Winner of Chelsea Camaron giveaway
CONGRATS!!
Brenda T
@booksofbounty
Your books were gifted from me through Amazon
Author Archives: ReadingRenee
Touching Melody by RaShelle Workman @RaShelleWorkman @Giselleco
BOOK AND AUTHOR INFO:
Touching Melody by RaShelle Workman
Series: Forever First #1
Publication date: June 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Series: Forever First #1
Publication date: June 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Synopsis:
Maddie Martin’s first weekend at college is nothing like she’s used to. It’s wild, like the wilderness on which the University of Bellam Springs sits. Roped into going to a frat party, she literally runs into Kyle Hadley. The boy she’s loved since she was nine. The boy she promised all of her firsts to. But that was before his father killed her parents.
Determined to stay away from him, she throws herself into her music. Practicing piano eases her heavy heart, calms the sadness, and pushes away images of Kyle’s face.
Until it doesn’t.
Her music professor asks her to play a duet for their annual Graduation Gala. Doing so means she’ll be assured another full ride scholarship. It’s an opportunity she can’t pass up.
But Kyle is the other half of the duet. And that means hours and hours of practicing.
Days and months of seclusion – just the two of them. And it’s more than just music. It’s passion like Maddie never believed was possible.
The inevitable happens. She falls in love with him all over again.
But, will loving him be enough to erase all the hate in her heart for his father? Can she look at him, and not see the evil in his family tree?
And maybe it’s all a set up. Maybe Kyle is only pretending to care so he can finish what his father started, and kill her too.
AUTHOR BIO
RASHELLE WORKMAN lives on a mountain with her husband, three children, and three dogs. From her back porch she can see the city lights and imagine… She’s the bestselling author of the Dead Roses series (Sleeping Roses is being translated into Turkish, and will be available in print wherever Turkish books are sold in 2014), the Immortal Essence series, and the Blood and Snow series.
Author links:
Over the Edge by Suzanne Carroll @Suzanne_Carroll #spotlight @TWCoffeeShop
In six weeks Zoe Harper will marry Dan Costi in an over-the-top Sydney society wedding, complete with fire-eaters and belly dancers. But when she receives an unexpected gift from her future mother-in-law, Zoe realizes she’s making a huge mistake. In a blazing sidewalk argument, she breaks up with her fiance, and his mother–who has joined the fight via conference call.
Following the advice of friends and co-workers, along with some inspiration from late-night-television self-help guru Dr. Pam, Zoe sets out to find the life she thinks she should be living. Always a planner, she makes a list of goals: travel, career, tattoos, and no relationships. It’s all carefully laid out, until she meets Angus Creed.
In six weeks Angus is supposed to lead the opening waltz at a charity ball in New York City. Only problem is, the handsome billionaire construction magnate with the tabloid past can’t dance. Not one step.
Tainted by gossip and with a well-publicized failed engagement behind him, Angus has become a master at keeping an emotional distance. Until he meets Zoe.
“My life was interrupted. Hers was too. But she’s well and truly back on track, and I thought I was too when I met Dan, but I was wrong. I need me to get myself to where I should be. That can’t come from someone else. So that’s what I’m fixing now.” I draw some random patterns in the sand. “I won’t let myself get lost again.”
Website http://www.suzannecarroll.com
Twitter @Suzanne_Carroll
The Lost and Found: The Anthology
by Suzanne Carroll (Goodreads Author), Kate Collier (Goodreads Author),Valentina Dunn (Goodreads Author)
4.11 of 5 stars 4.11 avg rating — 19 ratings — published 2013
AudioGO challenged five new and talented authors to write an original YA story based on a picture and the word prompt ‘LOST AND FOUND.’ They didn’t disappoint; each story is different from the last. Dip into new, strange worlds, discover time-holes, try and sneak into talent shows, figure out who is leaving mysterious messages, and discover the mysteries of a steampunk convention. Enjoy this anthology of all five tales by Suzanne Carroll, Kate Collier, Valentina Dunn, Anya Nara, and Rochelle Walker. All stories are also available for purchase individually
by Suzanne Carroll (Goodreads Author)
4.33 of 5 stars 4.33 avg rating — 3 ratings — published 2013
Fish and chips on the pier. Art. Music. Moonlit walks along the beach. For the busker (play music or perform entertainment in a public place)and the art student it’s the perfect summer romance. Until it ends suddenly with a savage thunderstorm. A heartbroken Georgia thinks she’ll never see Tom again. But Tom doesn’t give up easily, and months later they find each other in the most unexpected place.
TheWritersCoffeeShop
TWCoffeeShop
First by Chanda Stafford @RAPPublishing @chanda_stafford
The First Tour
May 15, 2013 Through June 12, 2013
Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Mira works on a farm in the ruins of Texas, along with all of the other descendants of the defeated rebels. Though she’s given her heart to Tanner, their lives are not their own.
When Socrates, a powerful First, chooses Mira as his Second, she is thrust into the bewildering world of the rich and influential. Will, a servant assigned to assist her, whispers of rebellion, love, and of a darker fate than she’s ever imagined. With time running out, Mira must decide whether to run to the boy she left behind, the boy who wants her to live, or the man who wants her dead.
Review:
I think I must say that this was what I would call a new “niche” in the young adult dystopian category. The characters and situations were scary, dark and gloomy, which is the perfect setting for this genre. Mira was the main character, chosen as a servant. She is unique and has a few great personality traits. You get involved in her learning about a “second”. I really liked the character of Socrates, even though his past was not stellar. Socrates was the oldest immortal mind.
Mira’s love for Will was different and fresh. I wanted a future, something to believe in.
First is set right after this civil war. After the war was the discovery of mind transplantation. With mind transplants, those chosen to better the world are allowed to live forever through their “seconds”.
The way I connected to Mira was really her being stubborn. She is put in certain situations and they show off her personality in a different way. First is a novel about hope and belief in the future. It was a very captivating read with great characters and a pretty fast paced theme.
About the Author:
Chanda Stafford teaches middle and high school English. She loves traveling and currently lives in Michigan with her husband and a menagerie of rescued dogs and cats.
When she’s not reading or writing, Chanda enjoys old zombie movies, authentic Italian food, and comic books.
Author Links
Follow Chanda Stafford!
IRONY OF SURVIVAL: The Zharmae Anthology
The First Tour @RAPPublishing @chanda_stafford #excerpts and spotlight
The First Tour
May 15, 2013 Through June 12, 2013
Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Mira works on a farm in the ruins of Texas, along with all of the other descendants of the defeated rebels. Though she’s given her heart to Tanner, their lives are not their own.
When Socrates, a powerful First, chooses Mira as his Second, she is thrust into the bewildering world of the rich and influential. Will, a servant assigned to assist her, whispers of rebellion, love, and of a darker fate than she’s ever imagined.
With time running out, Mira must decide whether to runto the boy she left behind, the boy who wants her to live, or the man who wants her dead.
Excerpt:
“Don’t say a word.”
Adrian
The room smells musty, unused. Kind of like the back storage buildings on the farm, or the old cellar the Chesanings don’t use any more where we explore and play games. Shafts of sunlight slant through the cracks in the heavy, dark red curtains, and when I take a step, more puffs of dust cloud the air. Chairs covered in white blankets line the walls and tower over me in stacks almost as high as the ceiling.
“What do you think they’re doing out there?” I whisper, but it’s so quiet, I could be shouting.
My servant, Will, shushes me. “If you listen closely, I bet you can hear your First talking.”
I creep over to the door and press my ear against it. Nothing. As if no one’s on the other side. “Isn’t this the Release Ceremony? Shouldn’t I be out there with him?”
Will nods, leaning against the wall, crossing his arms in front of him. “That’s normally how it happens. This is… odd.”
“Did I do something wrong? Did I make Thoreau mad?” I bite my lip to keep it from trembling. Grow up, Adrian. Stop acting like a baby.
“No, of course not.” He flashes me a quick grin, but I can tell he’s nervous.
“Are you sure?” I hate it when my voice is all shaky like a little baby’s.
“Definitely. I would know if there was a problem.” He shrugs, and a bar of light illuminates his carefree smile. “I bet it’s to save you from having to sit out there for the whole ceremony. Some of them can get pretty long.”
On the other side of the door, I hear clapping. An old man’s voice rises up as the applause dies.
“There, you see?” Will says. “Nothing to worry about.” I turn away and tune him out so I can listen to Thoreau.
“Thank you, my friends, for this most welcome reception. As a First, I’ve lived for hundreds of years, influenced this country in ways the average person can’t even begin to comprehend. With your continued support, and that of Princeton, I will use your gift to change the future and create a better tomorrow. Thank you.”
A dull roar follows his words, and I fidget in my seat, watching the door. My eyes dart to Will.
“This doesn’t make any sense, Will. I should be out there.”
“I’m sure they’ll call you shortly, Adrian. Maybe the usual waiting room was unavailable and—”
A loud boom shakes the room, and I almost fall down. The chairs weave back and forth in their towers, and millions of dust particles rain down. Will shoves me away from the wall and pushes me toward the back of the room.
“Move, now!” he shouts, but my ears are ringing, and I cough from the dust. He looks behind us at the door and forces me to move faster.
“Murderer! Child killer! Free the Second!” a loud, mechanical voice shouts from the other room. “Free the Second! Free the Second!”
There’s more yelling, but I can’t make out what they’re saying. Another, quieter boom. Will pushes me to a narrow closet.
“In here,” he hisses and shoves me inside. We stay like that for what feels like a couple hours before the door to our main room bangs open, and I hear the heavy clomping of boots.
“You in here with the Second, boy?” Will stays silent. There is a general grumbling outside, some swearing my mother would never approve of, then the deep, gravelly voice speaks again. “Alpha Code One, this is Underground Robin. Is the cargo safe and accounted for? I repeat, is the cargo safe and accounted for?”
Apparently these are magic words for Will because relief washes over his features.
“Who wants to know?”
“Papa bird.” The men march over to our closet and slide open the door. “Good spot, boy.” The head guard, an older man with a pinched face and a permanent frown sheaths his Artos. The other guards keep theirs out. Why? Is it still dangerous?
“What’s going on out there?” Will asks.
“Nothing we didn’t expect. Stupid rebels, always doing things half-assed.” He grins. “Let’s go.” One of them reaches out for me, but I jerk away.
Will touches my shoulder, reassuring me. “It’s okay, Adrian. We’re safe now.”
I shake my head and step back. “Where are we going?”
“Someplace safe.” The head guard takes my arm roughly in his. “Don’t worry. We won’t let anything happen to you.” One of the other guards laughs, as if that’s somehow funny.
“Is… my First all right?”
“He’s fine, boy.” He drags me from the closet. “Now let’s go.”
“Where?” My feet skitter, trying to find purchase as the guard forces me to follow him. The other men glance at each other, at me, then away again. Even Will won’t meet my eyes. Fear freezes me, and I dig my shoes into the thick carpeting. “Will? What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” he answers too quickly. “Just a trip down to the medical center, to make sure you’re all right.” He tries to give me another smile, but he’s lying about something. I can feel it.
“But I’m fine,” I protest as the guard pulls me to the side of the room, behind the curtains where, instead of a window, there is another door. “Can’t you just tell them that? I’m fine. I just want to go back to my room.”
Will shakes his head, sadly. “I’m sorry, Adrian, I really am.”
“What’s going on? Why are you sorry? Will?”
“Let’s go,” one of the other guards growls from the rear of our group. “We don’t have all day. Some of us have work to do.”
May 15: Interview on Laurie’s Non-paranormal Thoughts & Reviews
May 15: Interview on Young Adult Novel Reader
May 16: Review on The Coffee Pot
May 16: Interview on The IndieView
May 17: Review on Mallory Heart Reviews
May 18: Review on A Bit of Dash
May 20: Review on Reading Renee
May 20: Guest Post on To Read, or Not To Read
May 21: Guest Post on A Knife and Quill
May 21: Review on The Solitary Bookworm
May 22: Review on Big Al’s Books and Pals
May 23: Guest Post on Becky’s Blarmy Book Blog
May 24: Guest Post on My Book and My Coffee
May 25: Review on Lissette E. Manning
May 27: Review on Books and Needlepoint
May 28: Review on Random Musings of a Curious Mind
May 30: Guest Post on Comfort Books
June 1: Guest Post on Literary Musings
June 3: Review on Lovey Dovey Books
June 5: Guest Post on Big Al’s Books and Pals
June 7: Review on I’m a Voracious Reader
June 8: Interview on I Am a Reader, Not a Writer
June 9: Review and Guest Post on Reader Girls
June 10: Review on Offbeat Vagabond
June 11: Interview on KBoards
June 12: Review on Workaday Reads
Author Links
Follow Us!
HEART ATTACK by Demi Lovato (Chillax Sunday)
Rex Randall and the Jericho Secret by Vince Carter @vincecarterbook
New Suspense Thriller by Vince Carter Spotlights a New Trend in Sexual Partnering
“Move over James Bond. It’s Rex Randall in the 21st century.” This is what Vince Carter says about his new novel, Rex Randall and the Jericho Secret. This action thriller is about an adventurous author and
the 5 beautiful women with whom he lives.
The Story
Rex Randall is the world famous author, known for his Incognito series of books and movies. His main character, Jason Hendrix, has a loyal following around the world, eager to read about his next exploits. This is especially so, since it is widely known that his life is modeled on the real lifestyle of Rex.It is an unusual lifestyle, only dreamed of by most. That’s because, in real life, Rex lives with five beautiful women in a polyamorous, non-monogamous relationship. It is also a luxurious lifestyle, fueled by the enormous wealth generated by all those books and movies. They want for nothing and enjoy the many pleasures of life. They work hard, play hard, and rest easy.In his series of thriller books, Rex’s alter ego, Jason, is a chameleon-like investigator that assumes numerous identities to pursue his assignments. In order to give the stories an increased level of realism, Rex spends countless months, himself, thoroughly researching key elements of the story concept by accepting assignments in real life and donning various cover identities.Then, with exacting detail, Rex would be able to convert his actual experiences into an exciting series of scenes for Jason in the novels. It is the distinguishing factor that gives his books that air of authenticity, no matter how unusual the premise.In preparation for his next novel, Rex and his five female loves, engage in their reality based research by going undercover and posing as security consultants to the U.S. Secret Service. In the process, they discover the Jericho Secret.
This secret, unknown even to the Secret Service, is so explosive that, if revealed to the world, could put the President of the United States in mortal jeopardy.
About the Author
Author Vince Carter is a financial executive and not a professional basketball player. He has authored a number of books under different pen names.
This is the first book in a series of the adventures of Rex Randall and his family.
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vince-Carter/308283822569631
Twitter
@vincecarterbook
press release: http://prlog.org/11821187 website: http://www.vincecarterbooks.com Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IW0ZPS
Why My Love Life Sucks By Shevi Arnold @shevistories #review
Book Info-
Title-Why My Love Life Sucks
Series-The Legend of Gilbert the Fixer Book # 1
By- Shevi Arnold
Published-March 23, 2010
Review-
The book was good! Gilbert Garfinkle our main character, was adorable. He is awkward and yes, geeky. Turning into a vampire changed it all. It was a fun sort of book. No angst. I loved the characters and the witty times. Gilbert tells his story involving this crazy episode. So he has no choice but to go with it, deal with being a vampire.
Gilbert a true geek, he could fix anything! Socially, he was awkward and out of place, but he was him! His personality was no outgoing. He had a horrible home life, his mother was a bitch capital B.Amber is another character I liked, she is needy, but likable.
The story had a lesson; acceptance, love, friendship, being kind. The cover was deceiving and I think a little juvenile. I think I would change it. Unless someone recommends it, I don’t think the cover will appeal to the demographic. Just me being nit picky.I will continue with the others in the series.
Links-
Amazon BN.com: Smashwords: Freado (where you can start reading the book for free):
About the Author-
I’ve always been super geeky about comedy, fantasy and science fiction.
When I was little, I’d take them apart and analyze them, kind of like what Gilbert Garfinkle–the hero of Why My Love Life Sucks–does with electronics. This continued into my college years, when I majored in English Literature and Theater Studies.
For twelve years I worked in magazines and newspapers as an editorial cartoonist, illustrator, editor, arts-and-entertainment writer (specializing in children’s entertainment and, of course, comedy), and a consumer columnist.
My last job was at the Jerusalem Post, but I had to quit when my family decided to move to New Jersey to pursue better education options for my autistic son.
This was in February 2001. Since then I’ve written 40 picture books and seven novels for kids and teens, four of which I’ve indie published. I was an ABNA quarter finalist with Why My Love Life Sucks, and I won third place in SmartWriter’s Write It Now contest in the the YA category (which was judged by Alex Flinn, the author of Beastly) for my romantic, YA ghost story, Ride of Your Life.
Links-
Facebook Event-
https://www.facebook.com/events/592818107403748/?context=create#
Emancipating Andie by Priscilla Glenn @Priscilla_Glenn #review
Book Review:
There is a fun, odd, strangely gifted woman in Andie Weber. She is so OCD it is not even funny. She lives life cautiously and is a stickler for rules. The type of girl who would actually date her mascara. She knows that after 3 months it isn’t good and worries about an infection. I thought lmao, then I thought so sad, I do that TOO. She reads warning labels and probably registers any electronic purchases. She is in a relationship for about 1 1/2 years with Colin.
Andie has a situation with a guy named Chase. No secret that Colin is in a wedding in Florida and she will drive because she hates to fly. So he offers to have his friend (Chase whose personality is opposite Andie) drive to Florida with her. He convinces her really easy and she goes along with it.
Chase McGuire is a photographer and he is easy going. He goes where he wants and does what he wants. They soon realize they met before, while she was on her second date with Colin. Chase tries to change Andie’s way of thinking. Not at all easy. In fact why would he when she was just that different?
After a rocky start things go along smooth. Now you know what is going to happen. I won’t say anymore! Andie and Colin are comfortable and maybe that is the part I could not relate to. It was not like Chase was bold, but I think if he is best friends with Colin he wouldn’t have “gone” there. Besides that if they were fine, then how in 2 days does someone change your future? Chick lit lovers will adore this book.
Tour Giveaway:
2 Print copies of Emancipating Andie – US/Canada Only
Link to the giveaway here
Tour schedule link
About the Author
Priscilla Glenn lives in New York with her husband and three children. She has been teaching English Language Arts at the middle and high school levels for the past eleven years while moonlighting as a writer, mommy, coach, student, and professional laundry-doer.
If you catch her when she’s feeling sophisticated, she’ll tell you her favorite things are great books and good wine. In the moments in between, she’ll admit her love for anything Ben and Jerry’s, UFC fights, and Robert Pattinson.
Emancipating Andie is Glenn’s second novel. She is also the author of the contemporary romance/young adult crossover, Back to You.
Social Media links:
Twitter @Priscilla_Glenn
You must be logged in to post a comment.