🌟 BOOK BLITZ 🌟 Zinnia by Christina Bauer {EXCERPT + GIVEAWAY!}

Zinnia by Christina Bauer

Release Date: July 30th 2019 by Monster House Books LLC

Series: Angelbound Offspring #3

Pages: 300

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

As the last dragon shifter, I live alone, hiding in one of Earth’s sacred deserts. My human handlers tell me that I have no parents, no name, and no purpose other than to train for battle and one day become a vessel for the reincarnation of Chimera, the greatest dragon shifter of all. Sadly, Chimera’s rebirth will mean my own death. But my handlers say this sacrifice is a noble fate that will rebuild the dragon shifter world.

I shall die on my seventeenth birthday. That’s five days from now.

Then I hear music thumping across the desert. I take my mortal form, follow the sound, and find humans dancing in what they call a rave. There is a stage and a rock band. One thing quickly becomes clear: Unlike the audience, the musicians are dragon shifters, just like me. And one of them, the guitar player Rhodes, makes my knees turn watery. The lead singer, Kaps, has something strangely familiar about her.

It all adds up to one conclusion: My handlers lied to me. I’m not the last of my kind. Memories reappear. I had parents once. Portia and Tempest. I even had a name. Zinnia. Perhaps I have a reason to live as well. I step past the dancing humans to confront the players.

I will find out the full truth, no matter what.

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{EXCERPT}

Zinnia – Age Nine 

Chapter One 

Tucking my unicorn comforter under my chin, I come to a big decision.

Naptime is for losers.

I may only be nine—well, almost ten—but I know one thing: there are way too many rules for dragon princesses like me. For starters, we’re supposed to take naps every bleeding afternoon. No way. Napping is for babies. That’s why I’m sneaking out today to see my best friend, LT.

Twisting under my covers, I check out my bedroom. There are pink curtains, white furniture, and the royal crest of Furonium over the door. My parents rule all the dragon shifters, so that crest-thingy hangs everywhere. My sisters, Kaps and Huntress, lie in their bunk beds across the room. So you know, my family stays in human form most of the time. No dragon caves for us, thank you very much. Those places have bats.

Squinting, I look at my sisters more closely. Are they really out of it? Can I sneak away? Like always, Kaps lays half-off the top bunk. Wisps of brown hair hang over her mouth, blowing in and out with her snores. I shake my head.

Even asleep, my twin is noisy.

Meanwhile, Huntress rests curled up on her side. Her shoulders rise and fall silently. Huntress never lets out a sound, even when she’s snoozing.

That settles it.

Both my sisters are totally zonked.

Time to go.

AUTHOR BIO:

Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers. The first three books in the series are now available as audiobooks on Audible and iTunes.

Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

Blog, Facebook, Twitter: @CB_Bauer, Instagram, LinkedIn, Website

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✯BOOK BLITZ:✯ Concealed by Christina Bauer {EXCERPT + GIVEAWAY!}

Concealed by Christina Bauer

Release Date: October 25th 2016 by Monster House Books, LLC

Series: Beholder #2

Pages: 350

Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

As a Grand Mistress Necromancer, Elea’s a witch who commands the ultimate power over spirit and bone. It’s magic that she’ll need in order to stop the Vicomte Gaspard from killing her Sisters by draining their magic along with their life force. 

To find and free her fellow witches, Elea must venture into some of the most dangerous places in the realm. What starts off as a rescue quest could easily turn into a suicide mission. And with the handsome warlock Rowan along to help, Elea may be risking more than her life. Her growing feelings for Rowan might put her heart on the line, too.

Purchase: Amazon, B&N, Kobo, iTunes

{EXCERPT}

Rowan stepped into my path, forcing me to stop. “We can’t worry about the Tsar just now.”

“How can I not? This is the Tsar we’re talking about. The man killed off thousands of my people. If he comes back, I’m his top target.”

“No one is getting anywhere near you, Elea.” Rowan’s voice was a rough rasp. “You have my word. I know what you care about, and it’s your Sisters. That’s all you need to think about. At least, for the next two days. Promise me?”

Rowan’s words helped to center my thoughts. “You’re right. Little time remains to save Ada and the others. I need to stay the course. Thank you, Rowan.”

“I’ll always be here for you.” Rowan stared at me for a long moment. I thought he might have more to say. Instead, he shook his head, stepped across the cave floor, and picked up the loops of rope. “Any ideas on where your Sisters are imprisoned?”

“Amelia wants to check the Havilland mansion first.”

“I can send in someone from my team. They’re experts at subterfuge.”

“No. These are my people. I have to go.”

Once again, Rowan moved to stand so close our bodies were only inches apart. “Trust me on this. My people can handle the Royals.” He brushed the backs of his fingertips up my cheek and I melted into the touch. “I want you safe, Elea.” He leaned in until his mouth was only a breath away from mine.

This wasn’t the time for emotion. I couldn’t seem to stop my zuchtlos feelings, though. My heart thumped with such force I thought it might burst from my chest. Rowan’s voice became low and gentle. “Return to Braddock Farm. Stay safe. I will end this. Once it’s done, I’ll find you there. I swear it.”

My legs felt wobbly beneath me. In my mind’s eye, it all appeared so easy and clear. Rowan could handle this. I’d return to my farm and help the faithful servants who’d kept it thriving. Then one day, Rowan would arrive and we’d be together. How wonderful would that be?

I closed my eyes and stepped away from his touch. This was impossible. My people were my responsibility. No one else’s. And the idea that Rowan and I could be together? That was an illusion.

“It’s a sweet dream. We both know it isn’t the truth. You’re part of the Caster Imperial family. Your uncle is none other than Genesis Rex. You can’t have a life with me as a farmer, can you?”

Rowan’s gaze intensified. “No.” He stepped closer once again. “I’ll still find you, though.”

“And when you do, what will I be?” I wanted to touch him and to be with him. I knew that now. But not at any cost. “Your mistress? Your absentee wife?”

“You’ll be mine.” He pulled me into his arms. Every ridge of his hard body pressed against my soft curves. I’d never craved anything more in my life than I wanted to kiss Rowan right now. He leaned in closer than ever before. His warm breath cascaded over my lips. “Don’t fight this. Please.”

My control snapped, and I pressed my mouth to his. Yes. Our first few tastes were tentative. Gentle. Rowan was as delicious as I’d imagined, a flavor that was somewhere between musk and desire. Every touch of his lips sent spasms of want through my core.

Our kiss quickly turned rough. Rowan nipped my bottom lip, and I let out a rough groan. This kiss could go on forever. Still, some small part of my brain shouted for me to stop.

I didn’t know how I found the strength, but I pushed Rowan away. “I want you too. That’s not enough for me. We’re from different worlds. Your place is with your people. I need to save mine. Once this is over, we’ll never see each other again. I can’t afford to feel more for you than I already do.”

Rowan’s eyes took on that intense look I knew so well. A muscle worked in his jaw for a long moment. “I understand. We both have work to do.”

I exhaled. “I’m glad you can accept the truth.”

“I didn’t say that.” He scooped up the ropes and offered them to me. “This isn’t over.”

I stared at the green cords coiled around his palm. I wanted real ties between us as well. Yet wanting a thing wasn’t the same as having it. I pulled the rope from his hand and looped it around my shoulders. “We better get back.”

AUTHOR BIO:

Christina graduated from Syracuse University's Newhouse School with BA's in English as well as Television, Radio, and Film Production. Her day job is in marketing for companies like Microsoft, Cisco, and Zerto. Back in the go-go 90′s, she founded her own software start-up, Mindful Technologies. Christina believes that, upon close examination of Tolkien's text, it's entirely possible that the Balrog was wearing fuzzy bunny slippers. 

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✯BOOK BLITZ✯: Portia by Christina Bauer {EXCERPT + GIVEAWAY!}

Portia by Christina Bauer 

Release Date: October 27th 2015 by Ink Monster LLC

Series: Angelbound Offspring #2

Pages: 250

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Unlike her famous older brother Maxon, Princess Portia isn't known for killing demons or attracting admirers. The reason why is simple: a spell was cast on Portia, and the magic has marked her to one day transform into a dreaded Void demon. To fight this horrible fate, Portia’s spent her life hiding in libraries and learning magic. But when the Void demons threaten to destroy all the after-realms—and the handsome dragon Emperor Tempest offers his help—then Portia suspects that her future holds more than just a demonic metamorphosis. Fate is calling the bookworm princess onto the battlefield, and it’s a fight against both deadly enemies and her heart’s desires. 

May be read as a stand-alone.

Purchase: Amazon, B&N

{EXCERPT}

“Are we turning this into a guessing game, then?” I ask.

“Only if you wish it.”

I tap my cheek, pretending to consider this turn of events. “Fine. A game it is.”

“Brilliant.”

“Let’s see. Are you maybe a quasi demon…But one who’s not from Purgatory?”

He shakes his head. “I’ll give you a hint. I’m a full-blooded Furor dragon.”

I scrub my hands over my face. Now, I’m really stumped. Mom and I have a drop of Furor blood in us. Enough for a tail, at least in Mom’s case. But Furor dragons are the real demonic deal. They have both human and dragon forms. That said, they aren’t exactly heavy into magic. I know hardly anything about them.

“Are you from the Hexenwing tribe of Furor? I know their Level One spells.”

The arrowhead end of his tail moves in a ‘no’ motion. “Wrong color dragon scales.”

I snap my fingers, as if the movement will jar my memory. My family has talked about these color schemes before. I just didn’t pay all that much attention. “Don’t tell me. Black scales on your tail mean that you’re from the Thornclaw tribe. Or is it Shrillroar?”

Another chuckle. “Neither.”

“Okay, I need a hint.”

“Why not ask your Mum? Her scales are the same color.”

I can’t help but laugh. “True.” I shake my head. “Wow, I need to take an interest in the after-realms outside of magic.”

“Maybe I can help on that score.” He takes a slow step closer. No. It’s more of a prowl. Like he’s a hunter and I’m the prey. “How about I explain over dinner?”

“Dinner.” My mental gears try to process this question. “As in you and me? On a date?”

He steps even closer. His body radiates heat. “Yes.”

The way he says the word ‘yes’ has my insides going all kinds of squirmy.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

He smiles again, like this conversation is our little secret. “And why’s that?”

I know nothing about people in general, let alone men?

“I have a very busy life.”

“Doing what?”

“Stuff. Books. Things. It’s cooler than it sounds.”

Wow. Do I ever sound like a loser.

“Quite busy, indeed.” He leans in closer. “Perhaps you could squeeze in one short dinner.” He scans me carefully. “In between Stuff and Things.”

His attention sends a delicious wave of heat across my cheeks. In fact, it’s so lovely that it takes me a while to process what’s actually happening. I gasp when I realize it.

“You’re looking at my marks.”

“I know. I like them.”

The moment freezes in time. This is a man. In fact, he’s a very hot man and he likes my marks. I shake my head in disbelief. “You like them?”

“Ah, you’ve no idea how much.”

AUTHOR BIO:

Christina graduated from Syracuse University's Newhouse School with BA's in English as well as Television, Radio, and Film Production. Her day job is in marketing for companies like Microsoft, Cisco, and Brainshark. Back in the go-go 90′s, she founded her own software start-up, Mindful Technologies. Christina believes that, upon close examination of Tolkien's text, it's entirely possible that the Balrog was wearing fuzzy bunny slippers. 

Website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

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