Spotlight: Sparks the Matchmaker Book Tour [Extracto + Giveaway]

Blog Tour

Tour Schedule

Ollie sólo quiere algo: a la chica .

Sin embargo, las cosas no han ido bien con Anne últimamente; su relación se ha convertido en una perpetua cita de estudio y los compañeros de Ollie ya están empezando a preocuparse. ¿Cómo arreglar las cosas? ¡Con una propuesta de matrimonio!

Desafortunadamente, la relación de Ollie y Anne se ha quedado sin gasolina. Parece que estuvieran haciendo una cuenta regresiva y que sólo hay una persona en la vida de Ollie por la que realmente se preocupa, esa persona es él mismo. Entonces, quizá sea necesario que deje eso de lado. Pero primero debe lidiar con Sparks, el irritante pequeño fanático de los Yankees que invade su vida para "ayudarle". Keith, su mejor amigo, está haciendo todo lo que puede para echarle una mano mientras que el otro mejor amigo, Richie nunca falla en mostrarse y amenazar con arruinar todo con el simple hecho de ser él mismo. Obviando el drama completo, Sparks arma todo un teatro para forzar a Ollie a hacer un trabajo en el que realmente puede ayudar a las personas necesitadas.

¿Conocerá Ollie a la chica? ¿Estará en la clase de historia? ¿En el viaje por carretera a Colorado? ¿Podrá olvidar a Anne o deberá intentar arreglar las cosas con ella? ¿Deberá perseguir a la nueva chica con la que Sparks está tratando de tenderle una trampa? Mientras los hilos del titiritero se entrelazan con los del corazón, sólo una persona puede arreglar el lío que ha hecho Ollie. Porque parece que entre más lo intenta, más estropea las cosas. ¿Es Sparks un cruel manipulador o realmente ayudará a Ollie a encontrar a su pareja?

TRADUCCIÓN: THE ITZEL LIBRARY

Sparks the Matchmaker. Russell Elkins. 2013. Inky's Nest Publishing. 239 pp.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

*EXTRACTO*

They sat in the car outside Anne’s apartment, watching her chat with someone. Ollie had never seen this guy before, which was odd, because he used to practically live at Anne’s place. He watched her laugh at something he said and she slapped his knee. An avalanche of bittersweetness let go inside of him. He felt sick inside at the thought that she only needed a few hours to move on from him, but Ollie also knew it had been a long time since she’d laughed like that at something he had done. He’d forgotten what it sounded like; it was music.

Ollie felt foolish, which dragged him mercilessly back to the softball field. He rubbed behind his ear. It was still tender. “Why didn't you tell me the catcher was going to hit me?”

“I'm not the one knocking people over at home plate,” Sparks said. “Why aren't you going to admit you're the reason it happened; that it’s not anyone else’s fault?”

Ollie glared out the window, resenting everything in the world. Am I really asking for so much? Why can’t I just be happy? He blinked his eyes and groaned. It was masochistic, watching Anne laugh as her hand rested on this guy’s knee, but Ollie needed to punish himself for allowing their relationship to decay. It was like attending the viewing at a close friend’s funeral. “I ended up leaving the game looking like a fool.”

“Is that why you think I’m here?” Sparks asked.

“Isn’t it obvious? Everything’s your fault.” Ollie knew it was a desperate lie as soon as he said it, and he had a feeling Sparks would see through him.

“Can’t you just say it wasn't my fault that the catcher hit you?”

“Fine. I shouldn't have done it. I shouldn't have knocked that guy down.”

“Actually, you should’ve stopped at third base.”

“Come on! Are you really going to make me admit every tiny thing I did wrong today?”

“Okay, fair enough. I knew he was gonna punch you. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to.”

“Just like that. Because you didn't want to.” Ollie kept staring at Anne and the boy. “That's it?”

“It's more complicated than that, but yeah. I didn't want to.”

“So why were you ‘helping me out’ in the first place?” Ollie looked at Sparks and made air quotes at him.

Sparks grinned at him and said nothing.

Ollie looked back across the street to where Anne was sitting. “You know what I think?”

“Of course. I think you do a lot of thinking without really thinking.”

“So now you're going to insult me. That explains everything.”

“It does?”

“Yeah, it does. You enjoy watching me squirm, you enjoyed the little awkward dance you made me do in the outfield, and you enjoyed seeing me get hit by the catcher, too. I bet any second now you're going to start pouring some lemon juice into the wound that Anne left for me earlier today. You are, aren't you? You chose to come to me because I'm a miserable person and you’re a miserability magnet.”

“Is that even a real word?”

Ollie raised his hands in exasperation. “See?” He looked Sparks in the eyes. “You’re a parasite looking to feed on my misery.”

“You got part of it right.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You're right that I chose you because I think you're miserable.”

Ollie shook his head and looked back toward Anne: the object of all his affections, the One Thing he couldn’t have. Every second he stared kept the bubbles of pain boiling inside him, but every moment also brought him closer to letting go.

Sparks reached out and touched his shoulder. “Hey,” he said. “I know it’s tough to understand it. It’s just a little more complicated than we have time for right now.”

Ollie rolled his eyes.

“I promise I’ll give you all the details you can stand tonight,” Sparks said. “I just don’t think you want to know right now. At least not until you’re done staring at… at somebody else’s girl.”

*Tour Giveaway*

$25 Amazon Gift Card o Paypal Cash

Termina: 1/12/14

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Políticas de sorteo:

• Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. 
• Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. 
• No purchase necessary. 
• You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. 
• The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. 
• This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. 
• The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. 
• Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author.
• VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

BookBlast: Sierra de Taylor Dean + Giveaway

BookBlast

La vida de Alyssa Fontaine, sus seres queridos -todo lo conocido y querido- le fue brutalmente quitado. Vive una pesadilla a mano de dos hombres que la secuestraron. Le dan un nuevo nombre y una nueva vida. Justo cuando parece que no hay esperanza, en un giro del destino, es salvada. Atrapada en la hermosa Sierra Nevada, la vida la recibe con los braos abiertos de nuevo y ella la abraza. Encontrará el amor como nunca se imaginó que existiera. Sierra es una desgarradora historia de la fuerza del espíritu humano para sobrevivir en medio de circunstancias imposibles y pérdidas severas. Es una historia de supervivencia... y esperanza. 

Traducción: The Itzel Library

Sierra. Taylor Dean 2012. 342 pp. Createspace. Autopublicado.

Compra: Smashwords | Amazon 

*EXTRACTO*

Esta es una de mis escenas favoritas de Sierra. Es un momento crucial donde la vida de Alissa puede cambiar para mejor o peor. Después de encarar crueldad extrema, se le muestra absoluta amabilidad. Me encanta la diferencia bien marcada entre ambas experiencias. This is one of my favorite scenes in Sierra. It's a pivotal moment, wherein Alyssa's life can change for the better--or for the worse. After facing extreme cruelty, she is faced with utter kindness. I love the marked difference between her experiences. ~Taylor Dean

“Please sit,” he whispered. Her eyes were drawing him in. She didn’t seem to be scared of him, she seemed to know he wanted to help her. First, he filled a glass with water and held it to her lips. She drank thirstily, but then shook her head negatively when he wanted her to finish all of it. At the sink, he filled a small plastic tub with warm water, grabbed shampoo, and went back to Alyssa. The kitchen sink doubled as his bathroom sink. He had all he needed to clean her up, including a small first aid kit. He knelt in front of her. Once again, he gently touched her chin and lifted her face to his. Her eyes were bright with unshed tears. She had the biggest brown eyes he’d ever seen. “Just relax and let me take care of you, Alyssa,” he whispered softly. She responded with a slight nod. Sitting in the kitchen chair, he had her slowly lean her head back till it was resting just above the tub. He gently began to wash her hair, first getting it wet and then massaging the shampoo into her scalp. She winced when he touched the spot where dried blood matted her hair, so he was extra gentle there. Her long hair was tangled and filled with dirt and bits of dried leaves. It took some time to get it clean and several refills of warm water in the tub as he rinsed. Alyssa closed her eyes and relaxed for probably the first time in days. He worked conditioner into the long locks and then had her sit up as he gently combed through it, removing all of the snarls. He then parted the hair where the wound on the scalp was located and took a look at the gash. It was angry and red, and it needed stitches, but would have to wait till he could retrieve his medical supplies from the supply room. He disinfected it with alcohol and moved on. He again knelt in front of Alyssa. Her eyes opened and stared deeply into his, desperately trying to communicate without words. A lone tear fell, drizzling down her cheek. He brushed it away with his fingertips. This was harder than he thought. He knew this was the first gentle touch she’d felt in days. The abuse she had suffered was obvious to him as he noticed her many bruises. He grabbed his kitchen stool and sat before her. Using a washcloth, he began to wipe her face clean. As he worked, their eyes met and held. Ever so gently he wiped the dirt and grime away from days spent outdoors. And with it he wiped away tears and pain. “Please help me,” Alyssa whispered. Alex stole a glance at Pa and Adam. Pa’s eyes were closed and a soft snore emanated from him. Adam was wide awake, his shotgun pointed at Alex, but he stared into the fire sullenly. Alex leaned forward to grab the tube of anti-biotic ointment on the table. With his lips to her ear as he brushed past, he whispered, “Everything’s going to be all right, Alyssa. I won’t let them take you, I promise.” Alex then applied the salve to the small cuts on her face and lips. Each and every one of his ministrations clearly brought relief to her. Every time Alex looked her in the eyes, she met him with eyes that spoke volumes. He refilled the tub and washed her arms and hands and then took his time cleaning her fingernails, occasionally massaging her hand as he looked into her eyes. He also applied cortisone cream to her numerous mosquito bites. Next, he decided to tend to her neck and wrists. He cringed inside at the raw, bloody skin underneath the ropes. The first thing he’d wanted to do was cut the ropes, but he didn’t want to push his luck. However, now it was time. He went to the kitchen counter and unsheathed a kitchen knife. The sound of the knife being unsheathed brought Adam to his feet immediately. Shotgun aimed at Alex, he yelled, “Put it down, Doc.” Alex faced him without flinching. “I’m cutting the ropes. They’ve rubbed her skin raw and it’s going to get infected,” he said with steel in his voice. “You can have the knife when I’m done.” Pa awoke from his snooze in the commotion. “Sit down, Adam. Doc’s right. Let ‘em fix her up,” he growled. Adam continued to stand, anxiously waiting while Alex cut the rope on her neck and freed Alyssa from her leash. He then cut the other ropes and freed her wrists. She closed her eyes and Alex could see the relief on her face. He wondered just how long she had been bound. He handed the knife to Adam roughly and stared him in the face. “Satisfied?” “Won’t do any good, I’ll just be puttin’ the ropes back on ya know,” Adam taunted. Not if I have anything to say about it, thought Alex. 

*BOOK TRAILER*

     

*LA AUTORA*

Taylor Dean vive en Texas y es madre de cuatro hijos adultos. Al encontrarse en un nido vacío, comenzó a escribir las historias que siempre estaban deambulando en su cabeza, descubriendo rápidamente que tenía una pasión por la escritura, específicamente por el romance. Ya sea paranormal, contemporáneo o suspenso -encontrarán que todas sus novelas de diversos sub géneros son romances sin contenido sexual. 

*GIVEAWAY*

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash  Ends 11/22/13 

• Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash.
• Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. 
• No purchase necessary. 
• You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. 
• The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. 
• This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. 
• The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. 
• Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. 
• VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

¿Conoces a El Vendedor de Abrazos?

En Monterrey, una ciudad al norte de México, existe un hombre que se dedica a vender abrazos a mujeres solitarias. Día a día, mujeres de diferentes edades y estratos sociales se acercan a él para contratar sus servicios, en busca de compañía, consuelo, amor y, en ocasiones, simple placer que llene sus vidas. Su tarjeta pasa de mano en mano y su historia de boca en boca. Su nombre es Julio y su profesión vendedor de abrazos.

El vendedor de abrazos. Rocío Ramírez Castillo. 2013. 243 pp. Autopublicado

Compra: La Ventana Librería:  $260.00 MX | Amazon Kindle: 0.99 DLS

La autora:
Rocío Ramírez Castillo, originaria de Monterrey, Nuevo León. Abogada y Contadora Pública. Ganadora del Tercer Lugar del Certamen de Literatura Joven Universitaria 2006 de la UANL, cuya obra ganadora se publicó en la compilación literaria "Imágenes para leer". Asimismo, ha publicado en la edición digital "Palabras Dispuestas. Antología del Taller de Creación Literaria del Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey".
Goodreads | Web del libro | Web de la autora | Twitter | Facebook

RESEÑAS DEL TOUR
Amor, Libros y Sueños
El Rincón de las Hadas
Nanny Books
Ana Laura Maldonado
Entre Letras y Café

eBook Tour: El vendedor de Abrazos de Rocío Ramírez Castillo

The Itzel Library en representación de la autora, está ofreciendo ebooks de la novela de romance contemporáneo "El vendedor de Abrazos" para reseña para aquellos que lo soliciten, a cambio de una reseña honesta.

En Monterrey, una ciudad al norte de México, existe un hombre que se dedica a vender abrazos a mujeres solitarias. Día a día, mujeres de diferentes edades y estratos sociales se acercan a él para contratar sus servicios, en busca de compañía, consuelo, amor y, en ocasiones, simple placer que llene sus vidas.
Su tarjeta pasa de mano en mano y su historia de boca en boca. Su nombre es Julio y su profesión vendedor de abrazos. 

DATOS DEL TOUR
~No hay límite de participantes ni restricciones de país.
~Tienen 15 días para leerlo y reseñarlo
~Los reseñadores que se comprometan a publicar su reseña en amazon y en goodreads además de en su blog, tendrán preferencia.

DATOS DEL LIBRO
~Disponible en ePub, PDF, Mobi (kindle)
~243 páginas
~No es parte de una serie
~Va dirigido a un público mayor de 18 años
~Está escrito en el lenguaje coloquial mexicano
~Es un libro autopublicado

PARA PARTICIPAR:
~Tener un blog activo de al menos 3 meses de creación
~De preferencia tener cuenta en Goodreads
~Comprometerse a reseñar el libro en los tiempos pactados
~No distribuir el libro en internet
~Todas las solicitudes serán consideradas pero se dará prioridad a bloggers que puedan publicar su reseña en algún lugar extra como goodreads y amazon.

IMPORTANTE:
~La autora está disponible para entrevistas.
~Si alguien desea participar con la promoción del libro, publicando un extracto, también son bienvenidos.

Powered byEMF Survey Creator