Determinant Book Tour w giveaway!

Hello everyone! Today, I am thrilled to be part of this blog tour. AND I’m the opening post, so I have some awesome goodies!! Not only do I love this series, but I am a goodreads friend of the author as well. We have fun times LOL so it makes it more special! 🙂 I am going to have several things today… A review, and character interview, a guest post, an excerpt for you to check out, and a GIVEAWAY! Sounds pretty awesome right! Well then let’s get started!

from goodreads: January St. Davis, on her own since the age of sixteen and struggling to stay in college, thinks she’s scored in a major way when she lands a paid summer internship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. One evening, after working an especially long shift, a chance encounter with a group of mysterious men alters the course of her life.

Rykerian Yarrister, a Guardian of Vesturon with unearthly powers and impossibly gorgeous looks, finds himself at odds over the human female he recently saved from certain death. When it seems he is on the verge of winning her over, she is ripped from his hands by a strange and powerful being, threatening to destroy her if his demands are not met.

Do Rykerian and the Guardians have the ability to meet this fierce barbarian’s ultimatums, or will January suffer a horrid demise?

Now I want you to know that this is book 3 of the series! You can get book 1 & the prequel for FREE at amazon right now! I’ll show you the pictures, and you can click on them to direct you to the amazon link 🙂

Now here’s book 2 & 3… 🙂

Now that you know about these, let’s continue! Here’s a little sneak peek for you…

I was lost in the events of the day and the amount of work I had and I was still nursing my wounded ego as I headed out of the lab. As I made my way down the corridor, I noticed six men advancing toward me.

It wasn’t their actions I noticed so much or even the way they walked. And though it was an oddity for them to even be here at all, it was their attire that captured my attention. They were dressed identically, in an extreme fashion, much like members of a gang or secret society. Large and muscular, they wore black vests and their bare arms were almost completely tattooed with tribal symbols of a sort. Metal bands criss-crossed their chests and their legs were tightly encased in leather. Knee high boots and black gloves finished off their ensembles.

As I neared them I felt my flesh tingle and the hairs on the back of my neck come to attention. Gooseflesh erupted and alarms started clanging in my head. I sucked in my breath and as I did, my eyes connected with the apparent leader. I say this because he was in the front of the formation as they plodded along.

Time stood still as our eyes connected. His were an uncanny shade, lavender with hints of indigo and specks of silver. It was a hue I was unfamiliar with but they were intriguing and fascinating. The alarms were still ringing in my ears and the air felt electrically charged around us.

“Halt!”

I turned into stone. I couldn’t move a muscle. He cocked his head as his eyes bore into mine.

“Breathe!”

I distinctly heard his command in my mind and I was helpless to disobey him. I felt myself take a deep cleansing breath. I questioned him with my eyes. He flicked his head toward his men and they stepped back several feet.

“Who are you? Why are you here?”

I was confused by the demanding questions swirling in my brain but felt compelled to answer him. I had never used mind reading to communicate, but I was sure he would hear my answer.

“I’m January St. Davis. I’m here working on an internship for college credit.”

“You are human?” he asked with incredulity.

I wasn’t sure what he meant by that. Why would he want to know if I was human? What a ridiculous question!

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Here’s how I felt about this book….

First, I know this is book 3, but I felt like you could jump in and read this one alone. It’s written well enough that you get background and info without a dumping of it. Yes, you will know that there has been events in the past, but it wouldn’t hinder reading for you. I know I’ve just said its written well, but I love this writer’s style! And of course I love the whole book.

January is a broken, scared, depressed, defeated girl, yet somehow she survives all these terrible things. Thank goodness she does, as she gets a GREAT ending, but I have a feeling we’ll see her around in the future! I started out feeling sorry for her, and ended with feeling empowered and loved!!

Rykerian, well who wouldn’t swoon and drool and stare like a star struck teenager! But I will say I liked him so much as he has flaws! He loses it with January as he’s so overwhelmed. Now don’t get me wrong, he was an ass, but that was so hot, as he has real life characteristics!! 🙂

There is so many wonderful things about this story, and the whole series for that matter! I will not say a bad word about this book! 5 GREAT BIG PAWS from me!!! 🙂 hands down!

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And here’s my character interview with Rykerian! … WELCOME!!

Maghon: Tell the world a little bit about yourself and where you come from?

Rykerian: I’m sure you know I’m from Vesturon, which is quite an extraordinary place. Some have called it the true Eden, although I would be hesitant to place that label on it. Since it is my home, I am a bit biased in my opinion of it, but I think if you could imagine the most picturesque places on Earth and roll them into one place, you could perhaps have an idea of what Vesturon looks like. As for me, I am just your average Guardian trying to do his best to keep tthe evil demons at bay.

Maghon: Now tell me how you felt when you first saw January in those woods and realized who she was?

Rykerian: My heart stopped beating and the Earth stood still when I saw her lying there, so close to death. I don’t like to think of that terrible day.

Maghon: Now that you’ve found January, do you believe in happily ever after forever?

Rykerian: No. I know without a doubt, I shall live it with January. That’s the way it is with soul mates, you see.

Maghon: As a stunningly handsome male, why were you never interested in other girls before January?

Rykerian: Most of the females that showed an interest in me were not subtle about their feelings. They were bold and aggressive, much to my annoyance. Anyone that knows me well, can attest to the fact that I am profoundly introspective and tend to shy away from behavior such as that. My mother always lamented that fact and worried about my lack of enthusiasm over the female attention I recieved. I always knew it would take a certain someone to peak my interest…someone special, like January.

maghon: well, awww!!! 🙂 Do you ever feel burdened by being a Guardian instead of blessed? And maybe explain a little about what a Guardian is…

Rykerian: Certainly. As a Guardian, you are faced with obligations and responsibilities that sometimes you would rather avoid. For instance, the situation we face with the Xanthians will require my involvement and I am not certain how active of a role I will have to play in it, but now that January is in my life, this brings a whole new dimension to my role as a Guardian. January is adamantly opposed to my going back to Xanthus, for obvious reasons, but as a Guardian, I am also sworn to uphold my duty. So you see, it is both a blessing and a curse.

Maghon: If you had a choice, and not with your background, would you chose to be something other than a Guardian?

Rykerian: Never. I believe it is what I was born to be. It is very difficult to even think of my life away from the Guardians

Maghon: Other than our Earth cookies, is there anything else on Earth you love?

Rykerian: Pizza! With a bit of pepperoni on it. And chocolate ice cream.

Maghon: Is there anything you wouldn’t do for January?

Rykerian: Nothing at all. I would give her the world if she asked for it…I would even let her crush my hand if need be. *laughs*

Maghon: I do remember a statement pretty close to you saying that to her!! Will we get to see more of you in the future? 🙂

Rykerian: I’m not sure. You may have to ask my mate as she is keeping me quite busy these days. *wink*

Maghon: A little of this and that…

Boxers or briefs?
Boxers

night or day?
Night…starry, of course

Favorite drink?
Hot cocoa or chocolate milk…are you seeing a pattern here?(Hint: chocolate)

Favorite smell? Though I think I already know this one 🙂
Anything citrus!

Do you have a favorite book
There are a few Vesturion classics I am very fond of, but January keeps telling me I need to read several of her favorite books such as Eden and Eden-West by Janelle Stalder and Sweet Blood of Mine by John Corwin.

Well, she has fantastic taste!! And she’s right of course! Is there anything you wanna tell us that we don’t already know?

Most people don’t see this in me, but I do have a keen sense of humor. It only comes out after you get to know me though. It would be a bit difficult not to have one since I did grow up in a home filled with five boisterous other children who showed no mercy on each other. *Shaking head* !

Don’t you just LOVE him!!! Thanks so much Rykerian for stopping by!! I tried my hardest not to drool too much!!

And now, I’d like to welcome January herself to my blog! WELCOME!!

January and the Dauraba

I walked into the family den and plopped onto one of the cushy chairs. I was alone as Rykerian and Rayn were with Rowan discussing political issues regarding the Xanthians. It was the first occasion I had to myself. I looked around the room, my gaze noticing some of the fine paintings on the walls and artifacts that dotted the shelves. I knotted my fingers, wondering if I’d ever be comfortable in such a rich environment.

Do not be so concerned about such things. They are only objects. The people here are kind and will care more for you than those things over there.

My eyed darted around the room, for I was sure I was alone.

Oh you are alone. There are no others here.

Then who was speaking to me? I rose to me feet, wondering if there were ghosts in here.

Calm down human. There are no spirits in here.

Sweet baby bunnies, I’m going insane. Then I heard a movement and out of the corner of my eye I saw a shadow. I turned my head to see a…creature…the most adorable creature I had ever seen in my life. It wasn’t quite a dog, but similar. It was about the size of a golden retriever with similar fur, but had the face of a giant bunny rabbit. It ambled over to me and rubbed itself against me.

Well, hello there. Not exactly what you were expecting am I?

I staggered backwards until the backs of my legs hit one of the sofas and I fell onto it. My hand grabbed my throat. What the heck was this thing?

Thing? I am no thing! I am special. My name is Ethella and I am a dauraba.

“A dauraba?”

Yes, a dauraba.

“What’s a dauraba?”

You are looking at one, silly!

“May I pet you?”

Of course!

I reached out my hand, slowly, and lightly touched my fingers to the top of it’s head. It had the softest fur I’d ever felt in my life. I wanted to run my hands through it all over and then rub my face against it.

Well, what are you waiting for?

“Huh?”

Humph! I can hear your thoughts silly. Go ahead and do it! You know you want to. I won’t bite you for goodness sake.

That was the only invitation I needed. I dropped to my knees and rubbed my hands back and forth through its fur and put my face against its neck. I never had a pet growing up, although I had begged for one. This was wonderful. The it started to make a funny little noise, not quite a purr, but similar. It closed its eyes and rubbed against me.

Don’t forget my neck and behind my ears. I love my ears rubbed. And my belly! They always forget my belly. I love my belly scratched.

The thing plopped down and rolled on its back, exposing its belly, so I complied and the noises it started making had me giggling to no end. It sounded like an old man snoring! I finally had to stop I was laughing so hard.

Stop laughing at me and you must stop referring to me as “it.” My name is Ethella and I’m a girl!

I could almost feel her pouting.
“I’m sorry Ethella, but you’re funny!”

I am?

“Yes. And how can you communicate with me?”

I can communicate with everyone, not just you.

Oh dear. I thought about this for a minute. My thoughts would now be an open book. Would she share them with everyone?

How could you possibly think that, after you scratched my belly?

“What?”

I am not allowed to betray confidences.

“Okay…that’s a good thing then.”

Of course that’s a good thing. I am a dauraba!

“Okay. Don’t get huffy. I didn’t mean to insult you or anything. I’ve never met a dauraba before so I didn’t know how special you were.”

You think I’m special?

“Of course you’re special! I’ve never met a pet before that could talk to me.”

I can’t talk silly.

“Not out loud you can’t but you can certainly communicate with me.”

Scratch my belly some more please.

I began to scratch her tummy and rub her head when I heard footsteps. I glanced up to see Rykerian standing in the doorway, smiling at me.

“I see you’ve me Ethella. Watch out for her. She’ll have you wrapped around her paw in no time at all.”

“Rykerian, why didn’t you tell me Vesturon had creatures that were telepathic?”

“What are you talking about January?”

“You know, Ethella and the way she talks to you.”

“No, I don’t know what you mean.”

I looked at him and then down at Ethella as she sat next to me and I swear that adorable fluff of fur had the audacity to wink at me.

Where You Can Find The author

Blog: http://www.amhargrove.blogspot.com
Website: htttp://www.amhargrove.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/anne.m.hargrove
Facebook: http//:www.facebook.com/guardiansofvesturon
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/amhargrove1
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5338829.A_M_Hargrove
Goodreads Fan Club: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/71364-a-m-hargrove-s-fan-club

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And last, but not least! Lets get to the giveaway!! Leave a comment for an entry to WIN A DIGITAL COPY of Determinant! I will hold this giveaway throughout the tour, which ends July 31! It’s international! Also, go here for more giveaways, including A KINDLE TOUCH!!! Prizes are: Kindle Touch, Determinant and Resurrection Ebooks

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Good Luck everyone, and as always Happy Reading!! 🙂