Aoleon: The Martian Girl by Brent LeVasseur

Publish Date January 31, 2015

Crop circles magically appear in Farmer Johnson’s field. A mysterious light sweeps over the night sky and awakens Farmer Johnson and Gilbert, the boy next door.

Curious, Gilbert ventures out to discover the source of the light and stumbles into a beautiful Martian girl sitting in a crop circle. Farmer Johnson also investigates the strange light, and thinking that Gilbert and Aoléon are vandals, he chases them. But they sprint to Aoléon’s saucer and escape only to be pursued by the U.S. Air Force.

Gilbert has never been attacked by swarms of giant killer robots. Never met strange aliens from other worlds. Never skyboarded across a megalopolis hidden deep inside an extinct volcano. Never trekked across a vast Martian desert. And never been eaten alive by a gigantic slor (well, almost never, unless you count Billy the fat bully at school).

And luckily, he has never ever confronted an evil ruler of Mars bent on conquering the Earth to steal its cows.

Never...until now!

This may be the adventure Gilbert always wished for.

If only he can survive.

My Thoughts…

I have a middle school child and thought this sounded like the sort of book she would love.   I was right, this was right up her alley.  I read it while she was sitting next to me and she kept looking over my shoulder looking at the great graphics and reading the story with me.   I loved that she was caught up in the story and kept asking me to turn the page so she could keep reading. 

While the story was great, I have to say that I loved the graphics.   I read this in iBooks and the graphics almost appeared 3D like.   The fact that I could see what Gilbert looked like and how his face was reacting to what was happening enhanced the story.    I loved the alien, Aoleon.    It was great how human like she was.  I laughed when Aoleon’s mother called her asking where she was because it was dinner time.  

 

This is a cute and fun short story perfect for any middle aged reader.  

Buy the Book:
Pre-order your copy today!

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Featuring Élan Noelle
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​About​ the Author:

Mr. LeVasseur enjoys crafting good stories based on lovable characters designed to translate well to multiple media formats such as books, games, movies, and toys. He lives in New York when he is not commuting between Southern California and Olympus Mons, Mars. His hobbies include writing, 3D animation, musical composition, and intergalactic space travel. He also enjoys various sports such as skiing, running, and exospheric skydiving.

Connect with Brent:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Aoléon: The Martian Girl

​  ​

By The Sound of the Crow by Susan Allison-Dean & GIVEAWAY

I Know You’re There #2

Published November 12, 2014 by Sea and Farm

Jill Bradley Cooper never forgot the orphaned baby girl after the tragic accident that she was involved in years ago. As fall is celebrated in 2012, and the anniversary nears, she is haunted by the sad memories yet again. The riptide of life has pulled Jill out to the sea of busyness and distraction for years: marriage, a new home, raising two girls and changing her job to become a school nurse. This harvest season, however, the guilt inside her insists on being soothed. Jill decides the only way to do this is to find that orphan.

Thirteen-year old Amanda Cooper, Jill’s daughter, is wrestling with her own troubles. Having dyslexia and not being good at sports is preventing her from feeling normal at school. When Amanda is the first to discover a dolphin in distress in the Hudson River, several miles north of New York City, she has no idea how it will change her life.

My Thoughts…

I read I Know You’re There and could not wait for the next book in this series.  When Susan Allison-Dean contacted me asking if I was interested I jumped at the chance to get my hands on the next book in this series.   When a book makes you feel good reading it you know you want more.   That is entirely what both books in this series do.   

Jill is a character that I thought about long after I finished the first book.  I am excited to see that her life has been good.  She has kids, a husband, and an overall good life.   Yet, she still has nightmares of what happen so long ago.    I get that.   How do you get past killing two people and leaving a child parentless, even if it was an accident?  She needs to meet Samantha and know that she is okay.  I cannot imagine the internal struggles she went through with whether to meet Samantha and if it would do more harm than good.    The fact that she knew she needed help and went about getting it made her a strong person.  

The setting in this book was amazing.  I love the island.  I could picture the flamingos, Sharky, and the girls snorkeling.    I was so engrossed in this book, I was up way past my bedtime and didn’t even mind.   I recommend this book for anyone looking for a feel good, family time story that will leave you thinking about it for a while after you finish. 

Book Links

Amazon  |   Goodreads   |   Barnes and Noble 

Author Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Allison-Dean/388024291305521

 Twitter: https://twitter.com/sueallisondean

 Blog: http://www.susanallisondean.com/read-ponder-comment-blog

GIVEAWAY....

A signed copy of each of the set-I Know You're There and By The Sound Of The Crow in a Eric and Christopher Reusable Crow bag

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Destiny Disrupted (spellbound #5) By Sherry Soule

Published November 20, 2014 by Disenchanted Publishing

Hunting Demons is One Thing…Dating Them is Another.

Life sucks for Shiloh Trudell. And being a demon hunter who’s in love with a cocky half-demon makes things even suckier.

Especially when she discovers that Trent, her sinfully hot boyfriend, is hiding a few dangerous secrets. Like the fact that he’s losing his humanity.

To complicate matters, witches from the local coven are mysteriously turning up dead, and as Shiloh searches for answers, she confronts her worst nightmare…Trent is being blackmailed into becoming the next leader of the Underworld.

But Shiloh is still convinced that she can save him, even after the impossibly gorgeous, fallen angel Raze tells her that a relationship with Trent is forbidden now. Warned to stay away from the only boy she’s ever loved, she can’t ignore thesizzling attraction that ignites whenever they’re around one another. Especially after a swoon-inducing night of stolenpassion.

As Shiloh’s world begins to unravel around her, it soon becomes obvious that her destiny lies in one of two choices: vanquish Trent or join him in the Underworld.

My Thoughts…

I am not even sure I can convey how much I love Sherry Soule and this series.    These are young adult paranormal stories  that as an adult I could not get enough of. 

Shiloh is a great character with a messed up life.   She is sixteen and should be enjoying life as a teenager, but has to deal with demons, fairies, and other witches.   I felt sorry for all the hoops she has to jump through just to get through a day in her life.   She also has the most amazing friends a teenager can ask for.    Trent and Ari have her back at every turn and her mentor, Evans, supports her more than anyone else.   

The relationship between Trent and Shiloh is steamy, especially for being such young love.   There were times that I wish (as a mother) they had more adult supervision, it may have saved some of the fighting, but they were definitely more mature than their age.  I also wish that Shiloh had stood up for herself a little more with Trent.  All he had to do was kiss her or touch her and she melted and went along with whatever he was suggesting.     Maybe that is a teenage girl thing.   

I started with book one and have anxiously been waiting for each of the other books to be released.    Destiny Disrupted is book five of this series and is my favorite so far.    They play like a movie in my mind, with the great descriptions of the characters and the scenery.    I cannot recommend this series enough… start with book one and read the entire series and you will not be disappointed. 

 Book Links

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OJQHU5O

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/destiny-disrupted-1

Apple iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id930482995

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1120565438?ean=2940046330205&itm=1&usri=2940046330205

Please “mark to read” on goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13570561-destiny-disrupted

Corporate Cowboy by Stuart Anderson PROMO

Book Synopsis:

Restaurant Management: First Hand Lessons from the King of Steak Houses

Black Angus Beef Chain Founder shares business tips, food recipes and personal memoir

Stuart Anderson had led a fascinating life for the past 90 years. He built Black Angus, America's #1 restaurant chain of the 1980s, and ranched on a 26,000 acre spread where he raised cattle. His circle of friends has included Hollywood stars and corporate bigwigs. You'll discover his personal history is a lot like the ma

Anyone seeking to go into the restaurant business or moving into a food industry management position will benefit from the lessons offered in this book as Stuart Anderson shares both his success and failures. Told with wit, simple cowboy logic and clever business savvy, there are numerous vignettes included in this memoir to include tales from World War II, Business Startups, Management Feuds, Love Affairs, Community Service and semi-Retirements.

Aside from the personal story and professional information, readers - especially those who ever ate at a Black Angus restaurant in the past - most notably in the 1980s - will enjoy such recipes like the BLACK ANGUS POTATOES AU GRATIN, ORIGINAL BLACK ANGUS RANCH BREAD, BREAKFAST STIR FRY and BAKED STEAK WITH MUSTARD SAUCE just to name a few.

Note: The author, diabetic himself, also offers menu ideas for "special" diet needs.

In addition, reader benefits:

n - larger than life!

• Discover the ins and outs of profitable restaurant management as imparted by a master entrepreneur

From initial ideas, failed startups and a relentless pursue for success, Stuart Anderson outlines how he went raising and eating Black Angus beef to building one of the most famous and successful restaurant chains in America voted #1 by consumers numerous times during the 1980s. But not everything remained rosy once Stuart Anderson sold his empire. The author offers his opinion on how a corporate takeover changed his business and ultimately why he retired ... at least the first time.

•  Delight in "bone head" mistakes Anderson made early in his career

Like the case of the "melted chocolate" or "bitter pills for bulls"

• Get a backstage look at celebrity friendships and news-making events

John Wayne fans will enjoy some "cowboy" fun when the star of Western Movies stops in for a surprise visit.

Author's Bio:

Stuart Anderson was the founder of the Number 1 full-service restaurant chain in the Nation. He grew his original concept of a one-price steak dinner from one restaurant to 122 before he retired in the 80's when these polls were taken that made them No. 1. The chain still exists primarily on the West Coast. He was also a rancher for over 30 years with a beautiful ranch in Central Washington State where he raised Black Angus cattle and Clydesdale horses.

He spent most of his life in Washington until moving to the beautiful Desert in Southern California. He has two wonderful daughters, two grandsons and about to have his first great grandson. He and his wife traveled extensively over a good part of the world and around America in their motor home. They especially loved train travel and enjoying retirement. Stuart is currently 91 years young!

Connect with Stuart on Facebook

 Where to buy the book:

Amazon   |   Barnes & Nobles

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Deadly Race by Elke Feuer

Publish December 20, 2104

Race car driver Remy Borden likes fast things: bikes, cars, and men. Her plans to become the first woman from the Cayman Islands to race internationally gets sidetracked when she’s injured and pulled from the final race because of a fiery confrontation with another driver.

Life goes from bad to worse when the racetrack owner is killed and she’s suspect number one because his death puts her back in the race. But racing again proves difficult when Dr. Jackson Wilson insists she stop racing until she heals, making her wonder if his ‘doctor’s orders’ don’t have ulterior motives-the racetrack owner was his friend.  

She and Jackson search for the truth behind the murder when accidents start happening at the racetrack, and an adoring fan gets too close. Soon the simmering attraction between her and Jackson boils over, forcing her to admit Jackson makes her think of a life beyond racing.

My Thoughts…

Deadly Race started with a woman race car driver, which I love, (Danica Patrick is from my home town) and continued to keep my attention with murder, mayhem, love, and a stalker.   I was able to put some of the clues together and some of the clues led me the wrong direction, keeping me guessing.   I was very wrong about who the stalker was and that was a good thing.  I guessed who was causing all the problems at the race track and had a good idea who the killer was.    When a book keeps me on my toes and lets me put the clues together to solve the mysteries, it quickly moves to the top of my favorite reads list.  

I love that Elke’s books take place in the Cayman Islands.    The speech is fun and different from what I am use to and is so real that I can actually hear the accents (I hear Jamaican sounding voices).   I do wish there was more descriptions of the surroundings, just for my own enjoyment, but do not feel there is anything to really be gained by adding these extra details.    I was able to picture Remy’s small and comfortable apartment, the hospital where Jackson worked, and Remy’s parent’s house.   The police station was probably my favorite place; only because there were always an interesting person in the background, whether a drunk or someone yelling crazy stories.    

This is my second Elke Feuer’s story and I cannot wait for more from her.    I definitely recommend Deadly Race to anyone looking for an adventure to read.

Amazon: http://myBook.to/DeadlyRace (universal link to all Amazon sites) 

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deadly-race-elke-feuer/1120829111?ean=2940046424195

Smashswords:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/497029

About the Author:

Elke was born and raised on Grand Cayman and lives there with her husband and two kids who keep her on her toes.

She’s a cof­fee­holic, check­list fanatic, and future space explorer. She has a sarcastic/quirky sense of humor and loves meet­ing new people. When not writing, she's helping other writers in Cayman through her organization CayWriters.

The author of For the Love of Jazz and Deadly Bloodlines, book one in her Deadly Series. She stumbled into writing romantic suspense because of her fascination with serial killers, but writes other genres because characters keep telling her their stories and she's a sucker for a crazy story.

What people say about Elke

“Elke knows how to create a page turner and will leave you begging for more”

“Elke is an up and coming author to watch”

Connect with Elke:

Website |Twitter|Facebook|Amazon |Goodreads

Contact: hotcaymanmama@yahoo.com

Buy Links:

Huge Giveaway from NYT & USA TODAY Bestselling Author, Melissa Foster

To help celebrate the release of her newest Romance, bestselling author, Melissa Foster, has created a fun Street Team for readers of her books and lovers of the Romance genre. As part of this launch, she will be giving away lots of prizes—and I mean lots. From chocolate gift baskets to autographed books to super swag, she will be giving away more than 20 prizes, and as many as 520!

If the Street Team reaches 500 members by Monday, December 22, every single member will score an Advance Review Copy of her upcoming novel, Seaside Secrets. That means that you can enjoy the newly released Seaside Sunsets and then immediately read the next installment in the series. Pretty cool, huh?

Not in the mood to join the team? Not a problem! You can still enter the Rafflecopter contest for your chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card and autographed book.
Now that I know you’re excited, read on to learn more about Melissa’s Street Team and her newest release, Seaside Sunsets.

About Melissa’s Street Team

Do you LOVE Melissa Foster’s hunky heroes and smart, sexy heroines? Want to tell others about her books and help spread the word while gaining exclusive peeks at upcoming releases? Join Melissa’s Street Team, and become one of her most trusted fans!.
Fab fan benefits:  Personal interaction with Melissa, lively discussions with other super fans and romance junkies, sneak peeks into future publications, exciting challenges with great prizes/swag, and fancy badges for your website, blog, and social media profiles.

Join today:  www.facebook.com/groups/melissafosterfans


About Melissa’s Newest Release

*SEASIDE SUNSETS WAS CHOSEN AS ONE OF AMAZON EDITORS’ BEST ROMANCE BOOKS OF DECEMBER 2014

For the first time since developing the second largest search engine in the world, billionaire Jamie Reed is taking the summer off. He plans to work from the Cape and spend time with his elderly grandmother--and falling in love is not in his plans.

From the moment Jamie and Jessica meet, the attraction is white-hot. Once-overly-focused Jamie can think of little else than sensual, smart, and alluring Jessica, and Jessica discovers a side of herself she never knew existed. But when Jamie's business encounters trouble and his attorney and best friend intervenes, he proves that the blond beauty is too distracting for Jamie. To make matters worse, it appears that Jessica might not be who she says she is, turning Jamie's life--and his heart--upside down. In a world where personal information is always one click away, Jamie must decide if he should trust his heart or watch the woman he loves walk away

Recommended for readers aged 18+
Get Seaside Sunsets on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo, or Google Play!

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Stillwater Rising by Steena Holmes

Book #1 of the Stillwater Bay Series

Published November 11, 2014 by Lake Union Publishing

After losing her son in an elementary school shooting that devastates the tight-knit community of Stillwater Bay, Jennifer Crowne finds herself unable to settle back into her role of perfect stay-at-home mom and committee organizer. Meanwhile, her best friend, Mayor Charlotte Stone, struggles to keep the town together, and Charlotte s husband, the school principal, may not be the hero everyone thinks him to be.

As they try to heal from this irrevocable trauma, Jenn and Charlotte find themselves at a crossroads within the town and within their friendship. For Jenn, broken and grieving, there is no going back, and she demands that the school be closed so that she can bury the past. Yet Charlotte is equally desperate to hold the town together, fighting the school closure and helping the shooter s mother regain her place in the community. Jenn and Charlotte s relationship is put to the ultimate test as each weighs her own interests against the bonds of their friendship.

My Thoughts…

This is actually the second book in this series, the first being a .5 novella that tells the beginning of this story.   I am glad that I started with that novella, but could have just as easily picked up Stillwater Rising and enjoyed it just as much as I did.   

Steena Holmes is tackling an incredibly sensitive and real subject.    The sad truth is school shootings are becoming too common.   This story is so heart wrenching yet heart touching also.  It shows how families, whether they lose someone in the shootings or not, manage to find a new normalcy and go on with life.  In Stillwater Bay the citizens are awesome.  They support each other and pull together to support the sisters, brothers, and other children that were affected by the happenings of their town.   

I loved the small town feel of Stillwater Bay.   The small town shops, the small town diners, and the small town fairs.   Everyone knows everyone, there are no secrets (except for a REALLY big one), and yet there is very little judgment.   I love this feeling.  This is the type of town that I grew up in. 

I cannot rave enough about this series.   Start with the novella and continue on with Stillwater Rising.  The next book in this series cannot be available soon enough.  

Book Links

Amazon   |   Goodreads   |   Barnes and Noble

Little Things Long Remembered: Making Your Children Feel Special Every Day by Susan Newman, PhD w/ GIVEAWAY

Published September 17, 2014 by Iron Gate Press

“Little Things Long Remembered,” updated for today’s time-strapped families, offers hundreds of ways to create treasured childhood rituals. Chock full of thoughtful and loving ideas that mean a lot—especially to children.

Chapters are divided into convenient timeframes: Gestures to strengthen family ties that take seconds, activities when you have five minutes, half an hour, or the entire weekend. Plus special circumstance suggestions for when your child is not feeling well or when you travel, for birthdays, major and minor holidays--including a set of Cardinal Rules to insure whatever you do is fun, builds character and celebrates your family.

Small parcels of time well spent shape long-lasting memories that are the backbone of family unity...and the glue that holds families together. Every single day offers fertile ground for creating positive recollections. Dig in to find “little things” that will inspire loving remembrances of growing up...and of you.

My Thoughts…

This is a cute short story, not really a story more a list of great ideas that every family, parent, or grandparent should check out for their children/grandchildren.    I always pride myself on being involved with my child, making time for them, and being their biggest supporter.   This book opened my eyes to things I may have missed and things I should try.  I loved all the great suggestions that are appropriate for younger children and for older children.   I found this an easy book to page through and pick up implement ideas with my family.    I am sure many great memories will be made with my family thanks to Little Things Long Remembered.   

Susan Newman, PhD wrote a great resource to first time parents or larger families.   There is something in here for every income, most of the ideas are free or extremely low cost.   There is also something for every family based on their interests and capabilities.  

Author's Bio:

Susan Newman, a social psychologist, specializes in child development and family dynamics and has been named one of the 100 Top Psychologists to Follow on Twitter as well as one of 25 Parenting Educators to follow. She has been blogging for Psychology Todaymagazine about parenting and issues related to raising children for over six years: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/singletons.

She has appeared on the Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, MSNBC, and her work has been feature on NPR and major leading newspapers and magazines.

Connect with Susan:  Website  ~  Facebook  ~ Twitter

Where to buy the book:

Amazon

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The Perfect Mother by Nina Darnton

Published November 25, 2014 by Plume

When an American exchange student is accused of murder, her mother will stop at nothing to save her

A midnight phone call shatters Jennifer Lewis’s carefully orchestrated life. Her daughter, Emma, who’s studying abroad in Spain, has been arrested after the brutal murder of another student. Jennifer rushes to her side, certain the arrest is a terrible mistake and determined to do whatever is necessary to bring Emma home. But as she begins to investigate the crime, she starts to wonder whether she ever really knew her daughter. The police charge Emma, and the press leaps on the story, exaggerating every sordid detail. One by one, Emma’s defense team, her father, and finally even Jennifer begin to have doubts.

My Thoughts…

The Perfect Mother started with a midnight phone call.   That was the only part that I was expecting.   I thought this would be a book about the judicial system of Spain and how an American is unfairly treated.    I was wrong.   This is not a book about Emma, it is more the story of Jennifer, the mother.   It is a story on how she had always taken care of her family, sometimes to the extreme, and how it has made Emma the student and person she has become.   There were points in the book that I stopped and questioned my own mothering skills and how I would have handled the same situation.  I found this happening often and realizing that “fixing it” does not always have the long term effects that a mother hopes for. 

Throughout the story I really felt for Jennifer.   There were times it felt like everyone was against her.   Emma certainly was not helping herself, her husband was in the US, the court system was working against her, and even her PI and lawyer sometimes seemed to be against her.  Jennifer did wake up and realize that sometimes you have to take off your rose colored glasses and look harder at yourself and how you are living your life to see the truth.  I feel like she is coming out of this horrible adventure a better person and definitely a better mom.  She still needs help and support but I believe she will find it now that her eyes are open.

I did not feel sorry for Emma.   She did nothing to help herself and did not appreciate those that were trying to free her.    Although, being in a foreign prison was punishment, I am not convinced that Emma has become a better person or even understands the whole picture.    I feel like she needs a lot of help and the only way she will get it is for someone to force her.   She does not see that there is anything wrong with herself and the way she is living her life.  

The Perfect Mother is definitely a book that shows the tougher and darker side of motherhood and the bonds between mothers and daughters.   I recommend this book.

Book Links

Amazon  |   Barnes and Noble   |   Goodreads

Rich Love by Zoe Adams

Published October 17 2014 by Createspace

Susanna Marston was educated, married, and widowed young. After the tragic death of her husband she leaves all she knows and heads for the one place that brings her comfort...her family ranch. Her plans take an unexpected turn, however, when she finds him lying in the middle of the road after a late night motorcycle accident. Royce Blackwater is wealthy, charming, and has yet to cross paths with a women who doesn't throw herself at him. So when Susanna's first instinct is to blow him off, Royce will stop at nothing to win her affection. He goes out of his way to buy a neighbor's property, and an abandoned goldmine, just to keep Suzanna within his reach. Then opportunity strikes. Susanna falls helpless due to a life threating rattlesnake bite, and Royce is there to sweep her off her feet. Will Susanna and Royce be able to find a balance between city and country life? Or will their two worlds push them apart as quickly as they were pushed together?

My Thoughts…

What girl doesn’t dream of being swept away by a rich millionaire and having to never have to work again?   Susanna doesn’t.   She has been widowed and escaped her life by going to her family ranch.  She is happy with her life in the prairie.   I felt like Susanna had left everything she once knew to live a life of loneliness, how sad.  Then she meets Royce.  Just the name screams money.    Royce opens her eyes to all that she could have but he does it in such a non-threatening way.  He does not push his ways on to her.  He gentle shows her what money can buy and what they can do with money.   I love that he takes her life into consideration before he makes purchases or takes her somewhere.   He understands that flashy is not what Susanna has grown up with or wants.    

There were times that I wanted to see Royce be more personable.   He seemed standoffish at times, but I do believe that it was due to his upbringing and his wealth.  He kept Susanna so protected and to himself that I felt like he was smothering her.    But…that did seem to work for them and they fell in love, a true love.     Susanna went from being an independent rancher to someone who didn’t even pick out her own clothes.   I wish she would have stood up against Royce now and then, just to add some spark and confrontation to their relationship.   

This was a fun book to read.    There were good parts that kept me reading.   There were some things I wish had been different, but I enjoyed reading Rich Love.

Book Links

Amazon   |   Goodreads   |   Barnes and Noble

Over (Gone #3) by Stacy Claflin

Published November 26, 2014

Macy Mercer was abducted by Chester Woodran, who took her to replace his own daughter that he lost. Macy has faced horrors worse than she ever imagined, but is still determined to get back home.

The series follows Macy as she fights to survive and hopefully escape. It also follows her closest friends and family who have their own secrets. It's recommended that the books are read in order. 

My Thoughts…

This is the third book in the trilogy.   Just like Gone and Held, I could not stop reading.   I wanted to know what happen to Heather, Luke, Alex, Zoey , and most importantly Macy.  Stacy Claflin did a great job of telling the story and tying up the loose ends.  

As a reader, I was very curious at the story of Heather, the real Heather.  I wanted to know where she was, how she was being treated, and if she would ever be with her dad again.    When it was revealed where she was and what was happening, I was scared for her.   Would Chester be able to get custody again?   Would she ever be able to live her life again?     Then there is Macy, the main character of the story.   I needed her to get home safe or at least end up somewhere that she would be not be abused as she had been.   I got all the answers I wanted and more.   It amazes me how strong the teenage characters in this trilogy are.   The things these girls go through are absolutely life shattering, yet they manage to hang on to reality and come out on top.  

There is so much more I want to say and share, but by doing so it would give away too much of the story.   All I can tell you is that you HAVE to get this book.    This entire series is one that will hold your attention while reading it and leave you thinking about it when you are done.   

Book Link

Amazon 

Author Links

Goodreads   |   Twitter   |   Facebook   |   G+    |   Pinterest  

The Publicist (Book #1) by Christina George Audio Book & Interview

Category: Adult fiction
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Audible
Length: 6 hours
Release Date: Nov 2014
Narrator: Lisa Cordileone
Audiobook available: Internationally
Content Rating: PG-13 Mature *Please scroll below for explanation of our content rating

About the book:

Behind every book, there’s always more to the story.

Can one woman change an age-old institution like publishing? Probably not, but Kate Mitchell sure wants to try. As a publicist with a large, respected New York publishing house, Kate finds herself at the mercy of a broken publishing system, books that don’t always sell (at all) and author egos that are often, well, as big as the island of Manhattan.

Enter the star Editor, MacDermott Ellis. Tall, handsome, charismatic, married, and ready to save the day. Kate wants to do the right thing but her hormones seem to be driving her decisions. Then there’s Allan Lavigne, once a revered author, now as forgotten as yesterday’s news; and his nephew Nick, who wants to sweep Kate away from New York for another coast, California.

As Kate tries to navigate the landmine of publicity, the over-the-top author expectations, and the careful dance of “I’m sorry, your book isn’t on the bestseller list this week”, she also finds authors who are painfully overlooked by a publisher wanting more sex, more celebrities, and more scandal.

My Review…

I just recently have become a fan of audio books.   I found the voice of a good narrator can entertain me while working out, doing dishes, and driving.  When I was asked to listen to Christina George’s The Publicist I was so happy to have the chance.   I have read the series and loved it so was excited to hear what the book would sound like.   

The voice of Lisa Cordileone, the narrator, was the perfect choice for this audio book .  Her voice changed tones as needed but kept a great flow of reading.   The cadence of her voice was even and easy to listen to.  I loved when she became a male character and sometimes couldn’t help but let out a little giggle at the roughness of her voice.  I found myself picturing Kate meeting with the different authors and hosting their events.   I loved the meetings between Kate and Mack and later in the story with Nickolas.  

I am a fan of Christina George in the written form and am now a fan of her audio books.  I hope that the rest of the series will be released in the audio form so that I can continue with this series. 

Meet Christina George

1.    What is your next project? 

Glad you asked! I just finished up with book three in The Publicist series called Climax, and I’m very excited. It launches December 15, 2014

2.    What made you write a book about being a publicist? 

First off I wrote this book because I am a publicist and I felt like this was such an interesting industry, with many stories to tell. A lot of readers have commented on how fun it was to see the inner workings of the publishing industry and, of course, there is romance, lots of that. But Kate’s job is tough and it sometimes takes center stage over her life, anyone who is in publishing can really relate.

3.    Where do you get inspiration for your stories? 

Well some are real and some aren’t some are a hybrid mix of both. I get ideas from real life, sometimes watching people, observing them or hearing stories on the news. For The Publicist, this book was a blend of real and fiction. A good percentage of the author stories are real and the romance with Mac is real up to a point. Yes there was a “Mac” in my life who inspired these. He was a force of nature, much like Mac in the book.

4.    What is the last great book you've read? 

It would have to be Gone Girl which I loved and it creeped me out at the same time. If you’ve read it you know what I mean. It’s a wild ride.

5.    What books did you love growing up? 

Candidly I loved Nancy Drew, I wanted to be Nancy Drew solving mysteries and helping people. Loved those books. I also loved all of the Laura Ingalls books, such a fascinating life she had.

6.    What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing? 

Well publishing is easy now, thanks to self-publishing – and I always tell authors that writing is the easy part (though I know it does not feel easy when you’re in the midst of it). But for most authors, the marketing is really tough. That’s why I encourage them to reach out to someone who can help, maybe a fellow author or going to a writers conference or something. Don’t isolate yourself, that’s the worst. It’s hard to do it alone.

7.    What makes you angry? 

When really good authors are overlooked or their books don’t get noticed. That really bothers me and sadly, I see a lot of it in my line of work.

About the Author:

Christina George has worked in publishing for twenty years (give or take). Here’s what this book isn't. It’s not a slam against publishing (though it is broken) and it’s not a slam against authors (though some of them are crazy). This book is not autobiographical though many of the stories are true. No you won’t know which ones, cause it’s more fun to guess, right? George continues to work in publicity and helps authors because at the end of the day she does love books, she loves publishing, and she loves authors. She hopes you’ll enjoy this romp through Kate’s world as much as she enjoyed creating it.

Connect with Christina: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~ Goodreads

TIGHT by Alessandra Torre Cover Reveal

Title: TIGHT

Author: Alessandra Torre

Genre: Erotic Romance

Cover Design: Judi Perkins

Photography Credit: Maksim Gorbunov

Release Date: Early 2015

Tight - Standalone

I was happy in my small town. In my life as a single, thirty-two year old woman. I had a good job, wonderful friends, my independence.

I also hadn't been laid in three years. Hadn't been on a date in two. Had stopped counting calories and wearing makeup... a while ago.

Then Brett Jacobs waltzed in. Caressed my thigh, dug rough fingers into my hair, lowered his soft mouth to my skin, took sexual control of my mind and stirred it all around with what he packed in his pants. He flipped my quiet life upside down and crawled into a place in my heart I thought was dead.

The issues? His secret. Her. The fact that I don't even know she exists, and he thinks she's dead.

Everything is about to hit the fan and I can't hold on to him tight enough.

 

3 prize packs (open internationally, each prize pack will contain a signed book, tote bag, and $25 Amazon giftcard) ENTER NOW!

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A New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Alessandra Torre has written seven novels, four of which became #1 Erotic Bestsellers.

Her first book, Blindfolded Innocence, became a breakout hit, rising to the top of the charts on Kindle and Amazon where it attracted the interest of major publishing houses and garnered Torre her first print deal with Harlequin HQN. Less than twelve months later, Torre signed a second print deal, this time with Redhook (Hachette) for her erotic thriller The Girl in 6E.

From her home near the warm waters of the Emerald Coast in Florida, she devotes several hours each day to various writing projects and interacting with her fans on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Happily married and with one son, she loves watching SEC football games, horseback riding, reading and watching movies.

Torre has four books slated for release in 2015. To stay informed, consider subscribing to her popular monthly newsletter

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Ice by Chelsea Camaron and Jessie Lane And Dream Cast w/ GIVEAWAY

Title: ICE (Regulators MC, #1)

Authors: Chelsea Camaron and Jessie Lane

Release Date: December 8, 2014

   

Blurb

She's an investment banker. He's an outlaw biker. A little bit of heaven is about to meet a whole lot of hell. Morgan Powell was raised to be perfect, to set an example for her sisters to follow. Her life has been dedicated to making something of her career, so she wouldn’t know what to do with a man even if you gave her an instruction manual. Brett 'Ice' Grady spends his days trying to keep up with his teenage daughter, his nights consumed in Regulators’ MC business. He has no time for anything more than a casual hookup. Two worlds collide when the dangers of his life crash into the calm of hers. Can she go beyond her own boundaries and chip her way through to the man known to be as cold as ice? Loosely attached to Chelsea Camaron's Hellions Series and Jessie Lane's Ex Ops Series.  

My Thoughts…

Chelsea Camaron and I were fighting over Riley (Stripping Her Defenses by Jessie Lane), but I have decided he is all hers and I will take Ice or Hammer.     This is a hot alpha male MC club story that had me reading and turning pages as often as I possibly could.   Granted the men in this book are not friendly, but who needs friendly?    The men in this book are reliable, sexy, and honest.   

In the last year I have read many MC books.   Some are just words on a page, while some pull me in and keep me entertained until well after I am finished reading.    ICE is definitely an entertaining book.    I started one morning and did not put it down until I was totally done and satisfied.    As every good book should do, it left me wanting more.   I am craving more of Hammer, Coal and the rest of Ice’s men.    I want to know how their happy endings come about.   

Morgan was a heart tugger.   Her parents are God awful, she has an out of control sister that she loves so much, and she is making it on her own without any support.     Then the worse thing ever happens and everything is turned upside down.    When Ice comes to help her out, the sparks were blinding.   But Morgan was not a pushover.   She held her ground with Ice and did not let him put her out or down.    I envied that she is strong enough to stand up to such a strong male, not everyone can.   The strength and belief she held onto when the chips were down made her unbelievable.   She not only kept believing, but she made others around her keep their faith also.   She is truly someone I look up to.   

Of course, ICE is a book that I recommend to everyone.   It is an over 18 adult book, but all the same check it out.   Buy it the day it is released and be ready to spend the entire day reading because I know you won’t be able to put it down.

PURCHASE LINKS ...

Amazon US:  http://goo.gl/jPybHq

All Romance Ebooks:  http://goo.gl/vR0uje

Barnes & Noble:  http://goo.gl/8sFnEh

Smashwords:  http://goo.gl/kFwE88

Amazon UK: http://goo.gl/85jx8Y

Amazon CA: http://goo.gl/oJOfVo

Amazon AU: http://goo.gl/x6eJCT 

LIMITED TIME BONUS...buy your copy of Ice before 01/05/15 and get TWO bonus short stories from the Hellions Ride Series & the Ex Ops Series!

*On 01/06/15 both short stories will be pulled from the Ice book and set up to be bought individually by their respective authors. This means the short stories will disappear from the copy that you buy once your device updates.*

Regulators MC Series ...

Ice #1 - Available Now

Hammer #2 - Coming March 2015

Coal #3 - Coming June 2015

Ice’s Dream Cast

Ice is the ultimate alpha man/asshole. So Chelsea had a very clear vision of who would be his dream cast. Matt Schulze has the sort of rugged good looks that Chelsea and I both love. Beard, messy hair and bulging biceps complete the drool worthy package. Also, in case you didn’t know, Chelsea is a bit obsessed with the Fast & Furious movies. You might recognize Matt from the first two movies. ;) For Morgan, I chose Phoebe Tonkin. Her gorgeous brown hair, heart shaped face and green eyes make you think of an innocent woman just waiting to be dirtied up by a big, bad, no-nonsense man like Ice. Phoebe also tends to portray characters that have a bit of sass in them. I like the idea that maybe that’s Morgan when Ice gets her all riled up. You might recognize Phoebe the character Haley on one of my TV obsessions, The Originals, or The Vampire Diaries. We hope you enjoy our dream cast! If you have already read Ice we would love to hear who you would have pictured Ice or Morgan as in your own dream cast pinks.    

About the Authors

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Jessie Lane is the best selling author of The Star Series, Big Bad Bite Series and the Ex Ops Series. She lives in Kentucky with her two little Rock Chicks in the making and her over protective alpha husband. She has a passionate love for reading and writing naughty romance, cliff hanging suspense, and out-of-this-world characters that demand your attention, or threaten to slap you around until you do pay attention to them. Jessie writes Adult Paranormal and Contemporary Romance & Upper YA Fantasy/Paranormal Romance.  

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Chelsea Camaron was born and raised in Coastal North Carolina. She currently resides in Southern Louisiana with her husband and two children but her heart is always Carolina day dreaming. Chelsea always wanted to be a writer, but like most of us, let fear of the unknown grab a hold of her dream; she realized that if she was going to tell her daughter to go for her dreams, that it was time to follow her own advice. Chelsea grew up turning wrenches alongside her father, and from that grew her love for old muscle cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles, which just so happened to inspired her ‘Daddy’s Girls’ series. Her love for reading has sparked a new love for writing and she currently has a few more projects in the works. When she is not spending her days writing you can find her playing with her kids, attending car shows, going on motorcycle rides on the back of her husband’s Harley, snuggling down with her new favorite book or watching any movie that Vin Diesel might happen to be in. She hates being serious and is still a big kid at heart. She is a small town country girl enjoying life and, Chelsea hopes that her readers remember not to take life too seriously and to embrace your inner five year old, because five year olds know how to enjoy the simple things in life and how to always have fun.   

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