Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Book Review of Compelled by Inge-Lise Goss @IngeGoss



Book Title: Compelled
Genre: Crime Thriller/Supernatural Suspense
Pages: 325
Author: Inge-Lise Goss
Date Published: 1 November 2016

Synopsis:

New York Detective Sidney Langston is rushed to the hospital with excruciating chest pains the same night a woman who bears a remarkable resemblance to her is murdered in San Diego. Tests reveal Sidney is perfectly healthy, yet the crippling pain persists until the dead woman reaches out from beyond the grave for Sidney’s help to vindicate her wrongfully imprisoned husband and to find her murderer.

Desperate to remain pain free, Sidney embarks on a mission to exonerate an innocent man. With a ruthless killer at large, she soon discovers the crime is more than a simple whodunit when dangerous scenarios unfold. The dead woman’s spirit relentlessly pushes Detective Langston to solve the crime and correct an injustice – or forever be tormented by an invisible bullet wound.

Review:


CompelledCompelled by Inge-Lise Goss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic police procedural with a supernatural twist. I loved it!

Sidney Langston is a wonderful character. I liked her a lot. She is a New York Police Detective and is used to solving murders. She is a very determined woman who has her strengths and weaknesses. When a woman in San Diego is murdered, Sidney is beset with terrible chest pains and the doctors cannot find anything physically wrong with her. But when she begins to investigate the murder, things begin to get a little more complicated.

Having previously read other books by this author, I was eager to get my hands on this one. I started to read it and was instantly hooked. This story is extremely compelling (see what I did there?) reading and I read this in one sitting. This story is told through mainly Sidney's point of view, but other characters have their say too.

I really enjoyed getting to know Sidney better. However, she is not what I would call a by-the-book type policewoman. She is an instinctive and intuitive person and tends to follow her gut more often than not, even if it means breaking a few of those by-the-book rules. This made the story intriguing but in real life, it would make getting a conviction thrown out in a court of law. Nevertheless, I found myself holding my breath at times whilst she investigated. I also enjoyed meeting the other characters in the book. There are several that make an appearance: Chas Langston, Sidney's husband and New York District Attorney, Bernice, a spirit medium, and Sam Jordan, a private investigator for Mara's husband's lawyer amongst others.

I must admit that I wasn't sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised and delighted that it was more of a police procedural than ghost story. Although there is a supernatural twist, it doesn't overshadow the story. The author used the supernatural angle to great effect in my opinion. However, I was a little disappointed at the explanation for the connection between the murder victim and Sidney. I think I may have jumped the gun and made my own assumption (wrongly) about their connection, but when it was revealed, the actual one didn't feel right to me. Other readers may not have the same reaction, so will leave it up to you (the reader) to decide for yourself. There is a lot of suspense, thrilling chases and danger to keep me on the edge of my seat. Though, there are some lighter moments too that had me smiling if not giggling. I love the undercover scenes involving Sidney, especially the bar one with Sam. His reaction was priceless. There are several twists I didn't see coming, though when the actual murderer was revealed I had partly guessed who it was. Having said that, I was completely thrown by the machinations of a couple of the characters and was caught off guard when their actions were revealed. I reached the end of the book with mixed feelings; sad that the story ended but happy at the outcome. There is no cliffhanger, just in case you were wondering.

Inge-Lise Goss has written an intriguing crime thriller/supernatural suspense full of danger, mystery and suspense. This is the fifth story I have read by this author, I love her fast paced writing style and the flow of the story is wonderful. I am now looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.

Due to some violence, although not too graphic, I do not recommend this book to younger readers. However, I highly recommend this book if you love thrillers full of mystery, suspense, danger, action, adventure and romance. This book can be read as a stand-alone. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews

Purchase Links:

Amazon US      Amazon UK     B&N

About The Author:



Inge-Lise Goss loves the journeys where her characters take her, and she hopes her readers do too. She was born in Denmark, raised in Utah and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Utah. She is a Certified Public Accountant and worked in that field for over twenty years. She now lives in the foothills of Red Rock Canyon with her husband and their dog, Bran, where she spends most of her time in her den writing stories. There, with her muse by her side, imagination has no boundaries and dreams come alive. When she’s not pounding away on the keyboard she can be found reading, rowing, or trying to perfect her golf game, which she fears is a lost cause.



Sunday, November 27, 2016

Book Review of Geomancist (Seven Forbidden Arts Book 5) by Charmaine Pauls @CharmainePauls



Book Title: Geomancist (Seven Forbidden Arts Book 5)
Genre: Paranormal Erotic Romance
Pages: 325
Author: Charmaine Pauls
Date Published: 12 April 2016

Synopsis:

A drug lord is holding the woman he loves against her will. Paradise on an island in the Caribbean Sea is about to turn into hell.

Sean Rivers lives with a dangerous secret. He possesses a forbidden art. As geomancist, it is in his power to destroy landscapes with earthquakes and volcanoes. Knowing his kind is hunted by forces of both good and evil, Sean's job as mixologist in Cartagena, Colombia is the perfect cover until Asia, a zesty beautician walks into his life and wrecks the very laws of physics.

When Sean and Asia compete for the premises where Sean intends to open his cocktail bar, he pulls out all the stops to win the challenge . . . to Asia's detriment. Together they end up catering for the guests of a drug baron who rented Isla del Pirata for a week-long birthday celebration. The kingpin has no intention of letting Asia leave. Ever. If Sean is to rescue her, he'll have to use his art, blow his cover, and maybe even his life.


This book contains explicit language and consummated love scenes, including dark subject matter of sexual punishment that may upset sensitive readers. Reader discretion is advised. Although this is Book 5 (EARTH) of the dark paranormal erotic romance series, Seven Forbidden Arts, the story also reads as a standalone. For best reading enjoyment and character insight it is recommended that the series is read in chronological order.

Review:


Geomancist (Seven Forbidden Arts, #5)Geomancist by Charmaine Pauls
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book in the Seven Forbidden Arts series. I loved it!

Asia Sommer is a wonderful character. I liked her a lot. She is determined to give her brother the opportunity to study in a prestigious art college in Cartagena and moves with her brother and grandmother from Copenhagen to do so. Unfortunately, she doesn't have enough money to set up her beauty salon, so accepts the offer of a job at a birthday party on a small island off the coast. However, she wasn't expecting to meet the intriguing Sean Rivers and feel the instant pull of attraction.

Sean Rivers is also a wonderful character. I really liked him a lot too. He is a Geomancist, someone who can affect the Earth with his supernatural power, creating earthquakes, volcanoes and other destructive natural forces like landslides. After a serious accident that rattled his confidence in his control over his power, he goes into hiding, and is now working in a bar in Cartagena as a mixologist. When a beautiful stranger appears with plans to turn the bar into a beauty salon, his peaceful life is turned upside down. But danger is not far away and when Sean discovers that Asia is in the sights of a dangerous drug lord, he will have to embrace his powers whilst fighting his intense attraction to her.

The story is told through the eyes of both Sean and Asia, which gives the reader the ability to see what they are thinking and feeling. I started to read the story and was quickly hooked. I found myself on a huge emotional roller coaster ride from start to finish. There are a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming and this kept me guessing as to what was going to happen next. I loved meeting the paranormal task force once more, though I was not happy with the manipulations of Cain Jones. Be that as it may, I was more disgusted with the drug kingpin, Juan Hernandez. He's a real piece of work, along with his wife, Jeanne. They both are cruel and have sadistic pleasure in causing pain, this made my skin crawl! There are some other characters that bring this story to life. I really felt sorry for Leona, Juan's event organizer, as the story unfolded.

The heat level between Sean and Asia is extremely hot, almost explosive, and scorched the pages. I also found some of the scenes incredibly sweet as they got to know each other. However, reader beware, there are some scenes of sexual punishment/torture involving Juan and Jeanne Hernandez that may upset some readers or cause potential flashbacks. Therefore, I would urge readers to use their discretion before reading this book.

On more than one occasion I found myself holding my breath as the danger had me sitting on the edge of my seat. There is a lot going on, with some really intense scenes between the characters and, as I don't want to give any spoilers, I will not say much more. I reached the end of the book with mixed feelings - sad that it was finished, but happy at the way it concluded. As I have already read Necromancist and loved it, I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series as soon as I can.

Charmaine Pauls has written an entertaining standalone erotic romance. Her characters are lifelike and come alive on the page. I love her fast paced writing style and the flow is wonderful. I would definitely consider reading more of her books in the future.

Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend that you read this series in order. Due to the explicit nature of some of the scenes, as well as use of foul language, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 18. I do, however, recommend this book if you love science fiction, erotica, erotic romance or paranormal romance genres. – Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


About The Author:



Charmaine Pauls was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. She obtained a masters degree in Communication at the University of Potchestroom, and followed a diverse career path in journalism, public relations, advertising, communications, photography, graphic design, and brand marketing. Her writing has always been an integral part of her professions.

After relocating to France with her French husband, she fulfilled her passion to write creatively full-time. Charmaine has published six novels since 2011, as well as several short stories and articles.

When she is not writing, she likes to travel, read, and rescue cats. Charmaine currently lives in Chile with her husband and children. Their household is a linguistic mélange of Afrikaans, English, French and Spanish.

Author Links:

Friday, November 25, 2016

Cover Reveal & Release Day Blitz: Sweet Temptations: The Babysitter by L.M. Mountford @RealDarkinferno





Sweet Temptations: The babysitter
Release Date: 25/11/2016
Genre: Erotica/Drama
Word Count:15,903

Blurb - There were times Richard Martin loved his life. He had everything most men nearing middle age could want. A beautiful wife. A young son. All his hair.

He still has his hair, but not all is at it seems. His idyllic life was turned upside down when he and his family were forced to move from their home in Bristol to a small Gloucester flat because of Richard’s new job and now he finds himself beset on all sides. However that is not the sum of his problems. When his new supervisor, a promiscuous bombshell more than ten years his junior, sets her sights on him, she is by no means subtle about her interest in him, no matter who might be watching.

But temptation comes in many forms, and Richard has recently found his eyes lingering on the woman from down stairs who babysits for them. Was it his imagination, or were her skirts getting shorter?

In this first volume in L.M. Mountford’s sizzling debut series: Sweet Temptations, A naughty babysitter sets out to seduce her man. No matter what his wife might think, this tempting little wench is determined to rock his world…


Teasers:




About the author:



A self-confessed Tiger fanatic, L.M. Mountford was born and raised in England, first in the town of Bridgewater, Somerset, before later moving to the city of Gloucester where he currently resides. A fully qualified and experienced Scuba Diver, he has travelled across Europe and Africa diving wrecks and seeing the wonders of the world.
He stared writing when he was 14. Under the pseudonym Dark Inferno, he has written more than thirty Fanfiction stories.

Contact him Via: 

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Audio/Book Review of The Seadog: a love story (Paines Creek Beach Book 3) by Aaron Paul Lazar



Book Title: The Seadog: A Love Story (Paines Creek Beach Book 3)
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 271
Audio Run Time: 9 Hrs 22 Mins
Author: Aaron Paul Lazar
Date Published: 21 January 2016 (E-book)
9 March 2016 (Audiobook)

Synopsis:

A mysterious man with no past, a troubled young woman running from hers…and a powerful love that may heal them both.

Scout Vanderhorn has lost her mother, her home, and all hope of security. In a desperate bid to escape her abusive stepfather, she travels to a seaside mansion on Cape Cod in search of the real father she never knew—and finds a secret sister who welcomes her into the family, troubles and all. But it’s not long before trouble comes looking for Scout.

Unaware of his past, or even his own name, Jack Remington is lost. He spends his days scavenging for survival and compulsively searching the seas in his battered old kayak. At night, alone in his beach cave, he’s haunted by nightmares. But from the moment he glimpses Scout, a powerful connection is forged that begins to bring him back from the brink.

Neither expects to fall for the other, but Scout and Jack can’t deny their explosive mutual attraction. Can this love remake a broken man and save a woman with nothing to lose…before the past drowns them in the oncoming storm?

Set on beautiful Cape Cod, The Seadog is a story of trauma and redemption, of mysteries and revelations -- and above all, the incredible power of love.

Review:

The Seadog: a love story (Paines Creek Beach #3)The Seadog: a love story by Aaron Paul Lazar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Paines Creek Beach series. I really enjoyed it.

I downloaded this book in audiobook format as I have listened to this author's work in this way before and really enjoyed it. This audio book is narrated by Gwendolyn Druyor, who has narrated other books by this author. She has a pleasant voice to listen to, though she has a drawl that I struggled to like, and I enjoyed her narration of this story much better than the Bittersweet Hollow series.

Scout Vanderhorn is a wonderful character. I really liked her. After her mother dies, she decides to leave her drunk and abusive step-father and seek out her biological father. But when she arrives at The Seacrest, she receives some bad news; her father had passed away during a massive hurricane from a heart attack. Not sure what to do, she finds herself welcomed into the house by her half-sister, Libby, and her husband, Finn. Not long after, she comes across a stranger scavenging on the beach. Drawn to him, she finds herself wanting to get to know him better.

Jack Remington is lost. He has no memory of who he is, only that he must keep hidden. I really liked getting to know this character better and watching him come out of his shell. After seeing a beautiful woman wandering on the beach he has come to call home, he becomes intrigued with her and finds himself drawn to her sadness. As he gets to know her, his attraction turns to love.

This story is told through the eyes of both Scout and Jack in alternative chapters, though Scout's step-father also has his say. I enjoyed this, as it gave me (as a reader/listener) a chance to see what they were thinking and feeling. I enjoyed this story a lot more than The Seacroft, as I loved the romance between Scout and Jack. It didn't have the sappiness/cheesiness that appeared in The Seacroft and felt more believable. The author also injected an element of suspense/danger into the tale by bringing in Scout's step-father and his determination to track his step-daughter down. I won't say much else otherwise I'll end up giving out spoilers. However, I will say that there are several twists I didn't see coming, including Jack's real identity. I found myself in tears as he discovered who he was. It was incredibly touching.

The story ended satisfactorily, without a cliffhanger. It can be read as a stand-alone, though I would recommend you read/listen to the series in order. I am now looking forward to reading/listening to more Paines Creek Beach books (if there are any more) as soon as possible.

Aaron Paul Lazar has written an intriguing tale that captured my imagination. I love his writing style, which is fast paced and entertaining. I also love the flow. I am now looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.

Although this book doesn't have any bad language, there are some slightly explicit scenes of a sexual nature. Therefore, I recommend this book to older teen readers and to adults who love contemporary romance or romantic suspense genres. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews



                 

About The Author:



Aaron Paul Lazar wasn't always a mystery writer. It wasn't until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. "When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn't find elsewhere."

Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar's father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a "Renaissance man caught in the 21st century." This book has since be rereleased in 2012 as an "author's preferred edition," via Twilight Times Books.

The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written ten LeGarde mysteries in eight years. (UPSTAGED - 2005; TREMOLO: CRY OF THE LOON - 2007 Twilight Times Books; MAZURKA - 2009 Twilight Times Books, FIRESONG - 2011, DON'T LET THE WIND CATCH YOU - 2013, VIRTUOSO - 2014, with more to come.) The author has just completed his twenty-first novel.

One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat's eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and passionate gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother's dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (HEALEY'S CAVE, 2010; TERROR COMES KNOCKING, 2011; FOR KEEPS, 2012) Lazar intends to continue both series.

Lazar's books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, "country mysteries," although reviewers have dubbed them "literary mysteries."

"It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it's the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page."

In 2009, Kodak gave him up for grabs, and during the year off before he landed in his coveted new job with KB America, he had time to explore and reconnect with his environment. Little did he know that several trips to the Adirondack Mountains would reawaken his passion for that part of the country. Two new books were written in that time frame, starting yet another mystery series, Tall Pines Mysteries. The first two combooks in the series, FOR THE BIRDS - 2011 and ESSENTIALLY YOURS - 2012 have been winning literary awards. Keep an eye out for SANCTUARY (2014), and MURDER ON THE SACANDAGA (2015), coming via Twilight Times Books.

In between all the novels, Lazar found time to issue three writing guides based on his many years of writing advice blogs, entitled WRITE LIKE THE WIND, volumes 1-3. These are available in eBook and audio book.

In his twenty-first book, Lazar has jumped genre. THE SEACREST - OCT 2013 -, a love story, is poised to capture hearts across the globe.

The author lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, mother-in-law, two dogs, and cat. He finds grandfathering one of the most precious and important times of life, and spends as much time as possible with Julian, Gordon, and Isabella.

Lazar maintains several websites and blogs, was the Gather Saturday Writing Essential host for three years, writes his monthly "Seedlings" columns for the Voice in the Dark literary journal and the Future Mystery Anthology Magazine. He has been published in Absolute Write as well as The Great Mystery and Suspense Magazine. See excerpts and reviews here:

www.lazarbooks.com
www.murderby4.blogspot.com
www.aplazar.gather.com
www.aaronlazar.blogspot.com

Contact him at aaron.lazar@yahoo.com.

Twilight Times Books by multi-award winning author, Aaron Lazar:

LEGARDE MYSTERIES
DOUBLE FORTÉ (print, eBook, audio book)
UPSTAGED (print, eBook, audio book)
TREMOLO: CRY OF THE LOON (print, eBook, audio book)
MAZURKA (print, eBook, audio book)
FIRESONG (print, eBook, audio book)
DON'T LET THE WIND CATCH YOU (print, eBook, audio book)
VIRTUOSO (~2014)

MOORE MYSTERIES
HEALEY'S CAVE (print, eBook, audio book)
TERROR COMES KNOCKING (print, eBook, audio book)
FOR KEEPS (print, eBook, audio book)

TALL PINES MYSTERIES
FOR THE BIRDS (print, eBook, audio book)
ESSENTIALLY YOURS (print, eBook, audio book)
SANCTUARY (2014)
MURDER ON THE SACANDAGA (~2014)

STANDALONES
THE SEACREST (coming fall of 2013)

WRITING ADVICE:

WRITE LIKE THE WIND, volumes 1, 2, 3 (ebooks and audio books)

Aaron Paul Lazar writes to soothe his soul. An award-winning, bestselling Kindle author of three addictive mystery series, writing books, and a new love story, Aaron enjoys the Genesee Valley countryside in upstate New York, where his characters embrace life, play with their dogs and grandkids, grow sumptuous gardens, and chase bad guys. Visit his website at http://www.lazarbooks.com and watch for his upcoming Twilight Times Books releases, SANCTUARY (2014), and VIRTUOSO (2014).


AWARDS:

Double Forté
* 2012 ForeWord BOTYA, Mystery, FINALIST

Tremolo: cry of the loon -
* 2013 Eric Hoffer Book Awards: Grand Prize Short List
* 2013 Eric Hoffer Book Awards: Honorable Mention, Eric Hoffer Legacy Fiction
* 2011 Global eBook Award Finalist in Historical Fiction Contemporary
* 2011 Preditors & Editors Readers Choice Award - 2nd place Mystery
* 2008 Yolanda Renée's Top Ten Books
* 2008 MYSHELF Top Ten Reads

For the Birds
* 2011 ForeWord Book Awards, FINALIST in Mystery
* 2012 Carolyn Howard-Johnson's Top 10 Reads

Essentially Yours
* 2013 EPIC Book Awards, FINALIST in Suspense
* 2013 Eric Hoffer Da Vinci Eye Award Finalist

Healey's Cave
* 2012 EPIC Book Awards WINNER Best Paranormal
* 2011 Eric Hoffer Book Award, WINNER Best Book in Commercial Fiction
* 2011 Finalist for Allbooks Review Editor's Choice
* 2011 Winner of Carolyn Howard Johnson's 9th Annual Noble (not Noble!) Prize for Literature
* 2011 Finalists for Global EBook Awards

Terror Comes Knocking
* 2013 Global Ebook Awards, Paranormal - Bronze

For Keeps
* 2013 Semi Finalist in Kindle Book Review Book Awards, Mystery Category

Author Links:


Monday, November 21, 2016

Book Review of Sweet Tooth (Combustible Book 3) by Brandy L Rivers @BrandyLRivers



Book Title: Sweet Tooth (Combustible Book 3)
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Pages: 252
Author: Brandy L. Rivers
Date Published: 5 September 2016

Synopsis:

One taste and he craves more...

Isandro has a sweet tooth only a feisty chocolatier can sate. Rejected years ago, her sudden interest comes as a surprise, but he won’t miss this chance.

Seeing is believing.

Until Arianna caught her now ex-lover cheating, she couldn’t shut the door on Derrick. After a few drinks, she’s ready to take a chance.

Isandro is like nothing she ever expected, but everything she’s dreamed.

Derrick won’t take the hint. Her family doesn’t approve of her choices. Now she will be forced to choose between blood and her heart.

Review:


Sweet Tooth (Combustible #3)Sweet Tooth by Brandy L. Rivers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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

This is the third book in the Combustible contemporary romance series. I loved it!

Arianna Nelson is a wonderful character. I really liked her. She is a chocolatier who runs the local sweet shop. When she catches her on again/off again boyfriend Derrick cheating, she decides that enough is enough and breaks up with him for good. Attracted to Isandro, she wasn't looking for love but cupid had other ideas.

Isandro Cortez (or Bulldog as his firefighting team mates and friends call him) is a fantastic character. I love his protective and loving heart of gold. He has had feelings for Arianna for years, but didn't act on it as she was in an on again/off again relationship with Derrick. Now she's broken up with him again, Isandro hopes that he can win her heart.

I started to read this book and quickly became hooked. The story is told through the eyes of both Arianna and Isandro, which allowed me to see what they were both thinking and feeling. I found myself on a roller coaster of emotion from beginning to end. I am a sucker for contemporary romances with sexy firemen and chocolate in it, and this book doesn't disappoint.

I must admit that I enjoyed this book much more than the first two books in the series. I think this is because most of the characters have already been introduced and they have become my friends. Having said that, I found myself not liking Arianna's mother. She comes across as cold and snobbish due to her ambition and lack of compassion towards Arianna; she also belittles her, which affects Arianna's self-esteem. Who needs enemies when you have a mother like that? Arianna's sisters, Cherise and Antionette, are also more like their mother, though Cherise is nicer to Arianna. However, she is rather more tactless/thoughtless and says things that are hurtful without realising it. Derrick is a total douche and Arianna is much better for breaking up with him in my opinion. Marissa, Isandro's sister, however, is a wonderful character with a warm and welcoming personality.

There's a lot of heat between the main protagonists and it fairly sizzles on the page. The characters themselves feel lifelike and likable. I love flawed characters, as they come alive on the page. There are a few surprises that I didn't see coming though, and I reached the end of the book with mixed emotions. I felt sad that the story ended, but happy with the way it did. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Backburn, as soon as possible.

Brandy L. Rivers has written an entertaining contemporary romance series. I love her fast paced writing style, and the flow is wonderful. Her characters are lifelike and likable. With her ability to write in both the paranormal and contemporary romance genres, she is one of my go to authors when I'm in the mood for a sexy read.

Due to explicit scenes of a sexual nature, as well as use of bad language, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 18. However, I do recommend this book if you love hot erotic contemporary romances full of sexy firemen and determined women. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


             

About The Author:



I've always loved books, especially about monsters and magic, so I started writing. I'm working on a prequel and the next few books in the Others of Edenton series, and I have a head full of stories to share.

I'm a stay at home mother with a wonderful husband who lets me write and write to my hearts content.

For more about me and my books, please visit:

Author Links:

Friday, November 18, 2016

Book Review of The Ninth Birthday Wish by Bruce Arrington



Book Title: The Ninth Birthday Wish
Genre: YA Middle Grade Adventure
Pages: 52
Author: Bruce E. Arrington
Date Published: 9 June 2016

Synopsis:

Birthday wishes...for twins?

Bril and Arisa, though twins they may be,
Are so very unlike, as you will soon see.
Their wishes are different as Sea is from Land,
But watch what happens to what they had planned!

Bruce Arrington and Florence Jayne team up to being you an unforgettable tale of twins, who each wanted their birthday wish--away from the other. But when their wishes get all mixed up, unintended consequences make for unplanned adventures.

Review:


The Ninth Birthday WishThe Ninth Birthday Wish by Bruce E. Arrington
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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

This is a charming illustrated children's story, I really enjoyed it.

Bril and Arisa are twins. Bril is a boy and Arisa is a girl. However, they both have different temperaments. Bril loves to read and play quietly by constructing huge sand castles in the garden sand pit, while Arisa is very active and likes to climb or play with her dolls/action figures. On their ninth birthday they are granted one wish each, but because Arisa becomes impatient and blurts out her wish first, the wishes get mixed up and they find themselves living the other's wish. What happens next is an adventure neither will ever forget.

The story is quite entertaining. Set in part rhyming verse, the story takes the reader on an adventure. However, the flow felt a little jerky due to it being in part rhyme. I would have preferred if it was all rhyme, or all story. Nevertheless, I love the illustrations, which are bright and colourful. The artist, Florence Jayne, has painted the scenes wonderfully. I thought they were charming and I am sure children would like them too. The story has a message for children about tolerance and getting along with siblings (whether twins or not), and overcoming fears to experiencing different things that could turn out to be fun.

Bruce Arrington has written an exciting Middle Grade adventure. I love his fast paced writing style, though the flow is not as good as it could have been due to the jerky part rhyme. Having said that, I would definitely read more of his books in the future.

I highly recommend this book to young readers aged 9-13, but I also recommend this book to adults who love to read YA Middle Grade books filled with adventure. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


           

About The Author:



Bruce Arrington wrote the first three installments of the teen Josh Anvil Series, and other fantasy stories for children, teens and young adult readers. His 15 years as a wildlife biologist, and his current endeavors in teaching have helped pour creativity into his stories. Currently, Bruce lives in Oregon with his family and several spoiled pets.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Book Review of Descent (Gryphon Series Book 5) by Stacey Rourke



Book Title: Descent (The Gryphon Series Book 5)
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance/Dark Fantasy
Pages: 92
Author: Stacey Rourke
Date Published: 25 September 2016

Synopsis:

It's been two years since the lion roared ...
the eagle flew ...
and the fated Celtic warrior embraced her destiny.
Now, with an unknown darkness swirling and the body count rising, Gainesboro needs a hero more than ever. A new battle is brewing. Who will answer the call to war?
The time has come.
The stage is set.
And, the Garretts are back in a brand new novella!

Review:


Descent (Gryphon, #5)Descent by Stacey Rourke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fifth book in the Gryphon Series. I absolutely loved it!

Rowan Wade is a fascinating character. I wasn't sure about Rowan when I first met him in Embrace, but I fell in love with him in Sacrifice. He's a bit of a rogue, an ex-member of the Dark Army and an ex-pirate. He hides a softer side that he very rarely shows.

Descent is a short novella that I wish had been a little longer. It felt like I had just started reading it when it ended. However, having said that, I found myself completely emersed in the story, which is told through the eyes of Rowan. We get to meet the Garrett family again, as well as the Dark Army Glee Club. We also get to meet Caleb (Celeste's ex and Rowan's best friend) again. This Irishman makes a welcome return to the series.

Celeste and Rowan are studying at the Gainesboro University when there are a series of mysterious attacks. In an effort to stop Celeste remembering her Conduit past, Rowan begins to investigate. What he finds will rock the readers to the core. I know it shocked me, I was left stunned and in emotional turmoil. There are several twists and turns that I didn't see coming, though Rowan does something rather noble that made me love him more whilst breaking my heart. I will not say much more, because that would be a huge spoiler. Suffice it to say, I reached the end completely shell shocked and devastated. I am now looking forward to reading the next book, Inferno, which is due to be released in December 2016, to find out what happens next.

Stacey Rourke has written a fantastic YA series. I absolutely love her writing style, which is fast paced and witty, and the story flows wonderfully. This author has the amazing ability to draw you into a story, make you love the characters and then rip your heart out, leave a bleeding mess where it once resided then leave you begging for more; I hate this about her, but I also love her for it too! I am a huge fan of this author and will read anything she writes in the future.

I HIGHLY recommend this book (and series) if you love witty, sarcastic YA Romances filled with an array of various magical and mystical beings, namely lions, angels, gnomes, dragons, centaurs, demons and (of course!) Gryphons! - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


            

Author Bio:




RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series Novel
Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012
Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 & Best Teen Book of 2013
Readers' Favorite Silver Medal Winner for Crane 2015

Stacey Rourke is the author of the award winning YA Gryphon Series, the chillingly suspenseful Legends Saga, and the romantic comedy Adapted for Film. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant dogs. She loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.

Author Links:

Release Blitz: Purpose (Pleasure Pain or Purpose Book 3) by Al Daltrey @AlDaltrey

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Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Audio/Book Review of The Seacroft: a love story (Paines Creek Beach Book 2) by Aaron Paul Lazar



Book Title: The Seacroft: A Love Story (Paines Creek Beach Book 2)
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Pages: 294
Audio Run Time: 8 Hrs 11 Mins
Author: Aaron Paul Lazar
Date Published: 4 September 2015 (E-book)
24 November 2015 (Audiobook)

Synopsis:

Falling for the wrong guy can be hazardous to your heart.

Vivian Wood is desperate. After her beloved brother dies of a sudden aneurysm and her mother develops Alzheimer’s, she needs a good job and a place to stay. She finds it at The Seacroft, a Cape Cod seaside mansion ruled by a mysterious and demanding woman looking for a personal assistant.

Vivian soon discovers that being broke and having to deal with her cranky new boss are not her only problems. The gardener at The Seacroft, Cody McGraw, is young, gorgeous, and the bane of her existence—until she starts falling for him.

But Vivian isn’t the only one captivated by Cody’s charms. Their sultry employer quickly takes an interest in him—and the developing relationship between Cody and Vivian is threatened by the loss of their jobs and more, should they upset The Seacroft’s exotic mistress.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Cape, The Seacroft is a steamy story of difficult choices, heart-wrenching sacrifice, and the ultimate salvation of love.

Review:


The Seacroft: a love story (Paines Creek Beach #2)The Seacroft: a love story by Aaron Paul Lazar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Paines Creek Beach series. I enjoyed it.

I downloaded this book in audiobook format as I have listened to this author's work in this way before and really enjoyed it. This audio book is narrated by Gwendolyn Druyor, who has narrated other books by this author. She has a pleasant voice to listen to, though she has a drawl that I struggled to like, and I enjoyed her narration of the story much better than the Bittersweet Hollow series.

Vivian Wood is a wonderful character. I liked her a lot. When her brother dies from a brain aneurysm and her mother develops Alzheimer’s, she needs a good job to pay for the medical bills. She finds the perfect job, working for Uvi Polanski at The Seacroft. There she meets the gardener, Cody McGraw and is attracted to him.

Cody McGraw is also a fantastic character. I liked him a lot too. He was briefly introduced in The Seacreast at the end as a teenager. In this story, he is in his early twenties and works for Uvi Polanski as her gardener. As a hurricane threatens the coast, Cody and Vivian grow closer together. However, there is danger in the form of Uvi and her jealousy. Can Cody and Viv survive the storm?

This story is told through the eyes of both Viv and Cody in alternative chapters. I enjoyed this, as it gave me (as a reader/listener) a chance to see what they were thinking and feeling. The various characters that dot this tale are interesting too: Viv's mother suffers from Alzheimer's and this broke my heart. I have never had to deal with someone who has this terrible disease myself, but my heart goes out to those who have to. It is worse for those who care for those with the disease than those afflicted with it, I feel, and I am in awe of them even when the stress and despair gets them down. I salute you!
I loved to hate Uvi; she makes the perfect villain. She is creepy, manipulative and slightly insane (in my opinion).
However, I loved meeting Finn and Libby (and their kids) again.

As the story unfolded, I found myself hooked by the storyline and there were several twists and turns that surprised me. Unfortunately, although the descriptions of the characters and places came alive, I thought this story was not as good as book one. Yes, the characters were interesting and the mystery and suspense was high, but I felt the dialogue was a little too sappy/cheesy in places. The romance between Viv and Cody is incredibly sweet. However, Uvi's manipulation of both Cody and Viv's need for employment made me feel ill at times. I know that such things happen in real life and it really makes my blood boil. This gave the story a dark undertone that resonated through the book. There are several scenes that had me sitting on the edge of my seat, though I enjoyed the one with Viv and her mom at the home during the flood. The story ends satisfactorily, without a cliffhanger, and I am now looking forward to reading/listening to The Seadog as soon as possible.

Aaron Paul Lazar has written an intriguing tale that captured my imagination. I love his writing style, which is fast paced and entertaining. I also love the flow. I am now looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.

Although this book doesn't have any bad language, there are some slightly explicit scenes of a sexual nature. Therefore, I recommend this book to older teen readers and to adults who love contemporary romance or romantic suspense genres. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


            

About The Author:


Aaron Paul Lazar wasn't always a mystery writer. It wasn't until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. "When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn't find elsewhere."

Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar's father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a "Renaissance man caught in the 21st century." This book has since be rereleased in 2012 as an "author's preferred edition," via Twilight Times Books.

The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written ten LeGarde mysteries in eight years. (UPSTAGED - 2005; TREMOLO: CRY OF THE LOON - 2007 Twilight Times Books; MAZURKA - 2009 Twilight Times Books, FIRESONG - 2011, DON'T LET THE WIND CATCH YOU - 2013, VIRTUOSO - 2014, with more to come.) The author has just completed his twenty-first novel.

One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat's eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and passionate gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother's dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (HEALEY'S CAVE, 2010; TERROR COMES KNOCKING, 2011; FOR KEEPS, 2012) Lazar intends to continue both series.

Lazar's books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, "country mysteries," although reviewers have dubbed them "literary mysteries."

"It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it's the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page."

In 2009, Kodak gave him up for grabs, and during the year off before he landed in his coveted new job with KB America, he had time to explore and reconnect with his environment. Little did he know that several trips to the Adirondack Mountains would reawaken his passion for that part of the country. Two new books were written in that time frame, starting yet another mystery series, Tall Pines Mysteries. The first two combooks in the series, FOR THE BIRDS - 2011 and ESSENTIALLY YOURS - 2012 have been winning literary awards. Keep an eye out for SANCTUARY (2014), and MURDER ON THE SACANDAGA (2015), coming via Twilight Times Books.

In between all the novels, Lazar found time to issue three writing guides based on his many years of writing advice blogs, entitled WRITE LIKE THE WIND, volumes 1-3. These are available in eBook and audio book.

In his twenty-first book, Lazar has jumped genre. THE SEACREST - OCT 2013 -, a love story, is poised to capture hearts across the globe.

The author lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, mother-in-law, two dogs, and cat. He finds grandfathering one of the most precious and important times of life, and spends as much time as possible with Julian, Gordon, and Isabella.

Lazar maintains several websites and blogs, was the Gather Saturday Writing Essential host for three years, writes his monthly "Seedlings" columns for the Voice in the Dark literary journal and the Future Mystery Anthology Magazine. He has been published in Absolute Write as well as The Great Mystery and Suspense Magazine. See excerpts and reviews here:

www.lazarbooks.com
www.murderby4.blogspot.com
www.aplazar.gather.com
www.aaronlazar.blogspot.com

Contact him at aaron.lazar@yahoo.com.

Twilight Times Books by multi-award winning author, Aaron Lazar:

LEGARDE MYSTERIES
DOUBLE FORTÉ (print, eBook, audio book)
UPSTAGED (print, eBook, audio book)
TREMOLO: CRY OF THE LOON (print, eBook, audio book)
MAZURKA (print, eBook, audio book)
FIRESONG (print, eBook, audio book)
DON'T LET THE WIND CATCH YOU (print, eBook, audio book)
VIRTUOSO (~2014)

MOORE MYSTERIES
HEALEY'S CAVE (print, eBook, audio book)
TERROR COMES KNOCKING (print, eBook, audio book)
FOR KEEPS (print, eBook, audio book)

TALL PINES MYSTERIES
FOR THE BIRDS (print, eBook, audio book)
ESSENTIALLY YOURS (print, eBook, audio book)
SANCTUARY (2014)
MURDER ON THE SACANDAGA (~2014)

STANDALONES
THE SEACREST (coming fall of 2013)

WRITING ADVICE:

WRITE LIKE THE WIND, volumes 1, 2, 3 (ebooks and audio books)

Aaron Paul Lazar writes to soothe his soul. An award-winning, bestselling Kindle author of three addictive mystery series, writing books, and a new love story, Aaron enjoys the Genesee Valley countryside in upstate New York, where his characters embrace life, play with their dogs and grandkids, grow sumptuous gardens, and chase bad guys. Visit his website at http://www.lazarbooks.com and watch for his upcoming Twilight Times Books releases, SANCTUARY (2014), and VIRTUOSO (2014).


AWARDS:

Double Forté
* 2012 ForeWord BOTYA, Mystery, FINALIST

Tremolo: cry of the loon -
* 2013 Eric Hoffer Book Awards: Grand Prize Short List
* 2013 Eric Hoffer Book Awards: Honorable Mention, Eric Hoffer Legacy Fiction
* 2011 Global eBook Award Finalist in Historical Fiction Contemporary
* 2011 Preditors & Editors Readers Choice Award - 2nd place Mystery
* 2008 Yolanda Renée's Top Ten Books
* 2008 MYSHELF Top Ten Reads

For the Birds
* 2011 ForeWord Book Awards, FINALIST in Mystery
* 2012 Carolyn Howard-Johnson's Top 10 Reads

Essentially Yours
* 2013 EPIC Book Awards, FINALIST in Suspense
* 2013 Eric Hoffer Da Vinci Eye Award Finalist

Healey's Cave
* 2012 EPIC Book Awards WINNER Best Paranormal
* 2011 Eric Hoffer Book Award, WINNER Best Book in Commercial Fiction
* 2011 Finalist for Allbooks Review Editor's Choice
* 2011 Winner of Carolyn Howard Johnson's 9th Annual Noble (not Noble!) Prize for Literature
* 2011 Finalists for Global EBook Awards

Terror Comes Knocking
* 2013 Global Ebook Awards, Paranormal - Bronze

For Keeps
* 2013 Semi Finalist in Kindle Book Review Book Awards, Mystery Category

Author Links: