Saturday, October 31, 2015

Happy Halloween!

Halloweek Reading to SEIZE THE NIGHT!



Enjoying a great treat is not just for kids on Halloween. Indulge yourself this week and read SEIZE THE NIGHT: NEW TALES OF VAMPIRIC TERROR, the new “stellar anthology of tales” (Publishers Weekly Starred Review), sure to quench your thirst for a Horrific Halloween read! Conjuring reactions such as “Going back to the heydays of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot” and “For anyone who likes tales of the creepy sort like Stephen King’s short stories in Everything’s Eventual or Nightmares & Dreamscapes,”  how can one resist?

SEIZE THE NIGHT
Edited by Christopher Golden
Gallery Books
October 6, 2015
ISBN: 9781476783093
Trade Paperback
$18.00




Once upon a time, vampires were figures of terror…and they can be again. Legends of these dark creatures sprang from every corner of the world and infinite variations throughout history—with even more of them waiting in the farthest corners of the imagination. SEIZE THE NIGHT takes hold of a popular culture environment where the vampire has largely lost its ability to inspire fear, and now brings out the dread, showcasing twenty all-new tales of horrifying evil from an extraordinary lineup of twenty contributors:

John Ajvide Lindqvist
Kelley Armstrong
Laird Barron
Gary A. Braunbeck
Dana Cameron
Dan Chaon and Lynda Barry
Charlaine Harris
Brian Keene
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Michael Koryta
John Langan
Tim Lebbon
Seanan McGuire
Joe McKinney
Leigh Perry
Robert Shearman
Scott Smith
Lucy A. Snyder
David Wellington
Rio Youers

The dusk is upon you, and your fright-filled journey to the shadows of the hereafter is about to begin with SEIZE THE NIGHT—old-school vampire fiction at its finest.  

“The notion of the romantic vampire is transcended to chilling and even heartbreaking effect in this stellar anthology of talesThese stories move smoothly from the subtle to the horrifying…”
Publishers Weekly Starred Review Description: Description: Description: Description:
              120px-Black_star 

“Twenty stories of varying lengths offer quick bites of otherworldly entertainment. Edited by Christopher Golden, this collection takes vampire fiction back to its bloody, frightful roots. Readers looking for old-school horror laden with darkness will appreciate these diverse stories from some of the best writers in the genre…all are entertaining…With new spins on classic traditions and inventive, unexpected twists, it’s the perfect spooky read for Halloween — or any night that calls for a touch of terror.”
RT Book Reviews

“The twenty-one authors collected in this volume have…succeeded in returning vampires and their ilk back into our nightmares where they belong…each tale delivered the goods. And by goods, I mean terror…These are not your Count Dracula vampire stories, but thankfully they’re not of the friendly variety either. What they all have in common is that each and every story is a cut above the ordinary. My highest recommendation.”
—Cemetery Dance

Seize the Night: New Tales of Vampiric Terror is a highly successful anthology, one that puts vampires back into the shadowy, hidden corners where they belong and makes them creepy, chilling, at times downright frighteningwe’re getting back to the old-school roots of vampiric lore, going back to the heydays of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Stephen King’s Salem’s Lotthis is a vital return to form for these stoic, and historic, universal baddies…Seize the Night has the singular aim of making vampires terrifying again, and it heartily succeeds in its mission. Golden and the contributors deserve a fair amount of applause for their work here, and this anthology is a wonderful reminder of what made vampires such a popular horror staple, and why they continue to endure across the ages.”
Michael Patrick Hicks
               
“Anthologies have always been one of my favorite things. A chance to read old favorite authors and a chance to also find some new favorites as well, all based on some short stories. Which is, of course, why I chose to read Seize the Night – New Tales of Vampiric Terror Seize The Night –New Tales of Vampiric Terror is slated to be released on October 6, 2015. Be sure to get your copy before they disappear! Anyone who likes tales of the creepy sort like Stephen King’s short stories in Everything’s Eventual or Nightmares & Dreamscapes should check out Seize the Night.”
—The Goth Girl Reads

“…a diverse and high quality collection of new stories from some great names within the horror and paranormal sub-genres…Quite simply, if you are a fan of vampires, do not miss this one. 4 Throbbing Carotid Arteries for Seize The Night.”
—Horror After Dark

“Sink your teeth into this collection with caution, it'll bite back.”
—Hardboiled Wonderland

“I would really recommend this wonderful book to anyone who wants to read a vampire anthology that harks back to the heyday of quality horror fiction.”
Book Nutter’s Reviews

“I thoroughly enjoyed reading Seize The Night…well-written with plenty of frights to keep any horror fan awake at night.”
—Coffee Addicted Writer

“I really prefer my vampires evil, so this anthology was just what I was looking for. It opens with a novelette by Scott Smith, and that one story is worth the price of the book. The victims are suitably disgusting and deserve their fate, which is rapid and brutal. Michael Koryta suggests a rather different cause for vampirism. Charlaine Harris has a very nice story about an energy vampire rather than a blood drinking one. Kelley Armstrong suggests there is a genetic marker for vampirism. Tim Lebbon takes us back to a particularly brutal period of history for his story. John Langan presents a time traveling vampire that can duplicate bodies to ensure it has a steady source of prey…well above average.”
—Don A’mmassa On Horror

“…Brings out the dead and dread, showcasing 20 all-new tales of horrifying evil from a coffin full of different writers who dabble in the undead from various angles, from horrific to heart-wrenching, romantic to rough. We especially feasted on Rio Youers’ “Separator”, set in a typhoon-devastated Philippines where a land developer gets a brutal taste of local legend. Ouch!”
—Examiner.com – A Tricky Treat for Fright Night

“I honestly had nightmares reading this anthology, which is a first for me, and found the writing samples to be strong and powerful tales that twisted an already frightening lore. I definitely recommended reading Seize The Night as a Halloween novel. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy horror, frightening tales, anthologies and short stories, gruesome and violent vampires. I would wholeheartedly recommend reading Seize The Night if you are a horror fan or a supporter of real, gritty vampire novels without the romanticism and moral questions.”
—Silk & Serif

Now, from some of the biggest names in horror and dark fiction, comes this collection of short stories that make vampires frightening once again.”
—Bookgasm – Halloween-Ready New Release Awaiting You to Treat Yourself

About the Editor
Christopher Golden is the #1 New York Times bestselling and Bram Stoker Award-winning author of such novels as Snowblind, Tin Men, Of Saints and Shadows, and The Boys Are Back in Town. His novel with Mike Mignola, Baltimore; or, the Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire, was the launching pad for the Eisner Award-nominated comic book series Baltimore. As an editor, he has compiled the short story anthologies The New Dead, The Monster’s Corner, and Dark Duets, among others, and has also written and co-written numerous comic books, video games, and screenplays. Golden was born and raised in Massachusetts, where he still lives with his family. His original novels have been published in more than fourteen languages in countries around the world. Please visit him at christophergolden.com.


 Buy buttons for Seize the Night:
B&N
BAM
IBOOKSTORE (ebook)
KINDLE (ebook)
NOOK (ebook)
GOOGLE PLAY (ebook)

  My Review!

"They came for us, as they always did, when the sun shone high in the safe daytime sky. They pulled us from our coffins, from our beds, from our corners and alleys and pits, and they hurt us; oh, how they hurt us. Driving stakes through our chests as their legends told them they should, and then cutting off our heads...".
                                     from  "Paper Cuts" by Gary A. Braunbeck


A great vampire anthology. A  collection of short stories written by Charlaine Harris of the show " True Blood" and other great horror authors. The line up includes the works of Christopher Golden, John Ajvide Kindqvist, Scott Smith, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Michael Kortya, Kelley Armstrong, Brian Keene, David Wellington, Seanan McGuire, and Tim Lebbon. These are the kind of stories that take you back to when vampire stories were truly frightening.

While so many of the stories were scary and good. My favorite was probably the first one. It was called " Up in Old Vermont" by Scott Smith. Fitting way to start out this book. It follows Ally as she is trying to decide what to do with her life. She befriends an elderly couple and moves in to care for them. Then things change. Oh how they change. The world changes.

Some of the stories were like old legends or tales of folk lore. Some were a little off the wall. Some were current to the times. The steady theme is old time scary and what vampires originally were described as.

"Paper Cuts" was also an old time tale steeped in history. Annette wanders into a book store and receives paper cuts by an old book that sucks up her blood. The shop keeper tells her a peculiar story of being in the concentration camps and the book being used for evil and sacrifice. Indicating that the Nazi's had long been involved in something paranormal. Annette takes part in helping the shop keeper continue his tradition of the books.

I also really liked "Miss Fondevant" by Charlane Harris. (True Blood author)This story is about a sixth grade teacher in 1970. A little boy dies during class. Susan think that Miss Fondevant killed him as she placed her hands on his head as he was lying on the floor. Together with another child she's determined to find out what it is about this teacher that is scaring her.

Well written by seasoned authors. If you want scary vampires this is your book. A sense of the old days when vampires were creepy rather than glittery. No, that's not a swipe at glittery I liked those books and stories as well. Just a different time for vampires then and now. This is where they came from. There is room for everyone on my book shelf. Perfect time of the year for the scary stories.

                            Thank you to Netgalley and Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books.


Friday, October 30, 2015

"Nirvana" by J.R. Stewart



                                                   



"But I can spend my time patrolling a dusty wasteland because Hexagon shut down my band the moment Andrew disappeared? Anger flared in her eyes and she tossed her head defiantly. "They forced me to marry Andrew to live here with him. Now that he's gone, they're writing both of us off.............."      Larissa


Welcome to this new trilogy. We're started off with the first book called "Nirvana." Here you'll be introduced into a new world where technology is definitely strong in the characters daily lives. It will cause you to wonder what it would be like to live like this. A place where you can't live without what they have to offer but wish you'd never have to find out. Picture July and the year is 2031...

Larissa is hard edged punk rocker, who loves animals and her husband Andrew. Living in a dystopian world with everything falling down around them. Larissa dreams of things like apples. Living in a place where the food is now engineered and there are no fruits or vegetables.

Currently Larissa is under military protection, brought there by Andrew to be safe. He is believed to be dead. Larissa can't give up on him. There is no body. She plays the role she must to survive. The Corporal that Andrew wanted to watch over her, sets her up time to relax in a virtual reality place called Nirvana.  A place where you put headphones on and enter. A world where everything appears to be real to you. She can communicate with Andrew here.  Normally her contract allows for a 15 minute pass here once a week. Corporal has given her two hours to explore.

Nirvana is a place where you can swim with dolphins or go out on dates with famous people. You can learn to fly or go to rock concerts. Anything your heart desires. Larissa is using Nirvana to communicate with Andrew. It's the only time she can be with him now. Is he real? Did he die in the war he left for the last time she saw him? Did he program himself into Nirvana so that she'd never have to live without him completely?

Andrew worked as a astrophysics research scientist for the corporation of Hexagon, but within the confines of the military, and he was known as a soldier. Hence this is how they came to be protected and living on a military base. Something in his job has either led to his death or led to him hiding in Nirvana. Larissa is determined to find out where he is or if he is in fact alive. Or is Hexagon orchestrating all of this to keep her from something? But what? Larissa isn't even sure what his job covered. There are people here determined to convince Larissa to sign off on Andrews death.

There is a place called "the Bubble" where the rich live operated by Hexagon. Larissa is sent there for a month to think on her decision on singing off on Andrews death. Hexagon and their people are trying to get information out of Larissa as to what she knows about Andrews last mission. She's giving up nothing. Maybe there she can find some answers on her quest for Andrew. Someone she knows there invented Nirvana after all. Serge tries to talk her into moving back to "The Bubble" and starting over with her music, form a new band. She won't leave the last place she was with Andrew. Not until she knows the truth. Maybe Serge can help her as he has secrets and feelings of his own.

With every Nirvana though there has to be a downside doesn't there? It's not reality for one thing but the people involved aren't necessarily on the side of good. Evil reigns and Andrew knew their secret. Is he dead or is he hidden away forever? You'll have to read this one to find out if Larissa and Andrew are ever back together of if Larissa can at least discover what happened to him.  

I would categorize this as a YA Thriller. I hate to put too many limits as to what kind of book this is because sometimes that will steer someone away. They may say "well I don't read young adult " etc. I'm saying you should perhaps give it a chance. I don't think you'll be sorry. Sometimes it's fascinating to read a book where you can wander outside the box and think about what life might be like -if everything was different. Its amazing to think if virtual reality were possible- where you could do or be anything. I found this book to be fun to allow myself to think about a magical place like "Nirvana." It's just the beginning, you'll want to read on to find out about Larissa and Andrew's story. To see where they go and where life takes them. Reality or in a virtual reality? With a nice little cliffhanger at the end. You'll have to read the next in the series to see how this turns out. 

"A dystopia is a community or society that is undesirable or frightening. It is translated as "not-good place", an antonym of utopia, a term that was coined by sir Thomas More and figures as the title of his most well-known work, "Utopia." Wikipedia


Thank you to Netgalley and Blue Moon Publishers for the A.R.C. 

OUT TODAY! BENEFIT FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS




                                                       

                                                       "MOUTH" A STEAMY ANTHOLOGY    
                                     Benefit breast cancer awareness by purchasing this book!

                          Buy "Mouth" a Steamy Anthology: on sale today at Amazon! click here

"With tears in both of our eyes, we stayed there in silence for what felt like forever, but it was only a few seconds. Finally , I broke out of my love soaked daze and wrapped my arms around Bo's neck. " I have been waiting to hear those words come out of your mouth since I was fifteen!".....
                                                                                                                Peyton   "Rough and Tumble"


Peyton is just starting out in life,  fresh out of college and into a new home when she lands a dream job as a photographer for the North Carolina Hogs, a  pro football team. Extremely excited to the new adventure coming her way, except for the part that her ex Bo is on that football team. Knowing she's going to have to face him again kind of puts a damper on the excitement of the new job.

A chance encounter with Bo changes everything they thought about each other. Is this a chance to perhaps start over? Or is this going to be a problem now that they're technically working together? Since Bo is a famous pro football player and Peyton was his former high school sweetheart things may or may not go the way they'd like. You'll have to read it for yourself though to see how this turns out.

A nicely written hot romance story. I am familiar with several of the authors in this book and highly recommend them! This is just one of the great short stories that is featured in what is called, "Mouth" A steamy anthology.  Your purchase benefit breast cancer awareness.

Featuring 20 authors and 20 hot romance stories.

The Dark, Hot Night - Carter Ashby
Faking Love - Josie Bordeaux
Angel - M.C. Cerny
Vampire Escapade - Christy Dilg
Lesson for Lox - S.M. Donaldson
Paradise Tempted - L.B. Dunbar
Cherry Pop - Roxie Elms
In Session - Mary Catherine Gebhard
The Trouble with Cowboys - Cassie Graham
Scandalous - Danielle Jamie
A Singer and a Solider - Lorraine Loveit
Rough & Tumble - Kristen Hope Mazzola
Second Chances - Scarlett Metal
Lessons - Katherine Rhodes
Lost Soul - t. h. snyder
Tag Catcher - Kandi Steiner
Tonight Only - Layla Stevens
Sea of Flames - Madison Street
Sirens - E.A. Sutton
Commander's Wife - Dawne Walters



"All Time Love" by Beverly Hollowed


ALL TIME  LOVE by Beverley Hollowed

Release Date: OCT. 19th!

- SYNOPSIS -
High Powered Attorney, Mason James is a formidable force, both inside and outside the courtroom. His client list is full of rich and powerful people, who bend the law for their own gain. He exercises control in every part of his life, and has a reputation for being a ladies man. He lets few get close to him, and fewer see who the real Mason James is. 

Amelia Wells, is a shy girl who has lived a sheltered life. Her over protective parents are the center of her world. A single event from her past, haunts her and makes her protect her heart, refusing to let anyone past the wall of steel that she has erected. 

When Amelia comes crashing into Mason’s life, literally, he is thrown by this seemly ordinary girl. She is nothing like the women Mason is used to, and the fact that she doesn’t fall at his feet, just makes him more determined to have the beautiful, Ms. Wells. 

As he and Amelia grow closer, Mason begins to question his life and the people he works for. He knows he needs to make huge changes in his life, if he and Amelia are to ever have a future. But making the changes turns out to be a lot harder than he first though. 

How far will Mason go to protect the woman he loves? Will he and Amelia ever be able to find their happy ever after? Can she become his all-time love?

- PURCHASE - 





- EXCERPT -
A couple of minutes later he found himself standing outside the little book shop, peering through the window.

His breath caught when he spotted her sitting behind the counter, curled over a book, a strand of her long chestnut hair between her fingers as she twirled it absentmindedly.

She was as beautiful as he had remembered, maybe even more.

He watched her closely as she flicked the page. He wondered what she was reading.

Suddenly she ran the tip of her tongue across her bottom lip. It was probably the most erotic thing Mason had ever seen.

His cock immediately hardened as he thought of her lips on him. He wondered what it would be like to kiss her.

Jesus, snap the fuck out of it Mace, he groaned to himself. You are even starting to think like a chick.

A customer in the shop walked up to the counter and Amelia looked up and smiled at them, a genuine, real smile. She listened to whatever the person was saying and then laughed. She stood up and led the customer to a shelf. Reaching up, she took a book down and handed it to the woman. She waited while the woman flicked through it and then looked up and smiled. Amelia smiled back once again, then turned and returned to her seat behind the counter. She was a genuine, good person.

And I would destroy her, Mason thought bitterly. He knew she didn’t belong in his world. She deserved someone nice, who could be the man she needed.

With one last look, he turned and headed back to his office. He needed to let her go. They could never happen.

I should stick to blonde horny waitresses, he thought as he walked quickly back to his office. Vapid girls that had no class and very little brains. Unlike Ms. Wells, who was a class above the rest.







- GIVEAWAY –





HEA Book Tours, PR & More: http://heabooktours.blogspot.com/
Book Junky Tours, PR & More: http://bookjunkytourspr.blogspot.com/




- MEET THE AUTHOR: BEVERLEY HOLLOWED -
My name is Beverley, though most people call me Bev. I live in Dublin, Ireland with my husband, my two sons and my dog Alfie.

I released my first book, Forever and Always in December 2012. I have since released 9 more books, including two series.
All Time Love, is my 11th release

I am stay at home mom and a full time writer. 

I love music and almost anything creative. 

I am currently working on book number 12, it's called Beautifully Unfinished which will be release at Christmas and will be releasing Book 11, All Time Love, on the 19th of October.

- FuN fAcTs about BEVERLEY HOLLOWED -
I love to draw, make jewelry and do anything creative.
I make all my own covers.
I have watched Independence Day over 1000 times, it's my favorite movie.
I am in love with David Gandy, and he was actually my muse for Mason.
I love Karaoke
I collect perfume and tatty bears.
I have a fear of mirrors and birds.



My Review

" Mason stared at Amelia, unsure of how she was going to react to him being there. The look on her face told him, she was completely thrown to see him sitting her parents restaurant. For the first time since he he walked into the restaurant, hell since he climbed into his car and keyed the address into his GPS, he thought this may have been a mistake."

Manhattan is the scene of this romantic story and  begins with defense attorney Mason James.   Hard edged and driven with a troubled past. He deals with the rich and powerful. Women want him, but he doesn't let them get too close. Looking down on the rich and needy, fake women that would be happy to have him. Coming from a recent bad experience with a woman who had serious issues. It nearly cost Mason his life but he's wanting to be back in the game of love. Understandably leery of the women he comes in contact with.  Admiring his best friend/brother Andrew's marriage from afar. Unsure if that lifestyle of married with family is for him. 
Then Ameila comes into his life.  Amelia Wells, book store worker, wannabe writer, sweet, naive, protective of her own heart for good reasons. Can Mason break through to her? Is she the one for him? Mason knows if he is to have her he'll need to change his own nefarious behavior. Can he? Is she worth it? Is he worth it? What does this mean to Amelia's life and the things that she is afraid of? The reasons she's protecting her heart so fiercely are traumatic. Mason finally wants something he's not wanted before. He has to find a way to get it and the girl but at what cost?
Sadly, while one side of the family is supportive, others, including outsiders, are not. Some surprising turns here that will keep you turning the pages. They'll have some real hurdles if this is going to work. Each is willing to give up some major things to make this work out. They're going to need each other in so many ways. Such a sweet story with moments of hard reality. There were a few shocking things that just shocked me and had me in tears. I couldn't read fast enough to find out how they'd be resolved or even if they could be. 
I Love this book. Sweet and passionate. Well written characters that you feel you know and are comfortable with right away. There was a time or two I wanted to reach into this book and shake Mason and a couple others! You'll have to read it and find out why.  This book is going to be my "All Time Love" for a long time to come.  
Thank you to Beverly Hollowed for allowing me to read an ARC. 







Wednesday, October 28, 2015

"The Last Good Place" by Robin Burcell

                                                      

 "Casey grabbed his radio then bolted from the car, not even bothering to shut the door. He ran out of the garage onto Bush Street, then turned left toward the bridge, hearing nothing but the whoosh of the cars below as they emerged from the tunnel. Casey's mind raced, Everything he knew about the Strangler was that he'd never strike out here in the open. The stair's he thought. Twin staircases led from the end of the tunnel on both sides of Stockton Street on up to Bush. The perfect place to assault someone. Or kill someone..... "

Books written by Carolyn Weston were the basis for the television show "The Streets of San Francisco." This author has continued the tradition with this book, "The Last Good Place." Based on Carolyn Weston's characters, Sgt. Al Krug and his partner Casey Kellog. Since the original series took place in the 70's this author chose to update the characters and situations to make them more timely.  

Kellog and Krug are investigating what's known as the Landmark Strangler. Women being murdered and left near landmarks around the city. The latest victim, Trudy, works for a congressman who is up for reelection. Could politics be playing a role in the newest case or is this the work of the serial killer? They hope not, involving politicians in a murder investigation could make or break a police career.

When there is a violent incident at the scene of the latest victim they feel they may be on the verge of wrapping up the case. Then again maybe everything is not as it seems. Of course they are under pressure to come up with results yesterday. They also need to find away to make their styles mesh as they are both such different kind of detectives.  

As they go about their business they find that more than one person has been lying to them.  Every time they interview a witness they get a different story on their take on Trudy. Nothing adds up, from the time Trudy left her house to whom she may be involved with. Steady pace and good characters that feel familiar. Old cop, old ways up against young cop and technological thinking. Together they make a great team , when they aren't running opposite of each other that is.  

The twists were well written. Not what you'd see coming. I always appreciate that in a writer. The ability to surprise me. Can Kellog and Krug wrap this up, find a killer, or maybe more than one killer, and keep their jobs? You'll have to pick this one up and find out. 
  
It was fun and interesting to see the new take on the characters from the old television series. Something most likely you'll remember if you're over a certain age. This book is not dated though and even if you don't remember "The Streets of San Francisco" you will still enjoy this police procedural story.

"She wanted that to be her final thought. The trees behind her house. "The Last Good Place..."


Thank you to Netgalley and Brash Books for the ARC

Good Morning!



Saturday, October 24, 2015

"Hanover House" Kickoff to the Hanover House Chronicles by Brenda Novak


                                                       
                                            Kick off to the Hanover House Chronicles series 



            Buy Hanover House: Kickoff to the Hanover House Chronicles on Amazon: click here!


IMPORTANT UPDATE NOTE: The follow up book that kicks off the series in 2016 has been changed from "Whiteout" to "Her Darkest Nightmare"


" She had to do it , couldn't do anything else, not after what happened when she was only sixteen. She'd found her best girlfriends brutally murdered-all three of them! She'd almost been killed by the same boy. After three days of torture Jasper slit her throat and left her for dead..."
                                                                                                                                                   Evelyn


Welcome to "Hanover House,"  a medical center in Alaska. Built by the government after being rallied for by Dr. Evelyn Talbot. Evelyn is on a quest to find out what makes people become the worst parts of society. The kind of people who kidnap, torture and abuse and murder others are the ones she's planning on studying. These were the very things that happened to her as a teenager.

Not everyone in Hilltop, Alaska is happy that she's trying to find out why the minds of serial killers work the way they do. Not even her own family is supportive of this endeavor. Evelyn has a friend in Alaska State Trooper Sgt. Amarok ,but even he is concerned for her. Perhaps on a personal level as he realizes what motivates her work. He'd like more if she's willing but there is an awful lot of issues at hand.

Her team will be studying about 200 subjects in this new facility when it opens. One of her subjects, Hugo Evanski, a man who has been imprisoned for 15 murders, warns her that all it will take is one mistake for all hell to break loose.

The killer who attacked her and left her for dead, Jasper Moore. is still on the run. Even though it's been twenty years he's still out there. His own parents helped him to disappear. Evelyn wonders if he will show up again one day to finish what he started. Meanwhile we learn about what has become of Jasper and the life he's currently leading. He's not forgot about Evelyn though.

Evelyn is wrapping up loose ends before moving to Alaska and her new home there. Not without danger and her worst nightmares revisited before she can even leave town. Evelyn is also thinking about a possible relationship with Sgt. Amarok but her past holds her back. Can they ever be more than friends? Will Jasper find a way to finish what he started so many years ago? Can she get the towns people to warm up to her? She'll try but she's got her work cut out for her as someone has already vandalized the new facility.

It is a well written prequel to introduce us to the upcoming "Hanover House Chronicles" series. This will be released in 2016 with the book "Whiteout." A first chapter to "Whiteout" was also included. This promises to be an exciting story full of suspense. I look forward to this series! I started this book last night and read until I couldn't. Then immediately picked it back up this morning to finish it. Definitely a page turner with the promise of so much more to come. When you're not scared you'll be loving the characters of Evelyn and Benjamin Murphy, aka Sgt. Amarok.

"I believe in my work," Evelyn added. " Knowledge is power....."


Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the A.R.C. 

Friday, October 23, 2015

"The Wicked Flee" A Marty Singer Mystery by Matthew Iden


                                                      

                                   This is the 5th book in the Marty Singer Mystery Series


                         Buy "The Wicked Flee" by Matthew Iden on Amazon: click here!


"But it was hard for my ex-cop's brain not to tick off each of the misdemeanors and felonies I was flirting with the moment I'd opened the gate behind the dump that was Tuck's house, trespassed through the yard, and tiptoed up the rear porch to try the back door.."... Marty


In the fifth book of this series retired homicide detective Marty Singer is back doing what he does best. He's helping the people he loves and calls his friends with things that are out of their control. Chuck Rhee, a cop who works generally with trying to clean up the street gangs, helped Marty previously and is asking for him to return the favor. Chuck's sister, Lucy, has been kidnapped. Using what he always relies on, his instinct and his own good sense, he wants to help Chuck find out where she's gone. If its not too late that is. Using Lucy's friends information they start off in pursuit of where she may have been taken.

Meanwhile State Trooper Sarah Haynesworth has a run in with a suspect. He's trying to flee a scene carrying a dead girl through the snow. Sarah wants to investigate further because from what she can tell there is a connection with this suspect to other missing girls. She's told to drop it and that the case is being transferred to the Washington County Sheriff's office.

The disappearing girls and Lucy are all tied together perhaps? Is there a serial killer out there or are the girls part of a human trafficking ring? Some shocking and creepy parts as the people involved try to disappear. None of the cops involved here are about to give up on these girls and their paths finally intersect. Hopefully Sarah,  Chuck and Marty can find out where "The Wicked Flee" in time to save Lucy and perhaps more girls.

This is a stand alone but also part of the "Marty Singer Mystery" series. Any of the books can be read in any order or together and make perfect sense. The writer has built a seamless body of work. However, that being said this series book was slightly different then the others. Rather than it all Marty all the time there was the introduction and crossing of characters. I believe the author was adding some layers to Marty's life. Marty travels along a pretty solid line. This change gave Marty a chance to branch out in other directions. The author has written Marty out of the box that he may have previously been written into. I think Marty can now go in more directions then where he may have been previously headed.

The final in the series of five books in the Marty Singer Mystery series. Or is it?  Word had it directly from this author that there were more Marty Singer books in the works. I sure hope so. I'd hate to see this series end just yet. There is a short story that is also part of this series called "The Guardian." It can be obtained by signing up at Matthew Iden's website. If you are a fan of this series like I am, please be sure and visit Mr. Iden at:  matthew-iden.com/download_the_guardian/.

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas& Mercer Publisher for the ARC.

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Thursday's Author: Ruby Merritt!




I had the pleasure of being introduced to this author. Its a genre that I've not previously read but after hearing all the great things about this two book series and the author I do believe it should be added to your TBR list! I've added it to mine and hope to review both books in the near future. Ruby comes highly recommended by others who have read her work. Ruby writes historical western romance. Please take a moment to read the following synopsis. Be sure to let me know what you think! 




 When Ella Hastings is captured by the Blackfeet Indians at age nine, then adopted by the Lakota Indians, she is thrust into a new way of life and transformed into Little Brave, adopted daughter of their revered and peaceful chief, Grey Owl. Ten years later the white man returns. Their soldiers storm her tribe’s village and bring reminders of a world she’d almost forgotten. Suddenly, she is confronted by the question: To which world does she now belong? Her only hope in discovering who she really is lies with the enigmatic army scout, Beech Richoux.

Son of a French trapper and Lakota mother, Beech Richoux was raised in a white man’s world after his mother’s death.  Acting as an army scout to raise money for his horse ranch, he’s unaware of the Army’s true intent to annihilate his mother’s people until it’s too late. And the white woman he finds living among the Lakota only adds to his desperation to save his people. Now the narrow path he has created to balance himself between these two worlds is tipped by the mysterious white woman known to the Lakota as Little Brave.

Can two people robbed of their own childhood learn to live together in such differing worlds? Can Little Brave and Beech forge a new path into a life where they both are finally set free?





I'm a modern-day romance reader who has fallen in love with Ruby Merritt's historical western romance books. I swooned for her men and cheered for her women to find love. Ruby is now an automatic one-click author for me!
~ Dina LIttner, Author of the short story First Kisses



As an avid reader, I typically read the types of books I write, which is contemporary romance. At the time, I couldn’t distinguish one from another as I read them and quickly forgot about them as soon as I finished reading. Enter author Ruby Merritt, who writes historical western romance. I’d heard great things about her writing and I am so glad I stepped outside of my own genre to read the first book, Ella’s Choice, of her Spirited Hearts series. Even though times were tough during the period in which the story takes place, somehow Ruby was able to write a real-to-the-times novel, yet it was a beautifully written and almost poetic book. I am now a huge fan, and her second novel Lena’s Courage is another amazing book in the series. I highly recommend stepping outside of your reading comfort zone and traveling back to historical America. 
                                                   ~ Jen Andrews, Author of the Just Say Yes Series and Running Away



Six years ago, Lena Schuler fled Cheyenne to escape the man who brutally stole her innocence. Now, believing her attacker has left Cheyenne for good, she’s returned to build a life for her and her son.

Attorney Lucas Kline has established a new identity and is making his mark as a trial lawyer in the burgeoning rail town of Cheyenne, Wyoming. Fighting to escape the guilt from his past, he’s determined to help shape the emerging territory into a law-abiding state.

When Lena’s attacker threatens the security of her son and others in the community, will she find the courage to face him in order protect those she loves? Can she trust Lucas to defend her secret before a township filled with doubt? Or will the guilt from Lucas’ past blur the lines between justice and vigilantism?





About the author:

Ruby Merritt writes historical western romance. Her passion for imagining life and love on the High Plains has its roots in reading and rereading Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books as a child.

Although Ruby doesn't call the High Plains her home, she resides in an equally beautiful and rustic locale, The Gateway to the Texas Hill Country.

When Ruby's not reading or writing, she can be found riding her horse or homeschooling her children who are avid horsewomen and readers as well.



Wednesday, October 21, 2015

"The Spike" A Marty Singer Mystery by Matthew Iden

                                             
                                                     BOOK FOUR IN THIS SERIES
                                                                    

"Had I pushed away from the wall and gotten to my feet, my head would've been down and I would've missed what happened. If I'd glanced at my phone or scratched my nose or even blinked, I wouldn't have seen a thing. As it was, I was watching the incoming train like it was a movie screen and couldn't have had a better view of what happened next."

The " Marty Singer Mystery" continues with this fourth book in the series. Pick it up and dive right into the comfortable character of retired homicide detective Marty Singer.  Marty is waiting to  ride the train when it now becomes a matter of  being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Marty witnesses the murder of Wendy Gerson at the train station. Giving unsuccessful chase to the suspect , he's not much help in the description of the murderer. With the police having so little to go on the family contacts Marty and asks for his help.

Marty's leads  take him down a political road involving activists, politicians and lawyers. They are involved with corporations that buy up areas, demolish  and rebuild. Could this be what led to Wendy, a lawyer who specialized in these kinds of real estate transactions, to be killed? Another murder close to her also points in this direction. Or does it? Marty struggles with the answers to this one. The answers he seeks are not going to come easy.

As with the others in this series  this book is an excellent stand alone, but well integrated with the previous three books.  I like his growing relationship with his now "adopted" daughter Amanda from the first book in the series.  He is doing the "dad and daughter" thing and learning how to be a parent of a grown up . There are the personal situations and relationships that arose in other books that also are part of the story line and it was good to see that brought into play in this book and not brushed aside. I like the surprises that are never what I expect. Skillful story telling. He is still dealing with the consequences of his cancer diagnosis that ended his police career. We get to know Marty better with the added layers of his character with each book.

I give this book one less star than the first three. That's only because of the political corruption parts of the book. Matthew Iden did find a way though to make it an interesting read for someone who usually stays away from that type of thing. The characters are strong and the writing is top notch. If he made it interesting for someone who doesn't find it that appealing, I'm sure that someone who understands this kind of thing will be enthralled. It is legal for corporations/groups to buy up neighborhoods, push people out and then rebuild.   There are people out there who do this all the while convincing people its whats best for them. Meanwhile someone is making a lot of money at their expense. Sometimes there are hold outs though. People who don't want to sell their little piece of the American dream. That's where "The Spike" comes in. I didn't understand the concept when I first started the book but have a clearer view of how these things work.  So I did learn some new things and to me that's always a plus. Here is a small excerpt in reference to "The Spike."

"Is it the notion of the spike that appeals, Singer?" he asked in the mocking tone he'd used when we first spoke. "A lone hero, holding out against the forces of corruption and evil? A solitary figure railing against the darkness?"

Onto the fifth book! I hear from the author that there will be more after the fifth one and that there is a short story out there that is also part of this series. I will post an update concerning that when I have that information. I'm sure you'll want to continue with this series. I know I will.

Thank you to Matthew Iden, Netgalley and Thomas& Mercer Publisher for the A.R.C.

                        Buy "The Spike: A Marty Singer Mystery on Amazon: click here!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Cover Reveal! "Unleashed" the Synergy Series by S. Reynolds





Synopsis

  New Orleans is a city of Mystery and Beauty. For Synergy Emerson, it's the place she hopes to find answer. Discovering a world she never knew existed wasn't in her plans. When she discovers new powers, she'll have to learn to control them while surviving the ones who want to use her for their gain.
 With a bounty on her head, she'll have a hard time escaping the clutches of evil.

 Kanai Aeros is frustrated with his day to day routine. Being a supernatural cop was time consuming, leaving no time for
a personal life. He needed something out of the ordinary. When Synergy Emerson pulls into town and a bunch of dead bodies start showing up, he learns there is so much more to her and the community he's lived in all of his life than he ever imagined.
 The supernatural community is about to get bigger and a lot deadlier.

Two versions will be available!
Adult version & YA version!
You can read the same book as your young one, only mommy gets the better version!  *snickers*










About the author:

Stephanie is a new indie author who loves to write. She lives in West Virginia with her 2 children and dog.
She has a BS in Criminal Justice and has spent her years reading and exploring the mind. She is planning to get her Masters in psychology, as well.
She uses her Criminal justice knowledge and what she already knows about psychology in her books.
Her goal is to continue writing and she wants to become a Criminal profiler. She has many projects scheduled for 2015 and beyond



Social Links
●Amazon Buy Link - http://tinyurl.com/pdp2zu5
● Facebook-
●Twitter - @authorsreynolds
●Goodreads - http://tinyurl.com/logdxgs
●Instagram - S.Reynolds_Books
●Website - authorsreynolds.com (Sign up for my newsletter)

Monday, October 19, 2015

ON SALE TODAY "All Time Love" by Beverley Hollowed

                                       All Time Love
" Mason stared at Amelia, unsure of how she was going to react to him being there. The look on her face told him, she was completely thrown to see him sitting her parents restaurant. For the first time since he he walked into the restaurant, hell since he climbed into his car and keyed the address into his GPS, he thought this may have been a mistake."

                             Buy "All Time Love" TODAY ON AMAZON! click here

Manhattan is the scene of this romantic story and  begins with defense attorney Mason James.   Hard edged and driven with a troubled past. He deals with the rich and powerful. Women want him, but he doesn't let them get too close. Looking down on the rich and needy, fake women that would be happy to have him. Coming from a recent bad experience with a woman who had serious issues. It nearly cost Mason his life but he's wanting to be back in the game of love. Understandably leery of the women he comes in contact with.  Admiring his best friend/brother Andrew's marriage from afar. Unsure if that lifestyle of married with family is for him.

Then Ameila comes into his life.  Amelia Wells, book store worker, wannabe writer, sweet, naive, protective of her own heart for good reasons. Can Mason break through to her? Is she the one for him? Mason knows if he is to have her he'll need to change his own nefarious behavior. Can he? Is she worth it? Is he worth it? What does this mean to Amelia's life and the things that she is afraid of? The reasons she's protecting her heart so fiercely are traumatic. Mason finally wants something he's not wanted before. He has to find a way to get it and the girl but at what cost?

Sadly, while one side of the family is supportive, others, including outsiders, are not. Some surprising turns here that will keep you turning the pages. They'll have some real hurdles if this is going to work. Each is willing to give up some major things to make this work out. They're going to need each other in so many ways. Such a sweet story with moments of hard reality. There were a few shocking things that just shocked me and had me in tears. I couldn't read fast enough to find out how they'd be resolved or even if they could be.

I Love this book. Sweet and passionate. Well written characters that you feel you know and are comfortable with right away. There was a time or two I wanted to reach into this book and shake Mason and a couple others! You'll have to read it and find out why.

This book is going to be my "All Time Love" for a long time to come.

Thank you to Beverly Hollowed for allowing me to read an ARC.

Friday, October 16, 2015

"One Right Thing" (A Marty Singer Mystery: Book Three) by Matthew Iden





                                           

                                      Buy " One Right Thing" on Amazon: click here!



"This would be a great time to call the Cain's Crossing PD and give Warren my suspicions and deductions. He'd be so impressed, he might deputize me. Or run me out of town for continuing to stick my nose in places it didn't really belong. On the other hand, he had to know the meth labs were there. If he wasn't doing anything about them...well, I didn't like where those thoughts led......"                                                                                                                                                         Marty Singer


This is the third book in the "Mary Singer Mystery" series. A trip to Virginia to see a friend turns into something else when Marty spots a billboard showing the face of someone he once arrested. Only now there is a reward to try to find out why this guy, JD Hope, is dead.

JD's mother and sister refuse his offer to let him look into his death. They are feeling animosity towards Marty for helping to put him in prison to begin with. Feeling guilt over the original arrest Marty stays in Cain's Crossing to try to uncover some answers himself. Not only is the family not cooperating but neither are the local police-not even the ex wife seems to want to get involved.

Finally Marty finds an ally and they begin to sort through JD's past. It takes a look back at why Marty felt the need to stop in the first place when he realized JD was dead. Can Marty straighten this mess out for the good of the people of Cain's Crossing? Can he find JD's killer? Can he trust the people who are close to him on his self appointed case? A few surprises in the end I didn't see coming. Marty is determined to do "One Right Thing" in JD's memory.

A pleasant companion to the first two books in this series. Well written, comfortable characters. Marty continues his fight with cancer, and this is intertwined throughout the story as well as mention of previous characters. And like the other books this can be read as a stand alone. Now onto the fourth book!

Thank you to Matthew Iden, Thomas&Mercer and Netgalley for an ARC.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

COVER REVEAL TODAY! "TRADED" by Rebecca Brooke

Traded_FBCoverPageflex Persona [document: PRS0000039_00004]

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis

I’m a pawn, a piece of chattel, a toy--used and forgotten.

When you’re done with me, you can walk away with no regrets. That’s how my husband sees me. I try to be the best wife possible for him. After all, he took me on when no one else would. Now--he’s in debt and owes more money to the loan shark than we can possibly repay.

But, don’t worry, he’s come up with a solution, it’s just not one I was expecting.

...I’ve been TRADED.

Traded Teaser

About the author

Author Image

Rebecca lives near the shore towns of New Jersey, with her husband and two kids. When she's not writing she loves reading and watching SOA and TrueBlood.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000039_00004]

Hosted By:

Hype PR PNG

ON SALE TODAY! "FINDING STRENGTH" BY SHEVAWN MICHELLE







                                            

                        ON SALE TODAY! FINDING STRENGTH ON AMAZON: CLICK HERE!



"You have been the joy of my life, and you have brought me so much happiness. I wanted to leave you with something that will always remind you of me. When you think you are forgetting me, read the words on the pages. When you feel alone, you'll find me within the bindings. I'll always be with you, wherever you go in life, I'll be there....."




Anna is about to face the hardest thing that is ever going to happen to her. There is no way to make it ok and she's never going to be the same. This book had me crying just a few pages in. After a tragic accident Anna has the love and support of people who try to help her live again. The thing is can she find a way to live again? She asked herself the same questions a mother in this position asks. What could I have done differently? As if it will change the outcome. This story is about finding her way through the maze and the wake of destruction. It's not all tears and grief. There is a love story and a story about life and happiness mingled in. It's about life, sweet and funny and sad. Its about where you get your strength from and is not always in the places you expect...............................

                                                         READ ENTIRE REVIEW: CLICK HERE!



                           Shevawn Michelle on Amazon: click here



                                                                             Shevawn Michelle on Facebook: click here