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Monday, September 15, 2014
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Cover Reveal - The Rocket Girl's Tale by K. Hippolite
About the Book
In the demesne of Hillvale, a young scientist with a perfect memory struggles to gain admission into the Academy of Stars when she stumbles across documents many dark powers seem to be interested in. In the midst of this turmoil, a handsome young man named Arthur Galenden seems to want to sweep her off her feet.
“She loved him. She loved him not. After the flames of infatuation burned out, what would pull a rocket scientist and an oil baron together?”
Be sure to check out other works by K. Hippolite
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
EM Reviews - The Sales Crime Policeman by David J. Rollins
About the Book
Science Fiction / Humor / Romance
Date Published: November 19, 2013
The future is no place to fall in love.
Amazing advances in technology have all but replaced relationships. People can purchase spouses programmed to their individual tastes and desires, anything from an aversion to expensive guilt gifts to perfumed flatulence. Attachments are even available for the more discriminating customers. Anyone can have anyone they want, as long as they don’t want someone who looks like someone else. That’s against the law. It could also make things a little awkward at social events.
For one man, technology is not enough. He is a Telepathic Vacuum Cleaner Salesperson Policeman, and he wants to fall in love with a real woman. Like most men, he is not perfect. He has no name. He had to give up that up when he became a policeman. He is terribly afraid of roller coasters. And he doesn’t have any attachments.
When he finds the woman of his dreams, she is not what he expected. Like most women, she doesn’t feel the same way about him. She has a spouse certified to be her perfect mate. And she is in prison. The policeman had her arrested, because she is one of the most wanted criminals in his world.
Now, the policeman has to choose between everything he is and everything he wants.
The future is no place to fall in love.
Excerpt
“I just want a name,” the lonely officer said to his friend without looking at him. “I just want to meet someone.”
“You’re not going to start that again, are you?”
“I just think I would be able to deal with this all much better if I were in a relationship. You know, if I had someone to love.”
“So go buy one. I’ve told you before, it’s really worth it. It’s even more economical, if you factor in the cost of dating and guilt gifts. I’ve told you about Spouse Now! They’ll actually program your spouse any way you want. If you want to be able to cheat on her without worrying about hurting her feelings, they can do that. If you want her to proposition attractive women for a little triple tricking, they can do that. You won’t even have to go to the bar. They’ll program her to go for you and bring someone back. If you have a fetish, they can...”
“I get the idea. I’m just not interested.”
“I don’t see what’s so great about a real wife,” he twitched and winced, “None of those marriages ever end up happy. Men and women are too different. They want different things. And why would you want to waste time making the same mistake people have already made many times over? Spouse Now! can give you a perfect mate, and she will never ever ask you what your name is.”
“You get a referral fee, don’t you?” The judgmental disappointment in his voice leered down at the married officer.
About the Author
David J. Rollins is a paralegal by day, husband by night, and sometimes finds time to write. As a young man, he had had different plans, but that’s the way life works out most of the time.
David has been writing since Seventh Grade. He started with the adventures of Super Pimp and his sidekick Squirt. His hero was Philip K. Dick, who strangely enough did not write about things like Pimps and Squirts. Like any fan, David wanted to follow in his hero’s footsteps. Unlike most fans, he wanted to follow them even after finding out that his hero, at one point in his life, was so poor that he resorted to eating dog food. What David lacked in aspirations, he made up for in determination.
From those humble beginnings, David became the man he is today. He is happier than he ever thought he would be and is living a life he never imagined in his wildest dreams. And that’s the way David’s life worked out. He was and is very lucky.
As further proof of his luck, David has lost every one of the stories about Super Pimp and his sidekick Squirt. He has also never had to eat dog food.
Website: www.davidjrollins.com
Mailing List: http://www.davidjrollins.com/mailing-list/
BUY LINKS
EM's Review
I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I picked this book up by just reading the description. But I certainly wasn't expecting a novelette that had me talking about it all weekend to everyone who would listen! David Rollins has created a quirky, sick, but totally enjoyable world in the Sales Crime Policeman
In the futuristic world of manufactured love and fashion, where annoyance is the highest crime, A for-now-unnamed Sales Crime Policeman starts a journey of inner discovery. Well, sort of. Anyway, it's kind of romancy, and kind of comedy, and kind of faux scifi. I really can't pin it down but it's definitely original. anyone who enjoyed Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy will enjoy this quick read.
The story begins in Third Person Omniscient and changes point of view between characters quickly. To some of you this means nothing. That's fine, it won't bother you. Go read the book. I'm not fond of that style, but I got over it in a few short pages as it's really the only way this story can be told. And it is told well. I didn't even notice after while. So if you know what I'm talking about and that style bothers you. Get over it and GET THE BOOK!
Honestly, It's one of those stories that you want to are with others and joke about forever. Like Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy or Monty Python. This book is for anyone. There's nondescript nudity but I don't think youngsters would get most of the humor anyway. Well except for the potty jokes and nudity. But there's a whole other level of sophisticated irony that would just woosh over their heads.
Overall, a very enjoyable and fun read!
Friday, June 13, 2014
KL Reviews - Forever Layla by Melissa T. Lee
About the BookRelease date: May 2014
Publisher: AltWit Press
Purchase: Amazon
Synopsis via Goodreads:
What if the woman you envied most is the person you are destined to become?
In 1994, high school senior David Foster was the lackey and soundboard geek for his best friend's grunge band. During spring break, the band lands a dream gig playing at a motel in Myrtle Beach, SC. David expected all the girls to ogle the guys on stage, but when a beautiful blond "Bond Girl" approaches him and calls him by name, he's shocked to find out she knows more about him than a stranger should.
She even knows about his notebooks and his visions of time travel.
What she thought was a quick time-travel-sightseeing trip takes a surprising turn when she meets the young adult version of the man she'd heard stories about as a child. His fairy-tale romance with the woman he'd loved, Layla, inspired her to accept nothing less than a love just as strong...but hopefully not as tragic. When she won't tell the younger version of him her name, he calls her Layla--and the world as she knows it changes forever.
KL's Review
Forever Layla Review
Time travel literally makes my head explode. I always find it difficult to wrap my mind around the whole time continuum, but it sounded like a cool book, so I thought I would give it a try. If you feel like you aren’t geeky enough to get time travel like I am, then don’t worry. My head did not explode, and I found myself so in to this book that I couldn’t put it down.
An epic romance, self-sacrifice, and just enough science fiction to make it unbelievably believable (or believably unbelievable). A beautiful young woman from the 2000’s finds herself stuck in the 90’s. Drowning in a sea of grungy plaid teenagers, she finds a familiar face. The man of her dreams, the creator of time travel, and the father of the son who will save countless lives is the 17-year-old sound tech for a high school garage band. Being from the future, she knows how it all happens and what joys and pains his life will hold. The only thing she didn’t know was the part she would be playing.
I thoroughly enjoyed Forever Layla once I got into it. I admit that I was not immediately drawn into the plot, but after a few chapters, the story starts rolling and the pages start flying. The author keeps giving you these little hints and clues about how things are going to unfold, and though I had it pretty much figured out before the end, I had come to love the characters so much, I wanted to read it just to be a part of it.
I want to thank the author for creating such a passionate love story without all of the steamy scenes. This is definitely a PG-13 book appropriate for teens and adults alike. The language is clean and the characters have a very moral code of conduct. The only negative I can say is that there was some disconnect between what “Layla” knew about the future and how much she should have really known (if I followed the time continuum correctly.) And the ending definitely seemed rushed. I could have used a little bit more. But that is just a testament to how good the plot was. Forever Layla definitely does not disappoint!
About the Author
Melissa Turner Lee holds a BA in Communications with a concentration in Journalism from the University of South Carolina. She has studied fiction writing since 2008, attending various writing conferences and workshops, along with guidance from professional writing coaches. She resides in Spartanburg, SC with her husband and 3 sons.
Monday, June 9, 2014
KL's Review - Descent by Kallie Ross
Ollie’s disastrous attempt to save Mateo’s brother from falling into a curious chasm results in their descent into a cavernous wonderland. Ollie, Mateo, Jesse, and Alexis search for a way back home, and encounter a mysterious tribe of natives. Gabriel, the next in line to lead his people, is granted permission to guide them to the surface. On their treacherous journey, an overzealous elder threatens all of their lives, because he can’t risk them exposing his people, or the power he wields. The group discovers ancient secrets, unexpected truths, and uncharted feelings. Ollie must find a way out or risk being stuck in the caves forever—or worse, dead.
“Descent is a gripping debut that takes you on a roller coaster - a page turner that has you asking - what happens next. I loved every single word of it.” Fangirlish.com
KL's Review
Descent Review
Kallie Ross is shaking things up with her debut novel Descent! Four teens find themselves in a curious new land far beneath the earth after an earthquake rips open a hole in their backyard. Ollie, Alexis, Mateo, and Jesse have to navigate the treacherous underground paths (as well as their complicated relationships) in order to make their way back to the surface. They are helped along the way by their new friends Gabriel and Keren.
If the Amish and Old Testament Jews had a baby, the result would be the people of this strange underground world. Living in tents and dressed in tunics and robes, they speak in a formal tone and possess some of the same traditions of the Amish community. Gabriel is on the verge of his manhood ceremony which is supposed to culminate in a journey to the surface where he will decide to stay or come back to be a leader amongst his people. Coincidentally, Ollie and her friends provide the perfect opportunity for Gabriel to complete his task.
Amongst the many dangers the group must contest with, there is also a dark and sinister plot being carried out by one of the Elders. His plan will be disastrous to not only those in his village, but will also wreak havoc to many on the surface. How will this affect Gabriel, Ollie, and the others as they travel home?
This novel receives my highest compliment. I literally could not put it down. Once the plot begins to unravel, I got so completely absorbed in finding out what was going to happen next, I ended up finishing it mostly in one day! Then you find yourself at the end definitely wanting more. It does seem to feel a little slow at the beginning, but it is definitely worth the wait. It is a great ride full of adventure, love, drama, and characters you feel like would be your best friends if you knew them in real life.
Descent is completely appropriate for all teens and pre-teens and any adult addicted to YA fiction (such as myself). The language is clean and the romantic relationships are healthy and appropriate. There are several references to nudity, but nothing graphic.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
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About Kallie Ross:
I love being a wife, mother, friend, writer, and teacher. I began teaching high school English in 2002 and started blogging and podcasting in 2008. I have a brilliant husband, two redheads, and never imagined my life would ever be this fun!
Find Kallie Ross
Add DESCENT on Goodreads and Facebook!
Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, May 22, 2014
KL Reviews - Rumbpled by Lacy Louwagie
About The Book
Fairy-tale
Re-telling / Fantasy
Date Published: March 3, 2014
Gold for a poor girl,
Beauty for a twisted man,
A child for a powerful sorcerer . . .
Rumpelstiltskin can change anything he touches into gold, but he cannot change his own twisted body. The sorcerer Laurus can make Rumpelstiltskin tall, strong, and handsome—but he will only work his magic in exchange for a child in its first year of life.
When Emily’s deluded father claims she can spin straw into gold, the King demands proof. Caught between a mad father and a mad king, Emily’s life hangs in the balance. Rumpelstiltskin will help keep up her ruse for three nights—if she promises him her firstborn child.
When the King decides to marry Emily, the pretense must continue for much longer. And what Emily offers Rumpelstiltskin in return for his continued help has the power to change everything.
This retelling of “Rumpelstiltskin” is best suited for ages 14 and up.
Lacey has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil and fold a few pieces of paper together. Her first book, full of pictures of unicorns, started her on the path of writing science fiction and fantasy. She has worked as a freelance writer and editor, magazine editor, reporter, and librarian. She lives in a tiny house in South Dakota with her husband, two cats, a dog, and hundreds of books.
Website: http://www.laceylouwagie.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacey.venosdel
Twitter:@laceylouwagie
BUY LINKS
KL's Review
If, like me, you have never really cared for the story of Rumplestiltskin because the little guy kind of creeped you out, you MUST read this story. This fractured fairytale breathes a new life into this story and brings an amazing perspective to it that you never imagined.
Gone is the scary little man who appears and does favors in return for your first born. Lacey Louwgie creates a character in Rumple that you find yourself connecting with and cheering for in the end. It turns out that he really is a kind person who just happens to be able to perform transmutations. His ability has been hard earned, but very useful.
Emily is extremely grateful for Rumple’s when the King hears her father’s boasts that she can spin straw into gold. You probably know the story from this point. Three times the King demands her to spin the straw to gold, and three times Rumplestlitskin comes and performs the magic for her. Each time a price is paid to him. The third time, Emily does indeed promise to give Rumple her first born.
Louwgie does a tremendous job of maintaining the bones of the original story and filling in the gaps with beautiful creativity. You will love what she has done for sour old Rumplestiltskin! It’s an easy, quick read, but does contain some adult situations. It could possibly be suitable for older teens depending on the parent. Enjoy!
Monday, May 12, 2014
EM's Review and Interview - The Sales Crime Policeman by David J. Rollins
About the Book
Science Fiction / Humor / Romance
Date Published: November 19, 2013
The future is no place to fall in love.
Amazing advances in technology have all but replaced relationships. People can purchase spouses programmed to their individual tastes and desires, anything from an aversion to expensive guilt gifts to perfumed flatulence. Attachments are even available for the more discriminating customers. Anyone can have anyone they want, as long as they don’t want someone who looks like someone else. That’s against the law. It could also make things a little awkward at social events.
For one man, technology is not enough. He is a Telepathic Vacuum Cleaner Salesperson Policeman, and he wants to fall in love with a real woman. Like most men, he is not perfect. He has no name. He had to give up that up when he became a policeman. He is terribly afraid of roller coasters. And he doesn’t have any attachments.
When he finds the woman of his dreams, she is not what he expected. Like most women, she doesn’t feel the same way about him. She has a spouse certified to be her perfect mate. And she is in prison. The policeman had her arrested, because she is one of the most wanted criminals in his world.
Now, the policeman has to choose between everything he is and everything he wants.
The future is no place to fall in love.
Excerpt
“I just want a name,” the lonely officer said to his friend without looking at him. “I just want to meet someone.”
“You’re not going to start that again, are you?”
“I just think I would be able to deal with this all much better if I were in a relationship. You know, if I had someone to love.”
“So go buy one. I’ve told you before, it’s really worth it. It’s even more economical, if you factor in the cost of dating and guilt gifts. I’ve told you about Spouse Now! They’ll actually program your spouse any way you want. If you want to be able to cheat on her without worrying about hurting her feelings, they can do that. If you want her to proposition attractive women for a little triple tricking, they can do that. You won’t even have to go to the bar. They’ll program her to go for you and bring someone back. If you have a fetish, they can...”
“I get the idea. I’m just not interested.”
“I don’t see what’s so great about a real wife,” he twitched and winced, “None of those marriages ever end up happy. Men and women are too different. They want different things. And why would you want to waste time making the same mistake people have already made many times over? Spouse Now! can give you a perfect mate, and she will never ever ask you what your name is.”
“You get a referral fee, don’t you?” The judgmental disappointment in his voice leered down at the married officer.
About the Author
David J. Rollins is a paralegal by day, husband by night, and sometimes finds time to write. As a young man, he had had different plans, but that’s the way life works out most of the time.
David has been writing since Seventh Grade. He started with the adventures of Super Pimp and his sidekick Squirt. His hero was Philip K. Dick, who strangely enough did not write about things like Pimps and Squirts. Like any fan, David wanted to follow in his hero’s footsteps. Unlike most fans, he wanted to follow them even after finding out that his hero, at one point in his life, was so poor that he resorted to eating dog food. What David lacked in aspirations, he made up for in determination.
From those humble beginnings, David became the man he is today. He is happier than he ever thought he would be and is living a life he never imagined in his wildest dreams. And that’s the way David’s life worked out. He was and is very lucky.
As further proof of his luck, David has lost every one of the stories about Super Pimp and his sidekick Squirt. He has also never had to eat dog food.
Website: www.davidjrollins.com
Mailing List: http://www.davidjrollins.com/mailing-list/
BUY LINKS
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sales-Crime-Policeman-David-Rollins-ebook/dp/B00CUJ3GE6
EM's Review
Coming Soon!
Monday, May 5, 2014
EM's Review and Interview - I, Kwan by K Hippolite
Retrofuturistic DieselPunk
Date Published: April 4, 2014
For over a thousand years, a powerful oligarchy known as the Worldwide Order of Lightnings has oppressed us. With the help of the prying eyes of the chronomancers, the Lightnings have torn us from our homes; have forced us to do their bidding; have stripped us of our rights, even our names.
I have spent my life in hiding. Please understand that an unrated telepath like me is a commodity, not a person. If it s not the thought-police come to call on me, it s the Lightnings, or worse, a suitor who won t accept no as an answer.
Peace. Security. Love. They all elude me. When I manage to grasp a little of them in my shaking hands, they are all but snatched away by outside powers beyond my control. My heart groans with black tears from all this folly.
About the Author
K. Hippolite
Website: www.skyfire.ca/kwan
BUY LINKS
Interview
EM: Today we have K. Hippolite and Kwan joining us on the blog. K is actually part of my online critique group and contributed greatly to Fate War and DNOTS! He's another person I thank for my growth as a writer. I actually have had the privilege to see Kwan grow from story to story as I returned the critique favors! So let's start with the first question I always ask.
Tell us a little about yourself! (Technically not a question...but you get the drift. ;) )
K: Okay. My first initial stands for Kenneth. I live in Southern Ontario Canada and I've been a writer for many years, specializing in technical manuals and academic texts. I've actually written over two dozen books, but only a handful of them have been fiction until recently. I’ll mostly try to stay out of the way so Kwan can speak.
Kwan: As for me, I’m Orionite, which your people would call South-East Asian. I look just like I do in the pictures except I don’t actually have wings. Oh, and that halo is invisible unless I stand near a powerful energy source. I’m age twenty now, have parents who live in the same demesne, and a little brother named Jason.
EM: Very interesting. Kwan says South East Asia, but its not the Asia we know today. Is Kwan from the future, past, or an alternate reality?
K: Let's call it a "co-reality"... as in... a universe that exists in reflection of ours. Major cosmic
events in our universe (past, present, and future) affect hers. This is why the face of her
planet looks just like Earth. There are some striking differences. For example, they never had
dinosaurs.
EM: Kwan, would you like to visit our "co-reality"?
Kwan: In a heartbeat! Especially to try a theme park. We can't have places like that because
few of us are allowed to travel. I'd crawl into one and live there forever. Oh, and broadcast
television is another taboo for us. I'd watch every channel if I was on your Earth.
EM: K, who is Kwan most like in your reality?
K: Hmm, she's most unlike anyone I've ever met, so that will be a difficult question to answer.
One person described her as a best friend, and I think that's very apt. She's my best friend,
transcribed onto a page. If I had to pick another fictional character, I'd say a young
"Ambassador Delenn", though Kwan disagrees with me.
EM: Kwan disagrees with you a lot?
Kwan: He gets in the way of what I'm trying to say _all_ the time. It drives me nuts. I confound
him a little, I think (he thinks I do it on purpose). It's tough work keeping your writer in line.
EM: Don't worry Kwan, I don't think its just you. Women in general seem to confound him. At least judging from some conversations in the critique group! Sorry K, we're ganging up on you! Spill it Kwan, what's the one thing K has done that made you the maddest.
Kwan: Oh, goodness... which one to choose... There's this one part where he (the story) uses me to
get money for a large project. Highly annoying and very unnecessary. No, I lie about there
being a lot. For the most part, we get along. I like to believe I'm a very nice alter/character... I
just get to rock the boat a little.
EM: So similar question to K. When has Kwan been the most difficult?
K: I think the worst part is she doesn't have an off-switch. Picture me on a date with a coaching
team babbling in my head. On the page, she's a nuisance getting her into the few scenes that
were required (by other books). I think every writer gets this kind of fight from their cast... it's
just that my other characters have less say in the matter.
EM: Besides dating, what other activities does Kwan interrupt? Sports? Music? Fandom group?
Kwan: I make us watch what he calls 'hideous boyband videos' on Muchmusic. I would have
liked that growing up if we had musical acts like this, so it's important character development.
When his friends ask why he can name all the members of NKOTB, he uses the excuse that
it's work-related research. Uh huh!
Types of sports, we agree on. Wrestling, because it's fake (neither of us like seeing people
actually get beaten up). I'm not super keen on sports overall... I only know them by proxy.
And I've widened our selection of books (though he took on romance by himself) since he
liked them dull and spacey until now.
EM: Alright Kwan, let K get a word in edge wise. I have some insider info, but would you like to let readers know what's on the horizon for Kwan's "co-reality"?
Kwan: I make us watch what he calls 'hideous boyband videos' on Muchmusic. I would have
liked that growing up if we had musical acts like this, so it's important character development.
When his friends ask why he can name all the members of NKOTB, he uses the excuse that
it's work-related research. Uh huh!
Types of sports, we agree on. Wrestling, because it's fake (neither of us like seeing people
actually get beaten up). I'm not super keen on sports overall... I only know them by proxy.
And I've widened our selection of books (though he took on romance by himself) since he
liked them dull and spacey until now.
EM: Alright Kwan, let K get a word in edge wise. I have some insider info, but would you like to let readers know what's on the horizon for Kwan's "co-reality"?
K: Sure... the big one is that many of the characters will get a chance to shine. Reiki's part of the
tale is far from done... look for her adventure this summer. With plenty more to come!
EM: Thank you guys for joining my blog today and can't wait to see what you have next!
EM's Review
I, Kwan, is the compilation of novellas centered around a girl in an alternate, steampunkish reality. The story follows her as she discovers, releases, and grows into her awesome powers and grows into a woman.
Khippolite has created an fantastic, rich world with stunning visuals and intricate hierarchy. He melds cool machines and interesting powers to create original battles and warriors. Kwan's world is unlike anything I've ever read.
While I like lots of detail in a story, I hate inner political workings. I think Kwan is with me on this one, but they are a necessary part of the story and I got through them okay. The only other drawback is the heroine herself who is a bit scatterbrained and made me want to slap her...lots.
But overall, Kwan is a lovable character and her growth, both emotional and in power, keep you glued to the page having to know what mistake she's going to make and what's next for her!
This is a true YA with lots of kissing and angst. As Kwan grows, so do her relationships. Sex is implied but not explicit. There are battles, violence and some blood but it's not gory in the least. The story is beautifully written and I would recommend it for anyone who loves scifi and YA!
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Promo - Protostar by Braxton A. Crosby
PROTOSTAR - Week Blitz
By Braxton A. Cosby
Young Adult
Date Published: April 16, 2014
What Would You Choose, love or duty?
On the brink of civil war, the Torrian Alliance continues with its mission to obliterate Star-children across the universe in order to suppress an intergalactic evil. Following the recommendations of his council, King Gregorio Derry reluctantly agrees to send his only son William on a mission to restore honor to his family name. William seeks to complete his assignment, the elimination of a Star-child named Sydney on planet Earth, but when the assassination is delayed he begins to realize an emotional connection with his target. With conspiracy threatening his home planet, and a hidden menace on Earth seeking to secure a vested interest, William finds himself torn between irrevocable duty and sacrificing everything he stands for to defend Sydney. As William and Sydney struggle to overcome their impossible circumstances, they start to wonder if the connection of two Star-Crossed lovers will be enough to save them from certain doom.
EXCERPT
He leaned in close to her ear. “Please Sydney, give me one more chance. The dreams, they are of you. If only I could have understood sooner, I may have been able to change our fate. But now, I know you have the power to change this. You are more than any normal person. You are the one thing I have traveled across distance and time for.”
A ray of sunlight broke through the clouds, slipping past the overlying trees. They kissed Sydney’s face. She gasped, and her lifeless body rose from the dead. Sydney swallowed a deep breath and grabbed William’s shoulders. His many tears drained from his face. The infectious warmth returned.
“I knew you’d return to me. Somehow, I knew it,” he whispered.
“I was lost for a moment in nothing but deep dark space. But I heard a voice calling out to me. It was very familiar to me. Someone I had met before. It was a woman’s voice. She told me it was time to go back. She told me I had a calling to do something great and the time of my awakening was at hand.” Sydney wiped the tears from his eyes. “Then I heard you, speaking to me from the darkness. Your voice guided me as I ran forward, until finally I saw a ray of light and I stepped into it.”
He squeezed her and planted his lips on hers. His solar cells erupted, and Sydney became surrounded in a bright aura that lifted them off the ground. He opened his eyes, amazed by what he saw. He planted another kiss, this time on Sydney’s forehead.
“There’s my signature,” he whispered.
They floated back to the ground and Sydney pulled him close.
“Sydney, is there any way you could forgive me for what I’ve done?”
Sydney caressed his face. “What’s done is done. Even through all the pain, something inside me knew that you would save me. Love brought you to me and somehow, I knew love would give you the strength to protect me.”
The present situation invaded his thoughts. “And protect you I will. I must explain everything to you, Sydney. Come with me.”
About the Author:
Braxton A. Cosby is a dreamer with a passion for inspiring others to love, in spite of circumstance and convenience. His calling to pen a young-adult series that is smart, witty, and thought provoking, has challenged readers to answer the question: What would you choose, love or irrevocable duty? Braxton lives in Atlanta, GA, where he co-hosts a local radio show on WAOK which is a mash-up of current events and health and wellness. He also has a blog where he discusses everything from health and entertainment to spirituality and relationships.
Author Links
Giveaway
Signed Copy of PROTOSTAR
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Cover Reveal - Descent by Kallie Ross
We are over the moon excited about the cover reveal for Kallie Ross' DESCENT!! DESCENT is a Young Adult fantasy that comes out June 9th!!
Add this one to your Goodreads TBR pile ASAP!
DESCENT Synopsis:
Seventeen year old Ollie Miller is ready to leave all of her hurt feelings behind, but moving on seems impossible while living next door to her ex-best friend, Mateo. When curious earthquakes begin to shake and rip open the foundation of her small town, the ground becomes as unsteady as her feelings for him. When they fall, they fall hard…
Ollie’s disastrous attempt to save Mateo’s brother from falling into a curious chasm results in their descent into a cavernous wonderland. Ollie, Mateo, Jesse, and Alexis search for a way back home, and encounter a mysterious tribe of natives. Gabriel, the next in line to lead his people, is granted permission to guide them to the surface. On their treacherous journey, an overzealous elder threatens all of their lives, because he can’t risk them exposing his people, or the power he wields. The group discovers ancient secrets, unexpected truths, and uncharted feelings. Ollie must find a way out or risk being stuck in the caves forever—or worse, dead.
ABOUT KALLIE ROSS:
Over time my love for learning gravitated toward studying conspiracy theories and contradictions in our culture. My conclusions have ignited a passion to write compelling young adult fiction that incorporates legend, conjecture, fantasy, and conviction.
I love being a wife, mother, friend, writer, and teacher. I began teaching high school English in 2002 and started blogging and podcasting in 2008. I have a brilliant husband, two redheads, and never imagined my life would ever be this fun!
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
AL's Review - Chronicles: Library of Illumination by C.A.Pack
Young Adult Fantasy
Date Published: April 29, 2014
Within the walls of a centuries-old building lies the magical Library of Illumination, a place where books literally come to life. 17-year-old Johanna Charette is the youngest curator ever chosen to oversee the day-to-day operation of the library and she knows, in case of trouble, having an assistant can be invaluable, so she hires 16-year-old Jackson Roth to give her a hand. Jackson gets off to a rocky start, but manages to prove his mettle. Besides, he’s kind of cute and a lot of fun.
Johanna is charming and brilliant—and a natural born leader. She keeps the library operating on an even keel. Jackson is clever and intrepid. He relies on his wits to keep them out of danger when trouble arises. Unfortunately, his derring-do is one of the reasons why they sometimes find themselves in awkward situations. So it shouldn’t be any surprise when his wanton curiosity sparks a journey to a distant realm, where they end up with front row seats in a battle against an ancient foe.
AL's Review
Chronicles: The Library of Illumination was truly a fun and
easy read. When I was first asked to
review this book I thought it was going to be a young adult version of Magic
Tree House. Now don’t get me wrong, I really
liked magic tree house. However, I was
very wrong in my assumption. The Library
of Illumination focuses more on the actual library that contains these living manuscripts and those that manage the
libraries. One of the things that most
impressed me was the many classical pieces of literature that kept popping up
in this book. I hope that as young
people read this, they might become curious and want to read those classical
pieces as well. The main characters,
Johanna and Jackson, are really enjoyable and I hope that in later books we get
more details about their lives before the library. I also can’t wait to see how
their relationship develops. I really
appreciate how the author kept this book “clean” for the most part. There were
two scenes that had a sexual undertone but there was no foul language. It is definitely a book that I could
recommend to the young adult reader. You
will be so surprised at the twist that this book takes. I wasn’t expecting it at all but, I don’t
want to give it away. Let’s just say
that we know books open up the world (or worlds wink wink) to us and you will
not be disappointed with what you discover.
My only complaint is that I felt some things were a little rushed in the
book. Especially at the end, but
sometimes I feel that way simply because I do not want the story to end. The
author leaves you wanting more at the end, and I cannot wait to read the next
book.
About the Author
C. A. PACK, author of Code Name: Evangeline, Evangeline’s Ghost, and the Library of Illumination novelettes, is an award-winning journalist and former television news anchor/writer from Long Island, New York.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohannaCharette
BUY LINKS
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1hI4DWL
Giveaway
Monday, April 21, 2014
EM's Review - Justice Buried by Hilary Thompson
Release date: January 15th 2014
Purchase: Amazon
Synopsis via Goodreads:
The people need Justice, but she's not listening. One hundred years before, the Great Sickness reduced the world to three cities. Now the community of Asphodel is trapped underground, waiting for the prophesied maiden of Justice to return and save them from their Fates.
Sixteen-year-old Astrea is supposed to be this savior - too bad for them she isn't a believer. Trea fights against her false destiny: she rebels against her family and friends, then refuses her arranged marriage to the charming but deceitful Lexan. Learning her life is in danger, Trea is forced to trust Lexan - until she discovers a power she never knew she had, and one he already knew he did.
As betrayal closes every door, Trea decides she must submit to her stars and accept her fate. Then a handsome stranger offers her an unexpected escape and the chance to create her own destiny.
About the Author
Hilary Thompson is an independently-published author who released her debut Young Adult novel, Justice Buried, in January, 2014. Justice Buried is the first in a dystopian fantasy series incorporating mythology and astrology, with the second full-length title due later in 2014.She also teaches high school English, which gives her some insight into her target audience, and helps her maintain a thick skin.
hilarythompsonauthor.blogspot.com | twitter.com/HilaryLThompson
EM's Review
Justice buried delivers exactly what it's selling. YA Dystopian, complete with a sizzling love triangle! The whole time I was reading, I kept thinking, "If City of Ember and Divergent had a baby...." While some of the themes have been done, I enjoyed exploring Ms. Thompson's world and learning about the apocalyptic events of 100 years ago. There are still many mysteries to unravel though, and I'm hoping the next books take us deeper into the past.
The book is fast paced and, though I'm a slow reader, it only took me a couple of days to finish. It's an easy read with good characterization and great action. My only complaint would be the lack of description. I spent most of the time visualizing scenes in a sterile environment because my senses weren't engaged in the writing style. Still, the book is a great read and I can't wait for the next one to come out!
I found the religion based on Zodiac signs to be intriguing and loved the chapter starters from personal journals and religious text giving the reader insight on the world Ms. Thompson created. It's a great touch and made the story feel even more real.
This is true YA with mild kissing scenes. There is combat, blood, and death though not constant and no where near as intense as say 'Hunger Games'. The heroine is a bit on the flip-floppy, whiny side, but...well...aren't they all? LOL!
This is a great read that will have you itching for the next installment!
Dream Cast
Chloe Mortez as Astrea
Cody Linley as Lexan
Taylor Lautner as Stian
Saturday, April 19, 2014
KL Reviews - Summoned by Rainy Kaye
About the Book
Paranormal Romance
Date Published: 3/28/2014
Twenty-three year old Dimitri has to do what he is told—literally. Controlled by a paranormal bond, he is forced to use his wits to fulfill unlimited deadly wishes made by multimillionaire Karl Walker.
Dimitri has no idea how his family line became trapped in the genie bond. He just knows resisting has never ended well. When he meets Syd—assertive, sexy, intelligent Syd—he becomes determined to make her his own. Except Karl has ensured Dimitri can't tell anyone about the bond, and Syd isn't the type to tolerate secrets.
Then Karl starts sending him away on back-to-back wishes. Unable to balance love and lies, Dimitri sets out to uncover Karl's ultimate plan and put it to an end. But doing so forces him to confront the one wish he never saw coming—the wish that will destroy him.
Summoned is represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA.
EXCERPT
I dislike having to murder someone. Kidnapping is worse. At least when I setup a kill, I know what's coming. No connections, no honesty, no surprises. Everything I say and do are just steps to luring in my victim. Once the victim falls right into the trap, the next move is swift: crushed windpipe, fatal concussion, or a good ol' fashioned headshot.
Kidnapping, on the other hand, is a little trickier. First, the victim has an opportunity to respond. I don't like this. Sometimes they cry. Sometimes they manage to alert the authorities. And sometimes they escape, usually by inflicting bodily harm on me.
Dead people don't retaliate. Kidnapped ones, well, they're a little more . . . lively.
The second major difference between killing and kidnapping is my conscience. I get in and out with a kill. We have no chance to bond.
Abductees require a little more one-on-one. As much as I try to keep the switch turned off, I can't help but listen to their pleas and demands. And I usually realize I'm a jerk.
That's exactly where I find myself one late afternoon in June. I prefer doing this at night, but moreover, I would prefer not doing this at all.
Instead, I have a belligerent nine year old girl sitting in the passenger seat of my Honda Accord, shackles on her wrists and ankles and a small stuffed bunny on her lap. She's eying me in a way that makes me self-conscious. Like I'm the bad guy.
Probably because I am the bad guy.
KL's Review
About the Author
Review for Summoned
Despite the blatant referral to Disney’s Aladin, this is definitely not your blue
funny friend. Nor is he the three wish
giving genie with magical powers and living in a bottle. Dimitri is just the next in line to inherit
the bond to the master of the family that holds him. He spends his life doing the will of his
master who has but to summon him at will and end all requests with “This I
wish”. It might not be such a terrible
life except that every wish Dimitri’s master has is to kill or steal in order
for him to continue accumulating his enormous wealth. Though Dimitri is not happy with his life, he
has never been ready to walk away until Syd enters his life. This one night stand becomes the love of his
life and his reason for daring to defy the wish of his master.
I can say that I have never read a paranormal romance about
Jinn, and that is what intrigued me to read this book. It did not disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed delving into this
mystical realm that takes you way beyond where Robin Williams took genies. I loved the concept, and there was definitely
a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming.
I knew there was going to be one and all was going to be “happily ever
after”, but I could never figure out how it was going to happen until right
when it did. Sorry for being cryptic,
but I hate giving spoilers. If you want
to know, read it for yourself.
I did have a hard time connecting with the characters as I
felt they sometimes did or said things they didn’t seem to fit the profile I
had envisioned of them. Some of
Dimitri’s wish fulfillments seemed very farfetched, especially considering that
he really did not have any special powers.
There were also a few typos, but not anything to make you want to not
finish it.
Overall, definitely a fun adult read! Again, this is not Disney, and there are
explicit scenes. If you are looking for
a new and original paranormal romance, then this should be your next read.
About the Author
Rainy Kaye
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rainyofthedark
BUY LINKS
Monday, April 14, 2014
Promo - Throbbing Hearts by Sabrina Lacey
Throbbing Hearts 1 - PROMO Blitz
By Sabrina Lacey
Sizzling New Adult Romance
Date Published: March 19, 2014
Brendan Clark doesn't know I exist. But tonight, I'm going to change that. For the first time in four painfully long years, he's single. I've been waiting for this, my heart racing every time I see him. I finally have a chance and I'm going to take it. Tonight I will touch those kissable lips... and he'll see it, too - that we're meant for each other. If only I can stop shaking...
EXCERPT
Annie
Totally over stupidity-saturated college parties like this one. Wishing I was back in bed. Still heavy, heavy, heavy in my Goth phase. If you don’t like it you can fuck right off.
________
I ask Corrine, “Why did I come to this stupid thing again?” as she snakes her way through too many faces I pretend not to know. These people are all friends (ish) with her, but with me? Not so much.
“You came because I made you! You can’t stay stuck behind a computer every night, Annie! How are you ever going to get laid?” She throws a look my way that says I should know these things.
“You mean fall in love. How am I ever going to fall in love,” I correct her. Even with the dyed black hair, black lipstick, black wardrobe – I’m a hopeless romantic.
She snorts disapproval and stands up on the toes of her already high-heels so she can peek over the mass of stupid. “I see booze! Come on!”
“I can’t wait.”
My hand gets encased in hers and I am dragged by force. Corinne is the sitting-on-the-back-of-a-motorcycle kind of beautiful. No tiaras for this one. She’ll wear pink, but it’s gotta be hot pink. Her hair isn’t just dyed blonde, it’s platinum. Her jewelry is a little too heavily applied, as is her red lipstick. Makeup around her green eyes is the only thing she keeps low-key. She’s a little bit on the trashy side and I really like that about her. You wouldn’t catch me dead around a pastel-wearing girlie-girl. Corinne’s not afraid to swear, get dirty, and be maybe a lot slutty. Vicariously, I live through her wild side. She’s fine with that, because everyone needs a cheerleader and I’m her biggest. I just cheer from behind a sarcastic grin and dry witticisms, that’s all.
When we get to the multitude of inebriation materials, she turns to me. “Falling in love is an antiquated notion. We don’t need men. They need us. We center them. And from them, we get sex. Hot sex, if we’re lucky. And if we’re not lucky, we move on.”
I watch her grab the gin bottle, and I almost scream, “No! No gin. I can’t even think of gin without vomiting up the last three years of my life.”
She drops it back to the table. “Oh yeah. That was a fun night. If fun equals a nightmare. How ‘bout this?” She holds up a bottle that says Chopin. I lean in closer and see that it’s some highfalutin vodka. “This good?”
I shrug. “Let’s give it a shot.”
“Shots! Yes!!”
“Uh oh.” My tone is as dry as a scone left out for five days and then two more. “We’re doing shots. Great.”
Corinne pours while talking. “Look, you. You’re making Marilyn Manson jealous with that outfit. Your social skills are bested by mutes. We need to loosen you up if we’re going to get you any action – like EVER.”
My tongue plays with the roof of my mouth as I suck on her game plan. “Why do you even hang out with me?”
“Because I love you, Squid. And you make me feel good when I’m around you. You get me, and you don’t judge. Do you know how rare that is?” She calls me squid because of the black hair dye I’m addicted to. I’m naturally strawberry blonde and even though the lowest percentage of the population is born strawberry blonde – I could give a fuck. It’s too puppies, kittens and roses for me.
“That’s very sweet. I may throw up.” We tap our cups together with no celebratory clink bouncing back, thanks to the plastic. Very low end, this party. I vow that when I’m all grown up and have got my own place, I will have enough glassware to throw a party without red plastic cups sullying the classy festivities. I drink the vodka and wince. “Blech… add some cranberry or something?”
With her hand, Corinne shakes her platinum hair and musses it up all sexy style like she’s readying herself for battle against the weaker sex, and I don’t mean women. “Hello. Shots aren’t supposed to taste good. Drink up.”
“Eesh.” I drink it back and cough once. Just once because her laser-beam eyeballs stop me from making a scene. “Sorry.”
“You’re not a lost cause!” She chuckles. “You’ve still got these.” She points to my eyes, which – I have to admit – are probably my best feature. They’re bright cotton candy blue. I am fond of them. Why do you think I smudge so much eyeliner around them? “And these!” She reaches out and grabs my boobs, which are cleverly hidden behind a baggy shirt and jacket, not to mention several silver stone-pendant necklaces. Each stone has a different healing property: protection, communication and love. I fancy myself a bit of a witch. Or spiritual. Or whatever.
“Anybody besides you touches my boobs and I’ll punch them in the face. And you can let them go now, too.” She laughs and obeys. I’m not into girls. Neither is Corinne. But I don’t really mind her grabbing them. Someone’s got to.
“Hey!” she barks at a girl pushing through to the booze-table. The girl eyeballs her and a silent war is won by neither. Corinne looks back to me. “Does that include Brendan Clark? Would you punch him in the face if he did this?” She grabs them again and giggles.
My heart jumps out and kisses her for saying his name. But then it goes dead all over again and I swat her hands away. “Brendan’s got a girlfriend, remember?”
Corinne leans in and whispers, “Not anymore. Word is, he dumped her right before they were supposed to go away and celebrate their graduation with a good boinking.” She eyes me. “Interesting news, isn’t it?”
See this is the problem with friends. They see things you don’t want them to see. Which means you can’t live in happy denial. I’ve not told anyone how I feel about Brendan Clark, not even her. But somehow she spotted me staring at him with my mouth open one too many times. Ever since, it’s been like dragging Lindsey Lohan to rehab to get her to drop it.
But still my heart pirouettes throughout my insides at the news.
Brendan’s single?
I blink at Corinne, stunned and speechless. Though, Brendan has all of my heart, he has no idea who I am. He is beyond out of my league. I’ve only said “hey” to him once and it was a disaster. I said it because he said it first. But then it turned out he was talking to his buddy Mark who was walking up behind me. Needless to say, I slinked back into the shadows where it’s nice and quiet… and dark enough for me to cry.
I shrug and look away so she can’t see me lying. “I don’t know how many times I have to tell you this, Marilyn, but I really don’t care what Brendan does.” She calls me Squid. I call her Marilyn after Marilyn Monroe, thanks to her hair and sexy goddess style. I may have gotten the short end of the nickname stick.
Her eyes narrow and she leans in to see if she can decipher my code. “Really?”
Avoiding her, I mutter without care, “Yeah. I’m not interested.”
“Not at all?”
“Not in the slightest.”
“He’s walking up behind you.”
“Let’s do another shot.”
Corinne laughs hard and turns to shove that girl out of the way. Successful, she starts singing “Shots shots shots shots” by the band LMFAO, and pours way too generously.
I don’t dare look around, but I don’t need to. Before I even lay eyes on Brendan, I hear his voice, low and deeper than most other guys and already my knees feel like noodles. His voice boasts his advanced levels of testosterone, and the place that aches for him between my legs moistens instantly. He’s here. He’s walking up behind me. Now is my chance to talk to him! To let him know I exist. I eavesdrop and hear him talking about Mendocino, something about a…
“Here you go.” Corinne slides a half-full cup back in my hand and I lose the last part of what was being said.
I take it from her, head down, focusing hard on the red plastic. I know that when I turn around, I will be face to face with the man I plan to have babies with. First I should probably tell him my name.
“Thanks.” I drink it before she even has a chance to toast or join me.
She stares at my speed, reads correctly into it, and whoops loudly, “Now it’s a party! Here, have another!”
I don’t argue, holding my cup out. I turn my head, say nothing, and stare at the man I have every intention of marrying. He’s exchanging words with jerkoff Mark and that asshole Tommy, but all I can see is Brendan’s mouth moving like the world just slowed down to make me the happiest girl in it. His lips are so full and pouty, and his teeth are straight from the braces he still had on during the beginning of his sophomore year, the I first time I saw him, three years ago. I was a freshman, and apparently invisible.
About the Author:
Sabrina Lacey is like many women in modern times - she's been a lot of things to a lot of people. A wife, ex-wife, daughter, teacher, stand-up comedienne, wackadoo, loyal friend, fed-up bartender, fashion photographer, lazy bones, bitch, and sweetheart (though less often than bitch). She lives in way too dry Los Angeles where she wishes there was more thunderstorms. Who doesn't love a good thunderstorm...
Pour a nice glass of wine, and enjoy the ride. ;) Cheers!
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