Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Blog Tour/Excerpt: Dangerous Obsession by M.M. Roethig




 "A dancer and a Marine—two worlds collide. 


Chloe Johnson is no stranger to the spotlight. A prestigious member of the LA Laker Girls, she’s in the public eye regularly. Her world is perfect.

Eric Taylor, on the other hand, is damaged, both body and spirit. Injured overseas, he returns home with fresh physical wounds, invisible emotional scars, and a bad attitude. 

When Chloe becomes the object of affection to an unknown stalker, she must leave her life behind and rely on a total stranger, and the only man she’s ever met who’s never happy to see her—Eric. Can she trust this hardened soldier with her life? 

Adjusting to civilian life hasn’t been easy for Eric. Swearing off women forever, all he wants is to be left alone. However, his world is thrown into chaos when Chloe appears on his doorstep as an invited guest of Eric’s twin brother. Bewitched by her innocent charms, Eric fights to keep her at arm’s length, putting his No More Women resolve to the test. 

Everything soon changes when Chloe’s stalker trackers her down, making her a pawn in a cat and mouse game of Dangerous Obsession. 

*This is a clean romantic fiction. There is no graphic violence, sex, or language in this book.* "

Purchase your copy here: 




Author M.M. Roethig is a 'happily-ever-after' author whose guilty pleasure is a swoon worthy romance. Growing up, she spent her youth on various Air Force bases in many different states, which encouraged her imagination and love of make believe stories with each new city, scenery, and situation.

Finally settling in Idaho, M.M. Roethig finished her schooling years and eventually met and married her very own Prince Charming. A recent move took her to Northern Colorado, a place she has instantly fallen in love with and embraced as her home. 

When she is not swooning over romance stories or writing, M.M. Roethig enjoys spending time with her husband and son who also call Colorado home. With two grown daughters and one son-in-law living in Idaho, she finds every excuse to travel back as much as possible. 

Other hobbies M.M. Roethig enjoys is running, photography, baking, watching her son swim, trying new board games, and cheering on the Denver Broncos.

YA Paranormal Fiction : Elemental Princess * Raine
Contemporary Romance: Reflections
Anthologies: Beginnings * Summer Dreams


Excerpt

“I’m a mess, Chloe. I don’t know which way is up anymore.” Hearing him admit it stabbed her heart. Eric dropped his arms and turned toward the pasture, propping his booted foot on the bottom rail again. He rested his forearms on the top, and looked out blankly. “Sometimes I feel like I’m trapped on a never ending rollercoaster that knocks me around at breakneck speeds, leaving me battered in the seat. I’m helpless to stop it. It’s a ride I want off, but I can’t find the emergency brake.”

“Eric, you can talk to me. If these past few weeks have done anything, I would hope you’ve learned that I’m not here to judge you. Not you.”

“I’ve seen and done things I’m not proud of, CJ. I’ve witnessed the worst of humanity in places I never wish to be again. I’ve lost more friends than I ever dreamed possible, and I’m not who I used to be.” Eric dropped his head to his hands and closed his eyes. Chloe stepped beside him. Placing both feet on the bottom rail, she curled her arms over the top and pulled herself up. She stood there, watching the horses, waiting for him to say more, but he remained quiet.

“Things happen in our lives that change us, GI. That’s not a bad thing. It makes us who we are, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of.” Chloe heard his loud exhale. “That’s how we grow. I don’t know everything you went through, and I can’t even begin to comprehend your pain, but I know you’re not alone.”

“I lost many friends over there, some just out of high school. I’ve seen many lose their hearts to women who didn’t deserve the dirt those men walked on. I lost one of my best friends over there. His name was Tucker Hardy. It wasn’t from enemy fire, either. He took his own life.” Chloe gasped, feeling her stomach drop to her knees. She turned her gaze to him, but Eric never looked up. He looked intent on talking and she didn’t want to interrupt him now. “His wife just had their baby, a boy, and he missed the birth because the babe came early. Hardy had leave scheduled, but babies don’t come on military approved time off, apparently.”

“I don’t think babies come on any approved time frame,” she whispered and heard the soft chuckle beside her.

“When Hardy called home the day before he left, she was there with another man, his neighbor.”

“Oh no.” Chloe stepped off the railing as she turned to face Eric. He nodded.

“Tuck was a good man. He didn’t deserve that. He survived his last patrol only to find out he lost his family. The way she did it—it happens all the time. When your friend is killed by enemy fire, you know who to blame. Who do you blame here?”

Chloe ducked under his arm, placing herself between him and the railing. Instinctively she put her hands on his chest and waited until he looked at her.

“I don’t know what to say, Eric.”

“I want to blame his wife for what she did. Blame the war for taking him away from his family, blame myself for not noticing.”

“Wait, what?” she asked, reeling back in surprise. “Noticing?”

“That he was in bad shape. I should have known. I was his best friend and I should have seen the signs. I thought he just needed time to process, to think. The op we just came back from went horribly wrong. I should have done something, but instead I survived and he didn’t.”

Chloe grabbed his hands and felt them shaking. His voice was steady and he exuded confidence, but his hands shook. It was the only outward tale-tell sign he was affected, a product of the military training he’d had, she presumed.

“Eric, none of this is your fault.”

“I dream about it,” he said by way of response. Chloe was taken aback by his change in subject. She watched as he seemed to drift off to a different place. “It was hot, the air stifling. The pain wasn’t as bad as I thought, the adrenaline kept me moving. We kicked through one door, but people were shouting our location from the rooftops.”

“With Tucker?” she asked in confusion.

“No, yes, all of it. I’m not making sense, I know that.” Eric lifted one strand of her hair and ran it between his fingers. “I dream about things all the time. Mostly it’s that night I caught shrapnel in my arm and banged up my knee,” he explained. She could feel his hands still trembling, the look in his eyes distant, and she gave him a squeeze when she wrapped her arms around his waist. He blinked, and then focused on her, really focused on her for the first time since they began talking. “Sometimes it’s about Hardy and how I lost him. Last night, it was you.”

“Eric, you’re here now. You made it home, you’re here safe. It’s not a bad thing. You’re not a bad person because of it. And, I’m safe.”

“I’ve hurt you, emotionally and physically.” He pulled her into a desperate hug, squeezing her tight against his chest. She let him hold her. Closing her eyes, she inhaled his masculine scent.

“You haven’t hurt me, not really. I’ve never felt safer than when I’m here with you.”

Eric once again took her face in his hands, their breath mingling in the early morning air as he leaned toward her.

“Don’t leave,” he stated. She waited in anticipation as he closed the gap between their lips. Just as his skin pressed to hers, Chloe heard gravel kicking up as a car sped toward the house. She assumed Eric heard it too, because he sighed and dropped his arms before turning for the house.

She watched him go, admiring his subtle limp a little more than she did yesterday. He earned those outward scars with more pain that ran deeper than anyone understood.






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Book Spotlight: Initiated to Kill by Sharlene Almond


Initiated to Kill, by Sharlene Almond
Series: Annabella Cordova
International Historical/21st Century Psychological Thriller
2015, 368p (ebook only)



Two men, two different generations, both initiated into a powerful organisation that throughout history has sought control and use their power for destruction.
 

Two men leaving behind a wake of murder, revenge and vengeance. Two men that will stop at nothing, playing a game that only they know the rules.

One man roams the dark London streets for his victims, preying on women of the night. While the other stalks his victims in Seville, Spain; knowing that only he could uncover the true motives of one of the world’s most infamous serial killers – Jack the Ripper.


*Warning: This book does contain some descriptive sex scenes.


As an author of historical/21st century psychological, international thrillers, my books challenge readers to think beyond what they believe, as well as taking the reader on a journey throughout Europe and abroad.

Having studied in Criminology and Neuro Linguistic programming; in addition to doing a diploma course in body language, enables me to give an authentic feel to my characters, and the crimes committed. Because I've always been fascinated with human psychology, especially criminal psychology, I always include that element in every book I write.

My books don't just cover the crimes committed, but what drove that person to commit those crimes? Examining their past, their weaknesses, and childhood; all building up to why some of the most infamous crimes were committed.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Blog Tour/Review: Played for a Fool by Stephanie Black



Played for a Fool, by Stephanie Black
2015, 336p, Clean Suspense
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Received a copy from the publisher for an honest review



Three years ago, the small town of Britteridge was rocked by the senseless murder of Gail Ludlum. Now the people most affected by the tragedy have returned to the place where it all began, and the scene is set for the perfect revenge . . .
 

Megan O’Connor’s life was shattered when she was unwittingly drawn into a kidnapping plot that ultimately led to the murder of an innocent woman. Though the road to redemption has been long, she’s finally found happiness with her recent engagement to a wonderful man, a pillar of the community. But amid the chaos of wedding planning, the return of Gail Ludlum’s son to Britteridge sets in motion a disturbing sequence of events. Soon Megan finds herself the victim of a series of cruel deceptions that indicate one thing: her past mistakes have not been forgiven or forgotten. As the mischief escalates to dangerous levels, it becomes clear that someone is determined to avenge Gail’s death. And he won’t rest until he’s taken a life for a life.

This is a sequel to Fool Me Twice, which I read in 2010 so I didn't remember a lot of details of what previously happened. The author gives plenty of information, though, so you get the idea of what happened before and I think this will work well as a standalone.

Three years ago, some bad things happened in the town of Britteridge and Megan played a part in it. She was innocent and had been duped by her twin sister, Kristin, who is now in prison for what she had done. Megan is now engaged to Trevor and going to school so her life seems pretty great. We learn that someone is not happy with the charmed life Megan seems to lead and thinks she needs to pay for what happened. Things quickly spiral out of control and the danger is real.

Megan isn't perfect and allowed her sister to manipulate her years ago but has worked hard to restore her reputation. Trevor has seen that and, once he got to know her and realized she wasn't like her sister, they were able to start and maintain a relationship. He has some insecurities which allow him to momentarily believe some of the things that surface regarding Megan and how she really might feel. They have to learn to trust each other in order to figure out what's really happening.

We learn from the beginning who's behind the plan to ruin Megan and why. The desire to get revenge was a reaction to information that was received and quickly took on a life of its own. The characters involved weren't likable and one of them got darker and more desperate as the story progressed.

Clean suspense is my favorite type of book to read and this fits the bill! There is some violence, which isn't graphic. The romance is pretty light. I loved this book from beginning to end!


About the Author

Stephanie Black has loved books since she was old enough to grab the pages, and has enjoyed creating make-believe adventures since she and her sisters were inventing long Barbie games filled with intrigue and danger or running around pretending to be detectives. She is a three-time Whitney Award winner for Best Mystery/Suspense, most recently for Cold as Ice (2010). Stephanie was born in Utah and has lived in various places, including Arizona, Massachusetts, New York, and Limerick, Ireland. She currently lives in northern California and enjoys spending time with her husband Brian and their five children. She is a fan of chocolate, cheesecake, and her husband’s homemade bread.


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Free Ebook: Rewind to You by Laura Johnston


Young adult clean romance for FREE?!? Yes, please!

REWIND TO YOU by Laura Johnston is FREE on all major online eBook retailers through the first week of October, so be sure to click one of the links below and DOWNLOAD!




One last summer before college on beautiful Tybee Island is supposed to help Sienna forget. But how can she? This is where her family spent every summer before everything changed, before the world as she knew it was ripped away.

But the past isn’t easily left behind. Especially when Sienna keeps having episodes that take her back to the night she wants to forget. Even when she meets the mysterious Austin Dobbs, the guy with the intense blue eyes, athlete’s body, and weakness for pralines who scooped her out of trouble when she blacked out on River Street.

When she’s with Austin, Sienna feels a whole new world opening up to her. Austin has secrets, and she has history. But caught between the past and the future, Sienna can still choose what happens now…



“Johnston’s debut spotlights romance and familial relationships, including themes like grief and self-sacrifice. It’s an ideal story for readers looking for a deep-rooted YA love story with the emotional ups and downs and poignancy of a Nicholas Sparks contemporary. There’s also a touch of wit and a sigh-worthy hero – a definite on your TBR list.”
– RT Book Reviews

Monday, September 28, 2015

Grand Finale Blitz: Earthman Jack vs. The Secret Army by Matthew Kadish


On tour with Prism Book Tours.

Tour Grand Finale for
Earthman Jack vs. The Secret Army
By Matthew Kadish
If you missed any of the fabulous guest posts, interviews, or excerpts for this tour, go back and check them out now!

Launch - Interview

Q: What is the Earthman Jack Space Saga?

My elevator pitch for the series is basically “Harry Potter meets Star Wars.” It’s about a fifteen year old kid from Ohio named Jack who one day suddenly finds himself at the epicenter of an intergalactic conflict between a benevolent Galactic Empire and an army of evil aliens called Deathlords. Jack is a bit of a slacker and an underachiever, but through the course of his adventure, he learns to be the hero the universe needs. Essentially, the Earthman Jack Space Saga is my love-letter to all the sci-fi I grew up geeking out over.

Coffee Books & Art - Excerpt

And though one would think Jack would be safe now that he’s entering into Princess Glorianna’s realm, nothing could be further from the truth. For new threats are lurking, just waiting to strike, and some of the threats cannot be fought as easily as a Deathlord Dark Soldier. (And let’s face it, those aren’t the easiest adversaries to begin with.)

Mythical Books - The Top 5 Ways To Deal With Harry Potter Withdrawal

It’s a bittersweet experience when one finishes reading a book series that is absolutely amazing. In a way, you’re glad, because you got to experience the entire story. But in another way, you’re sad, because now what the heck are you supposed to read? I know this was the case when I finished the Harry Potter series. But don’t worry, I made it through the withdrawal of Wogwarts and all the magical adventures of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and you can too! Here are the top 5 ways you can deal with Harry Potter withdrawal… 

Teatime and Books - The Top 5 Ways You Know You’re A YA Fan

Let’s face it. Young Adult fiction can be like a drug. At first, you think its innocent enough. Then, the cravings begin. Soon, you’re mainlining at Barnes and Noble, tearing through the YA shelves like they’re going out of style. How do you know if you’ve taken your love of all things YA too far? Here are some of the most common signs that you’re a Young Adult superfan…

Colorimetry - 5 Things That Make A Sci-Fi Novel Worth Reading

Science Fiction is a lot like pizza. Even when it’s bad, it can still be enjoyable. But there are a few things which make some science fiction truly great. As a sci-fi author myself, these are the top 5 things I look for when reading science fiction and fantasy novels, which lets me know that what I’m reading is going to be great…

Letters from Annie (Douglass) Lima - 6 Star Trek Books All Sci-Fi Fans Should Read...

If you’re a Trekkie, then chances are you’ve picked up a Star Trek-themed book before. But the barrier to entry to some of these novels may be rather large if you aren’t a fan of the TV show. The good news is that some Star Trek novels are so good, they can appeal to any fan of sci-fi, even if they don’t like Star Trek! Here are the top 5 Star Trek books sci-fi fans should check out if they’re looking for a good read.

Katie's Clean Book Collection - Top 9 Heroes Of Sci-Fi & Fantasy Young Adult Fiction

I like my heroes in Young Adult fiction like I like my coffee – strong, sweet, and full of caffeine. (Okay, maybe not full of caffeine, but you get my drift.) And when it comes to science fiction and fantasy, the literary world has no shortage of great teenage heroes. Who are the best, you should ask? Well, you’re in luck, because I’m going to share with you the top 9 heroes of sci-fi and fantasy Young Adult fiction.

Christy's Cozy Corners - 5 Ways To Prepare For The Next Star Wars Movie

It’s no secret that new Star Wars movies are on the horizon, and fans are rabid about getting to see them. But waiting for them to hit theaters is enough to make even the Dalai Lama lose patience. So what’s a superfan to do in the meantime? Well, here are five things you can do right now to tide you over until the next Star Wars film hits the big screen.

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

     Anna bit her lip nervously. Something she always did that was so cute, it practically made Jack’s heart melt. “I don’t know how to say this,” Anna said. “I’ve been trying to figure out a way to bring it up, but… it never seemed like the right time.”
     “Hey, whatever it is, you can tell me,” said Jack. “No time like the present!”
     Anna sighed. “Look, Jack…” she said. “You’re a great guy…”
     Uh-oh, thought Jack, as alarm bells suddenly started ringing in his ears.

MichaelSciFan - Interview

Is there a message you want readers to get from the book, other than that Deathlords are evil jerks?

Well, obviously Deathlords being evil jerks is the primary message I want readers to walk away with. I think it’s important to illustrate just how big of jerks a race of aliens bent on killing everything is. Who cares about messages of personal responsibility, coming of age, friendship, loyalty, and the power of human belief and spirituality? Aliens are total jerks. Message, sent!

deal sharing aunt - Interview

4. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That the unicorn is the national animal of Scotland. I just so happened to see a Facebook meme about it while creating my novel, and according to Wikipedia, it’s totally true. HUGE surprise.

Earthman Jack vs. The Secret Army (The Earthman Jack Space Saga, #2)Earthman Jack vs. The Secret Army
(The Earthman Jack Space Saga #2)

by Matthew Kadish

YA Sci-Fi

Paperback & ebook, 663 Pages
September 15th 2015 by Twelve Oaks Media


After his heroic battle against the Deathlords on the Ghost Planet, Jack Finnegan is looking forward to arriving at Omnicron Prime, the capitol planet of the Galactic Regalus Empire -the largest and most advanced civilization in the universe.

Things are looking bright for Jack. He has his unconventional group of friends, his mystical spaceship, and the girl of his dreams -Princess Anna. Not to mention a secret mission that could save Earth and everyone he cares about.

But things get complicated when he arrives at Omnicron. Not only is Jack uncomfortable being thrust into the spotlight for his courageous actions to save the universe, but he soon finds life in the Empire isn't everything he'd dreamed it would be.

His friends abandon him to pursue their own interests. Greedy and cunning politicians conspire to steal his spaceship. Even his relationship with Anna is strained now that she's gone from being "the girl next door" to the most powerful woman in the universe.

But beneath all that lies a new and terrifying threat from the Deathlords. A threat that grows in secret, slowly spreading throughout the Regalus Empire like a plague, and it threatens to destroy from within the only thing powerful enough to stop the Deathlords and their malicious rampage throughout the galaxy -the Empire itself.

Worst of all -Jack is the only one who knows about this new threat, and no one will believe his warnings.

Suddenly, the Empire is no longer safe for Jack and his friends. Even the people they've come to rely on the most can no longer be trusted. As those he's sworn to protect turn against him, how can Jack hope to save the day?

Fighting the Deathlords was one thing. Fighting the "good guys" is quite another. Will Jack be able to find the strength to be the hero the universe needs?

Or will he finally be defeated by this Secret Army?

Amazon - Book Depository

Also in the Series

Earthman Jack vs. the Ghost Planet (The Earthman Jack Space Saga, #1)Earthman Jack vs. The Ghost Planet
(The Earthman Jack Space Saga #1)
by Matthew Kadish
YA Sci-Fi
Paperback & ebook, 680 Pages
July 4th 2013 by Twelve Oaks Media

Jack Finnegan only has to worry about dealing with school bullies, suffering through detention with his homeroom teacher, and getting noticed by the girl of his dreams... at least until an army of evil aliens invade Earth. Suddenly, this teenage slacker finds himself at the center of a galaxy-spanning conflict - where the lives of everyone on the planet are in jeopardy, soldiers use Quantum Physics to become superheroes, and the enemy uses some mysterious form of magic to make themselves practically unstoppable.

The secret to ending the conflict and saving the universe may lie in a powerful ancient spaceship, which it seems can only be flown by Earthmen. Now, Jack and a rag-tag group of allies must overcome impossible odds, defeat an unkillable enemy, rescue the princess of the galaxy, and save the universe from a threat more terrifying than any it has ever faced.

Can this underachiever rise to the occasion and become the hero Earth needs? The fate of all life in the galaxy may rest in his hands.


Author Profile Headshot

Matthew Kadish is an independent author and world-recognized evil genius. When he isn't writing or being evil, he enjoys relaxing at the beach and videos of puppies. Much like Scottish cuisine, most of his literary works have been based on dares. He currently lives in Las Vegas and always bets on black, because Westley Snipes has yet to steer him wrong in life. He is the most talented author ever. His mother tells him so every day.


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Saturday, September 26, 2015

Book Blast: Spark: Seven Fantastic First-in-Series Novels


Spark


Spark: Seven Fantastic First-in-Series Novels
A collection of seven fabulous first-in-series novels from the Seven Sparks author collective. Dive into these adventurous, fantastical, romantic stories with strong heroines and plenty of action. Seven Sparks books are all compelling reads without explicit descriptions or swearing, making these books perfect for YA readers or anyone in the mood for a marvelous adventure! This multi-author bundle contains more than 2,200 pages of great reading.

Combined, these books have over 800 *5-star reviews* on Amazon, with an average ranking of 4.4 stars.

ABOUT THE BOOKS IN THE BUNDLE:

RUNESUSA Today Bestselling author Ednah Walters (Norse Mythology/Paranormal Romance/Angels & Demons/Clean Romance)
Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

FEYLAND: THE DARK REALM USA Today bestselling author Anthea Sharp (Urban Fantasy/Science Fiction/YA Romance/Fae Adventure/Fairytales)
What if a high-tech computer game was actually a gateway to the Realm of Faerie? Jennet Carter soon finds herself battling the Dark Queen, falling for the perfect hero, and trying to save her own world from unspeakable danger!

STARSTRUCKUSA Today bestselling author Brenda Hiatt (Science Fiction/Sweet Romance/Coming of Age)
The middle of nowhere gets a lot more interesting for an orphaned astronomy geek when the hot new quarterback inexplicably befriends her and strange things start to happen: her acne clears up, her eyesight improves, and when they touch, sparks fly—literally! The incredible truth will change her mundane life forever—if she survives!

THE GATEKEEPER’S SONS – Bestselling author Eva Pohler (Greek Myths & Legends/Teen Fantasy/Paranormal Romance)
Fifteen-year-old Therese Mills is heading home in the car with her parents when someone begins shooting at them, sending their car into a lake. She finds the strength to escape, and winds up in the coma that introduces her to the twin sons of Hades… and plunges her into the center of a war brewing between the Gods on Mount Olympus.

SWORN TO RAISENew York Times bestselling author Terah Edun (High Fantasy/Sword & Sorcery/Coming of Age/Action Adventure)
When peasant girl Ciardis is chosen for a position at court, she travels across the empire to begin a new life. To survive, she’ll need to master intrigue, befriend a crown prince, and learn to control magical abilities she never knew existed.

ATLANTIS RIPTIDE – Bestselling author Allie Burton (Mermaids/Clean Romance/Sci-Fi Fantasy/Genetic Engineering)
Pearl ran away from the circus, tired of her adoptive parents’ abuse of her special skills. Unknownst to her, a battle rages under the ocean and each side wants to use her powers for their cause. As Pearl discovers her talents she must choose her destiny – ignore the churning seas or swim into battle.

SAVING MARS – Bestselling author Cidney Swanson (Science Fiction/Teen Romance/Action Adventure)
Jessamyn pilots a ship to Earth to steal food for the Mars Colony at a time when Earth-Mars relations couldn’t be worse. Breaking rules of no contact, Jess falls for Pavel, nephew to Earth’s Chancellor, but when Jess’s brother is captured, she must choose: rescue her brother or her planet?



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Friday, September 25, 2015

Blog Tour/Review: Mysteries of Cove: Fires of Invention by J. Scott Savage


Mysteries of Cove: Fires of Invention, by J. Scott Savage
2015, 370p, Middle-Grade Sci-Fi/Fantasy
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Received a copy from the publisher for an honest review



Trenton Coleman is a creative thirteen-year-old boy with a knack for all things mechanical. But his talents are viewed with suspicion in Cove, a steam-powered city built inside a mountain. In Cove, creativity is a crime and “invention” is a curse word.

Kallista Babbage is a repair technician and daughter of the notorious Leo Babbage, whose father died in an explosion—an event the leaders of Cove point to as an example of the danger of creativity.

Working together, Trenton and Kallista learn that Leo Babbage was developing a secret project before he perished. Following clues he left behind, they begin to assemble a strange machine that is unlike anything they’ve ever seen before. They soon discover that what they are building may threaten every truth their city is founded on—and quite possibly their very lives.


I don't generally read steampunk and dragon type books, but this one sounded too good to pass up! I also love the dystopian feel to it. Cove is a place where inventions are forbidden and improvements are not to be made. That's extremely difficult for anyone that's creative. 

Trenton Coleman is 13 years old and loves mechanics. He's looking forward to getting assigned to mechanic training at graduation and can't imagine any other assignment. His life gets turned upside down when he finds a mysterious tube. He meets Kallista Babbage, and they start following clues left by her father, Leo Babbage, an inventor who died in an explosion. As they work together, they discover secrets about their city that can put both of them in serious danger.

Trenton is a regular 13 year old who is just trying to fit in. He comes across some dangerous information and has to figure out who to trust and who he can confide in. He goes through some major changes over the course of the book. He's not impressed with Kallista but they need to figure out a way to get along and work together. Kallista is an orphan who has a hard time making friends and likes to keep to herself. Then there's a boy, Angus, who doesn't like him and a girl, Simoni, who does and they each add to the story.

I read this with my children and we all loved it! We enjoyed learning the truth about Cove and there was plenty of action to hold our attention and there were many times we had to keep reading just one more chapter. The ending isn't a cliffhanger but definitely left all of us wanting more!


Author Bio:
J. Scott Savage is the author of the Farworld middle grade fantasy series and the Case File 13 middle grade monster series. He has been writing and publishing books for over ten years. He has visited over 400 elementary schools, dozens of writers conferences, and taught many writing classes. He has four children and lives with his wife Jennifer and their Border Collie, Pepper, in a windy valley of the Rocky Mountains.


INSTAGRAM: jscottsavage

Thursday, September 24, 2015

CD Review/Giveaway: Hold On, A Modern Tribute to the Music of Michael McLean



Hold On: A Modern Tribute to the Music of Michael McLean, Various Artists, 2015
My Rating=4 Stars
Source: Received a copy from the publisher for an honest review


Eric Robertson, a popular producer in Provo, has brought together an impressive list of talented vocalists to sing on new, fresh productions of classic Michael McLean songs. The vocalists include some of the top names from the burgeoning Provo music scene, including Elaine Bradley, from Neon Trees, and Ryan Innes, one of the top contestants on NBC's The Voice. Eric grew up listening to Michael McLean songs and still feels a strong connection to them. This album is an effort to pay tribute to those songs and produce them in a way that will speak to a younger generation of LDS youth.

Track List
  1. Hold On, the Light Will Come feat. Scott Shepard
  2. Give a Little Bit of Yourself feat. Catherine Leavy
  3. You're Not Alone feat. Andrew Langdon
  4. Gentle feat. Drew Danburry
  5. I Can't Do Everything feat. Brooke White of American Idol
  6. Homeless feat. Ryan Innes of The Voice
  7. You've Always Been There for Me feat. Elaine Bradley of Neon Trees
  8. Share the Joy feat. Severin Bozung
  9. Be the Joy feat. Eric Robertson
  10. Promise of Light feat. Adam and Darcie Sanders
**Individual tracks available on iTunes.

Well, this is definitely a different take and feel on ten Michael McLean songs. I listened to Michael McLean over and over when I was younger and absolutely love his music! I wasn't a huge fan the first time I listened to this CD, so I listened to it again and again. And the music has grown on me. I still love the original songs but feel that these versions will resonate more with the younger generation and create more Michael McLean fans!

I'm excited to be able to give away a CD to one lucky winner so be sure to enter below!



To hear samples of four songs, click here.

Giveaway

One CD of Hold On: A Modern Tribute to the Music of Michael McLean
Ends 10/2/15
Open to US residents only

The rules to enter are simple: You must live in the United States and be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and will be notified by e-mail as well as announced here. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck and thanks for entering!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway: The Cokeville Miracle DVD




Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to attend a screening for The Cokeville Miracle. I was so excited to go and absolutely loved it! It is now out on DVD and I'm excited to be able to offer a DVD to one lucky winner!

Synopsis

From T.C. Christensen comes The Cokeville Miracle, the remarkable true story of a town facing a terrible tragedy, and the Sheriff’s investigator who struggles with his faith as he gathers evidence that defies easy explanation.

Cokeville Wyoming, a town of just over 500 people that sits near the Utah-Idaho border, is not known for much beyond it’s strong family values, but in 1986 Cokeville made national headlines when a madman and his wife entered the elementary school with guns and bomb. They gathered over 100 children and teachers into a small room, and made a demand: $200 million dollars for the lives of the children—but then the bomb went off…

The Cokeville Miracle is not just the story of a hostage crisis, or a terror attack on American soil. It is not just the story of a bomb that could have destroyed an entire generation, and ripped a town apart. The Cokeville Miracle is about what happened instead. How did a bomb that should have leveled the room take only two lives that day, the madman and his wife? Each child, each adult who made it out of that room has a story to tell. Follow the Sheriff’s investigator Ron Hartley as he pieces together the evidence, including stories of prayer and divine intervention from multiple witnesses. Gather the evidence and decide for yourself. Do you see coincidence, or do you see miracles?



I teared up while watching the trailer so I knew this movie would be emotional, and it is. David and Doris Young, the madman and his wife, took an elementary school hostage with a homemade bomb. We get a feel for the town before the day of the bombing and some of the struggles that Ron Hartley, the Sheriff's investigator, is personally going through. We also get a feel for who the Young's are and there were some things about them that I found surprising.

The day of the bombing started out like any normal day. It was interesting to see how easy it was to gather everyone together in one small room. It was an intense situation which culminated with the bomb going off. In the aftermath, Ron Hartley pieced together the evidence to figure out exactly what happened. How were the Young's the only two people to die that day? Was it just a series of coincidences or miracles?

I definitely cried as I heard the stories the adults and children told later. There were times during the hostage situation when I felt that I was missing something. The holes were filled in as we learned more about the bomb, the Young's and the teachers and children who were in the room that day. What an amazing, uplifting story!

I would be cautious in allowing younger children to watch this movie since it is a hostage situation in a school setting.


Giveaway

One DVD of The Cokeville Miracle
Ends 10/2/15
Open to US residents only

The rules to enter are simple: You must live in the United States and be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and will be notified by e-mail as well as announced here. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck and thanks for entering!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Blog Tour/Review: Out of the Ashes by Alicia Buck


Tour Schedule

Out of the Ashes, by Alicia Buck
2015, 288p, Fairy Tale Retelling, Fantasy
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Received a copy from the publisher for an honest review



When Ashelandra’s father dies, she ends up a servant in her own house, instead of the Baroness she was supposed to become. But Ash’s secret sorcery could be the key to winning back her home and following her heart to a future she never imagined. This fantasy-infused Cinderella story puts a magical twist on a classic tale. Riveting and original, it’s a spellbinding read.

I loved this Cinderella retelling! The death of Ash's father brings her horrible uncle, Lord Richard, into her life. He has a son, James, and a daughter, Jane. He tries to break Ash's spirit but she is tough and, due to a secret she carefully hides, is able to find ways to cope.

While in disguise one night, Ash captures the attention of Prince Phillip, which starts a chain of events with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Prince Phillip is handsome and they have chemistry but he begins courting someone else. When his fiance is kidnapped, he takes Ash with him to find her and bring her home. 

There were so many times that I wanted her to reveal her true identity to the prince but she had her reasons to keep quiet. I couldn't tell where the story was going and loved the surprises along the way. At one point, they end up in a fantasy world and I was torn between her staying and returning back home. Ash makes the best of every situation she finds herself in and toughens up over time as she is forced to live a life she wasn't prepared for.

This was such a fun book to read! I thought it was well done and enjoyed it from beginning to end. There's magic, romance, heartache, action, mild violence, humor, and yes, a happy ending! If you enjoy fairy tale retellings, this is one you'll want to read!


About the author:

Alicia Buck was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on a cold November day and has hated the cold ever since. Luckily, she lives in the desert now with her husband, Jason, and three children. Alicia loves to read, and goes through book craze phases where she reads a book a day until guilt kicks in and she tries to do something productive like get back to work writing and fix the disaster her home has become. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s in English, and had to constantly defend her major when she had absolutely no desire to teach. Out of the Ashes is Alicia’s second novel.