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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Blown Circuit Cosmic Blast

 

Blown Circuit

 

From the bestselling author of Lethal Circuit comes the long-awaited sequel.

 

Michael Chase is back.

 

He survived China. Barely.

 

But now he's got bigger problems. He has enemies. Deadly enemies.

 

Good thing Michael is in no mood to play nice.

 

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!

 

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

 

Giveaway

 

The author is giving away 4 prizes.

1st prize is $20 Amazon gift card.

3 runner up prizes of Kindle copies of Blown Circuit

 

Open internationally

Ends 15th September 2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway    

Book Review: Linked by Judy Serrano

Title: Linked
Author: Judy Serrano
Genre: Suspense/Thriller with a Twist



Synopsis:
Daphne Foster is a substitute teacher stuck in an English class, waiting for that dreaded parent-teacher conference. With much preparation and anxiety, she encounters the unforgettable Charlie Cross. His charm and good looks, win her over but rumors of his involvement with organized crime make his continued disappearances disturbing.
In walks Heathcliff Vanderpool, creating a love triangle of unusual sorts. Unknown to Daphne, Heathcliff and Charlie are old friends: Older than she could have imagined. With Charlie away on business, Daphne and Heathcliff discover a passion between them lying beneath the surface. As their souls link, pulling away from Charlie becomes next to impossible. Will his involvement in organized crime consume them both before she’s able to get free? When you become “linked,” the choice may not be your own.

Review:
As I have mentioned before, I am not a fan of the supernatural genre. But having read Judy Serrano before, I was looking forward to this one.
Daphne has it all covered as she begins her career as a teacher. However, when she meets Charlie everything changes. He is everything that is off limits to her - a student's parent and more than that, a vampire. She embarks on a torrid affair with him throwing caution to the winds.
When she meets Heathcliff, she realises that she may have much more in common with him.
I love the suspense in the story and of course against what I normally read, it was interesting to read about vampires and werewolves as the story is so well written.
A bits of the book drag and these could well be removed but all in all it was a good read and will be enjoyed by all supernatural fans.


Author Bio:

Judy Serrano graduated from Texas A&M University, Commerce with a BA in English. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and Dallas Area Romance Authors. She is a substitute teacher at the local school district and writes for various on-line publications. She is the author of Easter's Lilly, Brother Number Three, Relatively Close and Memoirs of a Mobster, which are romantic thrillers and part of The Easter’s Lilly Series.
Judy 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 web 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


Purchase Links:
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Judy-Serrano/e/B004YRGTYG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1360266695&sr=1-2-ent
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Judy-Serrano?store=allproducts&keyword=Judy+Serrano

Cover Reveal - Trouble in Paradise

Vegas and the Mob Book Review

Vegas and the Mob

The truth about Las Vegas, unlike the watered-down versions you might have heard elsewhere. Sin City was the Mob’s greatest venture and most spectacular success, and through forty years of frenzy, the FBI watched, listened on phone tapes, and did virtually nothing. Thank goodness for that, because Vegas wouldn’t be what it is today without the Mob! Two of the nation’s most powerful crime family heads went to prison in the 1930’s, Al Capone, and Lucky Luciano. Frank Nitti took over the Chicago Outfit while, Frank Costello ran things for the Luciano Family. Both men were influenced by their bosses from prison, and both sent enough gangsters onto the streets to influence loan sharking, extortion, union control, and drug sales. Bugsy Siegel worked for both groups, handling a string of murders and opening up gaming on the west coast, and that included Las Vegas, an oasis of sin in the middle of the desert – and it was legal. Most of it. The FBI watched as the Mob took control of casino after casino, killed off the competition, and stole enough money to bribe their way to respectability back home. New York’s “Lucky Luciano” was getting a taste of the profits in the 1930’s, Detroit, Kansas City, and Chicago weren’t far behind. By the 1940’s, nearly every crime family in the United States had a stake in a Las Vegas casino. Some did better than others. Vegas casino owners watched-over their profits while competing crime families eyed each other’s success like jealous lovers. Murder often followed.

 Review

Vegas and the Mob was a good read. The world of mobsters always fascinates and they have always been romanticised on screen. This book brings to the light thre ruthlessness of the mob bosses. Mob bosses looked after only their own interests with little thought of anything else. It is fast paced and there is never a dull moment. Recommended for fans of the mob culture, it would appeal to most people.

Purchase Vegas and the Mob at Amazon.com 

About Al W Moe

Al W Moe was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and introduced to the casinos of Nevada at the age of eleven. At the time he had never seen such an amazing array of sights, sounds, and exciting games. Little has changed since that first introduction. Moe is the author of six books and has written for Gambling Times/Poker Player, Pokernews.com and Casino and Gaming Chips Magazine. His love for casinos and the history of gambling are only exceeded by the thrill he gets learning new casino games and his desire to teach new players how to get the most for their money at the casino. Education: Moe attended the University of Nevada at Reno and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Marketing. He especially enjoys the disciplines of probability and statistics. From Al W Moe: Casinos and the games they offer have occupied my thinking most of my life. The early casino owners, especially when it involved the Mob in Las Vegas are a fascinating subject. It is amazing the Mob was able to skim the profits of clubs in Nevada for over 40 years. The story of how they did it is even more amazing!
  Author websites: Authors Den: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/author.asp?id=6870
 About: http://casinogambling.about.com/

Follow Al W Moe:

Blog | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Lost In Vegas Cosmic Blast

 

Lost in Vegas

Vegas – the city of gamblers, dreamers, heroes and heartbreak. And Kate McLarens’ last chance to redeem herself by putting her boyfriend’s fail-safe black jack system into action to make payroll for her salon. Make that ex-boyfriend when the system fails miserably. She wakes up to find herself being given mouth to mouth resuscitation by sexy JT Sullivan of Security. But the only way she can convince him not to send her to the nearest ER is by agreeing to meet him for breakfast the next day. After she tells him she’s gone from business woman of the year to not being able to make payroll and can’t face going back to her hometown he convinces her to stay in Vegas, finds her a place to stay and a job waiting tables. Determined to make the money she needs to pay off her debts she stays in Vegas and things are looking up when she gets a job styling a famous star making a comeback. Unfortunately her ex-boyfriend is still in Vegas and takes the opportunity to kidnap the star she works for and her. JT Sullivan has to find the kidnappers and bring them back. It looks as if he’s succeeded when Max returns the star and keeps Kate. Now JT has to put everything on the line to get Kate back. Buy Links: Amazon   Trailer:   About the Author: Pat Amsden is a writer of romance and mystery who lives on the West Coast of Canada. She lives with her son in Victoria, BC and works at the local hospital. She is, once again, single. For as long as she can remember she has loved stories. First reading them and then making them up. Sometimes that got her into trouble when she was younger but that's another story! She studied journalism in college but got side-tracked raising a family and working a variety of other jobs to pay the bills. Writing fell by the way-side. The years went by and one day she decided to check out a local writer's group. There was a workshop with an exercise. Write something that had the hero and heroine meeting within the first page. Maybe there could even be a kiss! And don’t let the heroine get too comfortable. If she’s shy don’t have her go to the library and meet the librarian, get her out of her comfort zone. Maybe in a bar. She decided, why stop there, let’s put the heroine on top of the bar! Many revisions later, the result is Lost In Vegas! But none of this would have been possible without the support and encouragement of fellow writers. She benefited from workshops such as the Write On Vancouver workshop with Michael Hauge and another with Jane Porter. Shirley Jump’s workshop was so good she immediately took another with her. Then she got the Deep Editing lectures from Margie Lawson’s School of Writing and Lisa Wells, How to Create A Series. I pitched to editors and submitted manuscripts. But as she was doing this several of her fellow writers decided to self-publish through Amazon. They are all doing well. More than one suggested she should try this route, as did her son. So here she is, feeling a lot like Sally Fields and hoping that ‘They like me, they really do! Author Links: Website: http://www.patamsden.com/ Twitter: @PatAmsden   Giveaway:

The author is giving away a Kindle (US/Can) or a Gift Card of the same value if outside US/Can. Fill out the form below to enter! This is an International Giveaway Ends midnight 4th July 2013 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review - Mortimus Walker and the Secret of the White City

Title: Mortimus Walker and the Secret of The White City
Author: Zach Turner
Genre: Sci-Fi
Released: May 20, 2013

Synopsis:
Morty is a One. He's been laboring his entire life, but finally it's his sixtieth birthday. Time for him to retire his old body and travel up through the clouds to the White City where he'll begin his new life as a One-Two. He'll be given a new body and anything he wants as reward for his service. But once Processing begins, things don't go exactly as planned. Can Morty figure out the secret before he is lost in the System all over again? 


Review

I do not really enjoy futuristic books so was very sceptical while reading this. However, I found that it managed to hold my attention. It was well written with a good plot and a lot of twists and turns especially at the end.
Morty is a One and he moves to White City on his 60th birthday where he will get a new body. His memories though remain his.
I would not say the book is action packed but it builds up for the interesting end. Some unanswered questions in the book concerning the naming of the people but all in all a good read especially for futuristic fans.


Author Bio:

Zach Turner is a writer, teacher, and traveler. He's a fan of punk music no one else listens to and loves to make people think and laugh. Often one causes the other and both are essential to living. He has worked as a game tester and taught as a professor at USC before training nurses as a Clinical Educator. He now scours the globe looking for adventure and getting hopelessly addicted to nerdy TV shows. He runs a blog about multi-tasking and finance on www.TheTrueGeneralist.com and when he's not traveling (rare), enjoys a good purple margarita in Austin, TX.

Website: www.visionsthebook.com (is my writing site), www.thetruegeneralist.com (is my blogging site)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visionsthebook (writing), https://www.facebook.com/TheTrueGeneralist (blog)
Twitter: @Zoracle
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Mortimus-Walker-Secret-White-ebook/dp/B00CLJQFLG

Ripple Book Blast - Prmotional Book Tours

Ripple

  When high-powered attorney Helen Thompson discovers that her fifteen-year old daughter has been sexually assaulted, she takes drastic measures. Finding herself in trouble, Helen must relinquish control and put her faith in a process she knows to be flawed. As a team of lawyers, therapists and women from a safe house help Helen and Phoebe find hope and healing, a sociopath lurks, waiting for his moment to strike. A lyrical, dark fairytale that will resonate with fans of women's literature and psychological thrillers, RIPPLE delves into the nature of evil, without seeking to provide final answers to the issue of what makes a human commit evil acts. And while the author takes readers to scary places, she ultimately shines a light on the human condition and celebrates the triumph of the human spirit in the face of great tribulation.

Purchase on Kindle / Paperback

About Ex-lawyer E.L. Farris is a born-again, marathon-running married mother of three who resides in Northern Virginia. What else do you need to know about me? I talk a lot. I write a lot. I adore my husband. I adore my children. What else? Well, I run. I’ve been running since I turned 14. I started to run then and I’ve been running ever since. Whenever I stop running, I land in a lot of trouble. I ran through a childhood that could well be described as hell. I ran through major depressive episodes and often teetered one step from the edge of a breakdown. Through running, I held onto my sanity, my sobriety, my life and my belief in God. Each step I take, no matter how physically painful, draws me a shade closer into my better angels. And the steps have become painful over the years, which is how I earned the nickname Phoenix. Some mornings I feel like I’ve been run over by a bus and the truth is, I was. I survived a collision with a metro bus, and it’s fair to say that the accident messed me up. And yet I keep rising from the pyre of a burning fire and as I run I realize that as long as I hold the Holy Spirit inside me, my spirit will never die. Follow - Blog /Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / GoodReads / Literary Addicts Follow the Tour! Tour prize -

Autographed copy of Ripple, A Tale of Hope and Redemption

Autographed copy of I Run, A Novel

$25 Amazon gift certificate

Fill out the form below to enter. a Rafflecopter giveaway

CM Book Tours Cover Reveal - Cowboy Boots and Inexpressible Longing

Cover Reveal: Cowboy Boots and Inexpressible Longing (Cowboy Boots 5)

Title: Cowboy Boots and Inexpressible Longing (Cowboy Boots 5)
Author: Natalie Acres
Genre: Erotic Romance, BDSM, Romantic Suspense, Western/Cowboys
Publish Date: June 3, 2013
Buy Link: http://www.bookstrand.com/natalie-acres


Book Description:
Master Drew Remington’s pain and grief runs deep. One woman will heal his soul and mend his wounded heart by submitting to his desires, but first their love will be tested when an old enemy emerges looking for the final ultimate score.

About the Author:
International bestseller Natalie Acres is a Tennessee author writing exclusively for Siren Publishing. Prone to pen Western ménage romance and BDSM romantic thrillers, Natalie Acres enjoys sports, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. When she isn’t writing, Natalie is often found at a dice table in Cherokee, North Carolina, or playing poker in Tunica, Mississippi.

Lengths for Love Book Review

Title: Lengths For Love
Author: CS Patra
Genre: Supernatural Romance/YA fiction
Publisher: Pendium Publishing (March 21, 2013)

Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million

Book Description:
People say they will do just about anything for love. Some might go far enough to try and find the impossible. Some will stop at no lengths for the one they love. When Ian Choi’s girlfriend gives him the most difficult task…find her someone, a vampire, to turn her immortal…he is faced with a choice he never imagined he’d have to make. And little does he know just what could happen while he’s trying to make her wish come true.

 Review

I have never read a romance dealing with vampires as it is not normally a genre I like. Hoewever, since this was a romance, I decided to to give it a go.

Ian is the narrator and the main protagonist and is asked by his love, Alexis to go to all sorts of lengths to prove his love. He does so amid many difficulties and problems.

The book has a good plot and is well written. I am sure that any vampire fan will love it.

 

Author Bio:
CS Patra has been writing for a long time and has been doing it since she was young. This is her latest book but certainly not going to be her last. Her next book is currently in the works. In addition to writing, she is also fond of painting and making jewelry. She currently lives in North Carolina with her family.


Author Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carter-TachikawaCS-Patra/297508030352688?ref=hlve
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CyberPeacock
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=CS+Patra

This review is part of the Lengths for Love Book Tour by CM Book Tours
 

Epsilon A.R. Book Review

Title: Epsilon A.R
Author: Zackery Alexander Humphreys
Genre: Sci-Fi

Synopsis:
Hundreds of years into the future mankind has gone under-ground to relocate to Epsilon; a beautiful city run by a strong, secretive government that keeps its citizens in check by subtle manipulation and strict schedules. No one questions the city's authority and no one is unhappy. ALN-896, an average man who is just trying to live a normal life, begins to have dreams; something strange and rare in Epsilon. In his dreams a man named Harry dies. ALN-896 shrugs this off as if nothing has happened. It was only a dream. The next day, however, he is suddenly arrested and sent to prison for killing Harry. Now inside prison, ALN-896 begins to learn about what the government of Epsilon has been doing and he plans on escaping. Not only from prison, but from Epsilon. This one decision turns him against everything he has ever known and forces him to face against centuries of lies. To escape means to live, but what will it cost?


Review

Science fiction is not really my cup of tea but I agreed to review this book and I am glad that I did.

Epsilon is a town built on very strict, regulatory routines. People do things that we do everyday but on automation and everything takes place for everyone at the same time. Everyone is asleep at the same time, gets up at the same time and go to work and school at the same time.

People here do not have names but their ‘names’ are a combination of letter and numbers like ALN-896. He works for the reclamation division and he follows the routine like all the rest. One day however, he breaks the mould by saving a woman from a fire and soon realises the repercussions of doing so.

He is thrown into prison for murder for defying the law and it is here that the inmates are sent to fight to their death. ALN or Alan as he is known in prison is a strong willed and cannot be defeated.

The book is well written but I did not much like the ending as it is quite abrupt and leaves one wanting more.

However, being a genre I don't normally read, I still quite enjoyed it.

Author Bio:
Zackery Humphreys is 21 years old and is currently attending the University of California, Santa Barbara studying Theater Acting. He has been writing for about seven years, mostly concentrating on poetry and novels. He has a love for books and for storytelling. Now, through his writing, he is hoping to bring those two worlds together.


Author Links:
Blog: http://www.zackeryhumphreys.blogspot.com
Facebook: (Author Page) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zackery-Alexander-Humphreys/370275879738503
(Book Page): http://www.facebook.com/EpsilonAR
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Zhumphreys



Buy Links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Follow the rest of the tour here

Belong To You Book Review

Title: Belong To You
Author: Vi Keeland
Genre: Romance-Erotica
Publish Date: April 4, 2013

Synopsis:
My honeymoon was almost everything I dreamed it would be, a tropical paradise, turquoise water, romantic walks on the beach, and loads and loads of mind shattering sex. The only thing missing was the groom. After seven years of coasting through a relationship with Michael, my senses were numb. A week of passion with a stranger was just what I needed to clear my head and take back control of my life. But how do you move on when the man that was only supposed to be a fling somehow seeps into your soul and steals your heart?

Review

If you are a true romantic, you will love this one. Enjoy reading about Sydney and Jack's love story in Hawaii. When Sydney goes on her honeymoon alone because her groom has been indiscreet, she doesn't think it will still involve a romantic interlude. She meets Jack and the chemistry is explosive. What they share is a meeting of bodies and that's all they think it will be.
When she comes back to reality, she finds out that Jack is now her boss and then they work to find out more about each other.
This is simply but well written. The physical relationship has definitely been stressed upon but blends into the storyline.
I enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading more of the series.

Available to buy on:


Amazon
Kobo
Smashwords




Purchase price $3.99


Social media links:
http://www.facebook.com/vi.keeland http://www.facebook.com/pages/Belong-To-You/419829598111543
Twitter - @vikeeland