Tuesday, June 30, 2015

BOOK TOUR: The Seven Natural Wonders Of The Earth (My First Travel Books) by Anna Othitis


Follow Captain Frankie on his adventures...

Are you ready to take to the skies?
Then welcome to Angelic Airlines!
Come join the adventures of Captain Frankie and the Angelic Airlines flying angel as they travel across the world to the Seven Natural Wonders of the Earth. Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in My First Travel Books.

This is Anna Othitis’s second trip with Captain Frankie and the crew. Originally from Zimbabwe, Africa, her home port is now Wanaque, New Jersey, and she has flown across the world in her travels.

Book available at

"My daughter and I enjoyed these books. We took a trip around the world without leaving the house! We saw things and places we will probably never see in real life." - review from Amazon

"Beautifully illustrated, amazing little 'first travel' adventure book for children. A great way to get children interested in the geography of the world and the delights of travel." - review from Amazon

"Another gem from this consistant author. She is making quite a name for herself. You will not be disapointed!!" - review from Goodreads

My review:  What a fun little book! It's jam-packed with information, but it is easy to read and has beautiful illustrations. There is a short poem about each of the natural wonders,  few paragraphs of facts, and then three or four questions to help build comprehension skills. I look forward to sharing it with my grandchildren in the near future.

**I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own. **

My rating: Four stars


"This book is in its simplest form: fun, educational and informative, which plays an important part in connecting our children with our world.  So come on and fly the skies with us on Angelic Airlines to some popular world destinations with your friendly Captain Frankie"

Check out the other My First Travel Books...
My First Travel Book (My First Travel Books) (Volume 1)
Are you ready to take to the skies?
Captain Frankie welcomes you on board.
Come join the adventures of Captain Frankie and the Angelic Airlines flying angel as they travel across the world to some of the most popular, entertaining, and educational places in the world.

Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in My First Travel Book.

Book available at
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble


The Seven Wonders of the World (My First Travel Books) (Volume 3)
Are you ready to take to the skies?
Then welcome to Angelic Airlines!
Come join the adventures of Captain Frankie and the Angelic Airlines flying angel as they travel across the world to the Seven Wonders of the World. Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in My First Travel Books.

This is Anna Othitis’s third trip with Captain Frankie and the crew.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Africa, her home port is now Wanaque, New Jersey, and she has flown across the world in her travels.

Book available at

About the Author
I lived and was raised in the beautiful land and country of Zimbabwe, Africa (home will always be home). We relocated to Wanaque, New Jersey, USA, our new home and where our younger son, Frankie, took up his “American Dream”.

 My husband George, sons Johnny, Elia and Frankie encouraged me to write my first children’s book titled My First Travel Book, which was inspired by Frankie (Captain Frankie). Given a wonderful opportunity, he graduated in his Masters degree in Aeronautical Science, and is successful in his career as a professional pilot. My favorite saying is: “Be Bold Be Brave”.

My dream is to be given the opportunity for my book to reach each and every less fortunate child who will have the opportunity to fantasy travels through our book to see our lovely world destinations, and to one day to give back and assist the needy in Africa and beyond, to keep giving care and love to the less fortunate. Whilst in Zimbabwe I was involved with many charitable organizations and groups where my greatest passion and love was with the primitive, simple people of Zimbabwe, Africa and will still continue to reach out to the many beautiful children of the world.

Now living in the USA, after having traveled some short and some long journeys, to get to our final destination, we realize how small this world really is, yet is also so big and so beautiful in each and every corner. Still so much is untouched by humans, which will hopefully remain sacred in many areas. We have to cherish every and all beautiful things that our planet earth has to offer to us.

Find the author on the following sites...


Follow the Book Tour
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NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY
Win a $50 Amazon.com Giftcard or Paypal Cash
(winners choice)
Open Worldwide
Ending on Sunday 12th July at 11.59pm EST


Enter Below and Good Luck !!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, June 29, 2015

FREE BOOK: Damaged by Avelyn Page


DAMAGED IS FREE!!
#CancerSucks #KickAssTakeNames #Damaged #NotBroken



Evie Carter has faced trials and tribulations her entire life. Her teenage years have been ripped away from her as she battles cancer. Just when things can’t get any worse, her doctor delivers the news that it’s finally time to make a life or death decision. Her options are limited and come with deadly consequences. The miracle drug that is meant to save her life changes her on a cellular level. She might not be damaged anymore, but she might just be damned in her new life.






“I’m so sorry—” begins Dr. Lu“—but, Evie isn’t going to survive her treatment. Her body is beginning to shut down.  She was just too weak to make it through the procedure. I thought she would be strong enough after her pre-trial exam, but even I could not predict her reaction to the procedure. I fear that in just a few short hours her brain activity will cease and her blood pressure will rapidly begin to drop. We’ve made her comfortable so you can say your goodbyes, but barring a miracle or an act of God, Evie is gone.” Heavy sobs fill the room as my family breaks down at the news.

Gone? How in the fuck am I gone? I’m right here! I want to scream at Dr. Lu for scaring my parents like this. I just need to get more of these drugs out of my system so I can show them that I am still here. I feel fine! I feel better than I have in months and she’s telling my family I’m dying? I don’t understand!!  I AM RIGHT HERE! 









Avelyn Paige is a born and raised Indiana girl. She may be a Hoosier by birth, but she’s a Boilermaker by choice! Avelyn lives in rural Indiana with her pastor husband, 2 spoiled cats, and one very odd looking dog.  She’s an oncology research scientist by day and a writer and book review blogger by night. She enjoys reading anything she can get her hands, baking, and spending time with her friends and family.

Never intending on ever writing her own book, the idea behind the Damaged series came to her on a drive to work early one morning thinking about her father who’d recently passed away. His strength during his cancer and rare blood disease battle inspired Avelyn to do something she’s never thought about before. She’s excited to see where this wild ride takes her. 

Find Avelyn on...




















BLOG TOUR: Kittens Can Kill (Pru Marlowe Pet Noir #5) by Clea Simon

Kittens Can Kill

by Clea Simon

on Tour June 2015





Synopsis:

coverThe dead don’t keep pets. So when animal behaviorist expert Pru Marlowe gets a call about a kitten, she doesn’t expect to find the cuddly creature playing beside the cooling body of prominent Beauville lawyer David Canaday. Heart attack? His three adult daughters angrily blame drug interactions, feline allergies—and each other. And begin to feud over their father, his considerable estate, and that cute ball of fluff. While the cause of death is pending, each sister has an axe to grind—with arguments that escalate when David’s partner reads out the will.
Pru’s special sensitivity to animals, which caused her to flee the cacophony of Manhattan for the quiet Berkshires, adds further problems. The local vet is overwhelmed as the animal hospital’s money runs out. There’s a needy Sheltie and some invasive squirrels, too. But the dead man’s kitten, his former partner, and his troublesome family keep drawing “wild-girl animal psychic Pru back in. Despite the wry observations of her trusty tabby Wallis, now the wrongfully accused kitten’s guardian, and the grudging compliance of her cop lover, this may be one time when Pru can’t solve the mystery or save the kitten she wants to believe is innocent. A single witness knows the truth about that bright spring morning. How far can Pru investigate without risking her own hidden tale?

My Review:
Another great installment in the Pru Marlowe series. I've read all five now, and find each one more enthralling than the last. The plot is interesting, the characters are lovable, and the hook of Pru being able to communicate with animals--all of these things are reasons why the series works so well.

The mystery of the murdered lawyer keeps the reader guessing till the very end. Along the way, we also learn some secrets that were thought to have been buried for years. I always enjoy the banter between Pru and her tabby cat, Wallis, and in this book, with Wallis entrusted with the job of "babysitting" the kitten, the barbs fly fast and furious.


I received this book free from Partners In Crime. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Rating: Four stars





Book Details:


Genre: Cozy Mystery
Published by: Poisoned Pen Press
Publication Date: 03/03/2015
Number of Pages: 434
Series: Pru Marlowe Pet Noir #5 (Each is a Stand Alone Mystery)
ISBN: 9781464203589
Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble Goodreads




Read an excerpt:

Chapter One
There’s nothing cute about a death scene. Not the shards of the mug that rested in a puddle on the cold tile floor. Not the scent of the tea—acrid and sharp—that now mingled with the mustier odors of a body’s last struggle. And certainly not the body itself, sprawled contorted beside the shattered ceramic, one arm reaching out for succor, the other frozen in rigor as it clawed at the argyle wool vest that covered the still chest.
No, there was nothing cute about the tableau that greeted me when I made my way into the kitchen of Mr. David Canaday, Esquire, after twenty minutes of pointless knocking. But the kitten that sat beside the puddle, batting at a metal button that must have popped off the vest in that last desperate effort? That little white puffball, not more than eight weeks old and intent as he could be on his newfound toy as it rolled back and forth? He was adorable. The cutest little bundle a girl could ever swoon for.
He knew it, too. As I stood there, staring, he batted that button toward me. Rolling around on its rounded top, it made its slow circular way toward my feet.
“Play?” The message in those round blue eyes was clear. I was supposed to kick the button back. To get it moving—make it livelier prey than the still man on the floor would ever be again. “Back to me?”
The button hit my boot, and the kitten reared up when I stepped back, his front paws reaching up to slap the air.
“No, kitty. I can’t.” I took another step back the way I had come.
“Play?” And another.
I had no desire to kick the button. What I wanted to do was scoop up this little puffball and run.
To remove such an innocent creature from the horror before me. That had been my plan, even before I’d walked into the room. Get the kitten, get out. Get on with my day.
That didn't look like it was going to happen. Not now, and as much as I wanted to snatch the kitten up I restrained myself and, fiddling with my bag, found my phone while I took a third step and a fourth back to the kitchen door. As much as I wanted to grab up the kitten and run for dear life, I knew better than to disturb what just might be a crime scene—or to remove what I assumed to be the only living witness.
Chapter Two
The paramedics arrived first, and for that I was grateful. They had the body on a stretcher by the time the daughter arrived, straps across those jolly blue diamonds and a blanket covering the soiled khakis below. Better still, they were the ones to tell her what that still, pale face should have. What had been patently obvious to me from the moment I’d stepped into the room: Dad was dead. They were taking him to the hospital—that was protocol—but there’d be no sirens wailing because there was no great rush. Lucky for me, she opted to ride along.
I didn't envy the paramedics. The daughter looked like the type who would fight them. Insist on CPR or defibrillation, even as the old man’s color faded to a muted version of that vest, the blood slowly settling in his back.
She didn't look much better. Pale as dishwater, with hair to match. That hair, a listless bob, had been dark once, maybe as black as mine, but time had dulled its color and its sheen, much as it had softened what might have once been impressive cheekbones and a jawline that now sloped gently into a chubby neck.
Between that pallor and the way she had carried on, I had thought at first that she was the wife. Then I remembered: the old man was widowed. It was his daughter who had called me, asking for help in settling a new pet with an increasingly shut-in and by all accounts difficult elder.
“It needs everything,” she had said when she’d called. “Shots, whatever.”
I’d been bothered by that impersonal “it.” Sexing a kitten can be difficult, but this smacked of something colder. Still, I’d said I’d call Doc Sharpe, our local vet, to set up a well-kitten visit and silently figured on adding taxi and escort charges.
In the meantime, I’d told the daughter that I’d drop by to set things up. As the woman on the phone had gone on, though, I’d begun adding services. Neither she nor her father had expected this kitten. She had errands to run, she’d said, and sounded particularly put out by its sudden, unannounced appearance.
It—that impersonal “it” again—had been an unexpected gift, the caller had said. And while that sounded odd, I wasn't going to question it. Not if they were willing to pay.
That gig was shot, I thought as I watched the ambulance from the shelter of an eager rhododendron, blossoms ready to pop.
Sure, I could bill for my time. I’d certainly charge for the load of supplies in my car. But I wouldn't count on getting paid, not soon anyway. Spring and my business usually picked up. The tourists started filtering back, and the seasonal condos filled with troubled dogs and angry cats, all confused by the very human idea of relocating for fun. But even though the May days were growing soft, my client base hadn't warmed up yet. I’d been counting on this job for at least a few regular checks.
“Mama? Where did you go?” The soft cry brought me out of my musing. Male, definitely, though still much more a baby than a boy. Spring. I looked through the bush’s dark green leaves for a nest. For a den in the dark, damp leaves beneath the trees.
“Where are you?”
The kitten. Of course. With all the hubbub, the tiny animal must have been spooked. Must have darted for safety and gotten outside. I couldn't recall anyone mentioning the little cat as they strapped the old man to the gurney and bundled his daughter in for the ride.
“Play?”
The kitten was determined, I’d give him that. And he seemed to have gotten over his fright. I looked around. The EMTs had left the door ajar when they first stormed in, and the little fellow probably snuck out. Normally, I’d cheer him on. Self-determination is a virtue that I applaud, but a baby is a baby, after all.
And while the east side of Beauville might look nicer than our shabby downtown, part of the appeal was its old-growth woods.
I thought of the foxes that would be nesting soon beneath those trees. And the fishers, and a few other predators, all of whom would be looking for a tasty morsel for themselves or their own young. Nature, right? With a sigh that probably revealed more about my human nature than I’d care to admit, I dropped to my knees. Besides, it wasn't like I was doing anyone else any good just then.
“I’m here, little fellow,” I called out softly, peering around the shrubbery. “Where are you?”
He didn't answer, not that I really expected him to. I should explain that this is odd for me. I have a sensitivity, you see.
Some people might call it a gift. I can pick up what animals are thinking, hear their thoughts like voices in my head. Yes, I know how nutty that sounds. That’s why I keep my particular sensitivity to myself, although I have a feeling that others are growing suspicious.
But the thing about picking up animals’ voices is that they don’t talk like you or I do. They have no need for meaningless conversation, and they certainly don’t chatter just to hear themselves speak. And so although I tend to perceive their voices in human terms—that kitten asking for its mother, for example—that’s just my weak human brain trying to make sense of what I’m really getting. Which was a young animal coming to terms with its environment. That kitten wanted to play, because playing is its job—how it learns to hunt, to survive. He had appeared to address me because kittens, like all mammals, learn from their mothers, their peers. From the world around them. He wasn't calling to me, specifically. He was reaching out, because he was alone.
Alone. That was part of what I was getting, but there was something else, too—an undercurrent of loneliness and confusion, a jumble of noise and fear and…
“Back to me? Kick it again?”
Boredom? Well, as I've said, play is a young animal’s job.
And while I didn't necessarily want to play kick the button, I was grateful for the repeated plea. The voice was clearly coming from inside.
I turned back to the silent house. Although I’d walked in with no problem—Beauville still being that kind of place—someone had thought to lock the door. Luckily, the latch was a simple one, and it gave way quickly to the thin blade of the knife I always keep close at hand. This wasn't breaking-and-entering. Not really, I told myself as I closed the door carefully behind me. I’d been hired to take care of a kitten, and that’s what I was going to do.
“Kitten? Hello?” As I've said, I wasn't really expecting an answer. What I was doing was announcing my presence, trying to sound as nonthreatening as I could, which for me meant voicing my thought in the form of a question.
“Back to me!” I tried to echo the thought I had picked up. The kitchen remained still and apparently empty. I proceeded through the open archway into what appeared to be a living room. “You there?”
“Play with me!” That insistent voice. “Why won’t he play with me?”
I didn't have the heart to tell him, but I had to. “He’s gone,” I said.
“Gone?” The question bounced back, like that button. The small creature was trying to make sense of my response. Of the word. I kicked myself. I wasn't doing the kitten any favors with my euphemism. Animals live or die in the physical world, and despite this one’s infant appeal, he probably had a better sense of reality than most of the humans in this town.
“Dead,” I said, summoning the memory of the still, cold body.
“Gone?” The damage had been done, and I felt the confusion as the kitten continued to roll that word—that concept—about in his tiny feline brain.
“Catch me!” The button appeared, rolling in a slow semicircle from under a chair. “Let’s play!”
“Kitten?” I ducked down and leaned beneath the coffee table.
There, eyes wide, crouched the little creature. He’d taken refuge from all the commotion. Up close, I could see he was undersized and a little ragged, more ready to pounce than to groom. I reached for him and he reared up, batting at me with cool paw pads. “Okay, little fellow.” I scooped him up, and as he nuzzled against my shirt, I felt a wet spot on his back.
“Feels like you've been trying to wash.” No wonder his fur looked patchy. “Or did you get splashed?”
***
I sniffed the kitten and caught something funky. Tea, I hoped, and not something more gruesome. I didn't think I was imagining a slight mint scent, and any puddles on the floor where the body had fallen had been trampled into dark stains. Mimicking my action, the kitten stretched around to sniff the wet spot, and promptly sneezed.
“Gesundheit, little fellow.” He looked up at me, eyes wide, and sneezed again. An adorable little snort, prompted perhaps by that touch of mint. But I've been in this business too long not to think of the other possibilities: feline viral rhinoneumonitis—FVR, better known as feline herpes—for example. Not fatal, but something to manage. At any rate, I held the little creature under the tap for a moment. He was young enough to take my impromptu bath without too much fuss and was purring as I rubbed him down with a dish towel.
“Excuse me.” The voice behind me made me twirl around and the kitten jumped to the floor. He landed by a pair of cowboy boots—turquoise blue—attached to jeans that fit like a second skin. On top of these, a woman’s face scowled at me, the eyes wide and regal. “But who are you, and what are you doing in my father’s house? And what are you doing with my kitten?”




Author Bio:

authorA recovering journalist, Clea Simon is the author of 17 mysteries and three nonfiction books. Kittens Can Kill is the fifth in her Pru Marlowe pet noir series. She lives in Somerville, Massachusetts, with her husband Jon and their cat, Musetta, and can be reached at


Clea Simon's website Clea Simon's twitter Clea Simon's facebook



Giveaway:
This is a giveaway hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours for Clea Simon & Poisoned Pen Press. There will be one winner of 1 Box of Poisoned Pen Press books including Kittens Can Kill by Clea Simon. The giveaway begins on June 1st, 2015 and runs through June 3rd, 2015.





Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours



It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 photo 2a1_zps01c03abf.jpg

What I read in the last two weeks:
1) Three Silver Doves by Deborah Garner
2) Uprooting Ernie by Pamela Burford
3) The Balance Project by Susie Orman Schnall
4) Emily by Jasmine Lee
5) Bronze Fox by Diana Green
6) The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis by Sharon Ledwith
7) Kittens Can Kill by Clea Simon
8) Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave
9) The Wright Brothers by David McCullough

What I listened to in the last two weeks:
1) A Fatal Chapter by Lorna Barrett
2) A Summer To Die by Lois Lowry
3) The Governor's Wife by Michael Harvey
4) Billionaire Blend by Cleo Coyle

What I'm currently reading:
1) When You Make It Home by Claire Ashby
2) The Relic by Kathi Daley
3) Fatal Fairies by Joyce Lavene
4) Not Ashamed by Teresa Pollard

What I'm currently listening to:
1) The Household Spirit by Tod Wodicka

What I plan to read this week:
1) Acqua Morta by Adam Bane
2) The Lives Between Us by Theresa Rizzo
3) It Had To Be You by Delynn Royer

What I plan to listen to this week:
1) A Dash Of Death by Claudia Bishop



Friday, June 26, 2015

BLOG TOUR: The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis by Sharon Ledwith

Children are the keys to our future. 

And now, children are the only hope for our past.


Book Information:

Title: The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis

Series:  The Last Timekeepers, Book #1

Author Name:  Sharon Ledwith

Genre(s): Young Adult, Time Travel, Middle Grade

Tags: #‎YAlit‬

Length: Approx. 180 pages

Re-Release Date: June 17, 2015

Publisher:  Mirror World Publishing

About The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis:

When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.


Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.

Amazon Purchase Links:

Amazon US ~
The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis

Amazon CA ~
The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis

Mirror World Publishing Purchase Link ~
The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis

Goodreads Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13613004-the-last-timekeepers-and-the-arch-of-atlantis

Follow the tour to read Guest Posts, Reviews, Excerpts, and Spotlights:

http://saphsbookblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/book-tour-schedule-last-timekeepers-and.html

My Review: While this book is marketed for a younger audience, I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and don't feel the writing or the content are too "childish" to appeal to an adult reader as well.  The plot of this series gives the author the chance to not only give us her view of Atlantis, but to use time travel to introduce young readers to various historical/legendary events or people. In this introductory book, the teens get to meet Robin Hood and his friends.

The "timekeepers" are a highly varied group, which added to my enjoyment. The five students are not friends as the book begins, and in fact can barely stand one another--I learned some new, creative insults from them! The two adults, a teacher and a the uncle of one of the students, are not exactly mainstream, either. But the seven of them begin to see each other in a new light as they display talents which, when combined, make them a strong team and help them reach their objectives.


Looking forward to future installments in this series.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.**


My Rating: Four stars

Meet the Author:



Unearthing the uncanny one book at a time.

Sharon Ledwith is the author of the middle-grade/young adult time travel series, THE LAST TIMEKEEPERS, and is represented by Walden House (Books & Stuff) for her teen psychic series, MYSTERIOUS TALES FROM FAIRY FALLS. When not writing, researching, or revising, she enjoys reading, exercising, anything arcane, and an occasional dram of scotch. Sharon lives a serene, yet busy life in a southern tourist region of Ontario, Canada, with her hubby, one spoiled yellow Labrador and a moody calico cat.

Learn more about Sharon Ledwith:

Sharon’s Website:
www.sharonledwith.com

Sharon’s Blog:
http://sharonledwith.blogspot.com/

Sharon’s Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/seledwith

The Last Timekeepers Series Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Last-Timekeepers-Time-Travel-Series/373953795955372

Twitter: @sharonledwith:
https://twitter.com/sharonledwith

Amazon Author U.S. Page:
http://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Ledwith/e/B0084DUHJO

Amazon Author U.K. Page:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B0084DUHJO

Goodreads Author Page:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5821744.Sharon_Ledwith

Goodreads Book Page:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13613004-the-last-timekeepers-and-the-arch-of-atlantis

Google+ Page:
https://plus.google.com/116758820349834035390#116758820349834035390/posts

Enter the Giveaway:

· A signed paperback copy of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis

· A custom crafted Babel Necklace

· A signed trading card

· A signed postcard

· Two ‘The Last Timekeepers’ wrist bands

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tour Coordinated by:


Thursday, June 25, 2015

BOOK TOUR: Bronze Fox (Rifters, Book One) by Diana Green


NEW RELEASE....
Tobias is a fox-shifter, stolen in childhood from his home-world. Now he works as an agent for the secretive and powerful sentinels, trying to bring an end to the interworld slave trade.

Etty is a street-smart spitfire from the wrong side of the tracks. She harbors untrained magical abilities and a deep longing for a better life. Can she channel these into working as Tobias’ assistant?

Will they survive a life-changing mission where love and danger are only a heartbeat away, and the fate of rift worlds hangs in the balance?

Book available from....

"The way Ms. Green weaves romance into this fascinating situation of rift travel and the amazing settings along the way, is delightful. I appreciate how the various story aspects are artfully combined to make my introduction to “rifting” purely satisfying. I’m SO ready for the next one." - review from Amazon

"Yet another good book by Diana Green. I love how you went a little Sci-fi with the portals and alternate worlds mixed in." - review from Amazon

"The plot moves at a steady pace and grabs you in right from the start." - review from Goodreads

My review: I love this story, and can hardly wait to get my hands on the next one in the series! Tobias and Etty make a great team, and their adventures are compelling. There is romance involved, but in this book, at least, it didn't overpower the adventure and suspense. I can only hope that will continue to be true in the rest of the series as well.

There is so much to recommend about this book. If you like steampunk, suspense, fantasy, magic, or sci-fi, you'll find a little of all of it here. The two main characters have amazing backstories which I hope will continue to be fleshed out as the series continues. With the idea of portal travel to other worlds, there are infinite possibilities for the types of adventures and the supporting characters to come.

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

My rating: Four stars



Read an excerpt from Bronze Fox HERE

About the Author
Since her childhood, growing up in New Zealand, Diana has been an avid storyteller. For years she enjoyed teaching art and special education, while continuing to write as a hobby. After she developed an auto-immune disorder, a career change was necessary, but happily this led her to become a professional author.

Diana's books are mostly paranormal romance, in the fantasy and science fiction sub-genres. She has been a finalist for the CRW Award of Excellence and the Aspen Gold Published Novel Contest. At present, she self-publishes and writes for the Wild Rose Press.

Find the author on the following sites...
"Everyone on my Newsletter mailing list is entered monthly for free e-book drawings. The winners can choose from any of my titles.  If you want to be included in a quarterly mailing list, just let me know in your message using the Newsletter link above. Your contact information will not be shared with anyone."

Follow the Book Tour
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NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY
Win a $10 Amazon.com Giftcard
Open Worldwide
Ending on Sunday 12th July at 11.59pm EST

Enter Below and Good Luck !!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Wednesday, June 24, 2015

REVIEW AND CHARACTER INTERVIEW: Emily (Skipping Stones Book 1) by Jasmine Lee




Title: Emily
Series: Skipping Stones: Book 1
Author: Jasmine Lee
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic
Release Date: June 9, 2015

Cover Design: Sheri McGathy


Photographer: Tabitha Patterson





Synopsis:
 I thought I was in love, I thought I was happy, I thought everything was perfect.

But then I found out my husband of six years was having an affair. I knew it had to be a dream, but it wasn’t. So now I’m left at square one, only now I’m a single mom also.

Dating isn’t easy but its especially not easy for a single mom of twin boys, with a soon to be ex-husband who’s still around. I mean what else could happen?

Throw in a hot prison guard and my ex-husband the mechanic and you have a whole mess of problems, and its only Monday!

What am I’m supposed to do?

**Will be a 2 book series.**
Teasers:



REVIEW:
I was torn on how to review/rate this book, so I decided to break it into two separate parts, the story vs. the editing.

As far as the story goes, I was drawn in from the beginning. There was something about Emily that reminded me of myself in my younger days. She seems to feel that she needs a man in her life in order to be worth something, and at times she is willing to accept any man who comes along, no matter how he treats her. She seems to have a knack for picking men who are either cheating on her or with her, so I hope that in the second book she will find happiness with herself so that she can find a man who deserves her love.

When it comes to the editing of the book, however, someone really missed the mark. There were run-on sentences, sentence fragments, spelling errors, words misused, etc. As a former teacher, I was sorely tempted to pull out my red pen and do my own edits on the entire book.

RATING: 
Story: Four stars
Editing: Zero stars
Overall: Two stars

INTERVIEW WITH EMILY

1) What impression do you make on people when they first meet you? How about after they've known you for a while?
That I’m somewhat chaotic but as you get to know me and I mean really know me you see that I’m quiet and down to earth. I’ve certainly matured since the beginning of my story until now.


2) Do you think you've turned out the way your parents expected? Why or why not?

lol...Does anyone ever turn out the way their parents expect? In all honesty I think I did the best I could. I mean I got pregnant right out of High School and married Conner while pregnant. I never really got to be young I had to grow up fast. But then all that happened and I guess one could say I went a little nuts. But I don't think there's a rule book on how to deal with your husband cheating on you.

3) What are you most afraid of?
Disappointing my sons.

4) What would you like it to say on your tombstone?
I’m good with the usual date of birth, date of death and name...I’m simple. lol

5) What would you most like people to know about you that they don't?
That I hope they don’t judge me to harshly for my actions in ‘Emily’ as I had to grow and mature and I do believe they will be somewhat surprised when they read the rest of my story in ‘Unexpected’. Cause they’ll realize I’m more down to earth than they think.

BUY LINKS:
Unexpected (Skipping Stones: Book 2)
Release Date: TBD
Synopsis:
In Emily you got part of my story. But now in Unexpected you get the rest of it.

True, it doesn't go the way I planned and I don't end up with man I had planned on. But then again, that's why they say to 'expect the unexpected.'
Blurb will be updated as the story progress'


Excerpt:
Emily (Skipping Stones: Book 1)
Unedited




“Please tell me you’re not seeing each other.” He says as he locks eyes with me.

I swallow wrapping my arms around myself not understanding his reaction. “No we’re just hanging out, that’s all.”

I watch as his shoulders fall and then he surprises me by quickly closing the distance between us, grabbing my waist and the back of my neck. Before I can even begin to understand what’s happening his mouth is on mine and his tongue is pushing between my lips seeking my own. And for just a moment I let myself fall into the familiar warmth and comfort I’ve always found in his embrace. I surrender to his will kissing him back, his familiar taste invading my mouth and overtaking my senses. But the noise of a child hollering brings reality crashing back on me, and I push my way out of his embrace breaking the kiss.

I stand there and stare him in the eyes as so many emotions threaten to break the surface, with a trembling hand I cover my mouth as I shake my head back and forth.

“That shouldn’t have happened,” I whisper. Remembering how easy it was too lose myself in his arms.

He frowns and I can tell he’s frustrated with the whole situation as he runs his hands through his hair covering his face as he lets out a muffled scream.

“Emily…please I think…no, I mean I know I screwed up. I should have never let you go and I’m sorry."


About The Author:
Hey everyone, (Waves)

Well lets see, I could tell ya a grand story full of A-list celebrities but lets face it, that only happens in books. I'm married and have two kiddos a son who is a avid baseball player and a daughter who is very passionate about horses. I was born and raised in a small country town in Deep East Texas. Not playing the POP is like 300 people!! I love writing/reading and taking pictures. All 3 have been long time hobbies of mine.

J.L.



Books available NOW:

Ella's Love


Models: Donna Kitchens and TJ
What readers are saying‬:
“It will have you laughing and crying throughout the story.”
"Unconditional love...True meaning of soul mates.”
“Emotional love story...a true love that never dies!”
"One love that will make you realize how precious life is"
"A touching emotional story of love and hope."
“I have to say that this is one of the best love stories of this year.”
“Please read their story and their tribal and tribulations to get the perfect love story.”
“When I started reading this book I thought it was a cute little love story. I was wrong.”





Goodreads Book Giveaway

Emily by Jasmine  Lee

Emily

by Jasmine Lee

Giveaway ends July 28, 2015.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
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