Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Tough Love by Marcie A. Bridges - Review


Tough Love

Janessa knows she should run in the other direction when Brendan enters her life. Her squeaky-clean upbringing is in direct opposition to his piercings, a myriad of tattoos and the rumors that surround him. But she doesn’t run. Love, betrayal and lies become the foundation of their lives, but one heartbreaking confession makes Janessa question everything. After a devastating diagnosis, Janessa’s world crumbles around her. When she can no longer ignore the reality of who Brendan really is, she must choose between those who love her and the only one she has ever loved. Amazon/Barnes and Noble/Smashwords  





My Thoughts: Tough Love caught me by surprise. I was expecting a good girl, bad boy, drama filled romance. While Janessa was a good girl, and Brendan is a bad boy, the issues were not actually what I was expecting to find. There are a lot of tough issues dealt with in this book, especially considering the time frame that it was set in. Things many authors would avoid, Marcie A. Bridges tackles in a brave and moving way.

The characters in this book are very believable. Janessa starts as a 13 year old girl and I love how well Bridges writes about her. She is a typical angst filled little girl, spotting a cute boy and being shy about it all. I even found her progression throughout the relationships to be believable. As a former angst filled teen I could relate with her. I could also see what she was doing wrong, and I kept hoping she would change things.

Brendan is a user. I hope that isn’t a spoiler, but I just felt that he used people for everything; financial, emotional, and physical support. It made him a very unlikable character. Again, though, I found him believable. There are plenty of people like him out there in the world. The secondary characters are great. They had very typical responses, not boring, but definitely what I would expect from them as Janessa and Brendan’s relationship progressed.  

I really enjoyed this book. I felt like I was being told a good friend’s hard past. I felt for Janessa, and even by the end Brendan a little bit. I think that this was a beautifully written story that shows how love can be blind, and that you can overcome your past. I may not have gotten exactly what I was expecting, but I was not disappointed in what I did read. A wonderful first book for budding author, Marcie A. Bridges. 

Rating:




Marcie Bridges has always wanted to be a writer, from the time she started keeping a diary in seventh grade. Since then, she has earned a master’s degree in education from Cumberland University while teaching some wonderful children with special needs in Indiana, Tennessee and Kentucky.

While she will always bleed scarlet and gray (GO BUCKS!), she now lives south of Cincinnati with her husband and daughter. When Marcie isn’t writing, she can be found reading, watching her favorite TV shows, listening to music, or browsing her favorite websites. Follow Marcie Bridges Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MarcieABridges Twitter: @marcie_ann Blog: http://marcieshrinks.blogspot.com/ Pinterest Personal: http://pinterest.com/mabridges2/ Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/109921896394674548677/posts/p/pub a Rafflecopter giveaway Follow the Book Tour

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. 

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Haunted U by Jessica Gibson - Review

Ezzie Lovegreen lives in a world where witches and ghosts are real. That doesn’t mean she’s not surprised when she’s suddenly being haunted by one at school. With the help of her best friend Stella, her boyfriend Beau, and her grandmother Winifred, Ezzie must find out what happened to the ghost and set her free. Secrets will be revealed that could change Ezzie’s life forever. Will Ezzie be strong enough to face the challenges set in her path?  

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My Thoughts: Haunted U by Jessica Gibson is a fun paranormal story with a sweet romance. I don’t read many books that surround ghosts or merpeople, but I really enjoyed this one. The story was quick to catch my attention and keep me interested. I found it to be a light and entertaining read.

The characters in Haunted U are personable. They lead normal lives; college, dinners, dating, yard work, but add in the supernatural. I liked Ezzie’s character a lot. She doesn’t want to hurt people or make anyone uncomfortable, but she still seems completely at ease with who she is. Even when she doesn’t have all the answers she stays true to herself. I enjoyed her relationship with Beau. He is a sweet guy, beyond sweet at times. He had moments where I found myself thinking “awww”. Their relationship is another example of love over time. The immediate spark can be fun, but I really love the stories where they find their love over time. Her grandma Winifred was great. Her dedication to helping others is wonderful and something I really enjoyed. Some of my favorite characters ended up being the ghosts. Gerald was by far the funniest, and I enjoyed learning Charlie’s story.

The settings were beautiful. I would love to get into my favorite part, but that would be a spoiler. Jessica Gibson made places come alive though. I think that Haunted U is a great start to a series. I liked how the issues were resolved, as well as the introductions to new issues for future books. I will be excited to see the next book in this series. 
Rating:

About Jessica Gibson Jessica Gibson is a recovering bookaholic, she’s down from four books a week to a more reasonable one. It was that love of words and creativity that made her dream about writing her first book. That dream was hidden for years, always put on the back burner, filed away in the “someday” section, until her husband Matt gave her the kick in the pants she needed to actually get off her butt and write. Jessica and Matt live in Southern California and have a serious addiction to reality tv shows like Pawn Stars and American Restoration. They have one son and hope to add to the family in the near future. Follow the Book Tour Enter to win one of two paperback and swag packs from Hayson Publishing. Fill out the form below to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Monday, October 28, 2013

*18+ Readers* Elizabeth Black's Special Sale and Free Erotica


In honor of Halloween, my favorite holiday, I, Elizabeth Black, am holding a special sale including FREE EROTICA!

From October 28 through November 3, when you buy my stories "Alicia" or "When The Veil Is Thin", show me proof of purchase and you get one of my erotic fairy tales FOR FREE! They are "Climbing Her Tower" erotic Rapunzel) and "Trouble In Thigh High Boots" (erotic Puss In Boots). These two fairy tales are also marked down from $2.99 to 99 cents during that week. Don't pass up this great opportunity to enjoy some good books.

Email me your proof of purchase at mselizabethablack@comcast.net, and tell me which fairy tale you prefer.

"When The Veil Is Thin" is a fantasy tale about a woman who finds the man of her dreams in every sense of the words. He is in her dreams, when she sleeps at night. There is a rare planetary alignment that allows her to use magic to make him real. In order to make him flesh and blood and a living part of her world, she must follow the explicit instructions of spells cast within the three days of the alignment. How does she accomplish this, especially when it comes to her greatest fear? Read the story and find out!

Blurb for "When The Veil Is Thin":

Angelica Preston is in for the ride of her life. With the help of a little magic, she meets the man of her dreams - literally. Antonio is the main character in her latest romance novel, but she makes passionate love to him in her dreams. He tells her she can make him a flesh-and-blood lover only if she follows explicit instructions. She has three days to achieve her goal. Does she do as she is told, or does she need to be punished for not following through? Time is running out. How will Angelica win Antonio in the end?

House Of Erotica (UK): http://tinyurl.com/hoe-veil
"When The Veil Is Thin" web site:



"Alicia" is a story close to my heart, since I enjoy horror but I also enjoy writing romances. So I combined the two in "Alicia".

Blurb for "Alicia":

When the love of his life, Alicia, calls him in the middle of the night to report she had been raped, Eric drops everything to come to her rescue. She takes him on an eerie ride through turbulent hours he can't quite comprehend. Alicia may need his help, but her situation is not what it seems.

Rape is a tough topic to tackle, so to add a horrific eeriness to the entire ordeal makes it even more confusing and frightening. Eric learns as much about himself as he does about Alicia as he helps her through her trauma. This book is available at the Mocha Memoirs Press web site as well as the regular ebook distributors.



When you buy my stories "Alicia" or "When The Veil Is Thin", show me proof of purchase and you get one of my self-published erotic fairy tales FOR FREE! You have your choice between the following stories:

CLIMBING HER TOWER - erotic Rapunzel
(Available at Amazon and other distributors)

This isn't your mother's Rapunzel.
This erotic version of Rapunzel, "Climbing Her Tower" depicts Rapunzel as a voracious woman who discovers the joys of kinky sex with a sexy prince with a few unusual kinks of his own. This story includes BDSM, M/F, M/F/F, virgin fantasy, and erotic shaving. You'll get so hot you'll want to let your hair down as well! Let Rapunzel and her prince take you on the sexual ride of a lifetime. Absolutely only for 18 years and over.
""Climbing Her Tower" is an erotic twist to the fairy tale Rapunzel. I sure love a good fairy tale and this hot and steamy tale doesn't disappoint." -- Beverly at Sizzling Hot Book Reviews
"Climbing Her Tower has all that and more. It is the story of Rapunzel told with a bit of a BDSM twist." -- Hitherandthee from Night Owl Reviews
WARNING: Rapunzel isn't sweet and innocent. In this fairy tale erotica, she tires of being a virgin and craves the touch of Prince Richard's hands all over her body. Although she begins naive, she blossoms with sexual excitement under the watchful eye of her prince, who introduces her to BDSM, erotic shaving, and deep penetration. He leaves her wanting more, and you will want more too!


TROUBLE IN THIGH HIGH BOOTS - erotic Puss In Boots
(Availalbe at Amazon and other distributors)

This isn't your mother's Puss In Boots.
This erotic version of Puss In Boots, "Trouble In Thigh High Boots" is a story packed with hot, sexy, body humping adult fairy tale erotica.
"Trouble in Thigh High Boots is a delightfully creative retelling of the Puss in Boots tale. It is a tale that has been told myriad times, but never in such a wonderfully imaginative way. The characters are enchanting, and the story flows beautifully. The love scenes are sizzling." -- Hitherandthee of Night Owl Reviews
WARNING: Tita isn't your run of the mill Puss In Boots. She's a cat shapeshifter who turns into a mouth-wateringly sexy human woman with a sex drive to match. This story includes M/F, F/F, M/F/M/F, light bondage, and lactation. This erotic fairy tale will get you hot in all the right places. Definitely for only 18 years and over.

Don't let this sale go by without taking advantage of it! Enjoy some hot erotica and a spooky tale just in time for Halloween.



Friday, October 25, 2013

Tough Love by Marcie A. Bridges - Promo and Tour Schedule



Tough Love

Janessa knows she should run in the other direction when Brendan enters her life. Her squeaky-clean upbringing is in direct opposition to his piercings, a myriad of tattoos and the rumors that surround him. But she doesn’t run. Love, betrayal and lies become the foundation of their lives, but one heartbreaking confession makes Janessa question everything. After a devastating diagnosis, Janessa’s world crumbles around her. When she can no longer ignore the reality of who Brendan really is, she must choose between those who love her and the only one she has ever loved. Amazon/Barnes and Noble/Smashwords  





Marcie Bridges has always wanted to be a writer, from the time she started keeping a diary in seventh grade. Since then, she has earned a master’s degree in education from Cumberland University while teaching some wonderful children with special needs in Indiana, Tennessee and Kentucky.

While she will always bleed scarlet and gray (GO BUCKS!), she now lives south of Cincinnati with her husband and daughter. When Marcie isn’t writing, she can be found reading, watching her favorite TV shows, listening to music, or browsing her favorite websites. Follow Marcie Bridges Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MarcieABridges Twitter: @marcie_ann Blog: http://marcieshrinks.blogspot.com/ Pinterest Personal: http://pinterest.com/mabridges2/ Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/109921896394674548677/posts/p/pub a Rafflecopter giveaway Follow the Book Tour

Garrison's Creed by Cristin Harber - Review.


by Cristin Harber

A SPY RUNNING FOR HER LIFE Nicola is an injured CIA agent on the run from a failed undercover operation. Her escape plan shatters when she slams into the man who buried her a decade ago. Cash Garrison. Her first and only love. Now, sexier than her best memory and cradling a sniper’s rifle, he has questions she can’t answer. Why was she alive? And armed? AND THE MAN SHE COULD NEVER SEE AGAIN Cash is an elite member of a black ops organization, The Titan Group. He thought Nicola died his senior year of college and swore off love to focus on a decade of military missions. But when she shows up behind enemy lines, bleeding out and wielding a weapon, his heart and mind are unsure how to proceed. BATTLE BETRAYAL TO SAVE THEMSELVES Titan and the CIA join forces to uncover a mole hidden in a network of international terrorists and homegrown mobsters, teaming Cash and Nicola again. They fight old wounds and re-ignite sparks while closing in on a double agent. When disaster strikes, Nicola’s hidden past makes her the hunted target and Cash’s best kill shot may not be enough to save them.

Buy on :

Amazon | Paperback | B&N | Kobo | iTunes | All Romance

My Thoughts: I loved the first book in the Titan series, Winters Heat, so I was so excited to read Garrison’s Creed. I dove right in expecting the same hot love scenes and exciting action packed missions. Once again Cristin Harber delivered. I thought the first book was my favorite, but I will take that back. Garrison’s Creed out did the first book in several ways for me.

Starting with the Cash, wow what a cowboy. He is a sexy sniper ladies’ man, with an enormous sweet side. I loved how tough he was when he needed to be, and how much he worked to protect those around him. Nicola has that same need to protect. She is another great female character written by Harber. She doesn’t get all “woe is me” or damsel in distress. She is strong and perfectly capable of kicking some butt and taking names. She can be a girly girl, especially with Cash, but that is not all she is. I love a strong female character! I love the secondary characters, too. I am so ready for more Titan books so I can find out what happens to them all.

The entire book is fast paced and exciting. One thing that really made me happy was that this wasn’t a love at first sight book. Cash and Nicola knew each other for years and are reconnecting. It is a sweetly believable scenario. The action in this book is not quite as in your face constant as it was in Winters Heat, but it was still amazing. This book was more of a mystery to solve with some awesome action and steamy love scenes. I loved every minute of it and stayed up to finish reading it. I cannot wait to read Jared’s story.  

Rating:

Meet the author:

Cristin Harber is an award-winning romantic suspense author. She lives outside Washington, DC with her husband, toddler, and English bulldog. Coming fall 2013, she’s expecting a baby and will debut her Titan series. Couple that with the holidays, and it’ll be a busy time of year. There’s a special place in her heart for the men and women who serve and protect. Since she can’t save the world alongside them, she’s content to write their happily ever after stories.
Follow Cristin on FaceBook | Twitter | Goodreads | Literary Addicts | Website
 

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I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

The School of Ministry: The Windgate by Braxton A. Cosby - Review


by Braxton A. Cosby

"A fast-paced adventure featuring a secret society on a divine mission...a satisfying read: The characters steadily develop, goodness prevails, and there's even a touch of romantic intrigue. Gripping, action-packed." ---- Kirkus Review "A memorable, unpredictable journey of hope, identity and courage. The Cosby gift of storytelling lives on in this page turning adventure." ---- Bill Cosby, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, Comedian, Philanthropist "Braxton Cosby delivers a thrill ride of suspense, fantasy, drama and fun in The School of Ministry. An unrequieted love story beats at the center of Ziv's journey to find peace, purpose and faith. You'll root for him as he claims his life and future in this wholly inventive and original novel with a message for all. I loved it." ---- Adriana Trigiani, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Shoemaker's Wife Winner of The Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Book of the Year Award for Young Adult - General

I'm helpless as she continues to struggle for air. Then, an image flickers from the corner of my eye as a side door opens and Maxwell walks out, holding a staff of his own. "Maxwell," I plead. "It's Miss Evans. Please help her!" He shakes his head and lifts his staff in his hands, twirling it in a circle as he begins to slowly walk sideways, circling me like a predator, encasing me in a hedge of danger. "Hold your ground. Make a choice: fight or flight," Maxwell bellows. Miss Evans' banging on the glass behind me blends with the pounding of my heart. I lift my staff and spread my feet, turning my attention to Maxwell. As much as I'm afraid for my own safety, I find it impossible not to focus on Miss Evans. Her muffled scream comes from the tank and I look away from Maxwell to check on her. Her hands clutch her neck. Her face is bright red with a tinge of blue around her lips. "No," I scream, stepping back away from the tank. Raising my staff above my head, I crank back and rip it down, slamming it into the side of the tank, as I yell. The water explodes from the crack in the tank and glass shards crash to the floor below. I swing once more and this time the entire tank shatters, launching Miss Evans into the air toward me. I catch her in my arms and the force of the water propels us backward onto the floor. She coughs, gasping for air. I hold her in my arms and caress her head. Her sobbing brittles me and I'm relieved to see her skin color returning to its natural tanned shade. We're here, an odd place, an unfamiliar place. But as I hold her delicately in my arms, it makes me feel like I'm heading back home. Not the place where I live now, but the place where I used to live, when mom and dad were still alive. The way she rests in my arms beckons me to a time when I used to hold my kitten, Priceless. She'd climb into my lap during the thunder storms. I was her comforter. Priceless would purr when I did it. And now, so many years later, I find myself feeling the same way as I hold Miss Evans. Her soft body pressing into my skin—warming me—calls me to hug her even closer with each passing second. The times when I needed someone to hold me reflect in my mind like a mirror as I stare at her. Her chest rises as her heart beat quickens, mixing evenly with her breaths. As warmth returns to her body, a subtle tremor comes over her; like a purr. I can't resist. I have to do it. I must do it. I hug deeply, ignoring the senseless urge to pull away. "Bravo!" praises Maxwell, exiting the room as the lights come back on. Miss Evans resting in my arms and I comfort her, caressing her hair. She finally looks up at me and mouths, "Thank you." "You're welcome. Are you all right?" I ask. "Yes…better now," she replies. "How did you get in there?" I ask. "I don't know. Um, if you don't mind me asking, who are you?" "What? It's Ziv of course. Miss Evans, are you feeling all right?" "Miss Evans?" she asks with a puzzled look on her face. "Did you say your name was Ziv?"

Buy on Amazon

My Thoughts: The School of Ministry is a really interesting concept about the battle between good and evil. The book centers on new recruits who have been brought to a facility to learn about using their gifts and talents to battle evil in the name of the Lord. I couldn’t help but think that even though they were battling evil things were not always what they appeared. I finished the book still believing that a lot of truth was being withheld. I will be interested in seeing how it all unfolds later.

I enjoyed the characters in this book a lot. Ziv was unsure and full of fear in the beginning. I enjoyed his growth in the book. I loved reading about him learning to trust himself in situations. He was clever and quick on his feet when it was necessary. Francis was a bad boy type. He was one of my favorite characters. He seemed sullen and a bit arrogant, but every little glimpse of his true self made me like him more. Jaythan seemed like an all around good guy, but I found him a bit too perfect at times. I never knew what to think of Miss Evans. She was a great character, just a bit mysterious at times. There was one character that I only got a brief glimpse of but I cannot wait to learn more about her. She caught my attention and more than once I found myself wondering about her. I loved that all of the characters fit so easily into the mold that Braxton A. Cosby wrote for them.

The plot for this book is fast and very exciting. The recruits are going through training at what seems like top speed and then missions just as fast. Even though the time line was quick, I didn’t feel rushed. Cosby used amazing detail and his wonderful storytelling ability to make this fast paced story engaging. A great part of this book was the gifts and talents the characters had. While there wasn’t a clear view of all the characters’ abilities yet, there was a lot about Ziv’s gifts. I enjoyed watching them grow and watching him learn how to use them. I also loved the way that parts of the Bible and Biblical history were worked into the book. I can’t wait to see how this great battle of good and evil continues in later books. 
Rating:

Meet the Author:

Multi-Award-Wining Author Braxton A. Cosby is a dreamer who evolved from concepts on pen and paper to pixels and keyboards. He tells stories that evoke emotions and stimulate thought. Protostar: Book 1 The Star-Crossed Saga and The School of Ministry: The Windgate are currently two Young Adult series he created. Braxton lives in Georgia with his wife, three children and a troop of crazy African Cichlids.
www.braxtoncosby.com www.theschoolofministry.com
 

Follow Braxton: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Literary Addicts

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I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Infernal Gates by Michael J. Webb - Review

by Michael J. Webb

Ethan Freeman, ex-Special Forces Ranger, wakes up to discover he is -the sole survivor of a fiery commercial airline crash that killed his entire family. His nightmare is only beginning when he becomes the FBI’s prime suspect. Only Ethan knows he’s not a cold-hearted murderer, but he has no idea what happened to him--and why he alone survived. He finds an unlikely ally in Sam Weaver, the NTSB Chief Investigator. An ex-military pilot, Sam senses Ethan is innocent. She tries to remain dispassionate in her investigation of the crash even as she finds herself attracted to the man who may be America=s worst homegrown mass-murderer. Neither Ethan nor Sam realize that shadowy spiritual forces are at work which will alter their lives forever. A monstrous evil, imprisoned since the time of the Pharaohs, has been released by The Nine, a sinister group of powerful men and women who believe they are the direct descendants of the Anunnaki, ancient Sumerian gods. The demon they have unleashed intends to free The Destroyer from The Abyss, the angelic prison referred to in the Book of Revelation, and unleash a worldwide reign of terror and annihilation. Facing impossible odds, time is running out for Ethan and all of humanity as he is drawn into an ever-deeper conspiracy--millennia in the making--and learns that he is the key to stopping The Nine. Will he overcome his deepest fears and find reserves of strength he never knew he had as he confronts pure evil in order to save himself and an unsuspecting world?

Buy on Kindle

My Thoughts: I love a book that shocks me. I tend to go into a book with a pre-conceived idea of what it will be about (bad habit I can't break). I love when a book takes a totally different direction or is even better than I imagined. Infernal Gates did that to me. I went into this book expecting something good, with that synopsis I figured it would be a given. Instead I got amazing. Infernal Gates is an absolutely amazing book, one that I would expect on a best seller list.

Starting with a very climactic first chapter this book just keeps growing. There are many different story-lines and so much danger and adventure happening throughout the book. I didn't find myself struggling with how it would all tie together, I just trusted the author to make it work, and Michael J. Webb definitely made it work.

The characters in this book were amazing. With so many story-lines things can become a bit lost, but all of the characters had so much depth. They were well written and took me through the story so easily that I could imagine it all being real. I loved the intermingling of their lives. It was like it's own great mystery trying to figure out how they would all come together.

Another amazing thing about this book was how much culture, religion, and theory are in it. It wasn't an in your face situation for me. I loved the looks at all the different lives these characters led and how they had come to their current beliefs. I loved the way the Bible was worked into the book and the way Webb helped scriptures unfold.

I will suggest this book to everyone. I think that despite your religious beliefs this is a book that can appeal to any reader. It is fast, exciting, and detailed. I was engaged as a reader, and excited as a reviewer to be able to share this book. I plan to read more of Webb's books, and I cannot wait for the sequel to Infernal Gates.

Rating:

About the Author:
Michael J. Webb graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida and obtained his J. D. from the same university. Over the past forty years he has travelled the world in search of adventure. He is a history buff, both ancient and modern, and is fascinated by the intersection of the scientific, supernatural, and Biblical world views, and has studied and taught from the Bible extensively for more than twenty-five years. He is also intrigued by recent discoveries in quantum physics that are now providing extraordinary insights into the reality of the spirit realm, especially as it relates to the study of Light. He incorporates all of the above into his supernatural thrillers. Michael and his wife make their home in Charlotte, North Carolina. Books by Michael: The Master’s Quilt, The Nephilim Parchments, The Song of the Seraphim (Giants in the Earth trilogy), The Oldest Enemy, Infernal Gates. He is currently working on Devil’s Cauldron, the sequel to Infernal Gates. He also authored a non-fiction work entitled In the Cleft of the Rock: Insights into the Blood of Jesus, Resurrection Power, and Saving the Soul.

Follow Michael on :

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I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Seclusion by C.S. Rinner - Review

Title: Seclusion
Author: C.S. Rinner

Synopsis: Raegan wasn't normal, even before she was abandoned on her aunt’s doorstep. Not extreme makeup or ugly clothes different, but psychic visions and healing powers different. Either way, in high school, different is bad. This curse has kept her from having the life she’s always wanted. When an invitation to attend Dr. Ezekiel Drake’s Science Academy offers her the chance to meet more teenagers with special abilities, Raegan seizes the opportunity for a normal life.

The school seems perfect, offering her new friends, a new boyfriend, and a new normal, until Raegan's psychic powers link her to a dark stranger. She finds herself inexplicably attracted and connected to this mysterious boy who threatens to change her newfound happiness. Worse than merely causing trouble with her boyfriend, this link forces Raegan to look deeper into the world she’s entered, and what she learns makes her realize that being different isn’t the worst thing that could happen to her. From Amazon.

My Thoughts: I was very excited to get the chance to read Seclusion. The cover is awesome and the synopsis got my attention, two main things that help me choose a book to read. I got right into the book and it definitely had me hooked. On a few occasions I felt like parts were a little forced, but it didn’t distract me from the story.

I loved the characters. Raegan is the main character, and she is a great main character. Her relationship skills with boys may be a little wishy-washy, but then again she’s never dated, so I actually liked watching her learn about the different kinds of love she could feel for a person. I also loved that she gets to grow so much throughout the book, not just her personality and confidence, but also her abilities.

Damen, Chase, and Jay; where to begin? The guys in this story did have a major affinity towards Raegan, perhaps a little unbelievable, but it still worked out well. Damen and Jay, both tall dark and handsome, and Chase a classic jock, yeah Raegan had her hands full. Damen was broody and stand offish, Jay was happy and fun, and Chase was serious and loyal. Again, one of my favorite parts was watching their abilities grow. It was great to see their relationships with Raegan evolve as well. I almost wish things had ended differently with the guys, but really it was very sweet.

As far as secondary characters and villains go, I enjoyed them all. Raegan’s other friends, Elsie and Connor were great. They were a cute couple, and immediately took up with Raegan helping her in some possibly dangerous missions. I never expected the villains in this book; I was pretty sure it was going to go a different way, so that was an awesome twist.

All together this book was a great read. I was completely invested in the outcome, and I wanted to read more. I noticed a few little things here and there that could be fixed, but they didn’t take away from how much I loved the book. I thought it was exciting and it had originality to it, and it was made relatable with current pop culture references. I would suggest this book to people who enjoy paranormal romance. I think this is a perfect first book for budding author, C. S. Rinner, and I hope eventually she is pulled to write more about these characters. 

Rating:

Buy Links - Amazon

About the Author: I'm an avid reader and enjoy a good story line and entertaining characters. I hope my book is an easy and enjoyable read! I'm currently working on the first book of a vampire trilogy which I hope gives a different and new perspective to the typical vampire romance. As far as Seclusion goes, I see maybe a prequel and Jay's story in the future. 

I am a family first type of person. I love spending time with family and friends. Which takes up the majority of my time. 

Writing has been a new adventure and I loved every moment of creation. I appreciate your time and support as well as reviews!

If you'd like an update or to share your thoughts or questions you can visit my Facebook page C.S. Rinner!

Connect with the author: Goodreads / Facebook

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

The King of Sunday Morning by J B McCauley - Excerpt

The King of Sunday Morning is a geezer. Not in the traditional sense of the word as in old man. This geezer is a face, a wannabe, a top notch bloke. He is the greatest DJ that never was. He should have been. Could have been. Would have been. Now becoming a has-been. Tray McCarthy was born into privilege but with the genetic coding of London’s violent East End. Having broken the underworld’s sacred honour code, it is only his family’s gangland connections that save him. But in return for his life, he must deny that which he has ever known or ever will be and runs to Australia where he is forced to live an inconsequential life. But trouble never strays far from Tray McCarthy and eventually his past and present collide to put everyone he has ever loved in danger. He must now make a stand and fight against those that are set to destroy him and play their game according to his rules. Set against the subterfuge and violence of the international drugs trade, The King of Sunday Morning is the tale of what can go wrong when you make bad decisions. Tray McCarthy has made some of the worst. He must now save those he holds dear but in the process gets trapped deeper and deeper into a world where he doesn’t belong. “I want three pump-action shotguns, about twelve sticks of dynamite and a blowtorch” THIS BOOK CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE, FREQUENT DRUG USE AND SEX SCENES - NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PEOPLE UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE

Excerpt - 
Top of The Pops

1989

How long ago did he take it? He knew it depended on weight and metabolism but he didn’t know for sure. It wasn’t an exact science. He had always banged the scotch down and smoked a lot of hash but this was different. This was the real deal. He’d heard it on the grapevine. These new pills from New York and Amsterdam were changing the social fabric of London. It used to be beer and punch-ups and now it was pills and loved-up. Arrests for unsocial behaviour were down and more importantly, the establishment was scared. It had been justly challenged with punk and then the gay abandonment and sexual ambiguity of Boy George et al nearly tore the nation asunder. But ironically Boy George then turned into every grandmothers’ favourite bingo partner and the urban landscape returned to its safe, apathetic roots and bland normality.
Then the people of the night tipped the world on its end. Space cadet record execs were bringing these pills back from New York. These little portents of love were apparently amazing. They took you elsewhere, gave you love in abundance and made the girls love you back. The summer of love, Woodstock itself, was being re-invented right in front of everyone’s eyes. The Sun and The Daily Mirror revealed the shocking threat to the nation and he believed the propaganda until his cousin told him to stop being daft.
He was nineteen and it was about time that he jumped onto the hedonistic bandwagon. He had missed out on punk and ska. There was hardly any rebellion in the 80’s. It was make-up and silly love songs. What had started out with the Sex Pistols and The Clash dived headlong into the rapture of Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran. There was no class struggle. Greed was good according to Margaret Thatcher and Reaganomics ruled the roost. Live now pay later. Ostentatious displays of wealth, cocktails and the word ‘yuppie’ were the order of the day. And guess what? The young had just about had enough.
The corporatisation of the weekend. The theme pub. The Saturday night super club. Big burly bouncers telling you, ‘Wrong shoes mate’, or ‘Wrong shirt’, even, ‘Sorry mate, just don’t fit the image’. Enough was enough!
Free parties were on the rise. Dance music was exploding. Warehouses were being taken over by huge sound systems and the kids and the drugs were everywhere. It was 1989 and the great British party massive had started.
They were in Slough, West of London. Slough was one of those peculiar afterthoughts of British planning. Pronounced ‘slau’, its name sounded ugly and its streets were much the same. A post Second World War new town. Pebble-dashed terraced houses built cheaply, without imagination and without soul. The only reason you went to Slough was because it was on the way to somewhere else. The English equivalent of Belgium.
It was one of the biggest holes he had ever been to but tonight it was his paradise. It was his conversion on the road to Damascus. For tonight he would experience the roller coaster ride that was MDMA and witness the world’s best on the wheels of steel. A warehouse. A laser. A bass bin. Tonight he would turn away from the beer soaked ravages of a football bender and become enveloped in the rush and the beautiful shiver of the white dove. Tonight he would be Top of The Pops.

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Thursday, October 17, 2013

Adela Arthur and the Creator's Clock by Judyann McCole - Book Blast


Adela Arthur and the Creator's Clock

by Judyann McCole
This book 1 of 5 for The Chronicle of A Genre: Fantasy
To Who Ever This May Concern; I wish I could tell you the contents of this book were purely fictional. That I, Adela Arthur, was just a normal sixteen year old from Portland and that dragons, giants, elves and mermaids were just myths. I wish these were legends shared from crazy old grandparents to crazy old grandparents around campfires. After all, that is what I used to believe.I never would have thought they lived on the other side of our mirrors in a world called Cielieu. But they do…I never would have thought there were humans, better known as Volsin that lived among them with the ability to create light from a single thought. But there are…I never would have thought I was one of them… But I am… I am the last Arthur and I was brought to the human world after a Volsin, filled with greed, began to strip the light from our kind.The human world was supposed to be a safe haven… but he’s found us and the only way to stop him is to go back to Cielieu and begin training as a student in the Elpida Castle of Light.Like I said I wish the contents of this book were purely fictional and not my life…

Adela Arthur is now on amazon on Paperback | Kindle

About the Author:

JUDYANN MCCOLE was a senior in high school when she started working on Adela Arthur and the Creator’s Clock during her history class. It started off as short story for a group of young kids she babysat for and grew into an adventure she herself wanted to go on. She is currently attending college in Virginia. Where she hopes to finish the next adventure in Adela Arthur’s life. She begin writing when she was in middle school most of it was just simple poetry but she was inspired by Maya Angelou and even a little of Dr. Seuss.

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Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Midshipman Henry Gallant In Space by H. Peter Alesso - Review


Midshipman Henry Gallant In Space by H. Peter Alesso

Genre: Science Fiction (sub: adventure/space opera/military)
As the last star fighter in squadron 111, Midshipman Henry Gallant is on his way from Jupiter to Mars. With the United Planets' fleet on the verge of annihilation, he can expect no help as he passes through the asteroid belt and threatening aliens. With so much uncertainty about the aliens’ capabilities and intentions, analyzing the captured computer equipment in Gallant’s possession could prove crucial. The fate of Earth could rest on the abilities of Midshipman Henry Gallant. Unfortunately, it is his abilities that have been much in doubt during his tour of duty. In an era of genetic engineering, he is the only Natural (non-genetically enhanced) officer left in the fleet. His classmates and superior officers have all expressed their concern that he will not be up to the demands of the space service. Only bright and attractive junior officer Kelsey Mitchel has shown any sympathy for him. Now as his navigator on the last fighter in squadron 111, her life as well as a good many others, depends of Henry Gallant.

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My Thoughts: Midshipman Henry Gallant In Space is the first book like this I have read. It was futuristic and full of incredible details. I have read books based in space, and plenty that are futuristic but nothing like this one. I was in a bit of awe at the expanse of information in this book. I never found myself bored by the scientific descriptions, instead I was entranced, wanting to learn everything I could.

I found the characters in this book to be incredibly interesting and engaging. I loved Henry Gallant. His growth in self esteem and abilities was well written and believable. I love that he wasn’t an arrogant person, especially since he could have been quite easily at times. I enjoyed Kelsey for her immediate sweetness to Henry and her obvious strength during times of duress. Red seemed fun and I picture him as a bit of comic relief, but still with a strength and loyalty. He also accepted Henry quickly, despite the other Midshipmen’s aversion to Henry.

I thought the plot in this book was exciting. The details were just that, detailed, but also interesting and enticing. I loved the battles, but also the training and even the down time. I liked the unique take on the alien life forms. I didn’t want the story to end, and I hope another book is in the works. I would suggest this book to everyone. If I could give it more stars I would, and I will read it again, because I expect that it will only get better the second time.

Rating:


About the author:

As a scientist and author specializing in technology innovation, H. Peter Alesso has over twenty years research experience at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). As Engineering Group Leader at LLNL he led a team of computer scientists and engineers in innovative applications across a wide range of supercomputers, workstations and networks. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a B.S. and served in the U.S. Navy on nuclear submarines before completing an M.S. and an advanced Engineering Degree at M.I.T. He has published several software titles and numerous scientific journal and conference articles, and he is the author/co-author of six books.

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I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Eyrie by Emma Michaels - Release Day Blitz


Eyrie:
Society of Feathers #2

Somewhere between falling and flying...you will find the truth.

The truth is being unveiled and Iris’ past is unlike anything she ever could have guessed. For Stryx, finding your missing half doesn’t always mean finding your mate. Iris has been missing a part of herself for so long that no one is sure she will be able to put the pieces back together and her ever reliable dreams may be forcing her astray. Coping with the death of someone she loved, she is forced to face the truth and break free from the lies that have caged her.



Excerpt

Iris lost herself in Falcon's arms, feeling the world drift away again as her lips melted against his stronger, larger ones. The warmth spreading through her body felt like electricity filling very part of her, pooling at the tips of her fingers where she touched his shoulders then traced along his arms. The tension that had worked its way up her back and through her own shoulders released as his hand brushed lightly down the length of her spine, sending sparks through every nerve.

"Please," she whispered softly, centimeters from his lips as they breathed in each other's warm breath. She felt herself lean towards him, this time not holding back as she moved his arm to her waist, making him wrap both arms around her fully. His secure hold on her was the only thing keeping her upright.

"Anything," he whispered into her ear a few moments later after she had caught her breath.

"Be the one beside me when I enter the masquerade. Be the one by my side when I change it all. I know I can do it on my own or with Nestor but...I don't want to. I want you both there with me,” Iris said.

The look on Falcon's face, the light in his eyes, showed her the joy he found in her invitation. "I was waiting for you to ask. Waiting for you to want to need me, even if you never will. It would be my pleasure, Izzy. I will always be there for you. Nothing could pull me away." He didn't say the words but they still hung silently between them, the knowledge that anyone who tried to pull him away from her would die trying. She knew she should be afraid, but somehow he was the only person she knew she could trust, the only one her heart was perfectly sure about, like a tether tied them together, connecting their lives.

"I do need you. Even if I don't, I still need you." She whispered and kissed him harder, forgetting the world outside their doors, ready to explore the man that the boy she had known had become. The man who felt like such a part of her now that she had accepted him. She didn't know what she’d do if she ever lost him. She had never felt a connection this powerful, this all consuming.

"I love you." He whispered, his eyes gazing into hers, their intensity only pulling her further into the joy of just being close to him, just letting herself forget the world she wanted so desperately to help, to change. "I want to do something for you."

"What is it?" Iris almost pulled back, not wanting to lose the moment between them but instead she leaned the side of her face against his chest so that she could hear his heart beating.

"I want to show you what it’s like to run without hesitation, without taking away the one part of running that makes it so magical̶the freedom. I want to show you that freedom." He bent and traced his fingers along the back of her legs. They buckled but he lifted her, taking it as an invitation.

She smiled and leaned against his chest. This time he wasn't carrying her because something was wrong. It was like when they were kids and he wanted to show her he was strong enough to support her, that he could be that person who would pick her up even if she hadn't fallen. He walked to the door and she turned the doorknob for him. They found Autumn in the hallway.

"Wanna go for a run?" Falcon asked Autumn, his voice a conspiratory whisper.

"Sure!" She said and smiled lightly when she realized what Falcon was planning. "Every girl should get to feel the aves inside of her come alive."

Iris smiled feeling like she had her team. They were the people she needed and wanted by her side. They were the ones who kept her human and kind, protecting her at all costs. Nestor was upstairs with Nathaniel preparing for his duties in their upcoming plans. The rest of her family was downstairs. As they jogged by, they passed Jarem on the way, heading up to meet Diana. "We’re going running, wanna come?" Falcon offered and Iris laughed.

"If you invite everyone we may as well all go." Iris giggled and smiled widely, looking forward to it, not caring who decided to come. Iris knew that no matter how people surrounded her and Falcon, somehow they were always alone. They were the only two people in on the secret. That was their unusual type of love. It would only grow with time and trust as long as it was never betrayed.

"Sure, why not." Jarem said and smiled. He opened the door to Diana's room and hollered, "We’re going running with Falcon, wanna come?"

"Absolutely!" They heard Diana yell back. She joined them even though she was wearing a short dress. Not bothering to change, she threw a pair of high-tops on with it.

As they jogged through the house David joined them, leaving the fort to Neal, Garah and Griffin so as not to disturb Nathaniel and Nestor. When they went out the door, Diana led them to the back of the house, going through the garden to a strange trail beyond it. "Is this the fairy trail?" Jarem asked. When Diana nodded, he smiled and looked at Iris. "It's perfect."

"Wooooo!" Diana shouted, crying out like a hawk soaring through the sky. Jarem and even Autumn joined in and Iris realized it was for her and Falcon, egging them on. Falcon set her on her feet and knelt down the way he once had to offer her a ride on his back. She blushed feeling like that same little girl for one beautiful moment, attaching herself to his back and holding onto him tightly.

The bird calls got louder and louder until Falcon got ready and whispered, "You ready?"

"Yes." She whispered next to his ear and then looked straight ahead realizing, she really did need him. Falcon knew what she needed even before she did. As he started running, she shifted her weight and realized, she fit so well against his back, like they had been molded for just this moment, for him to give her the freedom that her body robbed her of. Suddenly her grudges against her body for being made the way it was disappeared as the wind whipped her hair away from her face. She arched her back ever so slightly to get the full effect and to keep her weight manageable for Falcon as he ran faster and faster. Her heart felt like it was soaring for the very first time. There was nothing like it, the faster he went the more amazing it felt. All she could feel was the earth around her and the link to her aves.

She couldn't help but giggle with glee as she watched Diana pass them, holding her arms out at her sides like wings. The wind was pushing her arms behind her, and her face was lifted toward the sunlight shining through the trees. Jarem sped to catch up with her and they started to race each other, getting competitive each time one of them would pass the other.

Autumn was at Falcon’s side as she called out, "Oh come on, go for it. She'll love it!"

"Faster!" Iris squealed like a little kid, the sheer joy of movement giving her a rush she had never felt before. As she leaned her face against Falcon's, she could feel that he was smiling as he gained speed. He wrapped his arms behind her, entwining his fingers at her back like he was stretching as his position formed a brace for her. She leaned into it and as he went faster and faster. She slowly let go of his shoulders and held her arms out at her sides like Diana. The sun beat down on her face and arms. As she closed her eyes, she felt like she was flying, really and truly flying.


Author Emma Michaels

Emma Michaels is a multi-talented bookish girl. Not only is she the designer of beautiful covers, but she has many other accomplishments under her belt. She started book blogging in 2009 and was first published in 2010 (The Thirteenth Chime). She started The Writers Voice in 2011 as a way to help readers get to know authors on another level.

She moved to Washington at seventeen to be with the man that she loves, who asked her what she secretly wanted to be when she grew up. Naturally, she told him that she wanted to be an author, but at the time she thought "it was a pipe dream." He encouraged her to pursue her dreams and taught her that "sometimes reaching for the impossible can make a world of difference in your life." Now she is published and reaching well beyond what most people can imagine.





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Friday, October 11, 2013

The Unholy by Paul DeBlassie III - Promo



The Unholy, a novel by Paul DeBlassie III, Ph.D.

Distributed by Ingram

(Sunstone Press)

“A young curandera, a medicine woman, intent on uncovering the secrets of her past is forced into a life-and-death battle against an evil Archbishop. Set in the mystic land of Aztlan, the Unholy is a novel of destiny as healer and slayer. native lore of dreams and visions, shape changing, and natural magic work to spin a neo-gothic web in which sadness and mystery lure the unsuspecting into a twilight realm of discovery and decision.”
Have you ever thought that something other than yourself has a hold of your mind? Meet Claire, a young curandera, in the mystic land of Aztlan who struggles to overcome the forces of evil and claim her inner inheritance.
The Unholy is a riveting novel about the dark side of religion, cultural prejudice throughout the Southwest, realms of mystic happenings, folk healers, native shamans, and signs from the spirit world. It is a psychological thriller, supernatural journey, and neo-gothic horror.
The Unholy lures the reader into a twilight realm that pits two old worlds against each other — the indigenous medicine ways versus institutional religion. Natural magic and the dark side of religion each play a role as healer confronts slayer.
“Paul DeBlassie III has brought us a richly imagined supernatural thriller set in the high mountain desert of Aztlan, where Claire Sanchez, an herbalist and medicine woman, has come to reclaim her healing heritage and uncover the secrets of her mother’s death. The book digs deep into legend, folklore, and the author’s own imagination to paint a stirring picture of a traditional curanderismo pitted against the oppressive forces of institutional religious power. Make sure you have lots of time; once you start reading this book, it will be hard to put down.”
-—Stephan V. Beyer, author of Singing to the Plants: A Guide to Mestizo Shamanism in the Upper Amazon
The Unholy, an excellent novel by Paul DeBlassie III, keeps the reader engaged throughout in mystery, suspense, and church politics. In addition to vividly depicting the beautiful landscape and culture of New Mexico, it exposes and strengthens the traditional work of the medicine women of the Southwest. I am looking forward to Dr. DeBlassie’s next book.”
—Eliseo “Cheo” Torres, author of Curandero: A Life In Mexican Folk Healing, professor, and university administrator
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About the author:

Paul DeBlassie III, Ph.D., is a psychologist and writer living in Albuquerque who has treated survivors of the dark side of religion for more than 30 years. His professional consultation practice — SoulCare — is devoted to the tending of the soul. Dr. DeBlassie writes psychological thrillers with an emphasis on the dark side of the human psyche. The mestizo myth of Aztlan, its surreal beauty and natural magic, provides the setting for the dark phantasmagoric narrative in his fiction. He is a member of the Depth Psychology Alliance, the Transpersonal Psychology Association and the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy.
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