Wednesday 31 July 2013

Book Spotlight ~ Hunting With Lawn Darts, The Journey of a Nice Guy in the Dating World - Geoffrey McKeel

Hunting With Lawn Darts, The Journey of a Nice Guy in the Dating World

Description

Chad Jordan is a nice guy. Just one day removed from a split with his longtime girlfriend, Stephanie, he now must venture back into the obscenely unforgiving world of modern dating. Having spent the last four years sequestered from the single life and with an outlook on courtship that expired about half a century ago, Chad soon finds out that being such a gentle soul, with a preternatural connection to his emotional side, does not necessarily supply him an advantage in finding compatibility. Only the most unlikely of refuges may be guiding his monumental struggle to find that special someone.

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Buy Links: Smashwords | Barnes & Noble |  Sony

About the Author

Geoffrey is a military pilot and author with publishing credit in professional military journals. He also blogged about his experiences overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

"Hunting With Lawn Darts" is his first novel and it is an offbeat romantic and social comedy about a nice guy and his foibles, for simply being just an earnest person, in the urban Chicago dating scene. The story is based in a twist of a New Mexico State University study that found women preferring the narcissistic, psychopathic, and Machiavellian bad boys as love interests, at least in the short term.

Geoffrey currently resides in northern Virginia and continues to work on future writing projects, both for the military and for entertainment.

Links
Facebook | Twitter - @GeoffreyMcKeel | Goodreads

Tuesday 30 July 2013

Teaser Tuesday (23) ~ Goddess (Starcrossed #3) - Josephine Angelini




This is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.
To participate you:

* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week's teaser comes from...
Goddess (Starcrossed, #3)

Goddess (Starcrossed #3) - Josephine Angelini

"Lucas followed her to the front of the house. As Noel opened the door, Lucas felt like someone had kicked him in the gut."

Page 204

Monday 29 July 2013

Review ~ Casting Shadows (Flynn #3) - Sophie McKenzie

Casting Shadows (Flynn, #3)
Paperback purchased by myself

Release Date: 4th July 2013

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Pages: 304

Description:

Flynn is making every effort to stay in control of his hot temper, while River feels more content than she's ever been. Together the two of them make big plans for the future, but powerful secrets lurk in the shadows, ready to threaten their happiness.





My Opinion

I really enjoyed the last two books in this series so was looking forward to reading Casting Shadows when I found out about the release date. However I did feel it was lacking compared to the previous books. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it but I guess it just wasn't what I was expecting. 

In the last two books River and Flynn's relationship had been really intense, however I don't think it stayed at the same level, despite them moving in with each other.If anything I found it less intense as they spent more time apart. I don't know how to explain it, but there just felt something different about it all and I started to see everyone's point about Flynn.

Beside that the storyline was incredibly predictable. You could see how everything was going to blow up in River's face a mile off with the not so subtle hints the author kept dropping. I'm not saying this was a bad thing as I still wanted to keep reading but I guess it's obvious in the teen romance genre that there are going to be ups and downs, especially with first loves.

I liked the change Flynn went through in this book. He really matured, well most of the time, and there were really sweet moments where we saw his vulnerable side as he tried to change for the sake of his relationship and River. I loved these sections but then there were others that made me hate him. Before it was Flynn against the world and I was fully supporting him, now I'm not so sure. I guess the next book will have the swing vote on whether I like him or not. I did feel though that maybe a lot of detail was only touched upon as this book is quiet short. There were a few sections I wanted to read more about and parts did go by quickly but again, it was an enjoyable, fast-pace read.

The only thing that really bugs me about this book is the ending. Although there is another book coming in the series I hate the way it is left off. I love romances and I also adore HEAs but this book left me feeling slightly down and disheartened at the uncertain, cliffhanger ending. I wish Sophie McKenzie could write this series in less book that are more of the size of her Blood Ties series as for me I'm always left wanting more.

Overall it's an emotional read that although lacks compared to the first 2, is still easy and fast to get through. I'm disappointed with the ending but I will definitely be reading the next book in the series as I want to see what happens to River and Flynn - although I have my suspicions. 

3.5

                               

Sunday 28 July 2013

Book Spotlights: Life II & Seeking Dr. Magic by Scott Spotson

Life II
Life II

Description
Upon discovering a 1958 book titled "Account of Time Travel on Earth Using Wave Theory," 42-year-old Max Thorning's life is thrown into chaos. Seeking answers to the book's cryptic clues, he discovers Dr. Time, a seemingly benign alien who has control of the Time Weaver, a remarkable device that can command any scene from the Earth's past. Dr. Time offers him a choice to go back into Time, to any point in his lifespan that he can vividly recall. The catch: he can only bring his memories, and can only live the future one day at a time. Follow Max's dilemma as he goes back to his 16-year-old self and tries to forge his destiny into a new one called Life II.

Genre: Science Fiction

Buy Links: Amazon (paperback) | Amazon (kindle)


Seeking Dr. Magic 
Seeking Dr. Magic

Description
Chaos reigns around the world. Strange creatures, accorded the title "Phantom Ninjas" by the media, are leaping off tall buildings and somersaulting back up without any scratch - and then disappear. There follows more spontaneous acts of magic, confounding the world. Who - or what - is responsible? In the middle of the mystery arrives Detective Hetfield, a private investigator just recently retired from the FBI, who is accustomed to fame as a star witness in the murder trial of a beloved actress. Hetfield, seeking ever more celebrity to boost his profile, uses the media to put forward the theory that a person of extraordinary magical powers is behind all the incidents, and labels him Dr. Magic. Hetfield gets much more than what he bargained for when that powerful being does exist - in the form of a young man long disillusioned with his past - and cruelly takes him up on his offer.





Scott Spotson
Genre: Fantasy

Buy Links: Amazon (paperback) | Amazon (kindle)



About the Author
Scott Spotson is a novelist who excels in imagining scenes of intrigue and adventure within ordinary lives while daydreaming, then pulls together various plots to create a compelling story. He likes to invent "what if?" scenarios, for example, what if I could go back to my university days, and what would I do differently? What if I could switch bodies with friends I am jealous of, like the guy who sold his software for millions of dollars and does whatever he pleases? What if I had the power to create clones of myself to do my bidding? Scott then likes to mentally insert himself into these situations, then plot a way to "get out" back to reality. This is how "Life II" and "Seeking Dr. Magic" were born, within weeks of each other. He's still working on dreaming up a situation where he gets to smash a pie in the face of his boss, with no justification whatsoever - how to get out of that one?

Scott loves to travel and is partial to the idea of spending extended vacation at ski resorts up in the mountains. You know, the one like in the James Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" where the view is breathtaking, there's an outdoors hot tub facing a pristine snow covered mountain, and one can warm up inside on a bear skin in front of a huge cobblestone fireplace, sitting on a circular wooden bench fitted with animal pelts and sipping at a mango and pineapple smoothie mixed with a touch of grenadine - okay, he's getting too carried away!


Links

Up Coming Books

Ever busy writing, Scott has two new books in the works, first coming up (September) is Delusional where a young woman in the center of a love triangle is experiencing delusions, but later on we find out that her rival has paranormal abilities, and she is causing these hallucinations to drive that woman away. It’s bizarre as the main character isn’t sure what is real and what isn’t real. Then she investigates these strange happenings with the assistance of a down-hard-on-his-luck detective and gets further caught up in the chaos.

The second book (scheduled for December) is The Four Kings whereby four well-meaning but arrogant wizards (all young adults) take over governing the world, introducing what they see are economic and political reforms to “kickstart” human civilization “by a hundred years.” Thus, the book sets up a cultural clash between the wizards and the humans, as the wizards use the concept of “bread and circuses” to keep their subjects entertained through amazing games of challenge and skill that they put on. We see the story through the eyes of Amanda, who’s human and has been appointed by the wizards as “Supreme Liaison” to act as go-between the humans and the wizards. It should be a fun read!

Saturday 27 July 2013

Book Spotlight ~ A Departure by Tom Ward

A Departure
A Departure

Description
In a heartbeat

Michael's life is good.
He's in love and about to leave home for university. Things couldn't be better.

Then a natural disaster hits Britain.

With his family and friends dead, and no help forthcoming from the government, Michael sets off, alone, aiming to reach the potential safety of the continent. Along the way, he forges a new family amongst the ruins of England when he is joined by former teacher, David, parish council head, Judith, and Zanna, a student.

As the group travels south, what remains of society deteriorates around them, revealing the darkest aspects of human desire. Amongst so much darkness, Michael must fight to uphold his own ideals.

A tale of coming of age on a road where rules no longer apply.

Genre: Literary, dystopian, post-apocalyptic, thriller, coming-of-age

Buy Link: Amazon

About the Author
Tom Ward is a 23 year-old British writer and winner of the GQ Norman Mailer Award. He is represented by the Johnson & Alcock Literary Agency, and also writes for Huffington Post and Sabotage Times. Tony Parsons has called Tomq'uite possibly the best young writer in the country' but Tom thinks this is a slight exageration.

Twitter: @RenegadeViper

Friday 26 July 2013

Release Blitz ~ The Prelude - KaSonndra Leigh



New Adult / Contemporary Romance
Date to be Published: 7/3/2013


"The Prelude is the part of a song that pulls you in, hypnotizing you with beauty."

After finishing design school six months ago, Erin Angelo left her tragic past behind in the States and started a new life in Milan, Italy. Burying the grief, silencing her demons, and living a life without any real attachments has worked well for her so far. But when Erin secures her first real job as a budding clothing designer, her controlled world is shaken to its core by the mysteriously sexy director of the local symphony.

Alek Dostov is a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. He's successful, hot, the son of a millionaire, and women all over the world flock to see one of his performances. For Alek, Erin represents the ultimate challenge: sexy, smart, and unaffected by his charms...or so she thinks. Just like Erin, Alek avoids attachments that leave him emotionally vulnerable. But unlike Erin, his pursuit of all things pleasurable is ruthless.

Knowing how wary they both are concerning any kind of committed relationship, Alek finds a way to pursue Erin, satisfying the intense attraction between them without sacrificing the freedom they both enjoy. Sometimes the deepest passion brings out the darkest emotions. And Erin finds herself completely unprepared for the forbidden world of the young maestro and his truths and even his secrets, as she struggles to deal with her own.

Music, passion, betrayal and forbidden love spun together in one of the most romantic cities in the world.

**This novel contains intense sexual situations and mature language. It is intended for an audience at 18+ years of age.**


EXCERPT


Alek is used to getting his way with women. I probably let him go a little further than I should've done the night of the showing; but hell, I am human and my body has needs. Okay, so we know he has confidence down, and he's damn good with his hands.

But what about the rest of his package?

Can he move that sexy body of his the way I suspect he can?

Well, I guess we'll find out. Choosing one of Milan’s largest nightclubs turns out to be a great idea according to Alek. I’m surprised, but then, not really. There’s this surreal battle going on between us. You know the kind, the type where either one or the both of us will give in to whatever this thing is that we’re feeling for each other. And not even the heated atmosphere of the wildest and most controversial club in Milan can do a thing to hinder the outcome.

“You’ll beg me to kiss you before it’s all said and done,” he told me a few nights ago.
“We’ll see who begs who first, won’t we, Mr. Sexy as Hell?” I lead him to the center of the dance floor. The beat is a thumping disco tune that drives through every part of my body. It is so not helping me to gain the lead in this battle. I turn around, lift my arms and make the first move. “Show me what you got, Mr. Maestro.”

“We’re on, Erin Angelo.”

So arrogant. So sexy. Dangerous is the word I think I’m looking for and hooked is the one I’ll do anything to avoid. Alek moves close to me, his body grinding against my hips. He’s in no way shy about letting me feel how hard he has become. I’m instantly taken aback to that place from a week or so ago, the one where he gave me an orgasm that turned me into a puddle of ooze. Moving back, he takes my hand, laces his fingers with mine and begins moving to the beat.

Holy hell. I’m so in trouble. A guy who can dance like this… Let me repeat it for you, you’re so in trouble, Angelo.

Part of me feels all bubbly inside while the other half is terrified because now Alek’s arms have circled my body. We’re grinding and jerking to a beat that I swear was created just for sex. The words “bang, bang, shot you dead” blast through the speakers. It’s a tune called “Gang Bang” where the singer essentially says she killed her lover because she’s afraid of falling for him, but she used sex instead of a gun to do it. The meaning behind the lyrics hits too close to home to even think about.

The club spins. This man intoxicates me. Everything about him oozes sex. He’s passing the damn can-he-move test and shooting me dead with desire at the same time.

Links to Fun Stuff:




KaSonndra Leigh

Author of the Lost Immortals Saga and the Path Seekers Series. I’m also a mother, blogger, reader, gardener, home renovator, and a slayer of undead Egyptian mummies in Tomb Raider. I believe in karma, coffee, and seriously wish that the producers of Xena would bring my favorite show ever back. 

I was born in the race-car city of Charlotte, NC, and now live in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, NC, when I’m not hanging out in Bardonia (Lost Immortals). Most of my characters are based on people that I’ve met throughout my travels and adventures. People tend to stop and start conversations with me as if I’ve known them my entire life. Does this freak me out? Not really. My mom says that one day I’ll get kidnapped by one of them. I told her that if it weren’t for these lovely people then I wouldn’t be able to create the stories that I do.

Some other common tidbits…hmm. I’ve watched the movie Under the Tuscan Sun almost 200 times. Seriously, the way I see it is if I keep watching it enough, then suddenly the house that Diane Lane lives in will magically appear in my backyard. I know. I have a huge imagination!
Join thousands of Musical Interlude Fans on the Facebook FanPage: https://www.facebook.com/KaSonndraLeighBooksPage
Author Website: www.kasonndraleigh.com
Twitter: @KaSonndraLeigh


Buy Links: 

Thursday 25 July 2013

Review ~ Angel Fever (Angel Trilogy #3) - L. A. Weatherly

Angel Fever (Angel, #3)Paperback purchased by myself

Release Date: 1st Aug (Amazon released earlier in UK)

Publisher: Usborne LTD UK

Description:
In the devastated remains of the world, millions of people live in "refugee" camps provided by the angels who have all but enslaved humanity. As this angelic stranglehold tightens, Willow and Alex are recruiting and training new Angel Killers while struggling to hold ground on the celestial battlefield. But Willow continues to have feelings for Seb, and her love and resolve are tested as a shattering revelation sends Alex on a separate journey. Now that the final battle versus the angels is about to begin-and the fate of the world hangs in the balance-each of them must face the consequences of their own choices. Will love endure? Will the human race survive?

My Opinion

OK so this review is going to be pretty short as I don't want to give anything away and ruin it for you guys as it's the final book in the trilogy. When I saw it had been released early I screamed with happiness, I have been waiting just over a year for this book to be released and because it was due to be released in August I thought I had time to wait to add it to my pre-orders. Needless to say I was a bit disgruntled by having to wait 5 days for post (hey I'm a cheap skate at wasn't paying £12.99 for 1 day delivery even though I wanted to).

Anyway when it came in the post I was so happy! I had to start reading straight away and that was it for the rest of my day. Everything I had planned ended up not getting done as I was enthralled by the beautifully written and engaging finale. This book tugged at my heart strings and almost had me crying in points, the emotions just felt so real and the characters were crafted amazingly throughout the entire series - you just can't help but feel for them.

As well as this the book also had its funny moments and I loved how the author kept switching the atmosphere. Although the reader knows more than Willow (or can predict anyway) it doesn't stop you feeling what she is going through and I thought the author captured her emotions brilliantly even though the parts of the future are predictable. 

It is also the only trilogy that I have read that has a satisfying ending that left me with a feeling of resolve and happiness. I actually had a smile on my face because it ended so well. I'm always nervous starting a final book in a series as I have been disappointed so often (Hunger Games for instance). Angel Fever didn't have this, it came to a natural end that tied up all the loose ends and for once it felt final, not with some unanswered questions that could lead on if the author wished. I'm sure that characters could go on but the way the author left it for me was perfect.

With plenty of action Angel Fever and the entire series will keep you engrossed and reading for hours. I'm sad this series is over but it's definitely going on my re-read pile and I can't wait to see what this author does next; she is one of my new favourites! If you haven't read this series go and buy it now! You won't be disappointed, there's a great romance, a new take on angels that is brilliant and the writing is excellent.


Wednesday 24 July 2013

Book Spotlight - The Tao of Alligators and Crocodiles by J.M Garlock

The Tao of Alligators and Crocodiles
Description
Reviled in the West & revered in the East since time immemorial alligators and crocodiles have historically invoked diametrically opposing reactions in people. Ancient Egyptians and indigenous New World civilizations such as the Maya and Calusa called them living gods. Chinese believe them to be givers of life and health.

Alligators and crocodiles are the physical embodiment of eternal yin and yang. Their mythical, epic-making status has effortlessly allowed them to morph into modern day dragons that have flourished for millennia. They have been immortalized in the Book of the Dead, the Bible, the Urantia Book, Norse and African legends, Babylonian creation epics and Beowulf.

Having much in common with birds, alligators and crocodiles live the Tao in plain sight. This book explains all.

Buy Link: http://www.actionmysteries.com also available on Amazon

About the Author
J.M. Garlock began his career by writing for small, independent publishers. For 19 years he contributed regularly to Firehouse Magazine reporting on catastrophic weather events such as hurricanes and tornadoes.

J.M. has written extensively about reptiles, amphibians and turtles for many national publications including Reptiles Magazine, Reptile and Amphibian Hobbyist, the Florida Naturalist, Wildland Firefighter and Florida Currents. His photographs of American alligators, native and nonnative crocodiles, venomous and nonvenomous snakes, and endangered and threatened sea turtles accompanied the articles.

His human conflict articles have appeared in America's Civil War, North and South Magazine and The World and I. For The Artilleryman he wrote a series of articles on 18th and 19th Century seacoast fortifications from New York City to the Dry Tortugas, Florida

J.M. has also published articles in Cat Fancy Magazine, The Chronicle of the Horse, The Morgan Horse, Fire Rescue Magazine, Woman Engineer, Minority Engineer, Key West Citizen, Calgary's Humane Voice and The American Humane Association Magazine.

His favorite and most influential authors are Raymond Chandler, George V. Higgens, ParLagerkvist, Louis Ferdinand Celine and Andre Malraux. His interests include Formula One racing and film noir.

Tuesday 23 July 2013

Summer Discount - Reading Addiction Blog Tour



Time is almost up to take advantage of the Reading Addiction Blog Tours Summer Discount. All Tours/PROMO's must start before August 31st to be eligible. 
*Note, there is a 2-week notice for all PROMO's and a 4-week notice for all Tours! So make sure you book ASAP! *




Summer Discount PROMOTION


Reading Addiction Blog Tours will is offering 15% Off to
All Authors who book a Tour/PROMO this summer!
(Tours must start by August 31st)
Contact us HERE and mention the CODE WORD: SUMMER




Sunday 21 July 2013

Book Spotlight - Firestorm: Descent (Firestorm Part 1) by Alan Porter

Firestorm: Descent (Firestorm Part 1)

Description

A world ravaged by war; humanity on the brink.
A stranger comes from another time.
Is he the saviour mankind has been waiting for... or something far darker?

When an accident with an experimental Time Machine plunges David Tweed into another dimension, at first he thinks he got lucky. He's alive, and the world in which he finds himself seems remarkably familiar.
Soon, however, he begins to realise how strange this world really is, how tangible is the evil that crawls across the shattered landscape.
But strangest of all, everyone he meets seems to have been expecting him. How do they know who he is, and just what have they been waiting for him to do?

Alan Porter weaves a deceptively simple story of one man's courage in the face of overwhelming odds. Yet Firestorm is also a fiendishly complex puzzle, where time twists in on itself and nothing is ever quite what it seems.

Genre: Sci-fi/horror

Buy Links: Author's Website | Amazon


About the Author
Alan Porter is a UK author who is rapidly gaining a loyal following of readers who appreciate his unique brand of horror. His books may have their roots firmly in the horror genre, but always deliver far more than just thrills and spills (of guts or anything else!).

Thought-provoking, complex and often ambiguous, these are books that will stay with you long after the final page.

Saturday 20 July 2013

Book Spotlight - Makai Queen by Tara Fairfield, Ed.D.

PictureMakai Queen

Description
Off the coast of Lanai, far beyond the sailboats, there is a hidden world beneath the beryl-blue sea, the marvelous kingdom of Moku-ola, a place where man and beast live in harmony. Unknown and forbidden to those living above the surface, it has never been discovered....until now.

Tessa, a curious teenager with a taste for adventure roams the sandy beaches of Lanai. Feeling lost and hurt she longs for meaning and a place in this world. By chance, Tessa encounters a mysterious man who appears to be drowning. The attempted rescue puts her own life in danger as she is abducted and dragged out to sea.

Far beneath the oceans surface, Tessa is brought to the frightening and wondrous land of Moku-ola. As the dangers of this world threaten her very survival, Tessa must overcome the barriers of self-doubt to discover the keys to her royal destiny.

Genre: YA fantasy



Author Bio

Dr. Fairfield is a licensed psychologist, christian, author and speaker. Her novel, Makai Queen was released on 2/7/13.


You can follow Dr. Fairfield on twitter at: @makaiqueen or at http://www.makaiqueen.com

Friday 19 July 2013

Review ~ Friday Night Alibi - Cassie Mae (ARC)

Friday Night AlibieARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Release Date: 29th July 2013

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Flirt

Description:
In the wealthy town of Sundale, Kelli Pinkins has hatched the perfect plan to capitalize on her sweet reputation. For a generous fee, she will be every trust-fund baby’s dream: a Friday-night alibi, the “girlfriend” or “BFF” that parents dream about. With college approaching in the fall, Kelli’s services are in demand more than ever, which means that her social life is nonexistent. But Kelli is A-okay with that. She’s raking in cash for school. Besides, relationships are tricky, and sometimes very messy. She’d rather be at home on Xbox LIVE, anyway. Then the unexpected happens: She meets college stud Chase Maroney.

Chase isn’t like the preppy, privileged guys Kelli usually meets in Sundale. For starters, he’s twentysomething, always wears black, and he shoots back one-liners as fast as she can dish them out. But Kelli’s attempts to drive Chase away falter when she realizes that he treats her like he reallyknows her, like he cares about knowing her. When Kelli finally gives in to the delicious kiss she’s been fighting for so long, she faces a tough decision: make Chase a real-life boyfriend and risk her heart . . . or keep her clients and lose her first true love.

My Opinion

I'm really getting into the new adult genre right now, with their steamy romance so I was ecstatic to add this book to my tbr pile when I got accepted to read it. However for me this book is more YA (even though the characters are 18-21) in terms of the romance and attitude. This didn't stop me enjoying though, and it was a quick book to relax with.

First of all I loved how the book started, with the different price packages Kelli had for being an alibi. It really intrigued me and I found myself smiling from page one. I really liked the concept and thought it was original and a fresh take on the standard romance plot line. I may have to try it myself as I prefer curling up with a book on a Friday than going out partying - just kidding, sort of...

As well as this I loved the playful teasing and banter that went on between Chase and Kel. It was sweet, funny and did make me laugh as they tried to one up each other all the time. You could see what was developing but I liked how the author postponed the romance and built the tension between them. Some moments were pretty intense. I also liked Kel's wit. She was smart-mouthed and not afraid to give as good as she got (well unless it came down to true feelings). I love strong female leads and although Kelli has her issues that makes her vulnerable, I like how Chase and her connected over them.

One issue I have with the book is the age at which the characters are supposed to be. Being a new adult book I know they have to be within the age bracket they are but it just didn't feel right. Kelli is meant to be 18 but she seems so immature and naive. Being 18 myself I could never imagine myself or anyone I know 'blowing raspberries,' it's like a primary/early high school thing and just felt very childish. There were a few other problems with age and language that didn't fit. At times it felt like the author was trying to be too young/cool with her language and use all the stereotypes. I don't know if it's a British thing but after about the age of 15 it becomes uncool to use text talk and clippings such as 'whatevs.' That may just be me being picky but it really irritates me to read. This is why for me - besides the lack of steamy/passionate romance - this book seems to suit the YA genre better.

As well as this, as much as I liked Kelli as the lead character, her internal monologue did become slightly annoying at times, especially when she uses 'hello!' 'Barf,' 'Bleck,' a lot to express her feelings towards something or other. It was used frequently and the repetitiveness started to become annoying. As well as this by the end the only way the author described how Chase made Kelli feel was by using a comparison to popcorn popping. I don't mind this but there are only so many times I can read it and I found myself wishing for a different simile, it was just repetitive. 

The only other thing was there were a few continuity issues where Kelli would say something and then it would not be the same in a few pages. I know this is an ARC so hopefully they will get picked up as I did find myself having to skip back to check whether I was imagining/read something wrong previously - I hadn't just so you know.

Overall this is a sweet romance that does keep you hooked with it's original take on a high school romance. There are a lot of cliches, and repetitiveness but it's enjoyable and something that is an easy summertime, beach read. For me it is more YA than NA as there isn't much steamy romance sections and the characters do not act their age but it's still a sweet romance and I enjoyed the playful relationship.

3.5
                               
  

Thursday 18 July 2013

Release Day Post - Mark of the Dragon - Bill Morgan and M.R Polish

Mark of the Dragon
By
Bill Morgan and M.R. Polish


In a land of warriors and dragons, 
everything is going to change...



Blurb

Countries are divided and war is raging, but none of that matters to Andra. She knows deep down that she is destined to be a dragon rider. There has never been a woman rider, but that doesn’t matter to Andra either. After her father's death, she trains harder than any man to be a worthy candidate. Even when the Aquastrian leader wants her dead, she fights back. Can she overcome traveling hundreds of miles on foot, surviving hunger, bandits, assassins and wild carnivores?

Liam is just another warrior who hopes he is worthy of the Mark of the Dragon. He must endure the long trek from Aquastra to Santerrian and avoid all people and especially those who may be hired to kill him. Meeting Andra along the way changes everything. He fights to help her and kills to protect her, but will it be enough to get them both to their dragons before it's too late?






Mysts of Santerrian World Map



Mark of the Dragon is available now on:
Kindle
Nook




About the Authors:
M.R. Polish was born in Idaho, a long, long, long, maybe not that long time ago.... Writing has always been there for her. Growing up, her mind was filled with stories, some she shared and others she filed away to write down later in life. It wasn't until 2011 that she decided to publish her stories for everyone to enjoy. Her first award and when writing became more than just an idea was in the 5th grade. She won the scary story contest for the school newspaper. It is one story she still has tucked away for memories. Her teacher told her she could be anything she wanted and that she had a talant for writing, being creative and drawing people into her stories. M.R. took that to heart and continued to write, although mostly in secret until recent years. 
Now you can find her enjoying life with her family - wrangling her four kids, setting traps in the house with toys for unsuspecting victims (aka, her husband) and writing down all her crazy and fun stories. 

"Life is too short to stand by and watch everyone else live your dreams. The bigger the dream, the bigger the adventure!" ~ M.R. Polish

You can find M.R. here:



Bill Morgan is M.R.’s dad, and if she was born that long ago, You all

should shudder at how long ago he was born. He has always been
creative. As an amateur artist and an avid woodworker, he always
could see the hidden beauty in a blank piece of paper or a piece of
wood. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1986 and spent twenty years
saving lives and serving his country. He always
had stories running
around in his head, but he never tried to put them onto paper until
M.R. convinced him to do this book with her. Now he is actively
writing two additional sci-fi/fantasy novels. Hopefully she hasn’t
created a monster. Bill’s favorite thing is his family. He has a
wonderful wife, two adult daughters, four sisters, and more
wonderful nieces and nephews than you can believe. His last count
was over one hundred and he loves them all. One of his favorite
quotes comes from a movie, but it applies to writing a fictional novel
as well:
“Don’t know where we’re going, but there’s no sense in being late.”

You can find Bill here:









Wednesday 17 July 2013

Book Spotlight - The Rebel's Promise by Jane Godman

The Rebel's Promise

Description

It is December 1745. Rosie rescues a Jacobite rebel from certain death and a passionate attachment blossoms. But Jack is wanted for treason and must flee the country. Believing he has been killed in battle at Culloden, Rosie is forced into a distasteful betrothal. When Jack returns, he is unable to hide the anguish he feels at her betrayal ... and Rosie dare not risk both their lives by telling him the truth. It seems the only feelings which remain between them are bitterness and anger. But, when danger throws them together again, they are reminded of the tenderness they once shared.

The Rebel’s Promise book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK4w-ci2bU4

Buy Links:



Author Bio:

I am an avid reader of historical romances, and have always enjoyed writing (I still have a copy of the medieval novel I wrote, in felt tip pen, aged 14!).
My romances are set in the Georgian era - from the wild passion of the Jacobite rebellion to the charm and formality of the Regency - with heroes and heroines you fall instantly in love with, fascinating and amusing supporting characters and luscious settings.
I live in England and love to travel to European cities which are steeped in history and romance. Venice, Dubrovnik and Vienna are amongst my favourites. I am a teacher, married to a lovely man, mum to two grown up children and slave to a spoilt-brat cat. 
I love to hear from readers and can be contacted at:


'The Rebel's Promise' is my debut historical romance, set in Georgian England during the Jacobite rebellion. It was published by Front Porch Romance in February 2013.

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