Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Blog Tour: Instinct by Mattie Dunman


Young Adult Paranormal Suspense
Date Published: 5/27/2013


To tell the truth...it doesn’t really matter if you lie.
It’s impossible to lie to Derry MacKenna. For as long as she can remember, Derry has been plagued by the extraordinary ability to hear, see, and feel the truth. But when Derry and her erratic, self-centered mother move to historic Harpers Ferry, she discovers she is not the only one with hidden talents. 
As the newest reporter on the school newspaper, Derry learns of a high school student’s unexpected suicide and recognizes that the truth behind her death may still be hidden. When tragedy strikes, Derry is drawn into a deadly battle of wits with the only person whom her abilities don’t affect. 
Driven by guilt and an obsession with bringing the killer to justice, Derry finds herself in danger from a vindictive murderer, a sadistic deviant who preys on the weak, and trapped in the middle of a treacherous triangle of attraction between two brothers whose abilities rival her own. Derry must trust her instincts to guide her to the truth and bring her enemies to justice even as she fights for her own survival.
INSTINCT focuses on a gifted, intelligent, and loyal heroine who must contend not only with the inherent dangers of high school bullying and backstabbing, but with loss, grief, and guilt. Against issues of sexual abuse, teenage suicide, and destructive relationships, the heroine learns to cherish the strength of real friendship, understand accountability, and experiences the healing touch of first love.

"This is competently written and well-paced, and the author does an excellent job of exploring what a gift like Derry's would mean in real life...Most refreshing is the severing of several YA tropes in interesting and welcome ways." 
--- Publishers Weekly


My Review
I love that Mattie Dunman has combined a murder/mystery type novel with Supernatural elements. It really takes it up a notch when reading and is perfect for someone who can't decide which genre to read next. I am one of those readers who gets burnt out on the same thing over and over and need a change every once in a while, this was perfect for that scenario. 

The plot is very well developed and will both keep you flipping pages and guessing until the very end. There are plenty of twists and surprises throughout. 

The romance was sweet and believable.

There are some deeper themes in this book that deal with abuse, but its nothing too major as to warrant a higher than Young Adult rating. 

Buy Link


Mattie Dunman is a lifelong resident of "Wild & Wonderful" West Virginia, and has dreamed of being a writer since she first held a pen in hand.
Mattie has pursued several useless degrees to support this dream, and presently enjoys teaching (or tormenting, as the case may be) college students the dying art of public speaking. She spends most of her free time writing, but also indulges in reading and traveling.
She is the proud owner of an adorably insane American Eskimo named Finn, and a tyrant cat named Bella, who take up more of her attention than they probably should.
Please visit Mattie's website at www.mattiedunman.com

Monday, July 29, 2013

Book Review: Falling For the Backup by Toni Aleo

Contemporary Romance/Sports
Date Published: June 24, 2013


Toni Aleo’s sexy new eBook original novella featuring the Nashville Assassins will have you believing in the power of love at first sight . . . and second sight . . . and third.
 
After serving as a dutiful bridesmaid in the wedding from hell, Aynslee Shaw just wants to slink home to Nashville and forget the whole trip. That is until the hottest guy she’s ever seen is seated next to her on the flight and charms her with his easy laugh and killer smile. But just when she thinks things are getting good, he vanishes, leaving Aynslee wondering, was that guy the one? And did she just let him slip through her fingers?
 
Former superstar goalie Jordan Ryan is back on the ice—finally. After a crippling knee injury that had him wondering if he’d ever play pro hockey again, he’s got his full attention on rebuilding his career. So a pretty—okay, beautiful—girl on a plane shouldn’t be a distraction. But Jordan is very, very distracted. And when Aynslee crosses his path again, he’s not sure any job in the world is worth missing his second chance with a woman like her.



My Review:
Having read all of the Assassins Novels to date, I was very excited for this quick Novella to tide me over before Blue Lines came out! 

This Novella is short and sweet, there isn't as much "meat" as most of her novels, but that was to be expected with it being a Novealla. There were glimpses of some of my favorite Assassins series characters and this story was about Jordan, who I had definitely been curious about. 

Toni Aleo has a way of turning NON-Hockey fans into Hockey Fans! 

Book Review: Twisted by K.A. Robinson

Book #2 in Torn Series
Date Published: May 7, 2013

Love has the power to break through even the most twisted of circumstances.

In the second book in the bestselling Torn series by K.A. Robinson, Chloe and Drake have soldiered through a heartbreaking love triangle and are finally within reach of their happily ever after. Unfortunately, their demons have come out of the dark with a vengeance, looking to destroy them. Chloe’s abusive mother enters back into her life with an evil plot that sets off a chain of events no one could ever have anticipated. To add to their distress, a relentless, conniving ex reappears determined to tear the couple apart through any means necessary. The extra strain pushes Chloe and Drake to the brink, bringing out their greatest weaknesses and putting them up against old but powerful addictions.


The foundation on which their love was built is crumbling beneath them. What are they willing to give up in order to stay together?



My Review:
K.A. Robinson pulled me in with TORN and I was so amped to read the 2nd in the series and boy does it not disappoint! 

Picking up directly where Torn ended, we are thrown back into the world of Chloe and Drake. Their world ends up being darker than in the first book. The arrival of Chloe's mom really throws everything off and tests Chloe and Drake more than they ever could have imagined. 

Be prepared for a wide range of emotions, Chloe and Drake are really put through quite a bit and as the reader you will feel every single part of that. 

LOVE THIS SERIES!

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Blog Tour: Why is the Sky Blue? by Shabana


Children's Book

While playing at the beach, two boys begin to wonder why the sky is blue and ask their mother to explain the reason to them. As they are very young, their mother needs to decide how best to explain to her boys. She discusses the phenomenon of the blue sky in a manner that even her six year old can understand. While addressing their initial query, the boys come up with several other related questions, and the mother answers them all with simple facts and drawings. To make it easier and more interesting, she performs a fun experiment with her boys, which shows them why the sky is blue at sunrise and red/orange at sunset.

The book is a must have for all those curious kids who are trying to make sense of the world around them, and for all those parents who want to satisfy their curiosity.



Links to Buy 
Book is now listed on www.bookdepository.com with free shipping worldwide.

Shabana, a Canadian, spent her early years in various countries and now lives with her husband, two sons in Singapore.
She has a Master’s degree in Education from Newfoundland and a Master’s in Business Administration from Windsor, Canada.
She worked for a telecommunication company in Canada and Singapore for thirteen years as a marketing and business development professional. She’s currently working as a Director at a consulting firm, and serving as the Vice President/room parent co-ordinator of the PTA at her sons’ school.
She loves to read both fiction and non-fiction books. Her kids are also avid readers and love performing experiments and finding out how things work. She conducts weekly experiments with them based on their interest and level of understanding.
It was her boys’ curiosity and endless questions that led her to write her first book, Why is the Sky Blue?  
She plans to write a series of non-fiction books on thought-provoking and interesting topics for children.

Facebook page is www.shabanamuhajirauthor
twitter page is @shabanamuhajir






Friday, July 26, 2013

Blog Tour: Relentless by Molly M. Hall


YA Paranormal
Date Published: 4/29/2013
Dark Prophecy, Book 2

"Out of the darkness and into the fire. The truth changes everything."
The discovery of who and what she is changed Kat Matheson's life forever, revealing a world she never knew existed. A world filled with ominous spirits, mystical beings and dark magic. And a powerful ruler who will stop at nothing to achieve his ultimate goal: her death. Now, in her fight to stay alive, and to protect those she loves, Kat begins the battle to take back what's hers.
Teaming with the enigmatic Lovell, Kat searches for the clues that hold the secret to her destiny. Clues that take her to places she never imagined, exposing her life—and her heart—to dangers she never saw coming…


My Review

Oh wow, another sequel that I liked better than the first. It really is not very often that the author can succesfully build off of a 1st in a series without things seeming too forced, but Molly M. Hall has managed it.

I loved the evolution of the characters from the beginning to book 1 to the end of Book 2. I really feel like they are growing and it makes reading about them that much more fun. 

The pacing of this book is spot on. There is action and twists that will keep you guessing up til the very end which make the ability to put this book down almost impossible. 

GREAT YA PARANORMAL SERIES! 


Buy Links

I’ve spent most of my life in Colorado and currently live just outside of Denver. I write my books on a laptop perched atop a rather creaky desk, surrounded by two crazy and loving cats. I love to travel and have visited 27 of the 50 states, as well as Canada, Ireland and England. And there are still a lot of places I want to go.
I spent entirely too many years in the gray dullness of the corporate world, imagining something more exciting as I punched numbers on a keyboard. During that time, I worked on a degree in English Literature, but never quite managed to complete it. Mostly because I was too busy reading and creating fantasy worlds in my head. It’s actually my love of reading and imagining that led me to take up writing full time. I thought I should finally give all the characters in my head a voice.
Music is a huge part of my life and plays a big role in the creation of my books. Although I listen to everything from Johann Sebastian Bach and Dvorak, to Glen Miller and Bobby Darin, to Rihanna and Nox Arcana, as well as movie and video game soundtracks, there are two bands whose music is practically my lifeblood: Daughtry and Linkin Park. I will listen to or see them live anytime, anywhere.
I’m a fan of British television, Doctor Who (favorite doctor? David Tennant. Let the debate begin!), The Vampire Diaries, Japanese animé, Ghost Hunters, MI-5 and Eureka. And anything featuring James McAvoy. And I probably would never be able to unwind without That 70′s Show.
When I’m not reading and writing, you'll probably find me listening to music, practicing yoga, working on my very inadequate French, playing piano, enjoying a lovely glass of red wine or champagne, or looking for inspiring landscapes to photograph.

Contact Links

Twitter - @mollymhallbooks





Thursday, July 25, 2013

Blog Tour: Precious Embrace by Dana Mason


Romantic Suspense
Date Published: 7/11/2013

A second divorce and a new baby wasn’t the vision Alison Hayes had for her future. Now a single mother with two young boys, she wants to focus on her kids and what’s left of her stagnant career.
When Detective Johnny Rhay Bennett breezes into her life with his country-boy accent, she wants to run. She doesn’t need another man in her life, or another reason to make people talk. But when her worst nightmare becomes a reality, Johnny is the only person who can pull Ali out of her despair, forcing her to stay strong and not give up hope of finding her missing child.
***
Who falls in love after a one-night stand? Johnny Rhay doesn’t believe it’s possible until it happens to him. With Nashville in his rear-view mirror, he’s determined to convince Alison she loves him too, even if it means moving to the West Coast.
Ali’s not easy, and she’s living on just this side of bitter after her divorce, but Johnny doesn’t care. He’s up for the challenge. At least, he believes he’s up for it until baby Micah is stolen right out from under his nose. Now Johnny has to keep it together and get that sweet little boy home safe before his dreams of having a family vanish too.

My Review:
This novel will definitely pull at your heartstrings. The main character goes through some things that many women can relate to and that alone makes it emotional. But Dana Masons writing brings these characters to life and makes it all seem so real, which adds a deeper level of connection between the reader and the novel.

A well developed plot, a heartwarming romance, and characters you will cling to, Precious Embrace is a great addition to the Embrace series! 


 Link to Buy 


Dana Mason started writing to prove to her computer geek husband and her math & science geek kids that she actually has a brain; it’s just a right functioning brain instead of a left. She’s lived all over the country and uses that experience in her writing and character studies. Her debut novel, Dangerous Embrace, is the first in a contemporary romance series about a group of friends from Northern California who learn just how short life can be when you don’t hold on to what’s important. Second chances don’t come easy…but sometimes love is worth the risk.
When not writing, Dana specializes in professional development and training. She’s also a board member on the local Art's Council and does what she can to support the art community.
As an avid reader and movie watcher, she always requires a happily ever after ending.


Twitter - @danamason06


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Blog Tour: Master of Plagues by D.B. Reynolds


Fantasy
Date Published: 8/16/2012

Mystical powers. Cosmic adventure. Universally dynamic forces. A gifted individual has been commissioned to take part in of all these phenomenal occurrences.
     Stuart Duffelmeyer is an NYU student who is targeted by eight of his egomaniacal college classmates once they learn he wants to find a beautiful date for the night. His classmates lure him to a sleazy motel where they play out a heinous prank. His night ends in utter disappointment after learning that his classmates only used him for their perverted entertainment purposes. Stuart suffered severely as a result of their callous behavior and feels he must get even with his tormentors.
     A chance encounter allows him to discover a magical Hebrew talisman with indescribable powers. Stuart is taken away from Earth and into the far regions of another galaxy once the talisman is consecrated. The spirit of his one-time chief advisor, Rabbi Irwin Wedemeyer, explains to him that the talisman will grant him miraculous powers over all the creatures and elements of the Earth. Rabbi Wedemeyer insists that Stuart not abuse the powers bestowed upon him. He returns to Earth and quickly seeks out his vengeance.
     Stuart’s absolute domination over Earthly creatures and elements brings plagues of unspeakable horrors into the lives of his one-time tormentors. He finds closure once his former college classmates return to offer their apologies to him. He also finds fulfillment by using his powers to intercept the transgressive acts inflicted by the immoral people of society. This stirring tale delivers the purest message of magic and morality.

LINKS TO BUY 

My Review:
A good start to a new Fantasy series . There are some valuable lessons and themes that will make you think on a deeper level. 

The characters were well-done, Stuart himself is perfectly flawed. He shows the part of humanity where we are can choose paths that are not ideal and what affect they have on others. At times the plot seemed a little slow, but it all came together in the end.

The desire for Revenge and the Consequences. 


D. B. Reynolds is an author, screenwriter, computer expert, and a chartered member of the Writer’s Guild Association, the Writer’s Lab and the Writer’s Place.  D. B. has published articles on various subjects in several literary magazines. In 2002, he made a guest appearance on the nationally-syndicated television show,  The Sally Jessy Raphael Show, to talk about his experiences in foster care and the present state of foster care. His newly published fantasy novel, Master of Plagues, was written to enlighten readers about the powerful correlation between magic and morality. D. B. currently resides in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri.
Website:  www.dbreynolds.net

Twitter:  @SUCCESS4DR


Book Review: Runaway Groom by Sally Clements


Contemporary Romance
Date Published: June 4, 2013

Seven years ago, Matthew Logan ran out on his wedding to June Leigh.

Life is good for fledgling dress-designer April Leigh. She couldn’t be happier that her sister has found a new love, and is excited about her very first commission, June’s wedding dress.
On learning June has invited runaway groom Matthew Logan to the wedding, April has to intervene. Matthew’s presence will ruin everything – her father hates him, and just the sight of him in the church might give her mother a heart attack.

Matthew Logan has no intention of going to June’s wedding, but intriguing April’s arrival on his doorstep sparks his interest and he can’t resist getting to know her better. When a disaster forces them together neither can deny the passion that combusts into a red-hot affair.

Discovering the truth about the past shifts April’s feelings from lust to love, but bitter experience has taught Matthew to guard his heart.

When it looks as though Matthew will lose her forever, will he fight or flee?

My Review:
Truth and Lies, what do you believe when suddenly everything you though for so many years is turned upside down. I really enjoyed April's character and her journey to discovery of truth. Sometimes you feel inferior to others and wish you had what they had only to find out it was all a lie. 

Matthew is a great guy who has a bum rap. So when April thinks she is doing her sister a favor by un-inviting him to her sisters wedding and finds herself undeniably attracted to him, what is she to do? 

This was a sweet novel about self-discovery, self-worth, and making yourself happy despite the opinions of others. I really enjoyed the romance and the connection between the leads.


Buy Link

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Book Review: Lick by Kylie Scott


Contemporary Roamnce
Date Published: 7/1/2013

Synopsis:
Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.

Evelyn Thomas's plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure as hell never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.

One thing is for certain, being married to rock and roll's favourite son is sure to be a wild ride.

My Review:
To start with the most amazing part of this story is David Ferris. He acts out because he is hurt, but overall he is an AMAZING leading guy. So super swoon-worthy! 

Evelyn wakes up with a tattood guy and finds out that she did something so unbelievably uncharacteristic of her-self. She got drunk, to the point of blacking out, and got married. On top of that, the guy she married is famous. Her life is turned upside down and she is forced to hid from the paparazzi by sticking with David. 

Mis-comunication, undeniable attraction, hot guys in a band, all lead to an amazing start to the Stage Dive series. Loved reading about David and Evelyn and can't read to see who's next! 

BUY LINK

Monday, July 22, 2013

Blog Tour: Crashing the Congressman's Wedding by Elley Arden


Contemporary Romance
Date Published: 7/15/2013

Alice Cramer is tired of being pitied for her family’s transgressions, so she resolves to break out of the gutter and into the spotlight. As long as her local congressman can forget about their checkered past and help her secure a federal grant to open Harmony Falls Little Theatre, she’ll be the brightest star in town. But when Alice stands up in church and stops the congressman’s wedding, she dives headfirst into fresh scandal.
Why is Harmony Fall’s golden boy, Justin Mitchell, speeding down the interstate sans a new wife but with the local drama queen he’s been trying his whole life to avoid? Alice Cramer may have saved him the hassle of an arranged marriage to a woman he didn’t love, but she’s put a business transaction big enough to save an entire town in jeopardy–not to mention his reputation.
Soon Alice and Justin are dredging up and indulging in an attraction that threatens all their dreams and aspirations. But what if life together is the dream that matters most?


My Review:
What a perfect read for someone who wants some romance along with a good laugh. 

The pacing in the story was well done and the story itself was well-developed. I really enjoyed Alice's character and all of the quirky moments. 

Relatable Characters, Humor, Romance, and a plot that will keep you flipping pages. What more could you ask for?


LINKS TO BUY


Elley Arden is a born and bred Pennsylvanian who has lived as far west as Utah and as far north as Wisconsin. She drinks wine like it’s water (a slight exaggeration), prefers a night at the ballpark to a night on the town, and believes almond English toffee is the key to happiness.
Elley has been reading romance novels since she was a sixteen-year-old babysitter, sneaking Judith McNaught and Danielle Steele novels off the bookshelves of the women who employed her. She started her first manuscript when she was twenty-five, writing during babies’ naps. A total of three children and ten years later, the manuscript was complete. Little did she know, her journey to publication was only beginning…
Elley writes provocative contemporary romances for Crimson Romance.






Saturday, July 20, 2013

PROMO: Dirty Water - Richard Hacker




Dirty Water - PROMO Blitz
By Richard Hacker
Crime Thirller - Suspense/Mystery
Date Published: June 2013
Publisher: Champagne Books

Synopsis:

An open and shut case of vandalism leaves more questions than answers for PI Nick Sibelius, as he untangles a knot of egomania, desire and greed. When entrepreneur Dan Hoyt makes a deal with virtual gaming icon, Izzy Zydeco, to partner in a desalination project Hoyt begins to count his money.  

Unknown to Hoyt, his partner has bigger and more insidious plans, which involves betraying a major drug cartel and, in a twisted business strategy to build a customer base for desalinated water, contaminating the Austin water supply for the next century. Working with a covert Homeland Security agent and past love, MaryLou and his new partner, Theresa, Nick must thwart Izzy and ultimately choose between justice and saving Theresa’s life.   Water is up for grabs in Texas and Nick discovers that H2O is a dirty business.


Richard Hacker


Richard Hacker’s novel, TOXIC RELATIONSHIP, released August, 2012 by Champagne Books was a 2011 Writer’s League of Texas (WLT) finalist, where in addition, SHAPER EMERGENCE won best novel in the Science Fiction category.  He is a member of the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. 

After living many years in Austin, Texas where he worked as a leadership coach, public speaker and management trainer, he moved with his high school sweetheart to Seattle.  While he misses the big skies of Texas, Richard has grown fond of the Pacific Northwest.  His writing partner, a springer spaniel named Jazz, helps with proofreading and ball fetching.

DIRTY WATER, the next novel in the Nick Sibelius series after TOXIC RELATIONSHIP, will be released June, 2013.  He is currently working on the third book in the series, CHAIN REACTION, as well as a young adult fantasy entitled INKER WARS: THE FIVE PENS OF JOHANN.
Visit him online at www.richardhacker.com

Author Links


PROMO: Just My Luck - Rosalind James

Just My Luck - PROMO Blitz
By Rosalind James
 (Escape to New Zealand #5)
Contemporary Romance
Date Published: 7/13/2013


A little distraction can be a wonderful thing.

Nate Torrance has a job to do, and the biggest rugby boots in the world to fill. He can’t afford to lose his focus, especially not to a brown-eyed Canadian who pushes all his buttons and looks much too good in a climbing harness.

Allison Villiers may not know what she wants to do with her life, but she’s clear about one thing. She’s not impressed by the new captain of the All Blacks, however big a deal he is to the rest of New Zealand. If only her unfortunate taste for adventure didn’t keep leading her astray . . .


EXCERPT

“How are you finding Wellington so far?” Nate asked when they were out on the water. He’d managed to launch them from the beach with a shove, and even climb in again behind her without any mishaps. Ally was actually a little sorry. She’d been half-anticipating going over, and enjoying the prospect of teasing him about it. He definitely needed it.
“I love it,” she said, keeping up a steady stroke and feeling the calm that always came over her when she was surrounded by sea and sky, enjoying the effort, the rhythmic motion. She was going to be out here with him for a while, so she might as well keep this pleasant. She didn’t even have to look at him, after all. You couldn’t really turn around in a double kayak without tipping the thing, which was probably for the best in this case. “I’ve been wandering around getting happily lost, and finding my way home again. It’s a lively place, isn’t it? Lots of outdoor stuff to do too, and as you know, that’s my favorite thing.”
“It can get a bit wet and windy,” he cautioned.
“I’ve heard,” she said, unable to keep the amusement from her voice. “I’ve had a few discussions about the weather already, you see.”
She heard him groan. “I’m rubbish at chatting girls up,” he admitted, surprising a laugh from her. “I never know what to say. Everything’s either dull, or it sounds like a pickup line. I generally end up opting for dull.”
“Honesty works, though,” she told him. “That was pretty good right there.”
“Really.” He sounded surprised. “I should throw myself on your mercy, you think?”
“Definitely. A strong man being endearingly awkward . . . I like it. It’s an approach, anyway.”
“Better than spilling a beer on her, I reckon,” he said.
“Much better." She realized that she was paddling along with a smile on her face. Why hadn’t she met this guy before? She liked him.
“I’ll try again, then,” he said. “Did you spend Christmas here as well, on the Coromandel?”
“No, in Auckland. And it rained one day, but otherwise the weather was good. Just to anticipate you.”
He laughed. “Do anything special?”
“I did, actually. I bungy jumped off the Sky Tower. Kristen’s Christmas present.”
“Crikey. This is me shuddering back here."
“No, really?” she asked in surprise. “It was amazing. You should try it.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” he decided.
“You don’t like thrills?”
“I love thrills. Know how to get them, too. And it’s not by jumping off buildings.”
Wow. She didn’t think she’d pursue that one. Maybe he meant rugby. Yeah, right. He hadn’t meant rugby.

Rosalind James

Author Bio:

Rosalind James is the author of the bestselling “Escape to New Zealand” series, as well as "Welcome to Paradise," her first book in the new U.S.-based "Kincaids" series.

Rosalind divides her time between California and New Zealand.


Authors Links