Showing posts with label Contests and Giveaways. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Contests and Giveaways. Show all posts

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Kindle Daily Deals (August 21, 2014): A mystery series, a romance, aviation history, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi novel and a paranormal novel for teens



Here's today's Kindle Daily Deal, available for $1.99!

The Skeleton's Knee (The Joe Gunther Mystery Series Book 4), by Archer Mayor.

When a reclusive market gardener's death proves to stem from a 20 year-old bullet wound, Lt. Joe Gunther is presented with a very cold homicide to solve. But who was the victim exactly? A deeply private man eking out an ascetic existence from a hardscrabble mountain field, Abraham Fuller was virtually unknown to his neighbors, in the manner of someone pursuing more than mere solitude. The discovery of a duffle of unmarked bills and a body buried in the garden patch suggests that Fuller had motives beyond misanthropy. Nor is it such a cold case either, as someone seems willing to kill to ensure that old secrets remain buried.

The fourth Joe Gunther mystery, The Skeleton's Knee sends Lt. Gunther on an investigation spanning thousands of miles and reaching back decades, to solve a crime whose deepest roots seem to lie in Chicago's troubled summer of 1968. It's easy to see why the New York Times bestselling Mayor has been described as producing "the best police-procedural series being written in America."

320 pages, with a 4.5-star rating from 68 reviews

Ten of the first 16 books in the Joe Gunther Mystery Series are on sale today for $1.99, starting with book 4, and skipping books 9, 13 and 15. For some reason. Book one is $2.99 and is the first one listed below. Books two and three are $3.99 and are the second and third ones listed below.





Here's today's Daily Romance Deal, available for $1.99!

Huckleberry Summer (Huckleberry Hill), by Jennifer Beckstrand.

With one of their grandchildren happily married, Anna and Felty Helmuth are ready for their next matchmaking success. Because there's nothing more rewarding than sparking unexpected love--and putting Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin, on the map for romance. . .
Cautious to a fault, Lily Eicher strives to live up to her dat's high standards. She's certainly not the kind of proper Amish girl who would make time for someone as impetuous as the Helmuths' grandson, Aden--even if his lively spirit and caring ways are showing her just how wonderful following her heart can be. . .
Recklessly doing the right thing got Aden into big trouble. A fresh start at his grandparents' is just what he needs. And shy, pretty Lily is turning his world upside down and making him want to prove he can do good within the rules. But now both must find enough faith and understanding to risk pursuing their dreams--together. . .
Praise for Jennifer Beckstrand's Huckleberry Hill
"A delightful cast of characters in a story that overflows with Amish love and laughter." --Charlotte Hubbard
"A delightful voice in Amish romance. Sweet and funny." --Emma Miller




353 pages, with a 4.8-star rating from 39 reviews



Here's today's Daily Non-Fiction Deal, available for $1.99!

Red Eagles: Americas Secret MiGs (General Aviation), by Steve Davies.

From the late 1960s until the end of the Cold War, the United States Air Force acquired and flew Russian-made MiG jets, culminating in a secret squadron dedicated to exposing American fighter pilots to enemy technology and tactics.

Red Eagles tells the story of this squadron from the first tests of MiGs following the Vietnam War when the USAF had been woefully under-prepared in aerial combat. These initial flights would develop into the "black" or classified program known internally as Constant Peg.

At a secret air base in Nevada, ace American fighter pilots were presented with a range of differnet MiG jets with a simple remit: to expose "the threat" to as many of their brethern as possible. Maintaining and flying these "assets" without without spare parts or manuals was an almost impossible task, putting those flying the MiGs in mortal danger on every flight.

Despite these challenges, in all more than 5,900 American aircrews would train against America's secret MiGs, giving them the eskills they needed to face the enemy in real combat situations.

For the first time, this book tells the story of Constant Peg and the 4477th Red Eagles Squadron in the words of the men who made it possible.


From the Hardcover edition.

352 pages, with a 4.2-star rating from 80 reviews



Here's today's Daily Science Fiction/Fantasy Deal, available for $1.99!

Greybeard, by Brian W. Aldiss.

After the “Accident,” all males on Earth become sterile. Society ages and falls apart bit by bit. First, toy companies go under. Then record companies. Then cities cease to function. Now Earth’s population lives in spread-out, isolated villages, with its youngest members in their fifties. When the people of Sparcot begin to make claims of gnomes and man-eating rodents lurking around their village, Greybeard and his wife set out for the coast with the hope of finding something better.

237 pages, with a 4.3-star rating from 15 reviews






Here's today's Daily Youth Deal, available for $1.99!

Tara Duncan and the Spellbinders, by Princess Sophie Audouin-Mamikonian.

Though only twelve years old, orphaned Tara has developed strange telekinetic powers that allow her to bend space and levitate others high above the ground, as if they are lighter than air. Her two best friends, Betty and Fabrice—often the victims of Tara’s uncontrollable abilities—are the only ones who know about Tara’s secret. Even her grandmother and caretaker, Isabella, doesn’t have a clue. That is until Tara learns that she is a spellweaver, descended from a long line of powerful magic-wielders born on the planet OtherWorld. Forced to flee her Earth home when Magister, the Master of the Bloodgraves, attacks, Tara escapes to planet Other- World, where she finds loyal friends and learns about her mysterious powers. But when Tara discovers that her mother is alive and being held captive by Magister, will she be able to save her?
Tara Duncan is an inspiring heroine, whose adventures and personal struggles will captivate readers already hooked by fantasy adventures and characters like Harry Potter. This is the first installment of the Tara Duncan series—an epic adventure full of magic and bravery that is sure to cast a spell on young readers!

480 pages, with a 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews



Happy Reading!

Betsy

Friday, February 14, 2014

Win! Music inspired by Imogen Rose's "Portal Chronicles"

Imogen Rose, author of the cult bestselling series, the Portal Chronicles, was surfing YouTube about a year ago when she stumbled upon a song, “If We Fall” by SHE SAID SAVE ME, and instantly fell in love with both the lyrics and the male vocal. She put the song on her writing playlist and looked up the Toronto-based band on Facebook… and liked their page.

Some time later, Imogen received a PM from Joe Vercillo, saying that if her books were ever adapted for film or TV she should feel free to use his music. She had no idea who he was, but looked him up. Imagine her fan girl squee moment when she discovered that he was the lead vocalist for SHE SAID SAVE ME! Imogen and Joe have been Facebook friends ever since.

The Portal Chronicles starts off with a serendipitous meeting in a London pub, which propels the lives of the characters into a time warp of what-ifs. During the prologue, which is the key to the story, Rupert is humming a song in that London pub where Olivia and he seal their fate. Imogen Rose always wondered what he was singing. Until late one night, when she closed her eyes and “heard” it. Imogen wrote the lyrics and SHE SAID SAVE ME put it to music. What better day than Valentine’s Day to release this song that defines the romance that is PORTAL?
  

Giveaway! Win one of ten signed CDs of PORTAL, ten PORTAL Album necklaces, and four fridge magnets!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Imogen Rose Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImogenRosePage
Website: http://www.imogenrose.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ImogenRoseTweet

SHE SAID SAVE ME Links:
Website: www.shesaidsaveme.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shesaidsaveme
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shesaidsaaveme
YouTube: www.youtube.com/shesaidsaveme

PORTAL BOOK LINKS:
Kindle: http://amzn.to/YQ8H16
iTunes: http://bit.ly/VLA0qL
KOBO: http://bit.ly/1l50C0U
NOOK: http://bit.ly/1e8ZR0p
Paperback: http://amzn.to/1lFNXoP
German, French, Japanese, Spanish language editions: links on Imogen Rose’s website
Audiobook Sample: https://soundcloud.com/imogen-rose-6/portal-prologue-mp3


Sunday, October 20, 2013

Win pre-release copies of "Correlation"..!

 


"Correlation," the new suspenseful YA from Mia Grace, hits the streets next month -- and we'd like to offer a free pre-release copy of the e-book for 15 of you!


When the past and the present collide…

Hailey Kent knows how she wants to spend the summer before her junior year in high school: hanging out at the pool with Jenna, her BFF; riding her new trail bike on Vermont’s country roads; and flirting with Jenna’s hot older brother, Cody.

Hailey’s plans are shattered when a post-graduation accident puts her brother into a coma. Feeling guilty for not stopping him from going out that night, she seeks solace in exploring an old house and its overgrown gardens.

A mysterious correlation of events propels her back in time to the Vietnam War era, where she realizes she can use her knowledge of one boy’s fate to save his life.

But first, Hailey needs to convince him of her sanity.


You can get more info at the book's Red Adept publishing page.

Sign up below to enter. On October 26th, we'll draw for the winners and announce the results here in this post. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Win pre-release copies of "Braineater Jones"

"Braineater Jones," the new zombie horror from Stephen Kozeniewski, hits the streets next month - and we're celebrating with a giveaway!

Braineater Jones wakes up face down in a swimming pool with no memory of his former life. Along with his partner - a smart-aleck severed head - the newly-minted zombie descends into the undead ghetto to solve his own murder. This wise-cracking, rollicking novel takes readers into Prohibition-era speakeasies as Jones gets immersed into the postmortem crowd - and tries to quelch a surge of cannibalism that threatens the entire city. Here's a synopsis of the book.

We'd like to offer a free pre-release copy of the e-book for 15 of you!

You can sign up below to enter. On October 14, 2013 we'll draw for the winners and announce the results here in this post. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Win pre-release copies of "Ever Near"

"Ever Near," the new YA urban fantasy series from Melissa MacVicar, hits the streets next month with Book One, "Secret Affinity."

In the opening book, 16-year-old Jade Irving is able to connect with ghosts in the Nantucket Island home she shares with her newly-blended family. Her situation moves from chilling to perilous when her secret is discovered by an aggressive ghost hunter. Here's a synopsis of the book.

We'd like to offer a free pre-release copy of the e-book for 15 of you! And three more people will receive signed print copies of the book!

You can sign up below to enter. On August 27th we'll draw for the winners and announce the results here in this post. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Win pre-release copies of "Canvas Bound"

"Canvas Bound," the impressive debut novel from Laura M. Kolar, will be released on September 3rd. In this Young Adult paranormal story, 16-year-old Libby Tanner finds her oil paintings mysteriously coming to life. Here's a synopsis of the book.

We'd like to offer a free pre-release copy of the e-book for 15 of you! And three more people will receive signed print copies of the book!

You can sign up below to enter. On August 15th we'll draw for the winners and announce the results here in the blog. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Interview with Morgan C. Talbot, author of First to Find

Today we're pleased to feature our KindleBoards interview with Morgan C. Talbot, author of the newly-released novel First to Find!

We enjoyed our advance review copy of this mystery/thriller! We're pleased to be part of the First to Find blog tour, which kicks off today.

Check the blog tour page for upcoming interviews and reviews of the book - as well as a contest to win Amazon gift certificates and First to Find items!

We've made it easy for you to enter the contest - see the entry form below, at the end of our interview.

Now, on to our conversation with Morgan!


Morgan, congratulations on your new novel. In a few words, how would you describe your book to someone who hasn't heard about it?

First to Find features a pair of small-town sleuths who take on a little murder and theft while juggling real life, relationships, and finding geocaches.

The novel is deeply centered around the activity of geocaching, with its associated strategies, gear, and lingo. Is geocaching a passion of yours, or was this the result of research for the book?

Geocaching is definitely a passion of mine. I’ve been caching for nine years. The activity is versatile enough to let most anyone geocache at their own pace. Whether you’re into finding quick urban caches mere steps from parking spots, hiking for hours along scenic vistas to claim your find, or grinding your brain gears over challenging puzzles just to discover the correct coordinates, geocaching can accommodate your style. And geocachers are a clever bunch. You can’t go wrong hanging with a group of people that devises all manner of puzzles and tricky containers.

What inspired the Willamette Valley location for the book? We love that part of Oregon!

So do I! My family moved to the Willamette Valley when I was three, and it was my home until I went to college. I love the smell it has, that deep, rich, damp greenness that overwhelms you with life. Every place I go gets compared to the Valley, and everything falls short in some way—except possibly Yellowstone, the superhero of valleys.

Margarita's memories of Jake's death, and her emotional conversation with Graham's widow, Ruby, seem to come together to cement her resolve to find Graham's killer. Can you comment on that aspect of the story?

Every hero(ine) needs proper motivation. I enjoy stories where the protagonist is reluctant to get involved, but is later convinced that it’s necessary. Ruby’s loss, her anger and bewilderment and pain, are all too familiar to Margarita, and being the empathetic character that she is, Margarita steps up. She knows exactly what it’s like to live without a clear resolution, without closure, and seeing Ruby going through the same kind of loss as she has experienced drives Margarita to save Ruby from a similar fate.

The pacing of the story is impressive: the intriguing build-up and character development, the exciting climax, and some delightful closing resolutions. Can you comment on how as an author you approached the arc and pace of the story?

I wanted a relatively fast pace for this story, so I kept packing in the surprises and discoveries and chance encounters until my main characters seemed to be bouncing from one shock to another, only to pull ahead at the last moment and land on their feet, as heroes are wont to do. (When Margarita and Bindi read the final script and saw the amount of chaos they’d have to endure, they were both a little cross with me, but I promised them a sequel, and we’re all good now.)

Originally, I intended only one murder, but I soon realized that wasn’t enough for either me or my villain, so more death was required. I spaced the villain’s handiwork throughout the plot, then worked the lighter story elements around them. In the end, I had a milk chocolate waterfall: never too slow, never too dark. And oh so yummy. (It’s possible I’m answering this question on an empty stomach.)

Being careful to avoid spoilers, the use of jujitsu in the story is interesting. Is that a personal passion of yours, or is it based on your writing research?

I began studying jujitsu in college, where I helped teach the lower ranks’ classes and earned the rank of shodan (first degree black belt). One of my biggest passions and concerns was teaching young women how to defend themselves (college campuses tend to focus the mind on such topics). Society teaches women that we’re only attractive and desirable if we are submissive and agreeable and don’t make waves. But “Well, if you think that’s best” just won’t do when someone’s dragging you into a dark alley. It’s okay to release your inner berserker on someone when you have no other options of escape or avoidance.

Once upon a time, I hoped to open my own dojo. That didn’t come to fruition, so instead, I gave it to Margarita, and she teaches the classes I feel are most important. I gave her a range of personalities among her students, as well, because every woman is different, even among those who sign up for martial arts classes. Some are still terrified they’ll be seen as grotesque, while others embrace their permission to attack with a little too much enthusiasm. A little knowledge is indeed a dangerous thing, but with time and experience, we all mellow and learn to accept who we are and what we’re capable of.

How long did it take you to write the novel? Can you give us some insights into your approach?

I’m a competitive person by nature, even when I’m writing. I participate in NaNoWriMo, which takes place in November, and now they have Camp NaNo during the summer. I plan my plots out ahead of time, using the Snowflake method, and then I write like crazy during a NaNo month, challenging myself to stay in the top three word count totals of all my writing buddies who are also cranking out their novels. Works like a charm!

The trouble is, I wrote First to Find in May of 2010, before Camp NaNo was created, so I had no one to race. It took me a whole twenty-five days to write what was, at the time, a 50,000-word rough draft. I’ve written more than twice that in less time, so this was by far the slowest novel I’ve ever written using this method. That experience has convinced me to plan my entire year around the NaNo events. It’s like that story of the man who’s trying to fill his jar with big rocks, gravel, and sand: if you don’t put the big things in first, they’ll never fit.

What advice would you give other writers or would-be writers?

I give advice like I transmit Ebola, and I don’t have Ebola. Whew! But I can mention what has worked for me (as long as you keep in mind, guys, that literally every author on the planet will have a different progress bar to fill).
•    When I was just starting out, I studied critiques of my works, and I gave critiques to other amateur authors. I learned how to spot what didn’t feel right, and how to describe it, while not offending the writer—authors need social skills too.
•    I write a lot. I have several projects in several stages of production at any given moment (and more trying to weasel their way onto the short list all the time). I’m constantly thinking up a new detail for this or that plot line, and I have pads of paper and notebooks everywhere. I’m never without pen and paper, because I never want to lose that next little awesome idea. The files on my computer keep them all in the right places for me when it’s time to start prepping or editing.
•    I try to incorporate any new tips or corrections from my last edited book into my next rough draft. The more I can internalize about how to make my writing style the best it can be, the less time I’ll spend in edits, and the sooner I can get the next infernal story out of my skull and onto the page. Yes, too many stories can be, as Adrian Monk says, “A blessing…and a curse.”

What are some of your reading interests? What book are you reading right now?

My Big Four are fantasy, sci fi, mystery, and historical fiction. I’ll read most anything, but these are the four genres I really enjoy. Give me a book that combines any two of them, and I will forget to eat anything at all until I’ve read it straight through.

I’m actually between books right now. I just finished Terry Pratchett’s Dodger. It was so good, I think I lost a couple of pounds that day.

Okay, let's get a bit more personal. Tell us five random things about you!

•    I have time-space synesthesia. I always have perfect timing. That makes me a Time Lord, haha.
•    I collect small exotic containers.
•    My eyes changed color from brown to green when I was fifteen. I like to think that I wished them that way. Now if only my hair would give in and go red.
•    My bucket list is crowded with geological features scattered around the globe.
•    At one point in my life, I had the entire script from The Princess Bride memorized. Now, it’s only mostly memorized. (Kudos to you if you read my paraphrase in Miracle Max’s voice.)

So, when can we expect your next book!? Is a sequel in the works?

There is: Death Will Attend. It’s coming out in February 2013. In it, Margarita and Bindi will face another series of mishaps, murders, and mayhem. Valentine’s Day will never be the same again!

Morgan, thanks for talking with us. We're pleased to feature your book on KindleBoards!

Thanks so much! You know, no one has claimed the cacher name “Kindleboarder” yet on geocaching.com. There’s still time! ;)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


Morgan's book is available now on Amazon!

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Winner of our Kindle Fire HD giveaway!



We have a winner in our Kindle Fire HD giveaway!

The winner is Courtney Vail. Courtney gets her choice of one of the new Kindle Fire HD models, or of a new Kindle Paperwhite e-reader!

Congratulations, Courtney!

Thanks to all for entering, and stay tuned for more contests and giveaways from KindleBoards!

Friday, August 31, 2012

Winners of our "Thank a Teacher" contest, sponsored by Pad and Quill

We've been running a Thank a Teacher contest in our forums, sponsored by Pad and Quill - maker of fine Kindle covers!

And here are our winners!

Larry Kahn - who wrote about his high school Civics teacher, Mr. Quinlan, and the anecdote that haunted him for twenty years!

Monique - who told us about the extraordinary kindness of Mr. Stein.

T.S. Welti - who told us about the torturous teachings of Mrs. Slattery.

Thanks to everyone for the entries! We really enjoyed reading your memories about the special teachers in your life.

A big thanks to Pad and Quill, who support all of us as a sponsor of these boards, and who make a unique selection of fine Kindle covers to boot!

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Thank a Teacher, and win covers from Pad and Quill..!

Is there a teacher in your life who has made a difference for you?

Enter our "Thank a Teacher" giveaway for a chance to win your choice of Kindle covers from the unique offerings by Pad and Quill..!

The heartfelt entries are fun and inspiring to read. Check them out at the thread, and add your own note of thanks to one of your past or current teachers!

The giveaway closes on August 31st - when we'll randomly select three of you as winners! Thanks to Pad and Quill for sponsoring this giveaway!

Monday, August 20, 2012

Back to School giveaway - with 3 Kindle cover prizes from Pad & Quill

Win one of three Pad and Quill Kindle covers in our back-to-school giveaway!

KindleBoards, along with our sponsor Pad and Quill, would like to invite you all to enter our Thank a Teacher contest.

To enter, reply to this forum post and tell us, in 200 words or less, about a favorite teacher and how he or she affected, influenced, or inspired you.

And while you're at it, tell us which Pad and Quill cover you'd like for your Kindle... because we will choose 3 of you to win the cover of your choice! Follow the link to Pad and Quill's unique selection of Kindle covers!

Special: Pad and Quill is currently offering KindleBoards members a 15% off price cut! Use the discount code KDB29 at checkout.

The contest is open until 12pm Pacific on August 31st. This is open to all KB members but only one entry per person.

Good luck!

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Free $3 voucher from Amazon, for MP3 albums

Here's a nice offer from Amazon Local, which is available nationwide: a free voucher worth $3 off any MP3 album ($5.99 or greater)!

You might have to act fast. This is a U.S.-only deal, and there's a limit of one voucher per customer. It's available for a limited time and there are limited number available; so get yours today!

Did you know you can listen to Amazon MP3 music on your iPhone or iPad using Amazon's new Cloud Player app? 

Want music ideas? See the MP3 Daily Deals thread in the KindleBoards forum, maintained diligently by BTackitt.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

KindleBoards giveaway: Kindle Fire 2!

It hasn't been announced yet by Amazon, but all indications are that a new Kindle Fire 2, and possibly new Kindle e-readers, will be announced soon...

And in celebration of this, KindleBoards is launching a giveaway to send one of you a Kindle Fire 2, or one of the new Kindle e-readers - - your choice!

We'll order it for you on the first day of its availability from Amazon. As far as we know, this is the web's first giveaway for the new Kindle Fire 2!

Entering is easy, and free! Just fill out the form below to enter.

If you're a Twitter user, you can get additional entries by tweeting this - see details in the form! 

Good luck! Thanks for being part of KindleBoards, and celebrating with us the new release of Kindle devices!

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Saturday, August 11, 2012

Upcoming Kindle contests and giveaways!

Heads up, Kindle owners! We have some exciting contests and giveaways coming up in the next few weeks.

Both of them involve giveaways of Kindle accessories from our forum sponsors. And, we'll be offering discount codes for covers from major accessory makers.

Stay tuned for more. Be sure to sign up for our e-mail newsletters (in the right column of this page), and "like" our Facebook page, to stay up to date on our contests and giveaways!