Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts

Monday 26 May 2014

New Release, Review & Giveaway ~ Crane ~ Stacey Rourke


Synopsis

The Horseman is unending,
his presence shan’t lessen.
If you break the curse,
you become the legend.

Washington Irving and Rip Van Winkle had no choice but to cover up the deadly truth behind Ichabod Crane’s disappearance. Centuries later, a Crane returns to Sleepy Hollow awakening macabre secrets once believed to be buried deep.

What if the monster that spawned the legend lived within you?

Now, Ireland Crane, reeling from a break-up and seeking a fresh start, must rely on the newly awakened Rip Van Winkle to discover the key to channeling the darkness swirling within her. Bodies are piling high and Ireland is the only one that can save Sleepy Hollow by embracing her own damning curse.

But is anyone truly safe when the Horseman rides?


~ Review ~ 

When authors re-tell well known stories, I'm always a little worried that there just isn’t going to be a unique enough spin to keep my interest.  Thankfully I soon realised this wasn’t going to be the case with Crane and I forgot everything I knew about Sleepy Hollow as I was immersed in this modern version the author had created.  I loved how both past and present timelines were easily incorporated, making it seamless and thoroughly enjoyable to read with the humour and wit used throughout.  I really didn’t see the twist coming, but it was perfect – I can’t wait to read more from this saga.       

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Excerpt
Chapter One:

If his wife hadn’t let her ass grow to the size of a sofa, Vic wouldn’t have to cheat. Shrugging his navy blue sport coat over his shoulders, he stepped forward, allowing the hotel room door to shut behind him with a soft thump. A smug smile curled across his face, his chest puffing with pride at his own prowess—thanks in part to those spiffy little blue pills his doctor prescribed. The heels of his wing-tipped loafers clicked against the cement stairs, one impeccably manicured hand running along the handrail as he descended. The rusted metal rail squeaked its protest under the faint touch. Taking its suggestion, he retracted his hand. 

Why he humored Karma by letting her drag him to this dive every week, he had no idea.

Her firm little apple bottom isn’t that great, he mused to himself, snorting a quick, dry laugh. 

Of course it was. She made good money with it at the Sugar Shack down by the airport. Grinding to R&B’s raunchiest hits, while clad only in a sequin thong. She was a sweet, albeit naïve, girl that believed if she stroked Vic’s … ahem, ego just the way he liked, she would someday find a fat rock on her finger and the title of Van Tassel behind her name. Hence her insistence on the flea bag hotel. She had

flipped her bleached blonde waves, batted those ridiculous fake eyelashes, and pouted that she couldn’t be seen as the “other woman” by the same crowd she would soon be rubbing elbows with. As if he would ever let that happen. Karma’s airbrushed nails and hooker heels would never fit into his world. After all, in Tarrytown the Van Tassel name meant something, and not because of the stupid legend the residents of the small glen of Sleepy Hollow mercilessly clung to. No, as one of the founding families they helped build this town. Meaning, here, he might as well be a Rockefeller. A fact he reveled in and would never tarnish with outward displays of his cheap conquests … no matter how well she could wiggle. 

Vic crossed the parking lot, lit only by one humming street lamp, with a wide, jovial stride. As he shook his keys from the pocket of his slacks, thumbing the button to unlock the doors, his phone buzzed from the breast pocket of his Armani shirt. 

Snatching it from its resting place, he tapped to answer. “Yello?”

“Don’t you sound chipper for someone working late?” Yvonne slurred, the only hint he needed that she’d already cracked open tonight’s bottle of wine. 

“Why shouldn’t I be chipper?” he playfully asked, turning to glance back up toward the room Karma had rented. A flash of her blonde locks appeared from behind the stained drapes. He raised his hand in a casual wave, but couldn’t tell from this distance if she returned the gesture. “I just finished showing a multi-million dollar estate that the buyers are very interested in, and now I get to head home to my loving wife.” 

“Yeah, right,” Yvonne openly scoffed, her voice muffled by her glass as she took another sip. “We’re the friggin’ Cleavers. Hey, Cassidy is at the mall. I need you pick her up on your—“

Vic jerked his head to the right, in the direction of the neighboring gas station. Between the normal ebb and flow of rushing traffic, he heard the distinct snap of hoof beats pounding over pavement. “What kind of idiot would bring a horse out this close to the highway?” 

“The highway? Where the hell are you, Victor?” 

A moment ago the drum of the approaching rider had been coming from the south of him, Vic was sure of it. Yet somehow, without so much as a faltered step, it shifted to the north. “Stopped for gas, that’s all.” Vic paid little attention to the lie rolling off his tongue as he rose up on tiptoe and craned his neck to peer into the darkness. 

“Oh!” Her momentary flash of accusation was all but forgotten at the exciting prospect of fresh booze. “Are you near Gordon Bleau’s? I need a bottle of Amaretto.” 

Vic stifled a cringe at the thought of his wife’s mixed drink induced wandering hands. If he wanted to fend off an overly Botoxed hag that reeked of booze, he’d go visit Nana at the home. Her old biddy friends loved him, and putting in his time there helped secure his spot in her will. “I’d love to, pet, but I’d hate to keep Cass waiting.” 

A hot, snorted breath heated the exposed skin of Vic’s neck, tickling down the collar of his shirt. He spun, his heart pounding painfully in his chest, and pressed his back to the car door. Chills raced up and down his spine, electrifying his entire body. Nothing. There was nothing before him but that lone buzzing light and the seedy motel. “Damn it! Punk kids!”

“And they have a horse?” Yvonne’s giggle morphed into a hiccup. “You better watch out, Vic. It could be one of those lesser known equestrian gangs.” 

The lightning that flashed on the otherwise calm night was the only omen Vic needed to spur him into action. Throwing himself off the car, his trembling fingers fumbled with the door handle. Behind him, metal hissed free from leather. Slowly—with a cold, hard fist of dread clenching his gut—his head swiveled.

“Oh,” he said with a nervous lilt of laughter to the ominous symphony of black before him. “That’s … good. You got me. I really believed for a sec—” 

Vic’s anxious, cracking plea morphed into a scream as the figure pulled back. The blade of their arched sword gleaming gold under the yellow-hued light. 

Victor’s hands raised in the only defense he could offer. “No! Noooo!” 

He sucked in one last gasp as metal winged through the air. 

“Vic? Victor!” Yvonne screamed, panic clearing her alcohol induced haze. “What’s happening?” 

The only response she received came in the form of a ghostly whinny … followed by a soft thump. Her shrieks were muted as the phone tumbled to the ground—right next to Vic’s still rolling head.




RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series Novel

Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012

Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 & Best Teen Book of 2013

Stacey Rourke lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant, dogs. She loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.



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Monday 5 May 2014

Review & Giveaway ~ Nights Embrace ~ Brandy L Rivers

Nights Embrace - Tour Banner 
 

Title – Nights Embrace  

Series – Others of Seattle: Book 1  

Author – Brandy L Rivers  

Genre – Adult Paranormal Romance  

Publication Date – April 2nd 2014  

Length (Pages/# Words) – about 95k  

Publisher – Brandy L Rivers  

Cover Artist – Brandy L Rivers

 

  Book Cover 
 

BOOK SYNOPSIS  

It all started with a song. Roxana Nights was late to another gig, thanks to her first love, and drummer. It’s been years since she left Jordan, but he won’t let her go. Then she hears a voice that pulls her under a spell and changes her whole world. Trevor Malone just moved to Seattle with his band. Music is his only passion, until he lays eyes on Roxana. He’s never felt anything as strong as the pull to her. Now he needs to find a way to introduce her to his world. There’s only one problem. A rival clan won’t rest until they've taken Trevor’s down. Unwilling to let old grudges die, they target Roxy. Trevor will do anything to keep her safe. Roxy will find that the world she writes is closer to reality than she ever imagined. She’ll also learn that not all monsters are evil, though some are ruthless. Will love stay strong when the past comes out? Can they survive the centuries old vendetta?

 

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~ Review ~ 


I have read all released works from this author, and am never disappointed.  That being said, it’s always a little worrying when a spin off series is released but thankfully within the first few pages I realised I was going to love this book (and the characters) just as much as the others.  Roxana and Trevor are such strong characters, and love at first sight just seemed right for them both, it wasn’t over powering or felt forced. 

Between the detailed descriptive nature, easy flowing writing style and a great mix of paranormal, romance and action, I was left constantly wanting to know more and see what is going to happen next.  All the other characters had their part to play (and I’m looking forward to getting to know them all better) but shockingly I actually started feeling sorry for Jordan, Roxy’s ex, as the story continued – I really hope he has a future story for us to read.  Definitely one to read if you love paranormal, romance or shifters.         



 TOUR-EXCERPT
 

She slipped past him, and onto the wings of the stage. Her gaze fell on Mr. Voice who was tall, dark and smokin’ hot.
Holy shit, I want to lick him.
Scuffed combat boots were laced up over black leather pants that clung to muscular thighs, and his black shirt molded to the most impressive set of abs she had ever seen. Roxy wanted to trace the ridges with her fingertips.
He turned, his voice dropping low as his eyes locked on hers. His words enveloped her. “… you’re the only one.”
Her heart paused a beat before slamming into her chest at a rapid pace. His full mouth lifted into a grin that spoke of confidence as he held her full attention. Entranced, she fell deep into his eyes and the world stopped.
Until a drumstick hit him in the head. He looked over his shoulder and shrugged sheepishly at his drummer before turning back to launch into the next verse.
Mikey gently shook her shoulder. “Hey, Rox, come on. We have to warm up.”
Her head bobbed in a nod at her brother, but she didn't look over. She muttered, “Yeah, give me a minute,” or longer.
As if he heard, Mr. Voice glanced over and winked at her before the next song started. “Blinded by beauty, falling at first sight, head over heels…” There was raw passion in his voice, and she couldn't help wishing he was singing about her.




  Author Photo

AUTHOR BIO: My name is Brandy L Rivers. I’m a wife and mother of three with an overactive imagination. I’ve been obsessed with monsters and magic for pretty much ever. I decided to write the stories that keep me awake at night.

 

FOLLOW THE AUTHOR HERE: Amazon Author Page | Website/Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest | Tumblr | Networked Blogs | Bloglovin | Goodreads | Shelfari

 

 
 Giveaway 

2 - signed copies of Nights Embrace with swag packs (US Only)
2 - $10 dollar Amazon Giftcards (International)
5 - eBook copies of Nights Embrace with Swag Packs (International)

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE

 

 

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Tuesday 8 April 2014

Love Lines Blog Tour



~ BLURB ~ 
The traces of supernatural powers have always been crossing the world of human beings. Many people know about the existence of healers, mind readers, oneiromancers and wizards. But for centuries their lives have been kept secret and no one has ever heard about Dever, a kingdom of mysteries and magic.

Neither has Eileen Clark, whose life has never been different from the one other teenagers have.

Everything changes the day Eileen receives an invitation to join the ranks of Dever’s students.

Nothing will ever be the same again…

New life, new friends, new enemies…

And love so powerful that no magic will be able to destroy…



~ REVIEW ~  
This is a great magical paranormal read that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.  It wasn’t your typical paranormal love story, and I found this really refreshing.  With a smooth writing style, detailed descriptive nature and impressive character development, I was able to get completely engrossed in all of the character’s lives, including the more minor ones.  I soon found myself turning page after page, not wanting to wait to see what was next in store and at no point was I disappointed.  This is definitely a series I will continue to read.         


Read CHAPTER 1 + Watch book trailer

Books by Diana Nixon:






About the author:
Diana Nixon is a poet and the author of fantasy and contemporary romances.
She was born in Minsk, Belarus, where she currently lives. In 2008 she graduated from Belorussian state University. She has a Master of Law degree and speaks several foreign languages, including English, Polish and Spanish.





Tuesday 18 March 2014

Review ~ Dragon Fire


DRAGON FIRE 

~ Blurb ~ 

Some choices are hard to live with.
But some choices will kill you.

When seventeen-year-old Anna first meets Rakan in her hometown north of the Arctic Circle, she is attracted to his pulsing energy. Unaware that he is a shape-shifting dragon, Anna is drawn into a murderous cycle of revenge that pits Rakan and his clan against her best friend June.

Torn between his forbidden relationship with Anna, punishable by death, and restoring his family’s honor by killing June, Rakan must decide what is right. And what is worth living – or dying – for.




~ Review ~ 

The cover art, story and concept all drew me in from the start, and I was really looking forward to getting engrossed in the world of dragons for a change. I found the beginning a little confusing, as the story jumps from one group to another and there are so many characters (many with ‘dragon’ and ‘human’ names) to remember but once I got used to the writing style this became second nature and my imagination soon took over, picturing it all as the story unfolded. It’s a very complex, magically descriptive read that needs full attention, and I’m sure there are things that I missed given the detailed nature of the story, but it is definitely one to read.

It did take me a little while to get lost in the story (fantasy and dragons aren’t my normal reading material), but once I did I was happily turning page after page to see how things were going to work out. I enjoyed how it ended, but there is so much more to come from this story and I can’t wait to read what comes next.

~ Book Links ~ 



~ Author Bio ~

Born in the US, Dina has lived on 4 continents, worked as a graphic artist for television and as a consultant in the fashion industry. Somewhere between New York and Paris she picked up an MBA and a black belt – and still thinks the two are connected. Dina is currently the Regional Advisor for SCBWI Belgium, where she lives with her husband, two children, three horses and a cat.

Dina loves to create intricate worlds filled with conflict and passion. She builds her own myths while exploring issues of belonging, racism and the search for truth... after all, how can you find true love if you don’t know who you are and what you believe in? Dina’s key to developing characters is to figure out what they would be willing to die for. And then pushing them to that limit.

~ Author Links ~