken old fairy tales one step farther and created amazing 'point and click'ers, or in the case of the iPad--tappers. :)

Dark Parables: The Exiled Prince 

This picture comes from Blue Tea Games' website. Check out the site! If you like what you see, also 'Like' their FB Page. They update with some enchanting images.

The Exiled Prince is quite an adventure. In fact, from what I remember, it takes you all over the place. From a forest, to caves, to a city. The Prince has collected his beloved gals, and you are there to save the day. Sort of. I wasn't quite sure what the story line was (jet lag) but I remember wanting to get to the hotel so that I could continue playing. :)

Dark Parables: Curse of Briar Rose

Curse of Briar Rose is one of Blue Tea's older games that has finally come to iPad, but it does not disappoint. Eerie locations surround this Sleeping Beauty quest.

The next game is on my wish list becuase it hasn't reached iPad distribution yet. Bummer. But it is available for PC and Mac, if you're interested. ;)

Dark Parables: Rise of the Snow Queen

 Just Check out the image. Bright colors and paintings that tickle my fingers and eyes. Need I say more? (err... Maybe I've said too much.)

The only thing I wish is that all the Dark Parable games would get to iPad sooner. I hope they do. I am sure they will look amazing on the new iPad.  -Kara :)

Old Books on Kindle

From all corners of the world, authors are getting rights to their back lists and republishing old books as ebooks. Books that have been out of print for decades are finding new life in the digital age. All I can say is...hurray! 

Confession time: I am not one to typically reread books, especially those from my youth (sometimes they don't measure up to what I remember...) because I am a lazy reader. I experienced enough repetition practicing piano scales to last me a lifetime. And while I have no problem revisiting old sitcoms, movies, and comics a half-dozen or more times, I just don't crack open a book more than once. But the rekindling (forgive my pun, or don't...) of old memories, no longer at the expense of trees, if just fine by me. The first day I got my iPad, I downloaded all those old public domain books, from Mark Twain's works to Edgar Rice Burroughs's Barsoomian adventures (yay!) to the Meditations of Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius (I lost scalp scratching my head over that one). In regards to the latter, I still don't know if it was intentionally written in riddles or fell victim to a case of bad formatting...

There are some books I missed the first time around, and others that I am sure a new generation of readers would appreciate. So far, a few that I might actually enjoy rereading have not reappeared. 

Wishing for these in ebook format...

The Quest of the Riddle-Master Trilogy by Patricia A. McKillip

The Riddle-Master of Hed

Heir of Sea and Fire

Harpist in the Wind

This is a trilogy that stuck with me over the years. It had a profound effect on me and I remember thinking about the characters and their struggles for month afterward. I would love to revisit it, yet so far, I have only been able to acquire the second book, Heir of Sea and Fire.

Saturday, the Twelfth of October by Norma Fox Mazer

I read this story in grade school and I remember feeling transported to a past civilization right along with the main character, Zan. The book impressed me. Apparently, I'm not the only one who appreciated it, as the hardcover goes for $399. 

Do you have any books you would like to find again as ebooks? Please share. :)

-Kara

Games I Like #3

More games I like for traveling...

Today I am highlighting the Awakening series developed by Boom Zap and published by Big Fish. Easily, these are some of the most beautiful adventure games on iPad. They contain mini games, puzzles, and intriguing story lines. The games follow the adventures of Sophia as she tries to unravel the mystery of her identity, her family, and her purpose in the world. I never tired of these, and keep them on my iPad to replay them for their aesthetics. They are also available for PC and Mac.

Awakening: The Dreamless Castle -- Sophia awakes to find herself alone in a beautiful room fit for a princess. She doesn't remember much. She must find her way through the castle.  Luckily she has a helpful fairy to give her hints. Luxurious scenes, puzzles, and hidden objects.

Awakening: Moonfell Wood -- Beyond the castle, Sophia must find her way through Moonfell Wood. The forest holds even more wonders...

Awakening: The Goblin Kingdom -- We've enjoyed a fancy castle and a luscious forest. Now Sophia embarks upon an adventure into the cold, icy mountain range of the Goblin Kingdom. Gorgeous scenes await!





I just love these stories. I hope you do, too!
-Kara :)

Updates on "Dey for Love"

Be sure to check out the latest on my new website Dey for Love. It's a website dedicated to Romance news, interviews, and reviews. I'll still be doing book reviews on this blog, and artist interviews on my main site, but I decided to start one specifically for Romance Authors and Readers, too!

-Kara xoxoxo

Games I Like #2

Fun on the Kindle...

Today I've chosen hidden object games by DifferenceGames LLC. that work well on the kindle and nook.  Pretty music, gorgeous pictures, and pretty difficult-to-find objects highlight these three by  Phatpuppy.

Hidden Memory - Dreaming with Fairies. This was the first of Phatpuppy's games that I tried. I knew the art would be tops because she's done several book covers for my alter ego. The music is sweet, and the hidden objects are challenging. This is a gal who knows her colors! I chose Normal Mode (timed) and Display Object (rather than the word). These objects are tricky to find--squint worthy in many cases. But I enjoyed the challenge and the music as I searched. I think it was more challenging because I couldn't get my kindle to zoom in like I can with an iPad, typically. Guess I gotta figure out that maneuver on the kindle yet. Lol.

Hidden Object - Once Upon A Time. Phatpuppy gives the warning that some images might be too scary for young children. These are beautiful image manipulations that tell the fairy tales' darker sides. Since fairy takes are suppose to be scary--that's awesome in my book.

Hidden Object - Creatures Great and Small. I love this Hidden Object episode. There are so many beautiful pictures, I wished to be fast enough in the Bonus rounds just to remove all the objects. I wanted to see the final pictures clear of coat hangers and other odds and ends. I am especially particular to this game because (spoiler) a slight variation to my alter ego's book cover (A.H. De Carrasco's Teller of Destiny Series: Peasant Princess) is in the game! How fun is that?! Guess which one. Of course, You'll have to wait a little bit longer before the book is out. In the meantime, enjoy I guess. Hah!  :)

Now here's an even better scoop. I discovered that some pictures from the games are available in print. When the Phatpuppy option in the Main Menu is present, you can click on it and it will take you to them. Gorgeous.

Each game that comes out is better than the last. I look forward to seeing future hidden object games by DifferenceGames LLC. and Phatpuppy. 

-Kara xoxoxo

Books I Like #12

Since so many of my friends have young children, I'm highlighting some enjoyable children's books again! I especially like reviewing children's books because the artwork is always so amazing. These two are some of the cutest!

The Six Pirates by Lily Lexington. This books has everything a parent could ask for in a story: fun rhyming poetry, clean and crisp illustrations, and a nice story. I think this book will be wonderful for parents who like to read with their children.  It has great opportunities to ask them questions and to practice identification with words, colors, and objects. Not to mention, it also affords them an opportunity to discuss good and bad behaviors. Love the parrot.

Kevin and the Seven Lions by Martin Tiller. Illustrated by Carla Tracy. Martin Tiller has won a special place in my heart for creating this book. What writer or artist wouldn't have adored a teacher like Kevin's? Carla Tracy illustrates Kevin's daydreams superbly. I really like her style.

Check them out! 

-Kara :)

Games I Like

Games I Like  #01 --- While Traveling...

I love all kinds of games (RPG, first person shooters, co-op,  puzzles, adventure...you name it--it's all good to me! Old and new. Since I've spent too much time travelling lately, I've turned to games I can play on my iPad, like Midnight Mysteries by developer Mumbo Jumbo. Adventure games published by Big Fish have got me hooked once more, I'll admit it. It's fun to pass the time in flight with a 'point and click'er. Nothing beats it, this side of an alcoholic haze, to drown out the passenger snoring and to make the time fly by. ;)


MUMBOJUMBO MOBILE, LLC

I discovered MumboJumbo while I was sick in bed for a few days. I enjoyed the Midnight Mysteries episode Salem Witch Trials so much, that I've always kept an eye out for anything new from them. Ghosts of famous writers stop by for a visit and pull you from your den's cozy fireplace. They send you on quests to solve mysteries. Just my kind of adventure! I loved playing these on my iPad, but now they are available for the kindle as well.


In The Salem Witch Trials you'll team up with Nathaniel Hawthorne to solve the writer's death. Visits from the victims of Salem, a fun romp through the cemetery to scavenge for clues and many hidden object and puzzles await you. Just the thing to spend some relaxing time while sharpening your brain!

In Devil on the Mississippi, Mark Twain's ghost comes to visit you and steals you away to a spooky river boat filled with apparitions and puzzles, and scenes from the past. You'll travel to many locations in search of Shakespeare's true identity!





Let me know what you think of them. Like I said, I used the iPad version, which was great for zooming in on the objects. Many of Big Fish's games are available for PC, Mac and Kindle, as well! Enjoy!

-Kara xoxoxo

Romance Website Is Up!

My new website "Dey For Love" (deyforlove.com) is officially LIVE. Happy dancing feet. I wanted to dedicate a website to Romance books and authors, and I'm definitely looking forward to presenting the many Romance sub-genres on this new site.

As always, I only review the books that I like and I have three up already, plus an announcement for a new book on the market that sounds like fun! Check them out! Authors be sure to check out the Author's Guide Link on the right if you are interested in placing a book blurb or interview. The best news is right now blurbs are FREE!

Hope you enjoy it! And stop back if you like what you see! :)

-Kara

Books I Like #11

Today we are checking out two cute books for kids!

Samantha Loses the Box Turtle

Samantha Loses the Box Turtle by Daisy Griffin. From Daisy Griffin's website: "The Samantha Series of Children's Illustrated Chapter Books are written by Daisy Griffin and Illustrated by Matthew Gauvin. The books are a fun way for children to get to know more about animals while following eight year old Samantha's story."

I've reviewed this book and enjoyed it! I found it cute and educational for kids. What a fun read. And I especially liked the extra facts about turtles--everything I'd wanted to know about them since I was a kid, reading those "Fudge" books by Judy Blume. Parents will find educational questions in the back, for discussion.




Nimpentoad

Nimpentoad -- Story by Henry, Josh, and Harrison Herz, Art by Sean Eddingfield and Bill Maus.

The Niblings are a group of forest creatures who are slight of build. They've been bullied for a very long time, suffering under the cruelty of Goblins and other meanies. Can the Niblings find a safe haven with a giant?

Beautiful artwork and a compelling story. Really, these art pieces drew me in. What a wonderful interpretation of a story that tackles bullying and stresses perseverance  I especially like the note to parents at the back, which talks about positive lessons like teamwork, creativity and manners. Nice!

Check them out!

-Kara :)

Spell Caster Update!

What's new with the Spell Casters? Check it out!

Audrey Knight has produced another book cover, this time for Simone Snaith's From the Ashes (The Fairville Woods). Beautiful cover and interesting blurb for the book! I'm going to check this one out, for sure.

And she's also designed a T-shirt for Frenchy's:

Deanna Molinaro has been devoting a large portion of her time to help man's best friend. Collin County Dog Rescue is dear to her heart. These dogs need loving forever homes.

From Deanna: "I make videos to show their personalities, take them out to walk/play, and write info about them on the shelter's Facebook page. Here are a couple videos..."

To like the facebook page for these sweethearts that need our help:  https://www.facebook.com/Collincountyanimalsindanger

Sarah Mensinga has been very busy with new creations -- all kinds! But she did have enough time to update her blog with some fun Christmas drawings. Cute! Check out her latest 'additions!' Blog

Mike Gasaway has been gearing up for some big happenings. Busy writing and editing. Check out and stay tuned on his writer's blog. Click the button or the link for him on my blog (right) and it will take you to his site or use this one -->  The Path to a Movie

Jenn Reese will soon release the next installment of her Above World Trilogy. Amazon is doing a preorder sale for Mirage. Be the early bird and get it on sale. Awesome. Check it out! Mirage 

Devin Blake has added a new volume to her graphic novel/comic, Monster Soup called Supernatural High. The cover is stunning! Cover

Eric Drobile has been busy with lots of work and Hatefarm's Mall Monkeys. Mall Monkeys

Well, that's the scoop for now! -Kara :)

Books I Like #10

HUSHED

Hushed by Kelley York. This book might not be for everyone. There is moral ambiguity in this piece, but I found the characters compelling. I understood where they were coming from, even though their actions were often rash and impulsive.

The characters got under my skin and I found myself reflecting back on their decisions days afterward. Not a light romp but worth the read, especially if you like to ponder over poor decisions and angst. It's on my Like List.




REAPER

Reaper (The Riser Saga) by Becca C. Smith. This story takes over where the first left off, and the pace does not slow for one moment, in my humble opinion. I learned more about the character's motivations and backgrounds, how and why they ticked (which is the most compelling thing for me as a reader, right next to character interaction).

Gotta give street cred to an author who makes us empathetic even toward the most deranged characters. Does not disappoint.

Check them out!

-Kara :)

Eleventh Spell Caster on my Website! Jenn Reese!

Happy New Year! I can't think of a more wonderful way to start this year's Spell Caster interviews than with the lovely and talented Jenn Reese.

Multitalented is an understatement! She writes great action romance, fun and engaging books for young adults and kids, and witty short stories and shorts series.  On top of that she studies martial arts and designs covers for ebooks. I suspect that's just the tip of the iceberg. My hunch? She's a renaissance woman, incognito.

It is a pleasure to have her visit my website today!