How to Kill A Romance Writer Cosmic Blast and Giveaway

 
Title: How to Kill a Romance Writer  
Author: Jacy Oliver & Bryant James  
Genre: Romance  
Published: May 2014
Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble  

Synopsis: The Hopeless Romantic Jenna Michaels is a romance writer who believes in every word she writes. One day prince charming will come knocking on her door and make her a bride just like the ones she creates in her books. The Cynical Bastard Alex James, is living his dream as a mom and pop pizza place owner. A nasty divorce taught him that love doesn't exist. He believes the best cure for love is a cynical attitude and a piece of pizza. When Jenna accidentally orders a pizza from Alex's store, the two become locked in contentious debate about whether love is myth. A debate that leads to the question that will change the course of both of their lives: How do you kill a romance writer?  
Authors Bio: Jacy Oliver has always had a thing about writing, she is a college grad, and when she’s not writing she spends most of her days working the family business, playing with her nieces and nephews, taking vacations, walking her little neurotic dog Oscar, or looking at Pinterest. Bryant James is graphic artist, writer and practicing cynic.
 Authors Links: Mailing List | Facebook

  Giveaway: Jacy Oliver is giving away a Kindle Paperwhite. Open Worldwide -Ends 23rd July 2014

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Review: Ivy Vines by Judy Serrano

Title: Ivy Vines: Visions (The Ivy Vines Series Book #1)
Author: Judy Serrano
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Fantasy
Length: 246 pages approx

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ivy-Vines-Visions-ebook/dp/B00H32U8KA/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386133359&sr=1-7&keywords=Judy+Serrano

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ivy-vines-visions-judy-serrano/1117497324?ean=2940045447669

Smashwords:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/379068

Synopsis:

Moving to Sedona was the only way Ivy could think of to start over. She would meet her high school sweetheart and work on making things right between them. Her psychic abilities were gradually becoming a curse and she needed a new start. Little does she know that when she applies for a waitressing job at a local, upscale French bistro, she will come in contact with the dark and mysterious Eli Dubois. What she doesn’t realize is she has just walked into the middle of the Vortex Murders, which involve a great deal of paranormal activity. Elijah’s army of seers are being murdered, one by one, which seems to be magnifying Ivy’s special abilities.

Eli’s best friend, Jake, arrives on the scene and reveals the secret that changes everything. With nowhere to turn, Ivy leans on the two men who offer her solace. And who is the old woman in the 

shroud? Is she a vision, a dream, or is she real? Only time will tell.

Review

Though I do not read paranormal romances usually this book had me hooked from the start. I loved how the suspense and mystery has been woven into what would have been a normal romance. I liked Ivy and Jake as a couple and it shows how sometimes the person we think we are made for may to be the perfect person for us.

Well written with the perfect mix of frights and romance. 

Author Bio: 

Judy Serrano graduated from Texas A&M University, Commerce with a BA in English. She is the owner of Alpha Editing and is an adjunct professor at a local college. She is a freelance writer for certain on-line publications and writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels. She is the author of The Easter’s Lilly Series, the Linked Series, and Ivy Vines, Visions.

Although she is originally from New York, she currently resides in Texas with her husband, four children, (all boys) and five dogs. She is also a singer/songwriter in her spare time.

Author links:

Website: www.JudySerrano.com
Blog : www.JudySerranoAuthor.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/authorjserrano
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudySerranoAuthor?ref=ts
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4792103.Judy_Serrano

Schedule

3/3- http://unplainjane.weebly.com

3/4- http://www.reviewsunleashed.com

3/5- http://www.ashabutterflys.com/

3/6- http://sparkling4books.blogspot.com

3/7- http://dogearz.blogspot.co.uk

3/8- http://pinkmamasplace.com

3/9- http://inloveandlacquer.blogspot.com

3/10- http://pinkreina.wordpress.com/

3/11- http://victoriasgossip.com/blog

3/13- http://fairytalereviews.com/

3/14- http://www.thegrandshuckett.com

3/15- http://www.singlemommywarrior.com

3/16- http://penpaperpad.com

Tour banner can be found herehttp://cmbooktours.com/ivy-vines-visions-tour-schedule/

From Infatuation to Obsession Book Review

Title: From Infatuation to Obsession, and All the Phases In-Between
Author: Emma Husher
Genre: Romantic Comedy Novella
Length: 94 pages approx
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop (January 21, 2014)

Buy Links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Infatuation-Obsession-All-Phases--Between-ebook/dp/B00HYJ7DBY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1390337426&sr=1-1&keywords=Emma+husher TWCS: http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/books/detail/128


Synopsis:
Patrice Minner has had a horrible day. In fact, her life has been nothing but one loss after another. Through it all, her two best friends have been by her side. When the object of every woman’s fantasy passes through her life, Shelby and Becca persuade Patrice to go after him. Never have been the one to investigate her girlie side, Patrice lets her friends show her the finer ways of the sensual woman. But will it be enough to entice the infamous Austin Tate?

Review:

I love to read the odd romance and this being short was even more enjoyable. I am always looking for shorter novels to read at the doctors while I wait with the children or in the car as a passenger of course. The characters in the novella are people who we seem to deal with daily and they are down-to earth.
The slight confusion about the location in one of the final scenes seems to have spoilt a little of the timeline of the book and that seemed to make me lose interest which is a shame because the book is quite enjoyable otherwise.


Author Bio:
Emma Husher is a storyteller with a mind occupied by romantic fantasies, comedy, and steamy nights between the sheets. She spends her extra time putting pen to paper, creating characters and storylines that leave her readers begging for more. Her works delve into her world of late nights, hot bods, and erotic dreams.

Emma lives on the West Coast where she enjoys sunsets, walks on the beach, and writing in the warm sun.

Author Links:
Website: www.EmmaHusher.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaHusher
Twitter: https://twitter.com/emmahusher
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/108382522235795955401/108382522235795955401/posts Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7210709.Emma_Husher



Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4jPrms-z14

Book Review: Robbing Mind

Title: How Attitude and Intention Helped Prevent a Fate Worse Than Death Author: Chuck Collins Genre: True Story Length: 132 pages

Buy Links: Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Robbing-Mind-Attitude-Intention-Prevent/dp/0615892248/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1385784187&sr=8-5&keywords=chuck+collins
Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/401638


Synopsis:
In the summer of 2013, Mystery Writer and Radio Personality Chuck Collins was diagnosed with a deadly form of brain cancer. This is the story of how he and a special community of professionals, friends and family made the best of a very bad situation. Portions of proceeds (60%) will go to aid families dealing with brain health issues. Go to RobbingMind.com for more information.

Review

I think this book was very well written as one can only imagine what it's like to be hit by cancer even more so with brain cancer. It was lovely to see the support of family and friends that helped make what would have been a very hard journey, so much lighter.
To be able to go through something like this and then to relive it in again in one's writing can be difficult and it was so well done by the author. An interesting read.

Author Bio:
Chuck Collins is a 40-year veteran of broadcasting and media in Northeast Ohio, most recently in Akron, Ohio. He is currently operations director with Rubber City Radio Group, WAKR, WQMX, WONE, and has been on the WAKR air 10-3pm weekdays for the last 7 years.
Chuck has written four novels and published hundreds of essays for online and other publications. He has supported the performing arts with leadership roles in the Greater Akron Musical Association and continues to work with alcoholics and recovery services as a trustee with IBH, Addiction Recovery Center.
Chuck and his wife Monika are devoted to family and community and live in Hudson, Ohio.



This book review is part of the book tour by CM Book Tours.

Snake Typhoon Book Review

Synopsis:

Move over Lara Croft, there’s a new action hero in town!

When unseasonable weather hits the sunshine city of Brisbane, a freak typhoon terrorizes the citizens. It’s not just any typhoon though, it’s a snake typhoon! And the deadliest snakes in Australia, with venomous fangs are flying straight for Kez.

Kez is the new girl in the office and she’s desperately fighting to prove herself, but what’s a girl to do when faced with a typhoon of snakes coming straight for her helicopter?

These flying diabolical snakes will stop at nothing to kill their victims and Kez only has one option: Figure out how to stop a snake typhoon and save the world... or die trying!

Review:

Short stories are my thing at the moment as I never find enough time to read through longer novels. The book takes you straight into the action of the story with no frills. Kez, akin, to a self made super hero has to save the world from nothing else but a snake typhoon! It is a very witty read and I love Billie Jones' humour. Comical characters, well written descriptions and utterly laugh out loud humour make it a very enjoyable read.

Author Bio:

Billie Jones is a writer from Australia who enjoys imaging herself wrestling killer crocodiles and swimming with great white sharks. She thinks she may have to attempt base jumping so she can write about it and Bungee is on the list too. You can find her either in front of her computer writing about her fictional adventures or at the beach searching for the next perfect wave.

Author Links:

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/billiejoneswrites

Twitter http://www.twitter.com/bjoneswrites

Book Review: The Weight of a Feather and other stories

Title: The Weight of a Feather and Other Stories
Author: Judy Croome
Genre: Short Story anthology
Length: 200 pages

Publisher: Aztar Press; 1 edition (October 22, 2013)

Synopsis:

“The promise implicit in an anthology is that it aspires to present something different, unexpected”  Joyce Carol Oates (Introduction to The Oxford Book of American Short Stories) 

From the classical form of ‘The Weight of a Feather’, first published by The Huffington Post (2013), to the suggestive allegory of ‘The Leopard and The Lizard’, this collection of short stories by South African author Judy Croome is an ideal mix of the familiar and the startling.

These vibrant slices of life testify to the mysterious and luminous resources of the human spirit. Whether feeling the harrowing emotion in ‘The Last Sacrifice’ or the jauntiness of ‘Jannie Vermaak’s New Bicycle’, the reader will delight in a plethora of stories that cross boundaries to both challenge and entertain with their variety.

Review:

I like reading anthologies simply because I never have enough time to complete a story. It's nice to be able to finish a story in one go.
I liked the stories in it though I didn't really enjoy the stories that were just a page long as it did not make sense to me. I prefer reading stories with more of a storyline. The book seemed like too many stories were pushed into it.
Having said that, Judy Croome is a talented writer and I do look forward to reading more of her writing as she has a great writing style.

Author Bio:

Judy Croome lives and writes in Johannesburg, South Africa. Shortlisted in the African Writing Flash Fiction 2011 competition, Judy’s short stories and poems have appeared in various magazines and anthologies, such as the Huffington Post and the University of the Witwatersrand’s Itch Magazine. Her books “The Weight of a Feather & Other Stories” (2013), “a Lamp at Midday” (2012) and “Dancing in the Shadows of Love” (2011) are available. Judy loves her family, cats, exploring the meaning of life, chocolate, cats, rainy days, ancient churches with their ancient graveyards, cats, meditation and solitude. Oh, and cats. Judy loves cats (who already appear to have discovered the meaning of life.)  She is currently researching child murders for her next novel and you can visit Judy on www.judycroome.com or join her on Twitter @judy_croome

Disclosure: I received the book for an honest review. 

Inspirations: A Book of Poems - Cover Reveal

Review: Old Beginnings - The Forgotten Slayer 1

Title: Old Beginnings (The Forgotten Slayer Series Book 1)
Author: Alix Marsh
Genre: Fantasy/Urban Paranormal Middle Grade/Teen
Length: 182 pages
Publish Date: 3rd December 2013

Synopsis:

The first book in Flynn Heath’s magical world of amazing powers, dark demons, a perfectly mundane family at home and extraordinary friends at his new school, which happens to be a Demon Slayer Academy.

Flynn Heath is just an ordinary boy, living a very ordinary life in the perfectly pleasant village of Little Rislin. Until, one day, he mistakenly pledges his blood, honour and soul to a mysterious stranger and before he knows it, he’s enrolled into the finest (and only) demon slayer academy in the country.

But there’s a dark force swimming through the demon-infested undertow of the ordinary world, a king demon shaking loose the shackles that have him bound in Hades. Maybe Flynn’s pledge wasn’t some random mistake after all.

Sometimes, there’s a very good reason for a slayer to stay forgotten.

Review

I would normally much rather watch a paranormal film than read a book. However this book was so well written that I enjoyed reading it. 

Flynn unknowingly signs up to become a demon slayer and his world immediately changes. 

As an introductory book, I liked it and now look forward to reading the others that follow.

Aimed at middle grade/teens, I think it would be quite popular with this age group. 

Old Beginnings Cosmic Blast

Book review: Dreams of the Cursed

Title: Dreams of the Cursed (Dreamer #2)
Author: Allie Jean
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal
Length: 184 pages approx
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop (October 3, 2013)
Buy Link: http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/books/detail/101


Synopsis:
A violent war has waged in secret underneath the notice of humanity since the beginning of time. Evil has pledged the destruction of humanity in spite of a power those that covet it could not possibly contain. Now the Warriors have inherited this fight and are honor-bound to rid the world of this ancient malevolence. By guarding the most precious, piercing light they possess-their female kin known as the Oracles or Dreamers-the Warriors have a chance against the darkness. Chantal Breelan, plagued by horrific nightmares for most of her life, believes something is wrong with her. Why else would she have such visions of destruction? But when creatures of terror came crawling out of the shadows to hunt her down shortly after her eighteenth birthday, she discovers the truth. Her dreams become reality, throwing her headfirst into a battle wrought by cursed monsters, where death and torture lie at every turn. Mathias is a descendant of a Fallen Angel and a powerful Warrior. He vows his life in service to pay recompense for the sins of their fathers by guarding Chantal from within the shadows. Long has he fought, shedding sweat and blood, hoping that his struggles wouldn't be in vain. With Chantal's life in danger, he is forced to reveal himself, yet she manages to surprise him with her fierce tenacity and strength. In his sacrifice, he finds redemption and life's ultimate reward-a love to surpass all time. Now Chantal has picks up the reins of her birthright and stands by her Warrior kin, by Mathias. She's on a mission to rescue others like herself. Yet, in this challenge, a battle of wits is exposed. New players are discovered, throwing strategies into question. When the truth comes to light, can Chantal hold her band of brothers together, or will they crumble under the weight of betrayal?

Review:

Paranormal is not the genre that I normally read. However, this book, kept me going and I was glad I consented to review it. Chantal is plagued by terrifying nightmares of monsters and wonders why. Shortly after her 18th birthday when she comes to know the truth, she is even more horrified.
Chantal is a strong heroine who grows as a person as the story evolves. I didn't really like the torture of the young dreamers but I could see that this is essential to the plot.
The book definitely kept me reading and seeing that I don't like paranormal stories, it says a lot.
Well written with a well thought out plot, I would recommend reading this book.


Author Bio:
Allie Jean was born with an overactive imagination. She spent her childhood inventing stories and telling tales. Her mind never shut down, even while she slept. Vivid dreams containing extensive, elaborate plot lines of good overcoming evil villains captured her nightly visions, lingering into her waking hours and filling the pages of her well-loved bounded diaries. She was encouraged by her parents, even at a young age, to write down her tales, and it has remained a somewhat secret hobby. As a busy wife, mother and critical care nurse, Allie’s love of storytelling has been reborn through the adventures of her unforgettable characters.


Links:
Website: http://Alliejean.net
 About.Me: http://about.me/allie.jean
TWCS: http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/authors/detail/35
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralliejean

Cross the Ocean Book Review

Title: Cross The Ocean
Author: Holly Bush
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 258 pages approx


Synopsis:


1871 . . . The very proud Duke of Wexford was about to have his orderly world blown apart. At the age of twenty-four, Blake Sanders had wed a beautiful, dutiful wife and she had borne him three children. But now as mid-life approached, the Duchess had the unheard of temerity to leave him! Too mortified by her behavior to mix in ton company, Blake sought companionship with his best friend and neighbor, Anthony Burroughs, and his wife Elizabeth. But Blake had forgotten the Burrough’s were entertaining a houseguest, Elizabeth’s distant cousin, a spinsterish ‘Amazon from America’.
Gertrude Finch, a champion for women’s rights, had long ago decided most men were useless other than Uncle Fred who’d raised her on his horse ranch near Chicago. While travelling with other Suffragists, Gert lectured women on the perils of passion and the value of independence but thought of neither when Blake kissed her. While opposite in nearly every way, other than an attraction neither could deny, their one night of passion would change her world, and send Gert scurrying her way back home across the ocean.
When Blake discovered his heir had stowed away on Gert’s ship, he set out on his own adventure to America, to bring the boy home and to see Gert once again. Traversing America’s vast wilderness, Blake discovered that Gert had changed his life. Whether riding the rails or meeting common folk, Blake saw a whole new way of living but most of all, he realized something about love. He found he was not immune, and his heart could love, and love deeply.




Review

The book reminded me a lot of Gone with the Wind - only it was set in England. Gertrude is a strong minded woman who is attempting to stand up for herself in the Victorian era and we all know that it would have been particularly hard as women were seen as being decorative and silent.

Blake being the ultimate chauvinist and a womanizer would probably not have been suited to being the love interest but then opposites attract and the result is explosive.

The book really took me back in time and it has been some time since I have read a historical romance.It is extremely well written and I must admit I am keen to read other stories by her.

5 stars

Author Bio:

Holly Bush was born in western Pennsylvania to two avid readers. There was not a room in her home that did not hold a full bookcase. She worked in the hospitality industry, owning a restaurant for twenty years and recently worked as the sales and marketing director in the hospitality/tourism industry. Holly has been a marketing consultant to start-up businesses and has done public speaking on the subject.

Holly has been writing all of her life and is a voracious reader of a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction, particularly political and historical works. She has written four romance novels, all set in the U.S. West in the mid 1800’s. She frequently attends writing conferences, and has always been a member of a writer’s group.

Holly is a gardener, a news junkie, has been an active member of her local library board and loves to spend time near the ocean. She is the proud mother of two daughters and the wife of a man more than a few years her junior.

Author Links:
www.hollybushbooks.com
@hollybushbooks
 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Holly-Bush/247399131941435

Buy Links:
http://www.amazon.com/Cross-the-Ocean-ebook/dp/B00D381HR6/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3 https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/cross-the-ocean/id655238415?mt=11

This book review is part of the Cross the Ocean Book Tour by Charisma Book Tours.

Hitchhiker Cosmic Blast

Hitchhiker

Supernatural abilities haunt her. Brainiac students taunt her. The FBI “Freak Squad” wants her. Will she abandon her extra sensory talents in favor of freedom, or will she hone them to help catch crooks? Former army brat, Ainsley Benton, may have finally found her place in this world, and it’s among the freaks. This small town art teacher has the ability to see, hear, and feel what other people are experiencing, and now the FBI’s freak squad wants to use her “human bug” abilities to catch bad guys. Despite her fear of commitment, failure, and responsibility, Ainsley temporarily agrees to join this team of misfits, and ends up risking her life to investigate a conspiracy that may only be one of her schizophrenic coworker’s paranoid delusions.

Buy it now from Amazon | Burst Books

 
  Author Bio:

Audra's love of writing began in the third grade, when she was chosen to go to a young author’s conference based on her story, "The Dragon Cookie,” which is about a giant cookie that comes to life. She continued writing, and was sometimes asked to write stories for friends as birthday gifts. Audra went to college thinking she would go into journalism, but opted to go into publishing instead, and even took an internship at Yale University Press. She married right after college and was unable to find a publishing job where they were living in Seattle. Audra took an office job. After helping put her husband through law school, she went back to school and got her teaching degree. Audra enjoyed teaching, but once her oldest was born, she chose to stay home. At the encouragement of friends she started writing again, the result being her first novel, Watcher, which was released in January of 2013. Audra and her husband now live in a small town in Eastern Washington with their three boys. They also have a black Lab named Benji who eats shoes, gophers and packages left on her front porch (thanks Fed-Ex). She recently went back to work as a Kindergarten teacher, but she still writes, dabbles in on-line shopping and plays Texas Hold ‘Em with her friends as often she can.

Website | Facebook

  Giveaway: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card Open internationally. Ends 9th December 2013

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Book Review: The Howling Heart

Title: The Howling Heart

Author: April Bostic

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Length:  244 approx

Publisher: Eternal Press (August 1, 2013)

Synopsis:

Paige Donovan is an ambitious college graduate who aspires to reach the top of the corporate ladder. She’s climbing fast when given the promotion of a lifetime at a prestigious fashion magazine in New York City. Her bright future comes to an unexpected halt after news of her father’s death. She inherits his old cabin in the Colorado Rockies, and just when she thinks her luck couldn’t get any worse, she has a car accident in the mountains and awakens in the small, remote community of Black River.

Soon, she’s engulfed in the mystical world of Varulv---wolves descended from 13th century Scandinavia and blessed by Norse gods with the ability to appear human. Paige is desperate to return home, but never expects to fall for her rescuer, Riley Gray, a charming young werewolf from England who offers her an alternate future with his pack.

Now, she must choose between the career she’s always wanted and the love she’s always dreamed.

Review

I do not normally enjoy reading paranormal romances but this was quite interesting. The characters are such that one can easily connect with them. The writing is original and the few twists in the plot help to keep the reader intrigued.

The introduction of the Norse Gods were quite a new thing for me. Also be aware that this book is not for children as some scenes can get quite steamy! It is of course an adult Romance!

Some bits I found too descriptive and had to quickly skim through these but all in all the book was a good read and I enjoyed reading it. 

Author Bio:

April Bostic is a New Jersey-based, Adult Romance author who enjoys unleashing her creativity and letting her imagination run wild. Her love of romance books inspired her to become not just a reader, but also a writer. In December 2008, she self-published her first novel, a contemporary romance with a supernatural twist entitled "A Rose to the Fallen".

Her first short story, "Right Here, Right Now", released in January 2012, is an erotic romance with a dash of S&M. The following year, she released two more short stories: a romantic urban fantasy inspired by the Greek myth of Eros and Psyche entitled "Eros, My Love", and a sexy romantic comedy entitled "Love Addiction".

After five years, she released her second novel, "The Howling Heart" in August 2013, a paranormal romance that delves into the mystical world of werewolves and Norse gods. To end her busiest year in publishing, April will release her fourth short story in December 2013, an 18^th century paranormal romance entitled "A Dark Scandal".

Author links:

http://www.aprilbostic.com

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2768953.April_Bostic

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Howling-Heart-ebook/dp/B00EDTXEXY/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375923994&sr=1-2

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-howling-heart-april-bostic/1116609472?ean=9781629290201

http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Howling-Heart/April-Bostic/Q768485862?id=5761812668403

Book Review: Blown Circuit by Lars Guignard

Blown Circuit

Blurb

Michael survived China. Barely. But now he's got bigger problems. A pair of coordinates broadcast on an obscure frequency have brought Michael to Istanbul, Turkey where credible chatter has emerged that a terrorist group plans to use a devastating device to hold the world hostage.

Designed by Nikola Tesla, arguably the greatest inventor of the Twentieth Century, the device is experimental, it is capable, and it has been missing for almost sixty years. If Michael is to prevent a catastrophe, he'll need to get to the device before the Conspiracy or risk upsetting the global balance of power forever. Of course, !nding the Tesla Device is one thing, knowing whom he can trust with it is another matter entirely.

To survive, he'll have to do both. If he doesn't, what started as a bad day is about to become a disaster.

Can Michael fight his way through the lies and deception to save the world?

If you can't get enough of the action of Lee Child and Vince Flynn, the intrigue of Robert Ludlum, and the adventure of Clive Cussler and James Rollins, you are going to LOVE Blown Circuit!


Review:

I had previously read another book by the author - Zoe and Zak & the Ghost Leopard and quite enjoyed it. This book however, puts the author in a totally new dimension. I didn't read the first book - Lethal Circuit but it didn't really matter and I was able to follow this book well. It is an independent book really.
The book has a lot of action and suspense and is definitely a fast paced read. Beware though - make sure you have enough time to read it all at one go as you will find it hard to put down.
The characters are well created and the entire story is very well written. Michael is a very likeable character and his character is someone that one roots for.
Exciting places to visit, terrorists, moles in the CIA - whats not to like?
A very exciting read and highly recommended.

Purchase from Amazon  

Author Bio

Lars Guignard is a former film and television writer and graduate of both McGill University and the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. His bestselling novel, Lethal Circuit, has been a TOP 100 Amazon Spy Thriller since its release. In addition to the Circuit series, Lars is the author of the children's adventure series, Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard, Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse and the paranormal mystery series, Brood. Ever since attending high school in the Indian Himalayas, Lars has been an avid backpacker and traveler. He now makes his home in the Pacific Northwest where he is busy completing the third Michael Chase thriller for release in 2013.

For news about new releases, please join his email list here: http://www.larsguignard.com/contact/

He can also be reached at the following places:

Blog: www.larsguignard.com

Twitter: @Lars_Gu

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LarsGuignardAuthor

The Howling Heart Cosmic Blast

 

The Howling Heart

Paige Donovan is an ambitious college graduate who aspires to reach the top of the corporate ladder. She’s climbing fast when given the promotion of a lifetime at a prestigious fashion magazine in New York City. Her bright future comes to an unexpected halt after news of her father’s death. She inherits his old cabin in the Colorado Rockies, and just when she thinks her luck couldn’t get any worse, she has a car accident in the mountains and awakens in the small, remote community of Black River.

Soon, she’s engulfed in the mystical world of Varulv---wolves descended from 13th century Scandinavia and blessed by Norse gods with the ability to appear human. Paige is desperate to return home, but never expects to fall for her rescuer, Riley Gray, a charming young werewolf from England who offers her an alternate future with his pack.

Now, she must choose between the career she’s always wanted and the love she’s always dreamed.

Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Author Bio:
April Bostic is a New Jersey-based, Adult Romance author who enjoys unleashing her creativity and letting her imagination run wild. Her love of romance books inspired her to become not just a reader, but also a writer. In December 2008, she self-published her first novel, a contemporary romance with a supernatural twist entitled "A Rose to the Fallen".

Her first short story, "Right Here, Right Now", released in January 2012, is an erotic romance with a dash of S&M. The following year, she released two more short stories: a romantic urban fantasy inspired by the Greek myth of Eros and Psyche entitled "Eros, My Love", and a sexy romantic comedy entitled "Love Addiction".

After five years, she released her second novel, "The Howling Heart" in August 2013, a paranormal romance that delves into the mystical world of werewolves and Norse gods. To end her busiest year in publishing, April will release her fourth short story in December 2013, an 18^th century paranormal romance entitled "A Dark Scandal".

Website | Goodreads

 

Giveaway:

One winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card plus The Howling Heart ebook in either epub or PDF format.

Open internationally.
Ends 27th October 2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REview: Broken Bridges - Roy Kindelberger

Title: Broken Bridges
Author: Roy Kindelberger
Genre: Children's middle-grade
Publisher: Black Rose Writing (August 21, 2013)

Synopsis:

Twelve-year-old Rey is sent to an old rundown steel town near Pittsburgh, where he has to deal with his aging grandparents, isolated dad, missing mom, bullies, broken bridges, and horseradish sauce. While Rey sits on an airplane bound for Pittsburgh, he clutches a crumpled note. It’s been forty-one days since his mom left—no words since. Rey’s dad is sending him to Pittsburgh for the summer to stay with his grandparents, so his dad can pull his life together. Rey feels so alone. Somehow Rey has to find himself. He’s timid, unsure, yet has to make choices. These choices lead Rey to become more confident, as he makes the transition into his teenage years. Rey arrives in the middle of a heat wave. He quickly runs into trouble with some bullies and is in several difficult situations. Rey hangs out with his friend, Jason and discovers a mentor in his grandfather—bonds which are all put to the test when his grandfather becomes extremely sick and Rey has a final confrontation with the bullies. And then there are his parents. Will things ever return to normal?

Review:
I quite liked the book even though it is targeted to middle grade readers. I think most children/teenagers would identify with this. With Rey's mother gone and him being seemingly abandoned by his father too, to live with his grandparents, it is only natural that he would get into all kinds of trouble more to get attention. His run in with bullies and having to adjust to his grandparents draws a real life parallel.
Funny, sad and all in all a lovely story, I definitely recommend reading this book.



Author Bio:

Roy was born near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He loves sharing stories with his children and students. They are always looking out for a story, book, poem, or song that makes a difference in their lives.

Roy taught kindergarten for fifteen years. He now teaches second grade.

Roy lives with his wife, Laura and two wonderful children, Emily and Hailey in Bothell, Washington.
You can reach  him at: http://www.roykindelberger.com/


Author Links:
Website: http://www.roykindelberger.com/index.html Blog: http://www.roykindelberger.com/dagoblog.html Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roy.kindelberger


Buy Links: Black Rose Writing: http://www.blackrosewriting.com/~shop/broken-bridges/194121/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1612962424/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1376951854&sr=8-1&keywords=Roy+Kindelberger&condition=new
Book Depository: http://www.bookdepository.com/Broken-Bridges-Roy-Kindelberger/9781612962429 Espresso Book Machine: http://net.ondemandbooks.com/odb/lsi/9781612962429

The Yogi's Curse Book Blast

The Yogi's Curse

Zoe and Zak are back in India. Again. And this time they’re attending Moonstock Himalayan Boarding School, which might seem fun except for the fact that the school is a little strange. Students ride elephants instead of school buses, snarling monkeys work as security guards, and angry parrots monitor the halls. And even when they manage to get used to the wildlife, the food is absolutely terrible.But living with a bunch of other kids their age can be a lot of fun too, or at least it seems that way until Zoe’s roommate goes missing. Following the directions written on a steamy bathroom mirror, Zoe and Zak fly through the clouds on their magic carpet to learn that the two of them have been chosen yet again. This time they’ve been asked to lift the Yogi’s Curse.It’s not going to be easy. Zoe and Zak don’t even know what the Yogi’s Curse is let alone how to lift it, but like it or not, they soon discover that a whole lot of people are depending on them. Now, if they’re going to save the day, they’re going to have to fool the monkey guards, avoid the nasty parrots, and maybe even develop a supernatural ability or two. Because lurking beneath Moonstock is a powerful new enemy. And if Zoe and Zak can’t stop him, nobody can.  

Buy Links: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk

 
Author Bio:

Prior to writing novels, Lars Guignard wrote for film and television. As a teenager he attended boarding school in the Indian Himalayas and his experiences there provided the inspiration for the Zoe and Zak series which now include: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard and Zoe & Zak and theYogi's Curse. He now makes his home in the Pacific Northwest where he is busy completing the third Zoe & Zak adventure for release in Fall 2013. For news about new releases, please join his email list here: http://www.larsguignard.com/contact/ He can also be reached at the following places:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook

 

Giveaway:

5 x The Yogi's Curse ebooks.

Open internationally
Ends 31st October

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Pact book review

The Pact

Enter the world of Will Lesterall, a boy who’s grown up in the safety of his father’s castle. Tales of the outside world ruled by warring kings and creatures of nightmare have never seemed a threat, yet on the night celebrating the two hundredth year of the sacred Pact that has kept Fort Lesterall safe, a secret intrigue ripens, and in the course of a few hours Will is confronted with a choice greater than he can comprehend. Join an unlikely hero as destiny pulls him into the middle of an ancient conflict between fallen gods and ambitious women, one that demands blood, both holy and wicked, and the power of an ancient fire bound in steel. As swords clash below a watching wood, hope and betrayal war as fiercely as fear and valor. Whether he lives or dies, Will Lesterall will never be the same

Review

The 48 page novella is a dark intense read. It tells the story of a young boy whose home is protected by 'the pact' which is now broken.
At a dinner party at his home, it is time to fight mythical beasts to save themselves from the broken pact.
Filled with doom from the word go, it is a book that will keep you engrossed through all the 48 pages with the end leaving you wanting more - which will be answered in the inevitable sequel.

Great for a fantasy reader and even though I am not one, the book managed to hold my attention.

The Pact - Cosmic Book Blast

The Pact

Enter the world of Will Lesterall, a boy who’s grown up in the safety of his father’s castle. Tales of the outside world ruled by warring kings and creatures of nightmare have never seemed a threat, yet on the night celebrating the two hundredth year of the sacred Pact that has kept Fort Lesterall safe, a secret intrigue ripens, and in the course of a few hours Will is confronted with a choice greater than he can comprehend. Join an unlikely hero as destiny pulls him into the middle of an ancient conflict between fallen gods and ambitious women, one that demands blood, both holy and wicked, and the power of an ancient fire bound in steel. As swords clash below a watching wood, hope and betrayal war as fiercely as fear and valor. Whether he lives or dies, Will Lesterall will never be the same.

Buy Links: Kobo | Kindle | Other formats

  Author Bio: Graeme Brown is has been enchanted by the epic fantasy genre since he was a child, and consequently he started creating his own world with its stories at the age of thirteen. Influenced by writers like J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert Jordan, and George R. R. Martin, he has finally brought the first of those stories to life with his debut title, a short story called The Pact—48 pages that will whisk you away to a dark, medieval fantasy world with gritty realism. When he’s not writing, he can be found exploring number theory problems or writing computer programs, training for a marathon, or unwinding in a yoga hot room. He has also explored other facets of art, both as a hobby and a profession, including vector graphics, pen and ink, classical piano, and web design. Despite being a full time student and a junior editor for Champagne Books, he makes sure to do a little writing every day. He is presently busy with the first of many sequels to The Pact, A Thousand Roads. For more about Graeme, visit his website: http://www.graemebrownart.com/the_pact.html Author Links: Website: http://www.graemebrownart.com/the_pact.html Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraemeBrownWpg Blog: http://www.fantasywritingjourney.wordpress.com

Giveaway:

1st Prize $25 Amazon GC Runners up: 10 x The Pact ebooks Open internationally Ends 16th September a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review - The Yogi's Curse

Title: Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse (Zoe & Zak Adventures #2)
Author: Lars Guignard
Genre: Children /Middle Grade



Synopsis:

Zoe and Zak are back in India. Again. And this time they’re attending Moonstock Himalayan Boarding School, which might seem fun except for the fact that the school is a little strange. Students ride elephants instead of school buses, snarling monkeys work as security guards, and angry parrots monitor the halls. And even when they manage to get used to the wildlife, the food is absolutely terrible.But living with a bunch of other kids their age can be a lot of fun too, or at least it seems that way until Zoe’s roommate goes missing. Following the directions written on a steamy bathroom mirror, Zoe and Zak fly through the clouds on their magic carpet to learn that the two of them have been chosen yet again. This time they’ve been asked to lift the Yogi’s Curse.It’s not going to be easy. Zoe and Zak don’t even know what the Yogi’s Curse is let alone how to lift it, but like it or not, they soon discover that a whole lot of people are depending on them. Now, if they’re going to save the day, they’re going to have to fool the monkey guards, avoid the nasty parrots, and maybe even develop a supernatural ability or two. Because lurking beneath Moonstock is a powerful new enemy. And if Zoe and Zak can’t stop him, nobody can.

Review

The sequel to the Zoe and Zak series, I enjoyed reading this as much as the first.

This time they actually go to school in India and that’s where the adventure starts. Zoe’s roommate goes missing and people do not notice this. It is as if she never existed.

Knowing Zoe and Zak, they decide to investigate and it is a again a wonderful magic carpet ride with mystical creatures trying to stop them.

An excellent book for middle grade readers. There is lots to keep them occupied and engaged. They will love the suspense and the mystery. The book is well written and enjoyable to readers across all ages.

A five star read. 

Author Bio:

Prior to writing novels, Lars Guignard wrote for film and television. As a teenager he attended boarding school in the Indian Himalayas and his experiences there provided the inspiration for the Zoe and Zak series which now include: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard and Zoe & Zak and theYogi's Curse.
He now makes his home in the Pacific Northwest where he is busy completing the third Zoe & Zak adventure for release in Fall 2013.

For news about new releases, please join his email list here: http://www.larsguignard.com/contact/
He can also be reached at the following places:
Blog: http://www.larsguignard.com/contact/
Twitter: @Lars_Gu
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LarsGuignardAuthor

Buy Links:
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Zoe-Yogis-Curse-Adventures-ebook/dp/B00E4WFG2C
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zoe-Yogis-Curse-Adventures-ebook/dp/B00E4WFG2C