Review of Rowan’s Story – Beginnings by A M Hargrove

Beginnings is a novella, a prequel to the Guardian of Vesturon Series. It was written after Survival, Book I of the Series. A M Hargrove’s fans didn’t care very much for Rowan, the father of one of the main characters, and she wanted them to know why Rowan is the way he is.

Beginnings is free and you can get your copy HERE or by clicking on the cover below.

 

 photo goodreads-badge-add-38px11_zps1ae6e47f.jpg

Beginnings will introduce you to the characters and customs of the Vesturons. Just because they are aliens, doesn’t mean we can’t relate to many of their ways.

I had already read Survival, Book I of the Guardians of Vesturon Serives, so I was familiar with the characters.

I found Beginnings captivating, because as a fan of A M Hargrove’s and the Guardians of Vesturon Series, I truly wanted to know Rowan’s story. I wanted to know why he was so hard on Rayn’s choice of a commoner for a mate, when Rowan, himself, had married a commoner.

Royalty is no different today, so I didn’t find the situation odd or wrong. It is just the way things are. Royalty is expected to act differently than the rest of us.

A M Hargrove has a way of drawing you in and making you feel as if you are there, sharing the thoughts and feelings of her characters. They come alive in her writing and you will laugh and cry as you travel through the series, going through their trials and tribulations.

Love crosses all boundaries and will not be denied.

The heart wants what the heart wants.

Where there is a will, there is a way.

Do you believe that love can conquer all?

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos   3 STARS – Would Recommend To Others

The reason I gave it only three stars is because it is background, laying a foundation for what is to come. It will help us to understand and relate to the characters better.

There are no bells and whistles. Even though Rowan’s life is no picnic, it didn’t have me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next shoe to drop, but is well worth the read to get to know the ways of the Vesturon.

I picked this up for free on Amazon.

I will be posting my review of Survival, Book I, in the very near future, then Resurrection, Determinant and ReEmergent.

Follow me by email and travel the galaxy with the Guardians of Vesturon.

To get your copy of any book of A M Hargrove’s books, simply click on the cover below.

My 5 Star Review of Tragically Flawed with a Giveaway and Top Ten Vacation Guest Post

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.
To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

animated smilies photo: animated animated.gif  Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Review for Big Numbers by Jack Getze

Check out this awesome cover for Big Numbers by Jack Getze. Jack is offering an ebook for the Giveaway, so be sure to enter at the end of the post.

 photo goodreads-badge-add-38px11_zps1ae6e47f.jpg

Series: An Austin Carr Mystery
The author calls the Genre: A SCREWBALL MYSTERY
First in Series
Paperback: 204 pages
Publisher: Down & Out Books (June 2, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 193749554X
ISBN-13: 978-1937495541
E-Book File Size: 457 KB
ASIN: B00D3DJMJQ

~~~~~~~~~~~~

SYNOPSIS

Root for divorced dad Austin Carr, a funny, oversexed scamp who’ll use anything and everything to get his kids back.

Divorced father Austin Carr wakes up every day in a beat-up camper, parked on someone else’s private property. Why? Because his alimony and child support payments were established by New Jersey’s family court system when his income was double, and for the last two years he has failed to earn the legally mandated monthly nut. He’s had his savings drained, his Maxima repossessed, his salary attached, and his visiting rights suspended. He bought the twelve-year-old Chevy pick-up with the rusty camper for $800 last month because another landlord tossed his butt in the street. Will stretching the rules, his own morals, and the boundaries of common sense raise the cash needed to get his kids back? Or will his big mouth and bad behavior set him up for a nasty double-cross? Find out if Austin can redeem himself and win back his children.

Praise For Big Numbers by Jack Getze

.
“Darkly comic, with an engaging protagonist.”
– T.J. MacGregor, Edgar Winner, Author of The Tango Key Mysteries

“Big Numbers is a gritty, sexy, violent, and funny book.”
– Liz Clifford at Reviewed by Liz

“Wonderful characters…well-written, entertaining…a good read.”
–Connie Anderson for Armchair Interviews

“Jack Getze started his career as a newspaper reporter. As a result, BIG NUMBERS is lean and mean, with not a word wasted. A truly fun, genuinely funny read.”
–Lisa Guidarini for Bluestalking Reader

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BUY LINKS

AMAZON           B&N

~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT

My name’s Austin Carr. I’m a stockbroker. The slick expensive business cards in my wallet say I’m a Senior Financial Consultant for Shore Securities, Inc., Members of the American Association of Securities Dealers, but I’m really just a salesman and I work for myself. Straight commission. If I don’t sell, I don’t eat.

“Another margarita, Luis.”

A lot of people in my line of work call themselves investment counselors. They wear two-thousand-dollar Italian suits, carry alligator attaché cases, think and talk about themselves as professionals like doctors and lawyers. In truth, we’re closer kin to used car dealers, only more dangerous because losing your life savings is a tad worse than getting stuck with a leaky transmission.

It’s hard to sport illusions about yourself when you live in a camper. And I’ve always treated my clients with honesty, to the point of aggravating every sales manager I’ve ever had. Even so, keeping my self respect, I have not been thinking about this job in a favorable light. In fact, in the years since the market crashed, ruining my sales numbers, my finances, and more recently, any chance of being with my two children, Ryan and Beth, I’ve been wracking my brain, trying desperately to figure another way to earn a living.

“Another double?” Luis says.

“Por favor.”

Although no solution to my dilemma has yet presented itself, I’ve discovered it helps to ruminate in a positive setting: Luis’s Mexican Grill on Broad Street in Branchtown. The decor reminds me of home, Los Angeles, and Luis has an authentico Mexican chef, Cruz. Best of all, Luis works the bar himself every day.

“You are not going to work today?” Luis says.

“Careful, Luis. Your query borders on insult. In fact, I have already called work, only to discover that my monster client delayed our scheduled discourse until this afternoon. I stayed here this morning to spend some quality time with you and Cruz.”

“I recommend this be your final cocktail,” Luis says.

Dealing with numbers all the time is an ache in the ass, definitely, but my biggest problem with being a stockbroker is having to spend all day on the money machine, dialing for dollars, calling busy people at the wrong time, apologizing because the back office screwed up a check, downplaying the risks of an investment to exaggerate the benefits, dancing investors from one asset to another so I can take part of their principal as commission. To be a successful stockbroker, you have to be slightly larcenous.

I lick the wet salt from the rim of my still empty margarita glass. Of course I never worried about little things like morality while I was netting five- to ten-thousand dollars a month. It’s only been since my income dropped by more than half, and mainly since I lost physical contact with my children that I search for the social significance of securities sales.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

MY REVIEW

I loved the cover, so I knew I wanted to be a part of this tour. Austin Carr cannot figure out what is going on and it took me a while to figure it out myself. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing. Who to trust? Who is crossing who?

The end of Big Numbers is the beginning. From the first sentence, I am wondering what’s happening. I was puzzled and I read on trying to figure out how Austin Carr ended up in such a dire situation. I was hooked. I like an early hook in books. It grabs me and sucks me in quickly.

Big Number is a novel that brings to mind the old detective novels, where the femme fatale is the detective’s downfall. But this is not a novel about a detective and his case.

Austin Carr – his business card says he is a financial consultant, but he is really just a glorified salesman. He works for himself, after losing everything in the market crash, including his family. Now he sleeps and lives in a small camper that he parks in the lot of a Mexican restaurant. His world is filled with lies and bullshit. He is a jerk of the highest caliber, but he is loyal and stands by his friends.

I kept wondering if he was always like that or if it was because of a series of events that were out of his control.

A bad boy is one thing, a scumbag another. But I believe the basics are already there, it is what you do when the shit hits the fan that defines you.

And it does, when she walks into his office. The femme fatale gets the dumb stockbroker to break all the rules. She makes an offer that would solve his money troubles, only to have him walk off the gangplank.

Austin needs to invest in a hospital. He gets choked, shot at, hit by a car, buried in  sand, suffers police brutality and that is not even the worst of it.

Could the crap get any worse? What do you think?

There is lots of violence, but plenty of humor too.

He writes of Austin wearing a speedo. Had me laughing as I pictured the event.

 Quotes

 “Sex is like salt and pepper to this woman. She sprinkles it on everything.”

“Like there’s some big joke everybody knows but me.” And the joke will be on him.

“Good evening folks. Allow me to introduce Austin Carr, this years winner of the Golden Dickhead Award. Presented….to that individual making the biggest fool of himself, by thinking with His Penis.”

“Stealing is stealing, right?’

“Prosecutors tend to use Big Numbers against you.”

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos  4 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

I would like to thank for giving me a copy of Big Numbers in return for an honest and unbiased review. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of his work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

headshot

 

Former Los Angeles Times reporter Jack Getze is Fiction Editor for Anthony nominated Spinetingler Magazine, one of the internet’s oldest websites for noir, crime, and horror short stories. Through the Los Angeles Times/Washington Post News Syndicate, his news and feature stories were published in over five-hundred newspapers and periodicals worldwide. His two screwball mysteries, BIG NUMBERS and BIG MONEY, are being reissued by DOWN & OUT BOOKS, with the new BIG MOJO to follow. His short stories have appeared in A Twist of Noir and Beat to a Pulp. Getze is an Active Member of Mystery Writers of America’s New York Chapter.

Author Links:

http://austincarrscrimediary.blogspot.com

http://jack-getze.blogspot.com

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18050373-big-numbers

~~~~~~~~~~~~

To grab your copy of Big Numbers by Jack Getze, click on the cover below.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 30 – Socrates’ Book Review Blog  – Review, Giveaway
October 1 – Turning the Pages – Review
October 4 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Review, Giveaway
October 9 –
StoreyBook Reviews  – Review, Giveaway
October 9 – fundinmental Review, Giveaway
October 10 –
fuonlyknew  – Guest Post
October 11 –
Reviews By Karen  – Review, Giveaway
October 12 –
Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Giveaway
October 13 – Kaisy Daisy’s Corner – Review, Giveaway
October 14 –
rantin’ ravin’ and reading  – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway
October 15 –
Celticlady’s Reviews   – Review
October 16 –
Brooke Blogs  – Review
October 17 –
Turning the Pages  – Review
October 18 –
Rose & Beps Blog  – Guest Post
October 18 – Queen of all She Reads – Review, Giveaway
October 19 – 
Books and Needlepoint – Review, Giveaway
October 21 – Omnimystery – Interview
October 22 – Darla King Series – Review, Giveaway
October 24 – Community Bookstop – Review
October 26 – readalot – Review, Giveaway
October 27 – Jane Reads – Review, Giveaway
October 28 – THE SELF-TAUGHT COOK – Review, Giveaway

~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and PhotosJack Getze is offering for the giveaway, 2 ebooks. Enter now to get one for your very own. Easy entry. Just leave your email and answer the question:

What do you think of the cover?

Giveaway ends October 28, 2013.

WINNERS!!! The winners are Barbara and Emily.

Congratulations and happy reading. I hope you enjoy Big Numbers as much as I did!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.
To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

animated smilies photo: animated animated.gif  Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Review/Top 10 Vacation Spots for Tragically Flawed by A M Hargrove

I am very excited to be a part of Ink Slinger’s blog tour for Tragically Flawed by A M Hargrove.

I have a lot to share with you, so I hope you will take a couple of minutes to browse through the post and enjoy all that A M Hargrove has to share with you.

Have a chuckle as you read her biography.

Tour her Top 10 Vacation Spots and let us know – what is your favorite vacation destination?

Be sure to enter the awesome Giveaway for an Ipad mini and an original necklace designed like the one Shan gave Riviera in Tragically Flawed.

 photo goodreads-badge-add-38px11_zps1ae6e47f.jpg

Title: Tragically Flawed

Author: A.M. Hargrove

Expected release date: September 23ish, 2013

Age Group: Mature New Adult

Cover designed by: Amber McNemar

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 BLURB

Riviera Benson’s past has been nothing but horrific. It’s filled with secrets that she intends to keep tightly locked away…terrifying secrets that keep her awake at night…that prevent her from getting close to anyone…anyone that is, until her work as a muralist drives her into the arms of the hot and sexy Shan.

Benjamin Shandon, owner of Shandon Homes, works like a thousand demons are chasing him…because perhaps they are. His business has boomed, ever since the forest fire swept through the canyon and destroyed hundreds of million dollar homes. He demands excellence in everything…from his employees to his women. He slows down for nothing, keeping a schedule that no sane person would want. But Riviera interrupts everything, twisting his guts inside out, and wedging her way into his heart, destroying a promise he made to himself.

Will they let their pasts control their future, or will they decide to let go and allow their hearts to discover each other’s?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

BUY LINKS

Amazon   l   Barnes and Nobles   l   Smashwords

~~~~~~~~~~~~

MY REVIEW

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under.

Tragically Flawed got so hot, the ice melted in my margarita glass. LOL

I never read a lot of romance, until I started blogging. I have found authors that I love, so I read anything they write. A M Hargrove is one of those authors. I really enjoy her stories and writing style. I was very pleasantly surprised with Tragically Flawed.

It is Riviera’s rags to riches story. A story of her ability to rise above her tragedies and find love and friendship from the wonderful people who enter her life when she leaves her abusive live-in boyfriend and starts her life over in Beaver Creek, Colorado.

Annie has a fantastic sense of humor and a mind blowing imagination in the romance department. Makes me wonder where all that hotness comes from. Care to share, Annie?

Riviera – She has no education. She is a middle class worker. She is beautiful and trendy – tattoos, blue or pink tints in her hairs. She carries many scars, both physical and mental. She has been on her own since she was sixteen. Even though her life has been tough and people have treated her badly, she still feels people are good. She is the eternal optimist.

Amie, Riviera’s roommate, is the best. She works at Shelby’s Shack, a women’s shelter and has a very special gift – patience.

Shan – He is a construction mogul. Physically fit, built like a Greek God. He wants no relationship. He has enough baggage of his own, but he falls for Riviera when he first sets eyes on her.

Jasper was her live-in boyfriend. He is a horrendous abuser. She feels she is lucky to have lived through her time with him. He is a steroid raging weight lifter.

Marsha Sue – She is a tyrant. Riviera’s first job in Beaver Creek is with her and she is an awful employer. Have you ever had one?

When Riviera finally stood up for herself against Marsha Sue, I felt like clapping and jumping up and down. Way to go girl.

QUOTES

“Sometimes being a gentleman was a damn bitch.”

 “No one likes Marsha Sue. She’s meaner than a rattlesnake.”

 “I’d rather have a root canal than go out with her.”

 “I am broken, Shan. And I’m flawed.”

 “We’re all flawed, Riviera. You’ve experienced something tragic, but it didn’t break you.”

 “Riviera suddenly felt like a stack of hot buttermilk pancakes and Shan’s voice was the warm maple syrup running all over her, dripping down her sides and seeping into every pore.”  How hot is that? What are you thinking right at this very moment?

 I had tears in my eyes when Shan finally got through to Riviera and she talked to him.

Tragically Flawed read like a fairy tale come true. It made me think of Pretty Woman, even though Riviera is not a prostitute. We all want to believe in fairy tale endings, don’t we?

I am so anal, I read almost every word in a book, cover to cover, The font in the chapter headings was hard to read. LOL

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am very happy to share A M Hargrove’s Top Ten Vacation Destinations with you and I would like to thank Annie for taking the time from her busy schedule to visit with us today.

Welcome, Annie.

Top 10 Vacation Destinations…

 1. Vail, Colorado. If any of you’ve read any of my books, you’ll see a bit of this in some of them, and it’s the setting (well, actually Beaver Creek, Vail’s uppity neighbor) for Tragically Flawed. There’s a reason for this and that is I love to ski. I’ve skied in many places in the US and even in Europe and Vail/Beaver Creek still tops them all in my opinion.

image1Poppyfields East and West– heading to the back bowls.

2. St. John, USVI. Love, Love, Love this place. I think only 20% of the island is developed and that’s because the Rockefellers donated the rest of it to be made into the USVI National Park. This prevents overcrowding and the place is unreal. You can rent a jeep and drive along a curvy, scenic mountain road and then hit a beach that only has a handful of other sunbathers there. The water is typical Caribbean aqua and you can see clear to your toes, no matter how deep you swim. Snorkeling and scuba diving are amazing too.

image2Painkiller anyone?

 3. St. Martin/St. Maarten. Half Dutch, half French makes this Caribbean getaway an amazing destination. The food, beaches, and duty-free shopping are all spectacular. And like St. John, the snorkeling and diving are awesome too.

image34. Cabo San Lucas. Ahhh, Cabo. Love this place, especially the sunset cruises. Admittedly, I prefer the Caribbean Sea over the Sea of Cortez, but the rugged beauty of the coastline is breathtaking. Where the Caribbean is soothing and gentle, the Sea of Cortez is turbulent and awe-inspiring. You often see El Arco, the famous arch in photo shoots for various products, and when you first lay eyes on it, you get why.

image4It’s even better in person.

5. Monte Carlo and the French Riviera. Posh, elegant, beautiful, pristine, friendly, but DON’T drive. The streets are CRAZY!!

imge6Easy to get lost!

6. Tuscany. Not enough to time to say what I need to. Don’t go for a week. You’ll get the urge to go back for longer. It gets in your blood and stays there. And don’t stop inland. Head to the beaches in Lucca—they’re awesome.

image77. Turkey. Haven’t been, so I can’t say how great it is, but everything I’ve heard says it’s spectacular.

image8

8. The Greek Isles. Same as above. This is on my bucket list.

image99. Bora Bora. I want to go here for one of my anniversaries and stay in one of these bungalows over the water. How romantic would that be???

image1010. Thailand, Viet Nam and Nepal. I know that’s 3 but I had to throw them out there! And no, I don’t want to climb Mt. Everest. But I would like to see it in the distance.

pic1

image12

Thailand (is that a tree or a rock?)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Viet Nam

image13Nepal (Mt. Everest)

My favorite vacation destination so far has been pretty much anywhere in the Caribbean. There is something special about the water, the beaches and the people. I have yet to visit our very own Keys in Southern Florida, but it is the number one destination on my bucket list. What is yours?

Well, Annie, I loved traveling the world with you and I raise my Painkiller in a toast – Happy Travels! I want to thank you again for sharing with us. Have a great day and Happy Reading!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn’t do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life. So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase. Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodge ball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head. Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what lap top out the window. She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone, called her boss and quit her job. Grinning, she made another call to her hubs and told him of her new adventure (after making sure his heart was beating properly again).

So began A. M. Hargrove’s career as a YA/NA and Adult Romance writer. Her books include Kissing Fire, Edge of Disaster, Shattered Edge, the series the Guardians of Vesturon (Survival, Resurrection, Determinant, Beginnings and reEmergent), Dark Waltz and the upcoming release Tragically Flawed.

Other than being in love with being in love, she loves chocolate, ice cream and coffee and is positive they should be added as part of the USDA food groups.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest    

~~~~~~~~~~~~

To get your copy of A M Hargroves books from Amazon, simply click on the cover below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and PhotosGIVEAWAY

To enter the fantastic Giveaway for an Ipad mini and an original necklace designed like the one Shan gave Riviera in Tragically Flawed, click on the Rafflecopter Giveaway link below.

Rafflecopter Giveaway

It is not required, but feel free to share with us your favorite vacation destination. I would love to hear your travel stories. Good luck in the giveaway and thanks for visiting fundinmental.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

TOUR SCHEDULE

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.
To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

animated smilies photo: animated animated.gif  Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Freakin Friday – Karma is a Bitch – Life After Dane by Edward Lorn

Freakin Friday!

Freakin Fridays is a meme brought to you by fuonlyknew. We will be posting about books, movies, and all things scary.

Feel free to join in and do your own Freakin Fridays posts!

Tune in every Friday. Get your scare on!

Let’s have some fun!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 photo goodreads-badge-add-38px11_zps1ae6e47f.jpg

Ella Mae Peters is the mother of Dane, the Rest Stop Dentist.

Dane was put to death by lethal injection and Ella thought that would be the last time she would ever see him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Life After Dane by Edward Lorn is very dark and disturbing. It is a story of abuse and a  supernatural evil seeking revenge.

The members of Ella’s  church shunned her, just for being the mother of a killer.

I was pissed off for her, then at her.

How could she not have known that something was terribly wrong with Dane.

Abuse is tough to explain – why people live with it – why people allow it to happen.

“Why didn’t you do anything?”

Is this how a serial killer is born?

Why would a mother stand by and watch a father abuse a child?

YES, it is her fault. Even though I felt empathy for her, her inability to act for fear her husband would turn on her, it is her responsibility to care for and protect her child. He was the innocent and incapable of defending himself.

Did she really believe she would go to Heaven? Dane didn’t.

Religion. Some people are brainwashed by it. Some people misinterpret it – making it be the way they want it to be. Some people are just plain hypocrites.

The ending blew me away and pissed me off. I never saw it coming and I couldn’t help but laugh at how Edward Lorn has caught me by surprise. I sure never saw this coming. Now what? The story is over and I am left feeling a need to know more. I am afraid – very afraid.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos   5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I received this book in return for an honest and unbiased review. I have read Deadly Bastard by Edward Lorn (see review link below) and knew I would not be disappointed. I look forward to reading more of his work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edward LornEdward Lorn is an American horror author presently residing in the southeast United States. He enjoys storytelling, reading, and writing biographies in the third person.

Once upon a time, during a session of show and tell, a seven-year-old Edward Lorn shared with his class that his baby brother had died over the weekend. His classmates, the teacher included, wept while he recounted the painful tragedy of having lost a sibling. Edward went home that day and found an irate mother waiting for him. Edward’s teacher had called to express her condolences. This was unfortunate, as Edward had never had a baby brother.

With advice given to her by a frustrated teacher, Edward’s mother made him start writing all of his lies down. The rest, as they say, is history.

Edward Lorn and his wife are raising two children, along with a handful of outside cats and a beagle named Dot. He remains a liar to this day. The only difference is, now he’s a useful one.

STALK EDWARD LORN

Goodreads / Website / Twitter

~~~~~~~~~~~~

MY REVIEW

To get a copy of one of Edward Lorn’s books, simply click on the cover below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

animated smilies photo: animated animated.gif  Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sizzling Hot – Edge of Disaster by A M Hargrove – With Freebies

A M Hargrove is having a tour for her newest release, Tragically Flawed. I have read several of her books and will be treating you to a sampling of her work, starting with Edge of Disaster and culminating in my tour post for Tragically Flawed on October 8, 2013.

So, without further ado, let’s talk about Edge of Disaster.

First off, Edge of Disaster by A M Hargrove is Free.  

So is Beginnings, the Prequel Novella for the Guardians of Vesturon and Survival, Book I of the Guardians of Vesturon. So grab your copies and dive into the wonderful world of A M Hargrove.

I don’t know for how long, so check for the “0”.

If you think the cover is hot, wait until you meet Pearce Middleton.

 photo goodreads-badge-add-38px11_zps1ae6e47f.jpg

It had been three years since Peter died. I had no respect or love for myself. I had been partying so hard, I woke up in bed between two guys I had never seen before. If I kept this up, I would probably wind up dead myself.

martini photo:  _martini.jpgI worked at Camellias as a waitress. I was assigned to work a big party that was going on. I went around taking drink orders and paused when I heard, Grey goose extra dirty martini with extra olives. My favorite drink.

I looked into the most gorgeous, sexy gray eyes I’d ever seen and stopped dead in my tracks. I shook it off and went about my work. As smokey eyes left, he tipped me two hundred dollar bills and gave me his business card, saying call him. I looked at the card – H. Pearce Middleton. Could he be one of those Middletons?

I left work and started walking home. All of a sudden, an arm went around my neck and cut off my air supply. I fought back as hard as I could, but he slugged me and I lost consciousness.

I was picked up on the side of the road and taken to the Medical University. Pearce was called in, but when he saw it was me, he arranged for someone else to treat my injuries. He stayed by my side, holding my hand the whole time.

texting a message photo: texting text_message-300x199.jpgPearce pursued me, but I felt I didn’t deserve him. I tried to avoid him, but if I didn’t answer my phone, he would text me, telling me, “You can run but you can’t hide, lol!”

Could I allow myself to be happy? Could I ever find the strength to forgive myself and allow myself to be loved? Would I live the rest of my life thinking I was unworthy, ruined and unclean? I felt I was undeserving of the love being offered to me. I was on the Edge of Disaster. Could he save me?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Review of Edge of Disaster by A M Hargrove

Romance is not a genre of book that I generally pick up, but A. M. Hargrove knows how to create a story of love, lust and humor. The plot involves revenge, guilt, love and friendship. Read along as Alexia rebuilds her life and learns to forgive herself.

Be sure and read her bio and you will get a glimpse of her personality and her sense of humor. I smile every time I read it.

I liked the reference to Vampires. She was the opposite, when it got dark, she got scared and ran home.

I love to watch Nascar, so when she talked about the Charlotte Motor speedway, the number 88 and Junior it caught my attention. Anyone that knows Nascar will recognize that name, even though Jeff Gordon, 24, is my personal favorite. ^_^

No matter how many times I watch this video, I cannot help but bust out laughing!!!!

A M had me laughing out loud when she described Alexia in the hospital and having to go to the bathroom. I could picture the scene and Alexia’s facial expression in my mind. Of course, I am not going to tell you what happened. You will have to read it for yourself.

Alexia: It wasn’t that she had low self-esteem, she had no self-esteem, no self respect. She was reckless and beautiful. Pearce wasn’t the only one who wanted her.

Pearce described her as a scared bunny. He was persistent, gentle and kind. He had gorgeous, sexy gray eyes, was HOT and rich. And in love with Alexia.

“Okay………. Pearce Middlton. You know my life was on the Edge of Disaster before you walked in………………”

I won some of A. M. Hargrove’s books in a giveaway and she added this to the box, as a little something extra. And, on top of that, she signed them. I love adding all books to my collection, but signed ones hold a special place. Thank you A. M.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 3 STARS – Would Recommend To Others

I have read Survival, Book 1 of The Guardians of Vesturon and I am in love already. I realized there was a Prequel, so it’s back to the Beginnings. Keep in touch for my upcoming reviews of more novels from A M Hargrove.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A.M. Hargrove One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn’t do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life. So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase. Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodgeball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head. Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what lap top out the window. She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone and hit #4 on her speed dial.

“Hello.”
“Boss, is that you?”
“Why yes, A. M., who else would be answering my phone?”
“Er… right. Well, I’m calling to let you know you can pick up my luxury Ford Focus at Starbucks near the interstate.”
“Why ever would I want to do that?”
“Because I quit you idiot!”

A.M. hit the end button and speed dialed her husband.

“Hi hubs, can you pick me up at Starbucks?”
“Sure… Having some car trouble?”
“Not at all. I don’t have a car to have trouble with because I just quit my job.”
“WHAT?!”
“It’s time for a new career and I am going to be a very famous novelist.”

So began A. M. Hargrove’s career as a young adult paranormal romance author of self-published ebooks. Her series, The Guardians of Vesturon, centers around a family of six siblings and is a mix of humor, mystery, suspense and of course, love. Survival is her first book in the series and her second, Resurrection will be released in January.
If you’re wondering, it didn’t happen EXACTLY that way, but….

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest    

~~~~~~~~~~~~

To get your copy of A M Hargroves books from Amazon, simply click on the cover below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.
To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

animated smilies photo: animated animated.gif  Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Monday Mini – Here Fishy Fishy – Meg by Steve Alten

 You think Jaws is bad? Check out Meg by Steve Alten.

 photo goodreads-badge-add-38px11_zps1ae6e47f.jpgSYNOPSIS

Commander Jonas Taylor is tasked with piloting the US Navy’s most advanced submersible, the DSV Sea Cliff, to the bottom of Challenger Deep — 36,000 feet below the surface — into what is very much an undiscovered country. What he finds there — a remnant population of luminous, prehistoric Megalodons — will change the course of the rest of his life.

In this prequel to his New York Times Bestseller, Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror, Alten sets the stage for the popular suspense series to follow. Fans of Meg will find it a must for offering insight into key characters’ backstories, but the novella-length work also stands alone as a bite-sized tale of deep-sea suspense.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Some laughs and giggles – some fear and terror.

“Okey dokey. That’s all the proof I’ll be needing.”

I love Steve Alten’s books and the Meg Series is my favorite. I eagerly anticipate the release of another Meg novel – Meg: Night Stalkers. Just looking at the covers makes me want to grab them and read the series for the fourth or fifth time, which I start again when the next book comes out. I never get tired of reading them. I would love to see them made into movies, but the the cost is probably prohibitive.

Anyone who has read any of the Meg books knows that a person’s arrogance will bring the wrath of Meg down on them. Greed raises its ugly head, taking on the world’s greatest predator. So beware when you enter the water. Do I have your attention?

I have always had a passion for any body of water, be it pool, lake, sea or ocean. I marvel at the great unknown. I used to watch Jacques Cousteau, eager to see what new discovery he would make.

“God will judge you when He’s ready; use the time you have left to give HIM as many positives – your resume – as you can.”

5 STARS (not nearly enough) – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

His upcoming novel – The Omega Project will blow your mind.

Check out Steven Alten’s Website and Adopt An Author

To grab any of the Meg books by Steve Alten, or to check out other fantastic books by this author, simply click on the cover below.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.
To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

animated smilies photo: animated animated.gif  Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway Tour of Arctic Fire by Paul Byer

vabt-highresolutionARCTIC_FIRE_FINAL_-_Copy(1) photo goodreads-badge-add-38px11_zps1ae6e47f.jpg

Arctic Fire by Paul Byer

 Publisher: Fortress Publications (July 1, 2011)

Category: Thriller, Action Adventure, & Literary Fiction
Tour Date: September, 2013
ISBN: 978-0615504070
Available in: Print & eBook, 412Pages

SYNOPSIS

Wealthy entrepreneur Nigel Cain has devised an efficient new way to bring the earth’s most precious resource to the masses – clean water – by transporting massive man-made icebergs from the frigid arctic and delivering them literally to the doorsteps of millions.

Gabriel Pike works at a small engineering firm that has been awarded the task of giving the final safety approval to pilot the first gigantic block of ice into New York harbor.

A consummate showman, Cain has built a fabulous 5-Star hotel and casino high atop the iceberg so his celebrity guests and media elite can cover this spectacle from beginning to end. Pike is whisked away from his work-a-day world and dropped into the lap of luxury where he’s expected to simply rubber-stamp his inspection.

A brutal winter storms ravages the iceberg and exposes structural inconsistencies and hidden agendas that fill Pike with serious doubts about the true intentions of the project. But a grisly double homicide on the ice puts the inspections on the back burner and sends Pike’s life spiraling out of control when he’s accused of being the jealous murderer in a lover’s triangle.

But Pike soon discovers that there is far more at stake than just his life. He uncovers a conspiracy more heinous than anything he could have imagined – a plot that will level a city, change the political face of America, and whose shockwaves will be felt around the world. Fate rests in his hands – if he can survive long enough to take action…

~~~~~~~~~~~~

PRAISE FOR ARCTIC FIRE BY PAUL BYER

“A madman’s insatiable quest for power could level a major American city and kill thousands, ushering in a New World Order. Arctic Fire is a thrill-ride that will leave you breathless.” – Jeremy Robinson, bestselling author of INSTINCT and THRESHOLD

“Audacious and ambitious, Arctic Fire burns with action, and chills with the possibilities of what the future may hold. A thriller not to be missed!” – Sean Ellis, author of INTO the BLACK

“A new twist on a classic battlefield ploy finds an iceberg controlled by a megalomaniac on a collision course with NYC. A provocative blend of fact and fiction that explores issues surrounding a critical natural resource, fresh water, Arctic Fire is bound to leave readers thirsty for more.”-Rick Chesler, author of kiDNApped and WIRED KINGDOM

“We’re running low on fresh water. What do we do? Let’s move an iceberg! I love the premise!! From the opening pages until the thrilling end, Arctic Fire is a heart-pounding adventure filled with risks, action and suspense. With engaging characters and a compelling plot, you will be hard pressed to put this novel down. Just when you think you know what is going to happen, with who and what, the author delivers another surprising twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The character are concealing and manipulative, yet believable. The rush of adrenaline is well-rehearsed with each operation, leaving the reader frantically turning to the next page, desperate to find out what is going to happen next. This is the first work I have read of Paul Byers, but he reminds me a lot of Clive Cussler with a twist of Brian Freeman – which is an excellent pairing! Arctic Fire is a novel that showcases his effortless feel for narrative as well as his flawless instincts for suspense. I can’t wait to see what Byers has in store for us next. I definitely won’t want to miss it!”-Mindy Hines, Minding Spot Website

“When I was first asked to review Arctic Fire I laughed out loud. I’ve always wondered why someone didn’t just do this exact same thing to help the countries that go through droughts so I was really looking forward to reading this one and I wasn’t disappointed. Arctic Fire is a fast paced read that I finished in just one day. I fell in love with Gabriel Pike from the first chapter and was dying to know just what sinister plot Cain had in mind. I highly recommend this one for anyone who loves suspense thrillers.” – Monie, Reading With Monie Website

“An awesome mystery/thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I really liked all the characters in this book and the mystery of a homicide. Wonderfully written! If you like a mystery with lots of thrills, you will love this book.”- Sherrie Plummer, Sherrie’s Books Website

~~~~~~~~~~~~

MY REVIEW OF ARCTIC FIRE BY PAUL BYER

Pike is a pilot – he flies a Yankee Clipper jet which is 60 years old and an F 86 Korean War era Sabre jet. He is an Engineer at the Talbot Engineering firm and is a conspiracy buff. He has a do what I have to do, regardless of the consequences attitude.

 Cain built a five star hotel casino on top of an iceberg. His plan was to bring it into the New York Harbor and turn it into drinkable water.

 But there is so much more to the story than that. He has an ulterior motive.

 Pike was chosen as the Engineer to make sure nothing untoward happened. A series of events causes a problem.

 Would Pike’s worst imaginings come true?

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~

 The author sent me a signed first edition paperback for the tour. I was excited to receive it because I love the cover and conspiracy based books. Add a touch of “history” and I’m hooked.

Paul Byer did not disappoint. This is an action packed adventure, with twists and turns, keeping me turning the pages in anticipation of what would happen next.

 The humor sprinkled throughout Artic Fire kept me chuckling. When Paul writes about his character being “Pike…Gabriel Pike.” I laughed out loud.

 The book starts out slow, laying a foundation for what is to come. There is a huge BUT – the book has stayed with me long after I finished reading it.

The character development hit the mark. They felt so real to me.

 I fell in love with Pike within the first eighty pages.

 Paul Byer writes about the Senator being an ignorant, rude asshole and I agree. I sincerely hope he gets his. It makes me think of current political events.

 Their have been water wars, pretty much forever.  Reading Artic Fire made me think of how much water I use. In this day and age, I find most of us have a higher sense of our impact on Earth.

 I have watched The Ice Hunter TV show, where the guys go out to an iceberg and shoot off pieces with a rifle. The Ice Hunters drag it back and sell it for bottled water and vodka.

 So how far fetched would it be to haul a complete iceberg?

Check out Weather  /  Zap2it  to get the lowdown.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Cause and effect – one simple thing can change your life.

Chaos Theory and the Butterfly Effect

 I could rant about my thoughts the book caused to rumble through my brain, but I will leave it to you to read Arctic Fire by Paul Byer and find out for yourself.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 4 STARS – Would Recommend To Others.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ABOUT PAUL BYERS

PaulByers_RSC0029_(2)Paul grew up in Oregon on the shores of the mighty and mysterious Columbia River, and spent endless hours daydreaming on the beach in front of his house, making up stories about the ships from exotic ports all over the world that steamed up the river – what secret cargo might they be carrying; did they harbor spies who were on dark and exciting missions?

Later in adult life, he moved to another mysterious and provocative city – Las Vegas, just outside the famous Nellis Air Force base. After work he would sit on his porch and watch the fighters take off and land, igniting his imagination with visions of secret missions and rich speculation about what could possibly be hidden at Area 51.

After moving back to his native Pacific Northwest, Paul worked for the Navy and took every opportunity he could to speak with veterans from WWII to the Gulf War, listening to them swap stories and relate the experiences of a lifetime.

So it is this combination of a passionate love of history, a vivid “what if” imagination, and a philosophy of life that boils down to the belief that – there are few things in life that a bigger hammer won’t fix – that led Paul to become a writer of exciting, fact-based action-thrillers. His greatest joy is leaving his readers wondering where the facts end and the fiction begins.

Website  /  Facebook  /  Goodreads

~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY

taiwan flag smiley animated gif Pictures, Images and PhotosPaul Byers is offering for the Giveaway 1 (one) ebook of Arctic Fire to 1 (one) lucky commenter. International. Easy entry as always, just leave your email address and answer the question:

What do you do to conserve and recycle?

Giveaway ends October 16, 2013

WINNERS!! The winners of the Arctic Fire giveaway are Janna and Laura.

Congratulations and happy reading. I hope you enjoy Arctic Fire as much as I did!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

To grab your copy of Arctic Fire by Paul Byer, or one of his other books, click on the cover below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

ARCTIC FIRE TOUR SCHEDULE

So Many Precious Books Sept 2 Review & Giveaway
Book Lover’s Library  Sept 3 Review

Book Lover’s Library  Sept 4 Interview & Giveaway

She Treads Softly Sept 4 Review

Books, Books, & More Books Sept 5 Review

Books, Books, & More Books Sept 6 Interview & Giveaway
Cheryl’s Book Nook Sept 9 Review

Butterfly-o-Meter Books Sept  10 Review

Butterfly-o-Meter Books Sept 11 Guest Post

 My Shelf Confessions Sept 12 Review

 My Shelf Confessions Sept 13 Interview & Giveaway

Room Without Books is Empty Sept 16 Review

Green Mountain People  Sept  18 Review

Thoughts in Progress Sept 18 Guest Post & Giveaway

Romance & Inspiration Sept 19 Review

Bloggin Bout Books Sept 20 Review

The News In Books Sept 23 Review

The News In Books Sept 24 Guest Post

Sweeps4Bloggers Sept 24 Review & Giveaway

Tales of a Book Addict Sept 25 Review

Joy Story Sept 26 Review

fundinmental  Sept 27 Review & Giveaway

Recent Reads Sept 30 Review &   Giveaway

DWED Oct 1 Review

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.
To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

animated smilies photo: animated animated.gif   Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Guest Post and Review – Shooting Stars, A Surah Stormsong Novel by H D Gordon

Shooting Stars by H D Gordon is another hit. I am a huge fan of hers and she never disappoints me. Falling Star, Book II of Surah Stormsong has just been released and I am looking forward to reading more about Surah and H D’s cast of characters.

Be sure read the Guest Post to see what H D has in store for you in the upcoming months.

 photo goodreads-badge-add-38px11_zps1ae6e47f.jpg

“There’s a storm comin.’” Charlie had no idea how bad it would get.

Princess Surah Stormsong had been ordered to take the place of her murdered brother by her father, the King. She was to be the new Keeper. She had no intention of doing so.

She found out the Black Stone was missing and Merin Nightborn, a highborn witch, was dead.

That sealed her fate.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~

H D Gordon can spin a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I had no doubt that Shooting Stars would be no exception. Her writing style is easy to read and captures you early on. The action starts from the first chapter and is non-stop. Her characters come alive on the pages and leave you rooting for them OR wishing they get what they deserve.

I loved the Alexa Montgomery Series and thought would I love this too. H D Gordon’s ability to take me into her fantasies allow me travel to worlds I would never have known otherwise.

I met Surah Stormsong in Redemption and I am excited to get to know her. What is her story? Shooting Stars is a story of fantasy and the paranormal. Good vs Evil. White Magic vs Black Magic.

The POV goes back and forth. I liked it. It allowed me to see it from that characters perspective and to walk in their shoes.

When I think of a Royal’s life, I immediately think of Princess Diana. Her life was out there for all to see. Just imagine how hard it was for her to hide her emotions and do the things expected of someone in her position. Royalty have a role to play and an act to perform, regardless of their feelings and wants. Such is the case with Surah Stormsong.

Surah was strong minded and would do what she felt had to be done, regardless of the consequences. She had done it before and met Alexa. Sometimes circumstances can force us to act and give us responsibilities we don’t want. Life is not fair, so get over it.

yum yum yum Pictures, Images and Photos

“Maybe I should tell Samson to bite you. He likes dark meat, you know.”

When you read the book, you will know why I chose this photo. Samson and Surah have a great sense of humor.

Surah Stormsong – She had a Great Tiger, Samson, as a pet. They talked to each other. I loved the banter  between her and the tiger. No lying between them. She had a gift and could tell when people lied. She could teleport. She was humble and tired of the Princess thing. She never thought herself above the commoners. She never even paid attention to calling them commoners. Was she really all that unprejudiced?  She empathized with people and they loved her for it.

Charlie Redwing- He loved to paint. He was a common sorcerer and bartender. He secretly held a piece of the White Stone. He had courage. He was Black Heart’s younger brother but they had no contact.

Charlie and Princess Surah had met as children only once. She had given him something she should not have and she remembered him well. Something had passed between them, even as children. When she meets him again, she remembers their first meeting. She had never forgotten him. He had never forgotten her. Do you have someone you remember from long ago? Have you ever wondered what could have been?

Charlie and Surah had something between them, but Theo was determined to marry her. He was the Head Hunter and Surah, as Keeper, had to work with him. He had lusted after her for a long time. Just a look from him caused her skin to crawl.

Black Heart, Michael, was Charlie’s brother and the opposite of him. Revenge is a strong, driving emotion. It can take over your life and it drove Michael. Some people twist their views to justify their actions.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~

QUOTES

 “You still throw like a princess.”

“But I am scared, Sam I am.” Love it. Made me think of Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.

“People plotted and deceived, cheated and covered it all with a smiling mask. People were far more dangerous than the Beasts. They were the real kings of the jungle.”

“Love is a chariot with a skeleton key to the chains which hate can wrap around you. To love is to be free.”

“You might as well shoot at the stars. Cause the thing you aim to hit is just too far…may as was well be shooting at the stars.”

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos   5 STARS – Would Highly Recommend To Others

I received this book from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review. There is no doubt in my mind that I will love to read and review anything H D Gordon writes.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~

H D Gordon Talks About Her Characters and her Work In Progress

Hi Heather. I am happy to have you making an appearance on my blog today.

First, I would like to thank Sherry for allowing me to come here today! Sherry has been a wonderful supporter to me from the beginning, and I love her oceans for all that she does.

I’m going to talk a little about a few things; characters, upcoming works, the direction I’m heading in, to name a few. My most recent release was the second book in The Surah Stormsong Novels, Falling Stars, and boiled down, it is a fantasy/romance tale about star-crossed lovers and magic. Surah Stormsong and Charlie Redmine are the leading characters of this tale, two people born worlds apart that find themselves forced together through bad circumstances, and falling in love despite the fates being aligned against them.

If you know me, you know I am a fan of strong characters with very real weaknesses, and Surah and Charlie are no exception here. In Shooting Stars you are introduced to the cast, and the shit starts to pile up, leaving them in a very tough situation. In book two, Falling Stars, you really start to get to know Surah and Charlie; their histories, fears and weaknesses. All the while you are watching while their love blossoms into something worth crossing oceans and climbing mountains for. The only real questions are if they can swim hard enough and climb high enough to overcome all that is thrown their way.

I’ve always been a fan of classic star-crossed lover stories, loved everything from Romeo and Juliet to Tristen and Isolde, so when Surah showed up in the last couple Alexa Montgomery books, I knew just what to do with her. My hopes are that after all is said and done with Surah and Charlie, my readers will have grown to love them the same way they love Alexa, Nelly and Kayden.

Now, if you’ve been a constant reader of mine, you know that I do not just write paranormal/fantasy. The fact is, I love all types of literature, and hope to someday have tackled every genre, so that I can fully explore my abilities. With that said, what’s coming next from me will be a mix of things that a reader is sure to find something in that suits their desires.

I’m in the middle of writing my first horror book, which I do not intend to self-publish, but will hopefully be available to you in a timely period. After that I will begin work on the sequel to my paranormal thriller, Joe, which is one of my most anticipated works to date, and following that I will be finishing the last book in The Surah Stormsong Novels, Crossing Stars. So yeah, kicking some ass and taking some names. Or at least, trying to.

In between these works, I am strengthening my short-story writing, and have just finished (in my opinion) my first really successful short story. I’m submitting it to a pretty big contest soon, and my hopes are as high as the sky. It’s some real literary-type shit, so wish me luck. J  Also, I’ve written a song inspired by The Surah Novels, and if you follow me on Facebook and Twitter, I’m sure you’ll get to hear it soon.

To sum it up, let me just say that I know most of my readers would like me to continue to just write paranormal/fantasy, but if you trust me, if you allow me, over the years I plan to take you on some wonderful journeys, and perhaps open doors that have never been known to have existed. Come dance with me, dear readers. I promise not to bump your elbows or step on your toes…too much.

WOW! You are a very busy woman. I’ll be at the party with my dancing shoes on and I know my travels with you will be memorable. Congratulations on all the goodness!

Thanks so much for visiting, Heather, and talking to all my readers and followers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

H.DauthorpicH. D. Gordon is the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga. Blood Warrior, the first book of the Alexa series was her debut novel and has held a spot in the top 100 fantasy bestsellers for over a month. Half Black Soul is the second book in this series and H. D. plans to complete Alexa’s tales by the end of 2012. In June of 2012, Joe, a fantasy novel about a young clairvoyant, was released as well. H. D. is a lifelong reader and writer, a true lover of words. When she is not reading or writing she is raising her two daughters, playing a little guitar, and spending time with her family. She is twenty three years old and lives in the northeastern United States.

 STALK H D GORDON

Blog  l  Author Facebook Page  l  Twitter  l  Goodreads Author Page

H.D.Gordon Facebook page  l  Webpage  l    Goodreads Fan Club

~~~~~~~~~~~~

To pick up any of H D Gordon’s books from Amazon, simply click on the cover.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

MY REVIEW:  Blood Warrior: The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book I by H D Gordon

MY 5 STAR REVIEW: Half Black Soul: The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book II by H D

MY 5 STAR REVIEW:  The Rise: The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book III by H. D. Gordon

My 5 STAR REVIEW: Redemption: The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book IV by H. D. Gordon

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

animated smilies photo: animated animated.gif  Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Review of Redemption: Book IV of The Alexa Montgomery Saga by H D Gordon

Welcome to the continuing Alexa Montgomery Saga by H D Gordon. If you have followed her series, you are familiar with Alexa and Kayden. I hope you enjoy this shocking finale as much as I did.

The covers of The Alexa Montgomery Saga by H D Gordon are distinctive and when you see them, you know they are a part of her series. Redemption, Book IV is no exception and I love them all. I think they are gorgeous.

.

 photo goodreads-badge-add-38px11_zps1ae6e47f.jpg

Spoiler alert: This is Book IV of The Alexa Montgomergy Saga.. I will do my best to not share too much so I do not ruin your reading enjoyment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The war that was prophesied had begun but who would be the Savior – Alexa or Nelly?

The villagers breathed easier but something had changed. They were waiting to find out what would happen next.

Alexa felt the urge to kill as strong as ever, but the Monster inside her reminded her of why she was doing this – Nelly.

At the same time, Nelly saw Alexa lying dead beside the king she had slain. A scream erupted from Nelly’s throat.

Who would be destroyed? Who would be left standing when the war is over?

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Redemption by H D Gordon is a novel of an ongoing supernatural war with faes, trolls, pixies, sorcerers, leprechauns, demons, angel, vampires, wolves and many other members of the magical community.

Alexa and Nelly are sisters that will sacrifice everything for each other. They are very unique magical beings who have a special role in the war.

Kayden is Alexa’s love interest and H D Gordon has a photograph to feast your eyes on. What do you think? Is he worthy?

Redemption rocked from the opening page. It is jam packed with non-stop action that kept coming, rolling over me, leaving me awash with a need to get to the end and find the answer – what will become of Alexa? I want her to have a happy ending. I feel she deserves it for all the sacrifices she has made.

I try to read through the tears in my eyes, my heart breaking. This can’t be the end. H. D. you blew my mind. I can’t begin to tell you the emotions that ran through me as I struggled to finish the book.

 “How is one broken thing supposed to fix another?” ” With love.”

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos    5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I received Redemption from H D Gordon in return for an honest and unbiased review. Thank you H D, for giving me the opportunity to read and review the entire series.

A new character is introduced in this book and there is a spinoff series to The Alexa Mongomery Saga – The Surah Stormsong Novels. Shooting Stars, Book I is now available. Falling Stars, Book II is scheduled for release on September 15, 2013.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

H.DauthorpicH. D. Gordon is the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga. Blood Warrior, the first book of the Alexa series was her debut novel and has held a spot in the top 100 fantasy bestsellers for over a month. Half Black Soul is the second book in this series and H. D. plans to complete Alexa’s tales by the end of 2012. In June of 2012, Joe, a fantasy novel about a young clairvoyant, was released as well. H. D. is a lifelong reader and writer, a true lover of words. When she is not reading or writing she is raising her two daughters, playing a little guitar, and spending time with her family. She is twenty three years old and lives in the northeastern United States.

 STALK H D GORDON

Blog  l  Author Facebook Page  l  Twitter  l  Goodreads Author Page

H.D.Gordon Facebook page  l  Webpage  l    Goodreads Fan Club

~~~~~~~~~~~~

To pick up any of H D Gordon’s books from Amazon, simply click on the cover.

MY REVIEW:  Blood Warrior: The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book I by H D Gordon

MY 5 STAR REVIEW: Half Black Soul: The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book II by H D

MY 5 STAR REVIEW:  The Rise: The Alexa Montgomery Saga, Book III by H. D. Gordon

~~~~~~~~~~~~

To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

animated smilies photo: animated animated.gif  Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arc Review – Bad Things Do Happen to Good People – Goodbye Nothing by Beck Sherman

Goodbye Nothing by Beck Sherman has an awesome cover. Even in it’s simplicity, it holds tremendous menace, but doesn’t even begin to portray the darkness that is to come. If you like Stephen King and Dean Koontz, you are going to love Beck Sherman. So, folks, grab hold tight because this is going to be a very bumpy ride.

I  downloaded Goodbye Nothing by Beck Sherman and told myself to just check it, DO NOT READ anything. I have others I need to do first and I knew if I read even the first paragraph, I wouldn’t want to stop until it was over. I have read Revamped by Beck Sherman and her writing is so fantastic, I knew this would be just as good. Oh, heck, hope the authors waiting for my reviews will forgive me. The release is coming up and I feel I just have to read this now. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. ^_^

GoodbyeNothing BookCover_BeckSherman_(2)goodreads-badge-add-plusSYNOPSIS:

A New Adult Horror Thriller

Since the night of the accident, Cain Emmerick has felt different. Empty. What was important to him—family, friends, his job—doesn’t matter anymore. His new life revolves around that Nothing inside of him and the extraordinary highs he gets from committing random acts of violence.

Seventeen-year-old Joey Morgan is blind, but that doesn’t stop her from seeing. Something bad is about to happen. Something that could tear her world apart. For Joey, college life isn’t quite turning out like she planned, because before good grades, fitting in, and love, comes survival.

From the author of Revamp comes a delightfully gruesome roller-coaster ride of a book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Review of Goodbye Nothing by Beck Sherman

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Things couldn’t get better for Cain, until……”Too bad. So sad.”

Uh oh. I see it coming. I think this is gonna be bad for someone.

Lacey, his five year old daughter told Cain, “Daddy you lied. The bad dream came  true.”

Life flashed before Cain’s eyes, then he felt Nothing.

OMG. No way. WTF? NO! NO! I never saw that coming and it is so far past horrible that I can’t take any more. Okay, that’s it Beck. I’m gonna go mow the lawn now while I process the unimaginable evil you just made me read and prepare myself for more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Goodbye Nothing by Beck Sherman is a paranormal horror story that goes so far into the dark abyss of evil that I am sitting here with my jaw hanging open thinking….I can’t even think of what to say. I am stunned, speechless.

Beck Sherman’s writing is excellent and grabs me from the first page, never letting me go. I took a couple breaks in reading to absorb the story because I was so shocked and appalled at what was happening. It made be want to weep and rage, to strike out at the evil and demand that it be undone. I am always amazed at an author when they come up with something so shocking, dark and evil, that I can’t even come up with the words to describe it. I never would have went there and I don’t know how Beck Sherman got there either.

I laughed all the way through the first chapter. It starts out so happy, cute and normal – the neighbor in his short pink bathrobe and his hairy legs sticking out, going out to pick up his paper and Cain finding his car keys in the freezer. Have you ever done that? No fibbing now.

The suspense and anticipation has me sitting on the edge of my seat. I just know something bad is coming. I don’t know what. I don’t know when. But it will come, that I know.

There is graphic violence with gruesome, blood and guts horror, that left me breathless. The monster we fear can be the guy next door. That scares me more than the Vampire or Werewolf lurking in the novels I read.

Cain is not a morning person. I smiled, because neither am I, even though I am up before daylight most of the the time. I love to listen as the world comes alive around me. Just don’t talk to me or even look at me for an hour. I may bite. Then I read about blood sucking vampires and psycho murderers and serial killers. LOL I love it.

Romance. I knew there would be hiccups, but my heart broke, right along with Joey’s. That age old issue of communication rears its ugly head. When the characters, just like real people, do not communicate, things can get royally fucked up.

Beck Sherman gives a guy a Pink Panther tatoo. I love Pink Panther. She mentions Nascar, when Cain chose a 1967 black Dodge Charger for his car. I always love hearing about the cars characters drive. These added tidbits make her writing exceptional. Such details make a book go from great to awesome. I love it.

The dialogue is fantastic. I loved the bantering tone and humor. It made me go from laughing one minute, to shock and utter disgust the next.

It is these things that makes it easy to relate to the characters. They come alive because of their foibles.

Joey is going to college for photography, even though she is legally blind. She sees bright colors and shapes, plus her best friend, Ren, helps her whenever he can.  Will they be more than friends?

Joey carries her camera everywhere she goes, as if it is an appendage. I can relate. I do the same thing.

Beck Sherman spends some time telling of Joey taking photographs of a bench……There is a lot more to it, but you will have to find out for yourself. I love taking photographs of benches with

Grand Canyon, Mr Wonderful (c) Sherry Fundin

Grand Canyon, Mr Wonderful (c) Sherry Fundin

or without people.

Grand Canyon (c) Sherry Fundin

Grand Canyon (c) Sherry Fundin

Cain was a super nice guy, a great husband and father – until he RAN into Billy.

Life sucked for Billy. People only messed with him once. And right now, he wanted to make someone pay.

Hospital receptionist – nurse Nazi. Some people, you give them a little power and it goes to their head.  I call them Nazi’s – like the mean nurse, the rude flight attendant………

Beck Sherman mentions the Book of Shadows and an athame. The only reason I know what she is talking about is because I love to watch the Charmed TV show. I never watched it when it was on, but now I watch the reruns in the early hours of the morn. Not a lot to choose from that I like to watch, but Charmed comes on and then Supernatural.

QUOTES

“…stamp of little feet…sounds like 1000 children….just one.” 5 years old.

“… pine cones for show and tell.” So darn cute.

Barbie head with grass in her hair. “Play nicer with Barbie, okay?”

“Suited Road Runners..Beep Beep”

“Joey enjoyed reading a good book slowly, hanging on every well written word, flipping them over in her mind, tasting each like it was a savory meal and she a starving castaway.” How beautiful is that? Me? I’m a fast reader, racing through the pages, even though I know I will hate it when the last page is read!

Here’s to the men we love. Here’s to the men who love us. If the men we love, don’t love us, fuck the men and here’s to us!”

Cheers and happy reading!

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos      5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

I gotta tell you about this, oh and this. You are not going to believe this and it stays with me a long time after the reading is done. Okay, I know I didn’t tell you anything, but YOU will want to read the story to find out for yourself.

Beck Sherman leaves me clamoring for more.

I received Goodbye Nothing from Beck Sherman in return for an honest and unbiased review. I would have reviewed it anyway, after having read her excellent first book Revamp. To see my 5 STAR Review and more about Revamp, keep scrolling down.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beck Sherman was born and raised in Massachusetts. Beck attended Syracuse University undergrad, has a master’s degree in photojournalism from the University of Westminster, London, and when not writing, enjoys exploring abandoned insane asylums and photo-documenting the things that go bump in the night, when they’re kind enough to pose.

STALKING LINKS

Website  l  Goodreads  l  Facebook

~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~

MY 5 STAR REVIEW OF REVAMP

To get your copy, simply click on the cover below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

goodreads-badge-add-plus  

FOR THREE DAYS, IT WAS DARK.

News reporters scrambled. This was the biggest story to come along in weeks.

.
They called it a blackout.

.
The last one was in New York City in 2003, but this one was different, special, because the grids in six major cities across the country had been fried, kaput, see-you-next-Sunday. Everyone with some jurisdiction blamed each other, and when there was no one left to blame, terrorism rode in on its gallant steed.

.
It was the media’s fault. They were so busy stuffing fanatical Muslims with a penchant for Allah and decapitations down the American citizen’s throat, that they never saw it coming. I guess I shouldn’t be too hard on them.

They were partially right.

.
It was terror after all, but a whole new kind. And when the lights came back on, things had changed.

The dark had brought us visitors.

“[Revamp is] a giddy satire on all things American and yet, at the same time, a kind of homage to the traditional vampire book…the words flow delightfully in this story. In fact, I sucked up the words.” 4 out of 5 stars, Phil Semler, San Francisco Book Review

~~~~~~~~~~~~

To get your copy of Beck Sherman’s books from Amazon, click on the cover below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

 To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

animated smilies photo: animated animated.gif  Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~