Monday, August 31, 2015

The second who's who in Wanda's amazing Amazon Reviewers - William Springer

Soooooo if you do not know 'bout now I don plenty a hat.  One of them is running a free review group ...here is the facebook link, and please, we really need new reviewers, so if you have an active Amazon account join us now.  If you are an author and willing to give and support other authors then you are welcome as well.  Oh the link.  Duh, here yah go. 

https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/328607697211329/

So last week I introduced you to Autumn Nauling.  A reader, a mom, superwoman sometimes with a cape. 

This week I am bringing you Jerry Springer.  Nah not really, this guy is way cooler.  I am bringing you William Springer.  A reviewer. 
Oh and this is what he looks like, cause I know you wanna know.

No I have read his reviews.  This guy is good.  But do not expect a smile and a nod, his service is as much to the reading public as to the author and I love his reviews for that.

Now I tried to follow this mans amazing blog but I failed so I shared on Google.  Tweeted about it and shared on FB.  Why dont you do the same..... where do I find his blog I hear you ask...well follow this

http://vulcanears.com/ 


Now he reads and reviews for free, but this is a man of many a talent.

Why see, he also does

http://www.moonlightdesignsstudio.com/

Yes he does paid graphic design. 


So here is a one stop multi faceted man you want to get to know better.  He can design your web page and review your book for you.  All in one.  So favour his sites and support our own. 

Go forth and prosper my Vulcanites. 


Sunday, August 30, 2015

Book Review of The Braid: A Short Story by Angela Yuriko Smith



Book Title: The Braid
Genre: Horror
Pages: 18
Author: Angela Yuriko Smith
Date Published: 31 July 2015

Synopsis:

There is something wrong with Cambria's new babysitting job when she gets drawn into a little girl's game of pulling faces—with no one. Cambria's simple world begins to fragment. It all starts when you tie the knot.

The Braid is a satisfying short story that will resonate with readers long after the story is closed.

Review:


The Braid: A Short StoryThe Braid: A Short Story by Angela Yuriko Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a chilling short story. I loved it!

Cambria is a babysitter, looking after a little girl called Missy while her parents are out. When she catches her charge making grotesque faces, Cambria realises that something is not right.

This is an atmospheric short story that sent chills down my spine. I am not a huge fan of horror, but having previously read this author's debut horror story and enjoying it, I knew that I would be in for a ride. However, even I was surprised at how easily I was drawn into this tale. It is extremely easy to picture the scenes as they unfolded due to the descriptive prose. I felt empathy with Cambria as her sanity was called into question. Was the house haunted? Or is it just a wild imagination that leads to an unravelling mind? I don't know the answer to those questions, but this story sure captured my imagination and I was very grateful that I read this during my lunch half hour and not at night. I would have had nightmares otherwise!

I would have liked the story to be a little bit longer, but I'm not sure if the intensity would have been kept if it were. That being said, I am looking forward to reading more of this author's work in the future.

Angela Yuriko Smith has written an intriguing short horror story. I loved her fast paced writing style, which was very descriptive and gave the story intensity. The flow was wonderful too. Her writing has improved a lot and I will definitely be adding this author onto my favourite authors' list.

I highly recommend this novella if you love horror or ghost stories. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


     

About The Author:



Angela Yuriko Smith works for a weekly newspaper by day, blogs at Dandilyon Fluff by night and writes spooky stories as often as possible in between. Her published works include fiction and nonfiction across multiple genres and she has been included in various anthologies and online publications. In the past she has served as a host for JournalJabber online radio talk show and was once interviewed on National Public Radio for her nonfiction work as a military spouse.

Mother of four, author of more, she is on a desperate search to find a cure for sleeping. If you need to know more, visit her at dandifluff.com.

Author's Links:



Friday, August 28, 2015

They say it is not what you know but who you know...I beg to differ. At times you know those who's but you dont know you know them, so let me introduce you to the who's who of the Indie World.

Nope, sorry I do not know this pretty boy.  Sam to some.  Jensen to others.  I wish I did.

But we all know him.  Why? Cause he is everywhere.  TV.  Movies.  FB all over all of the time.

So I asked my friends on WaAr [Wanda's amazing Amazon reviewers] - share your links with me.  Tell me what you do.  Do you get paid for it or not...
and I am amazed. 

I am sharing some of it with you today.

First up meet my friend Autumn.  Wife, mother and a very busy woman.

She has this to say about herself

Hello, my name is Autumn and I am 26 years old! Married to my lovely husband and soul-mate of 6 1/2 years. I am the mother to an amazing 6 year old boy who really enjoys playing video games and having me read to him. And to a perfect little 7 month old girl who can just melt my heart with her big ol' smile. I am bookworm through and through! If I am not playing video games , playing with my children or on facebook you will catch me reading! When I am not doing momma or housewife duties.

I have met new and wonderful authors along with wonderful book friends through facebook and blogging. Some of them have helped me out so much that I give a big thank you! I want to thank every one of the authors that has been kind enough to have me read and review their work! I have read some amazing books and I hope to build on the friendships I have made. You all have an amazing talent that I wish I actually had. You guys/gals can make a character come to like and make a story out of nothing. God has really blessed you all.


You can find my contact information under the Review Policy tab. Just click that and it will bring up what my policy is.Feel free to email me at abookreviewer@yahoo.com if you are looking for request. But please make sure you read my Review Policy
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ffallenoverbookreviews.blogspot.com%2Fp%2Fabout-me_2.html&h=zAQHwcibG

Click on our lovely Autumns banner to visit her adult only blog. 

But that is not all.....
She does kiddie book reviews and product reviews on her blog so if you have a kiddie or a kiddie product....guess who you need to talk to asap

https://www.facebook.com/FallenOverBookReviews?ref=hl&hc_location=ufi
 
Connect with her on FB by clicking on the pic.
 
Her kiddie blog...
http://kachildrensbookreviews.blogspot.com/
Click on the pic.  Follow it and recommend it
 
 
So to recap in one blog post I have introduced you to a product reviewer of Kiddie goodies and all types of grown up goodies.  A woman that reads like a maniac.  Loves like a mother and has a passion for life. 
 
I know Autumn.  She does not charge for her blog posts etc.  So now you know Autumn.  If you have books or goods age appropriate.... then you can now contact her.  If you do not need her today. Go and follow her blog etc so that you can find her when you do. 
 
Now, all, say hello Autumn. 


Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Audio/Book Review of Miss Penelope's Letters by Miss Mae



Book Title: Miss Penelope's Letters
Genre: Mystery/Romance
Pages: 142
Audio Run Time: 1 Hrs 38 Mins
Author: Miss Mae
Date Published: 14 September 2012 (Paperback)
23 December 2014 (Audio Book)

Synopsis:

The letters arrive unsigned. The writer demands that Penelope meet him in one of London's most ill-reputed and darkest streets. When she dares to keep the assignations, she encounters a man in a black mask who leaves her breathless from his stolen kiss. Yet he claims the reason for their surreptitious tryst is an honorable one. Should she believe him? Can he be trusted?

Review:


Miss Penelope's LettersMiss Penelope's Letters by Miss Mae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a gifted complimentary copy of this book in audio format from the author in return for an honest review.

This is an intriguing romantic mystery short story set in historical London. I really enjoyed it!

The audio book is narrated by Marcus Hyde, who had previously narrated another one of this author's books, "See No Evil, My Pretty Lady", which I also loved. I love his narration, which is clear and precise. He brought all of the characters to life and gave them their own tone of voice and personality. I would definitely listen to this gentleman's voice in other audio books in the future.

Penelope is a wonderful character. She is a housekeeper in Lord Wellington's household. She receives a letter, which sets her into an assignation with a mysterious stranger.

This book is only one and a half hours long, but it is a very entertaining story to listen to. I was quickly thrown into the danger and the action, but felt a little lost at first, as there was not a lot of context in the beginning. It was only as the story unfolded that the mystery reason for the first letter, which saw Penelope and the stranger first meet, began to make sense. What puzzled me was: Why would Penelope meet someone she didn't know in an ill-reputed street without at least a chaperon, especially in the historical setting? It just wasn't done in those days, as far as I know. And, how did she and the mysterious stranger end up being assaulted to begin with? That not withstanding, the short story was a fantastic romantic mystery full of twists and turns. The mysterious stranger only known as "Soldier" is an intriguing character. His mystique remains through most of the story and is only revealed close to the end. I must admit that his identity was a complete surprise! There is romance, intrigue and espionage in this fast paced tale. I reached the end of the story and heaved a happy sigh. I love a good romantic mystery and this story is one.

Miss Mae has written a wonderful mystery. I love her writing style, which is fast paced and exciting, and the flow is wonderful. I am a huge fan of mystery novels, and one of my favourite authors in this genre is Agatha Christie. However, Miss Mae is an author that I will be keeping an eye on in the future.

I highly recommend this book to young readers who love mystery and suspense, and to adults who love a classic who-dun-it's and are looking for a quick, but highly entertaining read. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews

      

About The Author:




Miss Mae is an award winning, best selling author. "Said the Spider to the Fly" has consistently rated outstanding reviews and has won the esteemed title of Best Book of the Week for The Long and the Short of It Reviews and from The Romance Studio. It can be purchased both in digital format and in print. "When the Bough Breaks", a young adult coming-of-age story won the 2009 P & E Readers' Poll in the YA category.

Her first book, "See No Evil, My Pretty Lady" had previously only been available as a digital book. Now it can be purchased in print from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and CreateSpace. Visit her website (http://www.themissmaesite.com) for the links.

The highly acclaimed "It's Elementary, My Dear Winifred" won a 2009 Top Ten Read at MyShelf.com. Out of print for a couple of years, this fast-paced, action filled 'who-dun-it' is now back with a brand new cover! It's in print at Amazon and in digital format at various online estores.

Miss Mae also enjoys writing humor and non-fiction articles. Some of her publications can be found in The Front Porch Magazine, Good Old Days, and WritersWeekly.

Her alter ego, M.M., penned a light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek fantasy tale titled "Ahoy Gum Drop!" where her bumbling, fumbling reporter, I.B. Nosey, is introduced to the world wide web of cyberspace. Check him out at Feeling Nosey? (http://feelingnosey.blogspot.com)

Author Links:

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Book Review of Everlost (The Night Watchmen Series Book 3) by Candace Knoebel



Book Title: Everlost (The Night Watchmen Series Book 3)
Genre: YA Romance
Pages: 370
Author: Candace Knoebel
Date Published: 10 May 2015

Synopsis:

One truth will unravel them all.

Faye Middleton thought the worst had come to pass the night she and her friends barely escaped from Ethryeal City and the clutches of the evil Priestess Clara. Officially shunned from the Coven, Faye is forced to lay low in order to come up with a plan to bring Clara down.

At Jaxen's childhood manor, they were supposed to be safe from any outside issues, and they were… until his long-lost mother shows up. Determined to win back what she lost so long ago, Evangeline reveals a secret that could shatter their beliefs, or be their saving grace.

Now, with two Covens searching for Faye, they must find a way to start over. With the help of the Rebellion, they begin the arduous task of forming their own army. However, the choices they are faced with leave them questioning everything they've ever known.

Review:


Everlost (Night Watchmen, #3)Everlost by Candace Knoebel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in The Night Watchmen Series. I loved it!

Faye Middleton is a wonderful character, although I didn't like her very much when I first met her in Everlasting. She is a teenager who has had some major angst in her life. She has faced the culling and found out that she not only does she have affinity to both witch and hunter powers, she is the only one able to handle the Dagger of Retribution. Now older and wiser after her run in with Clara, Faye finds herself facing an even bigger challenge: dealing with Evangeline Gramm and fighting a war she's not sure she'll survive.

The story is again told through Faye's point of view. It is an emotional roller coaster ride from beginning to end. There are some new characters introduced into the story and they each bring their own personalities and problems, from werewolves to vampires. Evangeline Gramm did what she thought was right in order to protect her boys, but I'm not sure if she did the right thing or not, as she left them with some deeply scarred emotional baggage, especially Jaxen. However, it was the introduction of the other rebels where things begin to get interesting. I loved getting to meet Chrissa. She is a wonderful character, with an innocence that made me want to hug her; she is very sweet. It was also nice to meet Weldon, Jaxen, Gavin, Jezzi and Cassie again. Faye's friend Katie also returns, but she is now emotionally scarred from being held captive and tortured in Ethryeal City.

There is excitement, danger and adventure aplenty in this book, with lots of twists and turns and more than a few surprises. The relationship between Faye and Jaxen moves on to a new level and their intimacy is sensual without being too explicit. The end of the story has a surprising twist and, although it doesn't end in a cliffhanger, it does give the reader the feeling that there are some unfinished loose ends that require tying up. I do hope that there is another book, because I would love to see if Clara and Bael get their comeuppance!

Candace Knoebel has written a fantastic continuation in this YA paranormal romance series. I loved her writing style, which is fast paced and it flowed wonderfully. I haven't read her other series, Born In Flames Trilogy yet, but having read this book, I will definitely be doing so at the earliest opportunity!

I highly recommend this book if you love YA paranormal romances. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


        

About The Author:




Candace Knoebel is the award-winning author of Born in Flames-book one in a young adult fantasy trilogy. She discovered in 2009 through lunch breaks and late nights after putting her kids to bed, a world where she could escape the ever-pressing days of an eight to five Purgatory. And an outlet for all the voices residing in her head.

Published by 48fourteen in 2012, Born in Flames went on to win Turning the Pages Book of the Year award in February of 2013. In January of 2014, the last book in the trilogy, From the Embers, was released, thusly completing the trilogy. She now works on the Night Watchmen Series, while guzzling Red Bulls and pretending to be a ninja on Heelys.

Alaskan Fire (Guardians of the First Realm) by Sara King

ALASKAN FIRE 

This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B0073WZ01C
Blaze MacKenzie is a freakishly-tall heiress who just discovered that her ‘parents’ actually found her abandoned as an infant in some bizarre human sacrifice in the woods. Along with that nasty little bit of information came a six hundred thousand dollar check, a strange golden feather, and the ability to move to the Alaska Bush and begin her dream-life living off the Grid.

Unfortunately for Blaze, life in rural Alaska isn’t as peaceful as she expected. Among her many startling discoveries is that her sexy new handyman, Jack Thornton, has already ‘claimed’ the territory that her new lodge is sitting on …

Further complicating matters, Jack makes it clear to Blaze that there are a good many things that go bump in the Alaskan night, and when a pack of werewolves goes rogue and starts killing or turning everyone along the Yentna River, Blaze and Jack find themselves in a fight for survival in this magic
-soaked Land of the Midnight Sun.http://www.amazon.com/Alaskan-Fire-Guardians-First-Realm-ebook/dp/B0073WZ01C/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1440401687&sr=1-1&keywords=alaskan+fire
My review
 
 
This is such a fun read.
Not a short read and some readers might not like the long commitment this one requires but I had fun all the time so for me, it was not too long.
Yes Blaze is not over the fact that she has red hair to rival the sun, she is 6.4f and build like an Amazon warrior, but people, if you have been suffering your entire life due to genetics then at 25 you will not be over it either.
Everything in this story is over done.  Bigger than life, as big as Alaska and I totally adored the read.
Truly.  This was a good one.  Do not however figure you will be reading this in one sitting.  That aint happening.  But if you stick with it the book is a riot.  A fun and entertaining read, thus, all I want from a good book. 
 
Sara King

Goodreads Author
born

in Fairbanks, The United States   
website
 
genre
influences
In no particular order, but with my grandfather at the top of the list...more

About this author

After a long, twisted road, Alaskan Fury is my 15th book. The rest (aside from the first five or so ‘practice books’) spent the last 3-6 years languishing on my hard drive as I waited for some really cool editor at a big, traditional publishing house to notice me. It didn’t happen, even with a world-famous agent doing his damnedest to get my books out there.

So, because I’ve got a stubborn streak a mile wide—and some say because I’m a naïve, dumbass Alaskan—I’m striking out on my own and putting my books out there. Basically casting my dice to the Fates, and seeing what happens. If you like my books, please tell your friends. I don’t have a huge advertising team behind me, so word-of-mouth really helps.

On that note, my books never went through a copyeditor. What you see is the result of a few dedicated volunteers, all of whom have poured untold hours into the crafting of the book in your hands. They are awesome, steeped in awesome, sprinkled with awesome. Thanks, guys!

Further, I write fast. I can easily write 6 novels a year—8 if I don’t get distracted—and during those long years waiting for somebody to notice me, I was finding myself in the extremely frustrating position of watching my manuscripts pile up because traditional publishing companies can only take 1 or 2 novels by a single author a year. Keep an eye out for a bunch of new books from yours truly, as I've finally got an outlet for all that creative drive. :) Enjoy!

I can be reached at: kingnovel@gmail.com
Friend me on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/kingfiction

Monday, August 24, 2015

After the Ending

http://www.amazon.com/After-Ending-1-Lindsey-Fairleigh-ebook/dp/B00BJDUBLU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1440405469&sr=1-1&keywords=after+the+ending
Click on the pic to get your copy
My opinion.
 
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley for review and the title and cover prompted me to request a copy.
Although this may sound like a negative review it is not.
I do not like this method of what I now call 50 shades rip off of telling a big chunk of information via communication in this case email in a whorld where nothing works apart apparently for 3 or 4G and Wi Fi.  This is never used to contact people other that our two.... girls.  In which they communicate almost daily but it never occurs to them to contact help or other loved ones.
This was annoying and made no sense and I disliked reading all these communications for it was truly nothing more than a dump of information about each woman's sex drive.
The second thing that bugged me, it is a very, very, very long read and with a lot of cutting the pacing would have been improved which would automatically have made this a better read.
Now that I told you what I did not like, let me assure you, you will probably stick with the book to the end for you soon find that you are rooting for one girl or the other or both. 
I think, based on the writing that this is aimed at the YA market but I would not give it to a too young YA.  16 + would be my recommendation. 
 
Blurb
 
The first book in the emotionally charged post-apocalyptic romance series: THE ENDING SERIES.

The Virus spread. Billions died. The Ending began. We may have survived the apocalypse, but the Virus changed us.

When people started getting sick, "they" thought it was just the flu. My roommate, my boyfriend, my family...they're all gone now. I got sick too. I should have died with them--with the rest of the world--but I didn't. I thought witnessing the human population almost disappear off the face of the earth was the craziest thing I'd ever experience. I was so wrong. My name is Dani O'Connor, I'm twenty-six-years-old, and I survived The Ending.

The Virus changed everything. The world I knew is gone, and life is backwards. We've all had to start over. I've been stripped of my home, my dreams...all that is me. I'm someone else now--broken and changed. Other survivors' memories and emotions haunt me. They invade my mind until I can no longer separate them from my own. I won't let them consume me. I can't. My name is Zoe Cartwright, I'm twenty-six-years-old, and I survived The Ending.

We've been inseparable for most of our lives, and now our friendship is all we have left. The aftermath of the Virus has stranded us on opposite sides of the United States. Trusting strangers, making sacrifices, killing--we'll do anything to reach one another. Fear and pain may be unavoidable, but we're strong...we're survivors. But to continue surviving in this unfamiliar world plagued by Crazies and strange new abilities, we have to adapt. We have to evolve.

And more than anything, we have to find each other.

*Contains some mature content and language*

After the Ending is the compelling first installment in a post-apocalyptic sci-fi series that features intense action, crippling fear, addictive prose, and a touch of romance. Pick up this different take on the dystopian genre for free and start your new favorite series today!

THE ENDING SERIES:
Book 1 - After The Ending
Book 2 - Into The Fire
Book 3 - Out Of The Ashes
Book 4 - Before The Dawn (TBR 2015)

THE ENDING BEGINNINGS:
I - Carlos
II - Mandy
III - Vanessa
IV - Jake
V - Clara
VI - Jake & Clara

Book Review of Quantum Level Zero by Ted Grosch



Book Title: Quantum Level Zero
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 305
Author: Ted Grosch
Date Published: 6 January 2014 (Paperback & E-Book)

Synopsis:

Winston Churchill stated that history is written by the victors. Germany terrorized Britain's civilian population with V1 and V2 rockets. The Nazi historians would have a legitimate rational for that had they won the war. Quantum Level Zero takes place in a dystopian society of the near future Earth, where fanatics are about to win the war on terror for the good for the people and the good of society.

Their leader, Matteen Al-Rama has outgrown his fanatical roots. Once an ambassador and secretary General of the United Nations, he now leads a fundamentalist revolution that uses cloud computing, holographic CGI recruitment rallies, computer worms, rootkits and Trojans, advanced communications, and cybernetic enhancements to spread apocalyptic chaos across the globe. If that weren't enough, rumor of an alien race wanting to begin diplomatic relations with Earth threatens to solidify Al-Rama's global stranglehold.

Quantum Level Zero follows three people at the pivot point in the war on terror, one who has knowledge, one who has great need, and one who has the courage to make a difference. Elijah Baraki is a scientist and former official of Al-Rama's revolution. Eight years ago he lost his wife and three children in a suicide bombing meant to show the world that nobody leaves Al-Rama's organization. Since that bombing, Eli has concentrated on research and radial technology with the intention to wage war on the revolutionaries. In a world where reasonable people become dissidents, Eli is joined by two-hundred other scientists, engineers and soldiers, all of whom have their own reasons to leave their former lives and battle the growing chaos.

Trevor Hadley sabotaged his own laboratory to prevent the authorities from confiscating his zero-point energy research. Now wanted as a terrorist, Trevor has been working on Eli's secret project for the past few years as a lab assistant. Eli sends him to reconnoiter an Al-Rama outpost and is almost killed. He teams up with his brother, Eli's former boss, and Sharon Murphy, a former army helicopter pilot also on the run, in a race to report back to Eli and join the fight to free Earth.

Forces of reason have the edge in the war, but will that remain the case if First Contact goes to the revolutionaries? Quantum Level Zero opens as the world awaits the arrival of Al-Rama's latest ally, an advanced alien race offering anti-gravity, zero-point energy, and faster-than-light travel. Al-Rama won't be satisfied with anything less than world domination. Eli won't be satisfied with anything less than total destruction of Al-Rama's empire.

Review:


Quantum Level ZeroQuantum Level Zero by Ted Grosch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love reading science fiction, so when I was recommended this book, I decided to try it. I loved it!

Elijah Baraki is a likable character. He is extremely driven and determined. He is a scientist on a mission. After his family's death at the hands of a terrorist, Eli finds himself distrustful of the current leader and, wanting to get as far away from his influence, gathers together other like minded individuals. But it's not as easy as he first thought.

Trevor Hadley is also a likable character. I must admit I liked this character more than any of the others. He too finds himself on a mission after blowing up his own research lab to stop it falling into the wrong hands. Working with Eli is a challenge, but what he stumbles upon could spell disaster of epic proportions for the whole world.

This is a fantastic science fiction novel that captured me from the first page. It took me on a roller coaster ride of emotion from beginning to end. The story is told from various points of view, mainly Eli's, Trevor's and Sharon's. I am very technically minded but, unfortunately, some of the more technical aspects of the story flew over my head. I never did anything more than high school physics, and trying to understand the more challenging aspects of quantum mechanics written about in this book gave me a slight headache. Nevertheless, the storyline gripped me and didn't let me go. The world building is shockingly believable and sent a shudder through me at the thought of our society (in the not so distant future) being slowly and systematically won over by a charming and charismatic personage like Al-Rama. There are a lot of other characters in this book that I haven't mentioned. However, I really liked getting to know most of them (apart from the bad guys, of course). They all come alive on the page and bring the story to life. They all have interesting, if complicated, lives.

This story is also full of action, adventure and danger that had my heart pounding and my adrenaline pumping! The author delves into some really chilling subjects, such as fanaticism and belief which can be manipulated to create terrorism. There is a saying, "One man's soldier is another man's terrorist", depending on which side of the fence you stand on. This is how cults and other religious groups can become radicalized and terrorism grown in my opinion. Politics also plays it's part and those disenchanted with governments or organisations can also spawn extremism and terrorism. The author has woven these real life issues into a future dystopian backdrop, but it could easily be written in today's world. The scenes are well written and some of them can be a little upsetting in their descriptions. The moon scene with Trevor is a little violent and made me shudder with revulsion at what was happening within the moon base. I must admit that I did enjoy the scene where the spaceship Eli designed and built suddenly disappears. It certainly left a lot of people scratching their heads, including me! I will leave it to you to find out what happened to it. *evil grin*
There are several twists and turns, and a couple of surprises that completely caught me unawares. I reached the end of the book and found myself with a book hangover. I love books that do that, but it also frustrates me at the same time; when a book just won't leave you alone even after several hours or days afterwards, then you know it was a good book. And this one certainly was good.

Ted Grosch has written a fast paced debut science fiction thriller. I love his writing style, which is fast paced but not rushed. The flow of the story was wonderful too. I was worried that the alternating view points would cause the book to be jumpy, but it didn't affect it at all. I would definitely read more of his books in the future.

Due to the technical jargon and the violence in this book, I do not recommend this book to younger readers under 16. I do, however, highly recommend this book if you love science fiction, dystopian or thriller genres. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


           

About The Author:




Ted Grosch holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering. He has been writing science fiction since high school and has placed and won several contest for prose.

Author Links:

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Book Review of How to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holquist



Book Title: How To Tame A Modern Rogue
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 308
Author: Diana Holquist
Date Published: 1 August 2009 (Paperback & E-Book)

Synopsis:

Commitment-phobic Sam Carson has only dated model-gorgeous women. But one stolen kiss from a plain-Jane schoolteacher and he's hell-bent on stripping away her floral dresses and teaching her the art of being bad. If only her good-girl ways didn't make him want to be a better man...

Ally Giordano is at the end of her rope. Her beloved grandmother actually believes that she's living in her favorite romance novel in Regency England and Ally doesn't have the heart to set her straight. But now Granny Donny's last wish is for a retreat to the country and Ally can't refuse her...until she demands that Sam accompany them. And though his smiles turn her knees into jelly, Ally knows better than to trust a playboy...and she definitely knows better than to try to change one. Or does she?

Review:


How to Tame a Modern RogueHow to Tame a Modern Rogue by Diana Holquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I won a copy of this book in a competition a while ago. Due to my large reading list, I wasn't able to read it until recently. I loved it!

Ally Giordano is a wonderful character. I admit that she comes across as a little straight laced and severe at times. It's like she has a rod placed down her spine and is unwilling to bend a little in case she has fun. In a way, I can understand her wanting to control things around her when things are unraveling into chaos. Meeting the charming Sam Carson throws a spanner in the works and sparks fly.

Sam Carson is most definitely a charming rogue. I fell a little in love with him myself. He has an easygoing manner that I liked, along with a wonderfully warm heart. Meeting an elderly lady in distress, he takes it upon himself to rescue her, but her stuffy granddaughter is another matter altogether. He realises that, just maybe, she's a worthy risk to his heart.

This is a sweet contemporary romance that completely charmed me. The story combined two of my favourite genres - historical and contemporary romance. It took me on a roller coaster ride of emotion. I started to read it and didn't put it down until I had finished it.

I fell in love with Ally's grandmother. She may be a little confused about which era she is living in, but she is still sharp as a tack when it comes to the important things - mainly her granddaughter and her happiness. The story is told in such a way that I felt I was actually there. I could picture all the scenes clearly and I fell in love with all of the characters. The story is told mostly through the eyes of Sam and Ally, but Mateo (the coach driver) and Ally's grandmother also have something to share. I loved the soccer scene, though I'm not a fan of the sport myself. The game can be brutal and the author didn't pull any punches with the description. I also loved the scene where Sam reads the historical romance novel that started the whole debacle. His reaction to it made me giggle. There are some incredibly touching moments in this book and I found myself shedding a tear or two, as well as laugh out loud moments; I'm glad I was at home alone and not out embarrassing myself with my sniggers. The chemistry between Sam and Ally is palpable and it is fun watching them bicker and banter. I also love how Sam persisted in breaking down Ally's walls and making her see that a little fun doesn't hurt once and a while. There are some scenes of a sensual nature that are not as explicit as some of the books I have read in the past, but are a little on the hot side. I reached the end of the book and felt sad. Not because it had a sad ending (it doesn't), but because the book had finished. I wanted the story to keep going!

Diana Holquist has written a charmingly sweet contemporary romance. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow was wonderful. Her characters come alive on the page. I have never read any of this author's books before, but I would most definitely read them now. She's found a fan in me.

Due to scenes of a sensual nature, I do not recommend this book to younger readers. However, I highly recommend this book to readers over the age of 15 who love contemporary romances with a little heat. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


               

About The Author:



I love to write. That's pretty much all I do. Ask my family about the undone laundry, the un-bought groceries, and the fact that I rarely find time to get dressed in the morning. Actually, if you train your family right, they won't notice any of these things. "Popcorn for dinner again, mom! Cool," say my filthy children. God bless them, they don't know what panty hose are.

Oh, my poor husband.

Anyway, it took me a long time to figure out WHAT to write. So I spent years writing ads, brochures, and company reports. If I had to give advice to anyone--which, thankfully, I don't--it would be that if you want to write books, start now. In fact, get the heck off this website and do it.

Wait! First buy my book. Then read it. Then go and write.

Are you still here?

Okay, then you must be a pure reader (or my mother). Good for you. No money in writing. Best to have a real job.

What else do you want to know about me? I love kids. I love cats. I love chocolate. (Not necessarily in that order.) I live just outside of Philadelphia with kids and cats (and hidden stashes of chocolate) and my dear husband.

Visit my website, DianaHolquist.com to find out more. There's a contact form on that page if you'd like to e-mail me. I'd love to hear from you!

Author Links:

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Behind Shadows: A Psychological Mystery Thriller (The Adam Stanley Series Book 1)

 
http://www.amazon.com/Behind-Shadows-Psychological-Mystery-Thriller-ebook/dp/B00PSFI5FY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440071957&sr=8-1&keywords=Behind+Shadows
 
Click on the pic to go to Amazon to get your own copy.
 
 
About the author thanks to Amazon
 
Netta Newbound, originally from Manchester, England, now lives in New Zealand with her husband Paul and their boxer dog Alfie. She has three grown-up children and two delicious grandchildren.

As a child, Netta was plagued by a wild imagination, often getting in trouble for making up weird and wonderful stories. Yet she didn't turn her attention to writing until after her children had grown and left home.

Although she mostly writes psychological thriller novels, all of which consistently rank highly in the best seller categories, she has also written several non-fiction books with a close friend and fellow author under the names of Sandra Rose & Jeanette Simone.

Netta is currently working on Mind Bender, the third book in the Adam Stanley Thriller Series due to be released by the end of September 2015
 
About the book
 
Amanda Flynn’s life is falling apart. Her spineless cheating husband has taken her beloved children. Her paedophile father, who went to prison vowing revenge, has been abruptly released. And now someone in the shadows is watching her every move.

When one by one her father and his cohorts turn up dead, Amanda finds herself at the centre of several murder investigations—with no alibi and a diagnosis of Multiple Personality Disorder. Abandoned, scared and fighting to clear her name as more and more damning evidence comes to light, Amanda begins to doubt her own sanity.

Could she really be a brutal killer?

Content Advisory: This book is intended for mature audiences and contains graphic and disturbing imagery
 
What I think
 
You know how if you are a frequent e-book shopper how you tend to browse for new books in your genre and read the top 5* review and then all the one stars?
Ok then maybe it is only me.  I tend to steer away from books which sounds too gushing. 
One or two sentence reviews leave me cold. 
Tell me something or leave it but please do not say I adored it and so will you. 
So if I came by this book via my usual way of shopping I would have given it a skip.
I mean really.  It is minimal wording high gushing praise that leaves me cold.
But I did not come by it in my usual way. 
So I started to read the book and must say the one true negative of the story is that an entire host of characters are introduced that is really left to fall flat on their backs.  Some are turned on their side from time to time like a good roast.  Some however was truly magnificent.
And this is where the book got and kept my attention.  It is a mystery thriller with twists, it is really explicit in it's true to life descriptions of pedophiles etc but it does not glorify it, it puts it forward as a despicable fact of life.
The story at a stage becomes predictable.  It is however not from the get go and you the reader tend to suspect everybody even, yes, our poor heroine.  But not until your a very good ways in does it thruth hit you and even then a nice little surprise follows that first realization.
I think by now you know I love the book.  So if you want, I say go for it.  You cannot go wrong with it.
WaAr
 
 

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Release Blitz: Bitter Sweet Cravings (Kingsmen MC Series Finale) by Tara Oakes

The Finale of the Kingsmen MC Series is now available!

*** Warning- This book is intended for those over 18years of age due to mature and sexual content. *** 

You've followed the Kingsmen from Jay and Lil's epic love story all the way through Clink and Charlie's tumultuous love affair. You've met everyone in between. Now, read the conclusion to the Kingsmen MC series. 

Can Jay and Lil's keep strong amongst the turmoil that inevitably comes with club life? 
Can Charlie and Clink find a way back to each other, beyond the betrayal that plagued them? 
And what about the newest Kingsmen? Can T.J. get past his guilt from losing a girl he thought he could share something with? Em's murder ripped into his soul, his conscience. Will he risk feeling that again, to find love? 

In this last installment of the Kingsmen MC, follow the twists and turns of the motorcycle club that has captured your hearts as it's threatened to be torn apart at the seams. 
Some of them will love, some will lose, but all will show the strength, the loyalty, the passion, and the grit that has made the Kingsmen what they are. 
The toughest, sexiest, hottest and most loyal MC of them all. 

You can purchase Bitter Sweet Cravings at Amazon US Amazon UK

Teasers









More About Tara Oakes
Tara is a thirty something newbie author from Long Island, New York. She's a voracious reader, a passionate writer and obsessive junk T.V. aficionado. When she's not doing one of those three things she is attempting to garden, hanging with her hubby or partaking in some retail therapy. She enjoys connecting with her readers and is having a blast entering into this new world of publishing.

Find More by Tara Oakes








Amazon US          


Amazon US      
                    
(Books 1-4 in one collection)

                   

    

    

   

Nice 

Monday, August 17, 2015

Book Review of Bound (Eternal Guardians Book 6) by Elizabeth Naughton



Book Title: Bound (Eternal Guardians Book 6)
Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance
Pages: 299
Audio Run Time: 10 Hrs 45 Mins
Author: Elisabeth Naughton
Date Published: 22 March 2013 (E-Book)
30 September 2013 (Audio Book)

Synopsis:

TITUS—To most his gift seems like a blessing, but for him it’s a curse the other Eternal Guardians—those who protect the mortal realm from threats of the Underworld—seek to exploit. One he would gladly trade for the chance to be free…

Obsessed. Her touch is like a drug. From the moment he met her, Titus knew she was different. Even dangerous. Yet though his guardian brethren are convinced Natasa is working for Hades, Titus can’t stop thinking about her. Can’t stop fantasizing about her. Can’t stop craving the one thing he knows could lead to the downfall of his world.

Possessed. Faced with stopping Natasa or joining in her quest, Titus falls to temptation and is thrust into a world of lust, deception, and deadly treachery designed by the gods. Her touch—only hers—frees him from his bonds, but desire may just condemn him. Because before the end he’ll have to decide which is more important: duty and honor to those he took an oath to defend, or a woman who could very well be the biggest curse to them all.

Review:


Bound (Eternal Guardians, #6)Bound by Elisabeth Naughton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the sixth book in the Eternal Guardians series. I loved it!

I downloaded this as an audiobook, as I had previously enjoyed listening to the first five books in the series in audiobook too.

Bound is again narrated by Elizabeth Wiley. She does another fantastic job in telling the story. Her narration is crystal clear and her interpretation of the characters brought them to life, she has given each character their own tone and inflection of voice, which I liked.

Titus is one of the more intriguing of the Guardians. I liked him very much. His gift sets him apart from his Guardian brothers and they rely on it to gain an upper hand against their enemies. He has the ability to read any mind without touching someone. Which also comes in handy as he has been cursed by a witch and cannot touch anyone without being overcome with the emotional overload and unbearable pain. But when he meets the mysterious Natasa, he is shocked and surprised to discover that he can't read her thoughts or feel her emotions when he touches her.

Natasa is a wonderful character. I liked her very much too. She first appeared in Enslaved, looking for Malea and I was intrigued by her appearance. Now on a mission to locate a Titan called Prometheus, she crosses the path of Titus and sparks fly.

This series seems to be getting better as it goes along; I am completely hooked! The story continues from the end of the fifth book.

**** MINOR SPOILER ****

Now that Atalanta is dead, the Guardians have been busy decimating the ranks of her daemons. They have also stopped searching for the rest of the elements that go into the Orb of Kronos to guard the Misos taking refuge in Argolea after the battle at the island colony from the Council. However, things are about to hot up and, as the temperature rises, will Titus and Natasa find happiness, or will the Fates pull them apart?

This is another fast paced, action packed story that had me sitting on the edge of my seat! The story takes the reader through a roller coaster ride of emotion from beginning to end and is told through various points of view, which I really liked. Not only do we meet all of the Guardians and all the other characters from the previous books, we get to see a little more of Hades's son, Zagreus. He may be a twisted and perverted character, but I have a feeling he's not completely "evil". I wonder if he will get his own book next? The story arc is now opening up more and there are several shocking revelations that threw me for a loop. There is one character that has been in the majority of the stories, but up until now I haven't mentioned her. She is Lachesis, and has been guiding (although the Guardians would say meddling) in the affairs of the Guardians for a purpose only known to her. She is the Fate that shapes destiny. I wonder what web she is spinning now?

Titus and Natasa's chemistry is sizzling on the page, and virtually melted my iPad app for Audible! I love their chemistry. They make a wonderful couple and compliment each other's strengths and weaknesses. Hera's curse doesn't seem to be working this time, but when disaster strikes and things go pear-shaped, I was left totally devastated. I didn't expect that twist in the tale! I just hope that the issue can be resolved soon. It makes me wonder if Hera planned this all along, or if it's their fate to suffer even more than normal. I guess I shall have to wait and see.

As I have previously said in my reviews about this series, I love the world building. It has a wonderful mixture of fantasy combined with myth and reality. The characters' are extremely lifelike and they feel like my friends (apart from Hades - he's still a pompous ass in my opinion). The story ends on another cliffhanger and I can't wait to read/listen to Twisted as soon as possible.

Elisabeth Naughton has written an exciting paranormal romance series. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow is wonderful. She has definitely found a fan in me!

Due to scenes of a sexual nature that are on the explicit side, I do not recommend this book for younger readers. However, I highly recommend this book if you love erotic paranormal romances with sexy heroes and strong female characters. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


               

About The Author:



Before topping multiple bestseller lists--including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal--Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A rabid reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Naughton now writes full-time. Besides topping bestseller lists, her books have been nominated for some of the industry's most prestigious awards, such as the RITA® and Golden Heart Awards from Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, and the Golden Leaf Award. When not dreaming up new stories, Naughton can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home. Learn more at www.ElisabethNaughton.com.

Author Links: