Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Creatura

CreaturaCreatura by Nely Cab

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I've noticed something about the reviews for this book. Everybody seems to either love it or hate it. I'm a rare breed that would rate this somewhere in the middle. I would give this one 3.5 stars but feeling generous I rounded up instead of down. Its a nice read with a cliffhanger ending, but there were a few things I didn't like about it.

Isis is 17 and suffers from insomnia because a creature in a re-occuring nightmare is keeping her up. Soon she realizes that he's real and in the real world he's not scarey after all. David is the boy from her nightmare that soon falls in love with Isis despite warnings that they can never be together. Isis starts out as a strong female character that had recently broken up with a long time boyfriend who is only interested in keeping her grades up and going to college. But when David comes along some of that changes. She finds out that she's not who she thought she was and wonders about her future. But she still wishes to have a normal life somehow.

Much of the book is a sappy love story complete with poetry (I admit, I skipped over it). And a strange twist on the paranormal with demons and creatura. And while I admit it's important to stress abstinence, the author really beats you over the head with this idea. The character of Isis was a bit too forgiving to be even close to realistic. Someone tries to kill her and she's like ok just don't do it again.

Overall, it was a fun story. A little to sappy for my tastes but I still enjoyed it. The twist at the very ending was a bit unexpected and I am definitely curious to see where this is going. If you enjoy YA/PR and sappy teen love stories then you should pick this one up.



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The Enemy Book Blast


The EnemyThe Enemy

A red-hot political thriller from a blue state author.

Buried among the thousands of financial transactions he reviews each day, analyst Randy Duncan finds a secret web of laundered money financing the assassination of the President, which, in turn, will lead the country into war. Can Randy and his law-student daughter Clare follow the money and stop the enemy in time? In a political thriller worthy of Dan Brown, Richard Condon, and Allen Drury, award-winning novelist Larry Bograd charts a political thriller sure to keep you reading and leave you sleepless wondering and worried about who really controls America.









Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Goodreads







larryAuthor Larry Bograd

Larry Bograd has published more than two dozen books, primary for children and young adults--and now his first eBook original, "The Enemy."

He is also a playwright, screenwriter, and filmmaker. He is president of Roundtable Media Group, which produces documentary films, Web shows, and events.



 

 

Book Blast Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participat author/publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Prize value $100 US.



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The Storm Bottle





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The Storm Bottle


Swimming with dolphins is said to be the number one thing to do before you die. For 12-year-old Michael, it very nearly is. A secret boat trip has gone tragically wrong, and now he lies unconscious in hospital.

But when Michael finally wakes up, he seems different. His step sister Bibi is soon convinced that he is not who he appears to be. Meanwhile, in the ocean beyond Bermuda’s reefs, a group of bottlenose dolphins are astonished to discover a stranger in their midst – a boy lost and desperate to return home.

Bermuda is a place of mysteries. Some believe its seas are enchanted, and the sun-drenched islands conceal a darker past, haunted with tales of lost ships. Now Bibi and Michael are finding themselves in the most extraordinary tale of all.

Book Trailer




Praise

'I loved it... An absolute winner.'
- LA Weatherly, author of the Angel Burn trilogy

'A writer who knows how to grip the imagination, make you sit on the edge of your chair, and make you laugh out loud.'
- Michelle Lovric, author of The Undrowned Child, The Mourning Emporium and The Book of Human Skin

'If you only ever buy one Kindle book in your life (although that sounds a bit unlikely, now that I stop and think) this has to be it.'
- The Bookwitch blog.


Author Nick Green

Nick Green is a UK children's and YA author, best known for his trilogy The Cat Kin, published in the UK by Strident Publishing and in Germany by Ravensburger, and also as a BBC audiobook. He has appeared on BBC radio talking about his books, and has been shortlisted for two UK children's book awards. He regularly does school visits and other children's literary events. The Storm Bottle is his first straight-to-Kindle novel.

Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 5/26/13

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Monday, May 13, 2013

Children's Book Week Giveaway Hop

 
 
Children’s Book Week Giveaway Hop
May 13th – 19th
Hosted by 
& I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
What is Children’s Book Week?
Established in 1919, Children’s Book Week is the longest-running literacy initiative in the country. Each year, books for young people and the joy of reading are feted for a full week with author and illustrator appearances, storytelling, parties, and other book-related events at schools, libraries, bookstores, museums, and homes from coast to coast!
For more information please visit: http://www.bookweekonline.com/
 
 
Up for grabs is my copy of Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms. You can check out my review here.
 
 
 
 
 
As usual, this giveaway is international and its not a requirement to be follower but its always appreciated.
 

 

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Saturday, May 11, 2013

Beguiled





Urania Sarri lives in Korinthia, Greece with her husband and sons.
She holds a BA in English Language and Literature and an Msc in Teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). She specializes in teaching English to young adults and she totally adores her job. While doing so, she takes any opportunity to convey to her students the passion of reading. She is fascinated by paranormal stories and appreciates good romance whenever she gets her hands on it!








Friday, May 10, 2013

Nevermore Press Launch

Nevermore Press is an all-inclusive full service Publisher that incorporates all things Public Relations and Professionalism. Our team is there for our authors. Everything is handled in house by authors for authors. Nevermore Press handles all genre’s and will only give our readers the best of every genre available. 


Nevermore Press started as a PR company, we love helping other authors and taking the stress out of the promotion headache of publishing. It was only natural to take our love of publishing, and promoting to the next level. This is when Nevermore Press was born. We have hit the ground running and are currently accepting submissions. Visit www.Nevermorepress.com to meet our team and see what we have in store for our readers!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

After the Ending

After The Ending (The Ending, #1)After The Ending by Lindsey Fairleigh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Awesome read!! I'm always up for a good apocalyptic/dystopia and this pretty much fit the bill. I admit, there were some holes in the plausibility factor, but I'll get to those. I first considered this to be a YA, but towards the end the sex scenes are definitely too much for the under 18 readers.

This is the story of two friends, separated across country when a savage strain of flu virus nearly wipes everybody out. Dani and Zoe have been friends since grade school and now they are working to find each other after all has happened. The story moves back and forth between them along with emails that tie them together.

This is a really fun read, with some great characters. I loved how it moved back and forth between the two main characters. And the integration of their new found abilities. Mostly it seems that its all mind generated abilities like telepathy and clairvoyance. There's no X-men like powers such as controlling fire or anything like that. I did find two big plausibility problems with this story. First of all, its the apocalypse and suddenly the phones aren't working, but they all seem to find wifi wherever they are. Secondly, the love triangles on both sides of this story seem to be almost identical. It doesn't matter that one girl lost the love of her life she's all ready to fall in love again. It doesn't hurt I guess that everybody is hot, everyone is slim or well built and gorgeous. I guess all the average people died in the flu outbreak.

Overall, its a fun read. It had a great cliff hanger. I so want to see how this continues.





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Kindle Fire Giveaway

May Kindle Giveaway


This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER SPONSORED GIVEAWAY!



Kindle Fire HD 7" Giveaway
The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HD (US Only)


Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)


Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)





Sponsoring Bloggers & Authors
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  36. Auggie Talk
  37. Phantasmic Reads
  38. Kerry Taylor
  39. Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf
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Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7" HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).

Ends 5/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Journey of Promise

When converts Richard and Leah Kenyon leave Wales and heed the call to Zion, they are unprepared for the toll exacted by the journey. To face the incredible odds mounted against them they call upon the Lord's tender mercies to see them through and strengthen their love for one another. Their story will remind you where to turn during your trials.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble








All That Was Promised

In 1847 Wales Methodist Minister Richard Kenyon converts to Mormonism. Richard’s newfound faith is put to the test when he faces the anger of his former congregation, his wife’s indecisiveness, his brother’s betrayal, and the murderous intentions of misinformed villagers.



Amazon * Barnes & Noble







Excerpt 1 from Journey of Promise:

          Her heart thudded in her chest as she turned and walked up the gangway. Richard paused and looked back to say something to the Saints, but she didn’t stop to listen, making her way onto the ship. She stood on the deck of the steamer as the autumn breezes blew cool and damp off Cardiff Bay. Her heart knotted as she looked out over the pier, hoping against hope that her mother might come to say good-bye. I don’t want to leave . . . I can’t . . . this is home . . .
            She pressed her lips together and choked back tears as her eyes scanned the fringes of her native village. Her gaze rose to the hills, still green, to the sky awash in clouds, then down to the surging bay. The smell of briny water filled her nostrils and the call of seabirds cried overhead. Leah closed her eyes, attempting to etch the pictures in her mind, and called upon her memory to remember Wales and never forget.
            Richard slid his arm around Leah’s shoulders. “ ’Tis hard, I know,” he said as if he could read her mind.
            His touch gave her a sense of reassurance. She could feel his strength lending itself to her, lifting and carrying her beyond doubt. Richard kissed her temple and held her as the ropes were loosed from the moorings. She turned to him, her eyes burning into his. “Let me look at you, Richard.Let me look to you and our future. I cannot bear to watch us leave . . .”



Author Vickie Hall

Vickie is a native of Utah, but growing up, lived in the states of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Nebraska. When she's not writing, she's composing music, or shopping with her sister. She loves animals of all kinds and camping with her family. Her favorite pastime is watching old movies on TCM, and unashamedly has a crush on Cary Grant.
Links:







Tour Giveaway

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Ends 5/26/13





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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

David's Song

davids tour
 
 

 
 
David's Song

Taken from the book cover: Annie only ever really loved two men in her life. One broke her heart, the other married her. Four children and fifteen years later, Annie’s marriage is in jeopardy. Money is tight and her husband questions the very foundation of their relationship. When Annie is unexpectedly given the opportunity to see the young man who broke her heart — a man who is now a megastar in the music industry — Annie is faced with choices. Choices that will determine what is of more value — a second chance at lost love and unfulfilled dreams or commitment, trust, and love built on years of experience.

A psychologically subtle, yet compelling tale about how the instinct and need for love overcomes self-doubt and personal inadequacy.




 




Author A.R. Talley

April R Talley was born and raised in the Rubber City, Akron, Ohio in 1959. She is the youngest of six children. She attended Brigham Young University for a time, but withdrew to work fulltime for Osmond Productions in Orem, Utah as a member of The Osmond production staff. After a brief stint working in television, she returned to Akron to finish her education. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Mass Media Communications in 1981. April later worked as vice president and part owner of a dance and sportswear boutique. Married in 1982, she is the proud mother of seven children and is deeply involved in volunteer work for her church. April spends her time working on future projects, caring for home and family, and traveling. David’s Song is her debut novel and the first of a trilogy.


Excerpt
“It’s an amazing city,” he said when he saw me look out the window. I didn’t reply. “You’re uncomfortable,” he added. “Why don’t you come and sit down. We have some hors d’oeurves.”

I turned and looked at him. “What do you want from me tonight?”

He paused before speaking. “I hoped we could catch up some and maybe clear the air a little. It’s been a long time,” he said, as if I didn’t know it had been fifteen years.

I walked over and joined him at the table, unceremoniously dropping into the chair. He sat down across from me.

“Okay, go ahead, clear,” I said.

“I don’t remember you being quite so hostile,” he said with a twinkle.

“Can’t say that I remember feeling so defensive.”

“How about if we just talk, enjoy a nice meal, and then I will sufficiently grovel at your feet.”

“Groveling’s good. Why don’t we just get it over with now?” Then I could leave, be done with this nonsense and enjoy the rest of my vacation. He took a deep breath and laughed lightly.

“Annie, please, I’m eating humble pie here tonight. Can we do it my way?”

I looked at him across the table without smiling. I didn’t want to give in no matter how sweetly and sincerely he asked. I didn’t want to make anything easy for him.

“I see. You’re used to getting your own way now, huh?”

He grinned. “Maybe so.”

“Why spoil a good dinner? Let’s go straight to dessert right now,” I said. “Groveling sounds like a delicious treat.”

“My way?” he asked again, trying to be charming.

“If you insist,” I replied, grudgingly.

He offered me the plate of stuffed mushrooms. I declined.

“So how do you like teaching school?” he asked.

. “I like it well enough.”

“As I recall, you seemed to think it would suit you well. Does it?”

“It’s a job. I like teaching, but you know every year I get a new group of kids, and I get really attached to them and when June comes around they all . . . leave me.”

He choked a little on his mushroom. “Couldn’t let that little dig go, could you?”

This time I smiled back at him and said, “Whatever do you mean?” There was no way on earth I was going to let him take me off the defensive. Not with his charming talk or his smile or even those cursed blue eyes. This was closure. Wasn’t that what Carolyn said? And maybe a little bit of payback, too.

“So how do you like performing?” I asked in the same condescending tone he had used.

“I like it well enough,” he said in echo to my earlier response. I knew he was trying to return my indifference, but he couldn’t hide the smile when he said it.

“As I recall, you seemed to think it would suit you well,” I said. “Does it?”

At this he laughed. “Okay, okay, I surrender. This is like dancing with a cobra,” he added under his breath. “I like performing most of the time. But there are certainly days when I think I should have chosen something different. I could be some obscure professor at a university teaching music.”

“Well, that’s not all it’s cracked up to be either.”

He chuckled. “This from the girl who wanted to be a teacher.”

“Not exactly. More from the wife of an academic. Jeremy teaches at a small college in Ohio. It has its challenges, believe me, long hours and little pay. Nothing nearly as fine as this,” I said, glancing around the room. He chuckled again and leaned toward me in his chair.

“It’s a prison,” he said quietly.







Praise from reviews on Goodreads.com

"Not just your typical romance novel" - Tracy Williams

"David's Song is great read that leaves you thinking about the story and pondering your own relationships". - Anna Pavkov

"Sucked me in from the 1st page" - Jill Walker

"Loved this book . . . could not put it down!" - Dana Vieira





Blog Tour Giveaway

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Ends 5/15/13



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