Review: She Returns From War by Lee Collins

Four years after the horrific events in Leadville, a young woman from England, Victoria Dawes, sets into motion a series of events that will lead Cora and herself out into the New Mexico desert in pursuit of Anaba, a Navajo witch bent on taking revenge for the atrocities committed against her people.

File Under: Dark Fantasy [ The Wilder West | Unseen Forces | A Conspiracy | Fight For Life ]

Cover art by Chris McGrath

Review

3 1-2 Dragons

The story that I got was not the story I thought I’d get. I thought I’d be in the head of Cora, the mc from the last book, which to be honest, I haven’t read yet. I have, however, been stalking it for awhile. I was like, “Hey, you could jump into book 2 here, and miss all the world building stumbling.” Not that every author stumbles in this area.

What I got was an English heiress.

Once I got over that surprise, and we got out of England, the plot really picked up, but I never did manage to sync with Victoria. So because I couldn’t bond with the mc, the plot was just…plot.

I will say that the world Ms. Collins created is fantastic!! And the action was GREAT, which are the two big things for me when reading a book. I look forward to reading book 1 so I can return to this world. This series is exactly the kind of world/story that I’ve been craving.

By smblooding Posted in review

Promo: Paranormal Properties

Paranormal Properties
Paranormal Properties Book One
Tracy Lane
Genre:  YA Paranormal
Publisher:  Pants on Fire Press
ISBN:  978-0982727171
ASIN:  B00BMHF6X6
Number of pages:   192
Word Count:   33,000
Book Trailer:   http://youtu.be/NwIoLYHHznU
Book Description:
Jake Weir, while on the set of his parents ghost hunting TV show, agrees to help a ghost investigate a 61 year-old murder.
Jake Weir is not like the other kids in Dusk, North Carolina. Then again, Dusk, North Carolina is not like other cities. Known as one of the most haunted cities in America, behind Salem, Massachusetts and New Orleans, Louisiana, Dusk is ground zero for Jake’s ghost hunting parents.
The Weir family has arrived in Dusk eager to scope out some of the town’s 127 reported “paranormal properties,” which just happens to be the name of their own ghost hunting show: Paranormal Properties. What Jake doesn’t know, and what his parents could never imagine, is that Jake can see ghosts! And hear them. And talk back to them! This talent comes in handy when he runs into Dusk’s oldest, most famous ghost: one Frank Barrone, a one-time lounge singer made famous by his booze-soaked ballad, “Barroom Eyes.”
Frank was gunned down by a local mobster in 1951 and has been searching for his killer ever since. When he learns that Jake can see and hear him, Frank makes young Jake a deal: if Jake will help Frank find his killer, Frank will help his parents find a ghost to film for their upcoming Halloween Special on Public Access Channel #319. Jake enlists the only friend he’s made in Dusk, an overweight tomboy nicknamed “Tank,” to help him track down Frank’s killer. As clues emerge and old leads heat up, Frank and Jake learn they make quite a team. But will Jake find Frank’s killer? And will Frank find a real haunted house in time for Halloween?
 “Paranormal Properties is a great, family-friendly Young Adult novel about a boy who can talk to ghosts. Equal parts Scooby-Doo, CSI and the Hardy Boys, you will enjoy getting to know Jake, Frank and Tank as much as I did. Now, if only ‘Paranormal Properties’ was a real show I could watch on TV every week…” ~ Rusty Fischer, author of Zombies Don’t Cry
About the Author:
 
I was fascinated with the paranormal when I was very young. I always felt like someone was around me even when I was alone. It caused me to be inspired to write a paranormal book where a teenager can see and hear ghosts and actually makes friends with one.
I use to love to write short stories in school and always wanted to be a writer. But raising children and working jobs I just could not find the time to indulge my passion. Then my children grew up and I ended up having two teenagers at home who did not need as much attention from me. I started toying with the idea of writing once again. So setting aside 5 to 10 minutes per day to write at least one page I could end up with a book a year. Now Paranormal Properties is published and I have a list of 8 more books to write. I don’t think I”ll be slowing down anytime soon.
Goodreads

Promo: How NOT To Train Your Zombie by Annie Rachel Cole

 
How does a thirteen-year old become the most popular kid in 8th grade? He trains a zombie to be a pet… And that’s exactly what Max Taylor plans to do, even if he had to lie, steal, and lose his best friend in the process.

READ AN EXCERPT

 
“Training a zombie is not a stupid idea. Everyone will be so jealous and they’ll want one. But we’ll be the only ones who can train them. Not only will we be popular, but we’ll be rich,” said Max, quickly changing the conversation away from Kelly’s pool party as fast as he could. It irked him that Eddy Pratt, the geekiest kid in school got invited to the party and he, Kelly’s soon-to-be boyfriend, didn’t. How could Eddy Pratt be ranked higher than him on the school social ladder? How could Chad get invited and not him? It didn’t make any sense.
Max banged his fist against his head. It did too make sense. Eddy didn’t get invited because he was cool or anything like that. He got invited because his dad’s a zombie exterminator.
“Training a zombie like it’s some sort of pet is not only the most stupid idea I’ve ever heard, it won’t work. No way!” Chad opened his locker and put several books inside. “All you’re gonna do is break a whole lot of laws. Besides, I’ve already told Mr. Carter we’re doing an experiment to show how volcanos create islands.”
“And how is showing how volcanos create islands going to make up popular?”
“It’ll win us the science fair.”
“But if we train a zombie, we’ll not only win the science fair, we’ll be doing the town a huge favor.”
“How? By getting ourselves put in jail or worse like—you know—infected? No! Thank! You! There are rules about zombies for a reason. They are extremely infectious…”

MEET THE AUTHOR

I live in Texas with my husband, son, and two cats who think they run the place. I read, write, play Texas Hold’em poker (I’m actually part of a local league), and occasionally I compete in BBQ competitions with my husband. Our team name is Outcast Cookers. I also teach in a public school.
My likes include: a wide variety of music (see my play list for book 2 on my blog), Star Trek (My son got me a signed picture of Patrick Stewart which sits on my desk.), Star Wars, Grimm (TV series), winter (though we don’t have snow), the holiday season, coffee, hot tea (with cream and sweetener), pizza (no anchovies though), puzzles, Edgar Allan Poe, Ray Bradbury, and JK Rowling.
Buy Links

Barnes and Noble (Nook):  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-not-to-train-a-zombie-annie-rachel-cole/1114502583?ean=2940016367675

Promo: Schoolgirl Cinderella by Priya Narendran

schoolgirl

Title: Schoolgirl Cinderella

Author: Priya Narendran

Genre: YA Fairytale Romance

Ten year old Briony Duke and her parents own a prestigious girls’ school in the country. This is in contrast to Mrs. Eyres, a middle-aged woman who has just been sacked by Briony’s father for embezzling funds.When Briony’s parents are killed in a car crash, Mrs. Eyres and daughter Lucy take over the school and Mrs. Eyres now becomes Briony’s guardian. Mrs. Eyres makes Briony sleep in the kitchen, cook, clean and tend to her and her daughter’s every whim. Seven years pass and one day Briony meets 19 year old Tom Logan, the sixth richest man in the country. She slowly starts to fall in love with the charismatic teenager, the only question is; can she win his heart before her evil stepsister does?

 

Author Bio

My name is Priya Narendran and I have been a fan of fairy tales and paranormal fiction for years.  I started writing when I was seven years old and haven’t stopped writing since. So far I have written 2 books and I am in the process of writing my third.

As well as writing, I’m an avid film buff.  My favourite films include My Fair Lady, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Shining and Beauty and the Beast (Disney version).

Cinderella is also one of my favourites and I decided to change things a little by making the little Cinder girl appear a little more daring and quite intelligent. I hope you enjoy reading my book as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17161405-schoolgirl-cinderella

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Schoolgirl-Cinderella-ebook/dp/B00ASMJGKK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358084142&sr=8-1&keywords=schoolgirl+cinderella

Kindle Giveaway!

May Kindle Giveaway

This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER SPONSORED GIVEAWAY!


Kindle Fire HD 7″ Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HD (US Only)

Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)


 

Sponsoring Bloggers & Authors

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  6. Books, Beauty and Bodacious Deals
  7. Author Emma Michaels
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  36. Auggie Talk
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  38. Kerry Taylor
  39. Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf
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Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7″ HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).

Ends 5/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Review: Blood in the Valley by J.K. Hogan

The daughter of a Las Vegas hustler, Raven Sabatier grew up trusting nothing and no one—she doesn’t even trust herself to stay in one place for longer than a minute. When her quest to find out the secrets of her past leads her to the mountains of North Carolina, she’s set on a collision course with the one man she thought she’d never see again.

In Appalachia consulting on an archeological dig, Anthropologist Dr. Drew Deveraux comes face to face with the indomitable beauty who broke into his apartment a year ago, tilting his carefully cultivated world on its axis.

Engaged in a fight with their demons, both imagined and real, the last thing either of them expected to find was love. Together, they must unravel the mystery of Raven’s past and her connection with an ancient race of witches, in order to save their future—and all of the souls hanging in the balance.

Review

4 Dragons

The thing that I absolutely LOVED about the first book was the plot. I thought it was absolutely freaking amazing. I found the character arc to be awkward and I didn’t really believe the leap of love. As I said, I’m a gradual leaper…which is to say, I don’t leap at all. I used to be. That’s the only way I can explain the vampiric US Government assassin. *helpless shrug*

Book 2 was much better on the character arc. I really liked Raven right away, and Drew got me. He wormed his way into my heart and made me sigh, even with this iron rock I’ve got for a heart.

The plot was awesome again! I loved it. I couldn’t tap the screen fast enough to get to the next page. Ms. Hogan did a great job! Well done!

Virtual Book Tour May 2 – June 2
 
May 2  - Reading Addiction Blog Tours - Meet and Greet
May 3  - Lizzy’s Dark Fiction - Review/Guest Post
May 6  - Feed My Need for a Good Read - Review/Guest Post
May 7  - Waiting on Sunday to Drown - Review/Guest Post
May 8  - Bookworm Avenue - Guest Post
May 9  -The Book Tart - Review
May 10  -Frankie Blooding - Review/Guest Post
May 13  - The Canon - Review
May 14  - Bianca2B - Review/Guest Post
May 15  - Author Ever Leigh - Review
May 16 - My Reading Addiction - Review
May 17 - Mama Kitty Reviews - Review/Interview
May 20  - Coffee Break - Review/Guest Post
May 21  - Spank You Silly - Review
May 22  - Proserpine Craving Books - Review
May 23 - Texas Book Nook - Review
May 24  - Faerie Tale Books - Review/Interview
May 25  - Into the Wormhole - Review/Guest Post
May 26  - My Cozie Corner - Review
May 28  - Bookishly Devoted - Review
May 29  - The Avid Reader - Review
May 29 - Jessica Loves Books - Review
May 30  - Word to Dreams - Review
May 31  - Paulette’s Papers - Review/Guest Post
June 2 - RABT Reviews-  Review

J.K. Hogan

Author Bio

J.K. Hogan has been telling stories for as long as she can remember, beginning with writing cast lists and storylines for her toys growing up. When she finally decided to put pen to paper, magic happened. She is greatly inspired by all kinds of music and often creates a “soundtrack” for her stories as she writes them.

J.K. resides in North Carolina, where she was born and raised. A true southern girl at heart, she lives on a farm with her husband and young son, a cat, and two champion agility dogs. If she isn’t on the agility field, J.K. can often be found chasing waterfalls in the mountains with her husband, or down in front at a blues concert. In addition to writing, she enjoys training and competing in dog sports, spending time with her large southern family, camping, boating and, of course, reading!

J.K. Hogan is a member of The Romance Writers of America.

Website- http://jkhogan.com

Twitter- www.twitter.com/jk_hogan

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/KristenHDavis?fref=ts

BUY LINK

By smblooding Posted in review

Promo: Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan

Tour Schedule
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Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan

How can love mend a heart full of hate?

Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and

mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly’s life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings.

Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful, romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, unimaginable danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.

PRAISE

“The novel’s take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans.” – Kirkus Reviews

“I expected a good love story with a paranormal twist. I got so much more. I think you should take the chance and read it. Let this book take you on the adventure, fall in love.” – Young Adult and Teen Readers

“Fields of Elysium is a fabulous read. … Whelan paints her faith into the fabric of her story with deft, light brushstrokes, making her work accessible to all, no matter their spiritual beliefs or background.” – Readers Favorite

“I escaped into this fantasy world, author, A.B.Whelan, created and I didn’t want Molly to go. From detailed descriptions, to sweet romance, and to all the twist and turns in the story, it had me captivated from page one.” – Mary Ting, author of the Crossroads Saga

“Whelan’s writing is very vivid and descriptive. It’s more formal than the average YA novel, but I enjoyed the lyrical and mesmerizing quality to it. I thought the overall story read like a fairy tale–very sweet.” – Megan Thomason, author of Daynight

Author A.B. Whelan

A.B.Whelan is a Hungarian born, American writer. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Southern California.

While growing up in a wealthy Eastern European family, she had a chance to travel Europe. Later as an adult, she visited Africa and the Middle East and lived in Ecuador and in Crete.

$25 Tour Giveaway

Ends 5/15/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://www.iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Promo: Trioron: Reborn

Triorion: Reborn (Part I) Scheduled for Release in Summer 2013

Triorion_Promo_posterTriorion: Reborn (Part I), the highly-anticipated third book in L.J. Hachmeister’s popular science-fiction series, is hitting the digital shelves June 12, 2013, with the second half to follow later this year. Identical sisters Jetta and Jaeia have survived every horror they’ve faced in this futuristic dystopia, but they have yet to face their greatest enemy.

In Triorion: Reborn, Earth is populated by only the most desperate Sentients in the centuries after its ruin by biological and nuclear warfare. However, the dead planet suddenly becomes the focus of both ally and foe as a fabled terrestrial technology that can resurrect worlds becomes a beacon of hope in a war-torn galaxy. The two sisters make startling discoveries about their link to this forgotten world and the malevolent force that is consuming Jetta.

Promotional_Image

“This book was challenging to write,” says Hachmeister. “The Kyrons may only be eight years old, but they’ve stolen thousands of years worth of experience. Each kid has handled it differently, and Jetta especially is struggling.”

LJ_Hachmeister_photo

After receiving highly favorable reviews of the first and second books in the Triorion series, Hachmeister is confident that the latest volume will once again hit the mark with her fan base. “Now the readers will see how far Jetta will go with her telepathic talents; there’s no one to hold her back now.”

And that’s only the beginning. Hachmeister’s newest characters come with frightening talents of their own, and the conflicts between them promise the reader an engaging, fast-paced read that will take them across the stars.

Aimed at a mature audience, the Triorion series is best suited for readers who have enjoyed books such as Ender’s Game, The Hunger Games, The Saga of the Seven Suns or any of the Star Wars novel series. Although not officially confirmed, Hachmeister has indicated that there will be seven novels in this series.

The first two books in the Triorion series are currently available for Barnes & Noble’s Nook, Amazon Kindle, Sony Reader, Kobo, iPad, iBooks and many more electronic devices, as well as in paperback. For more information, or to order an e-book or paperback edition, visit www.triorion.com.

Promo: The Tale of Mally Biddle by M.L. LeGette

The Tale of Mally Biddle by M.L. LeGette

When Mally Biddle agreed to spy upon the King of Lenzar and his overbearing knights she knew she was heading into danger. She didn’t know she’d find a family unlike any other.

Posing as a servant in Bosc Castle, Mally serves tea and tends fires for the most dangerous men in the kingdom. Her goal is to learn the truth of what happened sixteen years ago, when the infant princess met her death … a death that is surrounded by more questions than answers.

Along her search for the truth, Mally meets the energized Lita Stump, the strict and matriarchal Meriyal Boyd, and the opinionated Archibald Diggleby. Then of course there are the knights: Leon Gibbs who is slicker than a greased hog, Adrian Bayard, hot tempered and violent, and the worst of the lot: Sir Illius Molick, Captain of the Knights. And then there is Maud, a mysterious woman who just might know everything…

Praise

“To say I loved this book is an understatement. Mally is a wonderful character and she encounters so many quirky folks on her assignment. Very well written and engaging story! And an added bonus of a love triangle! I enjoyed it from beginning to end!! I will definitely be looking for more from this author!”

~April Holgate

Author Melissa LeGette

Melissa LeGette lives in Georgia where she helps run a family farm, so her nails are a fright. The Tale of Mally Biddle is her second novel.

mally biddle

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 6/2/13

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Promo: Family Ever After

Blog Tour Schedule

Family Ever After: Simple Ways to Achieve Perfect Happiness in an Imperfect Family

Women frustrated with their marriage and their family will find the help they need to achieve greater happiness and success in their family in the new book, Family Ever After: Simple Ways to Achieve Extraordinary Happiness with Your Ordinary Family by stay-at-home mom, blogger, and ordinary family leader Michelle H. Packard.

Family Ever After uses the fairytale concept that once you find your prince charming life is happily ever after. Michelle H. Packard knows this concept, while romantic, is not realistic, and she provides a practical, poignant, funny, and moving exploration of the simple ways you can help find greater happiness and satisfaction in your marriage and family. Packard says, “While the idea of happy ever after is distorted, you can, in fact, achieve a Family Ever After.”

Family Ever After brings time-tested and well-researched principles to family life to help you learn specific ways to improve your marriage and your family, whether that family is ordinary or extraordinary.
Using real-world examples of best practices and helping woman readjust their media-driven perception of what happily ever after means, Family Ever After gives readers a pragmatic, helpful, and entertaining exploration of:

  • How happiness in marriage and family life requires a more educated, real-world perspective
  • How proper prioritization and defining what’s important in marriage and family is key to success;
  • Why conflict is part of an ordinary family experience and how to peacefully resolve it;
  • How to cultivate a sense of humor;
  • How to develop a thoughtful and sincere habit of complimenting each member of your family;
  • How to improve family relationships with extended family members; and
  • Learning how to love a family member in the way they understand and accept that love

More than another how-to-have-a-perfect-family book, Family Ever After helps you gain the understanding and the practical skills of what makes ordinary families successful. Family Ever After is an essential and beautiful resource for all women who want to put more happiness in theirs and their family’s life.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Praise

“Family Ever After is a must-read for every happily married Cinderella who wonders why she’s still holding the broom.”

–Rachelle J. Christensen, award-winning author of Wrong Number and Caller ID

“Michelle is open enough to have given readers an intimate look into her life and those close to her, allowing us to learn from both painful and sweet experiences. Her self-reflective style and meaningful insights, if applied, would clearly make a profound impact in the lives of readers.”

–Shawn Edgington Ph.D.

michelleAuthor Michelle Packard

Michelle Packard is a mother to her four very human and totally fabulous kids. Her oldest, Ella is always in charge and leads the pack with creativity and curiosity, Daniel follows with loyalty and loves tenderly, Julia is a doll and always buzzing over something beautiful, and Jackson could hunt down the last sharpie on earth to create art on your bathroom wall. She has been married ten years and is quite taken with her guy. Date night is her favorite and she dreams of weekend getaways with her man. She loves creating beauty through floral design, but apparently has no gift with living flowers (They end of upside down and pressed in books). She finds parties alluring. They beckon her to invite people over, spend way too much time preparing food for murder mystery dinners, and totally enjoy friends and family. Michelle holds a bachelors degree in Home and Family Science from Brigham Young University. She has spent a great deal of time working with children and young adults and finds her greatest joy is happy families.

Blog

Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 5/19/13

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