Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Review: Nick and Tesla's Secret Agent Gadget Battle by Bob Pfugfelder and Steve Hockensmith

Title: Nick and Tesla's Secret Agent Gadget Battle (Nick and Tesla #3)
Author: Bob Pfugfelder and Steve Hockensmith
Source: Amazon Vine
Genre: Middle Grade
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

In this third installment of the series, 11-year-old whiz-kids Nick and Tesla discover that someone in the quiet town of Half Moon Bay has placed their beloved Uncle Newt under electronic surveillance—but who is spying on him, and why? To expose the secret agent, Nick and Tesla build all kinds of outrageous contraptions. Throughout the book, the narrative is interrupted by blueprints and instructions so that budding young inventors can follow along. Science and electronics have never been so much fun!


Another great story for Nick and Tesla.  In this adventure they are trying to find out who is spying on them.  The authors provided us with a handful of very humorous possibilities.  I loved watching Nick and Tesla try to figure out each and every one of them.  The techniques they used and the gadgets they build have instructions that are very easy to follow once again.  It was a perfect mix of fun and education.  My 11 year old daughter is loving this series as well.


Saturday, May 24, 2014

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Mind Static by Jen Naumann

Mind Static by Jen Naumann 
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Designed by Najla Qamber Designs


Keyanna Sanders is about to get everything she could ever wish for on her 18th birthday: a hot guy who’s really into her, the sports car she’s always dreamed of owning, and the party of a lifetime that no one will forget any time soon.

But before long, she’ll understand these wishes are more than a coincidence, and that they come at a steep price. Keyanna is more than just an average high school senior, her best friend is more than the innocent boy next door, and her sudden good fortune isn’t just by chance. When her estranged father suddenly re-enters her life, she’ll have to decide who to trust, and whether or not the man she loves has become the enemy.





AUTHOR BIO:
Jen Naumann grew up in southern Minnesota as an addict of such flicks as Indiana Jones and The Goonies until she discovered John Hughes, and spent her high school days locked away writing love stories with a sci-fi twist. Married to a farmer in southern Minnesota, she tries to follow the madness of her four active children while balancing an imagination that never shuts down. As the author of CHEATING DEATH, SHYMERS, AND PARANORMAL KEEPERS, she writes stories with strong female leads who have a good sense of humor and tend to fall in love despite their better judgment. For more on Jen visit her website www.JenNaumann.net.



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Friday, May 23, 2014

Review: Earth Angel (Fallen Angels #2) by E. Van Lowe

Title: Earth Angel (Fallen Angels #2)
Author: E. Van Lowe
Source: Self-Purchased
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Release Date: December 8, 2011
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

E. Van Lowe's "Earth Angel" is the second book in his series of the Falling Angels Saga. In this story, Megan winds up in a life-or-death battle to save herself, the angel she loves, and all of mankind from unspeakable evil.


In book two of the Fallen Angels series Megan is trying to get her life back to some version of normal.  After death of one friend and losing the other to jealousy, she finds that Maudrina and Guy are the only people she really has left to talk to, especially when it come to her supernatural adventures from book one.  While Megan may believe that her adventures are over, things ramp up again pretty quickly when they discover a low-level demon has been tracking her.

We get to meet a lot of supernatural types in this one, more angels, a nephelim, and a few demons.  And they all want something that she ended up with in the end of book one.  But Megan isn't ready to just hand it over, until Guy gets kidnapped and taken to hell.  That kind of changes her perspecitve on things a little.  I love the way the author portrayed the other angels and demons.  They were each unique with very different motivations for helping or huring Megan.

A lot of times things seemed to just sort of work out magically for the best.  Information would just pop up at the right time or people would suddenly be more willing to help - this made parts of the storyline a little unbelievable.  I still very much enjoyed it and while I won't be chomping at the bit for book three - I definitely want to know what happens next - the ending was a killer cliffhanger.


Cover Reveal: Falling by Brooke Kennedy and Briana Gaitan

Falling
Release Date: Fall 2014

Book Summary:
She fell in love.

He fell from everything he believed in.

Arie Raines is your top notch
deadly bounty hunter, equipped with the latest in weapon technology and a
temperamental streak. Underneath her hard exterior, however, she has always
wished for one thing: true love.

Finlay is a guardian seraph, sworn
to protect mortals and fight against the evil fallen. With his good looks and
charming wit, he's never been interested in settling down. In fact, he does
whatever it takes to make life as pleasurable as possible.

When their worlds collide, it will
change both of their lives and the entire planet as they know it. For they are
they are a part of something bigger, something they could have never imagined.


About the Authors
Brooke Kennedy and Briana Gaitan are southern natives, self-proclaimed geeks, and have been writing together for over 10 years! They have written short stories, fan-fictions, novels, and plays both together and separately. They are avid fans and writers of supernatural, sci-fi, fantasy, and romance novels.  One of their goals is to write stories where there are no limits to the imagination, giving you something new and fresh each time.

Briana enjoys books, shopping, fashion, adventures and has spent countless hours dreaming of a life in space. She finds time to write in between hanging out with her three children and her husband, as well as finishing up a degree in marketing.


Brooke enjoys music, books, family & friends, and spending time with her husband and incredibly entertaining guinea pig.  She has obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in mental health counseling from Tennessee Technological University.


Author Links:
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Cover Reveal Organized by:

Cover Reveal: Tore Divided Love by K.D. Ferguson



Tore Divided Love
Release Date: 06/06/14

Summary from Goodreads:
A future set in stone.




For eighteen year old Krissa Channing a government ruled pairing with Braiden
Connor and a move to Headquarters were her set fate. Until Braiden's sudden
disappearance threatens Krissa’s entire future.

After months of endless worry, Krissa has an unexpected meeting with Duke, a
perfect suitor that could offer her the future she’s always dreamed of. Just
when she begins to regain hope, Braiden returns.


Now, Krissa must find where her heart truly lies. Torn between two loves, she
must decide which of their worlds she belongs in. But is such a decision even
possible when the choice rests between freedom and love?




Link to Book One:

(cover linked to Goodreads)


About the Author
I have recently
released my first book, Torn-True Love, published by Rebel Ink Press. I am
thrilled to be a part of the family!



Author Links:

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Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Predator by Janice Gable Bashman








Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

PREDATOR by Janice Gable Bashman

presented by Month9Books!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!
JBashman_M9B_Predator_REV2_900x1350
"Predator is a fast-paced, creepy page-turner! Bashman had me at the opening sentence and she's still got me. I want more!"
Nancy Holder, New York Times Bestselling Author, The Rules
The hunt is on!

Sixteen-year-old Bree Sunderland must inject herself with an untested version of her father’s gene therapy to become a werewolf in order to stop a corrupt group of mercenaries from creating a team of unstoppable lycanthrope soldiers.

When Bree went with her scientist father to Ireland, she thought it would be a vacation to study bog bodies. She never expected to fall in love with a mysterious young Irishman and certainly never expected to become the kind of monster her father said only existed in nightmares. Dr. Sunderland discovers that lycanthropy was not a supernatural curse but rather a genetic mutation. When they return home, her dad continues his research, but the military wants to turn that research into a bio weapons program and rogue soldiers want to steal the research to turn themselves into unstoppable killing machines.

Bree’s boyfriend Liam surprises her with a visit to the United States, but there are darker surprises in store for both of them. As evil forces hunt those she loves, Bree must become an even more dangerous hunter to save them all.

Predator gives the werewolf legend a couple of new spins by introducing the Benandanti (an actual folkloric belief that certain families of Italy and Livonia were werewolves who fought against evil), as well as a modern scientific approach to mutation and the science of transgenics.
add to goodreads
Title: PREDATOR
Publication date: October 14 , 2014
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Janice Gable Bashman
Chapter-by-Chapter-header---About-the-Author
Janice Gable Bashman 
Janice Gable Bashman is the Bram Stoker nominated author of Wanted Undead or Alive and Predator. She is managing editor of the The Big Thrill (International Thriller Writers' ezine). Janice lives with her family in the Philadelphia area, where she at work on her next novel. Visit her at janicegablebashman.com.
Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Chapter-by-Chapter-header---Giveaway
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(Winners will receive their book on release day)
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Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Adam's List by Jennifer Ann

Adam’s List by Jennifer Ann 
Publication date: June 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Designed by Najla Qamber Designs


She’s ready to give up on life, hiding her depression with sarcasm and booze.
He’s quit college and is directionless with few friends to lean on.
When they discover each other, the sexual attraction is undeniable. So why does it seem impossible for them to be together?

Everyone wanted to be Jewels Peterson in high school. Naturally beautiful, exceptionally smart, talented cheerleader, life of the party, and with an All-American boyfriend to boot. One regrettable choice and fatal accident later, and Jewels found herself unceremoniously knocked off her pedestal. Now she’s in college, going through the motions, but not really living.

Adam Murphy is easy-going, charming, considerate, and crazy good looking; he’s exactly the kind of guy Jewels pictures herself being happy with. But Jewels is already involved with someone, and Adam makes it known that he’s guarding a dark secret, one that makes him the wrong guy for her. Trumped by the promise of an innocent friendship, Jewels is forced to ignore her overwhelming hunger for Adam.

After Jewels unknowingly helps Adam create a bucket list, they embark on the adventure of a lifetime that pushes their platonic relationship to its limits. But does she want to be with Adam without knowing the truth behind the skeletons in his closet, or is being with him just another pointless thing in her life?


AUTHOR BIO:
When Jennifer Ann isn't writing heart wrenching romance novels with hot scenes, she either has her nose stuck in someone else's book, is curled up watching a movie, can be found taking pictures of other people (not in a creepy way), or is rocking out at a concert.

Jennifer writes New Adult books that pull at your heart strings one minute, then want a cold shower the next. She's currently getting ready to release her upcoming novel ADAM'S LIST, coming summer 2014.



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Thursday, May 22, 2014

Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway: Transform by E.V. Fairfall


Title: Transformed
Author: E.V. Fairfall
Source: YA Bound Book Tours
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Release Date: January 1,2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Since the beginning, two entities have had complete, unquestioned control over Thea: the Earth and God.

But when Thea suddenly figures out that the Earth has  trapped her within a forest, she discovers that the only way to set herself free is to break God's one rule; she must forsake her animal form and become human. 

The result is nothing she could ever have expected. Lost within the torrent of human emotions, Thea starts to lose who she is and even begins to fall in love with the one thing she always hated: a hunter.

As her act against God proves more problematic than anticipated, it is only a matter of time before her punishment may prove to be worse than Earth's entrapment.




Transformed is an interesting story.  I had to think on it a couple days before I could write a review.  This is generally a good sign, because even a fun read should make you think just a little.  Thea is an entity that can take on just about any form.  When she takes on the form of a human to try and convince the family killing animals in the forest to stop - she picks a horrible person to and convince.

The first part of the story is Thea trying to make Brice fall in love with her.  He is not a very good person and he treats her like crap.  I did get a little tired of watching this after awhile.  The second half of the story is where things began to get really good.  Thea begins to uncover truths that have been hidden for all of history.  As she uncovers a dangerous plot she had to make tough decisions and decide what is worth sacrificing for.  There are several characters in the story that you are reall drawn to, and they all ended up in places I never would have expected.

This book also makes a point to really hammer homet he issue of conservation and only taking what we need.  Thea dwelling on this issue was the right thing for her character to do, but it did get a little tiresome.



About the Author
I love to write just as much as I love to read. I try to read a book per week, which doesn't always work out, but it's the thought that counts. Aside from all that I am a huge animal person.

Transformed is my first novel, but it isn't my first publication; I've had several short stories published over the last two years. My main goal as a writer is to explore humanity and to give people something fun to read.



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Cover Reveal: The Dark Duet by KaSonndra Leigh

The Dark Duet by KaSonndra Leigh 
(A Musical Interlude #3) 
Publication date: June 24, 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Designed by Fantasia Frog Designs


Family. 
What does that word mean? 
Kindness. Generosity... Love?
None of that applies to mine. 
I think we should try vicious, corrupt... 
Deadly.
I am not an innocent. 
I do not believe in fate.
Revenge should have its moment to shine.
I’ve been a slave to circumstance...
A child of the shadows.
Now, I embrace the gloom and thrive inside it.
Revenge. Love. 
Vengeance. Salvation.
The battle inside me rages on.
At least it does until one day when... I find her.
I do not understand. 
I cannot allow myself to believe that...

There is light inside the darkness.
~Nikolai Belikov
  
** This novel contains mature content. It is intended for an audience at 18+ years of age.**


AUTHOR BIO:
KaSonndra Leigh was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. She now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, North Carolina. She likes to write about people of all ages doing fantastical things in magical worlds. Her two sons have made her promise to write a boy book next.

She loves to play CLUE, Monopoly (the Indiana Jones version), and Pandora's Box (good writer's block therapy). She lives in an L-shaped house with a garden dedicated to her grandmother. It has a secret library complete with fairies, Venetian plastered walls, and a desk made out of clear blue glass.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Trailer Reveal: Carrier by Anne Tibbets

Carrier by Anne Tibbets 
(The Line #1) 
Published by: Carina Press
Publication date: June 16, 2014
Genres: Dystopia, New Adult



Twenty-two -year-old Naya has spent nearly half her life as a sex slave in a government institution called The Line. When she’s kicked out after getting pregnant with twins, she’s got no way to earn a living and a horrifying choice to make: find someone to replace her, or have her babies taken in her stead.
A doctor with a history of aiding ex-Line girls, Ric Bennett, wants to help. He runs a team of rebels that can delete Naya’s records and free her forever. But when The Line sniffs out his plan, things get bloody, fast. Naya means more to them than just a chance at fresh faces—her twins are part of the government’s larger plan.
As they hide from government search parties, Ric comes to admire Naya’s quiet strength. And Naya realizes Ric might be a man she can trust. If they make it off the grid, they could build a new life. But first they’ll have to survive the long, vicious reach of The Line.






AUTHOR BIO:
Anne Tibbets is an SCBWI award-winning and Smashwords.com Best Selling author. After writing for Children’s television, Anne found her way to young/new adult fiction by following what she loves: books, strong female characters, twisted family dynamics, magic, sword fights, quick moving plots, and ferocious and cuddly animals.

Along with CARRIER, Anne is also the author of the young adult fantasy novella, THE BEAST CALL and the young adult contemporary, SHUT UP.

Anne divides her time between writing, her family, and three furry creatures that she secretly believes are plotting her assassination.

Find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AnneTibbetsAuthor or on Twitter @WriteforCoffee. To contact Anne, visit www.annetibbets.com and click the ‘CONTACT’ tab.

Cover Reveal: The Reason I Stay by Patty Maximini

The Reason I Stay by Patty Maximini 
Publication date: Summer 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Designed by Okay Creations


Jack Daniels is the cure to all evils.
Sex should be casual and, preferably, anonymous.
Giving a damn is for nurses, philanthropists and suicide hotlines.


Those are the values Mathew Rogers built his adult life on and plans to spend the rest of his days honoring. In his pursuit of happiness, he embarks on a one year journey where he’ll have to prove he can live by his values and rely only on himself.

Four months and thirteen days later, due to a series of unfortunate events, he finds himself in the rickety town of Jolene, Alabama. There, he meets Lexie, a waitress with some serious attitude and values of her own.

Never underestimate the healing power of chocolate chips. 
If it walks and talks like a jerk, it’s definitely a jerk. Stay the hell away. 
When in doubt, go with a smile and kindness. It goes a long way.

Taken by her beauty and personality, Mathew questions all he’s ever known and, much to his surprise, begins to give a damn about someone else for once in his life. The problem, however, is that Lexie seems to despise him.

Desperate to get his life back but unable to get in his car and drive to the next unplanned destination, Matt stays in Jolene. In the midst of arguments, unlikely friendships, new values and heartbreak, they’ll both try to find a reason to stay.



AUTHOR BIO:
Words have always been a passion of mine. I’ve always loved to read them, write them and learn them in other languages. Last year, I’ve decided to take that passion and turn it into a book, the result was Exception, my very first novel due this October.

Whenever I’m not sitting behind my computer, I’m either enjoying the company of my dear hubby, Alex, and our four four-legged babies or reading. I’m a firm believer in long hand written letters, love of any kind and good stories.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Review: The Tyrant's Daughter by J.C. Carleson

Title: The Tyrant's Daughter
Author: J.C. Carleson
Source: Amazon Vine
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Release Date: February 11, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

From a former CIA officer comes the riveting account of a royal Middle Eastern family exiled to the American suburbs

When her father is killed in a coup, 15-year-old Laila flees from the war-torn middle east to a life of exile and anonymity in the U.S. Gradually she adjusts to a new school, new friends, and a new culture, but while Laila sees opportunity in her new life, her mother is focused on the past. She’s conspiring with CIA operatives and rebel factions to regain the throne their family lost. Laila can’t bear to stand still as an international crisis takes shape around her, but how can one girl stop a conflict that spans generations? 

J.C. Carleson delivers a fascinating account of a girl—and a country—on the brink, and a rare glimpse at the personal side of international politics.

*Bonus Backmatter includes a note about the author's CIA past, and a commentary by RAND researcher and president of ARCH International, Dr. Cheryl Benard. Recommendations for further reading are also included. 



This book was not at all what I had expected at first - it was different, but in a good way.  The story follows Laila as she tries to adjust to life in America after fleeing from her country.  The country remains unnamed for the entire story - the perfect choice by the author in order to avoid some backlash I'm sure.  The country created is a merging of several that have had struggles over the past few years - all we know for sure is that it's in the Middle East.  While the country may not have had a name, it definitely had an identity.  It's culture and people come to life in many different ways - Laila's memories, news articles she reads, and in stories from other refugees.

But this isn't a story about a war-torn country.  It's the story about a girl trying to find the truth about her past and live with her future.  She was sheltered before she came here, but in a good way.  She understands American culture, she's just never had to fit in in the middle of it.  Surrounded by new people and places she begins to find herself and a new place.

Just as she begins to settle, things begin to fall apart again.  Having been a large part of the politics in her country, her mother isn't content to start over.  Her plots and schemes are twisted and I was amazed at how devious and cunning she was at the end.  This is a must read in the YA contemporary genre.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*


Cover Reveal: The V Girl by Mya Robarts

The V Girl by Mya Robarts 
Publication date: July 1, 2014
Genres: Dystopia, New Adult

Designed by Kit Foster Design


V for Virgin.

V for Valiant.

In post-apocalyptic North America, raping and sexual slavery are legal. Lila Velez, desperately wants to lose her virginity before the troops visit her town and can take it away by force. She makes plans to seduce her only friend, Rey, the most attractive man in her town. Lila does not love him but he is the only man who has shown her true affection, an affection she is willing to take as a substitute of love.

Lila’s coping mechanism to her mother’s rape and kidnapping is her secret. A secret that will bring her closer to Aleksey, a foreign, broody man, she distrusts because his links to the troops and his rough, yet irresistible appearance. He offers Lila an alternative to her plans, a possibility that terrifies her…and tempts her in spite of herself.

All the while Lila will have to find a way to live in the constant company of death, slavery, starvation, sexual abuse and the danger of losing the people she loves the most.



AUTHOR BIO:
I am a bookaholic and regret nothing.

I am convinced the New Adult genre has more to offer than just College Romance. The possibilities are endless and I am more than willing to explore them all.

I'll quote Mario Vargas Llosa on this.

“The writer’s job is to write with rigor, with commitment, to defend what they believe with all the talent they have. I think that’s part of the moral obligation of a writer, which cannot be only purely artistic. I think a writer has some kind of responsibility at least to participate in the civic debate. I think literature is impoverished, if it becomes cut from the main agenda of people, of society, of life.”