Review #165: Pawn- Sopie Davis

Summary: Dreams and Nightmares,
Screams and Sighs,
Fate Wakes the Girl
And Says She Dies....

When the Boy Gets in the Way,
Then the Nightmares Come to Play...

For her eighteenth birthday, Endora Lee Andrews receives the gift of dreams. Nighttime slumber brings her visions of the future, a preview of things to come. Endora’s unsettling new ability is seemingly harmless, until her dreams turn to nightmares.

When she meets the mysterious and swoon-worthy Kannon, he knows things about her that he can’t possibly know, and seems to be the key to uncovering the source of her ominous prophecies. But Kannon has many secrets, some the essential difference between life and death for Endora.

Can she discover the origins of her nightmares and how to prevent destiny, before the harbingers of death come for her?

Woven with love, mystery and mythology, PAWN is the story of a girl who was once brought back from death, only to face it again. Because Fate may give you a second chance at life, but that doesn’t mean it’s yours to keep.

Check out the unofficial trailer for the book in Sophie Davis' videos or on www.SophieDavisBooks.com
Title: Pawn
Author: Sophie Davis
Pages: 300
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Review: Pawn was this weeks book to read I the Sweet 16 Summer Splash challenge and I loved it. This books cover is very eye catching and next to dystopian, mythology is my favourite genre. Sophie Davis covered both parts in mythology that I had known about and parts that I wasn't aware of. I found the book to be filled with action which made Oawn a quick and exciting read.
I really enjoyed reading about all of the characters. I liked seeing the attraction between Endora and Kannon. I liked following them as they tried to unravel the mystery surrounding Eel's dad. I also found the new business partner of Endora's very unlikely and Intruiguing. I can't wait to learn more about all of the above lol.
This was a full length novel but it read so quick that it felt like a short story.it held my attention throughout the book and I can't wait to read the next book in the series to find out what Soohie Davis has in store for us. I would recommend this novel to mythology lovers and just someone looking for something good to read.


Sophie moved to Washington, D.C. after graduating from Penn State University to pursue a career in the Sciences. After deciding to actually write down one of the stories she makes up in her head, Sophie began the long journey towards her first full-length novel, Talented. There are three sequels to Talented; Caged and Hunted are available now and Created will be available Summer of 2013. There is also a novella, Captivated, about Erik and Talia that was just released. Her second series begins with See You in My Nightmares, coming Spring 2013. When Sophie isn't hunched over her computer, she can be found shopping in Georgetown, running in Rock Creek Park, or at the local dive bars in her Columbia Heights Neighborhood.

Review #164: Deadly Cruch- Ashley Stoyanoff

Summary: Dog Mountain is just like any other small town — peaceful and uneventful. Well, that is if peaceful means wolves howling all night, and uneventful means it’s overrun by pesky werewolves, then yes, Dog Mountain is just your average small town.

Jade Shaw has spent the last two years avoiding the pack. But when Aidan Collins moves to town, avoiding the dogs doesn’t seem possible. The pack wants him just as much as she does.

Determined to keep him out of the pack’s grasp, Jade does everything she can to gain his attention. Little does she know, Aidan is in deeper with the pack than she could have imagined, and competing for his attention is a deadly game, one she may not want to win.
Title: Deadly Crush
Author: Ashley Stoyanoff
Pages: 258
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
OMFG!! I loved this book and everything about it! The cover is friggin gorgeous! If you want a read with a kick ass heroine then Deadly Crush is definitely for you! I loved the storyline. I loved how there were different species of the Weres, even though we really are only introduced to one type in this book. I loved the witty banter between the characters. The only thing that did bother me a little bit was I found the male characters to be a little bit sexist, but I think it was in there nature. I can't wait to be introduced to the werecougars!! And hello! I totally did not see that villain emerging. MIND BLOWN! I still have hope that it is a rouse.
Like I mentioned before Jade is a totally kick ass female character. She is confident, intelligent and on doesn't let anyone walk on her. She stands up for what she believes in and she is willing to give up on love to do it. I am confused about Dominic though.... But I won't say anymore because I don't want to spoil it. I liked Aiden until he started to show his douchey side, I believe he got what he deserved, but it probably won't last long anyways.
I loved this book so I would recommend it to everyone and there wolf! Of you want a read with a strong female lead and one that is action packed then this is a great read to look into. I can't wait to read the next book and more books by Ashley Stoyanoff!



About this author
I live in Whitby with my husband Jordan and two cats. Interesting fact: Whitby was ranked 16th in Canada’s best places to live for 2012. I am glad to call it home, as it is a quiet little town that lies on the outskirts of Toronto.

I do many things, most of them simple and relaxing, and some people (my husband in particular) may even call them boring. Most recently, I decided to fill my life with things that I enjoy. The hustle and bustle of city living can get the best of all of us so I say we all need to stop and smell the roses. Enjoy the simple things in life. That being said, what I actually get paid to do is work at Great-West Life as an Investment Coordinator.

I started writing in high school and promptly dropped it when life took over and I got a job. It’s funny how the things you love get pushed aside when pesky little things like paying the bills come up. Not long ago I took a hard look at my life and it hit me… all I do is work, work, work. So I pulled out my notebook and started writing and it was then that The Soul’s Mark was born.

I also enjoy reading. When I’m not writing or working, you can find me curled up with a good book. Give me romance and a supernatural twist and I’m sucked in until the last page.

My favorite authors are Charlaine Harris, Amanda Hocking, and Rachel Caine. I can and have read their works over and over.

I really enjoy live theater. There is just something so magical about watching a live production, without all the photo shop of the movies. Jersey Boy’s is my absolute favorite, and I love singing along to every song.

The most important thing in my life is family. My father used to tell me this all the time and when I was younger I swore he was wrong. Boys and friends were the most important thing EVER! But as I stepped into the real world I suddenly realized how truly right he was. Family will always be there, supporting and encouraging you but friends and boys come and go. On the family note, I have an older sister, Jonel, and two younger brothers, Cody and Travis. I am proud to say that my parents Jo-Anne and Nelson are definitely my heroes and I strive every day to be as truly amazing as they are.

Here are some ways you can talk to me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AshleyStoyanoffTheSo...
Website: www.ashleystoyanoff.com
Email: ashley@ashleystoyanoff.com

Review #163: Darkness Betrayed- Christine Hughes

Summary: Even the devil was once an angel...
Still reeling from a devastating betrayal, and a shaky relationship with Ethan, her Guardian Angel, Samantha reluctantly seeks comfort with Damien - the original fallen, the devil whispered about and part of the original deception of Adam and Eve. She learns of the real reason for his existence – a sad and twisted reason that would force even the most ardent Bible thumpers to show sympathy. He agrees to help Samantha fight Sebastian but what she doesn't know is there is a price for Damien's involvement. A price she would never allow. The only problem is, she isn't the one making the sale.
Title: Darkness Betrayed
Author: Christine Hughes
Pages: 300
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
First off, not sure if I like this cover as much as I loved the first one. The guy is hot don't get me wrong, he just seems a bit old... Oh well. Onto the story. Like the cover, I did not like this book as much as the first one. I'm not sure why. I just couldn't really connect with the characters or the story this time around. Because of this it read a bit slow for me. The story was very well written it just wasn't for me.
Sam made me beyond frustrated. I wanted to give her a good tap to the head. Like when did she become the only person I. The world that mattered?im sick of her sob story, like put in your big girl panties and "man" up, I did enjoy the love triangle even though I am disappointed in what happened to it. That made me think of Sam again so back to her because I am still mad!! What a crap ending (not to you Christine). Sam totally took the easy way out. Must be nice to to have all that guilt crushing you. But on the bright side... Maybe because of that needing there will be a new love interest.
I will read book three even though I didn't care for this instalment because I want to see if I can get reinvested in the characters. Plus I do want to see what will become of everything after what went down. I would recommend this book to angel lovers.



About this author
I’ve always wanted to write. Ever since I was little, I would craft stories and poems but the idea to actually do it “for real” never really crossed my mind until last year. After sitting on three paragraphs of what would eventually become my first novel, I decided to expand upon what I had. At the time I had no real idea of where the story would go, I just knew I had the time to do something with it.

I hadn’t researched market trends, I had no idea about query letters or the evil synopsis, and I was green on the idea of agents and editors and all that is publishing, really. I just wanted to write something I enjoyed. I didn’t plot, outline, or character build, I just wrote. And then an author friend mentioned that I should take my writing to a conference.

So with the confidence that my novel would surely be welcomed by all who read it, I signed up for as many seminars and critiques as I could. I knew someone would love it. In those two days, I found out I had a lot to learn.

Funny, but as a former English teacher, you’d think I’d have figured out the importance of editing and revision and revising again. You’d think I’d have known that the first draft is just that, a draft. And when the critiques started coming in, I thought I was done for. Not that the premise wasn’t good (I was told it was), not that the characters weren’t believable (I was told they were), but I used too much passive voice, I tense shifted and there were some holes in the plotline.

A few agents really liked it, but the market trend couldn’t support it. Some were not fond of the way I told the story. I queried and queried my way to 57 flat out rejections and a number of partial and full requests that didn’t pan out. But along the way I got some great criticism and pointers and I made the story better. Then, on a whim, I trolled the SavvyAuthors website and signed up for a three line pitch to editor Lauri Wellington and I did a happy dance when she requested my full manuscript.

A month later, she responded that she loved the story and the concept but it moved too slowly but I could resubmit if I revised. I informed her I sent her a revision that was based on the opinions of agents, authors and peers but I had the original (cleaned up, of course) and I was sending it in to see if it was more of what she was looking for. And guess what? It was! One caveat, I had to revise the manuscript into past tense. Easy peasy, right? Wrong.

Revising into past tense from present is line editing your entire novel. And it kinda stinks. By the end, I thought my eyes were gonna start bleeding and pop out onto my keyboard. But you know what? That little “exercise” tightened up what was loose, filled in any plot holes that might’ve still been there and forced me to realize I could be a better writer.

The road to publication can be long. It can be a hop, skip and a jump from your first query. Nothing in publication is set in stone. The market is always changing. And the biggest thing I learned is that it’s all subjective. Agents A-Y may pass but all you need is Agent or Editor Z to believe in you as much as you believe in yourself. And I believe in my first novel. And I am happy that Black Opal Books does too. I hope you do, as well.

Review #162: Lulling the Kidnapper- O.L. Gregory

Summary: I want to go home.

He took me a year ago, plucked me right out of the middle of my life. Taken away from my family, my friends, school, work, and life as I knew it.

I was driven away in the trunk of a car and then tossed into a cold, dark basement. Bit by bit, week by week, he tries to train me to become the wife he's always wanted.

I tried to run, but he caught me. I'd tried to rebel, but he beat me. And now? Now I'm playing his game. I'm acting the way he wants me to act, speaking the way he wishes me to speak. And as I play along, I'm gaining snippets of trust, pieces of freedom.

He thinks that he has reformed me, but he hasn't.

He's moved me to a new house, in a new town. He claims that he has a new attitude and that we are headed for a new life.

Little does he know that in this new house, I have renewed hope. If I can just play nice for long enough, I know my chance will come.

I still exist. Despite everything he has tried to do to my mind, I still remember what my life used to be like. Despite his lies, I still remember right from wrong. Despite his treatment, I'm still alive. All those things that made me who I was have enabled me to remain who I am.

I know now that I can get away. From this house I can run to safety, if I chose to. But I can't bring myself to do it. I cannot run until I know that he will get caught. I will not live the rest of my life in fear that he will come after me. I will not let him get away so that he can victimize another girl. I will not let him hide from his crimes.

...Because I still exist, and I refuse let him win.
Title: Lulling the Kidnapper
Author: O.L. Gregory
Pages:
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Review: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Holy crap this was an awesome read! My heart was beating out if my chest the while time. I really liked how the content was extremely graphic but it gave enough for y to know what occurred. Also I enjoyed the Stolkholm feel from he kidnappers perspective, but really it was just the victim playing along in order to survive. I loved seeing into her mind and knowing what she was thinking. I do wish we would have gotten to see Ericka's life before hand. Also I would have loved to see what The kidnappers life was like to lead to the kiddnappings. Also if there were parts in his POV it would have been very insightful.
Mia/ Ericka was such an awesome character. I loved reading about her and what she had to do in order to survive. I loved the play-by-play I. Her mind and getting the hear what she was thinking which completely counter acted what her actions were and what she was actually saying. The thing that I did find strange were everyone's reactions at the end. I thought there would have been way more emotion but everything was very muted.
I loved this book and I would recommend it to anyone who loves suspense. I can't wait to read more books from this author.

Review #161: The Seven Wicked: First- C.M. Stunich

Summary: “That's just the First," Caleb said, pausing to worry at his lower lip. “And it's only one of seven, Seven Wicked; we can't destroy any of the others until we destroy the First.”

When reincarnated goddess, Eevee Marx, sees the necklace at her local thrift store, she just has to have it. But Eevee has no idea that when she drapes the delicate, silver links over her fingers, she is continuing a legend her spirit had started centuries ago. That when she unhooks the tiny clasp and lays the black and silver pendant against her chest, she will spend the night of her seventeenth birthday holding the dying body of the boy she loves.

The Seven Wicked have been sleeping, preparing for Eevee to touch the necklace and reawaken the powers inside of her. Now, the only thing that stands between them is Caleb, the golden haired boy who will sacrifice himself to save her.

Title: The Seven Wicked: First
Author: C.M. Stunich
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Review: This book is so friggin weird. It actually gave kind of gave me the heebie jeebies. C.M. Stunich has the craziest ideas but has a way to make them work. The cover is gorgeous and the plot is definitely unique. I did find this book to read a little slower but I think that because it scared me lol. The First Wicked reminded me of the Jeepers Creepers creature! Scary as shit!!
Clearly wi monsters like that hanging around the characters had to be brave in order to take them on. I liked the connection that that main characters share and I can't wait to see where it leads.
This was a very interesting read that was not only original but f@$&ing creepy!! I'm nervous to read the rest in the series, I imagine it will only get weirder. Ate same time I am excited to continue because I do want to learn about the other wicked. I would recommend this book to those who not mind the creep factor and want a unique read.

About this author

C.M. Stunich was raised under a cover of fog in the area known simply as Eureka, CA. A mysterious place, this strange, arboreal land nursed Caitlin's (yes, that's her name!) desire to write strange fiction novels about wicked monsters, magical trains, and Nemean Lions (Google it!). She currently enjoys drag queens, having too many cats, and tribal bellydance.

Always a fan of the indie scene and 'sticking it to the man,' Ms. Stunich decided to take the road less traveled and forgo the traditional publishing route. You can be assured though that she received several rejections as to ensure her proper place in the world of writers before taking up a friend's offer to start a publishing company. Sarian Royal was born, and Ms. Stunich's books slowly transformed from mere baking chocolate to full blown tortes with hand sculpted fondant flowers.

C.M. is a writer obsessed with delivering the very best and scours her mind on a regular basis to select the most unusual stories for the outside world.
Ms. Stunich can be reached via e-mail or by post and loves to hear from her readers. Ms. Stunich also wrote this biography and has no idea why she decided to refer to herself in the third person.

Come visit me at www.cmstunich.com !

Happy reading and carpe diem!

Sincerely,

C.M. Stunich 

Book Blast: Trust- L. Chapman

Author L Chapman

Facebook ♥ Twitter ♥ Goodreads ♥ Website

 

 

Trust Synopsis

 

Lovely Megan Madden has lost her faith in men. But this has not kept her from the joy of her best friend's upcoming wedding. While in London shopping for the big event, Megan's life takes a surprising turn when a quick drink brings changes to her life she never saw coming. Join in the roller coaster of emotions Megan must endure as she attempts to regain her TRUST.

Who knew a quiet drink could change your life?

 

 

Trust - Trailer

 

 

  

About L Chapman

L. Chapman was born in and continues to live in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. She has spent most of her life helping others. At one time, a DJ for a special needs club. Blending her love of helping others and her love of children, L dreams to one day own and operate a childcare nursery that will help mainstream special needs children with others.

In the rare ...times that L. is not working to help others or maniacally writing, she enjoys making a mess of things while creating beautifully detailed greeting cards. She spends time relaxing with family, friends, and good books. L. loves to travel and has been to many places in the United Kingdom; her favorite places all involve the ocean. She hopes to one day share a kiss with her happily-ever-after in the romantic shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Should she ever get over her fear of flying, those kisses may be shared in the shadows of the Egyptian Pyramids.
Ever the fussy eater, L. has never once tasted peanut butter, and she despises coffee. If you should feel the need to bribe her, it is suggested that you bring chocolate, as that is one of her known weaknesses.

 

Synopsis graphic designed by Perfect Pear Creative

 

Trust cover designed by Indie Pixel Studio

 

Facebook Cover designed by  Book Addict Mumma

 

Trailer made by Lexi Buchanan / Alison Chaffin Higson

 

Trust - Goodreads

 

 

Buy Trust

 

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.ca

Smashwords 

 

 

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18245107-veiled

Jenny has always wanted a fairytale life: the perfect house, her own Prince Charming and the wedding to go with it.

After a five year engagement Jenny and her fiancé Rich are counting down to the "Big Day"...

And lets not forget one hell of a Hen Party For Jenny her life as the perfect wife is all she has ever wanted but secrets are never far away...

Will Jenny make it to her own fairytale wedding...

All will be revealed in "Veiled"

 

 

 

EXCERPT from Veiled



     I made a speech prior to booking the wedding date that there would be no sex the week be-fore we got married. I wanted our wedding night to be special. Now, I think I will be strug-gling with this decision. I plan to make sure I get plenty before our wedding weeks begins. I am wearing Rich's favorite little black halter dress that barely covers my bum and shows just enough of my cheeks to drive him wild. He loves it. I have been a little bit naughty. Okay, very naughty. I am not wearing underwear and have added my black stilettos. Perfect. My hair is down, exactly the way he likes it, and no makeup. This is how my baby likes to see me.

 

    "Honey, I'm home," Rich yells as he comes through the door, looking all hot and sweaty from his run. He always goes for a three to five mile run after work. He is a fitness freak some-times, so I would love for him to take a day off from running once in a while.

 

     "Hi," I say leaning against the doorway in a suggestive manner, my arm above my head in the full-on come and get me pose. "Oh. Wow, are you trying to kill me, Jen?" He winks. "Never." I giggle, hoping I am killing him. I plan to make that man work his ass off after dinner. "Quick shower and I am all yours, baby girl," he says, placing a little peck on my lips before smacking my bum and running up the stairs. Rich began calling me baby girl the second time we saw each other. I can't help but blush when he says it, even after all this time together. I sit myself on a bar stool in the kitchen and wait for him. He is only gone for five minutes be-cause he takes quick showers when I am not with him. If I didn't have a nice meal planned, I would join him. I might take him for another one later. "I am back, baby girl," Rich announces as he walks into the kitchen wearing only black trousers. His bare chest on full display and his perfect back sparkling from the water that is left on him. His hair is also wet. He looks so fuckable. Food first. We need to eat first I try to convince myself.

 

 

 

 

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Book Blitz: Midnight Rider's- Pete Clark

Title: Midnight Rider's
Author: Pete Clark
Genre: “Historical Chaos” – Speculative Paranormal Historical Fiction with Humor
Contains strong language
Publisher: J. Ellington Ashton Press
Blitz Host: Lady Amber's Tours


Blurb:

“Gather ‘round people and you shall hear
about a bunch of bullshit that is clear.
Of riders and horses and monsters too;
your parents lied - they can still get you.
Hardly anyone who was there is alive
to dispel the rumor, uncover the lies,
but there was more than one man who rode that day
and more than just Redcoats who got in their way.”

Along the way, Longfellow lost something in his translation it seems.

Everyone has heard of the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. However, they have not heard about them this way! The American founding fathers had a lot more to deal with at the end of the 18th century than tariffs and tea; avoiding hurled trees from Wendigos and gargoyles falling from the sky took a lot of patience. How is Samuel Prescott supposed to hunt the leader of the Rippers when the British keep infringing upon the colonists’ rights?

Excerpt:
Boone was sure he heard Revere scream as the zombie Forbes charged at them. On his way, Forbes took a nice hearty bite out of an off duty soldier who happened to be nearby. “Grullarrk,” the soldier said clearly before falling to the ground.
Forbes Zombie was fast. A hell of a lot faster than Forbes was in real life. How the heck did that work out, Boone wondered. Oh well. He unslung his double-barreled reverse musket, an invention of Revere; the guy was good for something, thought Boone as he fired and turned his former commanding officer’s head into a floating cloud of red mist. He then flipped the release on his musket, spun the barrels so that the fired barrel faced back and the loaded faced forward, and he vaporized the downed soldier’s head as well just to be sure. He wasn’t about to let any zombies rise on his watch.
“Everybody to the wall,” Fraser ordered. It seemed that Boone’s gunfire and the shrieking had alerted the remaining werewolves, who were apparently done feasting on the French and wanted to upgrade to a little English breakfast.
“Zombies and werewolves,” whined Revere. “I sure hope no vampires show up.”
“Vampires?” Boone countered. “What are you, a child? Vampires aren’t real.”
“They’re not?” asked Revere.
“No - vampires are just a myth. But dragons, dragons will fuck your shit up,” said George Washington.


Author Bio:

Pete Clark likes writing, animals, potato chips, and cheese. Midnight Riders is his first published novel, although he can also proudly say he finally finished Helix Crashing, the fantasy novel he has been working on for over a decade. In addition, he has written Across the Barren Landscape, a collection of linked Western short stories. He also writes plays, both dramatic and comedic. When he is not writing, Pete tends to ignore everyone around him and obsess over sports.

Visit Pete online at:

Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Riders-ebook/dp/B00ESV9QKC/ref=la_B00D2PL0ZY_1_3_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377637458&sr=1-3
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Midnight-Riders-ebook/dp/B00ESV9QKC/ref=la_B00D2PL0ZY_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377637587&sr=1-3
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/348779
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/midnight-riders-pete-clark/1116599473?ean=9781492161769
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/midnight-riders-1
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/no/book/midnight-riders/id690328671?mt=11
Paperback: https://www.createspace.com/4402809