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Saturday, 12 May 2012
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Taking Chances by Loni Flowers Blog Tour
Taking Chances by Loni FlowersMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Taking Chances by Loni Flowers
At age twenty-three, Alex has had a hard life. His parents died when he was quite young, leaving his grandparents to raise him. Right before his high school graduation, his grandparents passed on too, leaving him all alone. After losing everyone he's ever loved, Alex turns to the streets in a self-destructive pattern until he finally ends up in Springhill, where he tries to make a new life for himself.
Clair’s childhood was normal until age thirteen, when her father left the family and she never heard from him again. Consequently, her mother went into a deep depression, forcing Clair to grow up quickly. After finishing high school, Clair’s heartache over her father’s absence as well as her unbearable mother drive her to strike out on her own. But having nowhere to go and no family to speak of, Clair wanders aimlessly from town to town, homeless, and without purpose. Looking for work wherever she goes and living hand to mouth on the streets is tough, Clair discovers, but living with her mother is worse.
Now twenty-one years old, Clair has found her way to the last place she and her family took their final vacation as a family--Springhill. While in town, she crosses paths with Alex and their ensuing relationship grows faster than expected. Soon Clair wonders if coming back to Springhill and meeting Alex was the best decision or the worst decision she ever made.
My Review:
I really enjoyed Loni Flowers writing, Taking Chances is her debut novel; Loni’s writing is good, the story was easy to follow, character descriptions were great. This is a good romance novel and I have to say the author’s writing makes you feel for both of the two main characters. It’s one of those books you cheer for Alex and Clair hoping it all ends with a Happy Ever After ending.
Alex and Clair meet under some disturbing circumstances, and Alex bring home Clair and invites her stay till she can find a safe place to live. Clair has been living on the streets moving from town to town. Alex also came from the same kind of background but someone gave him a chance and now he is doing well for himself. Knowing how hard life can be Alex offers to help but of course being independent and not wanting to trust or owe anyone Clair leaves. When offered a job and a place to stay Clair decides to hang out for awhile.
This is a romance novel of two people who grew up in similar situations both having to depend on themselves and deep down not trusting anyone. This novel is about two young adults learning to trust, deal with some difficult issues and learning to love again.
I really enjoyed this novel, and I have to say Loni Flowers has done a terrific job writing her debut novel. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoy romance and loves to read a good story. I have rated it a 4 out of 5 and would say go purchase Taking Chances now!
DISCLOSURE – Please place somewhere in the post for all reviews!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*
Contact Loni at:
Website
Links to Buy
Now, enjoy the interview!
1. Did you always want to be a writer? And what inspired you to write?
Never! Shocking I know. Until about two years ago, I would have never considered it. I was never a reader. I hated it in school with a passion. There was something about being made to read stuff you cared nothing about, it was never my cup of tea—and then found my love for books after a friend convinced me to read the Twilight and Harry Potter series. I know, I know, I’m a late bloomer. I’m so thankful they did though. My life wouldn’t be the same without words. My love of writing came with reading, moved to blogging book reviews, and then later my own novel.
2. How would you describe Taking Chances?
I believe my friend, L.J. Kentowski, quoted it best, “Taking Chances is a heart-warming novel about learning to love unconditionally after overcoming life's hardships.”
3. Which character you had most fun writing?
Without a doubt, Alex! He’s the sweetest, most caring man. He has a caring soul and is always trying to do what he can to lend a hand. He’s loyal, but not afraid to stand up to someone who is doing him or his loved ones wrong. He’s my ultimate good-guy dream. *sigh*
4. What was your main source of inspiration for the story?
I was driving home from work one day and saw three homeless people (two guys and a girl). My thought process gets crazy when I start letting my mind wonder. I started thinking...
“how do they make it on their own”... “is the girl dating one of them”... “Oh my God! What if she gets pregnant!”
See, I go way off the deep end once my mind starts going. So I ended up with a homeless woman trying to make it on her own, finding help from strangers.
5. What should readers expect from Taking Chances?
You’ll find unexpected twists and turns as we watch Clair overcome her internal obstacles and learn to take a chance on life.
6. How did you come up with the title of your book?
I actually didn’t come up with it. My friend—who I mentioned above— helped. She’s a writer too and we are always sharing our work, brainstorming ideas. She came up with a list and so did I. When I saw Taking Chances, I knew it was perfect. It fits this story perfectly.
7. What books have most influenced your life most?
No particular book really. I read such a variety of genres it’s hard to nail down just one.
-Stefne Miller- She writes with passion and purpose. Her stories are full of life’s lessons
and I always feel inspired to do more with my life after reading one of her stories.
-Maggie Stiefvater- She writes beautiful prose. When I read her writing, I’m in love by the way it seems to flow lyrically across the page.
-J K Rowling and Karen Marie Moning- Two different genres, one’s Young Adult and the other adult. Their storytelling abilities blow my mind. To evolve a series, weave multiple storylines within its series—while each book tells its own story—and still managing to wrap it all together in the end… it’s a skill of writing I can only dream to possess some day.
8. What are your current projects?
Currently, I’m working on another Contemporary Adult Romance which could be geared toward the older young adult audience. But that could change; it all depends on how steamy I’m going to make particular scenes. (I’m not a fan of skimping on the details.)
9. Do you see writing as a career?
I would love to! But right now, it’s a hobby and a part-time job (without the money). If I were thankful enough to sell a mass amount of books that would compensate my 40 hour day job—I would do it in a heartbeat! Until that time comes, I’m just thankful for those readers I do have who have spent their time reading my book.
10. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Ooo this will be an interesting list. They are so different from each other and quite comical when I think back about everything I was determined to be. I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian, a teacher, an oceanographer, a lawyer; a psychologist, cosmetologist, and a computer programmer... just to name a few. Oddly enough, “writer” was never on my list.
11. When and why did you begin writing?
I only began writing about two years ago. I had always been amazed at the way an author could carefully craft a story out of their imagination. I wondered what it would be like to hold the powers to create a whole new life for people you don’t even know, but come to love over the course of writing. I never thought I could do it. I don’t have much imagination… or at least I thought I didn’t. An idea struck at the weirdest of times and I wrote it down. With a lot of encouragement, I issued the challenge to myself to at least try to write a novel. What harm could come of it? Nine months later Taking Chances was born.
12. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Not too much. My book hasn’t been out that long, so unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to get it into a lot of people’s hands. The readers that I have heard from have given me a great deal of feedback and compliments. When they’ve told me they cried, I think it’s about the best compliment I can get from a reader. It tells me that I connected them to the character. They felt and sympathized with them. I did my job... what more could any author ask for than that!
13. Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?
I really hope to expand on the paranormal romance idea I have brewing in my head. I‘d like to try changing up the genre and challenging myself to write something different.
14. What were your feelings when your first novel was accepted/when you first saw the cover of the finished product?
Seeing the finished product in my hands and being able to hold what I’ve been working on for so long is a feeling like no other. Whether I sell one or thousands, seeing what I’ve put so much effort and time into is an accomplishment that nothing else will compare to.
15. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing your book?
I knew writing wasn’t going to be a glorious walk in the park. When you’re a reader and/or blogger (which I still am today) you read a book, 6-9 months later the next one comes out and you never really consider the work that an author put into getting it into the hands of their readers. Writing my own book and being self-published has allowed me to flip the tables on myself.
You give your blood, sweat, and tears—yes, paper cuts count too—over your novel. There is no “Easy Button.” As fast as your readers want your book and as quickly as you want to be finished… its work and it takes time.
16. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Everything! They don’t write themselves. For me, it’s finding the time and concentration to get the words down on the page. But the one aspect of writing that I dislike the most is the synopsis. To condense your story down without giving away any major plot points and make it enticing enough for the reader to pick up… it’s a pretty tough job!
Any last thoughts or words of wisdom you would like to share with the readers?
This has been my first interview as an author. I may not be on the cover of a popular magazine, but today, you’ve made me feel like a star! Thank you so much for having me.
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Sweet Blood of Mine by John Corwin Blog Tour & Giveaway
From Mega Nerd to Super Stud.Justin Case and women do not mix. Man boobs, a love of Kings and Castles, and being tight with the "nerd" crowd certainly don't win him any points either. After rescuing Katie, his crush, it turns out she might not be the girl he thought she was, while Elyssa, the school's Goth Girl, turns out to be more. Can high school get any more confusing?
Determined to improve himself, he joins a gym and meets a sexy girl that just oozes a "come hither, Justin" vibe. Until she attacks him in the parking lot, and Justin realizes she's no ordinary girl but a being with supernatural speed and strength. After a narrow escape and an excruciating migraine headache, he wakes up with supernatural abilities all his own: speed, strength, and the ability to seduce every woman he sees.
While that might sound like the perfect combo for any hormonal teen, Justin is a hopeless romantic who wants his first time to be special. Is that too much to ask for? But he doesn't know what he is or how to stop his carnal urges. One thing is clear: If he doesn't find answers there are other more sinister supernaturals who would like nothing better than to make him their eternal plaything and do far worse than kill him.
In middle school, everything changed. A class assignment to string random words together into a coherent story led to the birth of Fargo McGronsky, a young boy with anger management issues whose dog, Noodles, had been hit by a car. The short story was met with loud acclaim from classmates and a great gnashing of teeth by his English teacher. At this point, John realized that making stuff up had broader uses.
Years later, after college and successful stints as a plastic food wrap repairman and a toe model for several well-known men's magazines, John once again decided to put his overactive imagination to paper for the world to share.
Visit John Corwin on His Blog
Twitter - @John_Corwin
Now here is an Excerpt of Sweet Blood of Mine
Something in me snapped. Probably my sanity. But I couldn't care less. Nathan held her helpless in his iron grip. I might be short, chubby, and require a B-cup manzier, but I was still a man. I had to do something. In Kings and Castles, I was a level twelve woodland elf. Unfortunately, reality had graced me with all of five feet, six inches of height and the slender dimensions of the Pillsbury Doughboy after a few too many cartons of buttermilk biscuits. I needed a weapon to stand a chance, preferably a bazooka.
I sprinted to the janitor's closet. Sprinted might be too strong a word since I was huffing and staggering and begging for mercy by the time I got halfway there. The closet door hung open. I peered inside the small space and grimaced at the chemical fumes stinging my nose. A metal shelf held several containers of various cleansers. I supposed if Nathan needed a chemical bath, any of them would be perfect but they wouldn't do much good in a fight. I spotted the only serviceable weapon: a broom. It was a far cry from what the Lady of the Lake offered King Arthur, but I didn't have much of a choice. I grabbed it.
At that moment, my skull decided to turn inside out. A blinding flood of pain superheated my eyeballs and pounded on my brain like a midget playing whack-a-mole in my head as a migraine hammered my forehead. I dropped the broom and pressed both hands to my temples in a vain attempt to soothe the pulsating agony. My sight blurred and I fell against the nearby shelf. Spray cans rattled on the floor, and a bottle of something green shattered and spread across the tiles, overpowering the other scents with the cloying odor of pine.
The vice on my head loosened after a few seconds, the pain abating as though nothing happened. It felt like brain freeze only a gazillion times worse. These nuclear-fueled migraines had been plaguing me for weeks. I was pretty sure they weren't growing pains unless my head planned to expand to grotesque proportions. A rush of endorphins tingled through my body in an electric rush as the agony completely dissipated and left me lightheaded and weak.
A shriek from Katie reminded me an altercation with Nathan might supply a permanent fix for my migraine problems. I grabbed the broom off the floor and unscrewed the handle. I chugged down the hallway with my walrus-like gait and made it back to the classroom in time to see Nathan forcing his lips on Katie's tear-stained face. His massive arms held her immobile while she writhed in disgust. I was too angry at the sight to wait for my panting to slow.
"Release her!" I smacked the metal end of the broomstick on the ground and pretended it was my elven attack staff with a plus twenty chance of a critical hit, like say, in the enemy's crotch.
Nathan snapped his attention to me, anger boiling behind his ferocious gaze at the interruption. Katie froze and her eyes widened with the same look I'd seen everyone give scrawny Jeff Boyd when he'd challenged monstrous Kyle Denton to a fight over a girl. Kyle had outweighed him by about a hundred pounds, been held back two grades, and was the first kid in middle school to grow a mustache and a goatee. Things hadn't ended so well for Jeff. I probably should have learned from his lesson, but I was a trained woodland elf who was too angry to be pooping his pants.
To Purchase Sweet Blood Of Mine
Sunday, 6 May 2012
Off Limits by Renee Pace
OFF LIMITS BY RENEE PACELindsay looks and acts like the perfect fifteen year-old, but she’s hiding a dirty little secret that no amount of fashionista coverings can make better. Telling her mother her step-father is molesting her is not an option. Trying to kill herself again haunts her more than the scars on her wrists, and pretending to be perfect at school might very well drive her over the edge.
Megan knows all about lying. It's been part of her life ever since she realized the only way to escape her poverty-stricken neighborhood was to work hard, keep her mouth shut and wear a mask no one can penetrate. All that changes when Lindsay befriends her.
Can two girls who have little in common discover the value of a real friendship or will the secrets they dare not speak destroy them both?
MY REVIEW:
Off Limits by Renee PaceThis is the first book I’ve read written by Renee Pace, I have to say I really enjoyed her writing; I picked up this book and never put it down. Renee’s writing is suburb, her character descriptions and plot are written well and words flowed easily. Before I knew it I was at the end of the story. I really enjoyed Off Limits even though it talks about some hard topics. I have to say that I felt for the two main characters and I was pulling for their friendship. Excellent writing.
This is a story of two young women from different backgrounds who end up working together on a school project and start to build a friendship. Though they both don’t want one, as they trust no one. Keeping secrets from everyone is how they both like it.
Lindsey is beautiful and rich and has everything she wants, but her home life is horrific, mom is out all the time working, leaving Lindsey at home alone with her stepfather. Lindsey does everything she can do not to be alone with him, even inviting friends over to spend the night. One evening when no one can sleep over she end up inviting over Megan.
Megan lives at home with her mother who has MS, and they are struggling, Megan has to go to the food banks, works part-time and has to keep her grades up to stay in the private school she is attending. She has a deep dark secret that she has only told one person, her brother. Her brother who was high one night ended up bringing home a dangerous friend and left Megan in a very unsafe situation.
These two girls cross paths many times and we can see they both are forming a friendship even though they trust no one. Can they become friends and help each other recover from their pasts?
This is a great story, a must read. I have rated it a 4 stars and would recommend it to anyone who enjoy Ya novels.
INTERVIEW:
Welcome Renee Pace and thank you for the Interview:
So excited to be here today. Let me
introduce myself to you. First off, I’m a writer (lol), guess you realize that.
I’m also a wife happily married to my husband for 20 years and we’ve been
blessed with four children. I almost inserted ‘wonderful’ children but get
real. Yes, I love my children but with two boys well in to their teen years, 16
and 14, let’s just say I’d take those terrible twos any day.
My life is a work in progress. It’s always
been that case. Take for example I worked my butt off to get out of my small
fishing community and realized at the pivotal age of 12 the only way out was
securing a good education, applying for student loans and saving money. I
started working at the local drug store at the age of 16, babysat every chance
I could and saved every penny for university. Once I got to university I
quickly realized those A’s I had received were worth C’s. I gathered my courage
and approached every professor and bless those English and History professors
at Dalhousie University for taking the time to teach me how to write a proper
English paper, how to write up a Bibliography and how to use the library.
Without those professors I’m sure I would have dropped
out but dropping out really wasn’t an option because going back home would have
killed me. I also worked two jobs to get me through university.
My overall goal, back then, was to become a
journalist. I applied to four university’s and got accepted to Ryerson
Polytechnical (now Ryerson University) for a two-year journalism program after
I finished my first degree which was a BA (I always make the sound of a goat
here because really it’s a useless degree unless you’re going after more
education, which I did). I had role models and I wanted to be just like ? from
CBC, but alas CBC was into deep cuts when I finished my degree so I quickly had
to adjust my thinking. I went into public relations. Don’t groan. I actually
loved it. My first job was as editor of Saint Mary’s University’s faculty
paper. This was my first exposure to talking to professors and fishing out
stories that I could write which made sense to everyone. It was challenging but
the geek in me loved to discover new scientific things.
In between this time I meet hubby. We dated
four short months before he proposed. It honestly was love at first sight. We
also discovered that having children might be difficult because after suffering
for years I was finally diagnosed with endometriosis, which meant my fallopian
tubes had a build of up scar tissue. I had surgery at the age of 25 and was
told to start trying to have children immediately. We did just that thinking it
would take years but we were blessed and nine months later our first son was
born. After that it was bang every three years another baby came our way.
By the time baby three came I started
working from home because the cost of daycare was outrageous and I truly did
want to be home for my children. That was when I put into motion one of my big
life goals—writing a book. This took me over a year and that book is under the
bed, so to speak, but it showed me I could do it. I then joined my local
romance writers’ group and never looked back. Today, I have over 12 books to my
name. This year I started my Indie journey and launched my nitty gritty YA
stories under a new name (actually it’s my original name-lol) and I’m loving
it. The third book in my nitty gritty series, Off Stroke debuts this month on
Amazon and I plan to keep on writing.
I have a lot of other life goals I want to
accomplish and I’ve set a plan in motion to make those goals a reality. Like
many things in my life I know they’ll take a lot of work but in the end it will
be rewarding.
To Purchase
Off Limits Kindle http://amzn.com/B006JUVE1Y
Off Limits print link – http://amzn.com/0986890871
Off Stroke -Two teens with little in common tackle prejudice and stereotypes to risk it all to help each other – debuts Amazon May 2012
Eternal Spring – YA Anthology – FREE -http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/150218
Contact Information
twitter @ReneePaceYA
To Enter Off Limits Giveaway
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Familiar Ties by Naya Nikki
Familiar Ties by Naya Nikki
Book Description:
Max West is a widower raising Phoebe, his four-year-old daughter. Phoebe has to live with the fact that the day she was born is also the day of her mother's death. As her fifth year without her mother approaches, Phoebe finds solace in her godmother, Amy Riley, and her daughter, Grace Crawford, another single parent family.
Amy Riley is a successful fashion designer who spends most of her days raising her four-year-old daughter, Grace, while her wayward boyfriend is travelling the world making the next best film. As the fifth year without her best friend looms she finds comfort in her ex-boyfriend, Max, and his daughter, Phoebe.
These two “broken” families have a tough week to face as the dreaded day approaches. However through their past, present and debatable future will their choices affect the outcome both parents clearly want and are simply denying? Or will Phoebe and Grace lose the only “whole” family they have ever known?
MY REVIEW:
Familiar Ties is what I would like to say is a true romance novel; it’s one of those books you pick up and don’t put down till you reach the end. I would say it was worth losing a bit of sleep.Naya Nikki has written a fantastic novel, her writing is excellent, words flowed well; character description were developed so well you truly felt like you knew everyone. The story is told with different points of view and flashbacks looking at their lives together. Naya has done a terrific job and I loved this story.
We meet Amy and Max who are best friends and raising their daughters, who also happen to be best friends. Amy’s boyfriend is an actor and never around. Max’s wife died in child birth and Max has been raising his daughter with the help of Amy and his family.
Max and Amy also share a history and dated while in college but things changed but they stayed good friends. With Max losing his wife and Amy being alone most of the time, a great friendship is developed between the two of them.
Amy’s boyfriend has been gone a long time and on his return he realizes his family is slipping away and wants his family closer to him. Can Amy give him this, can she move away? Can Amy leave Max and his daughter? Life changing decision will happen, mistakes are made.
Can Max and Amy find their way back to each other?
You have to read Familiar Ties to find out the rest.
I have rated this book a 5 star rating as I loved it and will read anything Naya Nikki writes. I love a great romance novel.
Thank you to Inkspell Publishing for giving me a chance to read and review Familiar Ties by Naya Nikki.
Unchained Cover Reveal by J. Lynn
Between the
pissed off creatures that want demon-hunter Lily Marks dead and the fallen angel
who just...wants her, Lily is about ready to trade in forever for a comfy job in
a cubicle farm.
The fact that she and Julian are civil to one another is enough to have her thrown out of the Sanctuary, but she can't shake her not-so-angelic stalker or how he brings her dangerously close to ecstasy.
Her forbidden relationship with Julian provides the perfect fuel for suspicion when a traitor is discovered to be working within the Sanctuary. Lily quickly finds herself hunted by well, everyone.
Her only hope is to discover the real traitor before she loses everything--and she'll need Julian's help. That is, if Julian is really there to help her...and not destroy her.
Yeah, being a Nephilim isn't everything it's cracked up to be.
The fact that she and Julian are civil to one another is enough to have her thrown out of the Sanctuary, but she can't shake her not-so-angelic stalker or how he brings her dangerously close to ecstasy.
Her forbidden relationship with Julian provides the perfect fuel for suspicion when a traitor is discovered to be working within the Sanctuary. Lily quickly finds herself hunted by well, everyone.
Her only hope is to discover the real traitor before she loses everything--and she'll need Julian's help. That is, if Julian is really there to help her...and not destroy her.
Yeah, being a Nephilim isn't everything it's cracked up to be.
UNCHAINED will
be available in mass trade size wherever books are sold on October 16, 2012 and
you can pre-order your copies at Amazon, B&N, Book Depository, and BAM
Or you can
always check out her Young Adult series, The Covenant (Half-Blood) and Lux
Series (Obsidian) under the name Jennifer L. Armentrout.
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
The Teacher's Billionaire Blog Tour & Giveaway
The Teacher's Billionaire by Christina TetreaultMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Callie Taylor's life is turned upside down when she learns the truth about her birth following the death of her mother. Not only is her father alive, but he's none other than presidential candidate Senator Warren Sherbrooke.
Billionaire and confirmed bachelor, Dylan Talbot, is devoted to his family. When his stepfather Warren Sherbrooke receives a letter from a past love telling him they have a daughter together, Dylan is instantly suspicious. In order to keep the media vultures away and protect Warren's political aspirations, Dylan convinces Warren to let him handle the situation.
As Callie and Dylan spend time together, they can't resist the feelings that blossom between them. However, when Callie learns the real reason he has been spending time with her their fledgling romance is put in jeopardy and only complete honesty can save it.
MY REVIEW:
Christina Tetreault has written a true romance novel. Christina’s writing is good, character description and plot are well written the story flows and you get enough information to get to know all the characters and enjoy the story.
This story is about Callie finding out a secret her mother kept all her life, now after her death Callie learns that her father is alive. Callie’s dad really wants to meet her and make up for lost time. Dylan who is the step son of Callie’s dad starts spending time with her, mutual attraction they begin to have feeling towards each other. But like every romance novel there is a bit of turmoil, Callie over hears a conversation and ends heartbroken.
Will Dylan be able to explain what she heard wasn’t the whole truth?
The Teacher’s Billionaire is a good romance novel, it’s one of those books that you need to have with you when you want to sit back and relax with your feet up.
I really enjoyed Christina’s writing and will read anything she writes.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*
Website
To Purchase
Amazon
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