Cover Reveal: World of Shell and Bone

Here is a new cover reveal, for the novel "World of Shell and Bone" by Adriana Ryan.

In a world ravaged by a nuclear holocaust, Vika Cannon knows there are no guarantees: no guarantees of safety, no guarantees that your neighbor is not actually a spy for the government, and no guarantees you’ll be allowed to emigrate to a new life in Asia.

New Amana is dying. Food and water are scarce, and people suffering from radiation-caused mutations—the Nukeheads—are the new class of homeless.

Vika has just one purpose: to produce healthy progeny using a Husband assigned by the Match Clinic. Unhealthy children are carted away to Asylums to be experimented on, just as Vika’s little sister Ceres was, eight years ago. Parents incapable of producing healthy progeny are put to death in gas chambers.
When she’s assigned a Husband shortly after her twentieth birthday, Vika expects him to be complacent and obedient. But Shale Underwood has a secret. He is a member of the Radicals, the terrorist group intent on overthrowing the government. And Shale has information about Ceres.

As she learns more about the Rads’s plan, Vika finds herself drawn to Shale in ways she’d never imagined. When freedom calls in the way of a healthy pregnancy, will she betray her government and risk death for Shale and Ceres? 

Lovely cover?  The credit goes to the James Helps, the designer of this cover.

Like the synopsis?  This book will be released on coming December 7th 2012.  You can buy it in another week.  And to Adriana Ryan, the author of this novel, we wish all the best on her new release.

AUTHOR BIO:

Adriana Ryan lives and writes in Charleston, SC. She is currently at work on a dystopian and an urban fantasy series. A huge fan of spooky stuff and shoes, she enjoys alternately hitting up the outlet malls and historic graveyards.

Contact her using the form at the top right of this website or email adriana@adrianaryan.com.

Adriana Ryan is a member of the Romance Writer’s Association (RWA).

AUTHOR ONLINE: Email | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Guest Post & Giveaway: The Last Sunset by Bob Atkinson

Original Title: The Last Sunset
Author: Bob Atkinson
Publisher: Greyhart Press
Release Date: September 6th 2012
Genre: Time Travel Adventure, Romance

Description: The year… 1746.

Around Fort William, the Scottish Highlanders are in revolt and the Redcoats are coming…

Suddenly… time shifts… people from different eras are dumped at this one turning point in history.

In the future, Nuclear Armageddon has caused this powerful blast through time, but why?

Can history be changed?

Or is the future doomed to witness…

The Last Sunset?

A Tale of Two Rebellions

by Bob Atkinson

Twice in the space of thirty years, during the eighteenth century, armed rebels took to the field against the British army.

The failure of one rebellion and the success of the other has undoubtedly shaped the world we live in today.

But why should the rebels of 1776 have succeeded so spectacularly, while those of 1746 failed?

There are considerable similarities between the two conflicts. Both were civil wars, where populations were divided between those loyal to the crown and those seeking to overthrow it.

In both cases the French were sympathetic to the rebels. Although offering only token help in 1746, the military assistance of the French with their Spanish and Dutch allies was probably decisive in the American Revolutionary war.

In America the area of conflict stretched from Canada in the north to Florida in the south; a distance of almost two thousand miles. Britain lacked the manpower to defeat individual armies within this vast landscape, and then occupy the captured areas.

In 1777, after being defeated at the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, the American forces were able to withdraw to Valley Forge, where they remained for the next six months, surviving that terrible winter, training for the battles to come.

In Scotland, although the Highlanders of 1746 won three separate engagements against the British army, it took only one defeat to end that rebellion. After the disastrous battle of Culloden there was nowhere for the defeated rebels to withdraw and lick their wounds. No vast hinterland, or trackless forests in which they could melt away to continue the fight. For the Scottish rebels there would be no Valley Forge.

However, it is probably in the respective leaders of the two armies that the greatest contrast can be drawn. The Americans had a number of very able commanders, but if any single man won America her independence it was their Commander In Chief. General George Washington held his army together in defeat, never allowing his forces to be outmaneuvered by the British, striking his enemy where and when the opportunity presented itself. Thanks to his strategic genius, his forces captured two British armies at Saratoga in 1777 and Yorktown in 1781, effectively ending the war.

The Scottish rebels too had their own able Commander in Lord George Murray. Under his generalship the Highlanders had scattered two regular armies at Prestonpans in 1745 and Falkirk in January 1746.

Charles Edward Stuart, however, “Bonnie Prince Charlie”, had quarrelled with his Commander In Chief, and had petulantly assumed command of his army for that last calamitous battle. It has been said that if Charles had stayed in bed and left military matters to Lord George Murray, he would have awoken with a crown on his head.

In short, the rebellion of 1746 failed thanks in no small measure to royal interference and incompetence. While that of 1776 succeeded, thanks largely to something that would become enshrined within the American Constitution.

Simple meritocracy.

GIVEAWAY

The author is giving away e-copies of this novel to THREE winners of the Rafflecopter giveaway.

Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL and ends December 31st 2012!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post & Giveaway: A Tale of the Other Kind by Leandi Cameron

Original Title: A Tale of the Other Kind: A Therian Novel
Author: Leandi Cameron
Publisher: House of Leavik
Release Date: September 18th 2012
Genre: Young-adult, Paranormal, Fantasy

Kai Emery likes to be indiscernible; however, his infatuation for his classmate, Sienna Fynn, has made his invisibility status all the more impossible to upkeep. His world spirals out of control when he discovers that he is a shapeshifting were-leopard, and finds himself unable to control his newfound anatomy. An unpredictable vampire enters his life, leading him down a path that soon reveals his destiny, and discloses another world, filled with magic and terrifying darkness. When he finds himself in danger from the god of magic and darkness for disobeying a curse bestowed upon his kind, forbidding him from falling in love with a human, he has to fight for survival, and protect everyone that he loves.

Why teenagers connect so deeply with YA Paranormal Romance/Fantasy

- Guest Post by Leandi Cameron

When I was a kid, there was nothing more magical than finding myself engrossed in a wonderful book filled with magical creatures and horror tales of demons, vampires and werewolves – back then some of these stories seemed to be awfully frightening, yet absolutely captivating.

It transported me to a world where I found myself escaping from the normal mundane life of being a teenager, living a life where the friends I had closest to me being the actual people who were my bullies.

I have grown up now, and have become a much stronger person, and have worked hard at finding my self-confidence again, even though, I must admit, bullies do still exist in the “grown-up” world as well. However, during that time, I realised, that my world of books saved me – whenever I was depressed, or felt down, alone in a corner with no one to call my friend, I knew that I could go home, and I would find a host of friends within my stack of books I picked up from the travelling library, and that is where I would stay for the rest of the day.

Books were my salvation – my escape to a place where I was safe and able to live out the person I was feeling deep inside – the romantic who wished I could find my dark prince who would woo me and sweep me off my feet, ready to save me from the pain I had to endure during my day at school; or the strong female character that wouldn’t allow anyone to stand in her way and who was strong enough to stand up for herself.

A soft person I used to be – yes, she still exists, I must admit, but through my books and the beautifully crafted, strong characters, I have found, one thing that stood out for me – they were determined, and fought for what they wanted in life. And, even though I was a teenager who some nights cried myself to sleep, my books helped me understand that if I wanted anything in life, I must fight for it.

And that I why I feel so connected to young adult (YA) books – they speak directly to the heart of teenagers and to what they go through on a daily basis and what they long so desperately for.

And now, there’s no question about it that this market has skyrocketed and the audience for these types of books are ready to indulge themselves in anything that might transport them to another place. There simply is no steady growth with the YA market – it has already exploded.

But, with that, the readers have become more demanding, the market has become more tough and, therefore, writers are expected to know more about their target markets – if they miss the mark, they simply won’t get the YA market “on their side”.

So, the question is, what are the keys to writing a successful YA novel? It isn’t that simple, but if writers delve deep into their past, and feel what they felt when they too were YAs, then they could bring to life a world that makes sense to any teenager who picks up their books. In a way, having a tough teenage life could even have been the best thing that has ever happened to me as a writer! It has formed me, and given me a greater understanding into the psyche of what teenagers feel when they are in love with a boy or a girl but the love isn’t mutual; it makes me understand how it feels to be the outcast; it makes me know just how insecure one can be about yourself – I’m not pretty, skinny, or curvy enough, or I have braces, my hair is ugly or I’m not popular enough. Having experienced these things makes a writer of YA books indispensible.

When you’re young, everything you feel is much deeper and much more intense. Song lyrics speak to you in a way a grown-up could never understand – because, face it, grown-ups don’t understand – they forget how it was to be there and feel pain, hurt and exhilaration so intensely.

Being a teenager is like electrical currents running through you at all times – nothing pleases you and everything pleases you – all at once. You find a first love and you will experience your first heartbreak, you make bad decisions and will be betrayed by those around you who you trust the most. These are all things that we all have been through, and what all teenagers go through still, today. Nothing has changed – yes, times have changed and kids have better equipment to read their books with or Playstations and PS Vita’s, but they still have to experience what we, grown-ups, had to once experience ourselves.

They have to find ways to make important decisions and deal with the consequences if their decisions were wrong. When they look around them, they all believe that they are the only ones who feel this way, but what they don’t know, is that every other teen around them have to go through the same things, and everyone will make a different decision to the tales of their own lives, which will shape who they ultimately become.

When you are a teenager, everything is utterly intense.

That, however, is why the YA paranormal romance genre is so intriguing to youngsters – it is dark and it speaks to their very core. It takes them to the place they feel inside, and it makes them be something or someone else for the 300 or more pages the book in hand is – a world of escapism.

And that is what YA paranormal romance / fantasy is about – it is dark, broody, mysterious and… intense – just like teenagers.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leandi Cameron is an award-winning journalist and newspaper editor. She is also the author of YA Paranormal Romance / Fantasy, A Tale of the Other Kind: A Therian Novel and co-owner of multi-disciplinary company House of LeaVik. For more information visit www.leandicameron.com or visit Amazon on http://amzn.to/SIgZo0.

GIVEAWAY

The author is giving away e-copies of the novel to THREE winners of the Rafflecopter giveaway.

Giveaway open INTERNATIONALLY and ends December 31st 2012!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Beguiled (Immortal Essence #2) by RaShelle Workman

Original Title: Beguiled
Series: Immortal Essence #2
Author: RaShelle Workman
Publisher: Polished Pen Press
Release Date: October 19th 2012
Source: From "Orangeberry Book Tours"
Genre: Science Fiction, Young adult, Romance



Worlds divided them. Chance brought them together. Only love will save them.

In book 2 of the Immortal Essence series, Venus must enter her planet's Hell, and complete three trials in order to free her parents, and save her soulmate.

SUMMARY:

Venus has become immortal, just as she always wanted. In the process she hurt Zaren, lost Michael, and destroyed her family.

At least that's what she believed.

Turns out Ramien, the god of her planets' underworld, has her parents, and Michael.

To save them, Venus makes a deal. She must complete three trials. They seem impossible. They certainly won't be easy. Worst of all, someone she loves won't make it out alive.

REVIEW

This is the second book of the Immortal Essence series.  I haven't read the first one, and so for those readers like me, who are starting directly with the first, here are some information:

• Venus is the Princess of the planet, Kelari.
• Venus is sent to Earth, to get Michael, the human, to find his soul mate.  But, Michael confessed his love for her.  This is her task that she must do to attain her immortality.
• Venus chose her guardian, Zaren, over Michael, at the end of the first book.
• At the end of the first book, Venus becomes immortal and comes back to Kelari.
• Cross-species mating is forbidden by the laws of the Universe.
• Humans can't live in Kelari, just as Kelarians can't live in Earth forever.

So, after Venus comes back, she finds that her parents were missing.  She is a emotional mess..always crying and depending on Zaren to sooth her.  Then she meets the human, Michael, in Kelari..alive.  She wonders how he is alive in her planet, as he humans usually can't withstand.  Then Michael reveals that he is not human and he knows her parents' location.  Venus follows him to a place, where souls are caught and kept by the soulless (literally!) Ramien, the god of the planets' underworld.  Ramien says her that her parents are dead and if she needs their souls to be free, she should marry him.  Not only that, Ramien has bigger plans to Venus and gives her three tasks just for entertainment.  If Ramien marries her, he will become equivalent to a Creator.

This book is a fast-paced sci-fi novel.  Although I loved the overall idea of the book, it might be better if the characters are well-developed, and the writing better.  Its always good to know some new world, but I felt the story somewhat rushed.  The major details are missing like why does Venus doesn't have any powers if she is such a high entity and why keep the three tasks if Ramien anyway wishes to marry her.  It doesn't solve any purpose, except kill some more people.

In spite of its flaws, I liked the world building of the novel.   I wish to learn more about this series, and would definitely wish to read more.

Review: Halo of the Damned by Dina Rae

Original Title: Halo of the Damned
Author: Dina Rae
Publisher: Eternal Press
Release Date: February 7th 2012
Source: From "Orangeberry Book Tours"
Genre: Horror, Fantasy

A chain of advertising agencies, a new breed of humans, and a fallen angel to worship... Andel Talistokov is known for his slick advertising agencies across the globe. He is a fallen angel that uses advertising as a weapon for Satan's work. His growing power emboldens him to break several of Hell's Commandments. Furious with his arrogance, Satan commands him to return to Hell after finding his own replacement. Yezidism, an ancient angel worshiping religion, quietly expands throughout the West. Armaros appears as a guest of honor during their ceremonies. He mates with young women to produce nephilim, a mixed race of humans and angels. They are alone and unprepared for their supernatural power. Joanna Easterhouse, a recovering drug addict, steps out of prison shortly after her mother's fatal accident. She and her sister, Kim, unravel their mother's secretive past. Intrigued, they learn their bloodline is part of a celestial legacy. Both worlds collide. Halo of the Damned is a horrifying tale that weaves research together with suspenseful twists and turns.

REVIEW

*** WARNING: This book is rated R. ***

Here is the synopsis again, because it explains well, about the major part of the story.

A chain of advertising agencies, a new breed of humans, and a fallen angel to worship... Andel Talistokov is known for his slick advertising agencies across the globe. He is a fallen angel that uses advertising as a weapon for Satan's work. His growing power emboldens him to break several of Hell's Commandments. Furious with his arrogance, Satan commands him to return to Hell after finding his own replacement. Yezidism, an ancient angel worshiping religion, quietly expands throughout the West. Armaros appears as a guest of honor during their ceremonies. He mates with young women to produce nephilim, a mixed race of humans and angels. They are alone and unprepared for their supernatural power. Joanna Easterhouse, a recovering drug addict, steps out of prison shortly after her mother's fatal accident. She and her sister, Kim, unravel their mother's secretive past. Intrigued, they learn their bloodline is part of a celestial legacy. Both worlds collide. 

Andel just made me feel sick.  All the gruesome zombie-ish routines of eating humans and Andel's assistant, Marcus' past are enough to make most of us stop this book.  But, its like you just love to be afraid when seeing the horror movies.  I just continued and it became less horrific.  I still continued and something new came up.  I was still reading when I predicted the next move and I finished reading when I felt like its a good read.

There are usual paranormal references like nephilim, angels, etc.  Most of the paranormal fiction readers would have read many books about those - so no surprise there.  But, this is my first time reading a fallen angel acting like a vampire cum zombie - I think the author thought this might add some terror to the reader's experience.  And it did to me, at the start.

There are some minor flaws in the novel.  When starting a new chapter, it takes some time to know what the author is narrating about.  Also, the book had some typos.

This book was predictable at many places, but some areas like Toby's character (you will have to read it to know) was good.  I enjoyed the read and that's all that mattered in the end.

Before I give a rating to this novel, I will admit that I have not read many horror and zombie novels, so this is not with my comparison with other horror novels.  But, as for me, I enjoyed reading it and I give it 3.5 stars.

Interview & Giveaway: The Consul General's Wife by Aliefka Bijlsma

Original Title: The Consul General's Wife
Author: Aliefka Bijlsma
Publisher: Augustus
Release Date: September 2nd 2012
Genre: Contemporary



Melchior Steenbergen is leading an idyllic life. An elite member of Holland’s diplomatic corps, he is the Consul General in Rio, with a sweeping view of the Ipanema bay from his official residence, and a beautiful wife 20 years his junior. His trustworthy maid, Mercy, who is from Ghana and has followed him everywhere, attends to his every need. At 59, his time as a diplomat is winding down, but he expects to put one more feather in his cap: an ambassadorship. Paris, perhaps. Doesn't he deserve it?

But Melchior’s glorious world is a façade, a house of cards, and sharp winds are starting to blow.

The Consul General's Wife is the story of a man, elegant and dignified, unable to recognize his own flaws. Set against the mystical and unforgiving city of Rio, the novel is a comedy about a dying generation. And a tragedy about a man who has only a few days left to wake up.

INTERVIEW WITH ALIEFKA

Which authors have influenced you most and how?  
This is a hard one to answer. Every book I read, every author influences me in some way. Either I learn something or gain insight. Or feel inspired. Sometimes, a book or author can be so good that I feel unnerved. Joan Didion for example. Or Iris Murdoch.

What do you do in your free time? 
Play with my son, or go on outings/adventures with him. I like to see as many classical concerts, plays, films, exhibitions as museums my budget and time allows. Discuss music and life and love with my boyfriend who is a conductor. Dinners with friends. I love dinners with friends.

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be? 
Turbulence

What’s your favorite season/weather? 
Summer. Heat. I was born in the tropics and lived most of my childhood right close to the euqator. It’s not a like, it’s a need.

Who or what inspired you to become an author? 
First, my voice problems ruined my career as a lawyer and triggered my writing. But then it was my mother, who had come to see my first play. It was hard for her as the play was all about mother-daughter relationships. She was quite moved by the themes. It was like I was speaking to her, but through the actors, and she understood. We didn’t need to discuss it because I could see she felt exactly what I was communicating. I was a little scared of her reaction to it. But she took me to lunch the next day and said “you have an obligation to pursue this talent.” This was a pivotal moment in my life as my mother had always advised against pursuing a creative profession of any kind. In retrospect I understand why: she is an artist herself and knows how hard it can be, for both yourself and your immediate surroundings.

How did you celebrate the sale of your first book? 
After the book-launch, which was a moment in time I felt so proud, so like “Me”. It felt like a coming-out. I had incredibly talented friends who played music from the island I was born, in the Caribbean. And after the launch we all went and had drinks, there were many special people there, the people I love most and who understood how much of a struggle it had been for me to get there, in my life.

What is your guilty pleasure? 
Catching a movie midday alone, and eating my own box of sweet popcorn.

What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you’d be embarrassed to admit? 
Xtreme make-over type programmes.

Finish the sentence- one book I wish I had written is….
The Bible. (I’d probably have turned Jesus into a woman).

Favorite places to travel? 
I go to Curacao a lot because I was born there and many friends that are dear to me live there. But it’s a love/hate relationship with the island. I’d like to travel in Africa some more.

Favorite music?
It varies, depending on what I’m working on or interested in. Right now, I’m listening to a lot of Marvin Gaye. But half a year ago it was Carmen.

In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with? 
Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie

GIVEAWAY

The author is giving away e-copies of THE CONSUL GENERAL'S WIFE to THREE winners of the Rafflecopter giveaway.

Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL and ends December 30th 2012!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*** This post is part of the tour for Orangeberry Book Tours. ***

ARC 5-STAR Review: Under the Mistletoe (Lucky Harbor #6.5) by Jill Shalvis

Original Title: Under the Mistletoe
Series: Lucky Harbor #6.5
Author: Jill Shalvis
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Release Date: December 4th 2012
Source: From the publisher
Genre: Contemporary Romance

JUST ONE MORE KISS

There's no place like home for the holidays. And the Lucky Harbor Bed & Breakfast is bursting with festive lights and good cheer. But for Mia, Christmas is turning out to be anything other than merry and bright. Her recent break-up with her boyfriend Nick has made her return bittersweet. But then a surprise arrives, when Nick follows her to town bearing gifts-and asking for forgiveness.

Nick grew up without a family of his own so he's overwhelmed by the love that Mia receives from all her relatives, gathered together to celebrate the season. Under their watchful eyes, Nick finds earning back her trust the hardest thing he's ever had to do. If he succeeds, he will receive the greatest gift of all, Mia's love for a lifetime.

REVIEW

Just when I was convincing myself to wait for the next book, this one comes out.  Of course, I am excited to read this, but now after finishing this, I have to start convincing myself again that Jill Shalvis will write again..soon.

This is an intermediate novella where the readers get a glimpse of Tara's daughter, Mia's love life.  So, Mia is dating a cute boy, Nick, for six months, and when Christmas gets near (and Chloe is finally getting married), Mia wants to invite Nick to meet her family and for Chloe's wedding in Lucky Harbor.  Nick, an orphan, is afraid of family relationships and when Mia asks him, denies immediately.  Mia, upset about Nick, leaves to Lucky Harbor without saying a word to Nick.  But, Nick knew he fell for Mia.  So, naturally, what happens next is the major part of this novella.  Will Nick get his love back and will Lucky Harbor accept him?

For such a short novella, this one clearly is satisfying as always.  Its very cool to meet Tara, Maddie and Chloe again, along with many of the older characters.  Although I was very keen to know what is happening to the older characters' life more than Mia, I enjoyed this novella.  Maddie has two kids..Chloe has finally accepted to marry Sawyer after 5 years..and so many small moments.  Wow, I am just very happy to know them all again.

Jill Shalvis knows how to make the readers crave for more.

Don't miss this short and sweet read!

SERIES ORDER

   

 

1.  Simply Irresistible
2.  The Sweetest Thing - Read review here
3.  Head Over Heels - Read review here
4.  Lucky In Love - Read review here
5.  At Last - Read review here
6.  Forever and a Day - Read review here
6.5. Under the MistleToe
7.  It Had To Be You - Expected publication: May 28th 2013

Book Feature & Giveaway: Dragon Badge by Scott Moon

Original Title: Dragon Badge
Author: Scott Moon
Release Date: May 12th 2012
Genre: Thriller, Urban Fantasy

Street cops face a crime trend no one saw coming. Who could have predicted what a person would do to possess another soul?

Michael Prim is a cop’s cop, taking down drug dealers, killers, and all kinds of predators, until he realizes a sorcerer has a vendetta against him and is using hellhounds, demons, and soul slaves to exact revenge.

MICHAEL PRIM
Michael Prim is a hard charging beat cop soon to be thrust into a world of dark magic. He has always been a bit of a freak: different, strange, and always needing to prove himself. His last memories of his father were of bedtime stories—the mercenary war, dragon slaying, and demon fighting variety. He knows how to come down hard on wife beaters, pedophiles, and cop killing drug lords, but nothing has prepared him for the sorcerer who is coming for his soul.

KEITH MARIN
Keith Marin takes a new prostitute under his wing and tries to protect her, because she continually winds up in the gutter raped, tortured, and clutching a strange jar with a preternatural magnetism. He begins a dangerous dance with the sorcerer who has found his way to Blue Point, and discovers people from all walks of life who are slaves to the soul jars and little more than zombies. When two homeless layabouts who frequent his beat turn up driving a BMW, wearing tailored silk suits, and carrying serious firepower, Marin takes his investigation to the next level.

NICOLE SIMMONS
Nicole Simmons has come out of hiding and reinvented herself—as a rookie cop. She begins to doubt her choice as soon as she is assigned to a training officer who is the archenemy of her kind. She should kill him and disappear again, but she had hoped this time would be different.

DRAGON BADGE
Michael Prim does what any good cop would do after discovering a soul reaving sorcerer is hunting on his beat, he goes to war, even as hellhounds and Rashfellen warriors come after him. He gets a little help from his friends—a tough as nails veteran and a zombie like prostitute who holds a soul trapped in a magical jar—but when the apocalypse comes, there is only his most hated enemy, the gang member who murdered his partner, to stand against Travass Isegurad and his demons.

GIVEAWAY

Like the synopsis given above?  Now, here is a chance to win this book.

Scott is giving away a copy of his novel - DRAGON BADGE - to THREE winners of the below Rafflecopter giveaway.

Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL and ends December 28th 2012!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5-STAR Review: Forever and a Day (Lucky Harbor #6) by Jill Shalvis

Original Title: Forever and a Day
Series: Lucky Harbor #6, Chocoholics #3
Author: Jill Shalvis
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Release Date: July 31st 2012
Source: ARC from the publisher
Genre: Contemporary Romance

BUY @ Amazon

LOVE CAN HAPPEN IN A HEARTBEAT.

Grace never thought she’d be starting her life over from scratch. Losing everything has landed her in Lucky Harbor, working as a dog walker for overwhelmed ER doctor Josh Scott. But the day his nanny fails to show up, Grace goes from caring for Josh’s loveable mutt to caring for his rambunctious kids. Soon Grace is playing house with the sexy single dad…

With so many people depending on him, Josh has no time for anything outside of his clinic and family–until Grace arrives in town. Now this brainy blonde is turning his life inside out and giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “good bedside manner.” Josh and Grace don’t know if what they have can last. But in a town like Lucky Harbor, a lifetime of love starts with just one day…

REVIEW

This is the last of the Chocoholics series and sixth of the Lucky Harbor series.

Grace Brooks comes to Lucky Harbor after her accounting career demands more than just her knowledge.  Grace, soon, meets Amy and Mallory, and become friends with them (The Chocoholics).  As they vowed in their Chocoholics meeting, both her friends got love and life.  But Grace was still trying to sort her life. She applies for various accounting job and attends interviews, meanwhile, to meet her daily expenses, does any job she gets in Lucky Harbor.  So, when Dr. Scott calls her to walk his puppy, she accepts.  Soon, she is not only working as dog walker and a nanny to her Dr. Scott's son, but also started losing her heart to the sexy and yummy doctor.  All her life, Grace did everything to please her adopted parents.  When it comes to Josh, will she now do the right thing or the thing her parents will be pleased about?

Dr. Josh Scott is an ER specialist / care-taker of his wheelchair-bound teenage sister / single dad.  Josh, trying to take care of everything, have no time for his social life or his own health.  He is overworked and overtired, and on the brink of losing his sanity.  When he hires Grace to walk his dog, Tank, he didn't expect his world to change..but it did.  Grace took care of his son and spoke to his sister more than he did.  Grace even took care of him, the stubborn adult who is not used to taking care of.

Grace is strong, intelligent and kind heroine, one I would like to meet some day.  Josh is, well, sexy (no surprises there), charming, intelligent (of course, he is a doctor) and sweet.  When passion heats up between the couple, even my Kindle gets hot.  Not only that, as always, the author has some extra reasons for the heroine to be the right and perfect girl for our hero.  She manages Josh's messy household with care and affection, even before Josh started showing his attraction to her.  No wonder Josh falls for her..hard.

And we see many of the older characters and its always good to see them back - even if its only for a few of moments.  Such a great story and amazing characters in a magical place called Lucky Harbor - well, I would love to atleast visit there one day, if it exists.  Not just to see my favorite heroes, but see other characters like Lucille.

Jill Shalvis did it!  Again!  I love this series and it will always be my favorite romance series.  The romance, heat, friendship and family are all there and it just feels good and magical to read every novel in this series.

5+ Amazing STARS!

SERIES ORDER

   

 

1.  Simply Irresistible
2.  The Sweetest Thing - Read review here
3.  Head Over Heels - Read review here
4.  Lucky In Love - Read review here
5.  At Last - Read review here
6.  Forever and a Day
6.5. Under the MistleToe - Read review here
7.  It Had To Be You - Expected publication: May 28th 2013

Giveaway of Romance novel: The Christmas Diary by Elyse Douglas

Original Title: The Christmas Diary
Author: Elyse Douglas
Release Date: September 12th 2012
Genre: Romance



Alice Ferrell is an entrepreneur who owns her own gift shop. She’s practical, professional and loyal. But her business is failing and she’s also struggling to plan her wedding. She’s tired and dispirited. Although she and her wealthy fiancé argue frequently, they’re meeting in a picturesque Pennsylvania town to be married on Christmas Day.

Alice leaves New York and is soon lost in a violent snowstorm. Night descends. She nearly hits a man who darts out in front of her. He’s frightening and mysterious. He directs her to a nearby B&B. In a bookshelf in her room, she discovers an old diary wedged behind a row of books.

The diary was written by a man 15 years ago. She reads it and is immediately overcome by its honest and tender style. Intrigued, she sets off on an “innocent” journey to try to find the man, to learn what happened to him.

During her journey, Alice must confront her past, present and future and make a decision that will change her life forever.

GIVEAWAY

The author is giviing away e-copies of this novel to THREE winners of the below Rafflecopter giveaway.

Giveaway ends December 21st 2012 and is open INTERNATIONALLY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

$15.00 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway: Highland Magic by Christine Young

Original Title: Highland Magic
Author: Christine Young
Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press
Release Date: December 12th 2007
Genre: Historical Romance

Throughout the Highlands she is known as Keely, the witch woman. She is a great healer-a woman whose dreams come true. Ian MacPherson is a man who puts honor, loyalty and duty above everything. Their lives are entwined when Ian is sent by the Scottish King to bring Keely to trial for witchcraft. He is attacked and left for dead, but Keely rescues him. When he wakes, he discovers he has no memory. As he remembers his lost past, Ian finds that his need to protect the woman who has saved his life eclipses his duty to his king and country. He is a man torn between honor and duty to his country and the woman he loves.

EXCERPT

"Ian," Keely said, her voice sounding pathetically weak.

"What is it?" Ian had not left her side since they began the wild ride toward the coast. His throat ached with the sadness he felt twisting through him. The bleak shadow of banishment or death hovering so close, too close.

"I cannot go on." Her shoulders slumped, coming perilously close to falling off her horse. She could no longer hold herself upright. She heard him mutter something unintelligible beneath his breath before her eyes closed. She was vaguely aware of his arms around her and the sensation of floating. His warmth and scent suddenly engulfed her and she fell into a dreamless sleep.

Ian, Angus, Keely and Gretel rode hard and fast toward the coastline and Ian's ship.

"Where is the Triumph moored?" Ian asked, his anxiety over Keely's condition growing.

She was pale and sweat beaded on her forehead. He stared at Keely with a fear born from a love so deep it could never be erased. Yet Ian felt as if he were being ripped apart. The only other loves that had consumed him as much was his love for his family and his country.

She had spent too long in the tower. Ian lifted Keely's hand and placed a kiss in the palm. He made a silent vow to himself and to Keely. If you don't like the estate in England, I will take you anywhere in the world.

Anywhere you want to go.

He prayed he'd reached her in time and that he could truly take her anywhere. It no longer mattered to him where he lived. He had lost his family as well as his country. He no longer owed a King his loyalty. Honor, what price had he paid and yet he would do nothing different.

GIVEAWAY

Christine will be awarding a $15.00 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn host as well as ten MacPherson book marks to randomly drawn commenters.

So, all you have to do is COMMENT and leave your email ID.

Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY and ends November 30th 2012!

Interview with Christine Nolfi, Author of Treasure Me (Liberty #1)

Original Title: Treasure Me
Series: Liberty #1
Author: Christine Nolfi
Publisher: CreateSpace
Release Date: November 20th 2011
Genre: Contemporary



Petty thief Birdie Kaminsky has arrived in Liberty, Ohio to steal a treasure hidden since the Civil War. She’s in possession of a charming clue passed down in her family for generations: Liberty safeguards the cherished heart.

The beautiful thief wants to go straight. She secretly admires the clue’s author, freedwoman Justice Postell, who left South Carolina at the dawn of the Civil War and carried untold riches on her journey north. As Birdie searches for the treasure, she begins to believe a questionable part of the story: a tale of love between Justice and Lucas Postell, the French plantation owner who was Birdie’s ancestor.

If the stories are true, Justice bore a child with Lucas. Some of those black relatives might still live in town. Birdie can’t help but wonder if she’s found one—Liberty’s feisty matriarch, Theodora Hendricks, who packs a pistol and heartwarming stories about Justice. Birdie doesn’t know that an investigative reporter will trip her up—as will her conscience when she begins to wonder if it’s possible to start a new life with stolen riches. Yet with each new clue she unearths, Birdie discovers a family history more precious than gems, a tradition of love richer than she’d imagined.

INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTINE NOLFI

What is the biggest obstacle you have to overcome when you want to write? 
This may sound strange, but my biggest obstacle involves knowing when to stop and rest. I get utterly caught up in my character’s lives. During the first 100 pages I’m able to conduct a normal routine. By page 250, all bets are off. I wake in the middle of the night with half of a scene spilling from my subconscious and hurry to the computer. Midway through dinner I leap up to scramble for pen and paper because I’ve suddenly solved a story problem. It becomes rather silly, but my young adult children and husband are very understanding.

You have won one million dollars. What is the first thing that you would buy? 
I’d pay off my children’s college loans. I have three kids in college presently, and the baby is a high school senior. Ouch.

What do you do in your free time? 
My husband and I are still discovering so much in our new home of Charleston, South Carolina. We live ten minutes from the beach, and we love to walk the dog there. Recently we toured a mansion downtown that miraculously survived The Civil War. By the way, genteel Charlestonians call the war “The Great Unpleasantness.”

What was life like before writing? 
My twenties and thirties were a blur—working in public relations, living from deadline to deadline. Then my now ex-husband and I adopted a sibling group of four children from the Philippines. Moving from career woman to fulltime mother was a shock. It took many years of doctor visits to The Cleveland Clinic to heal my kids. Today they’re all healthy, happy adults.

What is one thing your readers would be surprised to know about you? 
The age thing is usually a surprise. I’m fifty-three years old. People usually think I’m much younger. And the composition of my family always surprises. It’s not every day you see a white woman with four Asian kids. I affectionately refer to my children as ‘The Asian Invasion.’ We stand out in any crowd.

When is your next book coming out? 
Can you tell us about it? Second Chance Grill will appear on Amazon in late October. A prequel of sorts to Treasure Me, the book depicts the story of Dr. Mary Chance, who’s just inherited The Second Chance Grill, and Anthony Perini, a single dad with a precocious daughter. Of course the feisty women of Liberty will be featured. You’ll learn more about the “bad blood” between Theodora and Ethel Lynn. Their battle was “fur and feathers” in Treasure Me. In Second Chance Grill, they’re even wilder.

Your character’s names—Birdie, Blossom, Wish—seem to hint at a bit of whimsy. How do you choose your character’s names, or do they choose their names? 
There’s no set pattern for naming characters. Some, like Birdie, arrive fully formed. Others start with an archetype employed to aid in fleshing out the character’s traits. In Blossom’s case, I wanted a name that conveyed “life” despite the struggle she faces. Wish is another play on opposites. I think of her as a nefarious criminal who destroys the wishes held dear by others, a sort of death wish in human form.

What is your favorite part of the writing process? 
Nothing beats the experience of reaching the middle of a work-in-progress and becoming utterly immersed in the characters. They’re real by that point, flesh-and-blood people one might meet on the street. Yet I’m privy to their darkest fears and brightest hopes. It’s an exhilarating feeling.

What is your guilty pleasure? 
Taking a long, leisurely bath with lots of bubbles. Or scheduling a 90-minute massage. Give me both in the same day and I’m in heaven.

What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you’d be embarrassed to admit?
Wall Street Journal. Every morning except Sunday. Does this make me dull?

What are some of the challenges you’ve experienced in the self-publishing market? 
The biggest challenge is the allocation of time. Those long, leisurely mornings of writing are now encroached upon by marketing demands, creating a buzz, talking to readers—without the help of a New York editor or a publishing house’s marketing department, I must wear many hats. On the up side I can directly connect with readers, which is marvelous.

*** This is part of the book blog tour for "Orangeberry Book Tours". ***

Oh God! I won the iPod Shuffle Giveaway!

Hi, my charming readers!

Today, after a week of Diwali holidays..wait, you don't know what Diwali is?  Okay, here it is.

Diwali (or Deepavali) is a popular and most important Hindu festival, and it is celebrated on account of the killing of Narakasura (an evil demon) by Lord Krishna.

This is celebrated by lighting the little clay lamps during the night, cleaning the house (in order to welcome Goddess Lakshmi to home) and bursting fire-crackers.  Diwali is also known as "The Festival of Lights". People dress in new clothes and share sweets (home-made) with friends and family.

Review: The Destiny of Shaitan by Laxmi Hariharan

Original Title: The Destiny of Shaitan
Author: Laxmi Hariharan
Release Date: March 17th 2012
Source: From the author - "Orangeberry Book Blog Tours"
Genre: Fantasy

"The Destiny of Shaitan is mind blowing, dark, humourous, and clever. It took me on a powerful journey inwards, which was a surprise as I'm not generally drawn to scifi or fantasy. I love the scene where the planet is covered with water and Yudi rescues Tiina. It's core message is Unity. I believe it will appeal to people across all ages." Sonia Ducie Dip.CSN.AIN, Numerologist, Author 11 Numerology books.

When Yudi, Tiina & Rai embark on a mission to save the universe, they come up against the ruthless Shaitan who is determined to stop them at any cost. But they soon realise they have a bigger enemy - themselves. So they must learn to trust each other and overcome their fears as they fight their way towards the ultimate showdown.

Partially set in a dystopian Bombay of the future, The Destiny of Shaitan is a coming of age story, painted against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world.

Yudi, Tiina and Rai are destined to come together, for they are the Chosen Ones. It falls to them to save the universe from the powerful Shaitan, who is terrifying, and utterly merciless. Driven by greed, and fear for his own survival, Shaitan bulldozes his way through the galaxy, destroying anything that gets in his path, including his lovers and his own children. The battle between the Chosen Ones and Shaitan is a classic, epic encounter. Hated and feared by all, Shaitan must win this fight to keep his power. The stakes are high, the combatants are determined, and no matter what the outcome their lives will be changed for all time.

REVIEW

Lord Shiva had long ago cursed Shaitan that he will be dead at the hands of his own son.  So, Shaitan picks up his mates, keep them with him for some days and then kills them.  In addition to this evil act, Shaitan destroys the planets one by one and bring under his control.  There are not many survivors from the destroyed planets.

Tiina, Yudi and Rai - the survivors of Shaitan's destructive acts - are the ones chosen to bring down Shaitan.  They each have their own fears and tragedies to face before they finally meet the Evil himself.

When I first heard that this book is based on Indian mythology, I thought this is going to be exciting, because, being an Indian myself, I know my land's myths quite well and naturally, was interested to read a fictional story based on that.  The main characters were from different backgrounds and I enjoyed the flash backs of their pasts, which was well described and well thought out.  I, especially, enjoyed reading about the character of Yudi (aka Yudishtra).  Although there are many scenes where one could really appreciate the author's imagination (like the depiction of Shaitan's cruelty towards Thalia), there are many flaws that overshadow these good things and make the novel less enjoyable, in my opinion.

This book's first downfall is its bad start.  The author could lose her audience just in those first few chapters, because most people buy books after reading the sample first chapter in Amazon.  The first chapter is so difficult to understand and at one stage, became just boring.  Secondly, the author has tried to give a post-apocalyptic Indian mythology based novel, but failed in doing so.  Because except for the Shiva's curse and Shaitan's home land part, I didn't notice much myth-based details there.  This is going to be tough on non-Indian readers, for they will expect some information about Indian mythology or at the least some major God stuff.  I would expect it, if I read some Roman mythology based novel.

Another flaw is its lack of thrill or adventure.  Even when I was reading a action scene, it doesn't give me any excitement or even a bit of tension of who is going to win.  Last and major thing:  Although the author has quite a good imagination, the writing doesn't impress or appeal to me.  With improved delivery of words and some thrilling sequences added, this novel could have been a hit.

Good effort, but that doesn't necessarily mean a success.  Maybe next time!

Giveaway & Guest Post: Protector by Vanna Smythe

Original Title: Protector
Series: Anniversary of the Veil #1
Author: Vanna Smythe
Release Date: March 10th 2012
Genre: Fantasy

Kiyarran just wanted to become a Protector of the Realm, a member of an elite order of fighters. Strange and powerful magical abilities awaken inside him once his wish comes true. The Priesthood that secretly controls the realm see his skill as a threat, and Kiyarran begins to learn that little about life as a Protector is what he thought it would be. To top it off, Kiyarran is falling in love with Princess Issiyanna, his friend of many years.

Issiyanna faces and arranged marriage, but she has been dreaming of another man, her one true love. Now her long gone mother is calling to her, promising she will return and take Issiyanna to meet the man from her dreams.

The world is split in half by a barrier called the Veil. A terrible sacrifice was made to put it in place and now, as the 1000th Anniversary of the Veil draws near, a second sacrifice is called for to keep it in place.

Both Kiyarran and Issiyanna are needed for the Anniversary. Even though they only just learned of the Veil and neither know the role they must play …

Symbols of Love, Friendship & Life

- Guest Post by Vanna Smythe

All books contain symbols, which are the things that really create that emotional connection between the reader and the story. I have woven several such symbols into the story of my Anniversary of the Veil series, the most important ones being those for Love, Friendship and Life. And they are…

Love Symbolized by White Roses

My two main characters, Kae and Issa, have been best friends for years, but once Kae finally becomes a fully pledged Protector he finds himself falling deeply in love with Issa.  White winter roses, Issa’s favorite flower, symbolize this love. White winter roses are also the flowers Kae’s long dead father would make out of cloth in the dead of winter and leave for Kae’s mother to find.

Friendship Symbolized by Wind

Throughout the story of Protector and the rest of the Anniversary of the Veil Series, the theme of strong friendship between Issa and Kae is one of the most prevalent ones.  This deep friendship they share is symbolized by wind.  Strong gusts of wind blow off the Taiel Sea that borders the capital city. The gusts are so strong that you can lean right into them when standing on the edge of a cliff and you will not fall.

Kae and Issa did this as children, playing on the cliffs that line the shore of the Taiel Sea. Issa is forever afraid that the wind will fail, that the gust will not be strong enough to prevent them from falling into the raging waves.  But the wind never fails, just as their friendship is stronger than anything else.

Life Symbolized by the River

In the world of Protector, the energy of life, the Life Force, flows through all living beings, yet the flow is stronger in some than in others. This flow is like a river, raging in some, barely a stream in others. The ones in whom the flow is strong can manipulate the Life Force, use it to perform a sort of magic that allows them to be in two places at once, feel other people’s emotions, even read their thoughts.

The flow of the Life Force can also be released from certain people, its flow channeled to right a wrong in the world.

GIVEAWAY

The author is giving away e-copies of her book - Protector (Anniversary of the Veil #1) - to THREE winners of the Rafflecopter giveaway.

Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY and ends December 14th 2012!

a Rafflecopter giveaway