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Sunday, May 31, 2015

Sunday Review: Sage Blog Tours Presents: An Ordinary Magic by Jason Thibeault


Title An Ordinary Magic


Author Jason Thibeault


Source Received from author in exchange for an honest review


Purchase Link AMAZON
BLURB
A new sorcerer has moved into La Croix, upsetting the tranquility of the other otherwise idyllic Caribbean fishing village. But Panon, the town's priest, can't afford to waste time wondering about the newcomer. He needs to concentrate on fixing his relationship with his son, Jaime, who has been called by Dela Luamba, a powerful spirit, to join the church. The problem? Jaime doesn't believe in magic or the spirits anymore. To protect his son from a potentially terrible punishment, Panon must hide the truth from Dela while he tries to make everything right. But when Panon trades for a bit of magic guaranteed to help Jaime believe again, everything goes horribly wrong, turning Panon's world upside down. Drawn into an epic struggle of good versus evil with the mysterious sorcerer, Panon, Jaime, and the whole town must battle the walking dead, malicious spirits, and potent Voodoo. It's up to Panon to discover the only power capable of saving his son...and redeeming himself. An Ordinary Magic is a fast-paced, entertaining, and thought-provoking work of literary magic realism.


REVIEW


This author did a very good job of writing a very different book. It felt like a story within a story. It takes a magic story and brings a whole new feel and element to that world.


I really didn't know what to expect. When I read the blurb i simply thought hmm could be interesting.

I was pleasantly surprised to see how much I enjoyed this one.

I listened to it via my Kindle on the drive to and from work. It made the time fly by and I was curious as to what kept happening in the story.

Now it was slightly hard listening to the Kindle read to me because like I said it felt like there was a story inside the story itself. I don't know if that's what it actually was or not but I really liked it.

This story didn't suck me in right away. It took me about a day and a half of listening to it. But once I was in, I was in.

Overall this was a 4 star book! Had it not been quit so confusing about the book inside the book at the start I probably would have gotten hooked sooner and it would have been a 4.5 star.


Monday, May 25, 2015

Review: HEA Blog Tours Presents: The Bleeding Heart by Amy Giuffrida





THE BLEEDING HEART
Author: Amy Giuffrida
Genre: NA Psychological Horror
~ SYNOPSIS ~
Brooklyn is a talented artist with an obsession for blood; one that she satiates at her uncle’s tattoo shop. It’s here at The Bleeding Heart that Brooklyn practices the art of dispensing pain onto others. Yet, nothing can dull the desire running through her veins, especially since the man she really wants to torture rots in jail for murder. 

When Daniel comes into her life, Brooklyn’s obsession with tattoos and blood quickly turns into desire for him. She dreams about getting him on her tattoo table as her first official customer, marking him as her own. But Daniel has a different idea as to what they should be doing with their bodies. 

As Brooklyn spirals out of control, her sanity begins to slip right along with whatever is left of her humanity. Daniel may be the only one left to save her, if she lets him in. In the end she will have to choose between exacting vengeance, staying alive, or loving Daniel.

~ BLOG~
Brooklyn was a delightful character. I really enjoyed this story and I liked the writing.

I LOVED first person present tense writing the author had.

There was slight disappointment when the book just ended but I supposed that sometimes things just have to happen like that. Even if we don't like it.

I enjoy that this book isn't a cutsie clean book. It is hard and raw with emotion.

I wish that more authors were like this.

Giving this a star review!

 



~ PURCHASE ~


~ TEASERS ~
~ A ~
As soon as my needle touches his skin, I know this guy is different. He talks to me about the weather and then I feel him sliding down in the chair. Very slowly. No way this is an accident. As he moves down, my face is closer to somewhere it shouldn’t be. If he wants to play, he’s come to the right place. Time to up the ante so I move my shading needles faster and deeper into his leg.

“Ow, that hurt.”

~*~*~*~

~ B ~
Grabbing my hand, Daniel leads me to the stairs. Guessing, he continues in the direction of my bedroom. I shut the door with a kick of my foot. Turning, I move my hands up his chest, my eyes taking in everything manly about him. “I hope you’re one of those guys who keeps a condom in his wallet, because if not, we’re going to have a problem.”
 
Daniel’s hands find the edge of my t-shirt and rolls it up and over my head. Without hesitation he says, “Yeah, I’m one of those guys. Take off your pants.”


~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~
AMY GIUFFRIDA



Amy Giuffrida teaches language arts to teens by day, while working nights as supermom and a bookseller. The teen in her is never far away, calling to her to crank the tunes and write stories about the darkness that surrounds us all. 

Amy is known for taking the path less traveled, but can always be found on Twitter @kissedbyink or online at one of her haunts: amygiuffrida.com, kissedbyink.com, midnightsocietytales.com, or bookish.nu

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:




Sunday, May 24, 2015

Sunday Review: The Writers Coffee Shop Presents: Matronly Duties by Melissa Kendall

Matronly-Duties-Hi-Res-Cover
Release Date: May 21 , 2015
Genre:  FICTION / Romance / General / Science Fiction ISBN e-book:    978-1-61213-369-0
Available from: Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and TWCS PH
 
~~REVIEW~~



 
This writing was very enjoying. There was excellent character development and the fact that the author kept my attention was much kudos.
 
There wasn't anything inherently wrong with the story itself but it didn't suck me in 100% of the way so I can only give it a 4 star. It may have been my fault since I've been quite distracted. So I think that this is an off shoot on my part.
 
This story had a lot of very positive things inside of it. I'd like to read another story by this author. I know this one was a sequel so when the next one comes out I def would give it a shot!
 
 
 
 
~~SUMMARY~~
Matronly-Duties-3D-Paperback-eReader

Hundreds of years after an asteroid slammed into Earth and sent it into a new ice age, what remains of the human race lives on in underground sanctuaries. Now, as the bicentennial anniversary of the impact approaches, a new leader prepares to take her place at the head of the government. At least, that’s what she thinks.
Bethanie Greene’s life has been planned out for her since the age of thirteen. Beautiful and intelligent, she’s spent the last twelve years training to become the next Matron of the underground nation of Oceania. But when Bethanie is kidnapped by rogue extremists just six weeks shy of taking office, her world is turned upside down by the handsome stranger who rescues her.
Howard James’ life has been the polar opposite of Bethanie’s. Struggling to survive in a world where those in power wished he didn’t exist, he harbors a deep-seated resentment of the government and all its representatives. Together with his unconventional family, he shows Bethanie a life she never knew was possible, while at the same time, opening her eyes to the injustices of the government she is meant to lead.
But can she trust a stranger? And can a few days change everything she believes and desires? Against all odds, Bethanie must decide if her heart and her duties can coexist.
 
~~EXCERPT~~
Matronly-Duties-3D-Paperback

My body shakes at the thought of what could have happened to me yet again. I’ve heard stories about the slums, and I have to take a few deep breaths to calm myself.
“I was silly running away, I get it. I just couldn’t stay in your home any longer.”
Howard sighs. “Just because my parents raised us with traditionalist values doesn’t mean we are anything like the Trads. You accused us of being a drain on society, but you don’t even know us.”
“You’re right, I don’t. But you don’t know me either. If you did, you would understand why it’s hard for me to understand your way of life. It goes against every law, moral, and convention I’ve been taught. So I can’t be sorry for what I said, even if I’m sorry I ran out of the house.”
Howard takes a deep breath, then exhales long and slow. The expression on his face looks a bit like pity but with a dash of guilt mixed in. “Look, maybe I’ve judged you unfairly based on preconceived notions, but—”
A loud bang echoes outside. Howard glances at me with a panicked look on his face, and then pulls me off the crate onto the floor behind. I sit up, and turn to yell at him, but male voices outside keep my mouth closed. I instead huddle closer to Howard as he puts his hand around my shoulders. He pulls me in until I’m tucked against him.
“Did you see where she went?” a man’s voice asks.
“Nah, she just vanished.” The voice of this one sounds young.
“Damn, the boss isn’t going to be pleased about this.”
The crunch of shoes against pavement indicates they are on the move again. The sounds trail off until they’re no longer audible. I sigh in relief, all the tension fleeing my body.
“Are you okay?’ Howard asks, rubbing my shoulder.
I glance up, only then noticing how little space is between us. His blue eyes have flecks of grey in them, and there’s a smattering of freckles covering his nose and cheeks. His warm breath tickles my cheek almost like a caress, and his jaw has the barest hint of a five o’clock shadow. He really is captivating.
“I’m fine,” I eventually say, the words a mere whisper.
The butterflies in my stomach return with a vengeance. Howard licks his lips as they turn up ever so slightly in a smile.
“Good.”
I can’t stop the sigh that slips past my own lips. Howard leans forward a little, then moves closer still until his mouth is pressed against mine. I don’t dare move. A zing of something, I’m not sure whether it’s pleasure or fear, shoots through me. His lips are soft and wet, and the sensation is unlike anything I’ve felt before. I can’t even decide if I want him to continue or stop. When he pulls away though, a feeling of disappointment bubbles up inside me.
My first kiss.
Goosebumps cover me from head to toe, and unbidden, my fingers move to my lips. Glancing at Howard, he stares at me for a minute, then moves to sit further away.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
I shrug. “It’s okay.”
Howard frowns and then looks across the room.
Part of Matron training is learning not to form close relationships. It doesn’t mean it never happens. I’ve heard the odd story here and there from the other women, and I realise that’s probably what Gail was trying to tell me at breakfast the other day. But in all honesty, I can’t remember the last time I had real physical contact with anyone, above all with a man.
We sit in uncomfortable silence for a few minutes. Tension rolls off Howard in waves.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Come on,” Howard whispers. “We need to get to the house before those guys come back.”
 
~~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~~
 
Melissa Kendall

Melissa Kendall is an almost forty-year-old mother of two from Perth, Western Australia, the second-most isolated capital city in the world. Predominantly a stay-at-home mum, she works a few hours a week as a software support consultant. She has always loved to read and write, and spent most of her teens writing poetry and short stories. Over the years, daily life got in the way and she lost the passion for it, but after the birth of her first child, Melissa discovered e-books and her interest in writing rekindled. She is now the author of two published short stories. Matronly Duties is her first full-length novel.
2010.10.26_Giveaway-01
~~CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR~~
 
Matronly-Duties-3D-Book-Stack
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Friday, May 22, 2015

New Release: Maverick Touch The Adventure, Book #3


It's FINALLY here!!! Happy Birthday to me and Happy Release day to Nadia, Mr. A, Anabella and Mr. J!

HOW EXCITING IS THIS?!?!?!

I'll tell you how exciting, VERY!

This book has been an insane adventure for myself and the characters. I can't think of where to start when I recall how this story came to life.

I wanted to do something fun and exciting so I asked my friend, you I'm sure know her from other blog posts, Jen where I should send these 4. She is of course Carlisle and Carter's biggest fan.

Some how or another we ended up in Africa. I didn't pick the actual destination until like 25,000 words into the story. Crazy I know!

There have been just many many different things keeping me occupied as of late. Mostly things that are beyond any amount of control on my part. But my characters eventually forgave me for the neglect and gave me this great story to tell.

That's the truth of it - These characters give me the story and I give it to you. They are very much alive in my head and that gives me comfort knowing their story will continue on.

One thing I did discover is the story of Kain. I knew that his story would eventually be told but I had no idea what that story was. Until a couple months ago. And it felt like lightening went off in my head and I was like OMG that's his story!

So I am very excited to have the opportunity to write Kain and his sons stories this fall. 

NANO here we come!

I hope all of you enjoy the third installment of Maverick Touch The Adventure. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this next chapter of this exciting family.

Happy Readings and XoXo


Maverick Touch The Adventure

Amazon (Print and Kindle)

Barnes & Noble (Print and Nook)


BLURB

The Mavericks pack up for another whirlwind adventure. This time in Africa! What they thought would be a fun and laid back vacation turns quickly into a lifesaving and ceremonial disaster as their world literally begins to shake under their feet. 

Anabella and Carter begin to get cozy as their relationship deepens in the African wilderness. Carter has a serious question to ask Ana … who wants nothing to do with that notion. 

Nadia and Carlisle learn a little bit more about each other during their one on one time theorizing what it would be like for Nadia to take a life. 

Nothing is ever simple for these two couples. Topped with a new player coming into the mix. 

How will Mr. T affect Mr. A and Mr. J and will Mr. T stick around long enough for Nadia to sink her teeth into the story behind this member of the brotherhood? 

The Adventure of a lifetime is awaiting the Mavericks. Join them on the craziest trip you’ll ever experience through the most mysterious continent in the world.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Review: HEA Book Tours Presents: My Demons by Kimberly Blalock



MY DEMONS
Author: Kimberly Blalock
Series: The Angel Trilogy, Book 2
~ SYNOPSIS ~
Abigale Hayes has had many things ripped from her life. She‘s been broken and emotionally left to die in the darkness she’s been living in for far too long. Love finds Abby is ways she hadn't imagined would ever be possible, but so do lies and betrayal. Abby will be put in a position to protect the one man she loves and has realized without a doubt she will love forever. Evan’s love for Abby will take him to a whole new depth of darkness and dealing with those that want the love of his life for themselves will be the end of Evan and Abby. Or will it?



~ PURCHASE ~



~ REVIEW ~

I love first person present tense stories. It is so easy slip into into the characters perspective and just sit back and enjoy the story.

So that is a major plus. This book was very easy to just enjoy.

What pulled me away from this book is I was kind of confused about the start of it and why things were playing out the way they did.

I had to think a bit too much in the beginning to understand. 

I enjoyed this authors style a lot. A LOT! If you like an erotic read with that sense of first person awesomeness you should really get this book.

I am hesitant to say more because I don't want to give any spoilers.

It's felt like a long time since I really enjoyed a book I was asked to review but I was pleasantly surprised with this book and I really liked it a lot.

4 Stars - had I not had to think so much at the beginning it would have been 4.5




~ TEASERS ~





~ THE ANGEL TRILOGY ~

HIS ANGEL
Series: The Angel Trilogy, Book 1
~ SYNOPSIS ~
When Evan Young walks into Abigale Hayes’s life she falls; mind, body, and soul for the man she thinks he is, having no idea that the secrets he holds in his hands will destroy the girl she is. Abby must decide how the truth will affect the relationship that has her craving more with every breath she takes and how she will take revenge into her own hands. Evan will die to protect Abby and will kill for her too. The events that unfold will change who Abigale Hayes is forever.



~ PURCHASE ~ 
AMAZON | B&N 



~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~
Kimberly Blalock 

Kimberly has been writing since she was a young girl growing up in Kansas City, Mo. Reading and writing has always been a big part of her life. She enjoys a world she can get lost in while reading a good book. A wife and mother to four beautiful children she decided she wasn’t busy enough. She spent some time chasing down fugitives as a bounty hunter then laid down her hand cuffs and finished her college degree in nursing. 

Kimberly loves discovering new music to jam out to and loves anything that’s different. Her many interests include Google, you heard it! Google. If you need to know any unusual or interesting fact she has searched it and can recite it. Her motto is: Why be the same as everyone else when you can stand out? 

When Kimberly isn’t writing or playing superhero for her children, she takes care of her patients as a Registered nurse in the field of hospice.

Social media links:

~ Tour Host ~
HEA Book Tours, PR & More: http://heabooktours.blogspot.com/



Sunday, May 17, 2015

Sunday Review: Sage Blog Tours Presents: Whisper of Crows by Jameson Hesse


Title Whisper of Crows
Author Jameson Hesse
Source Received this in exchange for an honest review
Purchase Link AMAZON


Blurb


Kanaan James is a disturbed teenage boy obsessed with his childhood friend Abigail Caulfield. A horrible car accident leaves Abigail stricken with amnesia and Kanaan, desperate for her attention, convinces her they are soul mates, running from the law. In the midst of a passionate love affair, while hiding in an old abandoned house deep in the woods, Kanaan is forced to test the boundaries of his own humanity.
 
Review

I am usually a big fan of blood guts and gore but this time it was just okay. I really struggled writing this review and didn't quite know the words to say so I went and read other reviews on Goodreads about this book and I think I agree with them. Some things are just too much.

Now - as an author myself I was able to appreciate this story. I can very much see the plot and its progression but at the same time ... there was a bit too much imagery. There is a fine line with details and I think we crossed over on the dark side a bit much.

Maybe if the story had been in 3rd person and not 1st it wouldn't have been so bad. In 1st person I find myself easily slipping into the character and usually I really love that. I also like 'horror' books but hate horror movies.

This imagery really did play out like a movie and I think that was my turn off.

But that being said, the writing the plot (like I said before) the character development. All that was great.

But for me it was just too much. If you like books like that though I am sure you will love this one. To each their own right?

I'm giving it 3 stars because that's about how much I enjoyed it. I believe if I liked this type of book more then it would have been between a 4 star and a 4.5 star review.

Saturday, May 16, 2015

AccAmazing! Pitch Perfect 2

Now that was one killer freaking movie!!!

I've said before that the way i judge a movie is that feeling I have at the end of it. That one that is hard to duplicate ... the last time I felt it was with Guardians of the Galaxy.

And now, with Pitch Perfect 2!

I cannot believe how much my face hurts from laughing and smiling. It took all my might to sit in my chair and not sing along to the songs.

It was such a light, fun and fantastic movie!

There were some major surprises for me, like Snoop Dog, The Greenbay Packers and  ... of course ... the BUMPER story!

No spoilers but OMG such a freaking fantastic movie.

This is going to go down as the best movie of 2015 - mark my word! Check back December 31st on this blog but I am 99.999999% sure you will see Pitch Perfect 2 as the best of the best!

Obviously overall this is a 5 star review because there is not any other movie out this year that will make you laugh and smile this much. Or make you burst out into awesome 90's songs singing and swaying to the beat.

PS...If you haven't seen the first one you should. You can get it on Amazon and it is totally worth it.

But I think it is a decent solo movie too except you miss all the back story.


Thursday, May 14, 2015

HEA Book Toures Presents: The Blue Room Vol 8 by Kailin Gow




THE BLUE ROOM: VOL 8
Author: Kailin Gow
Genre: Adult Romantic Suspense
~ SYNOPSIS ~

Now in the final book of The Blue Room Series, comes the explosive ending with a twist that leaves you wondering what can happen next.

Staci Atussi will finally get her answer to what happened to her missing friend who worked at the most exclusive club in Los Angeles as one of the Blue Girls at The Blue Room, a place started by billionaire Clarence Blue and ran by his sons famous rocker Danny Blue of the Never Knights and notorious womanizer Terrence Blue. The series where nothing is as it seems at the Blue Room where twists comes after every turn, comes to an end that would leave anyone with a chill in this must read finale. 

The Blue Room is a New Adult Contemporary Suspense Series intended for readers age 18 and Up. 


~ PURCHASE VOL 8 TODAY! ~
AMAZON US


SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
**Spin-Off Series COMING SOON!** 

Blue Room Confidentials Vol. 1 - Coming Summer 2015 
Blue Room Confidentials Vol. 2 
Blue Room Confidentials Vol. 3 

** Don't miss a release date from Kailin Gow books by NOT signing up for her newsletter at theEDGEbooks.com (YA and New Adult Books) and KailinGowBooks.com (Adult Fiction). She announces new releases, news, if there are delays or tentative schedule changes, events, and more exclusively through her newsletter, which she sends only when there is news. 

Kailin Romance is the name for romances intending for 18 and up by YA and Fantasy Author Kailin Gow.


THE BLUE ROOM SERIES
Author: KAILIN GOW
Genre: Adult Romantic Suspense

~ SERIES BLURB ~

From the international bestselling author of The Protege Series, The Never Knights Trilogy, PULSE, and SESSIONS Series, comes a new adult romantic suspense.. 

*****"Love love love The Blue Room! Can't wait for more!" 
- P. Bennett, MN 
*****"The chemistry is so hot! I know Terrence is bad for Staci, but I want them together." 
- Mary T. 
*****"I found my new addictive read! Can't wait to get into the next book."
- Addicted to Books Blog 

Would you sell your soul or body to find out the truth? 

When Danny Blue of the Never Knights inherited his playboy billionaire father's businesses and legacy, he didn't realized his father's pet project was the Blue Room, the most elite and secret club in the highest circle. He was happy to let his half-brother Terrence Blue run the club, but with Terrence's womanizing ways and carefree attitude when it came to everything, he wasn't sure if that was a good idea. 

Terrence Blue wasn't sure that was a good idea as well because it would cramp his style as a former patron of the club, but when he spotted virginal Staci Atussi starting at The Blue Room, he had a change of heart. Not only was Staci Atussi a knockout without knowing it, but she was the challenge he had been craving. 

For Staci Atussi, working at The Blue Room was her solution to a desperate situation, but as she became integrated into the world of The Blue Room and the mysteries surrounding its patrons and the sexy Blues, she wondered if she had traded in her desperation for something far more sinister. 

The Blue Room is a New Adult Contemporary Suspense Series intended for readers age 18 and Up. 

The Blue Room #8: http://bit.ly/TheBlueRoomVol8






~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~
KAILIN GOW 

Kailin Romance are the scorching hot romance-themed books for age 18 and up by bestselling, award-winning author of YA, Fantasy, and Suspense Kailin Gow. 

Kailin Gow has been an author since 2001 in multiple genres starting out in Middle Grade, Fantasy, Action Adventure, then YA, New Adult, and Erotica. With over 200 books published and over 40 active series, translated into multiple languages, she is a bestselling international author, speaker, radio and tv personality, producer, and filmmaker. 

Many of her book series have been picked up to be developed into video games, films, and television series. Her middle grade book series and YA books are being developed into comic books. http://www.imdb.me/kailingow 

Of her books under Kailin Romance, SESSIONS has been optioned as a tv series, the Loving Summer Series is under development as a film, and Rock Hard Love Hard is being developed as a rock musical play for Las Vegas.

To get updates (promise not to spam), exclusives, and specials from Kailin Romance, sign up for the Kailin Romance newsletter at kailingow.com.

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