Day 6: Month-Long-Anniversary-Celebration: Featuring Waterproof by Amber Garr (Author of the Syrenka Series) Excerpt + Giveaways

Bookshelf Confessions welcomes Amber Garr, author of The Syrenka Series)

Amber Garr is one my closest author friends :D .I've also hosted and reviewed some of her books, and I'm so glad that she's here for our anniversary celebration. The Syrenka Series blog tour has been one of Bookshelf Confessions' and iluvtour's great tours, if you missed this tour, check it out here

I've also reviewed her books, Promises, Betrayal and hopefully for Arise coming soon :D

Furthermore, she generously offered to giveaway some copies of her books, if you'd like to enter, click the rafflecopter below.

See?! she's so cool. Thank you so much Ms. Amber for joining us in our blog's anniversary ! :)

The books of Amber includes: (Click the covers to read book description)

 

About Amber

Amber Garr spends her days as a scientist and nights writing about other worlds. Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Maryland with her husband and their furry kids. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a multiple Royal Palm Literary Award winner, author of Waterproof, The Syrenka Series, The Leila Marx Novels, and the upcoming Death Warden Series. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.

Stalk Amber Online:

Website

Blog

Facebook

@AmberGarr1

Goodreads

An Excerpt from Waterproof - New adult dystopian releasing September 24^th!

Dying of thirst is the new reality.

Five years after the last drop of clean water disappeared, global societies collapsed and nuclear war shattered all hope of recovery. In a place now only a skeleton of its former self, survivors fight to avoid capture by the government. Forced to work in factories that produce the only drinking water available, those who go in, never come out.

Zach and Vivienne have lived as deserters since they were teenagers. Fighting amongst their own and scrounging for the necessities of life, they’ve learned to rely on each other in every way. Yet when tragedy strikes and the true objectives of the government facility are revealed, their world is ripped apart.

A fate once thought to hold their demise may be the sole answer to their survival. Who can they trust? Who can they believe?

In this life, it pays to be waterproof.

Link to Trailer: http://youtu.be/lmS51MLf4pM

Buy Now at Amazon or Smashwords

Excerpt (Zach’s POV):

Vivienne yelled out and I whipped my head around to see what happened. The last man standing held an impressive hunting knife in his hand, while Vivienne had a fresh cut on her arm. Still, she held steady, sword gripped tightly in front of her, legs in a fighting stance.

Something stirred inside of me at the sight. Time slowed when I watched her wield the sword like an ancient warrior. It was hard to imagine that just a few years ago we were in high school worrying about football games and which party to go to on the weekend. Now we stayed in abandoned houses, scrounged for water, and spent most of our lives running. If things had been different, Vivienne and I would be graduating college this year. I had plans to go into medicine, and she wanted to be a vet. Funny how those dreams seemed so far away now.

A loud thump echoed through the now darkened night. She almost fell to the ground with the amount of momentum needed to decapitate the man. He dropped to his knees like a sinner begging for mercy, head rolling further down the hill. My stomach fluttered with admiration and annoyance.

“I didn’t need your help,” I said to her, getting up on my feet and trying not to wince at my injuries.

“Sure,” she huffed. Ripping her bandana off her face she tore it in two. “Here, wrap that up.” She nodded toward the tear in my sleeve and I stubbornly yanked the cloth out of her hand.

“I had everything under control,” I said between clenched teeth. It was the only way to mask the pain. “How did you know where to find me?”

“I followed the girly shrieks,” she said without missing a beat. I looked down at her in time to see a smirk pull at the corner of her mouth. “Let me do it.”

Once again, I allowed Vivienne to rescue me. It killed every part of that male ego inside, but I knew she’d let me do the same for her. In fact, I had. We always saved each other.

“Ow,” I said when she tightened the bandana a little too rough around my arm.

“Stop being a baby.”

“Stop showing off your man strength.”

She pulled even tighter but let a small laugh escape. I sucked in a breath at that sound, realizing how close I’d come to never hearing it again.

“Are you hurt anywhere else?” she asked, turning me around and patting her hands along my body. I froze, trying to ignore how comforting her touch felt. We’d been friends for years, and she was the only person in this world I trusted. Why had I risked so much for this run?

I stepped away from her, not liking where my thoughts were headed. “I’m fine,” I mumbled. “Stop mothering me.”

“I wouldn’t have to if you’d listen to me.” She stopped in front of my face and stared me down. I stood a little over six feet tall and she was just a few inches shorter. Together with that glare, almost any man would cower under her. “Was it worth it?”

“Huh?”

“The water. How much did you get?”

I hung my head in embarrassment. “I had eight, but they shot through one. So six, I guess.”

“Six bottles?” She looked impressed.

“No, six liters.” Silence.

“You just made me kill three men for six liters of water?”

I shuffled my feet. “You only killed two.”

She reached out so quickly, I couldn’t defend myself. Both hands pushed against my chest and I stumbled back, falling to the ground.

“I could make it three,” she hissed. “I should kill you for your stupidity alone.”

Giveaway: 

An ebook copy of 1) The Syrenka Series Box Set; 2) Touching Evil; and 3) Waterproof

a Rafflecopter giveaway

or click here 

Grab my Giveaway Button!

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Waterproof - Release Day Party! (Excerpt)

Waterproof - Release Day Party!

It's September 24th and that means that Waterproof has finally arrived!

Buy Now at Amazon or Smashwords

Dying of thirst is the new reality.

Five years after the last drop of clean water disappeared, global societies collapsed and nuclear war shattered all hope of recovery. In a place now only a skeleton of its former self, survivors fight to avoid capture by the government. Forced to work in factories that produce the only drinking water available, those who go in, never come out.

Zach and Vivienne have lived as deserters since they were teenagers. Fighting amongst their own and scrounging for the necessities of life, they’ve learned to rely on each other in every way. Yet when tragedy strikes and the true objectives of the government facility are revealed, their world is ripped apart.

A fate once thought to hold their demise may be the sole answer to their survival. Who can they trust? Who can they believe?

In this life, it pays to be waterproof.

Amber Garr spends her days as a scientist and nights writing about other worlds. Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Maryland with her husband and their furry kids. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a multiple Royal Palm Literary Award winner, author of Waterproof,  The Syrenka Series, The Leila Marx Novels, and the upcoming Death Warden Series. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.

Stalk Amber Online:

Website

Blog

Facebook

@AmberGarr1

Goodreads

Waterproof Excerpt 2

Vivienne yelled out and I whipped my head around to see what happened. The last man standing held an impressive hunting knife in his hand, while Vivienne had a fresh cut on her arm. Still, she held steady, sword gripped tightly in front of her, legs in a fighting stance.

Something stirred inside of me at the sight. Time slowed when I watched her wield the sword like an ancient warrior. It was hard to imagine that just a few years ago we were in high school worrying about football games and which party to go to on the weekend. Now we stayed in abandoned houses, scrounged for water, and spent most of our lives running. If things had been different, Vivienne and I would be graduating college this year. I had plans to go into medicine, and she wanted to be a vet. Funny how those dreams seemed so far away now.

A loud thump echoed through the now darkened night. She almost fell to the ground with the amount of momentum needed to decapitate the man. He dropped to his knees like a sinner begging for mercy, head rolling further down the hill. My stomach fluttered with admiration and annoyance.

“I didn’t need your help,” I said to her, getting up on my feet and trying not to wince at my injuries.

“Sure,” she huffed. Ripping her bandana off her face she tore it in two. “Here, wrap that up.” She nodded toward the tear in my sleeve and I stubbornly yanked the cloth out of her hand.

“I had everything under control,” I said between clenched teeth. It was the only way to mask the pain. “How did you know where to find me?”

“I followed the girly shrieks,” she said without missing a beat. I looked down at her in time to see a smirk pull at the corner of her mouth. “Let me do it.”

Once again, I allowed Vivienne to rescue me. It killed every part of that male ego inside, but I knew she’d let me do the same for her. In fact, I had. We always saved each other.

“Ow,” I said when she tightened the bandana a little too rough around my arm.

“Stop being a baby.”

“Stop showing off your man strength.”

She pulled even tighter but let a small laugh escape. I sucked in a breath at that sound, realizing how close I’d come to never hearing it again.

“Are you hurt anywhere else?” she asked, turning me around and patting her hands along my body. I froze, trying to ignore how comforting her touch felt. We’d been friends for years, and she was the only person in this world I trusted. Why had I risked so much for this run?

I stepped away from her, not liking where my thoughts were headed. “I’m fine,” I mumbled. “Stop mothering me.”

“I wouldn’t have to if you’d listen to me.” She stopped in front of my face and stared me down. I stood a little over six feet tall and she was just a few inches shorter. Together with that glare, almost any man would cower under her. “Was it worth it?”

“Huh?”

“The water. How much did you get?”

I hung my head in embarrassment. “I had eight, but they shot through one. So six, I guess.”

“Six bottles?” She looked impressed.

“No, six liters.” Silence.

“You just made me kill three men for six liters of water?”

I shuffled my feet. “You only killed two.”

She reached out so quickly, I couldn’t defend myself. Both hands pushed against my chest and I stumbled back, falling to the ground.

“I could make it three,” she hissed. “I should kill you for your stupidity alone.”

Last stop for the Touching Evil plus Furthermore blog tour- cover update for Touching Evil plus giveaway!

Furthermore

(An Anthology)
a tour brought to you by iluvtours

By Rebekah Campbell, David Estes, Amber Garr, Karen Amanda Hooper, Stephanie Judice, Leigh Michael

Furthermore

The Blurb

A first date, a lottery, treachery and deceit. Sometimes fate has other plans. Sometimes there’s more to tell.

In Furthermore: An Anthology, eighteen original stories take you on a journey through worlds here and beyond. From the depths of the earth to the embrace of the sea, your favorite series continue. Prequels, alternative views, and new scenes give readers a chance to experience more than originally told.

Including stories from Rebekah Campbell, Amber Garr, David Estes, Leigh Michael, Karen Amanda Hooper, Stephanie Judice, and Mayandree Michael. And most importantly, in honor of those who lost the battle and those who continue to fight, all proceeds from this anthology will be donated to cancer research and support.

SURPRISE VISITOR -Emily has never been a fan of surprises but Eric has something up his sleeve to change her mind. (The Darkness Through The Light Series)

GETTING TO KNOW THE HEAVIES - The two Sullivan bodyguards are still human beings underneath it all. And everyone has a weakness. (The Darkness Through The Light Series)

PEOPLE CHANGE - When Eric asks his dad a question about his mother, it’s time to go back to where it all began and then went so badly wrong. (The Darkness Through The Light Series)

COLD FEET - Kain witnesses Eviana’s deceit on their wedding day and is forced to deal with the consequences of her behavior. (The Syrenka Series)

RIFT - Daniel encourages the group to make a detour to the Grand Canyon, as the distance between the friends begins to rival the great ravine. (The Syrenka Series)

DISCOVERY - Leila’s first encounter with her psychic mentor is nothing short of memorable. (The Leila Marx Novels)

HUMAN RESOURCES – Blake finds a new job while Mac finds a friend who reminds him of home. (The Leila Marx Novels)

THE RUNAWAY- TAWNI’S STORY - After learning of her parents’ treachery, Tawni leaves home seeking to make amends for their transgressions. (The Dwellers Saga)

THE LIFE LOTTERY- A STORY FROM YEAR ZERO - With the survival of the human race on the brink, there’s only one way to decide who will be saved in the underground caves: The Lottery. (The Dwellers Saga)

FATE: Experience Annabelle’s struggle to fulfill the ABA Prophecy in a new light through the parting words of Adrian, Aurelia, Blake, and Lady Katherine. (Annabelle’s Story)

THE SOUND OF LOVE - Glimpse into one of Nathaniel’s previous lives and see how his soul mate reacts when tragedy strikes. (The Kindrily Series)

MUIRNE’S MELODY--To escape her master’s vile desires, Muirne flees into the snow-swept night, finding a green-eyed stranger and a mystical destiny. (Saga of the Setti Series)

JEREMY’S HEART: Calm, cool, and complete scoundrel, Jeremy realizes the loss he’s suffered means nothing compared to true love. (Saga of the Setti Series)

FALL FROM GRACE: Warped by centuries of darkness, the creature Sveigja plots to capture Clara as his queen. (Saga of the Setti Series)

AMBER GARR:  Updates and Facelifts 

A blog post from Amber Garr's blog: Amber Garr: The Evolution of a Muse

  One of the perks about being indie...I have the flexibility to update manuscripts and covers!

After taking a break from The Syrenka Series, I went back and made some tweaks to Promises (particularly in the first chapter) and have uploaded the new version. You can find it here or here. No major changes, just cleaning it up a bit. I have a feeling every time I re-read I will want to change this word or that word, so this has satisfied me for now. I also have something in the works for this series and hope to announce it within the month. Stay tuned!

Deciding that this is the year to make stuff happen (more on that later), I recently teamed up with a local graphic artist who's going to help me achieve my goals. Although not part of my original plan, we started talking about book covers and I asked her to take a look at Touching Evil. Now, I LOVED the photo on the cover as it so perfectly matched up with a couple of scenes in the book, but it was missing...something.

A few emails with Kristin...and here we go. The BRAND NEW cover of Touching Evil! What do you think? For those that have read it, the demon eyes can mean several things and I love how c-reepy they look!

COVER COMMENT: I believe the cover just got creepier.. well, it truly depicts the book, So what do you think?
**Giveaway**
TOURWIDE GIVEAWAY

Signed Touching Evil paperback

Signed Furthermore paperback

Surprise Swag

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Giveaway
an e-book of Touching Evil or Furthermore
TO ENTER: Just leave a comment here

follow the rest of the tour

Awesome Giveaway + Alternative POV - Conner and Leila’s First Date: Touching Evil by Amber Garr

Click the link to see the tour schedule

With one touch, Leila can see it all.

Leila Marx is trying to put her life back together after her fiancé is murdered. When Detective Garrick Pearson enlists her help with a difficult case, she is thankful for the distraction and the opportunity to use her talents as a touch clairvoyant. Leila and Garrick delve into the mystery behind a series of missing teenage girls and mummified corpses while discovering their own growing attraction to each other.

Conner Hoffman is an intriguing lawyer and striking half-demon who enters Leila’s life unexpectedly. Although her visions are terrifying, she is fascinated by his charm and his legacy. When it becomes evident that the murders are linked to a paranormal event, Conner introduces Leila to a world unbeknownst to ordinary society. She suddenly finds herself immersed in supernatural politics, sorcery, and danger as she becomes the killer’s next target.

Staying alive will mean relying on friends, accepting the unbelievable, and trusting in her heart again.

• Paperback: 322 pages

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 1, 2012)

• Language: English

• ISBN-10: 1480021598
  

Book Links : Amazon Kindle | Paperback    Smashwords

Read the First Chapter.

Read an excerpt with Leila and Conner.

Book Trailer:

Alternative POV - Conner and Leila’s First Date

 Human souls still had their appeal and the restaurant vibrated with them tonight. Taking in an extra long breath, I relished in the energy. I may not need to collect them anymore, but I did enjoy identifying which ones I might have marked.

The bartender, for example, would have earned me an extra slap on the back. Beneath his smile and flirtatious act, he hid a dark secret. He enjoyed the hunt as much as me, but what he did to the ladies once he got them home, was unacceptable. Yes, my father would have been happy to acquire him.

A small hand grabbed my shoulder for support. Sara climbed on the bar stool again, body in constant motion. Her excitement made me appreciate what my new life could be. Now that the contract with my demon father was complete, I could fully enjoy living with the humans for the next millennia.

“There she is!” Sara said, jumping down from her seat and rushing over to the door. Her husband, Ben, smiled and shook his head.

“Is she always like this?” I asked.

He laughed before finishing his drink. “It’s why I love her.” Ben patted my shoulder. “Don’t worry, Conner, she’s great.”

I raised my eyebrows.

“Leila,” he clarified. “You’ll like her.”

I nodded. Did he sense my nervousness? I moved here just a few weeks ago, hoping to start fresh. The last thing I wanted to do was go on a blind date, but Ben had been persistent.

“Looks like she’s talking about you,” Ben said, nudging me in the side.

I turned around, shocked at what I saw. My skin tingled and a red tint flooded my vision, setting the cambion senses on alert. Of all the women in Baltimore, I’d been set up with a supernatural.

Ben laughed again, communicating silently with Leila while admiring his wife. Forcing my eyes back to their human color, I took a moment to assess my date. Blonde hair, long legs, great smile, and a clairvoyant. I would have to be careful.

Sara dragged her friend over to us, nearly tripping on her high heels. Knowing this might be trouble, I still couldn’t tear my eyes away from Leila. Her soul hummed with power. I focused on protecting my secret and tried to act human.

“Conner,” Sara said, “This is Leila. Leila Marx. And Leila, this is Conner Hoffman.”

I glanced at her one more time, concentrating so my eyes would not react to her beauty. Her cheeks flushed and she looked down at the floor. Amused at her reaction to me, I smiled.

“Leila, it is very nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much, but to see you in person is truly a delight.”

Gently lifting her hand to my mouth, I kissed it. The touch sent shivers through my body, warning me to be careful but reminding me what it could be like. I wanted to live as a human again, and Leila Marx might be the key to making that happen.

“I didn’t tell him anything,” Ben joked. “I’m going to grab our table.”

Leila looked straight into my eyes, searching for something, before I let go of her hand. I’ve met clairvoyants before, and I guessed Leila’s gift relied on touch. Her forehead creased ever so slightly in confusion. She had tried to read me.

I smiled, knowing I could only hide my secret so long with this beautiful woman. 

Amber Garr spends her days conducting experiments and wondering if her next door neighbor is secretly a vampire.  Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Florida with her husband and their furry kids.  Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell.  She writes both adult and young adult urban fantasies and when not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.

Stalk Amber online at:

Website

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

**Giveaway**

There will be two giveaways
first giveaway-tour-wide

Signed Touching Evil paperback

Signed Furthermore paperback

Surprise Swag

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2^nd giveaway:

an e-book copy of either Touching Evil or Furthermore

TO ENTER. Just Leave a comment for Amber, double entry for followers.

Tour SIgn-Up: Touching Evil plus Furthermore by Amber Garr

Want more of Amber Garr's Syrenka Series Blog Tour which was a huge hit when hosted at Bookshelf Confessions last August? Then join the fun with the new tour from Amber's new novel Leila Marx plus a collection of anthologies from various authors you've been following.

I Luv Tours is organizing a blog tour for the adult urban fantasy, Touching Evil, (Leila Marx #1) by Amber Garr and Furthermore, an anthology by various authors ( Rebekah Campbell , David Estes, Amber Garr , Karen Amanda Hooper , Stephanie Judice , Leigh Michael , Mayandree Michel.) .If these are authors you're fan of, then you should definitely read Furthermore.Plus, all of the proceeds from the anthology are going to be donated to The America Cancer Society.

 The tour will run January 14-February 22, 2012.E-book review copies will be available.Giveaways and guest post from these various authors will be available.

 If you are a review/book blog or someone who can posts through social links/sites that fits the age group/genre and are interested in participating, please fill out this form.
We will contact the participants shortly after approval.

Touching Evil

The Blurb

With one touch, Leila can see it all.

Leila Marx is trying to put her life back together after her fiancé is murdered. When Detective Garrick Pearson enlists her help with a difficult case, she is thankful for the distraction and the opportunity to use her talents as a touch clairvoyant. Leila and Garrick delve into the mystery behind a series of missing teenage girls and mummified corpses while discovering their own growing attraction to each other.

Conner Hoffman is an intriguing lawyer and striking half-demon who enters Leila’s life unexpectedly. Although her visions are terrifying, she is fascinated by his charm and his legacy. When it becomes evident that the murders are linked to a paranormal event, Conner introduces Leila to a world unbeknownst to ordinary society. She suddenly finds herself immersed in supernatural politics, sorcery, and danger as she becomes the killer’s next target.

Staying alive will mean relying on friends, accepting the unbelievable, and trusting in her heart again.

Praise from Stephanie @ A Dream Within A Dream:
"I found this to be a fantastic start to an awesome new series. There's a ton of different things going on throughout the novel that it keeps the reader on their toes, but doesn't overwhelm or confuse them. I love the psychic aspect to the plot and the main character of Leila. The way that the author uses different topics and genres to tie all the storylines in the book together was seamless. There's tons of action, adventure, mystery, fantasy and even romance in the book."

 _____________________________________________________



Furthermore

The Blurb

A first date, a lottery, treachery and deceit. Sometimes fate has other plans. Sometimes there’s more to tell.

In Furthermore: An Anthology, eighteen original stories take you on a journey through worlds here and beyond. From the depths of the earth to the embrace of the sea, your favorite series continue. Prequels, alternative views, and new scenes give readers a chance to experience more than originally told.

Including stories from Rebekah Campbell, Amber Garr, David Estes, Leigh Michael, Karen Amanda Hooper, Stephanie Judice, and Mayandree Michael. And most importantly, in honor of those who lost the battle and those who continue to fight, all proceeds from this anthology will be donated to cancer research and support.

SURPRISE VISITOR -Emily has never been a fan of surprises but Eric has something up his sleeve to change her mind. (The Darkness Through The Light Series)

GETTING TO KNOW THE HEAVIES - The two Sullivan bodyguards are still human beings underneath it all. And everyone has a weakness. (The Darkness Through The Light Series)

PEOPLE CHANGE - When Eric asks his dad a question about his mother, it’s time to go back to where it all began and then went so badly wrong. (The Darkness Through The Light Series)

COLD FEET - Kain witnesses Eviana’s deceit on their wedding day and is forced to deal with the consequences of her behavior. (The Syrenka Series)

RIFT - Daniel encourages the group to make a detour to the Grand Canyon, as the distance between the friends begins to rival the great ravine. (The Syrenka Series)

DISCOVERY - Leila’s first encounter with her psychic mentor is nothing short of memorable. (The Leila Marx Novels)

HUMAN RESOURCES – Blake finds a new job while Mac finds a friend who reminds him of home. (The Leila Marx Novels)

THE RUNAWAY- TAWNI’S STORY - After learning of her parents’ treachery, Tawni leaves home seeking to make amends for their transgressions. (The Dwellers Saga)

THE LIFE LOTTERY- A STORY FROM YEAR ZERO - With the survival of the human race on the brink, there’s only one way to decide who will be saved in the underground caves: The Lottery. (The Dwellers Saga)

FATE: Experience Annabelle’s struggle to fulfill the ABA Prophecy in a new light through the parting words of Adrian, Aurelia, Blake, and Lady Katherine. (Annabelle’s Story)

THE SOUND OF LOVE - Glimpse into one of Nathaniel’s previous lives and see how his soul mate reacts when tragedy strikes. (The Kindrily Series)

MUIRNE’S MELODY--To escape her master’s vile desires, Muirne flees into the snow-swept night, finding a green-eyed stranger and a mystical destiny. (Saga of the Setti Series)

JEREMY’S HEART: Calm, cool, and complete scoundrel, Jeremy realizes the loss he’s suffered means nothing compared to true love. (Saga of the Setti Series)

FALL FROM GRACE: Warped by centuries of darkness, the creature Sveigja plots to capture Clara as his queen. (Saga of the Setti Series)

A Pre-release shoutout from Rachel Woohoo @ Goodreads:

"WHAT? Stephanie Judice AND David Estes? Why did I just hear of this now.

Can't wait!!"

 _____________________________________________________

Promotional Event +Giveaway: Touching Evil by Amber Garr

With one touch, Leila can see it all.

Leila Marx is trying to put her life back together after her fiancé is murdered. When Detective Garrick Pearson enlists her help with a difficult case, she is thankful for the distraction and the opportunity to use her talents as a touch clairvoyant. Leila and Garrick quickly delve into the mystery behind a series of missing teenage girls and mummified corpses while discovering their own growing attraction to each other. 

Conner Hoffman is an intriguing lawyer and striking half-demon who enters Leila’s life unexpectedly.  Although her visions are terrifying, she is fascinated by his charm and his legacy. When it becomes evident that the murders are linked to a paranormal event, Conner introduces Leila to a world unbeknownst to ordinary society. She suddenly finds herself immersed in supernatural politics, sorcery, and danger as she becomes the killer’s next target. 

Staying alive will mean relying on friends, accepting the unbelievable, and trusting in her heart again.

Buy at Amazon or Smashwords.

Visit Amber's website to read an excerpt, watch the trailer, and meet the characters.

Amber Garr spends her days conducting scientific experiments and wondering if her next door neighbor is secretly a vampire. Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Florida with her husband and their furry kids. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a Royal Palm Literary Award winner, author of The Syrenka Series and The Leila Marx Novels. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.

 Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

In celebration of the release, Amber's holding a giveaway!

Open to everyone. Yeah!

**GIVEAWAY**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: (Book Review+Giveaway): Betrayal by Amber Garr

Betrayal by Amber Garr

• Paperback: 258 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 20, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1468190067
• ISBN-13: 978-1468190069

Amazon

Life as a mermaid can be suffocating.

Eviana Dumahl has returned home as a clan leader, an orphan, and a heartbroken teenage girl. Her parents are dead and her boyfriend, Brendan, has decided that he needs some time away. While battling her inner turmoil, Eviana is forced into the war that Lucian Sutherland has incited amongst her own kind. With the help of Kain, her friend and formally betrothed, the two work together to prove that they deserve their birthrights as young merfolk leaders.

When the Council requests a demonstration of Eviana’s mermaid powers, she finds herself with an opportunity to win back Brendan’s heart. But her orders to train with a repulsive merman and the presence of an attractive new suitor challenges Eviana to embrace her leadership and resist temptation. Lucian is after her, and no one seems to understand why. Loyalties are tested as the casualties increase, showing Eviana that sometimes it is impossible to delineate between friends and enemies.

Betrayal is the second book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends as they navigate through the challenges of existing in a secret world.

 

DISCLAIMER: Don’t dare read this if you ahven’t picked up book 1, PROMISES just yet. Check out my review here.

Just like the first, the cover is still pretty.. Love that the blue got darker and it feels more turbulent, like the storm is brewing. Although judging from the former, I like the simplicity and eerie beauty of Promises:D

BETRAYAL has a great plot that turned the whole series upside-down. I never guess the twist and turns that happened. It caught me off guard, confused me as to who I should believe and be aware of- it simply stunned me how Amber Garr managed to sneak on me..lol..

The characters develop so much from the first time I met them in PROMISES. It’s like I’m reading a new person and yet their unique personalities managed to stay the same. Kain? Why are you so..so..kind and understanding, sweet and a loyal friend. Sometimes I want to kick Eviana to make her realize what she’s missing. And what did Brendan do, that make me from ignoring him to hating him, gosh Eviana, don’t’ waste your time winning that dork back..:D And Eviana, although missing Brendan was becoming a good and reliable leader. She matures just enough to take on the role, decide for her people and balanced it with her boy issues. Yeah, so much has changed.

If it was tormenting to choose between Kain and Brendan before, guess what? Eviana now have to face three (3), all-too-good-to-be-true boys. The addition of Graham, makes me want to share half of my votes from Kain :D. He’s the depiction of bad/mysterious and definitely hot male character.

Compared to the first book, BETRAYAL is more fast-paced, enemy attacks being thrown from time to time, which becomes deadly by the minute. The story progresses on like music sounding louder and louder and tenser and tenser. This is an exciting and darker story, that would leave your jaws dropping. **can’t believe what Amber did at the last chapter**

BETRAYAL was so much better than what I expected this series would go. This ends in a cliffhanger that would totally want you to grab book 3, ARISE, immediately. If you’re in for some charmingly attractive boys plus a war brewing among merpeople, then BETRAYAL’s for you. A story of love, betrayal, friendship, adventure, a choice, a stand and action-filled that I would highly recommend to everyone!!!

Check out these cool team banners for Brendan, Kain and Graham from Sarah Elizabeth's bookshelf.

**GIVEAWAY**

There are 2 chances of winning:
 First, comment on this post. (comments from the first book post will be accumulated)
No need to be a follower.
Prize: any e-copy of the 3 books (Promises/Betrayal/Arise)

Second: Win all three signed paperbacks of the Syrenka Series plus surprise swag.
Open INT.,. this is a tour-wide giveaway
click here to enter the giveaway and visit the other stops to win.

Check out my interview with Amber Garr and know her dream cast.>:D!
View all my reviews

Blog Tour (Book Review+Giveaway): Promises by Amber Garr

Promises by Amber Garr

• Paperback: 266 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (April 8, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1468006797
• ISBN-13: 978-1468006797

Amazon

She knew this day was coming.

When seventeen-year-old Eviana Dumahl is faced with the responsibility of an arranged marriage and clan leadership, she is forced to choose between the life required of a mermaid and one of a teenage girl simply infatuated with the wrong guy. Kain, her devoted fiancé would make a wonderful husband except that she’s been in love with Brendan, a shape-shifting selkie, ever since they were kids. Choosing to abandon her family, her clan, and her life with Kain will have dire consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined.
A war is brewing amongst the clans and Eviana unwittingly becomes a pawn in the intricate schemes of a twisted mastermind. With Brendan’s life on the line, she has no choice but to involve those who she once considered friends. Amidst encountering senseless tragedies and immense loss, Eviana discovers that she is more valuable as a clan leader than anyone ever suspected. Her survival is not only dependent upon the loyalty of her friends, but also on her acceptance of a life that she had so adamantly tried to escape.

 Note: I re-read this book for the tour.

Cover: I'm still mesmerized by the cover. I love the hue of blue, the chaos of the model's hair and what seems to be seaweeds. I definitely enjoy the closer look to Eviana. I loved the cover.This did show what the story is.

“Promises” is the first book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends through the perils of clan wars, tragedies and immense loss.

Since,I already read the book, it’s easy to predict the storyline in the first chapters, but  I still find myself fully in Eviana's world that together with the characters, I'm in for a lot of unexpected turns and twist that left me stunned and emotionally affected. Grudgingly, re-reading the book doesn't make me any less hooked with the story..:D.

Like before, Ms. Garr's writing transported me in the mermaid world she created. The story flowed naturally, some of the scenes predictable, and yet I still feel the butterflies whenever Kain is near..;D. the conversations are genuine.Being my first mermaid novel, this one sure made mermaids one of my favorite creatures.

This book is a love triangle, and even though it was Brendan that Eviana loves, I find Kain to be charming and lovable. I'm with team Kain...especially when Amber has her eye on Alex Pettyfer for the role. With Eviana’s narration, it’s easy to see that she has a mounting feeling for Kain, which makes Kain almost the center of the book. There was more detail on him than Brendan, but I hope to learn more of Brendan in the next book too.

Eviana meanwhile, even though I want to smack her most of the times, her character was developed as the story goes on. In every situation she was put in, she grows and learns something from it.

The ending of this book meanwhile is a little too-happily-ever-after for me. But the excerpt of the second book takes that feeling back and replaces it with thrill and excitement..:)

All in all, Promises is a really great book to start The Syrenka Series. If you got hooked the first time you saw the cover, then surely, the content would have more to offer. YA Romance mixed with sea folklores and legends make “Promises” a unique book that is fascinating, engaging and over-all a must-read!

Highly Recommended to everyone who enjoys paranormal stories, mermaid lore, sea creatures, etc.. and for those who prefer the rival than the hero,...then, this is surely for you!!!..:)

P.S.There is a free excerpt of the Chapter 1 of Betrayal , the sequel at the back of the book. It promises another Eviana and Kain moment, and a little bit creepy…:)

Check out these cool team banners for Brendan, Kain and Graham from Sarah Elizabeth's bookshelf.

**GIVEAWAY**

There are 2 chances of winning:
 First, comment on this post about what you think of the review or even the interview.
No need to be a follower.
Prize: any e-copy of the 3 books (Promises/Betrayal/Arise)

Second: Win all three signed paperbacks of the Syrenka Series plus surprise swag.
Open INT.,. this is a tour-wide giveaway
click here to enter the giveaway and visit the other stops to win.

Check out my interview with Amber Garr and know her dream cast.>:D!
View all my reviews