Friday, September 30, 2016

Book Review of Stealing Light by Julie Cassar @jujabell



Book Title: Stealing Light
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance
Pages: 200
Author: Julie Cassar
Date Published: 18 May 2016 (E-Book)

Synopsis:

"Tonight, everything could change. I wasn’t ready to let go of anyone just yet."

If you could change what you know is coming, would you? Cecelia Walker discovers an amazing ability deep within herself that gives her the power to change the future. When mysterious outsiders enter her life, she begins to question everything and everyone she once knew.

Years earlier, CeeCee’s life changed forever the day her parents were killed in a horrific car accident. Suddenly extraordinary people and bizarre events began to seep into her very small world. Surviving for years on her addiction to coffee and running, life suddenly deals her a game-changing wildcard and all bets are off. Her magnificent Gift of Light awakens a tremendous dark power wanting to steal what is hers.

Will Cecelia be able to change what she’s seen and set a new course? Has she met her otherworldly match against evil and found her true soul mate? Or, is nothing as it seems as the power of darkness threatens to consume her and those she loves.

Review:


Stealing LightStealing Light by Julie Cassar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

This is a wonderful paranormal romantic suspense novel. I really enjoyed it!

Cecelia Walker is a character that really got under my skin. I wanted to like her - in fact I did in the beginning - but as the story unfolded I found myself being annoyed by her. I think it was her whiny "why me" attitude that got me in the end. This doesn't normally happen to me, its usually the other way around. I found myself rolling my eyes and hoping that the bad guys would "steal her light" and get it over with. However, this is my opinion and other readers may not have such uncharitable thoughts about the main protagonist. Maybe if I had read it on a different day I would have had a different reaction. Who knows?

So, you're wondering why the four stars: This is because I really did enjoy the story. I enjoyed meeting the various characters who came alive on the page and was quickly drawn into the story, which is told through CeeCee's eyes. Though this book has a darker theme than the author's YA/Teen Ruby Blue series, it has the warmth and humour that is the signature writing style of the author. I loved meeting CeeCee's friend Elliot who, though she is only in a few scenes, has an amazing energy that jumped off the page. I also liked meeting Aaron, I will not say much about him as I don't want to give spoilers and Cash made my heart skitter.

This story is full of shadows and suspense, which kept me hooked. The mystery of the shadowy figures and their sudden appearance in CeeCee's life sent shivers up my spine. When something is later revealed, it clarified a suspicion I had about them. However, I will not say anything more in case I accidentally give a spoiler. There are a few twists I didn't see coming and danger from a fallen angel bent on stealing CeeCee's light. Zacharael is a brooding presence for the most part and only makes an appearance later in the book, but his evil intent pervades the story from the beginning.

I reached the end of the book with mixed feelings. I struggled with my unusual dislike of CeeCee, though felt happy at how the story wrapped up. Whether this is a stand-alone or the start of a new series, time will tell. However, if there is another book I will definitely consider reading it.

Julie Cassar is one of my favourite authors, and I will read any of her books in the future. Her characters are very lifelike and virtually leap off the page. I also love her fast paced writing style, which seems to flow effortlessly from scene to scene. I am in awe of her talent.

Although there are scenes of a sexual nature, they are not explicit and fade out, so if you are looking for something a little more racy, this book may not be for you. However, I highly recommend this book if you love new adult paranormal romances. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


               

About The Author:



Julie Cassar's debut Young Adult Fantasy "Ruby Blue" Series has been met with rave reviews and has spent weeks on Amazon's Fantasy Series Best Seller List as well as it's Top Rated list. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor Degree in Fine Art, specializing in Graphic Design, Cassar has also worked as a production artist, designer, painter and photographer. She has been featured in Fitness Magazine, "Outdoor Athlete," and publishes a monthly blog.

Author Links:

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Release Blitz: Overtime by Eden Rose

✿ ❤ ★❤ ✿SALE✿ ❤ ★❤ ✿
✫.•°*✮*✮*°•.¸✫Eden Rose​, Author✫.•°*✮*✮*°•.¸✫
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨OVERTIME .99 Pre-Order
 (¸.•´✶*´¨✫)SCORE .99
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY!!
(¸.•´✶BEFORE They go back to regular price on
~**~*Wed, Sept. 28th*~**~

¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (★•**•. ★The Ultimate Betrayal Series

¸.•*¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡PRE-ORDER¸.•*¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡
✿¨*.¸¸.•`✿ ✿OVERTIME: Interracial Sports Romance


~☆~•°*°•~☆~Get yours TODAY!!~☆~•°*°•~☆~
☆~•°*°•~☆SCORE: The First Four Quarters


pizap.com14748366465352.jpg


THUNDERCLAP

*´¨✫) Overtime is COMING SOON!!
¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯.•*¨)I'm excited..Are you?  
✮ (¸.•´✶ (★•**•. ★It would be AWESOME if we can get your help supporting the Thunderclap?
Eden Rose, Author.
Be sure to join the event! It's gonna be a blast!!





`·.¸(¯`·.·´¯)¸ .··Come celebrate with Eden Rose on the Release of
×°× ` ·.¸.·´ ×°×OVERTIME Bk2 of The Ultimate Betrayal Series.
With a wonderful lineup of authors! Lotsa fun, games, prizes and books!
You don't wanna miss it!

14224911_1069572203128337_4405552221371148102_n.jpg



You going to Glass City?
Eden Will be there!! If you want to Pre-Order Eden's Paperbacks

You're last chance to Order Is NOW!

Eden Rose's Paperback Order form for Glass City Author Event!
Order  now and pick them up at the event!!

https://goo.gl/forms/M0ShVDUBFquVmO9x1
~**ORDER ANYTIME**~
´¨) ALL Eden Rose BOOKS IN PAPERBACK
¸.•´¸´¨) ¸¨)Fill out the order form....
(¸.•´ (¸.• Get a SIGNED book sent to you and/or a friend!!
Grab 'em while they're HOT!


Hello! My name is Eden Rose and its a pleasure to meet you. I have been writing for a long time and once I picked a topic, I couldn't stop writing. My books are very special to me because in some aspect I have had experience in the subject matter one way or another. I love reading romance but I like the main male lead to be a real bad boy, not one who thinks they are bad.
I live in Michigan with my husband and three fur babies! I can be found taking my dog for walks all over town or in a quiet corner reading. I have two degrees in history and criminal justice from a small private college in Michigan where I also joined a sorority.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and I would be happy to answer any questions or filter in suggestions.

pizap.com14694046730781.jpg




Eden Rose​ is all about meeting new people and making new friends!  She loves Stalkers.  So if there are any stalkers in the house...Here is your chance!!

~~Author Page Facebook

~~GoodReads Author Page

~~Amazon Author Page

4957c53008cf549f64cc8051ed689b66.jpg

Hey Lovers, come join our AWESOME Street team, have some fun and good laughs while we promote and pimp Eden Rose!!
I'm looking for a group of women/men to help pimp and promote Eden's Books and have a blast doing it!! If you are interested, Shannon Lester-Haynes PA!
Street Team Page
12814081_1726581160895443_8554042959744398450_n.jpg


(¯`v´¯)
.`•.¸.•´
¸.•´.•´¨) ¸.•¨)
(¸.•´(¸.•´ (¸.•¨¯`*Eden Rose, Author.
Wyatt hasn't seen Keeley in a few months and when he does, he hardly recognizes her. She's changed dramatically and he's not liking it. Sure, she's as beautiful as she was before, but she lacks the curves that he found to be tasty.
Keeley has finally had enough. She's been using the past three months to build her case for divorce. After realizing how much money he has taken from her and the fact that he has been keeping so many secrets, she's done.
Now that Wyatt has Keeley back in his life, will he be able to keep her safe? What happens after a steamy week in Florida with Wyatt, and she comes home to strange men in her house asking about where something is? Since Keeley has no idea what they are talking about, she gets shot and Wyatt is too late to save her.
Overtime has just begun and there are too many secrets and truths to be told. Everything that you have been dying to know is about to come clear. Will those secrets help bond Keeley and Wyatt together or will they be the ending of them? Keeley is done with secrets. This just might be the final straw when she finds out exactly why Wyatt moved from California to Michigan.


¸.•´¸.•*´¨)✯ ¸.•*¨)
✮ (¸.•´✶ (★•**•. ★The Ultimate Betrayal Series

¸.•*¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡PRE-ORDER¸.•*¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡¸.•*´¨)☆♡
✿¨*.¸¸.•`✿ ✿OVERTIME: Interracial Sports Romance

https://www.amazon.com/Overtime-Interracial-Romance-Ultimate-Betrayal-ebook/dp/B01IE35QDU/ref


7bc5f21c-d466-48f5-bf2c-0cd1a40f0536.png
pizap.com14708511532151.jpg

pizap.com14708519287761.jpg

pizap.com14708677481911.jpg

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Book Review of Heart on Fire (Combustible Book 1) by Brandy L Rivers @BrandyLRivers



Book Title: Heart on Fire (Combustible Book 1)
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Pages: 222
Author: Brandy L. Rivers
Date Published: 20 October 2014 (E-Book)

Synopsis:

One night to be someone else.

Mila Day had plans. When her lover demands she give up her dreams to be a trophy wife, she leaves. Wanting to forget the wasted years, she ends up at a party in the next state, craving one wild night of abandon. It was exactly what she wanted.

No strings.
No names.

But it’s not exactly what she gets. Six years later, she’s a happy high school teacher with a beautiful daughter she will always Cherish.

No regrets.

Kyle Blake is a fireman who has been burned. He’s happy alone until he hears joyous laughter next door. He finds it hard to resist Mila, and her little girl, who steal his heart.

When pieces of her past surface, she’ll question everything.

Can they survive the truth?

Review:


Heart on FireHeart on Fire by Brandy L. Rivers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

This is the first book in the Combustible contemporary romance series. I loved it!

Mila Day is a wonderful character. I like her but she has a nasty habit of not seeing herself as others see her and constantly belittles herself. Whether this is because of her relationship with her ex-boyfriend, I am not sure. However, after breaking up with him, she decides to live on the wild side for one night and has a one night stand with "The Phantom of the Opera" at a costume party. That one night changes her life forever. Moving to a new town with her daughter six years later, she meets her charming new neighbour, Kyle Blake.

Kyle Blake is also a wonderful character. I liked him a lot. He is kind, considerate and loving. It also doesn't hurt that he's a fireman. Who doesn't love a man in uniform? When he meets his new neighbour and her daughter, he is immediately drawn to them. When Mila's past threatens to tear her family apart, Kyle will do everything he can to keep them together.

Having previously read paranormal romances written by this author, I was eager to read this contemporary romance. I started to read this book and quickly became hooked. The story is told through the eyes of both Mila and Kyle, which allowed me to see what they were both thinking and feeling. I found myself on a roller coaster of emotion from beginning to end. I am a sucker for contemporary romances with sexy firemen, so meeting Kyle's friends and colleagues was a thrill too. I also fell in love with Mila's daughter, Cherish. She is so cute and lovable.

This story felt a little predictable as it followed the traditional romantic theme, but there's a lot of heat between the main protagonists which made up for it. The characters themselves felt lifelike and likable. I love flawed characters like Mila, as they come alive on the page. However, I think Kyle could have had a few more flaws as he felt a little too perfect to me. But, then again, what do I know? Other readers may think he is better without them. I'll leave you to make up your own mind.

I reached the end of the book (which doesn't end in a cliffhanger) and was left with a happy, satisfied feeling. I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Falling Star, as soon as possible.

Brandy L. Rivers has written an entertaining contemporary romance series. I love her fast paced writing style, and the flow is wonderful. Her characters are lifelike and likable. With her ability to write in both the paranormal and contemporary romance genres, she is one of my go to authors when I'm in the mood for a sexy read.

Due to explicit scenes of a sexual nature, as well as use of bad language, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 18. However, I do recommend this book if you love hot erotic contemporary romances full of sexy firemen and determined women. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


              


About The Author:



I've always loved books, especially about monsters and magic, so I started writing. I'm working on a prequel and the next few books in the Others of Edenton series, and I have a head full of stories to share.

I'm a stay at home mother with a wonderful husband who lets me write and write to my hearts content.

For more about me and my books, please visit:

Author Links:

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Book Review of Merlin's Vow (The Camelot Inheritance ~ Book 3): A mystery fantasy book for teens and older children age 10 -14 by Rosie Morgan



Book Title: Merlin's Vow (The Camelot Inheritance #3)
Genre: YA Middle Grade Fantasy / Mystery
Pages: 280
Author: Rosie Morgan
Date Published: 2 July 2016 (E-Book)

Synopsis:

Merlin’s Vow : A thrilling mystery adventure book - with more than a dash of fantasy and action - for teens and older children age 10 – 14.

The magic is moving, but Tamar Tamblyn - one of Cornwall’s four teenage Guardians - is stranded at Trezion’s Christmas fair, miles from her fellow Guardians.
Will Arthur, Nick or Gawain reach her before their enemies close in … or will the Ice lady claim her prize?
Who is the mysterious Dr Columbarius?
Why has Tamar been invited to Oakwood Manor?
And since when did time travel mess with molecules – or become quite so dangerous?


This is the story of four teenagers, some ancient knights and a dragon (a very tiny one), pitted against time-defying enemies. Camelot is calling.

Review:


Merlin's Vow (The Camelot Inheritance #3)Merlin's Vow by Rosie Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in The Camelot Inheritance Series for middle grade children that takes the myths and legends of Arthur (that's King Arthur to you!) and gives it a modern twist. I loved it!

Arthur Penhaligon is a fantastic character. He is a young man with an amazing destiny - he is a Guardian of Cornwall. I really liked this character when I first met him in The Golden Sword. He has done a bit of growing up over the year or so since he found out he was a guardian, but there is still danger lurking, and Arthur and his friends, Nick, Gawain and Tamar, are in for another adventure.

This is a fantastic adventure series set in Cornwall, England. I have been eagerly waiting for this story, because I wanted to know what the intrepid quartet had been up to since the end of the second book, The Time Smugglers.

This tale is told from several different points of view, which I found most interesting, and kept me hooked from the first page. This time, the tale is told mainly through the eyes of Tamar and Nick rather than Arthur and I was quickly swept back into their lives. We are also introduced to Rozen, a young girl who has a destiny tied to the others. There are a few characters from the other books that make another appearance, mainly the Watcher's and the Writer. These are enigmatic characters that bring their own kind of intrigue to the tale. Why are they watching? Why are they recording events? These questions and more floated round my head once more. We also get to meet Merlin for the first time. He's an enigmatic character who hides many secrets. I liked him though. I will say, however, that the Ice Lady is one creepy villain and I loved to hate her. This story is a mix of adventure, myth and magic that will keep younger readers completely hooked. I didn't find this story as dark and atmospheric as the first book in the series. However, there is an emotional undertow that grabbed me and didn't let go until I'd finished the story.

Rosie Morgan has written an exciting adventure series for children. I am a huge fan. I love her writing style, which is fast paced, and I loved the way the story flowed. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as soon as possible.

I highly recommend this story to both boys and girls in the 7 to 14 age range. However, I also recommend this book to adults if you love YA or fantasy genres. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


              


About The Author:




Rosie Morgan has lived most of her adult life in Cornwall, the setting for 'The Golden Sword' and 'The Time Smugglers', #1 and #2 in 'The Camelot Inheritance' series.

Before writing for older children and teenagers, she had many happy years teaching some wonderful youngsters in Cornish primary schools. She has also painted on the hills of Bodmin Moor, in the woods nearby and on the beaches which frame Cornwall.

The illustrated versions of both books will be available in paperback and kindle format during 2014, because now Rosie is combining her art training with her writing.

However the third book in the series will not be neglected, even now it's taking shape; Arthur and his friends won't be inactive for long.

Rosie loves cats, throwing parties, really dark chocolate, the Eden Project and her family.
-Not necessarily in that order.

Author Links:

Blog 

Friday, September 16, 2016

Book Review of The Vampire's Mail Order Bride (Nocturne Falls Book 1) by Kristen Painter



Book Title: The Vampire's Mail Order Bride (Nocturne Falls #1)
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 372
Author: Kristen Painter
Date Published: 1 June 2015 (E-Book)

Synopsis:

Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year.
The tourists think it's all a show: the vampires, the werewolves, the witches, the occasional gargoyle flying through the sky. But the supernaturals populating the town know better.

Living in Nocturne Falls means being yourself. Fangs, fur, and all.


After seeing her maybe-mobster boss murder a guy, Delaney James assumes a new identity and pretends to be a mail order bride. She finds her groom-to-be living in a town that celebrates Halloween every day. Weird. But not as weird as what she doesn’t know. Her groom-to-be is a 400-year-old vampire.

Hugh Ellingham has only agreed to the arranged set up to make his overbearing grandmother happy. In thirty days, whatever bridezilla shows up at his door will be escorted right back out. His past means love is no longer an option. Not if the woman’s going to have a future. Except he never counted on Delaney and falling in love for real.

Too bad both of them are keeping some mighty big secrets...

Review:


The Vampire's Mail Order Bride (Nocturne Falls, #1)The Vampire's Mail Order Bride by Kristen Painter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Nocturne Falls series. I loved it!

Delaney James is a wonderful character. I really liked her. When she accidentally walks in to a deadly situation she finds herself on the run for her life. In an attempt to hide, she stumbles across an opportunity to get out of the city quickly and heads to Nocturne Falls. However, she's stepped out of the frying pan and into the arms of a vampire.

Hugh Ellingham is also a wonderful character. I really liked this charming vampire. Tired of his grandmother's meddling in his life, he reluctantly agrees to marry a mail order bride. He didn't intend to fall for her, but his attraction for Delaney only grows as he gets to know her.

I came across this book in my recommendations on Amazon due to my browsing and reading history. After reading the blurb and a few of the reviews, I decided to give this book a try. I am glad I did! I am a fan of paranormal romances, but don't often read ones full of humour. This book combines these elements quite well.

I started to read and didn't put it down until I had finished it. I fell in love with the description of Nocturne Falls. Who wouldn't want to live in a town that celebrated Halloween all year round? I enjoyed meeting the various residents, one of whom is Stanhill, Hugh's rook (servant and blood donor) and friend, he is sensible and down to earth. There are other characters such as Hugh's brothers, Sebastian and Julian, who also make an appearance. They are chalk and cheese and completely different to Hugh. Then there's Elenora Ellingham who is Hugh's Grandmother. She is determined to see her grandson happy, but has a manipulative streak a mile long which made me not like her in the beginning.

This is a humourous tale full of danger, misunderstandings and secrets. It is told through the eyes of both Delaney and Hugh. I found myself grinning at Delaney's reaction to finding herself living in a town dedicated to Halloween. However, this is a cover for all of the residents who hide in plain sight. There are witches, vampires and werewolves living in amongst a few humans. Here they can be themselves and not feel scared.

The story took me on an emotional roller coaster ride from beginning to end. However, I felt that the danger posed by Delaney's ex-boss was not as intense as it could have been. But, having said that, the story is a romance and I enjoyed watching Delaney's and Hugh's relationship grow. I reached the end of the book and was left with a warm fuzzy feeling as I enjoy a happy ending. I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Kristen Painter has written a wonderful paranormal romance. I enjoyed her writing style, which is fast paced and entertaining. The flow was wonderful too. I would definitely read more of this author's books in the future.

Although there are no scenes of an explicit sexual nature, there is some bad language. Therefore, I do not recommend this book to younger teens. However, I highly recommend this book to readers who love paranormal, supernatural or urban fantasy romances. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews


             

About The Author:



Kristen Painter is a little obsessed with cats, books, chocolate, and shoes. It’s a healthy mix. She loves to entertain her readers with interesting twists and unforgettable characters. She currently writes the best-selling paranormal romance series, Nocturne Falls, and award-winning urban fantasy. The former college English teacher can often be found all over social media where she loves to interact with readers.

Author Links:

Website: http://bit.ly/1mlw2zC
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1tKClkW
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor
Instagram: http://bit.ly/1nQIdWl
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Kristen-Painter/e/B002OETF74

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/xT-9L to find out when her next release is coming out.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Project ELE (The ELE Series Book 1 by Rebeca Gober and Courtney Nuckels

About
Project ELE book 1
 
Project ELE is the first book in the now-complete ELE Series, which has more than six hundred five-star reviews on Goodreads.

In an effort to save the human race, the government has implemented Project ELE. Now, the only chance for survival is to seek refuge in underground shelters controlled by the government.

Willow Mosby is among the select few allowed to enter the underground bunker to wait out the end of the world. Forced to pick up the broken pieces of her life after being separated from her family, she throws herself into a new life of work and school. When she meets Alec, her young and attractive boss, Willow finds herself falling for the one guy who should be off limits.

Alec makes her feel like this crazy new world may just be worth living. But when an afternoon date results in a shocking discovery, she's forced to face an unspeakable truth that puts the lives of her and her friends in jeopardy.

Project ELE is a young adult dystopian novel with a paranormal romance twist. Fans of The Hunger Games, The 5th Wave, and The Divergent Series will love this newly completed teen fiction series.

***We want to thank our readers for their amazing reviews as well as the critical ones regarding our editing. We are pleased to announce that we have had Project ELE professionally edited. We thank you again for taking the time to leave us your comments.
 
https://www.amazon.com/Project-ELE-Book-1-ebook/dp/B008R523K0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473762528&sr=8-1&keywords=project+ele
Free on Amazon.com so click on the pic to get your free copy
 
My review
 
I had fun reading this book and these days that is not something that happens often enough.  The book is fast, easy and entertaining and you need not keep your wits about you to follow the straight plot line.
 
So if your looking for an easy, light read in the YA market and I can tell you know you will not go wrong by picking up the first book in this series free. 

The Wicked Boy - Subtitled, “The Mystery of a Victorian Child Murderer,”

The Wicked Boy subtitled The Mystery of a Victoria Child Murderer written by Kate Summerscale.
 
https://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Boy-Mystery-Victorian-Murderer/dp/1594205787/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473758130&sr=8-1&keywords=the+wicked+boy 
Click on the pic to pick up your copy from Amazon
 
My review
 
It has been ages since I last read a book that so captivated me.
This is not written as a story more like a chronology of events.  But the sheer genius lies in the research that had to be the crux of the story.
I loved the definitions of psychiatric terms as it was known and understood at the time and as it would be understood now.  The legalities then vs now etc.  And as the chronology rolls out I found myself changing my mind time after time about the boy who committed matricide and the people in his life.
I loved it but if your looking to read this as a story I would pass and if you are not fond of details then skip this as well.  If however you are looking for a good read, then pick up this one. 
 
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/11166.Kate_Summerscale
Click on the pic of the author above to read more about her and her workd on Goodreads. 
 
 

Monday, September 12, 2016

Cover Reveal: Heath, Cliffs & Wandering Hearts by Laura Barnard @BarnardLaura

Today, I am pleased to bring you the cover reveal of Heath, Cliffs & Wandering Hearts by Laura Barnard.





Synopsis

Life for sixteen year old Savannah Franks has just been turned upside down. Her Mum’s business has failed and they’re forced to move into a maisonette in the rough end of town.

She doesn’t want anyone to know her dire situation, not even her besties. So when the rest of the money for the school ski trip is due she can’t be seen not to attend. Everyone is going! She just needs to find a job. Add that to the list of getting a boyfriend and losing her pathetic virginity.

But working every spare hour in a job she hates on top of school work and mounting secrets doesn’t prove easy. Soon she’s keeping so many she’s not even sure herself what’s true and what’s not.

The only person she can lean on to tell the truth is her best friend Heath.

Only…did he get hot recently? That won’t make things awkward between them…right?


About The Author:



Laura Barnard lives in Hertfordshire, UK and writes romantic comedy or 'chick lit' as its so often described. In her spare time she enjoys drinking her body weight in tea, indulging in cupcakes the size of her face and drooling over hunks like Jamie Dornan, Ryan Gosling and Leo Dicaprio.

She enjoys wearing yoga pants and reading fitness magazines while sitting on the sofa eating chocolate. She's a real fan of the power nap and of course READING!

She writes not to get rich or famous, but because she LOVES writing. Even if one person tells her they enjoyed her book it makes the midnight typing worth it!

Author Links:

Friday, September 09, 2016

Audio/Book Review of Devil's Lake (Bittersweet Hollow Book 1) by Aaron Paul Lazar



Book Title: Devil's Lake (Bittersweet Hollow Book 1)
Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Pages: 290
Audio Run Time: 8 Hrs 48 Mins
Author: Aaron Paul Lazar
Date Published: 8 July 2014 (E-book)
2 September 2014 (Audiobook)

Synopsis:

After two years of brutal captivity, Portia Lamont has escaped and returned to her family's Vermont horse farm - only to find her parents gone to New York to try an experimental treatment for her mother's cancer, and her childhood friend Boone Hawke running the farm. The man Boone has become frightens her to near paralysis, but she's too traumatized and physically devastated to put up a fight.

Like the rest of her family, Boone has never given up hope that Portia would return. But when she turns up battered, skinny as a 12-year-old boy, afraid of everything and unable to talk about what happened, he does the only thing he can - try to help her heal. He summons the town doctor and Portia's parents, and sets out to put this beautiful, broken woman back together again.

Through her family's love and Boone's gentle affection, Portia gradually comes back to herself, and starts to fall for her old friend in a whole new way. But one thing threatens her fragile hopes for recovery: The man who took her promised that if she ever escaped, he'd kill her. Slowly. And someone is definitely watching her...waiting to make a deadly move.

Review:


Devil's LakeDevil's Lake by Aaron Paul Lazar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Bittersweet Hollow series. I really enjoyed it!

This audio book is narrated by Gwendolyn Druyor. I must admit that although I found her reading voice to be clear and understandable, I had trouble with her interpretations of the characters' "voices". Due to this, I had to stop listening to it for a short period before going back to it. This, I feel, broke the story's flow so I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have. Other readers/listeners may not have the same issue.

Portia Lamont is a woman who has been kidnapped and held against her will for two years before managing to escape. I really liked this character. She has been through hell and has a lot of courage. I am not sure if I would have survived in her place.

Boone Hawke is a wonderful character and I really liked him. He is sensitive to Portia's situation, and since he's been in a war, he knows how emotionally fragile someone who has been in a traumatic event could be. I love how he gives her space to come to terms with things, but is close enough to offer support when needed.

Devil's Lake is definitely a bittersweet story. Having read/listened to other books by this author, I knew that I would be in for an emotional ride. However, I didn't realise how much this story would touch me.

The author wove an incredibly suspenseful, thrilling and thought provoking tale that sent shivers up my back. He dedicated this story to the women kidnapped and held hostage for ten years in Cleveland, Ohio. I cannot imagine what they went through, but they were incredibly brave to survive through their ordeal. My heart goes out to each and every one of them and their families.

This book is told through the eyes of both Portia and Boone for the most part, though there are scenes through the eyes of Portia's father and sister. I found myself gripped with the terror that Portia lived with for two years. Her captor is not exactly sane in my opinion. His actions are not excusable, though his past made me pity him. I cannot imagine living with the fear every day as Portia did, no wonder the trauma can cause PTSD. I have to admit that Grace (Portia's sister) has got to be the bravest (if not potentially stupidest) character in the whole book. I loved the way she handled Portia's kidnapper, but thought she was incredibly stupid at the same time as things could have turned nasty rather quickly.

I reached the end of the book with mixed feelings. I was sad that the story ended, but happy with the way it concluded. I am now looking forward to reading/listening to the next book in the series, Devil's Creek as soon as I can.

Aaron Paul Lazar has written a fantastic tale that captured my imagination. I love his writing style, which is fast paced and entertaining. The story flowed wonderfully (apart from my issue with the narrator). I am a huge fan of this author. I am now looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.

Although this book doesn't have any bad language, there are some explicit scenes of a sexual nature. Therefore, I recommend this book to older teen readers and to adults who love contemporary romance or romantic suspense genres. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews

       

About The Author:


Aaron Paul Lazar wasn't always a mystery writer. It wasn't until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. "When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn't find elsewhere."

Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar's father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a "Renaissance man caught in the 21st century." This book has since be rereleased in 2012 as an "author's preferred edition," via Twilight Times Books.

The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written ten LeGarde mysteries in eight years. (UPSTAGED - 2005; TREMOLO: CRY OF THE LOON - 2007 Twilight Times Books; MAZURKA - 2009 Twilight Times Books, FIRESONG - 2011, DON'T LET THE WIND CATCH YOU - 2013, VIRTUOSO - 2014, with more to come.) The author has just completed his twenty-first novel.

One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat's eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and passionate gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother's dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (HEALEY'S CAVE, 2010; TERROR COMES KNOCKING, 2011; FOR KEEPS, 2012) Lazar intends to continue both series.

Lazar's books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, "country mysteries," although reviewers have dubbed them "literary mysteries."

"It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it's the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page."

In 2009, Kodak gave him up for grabs, and during the year off before he landed in his coveted new job with KB America, he had time to explore and reconnect with his environment. Little did he know that several trips to the Adirondack Mountains would reawaken his passion for that part of the country. Two new books were written in that time frame, starting yet another mystery series, Tall Pines Mysteries. The first two combooks in the series, FOR THE BIRDS - 2011 and ESSENTIALLY YOURS - 2012 have been winning literary awards. Keep an eye out for SANCTUARY (2014), and MURDER ON THE SACANDAGA (2015), coming via Twilight Times Books.

In between all the novels, Lazar found time to issue three writing guides based on his many years of writing advice blogs, entitled WRITE LIKE THE WIND, volumes 1-3. These are available in eBook and audio book.

In his twenty-first book, Lazar has jumped genre. THE SEACREST - OCT 2013 -, a love story, is poised to capture hearts across the globe.

The author lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, mother-in-law, two dogs, and cat. He finds grandfathering one of the most precious and important times of life, and spends as much time as possible with Julian, Gordon, and Isabella.

Lazar maintains several websites and blogs, was the Gather Saturday Writing Essential host for three years, writes his monthly "Seedlings" columns for the Voice in the Dark literary journal and the Future Mystery Anthology Magazine. He has been published in Absolute Write as well as The Great Mystery and Suspense Magazine. See excerpts and reviews here:

www.lazarbooks.com
www.murderby4.blogspot.com
www.aplazar.gather.com
www.aaronlazar.blogspot.com

Contact him at aaron.lazar@yahoo.com.

Twilight Times Books by multi-award winning author, Aaron Lazar:

LEGARDE MYSTERIES
DOUBLE FORTÉ (print, eBook, audio book)
UPSTAGED (print, eBook, audio book)
TREMOLO: CRY OF THE LOON (print, eBook, audio book)
MAZURKA (print, eBook, audio book)
FIRESONG (print, eBook, audio book)
DON'T LET THE WIND CATCH YOU (print, eBook, audio book)
VIRTUOSO (~2014)

MOORE MYSTERIES
HEALEY'S CAVE (print, eBook, audio book)
TERROR COMES KNOCKING (print, eBook, audio book)
FOR KEEPS (print, eBook, audio book)

TALL PINES MYSTERIES
FOR THE BIRDS (print, eBook, audio book)
ESSENTIALLY YOURS (print, eBook, audio book)
SANCTUARY (2014)
MURDER ON THE SACANDAGA (~2014)

STANDALONES
THE SEACREST (coming fall of 2013)

WRITING ADVICE:

WRITE LIKE THE WIND, volumes 1, 2, 3 (ebooks and audio books)

Aaron Paul Lazar writes to soothe his soul. An award-winning, bestselling Kindle author of three addictive mystery series, writing books, and a new love story, Aaron enjoys the Genesee Valley countryside in upstate New York, where his characters embrace life, play with their dogs and grandkids, grow sumptuous gardens, and chase bad guys. Visit his website at http://www.lazarbooks.com and watch for his upcoming Twilight Times Books releases, SANCTUARY (2014), and VIRTUOSO (2014).


AWARDS:

Double Forté
* 2012 ForeWord BOTYA, Mystery, FINALIST

Tremolo: cry of the loon -
* 2013 Eric Hoffer Book Awards: Grand Prize Short List
* 2013 Eric Hoffer Book Awards: Honorable Mention, Eric Hoffer Legacy Fiction
* 2011 Global eBook Award Finalist in Historical Fiction Contemporary
* 2011 Preditors & Editors Readers Choice Award - 2nd place Mystery
* 2008 Yolanda Renée's Top Ten Books
* 2008 MYSHELF Top Ten Reads

For the Birds
* 2011 ForeWord Book Awards, FINALIST in Mystery
* 2012 Carolyn Howard-Johnson's Top 10 Reads

Essentially Yours
* 2013 EPIC Book Awards, FINALIST in Suspense
* 2013 Eric Hoffer Da Vinci Eye Award Finalist

Healey's Cave
* 2012 EPIC Book Awards WINNER Best Paranormal
* 2011 Eric Hoffer Book Award, WINNER Best Book in Commercial Fiction
* 2011 Finalist for Allbooks Review Editor's Choice
* 2011 Winner of Carolyn Howard Johnson's 9th Annual Noble (not Noble!) Prize for Literature
* 2011 Finalists for Global EBook Awards

Terror Comes Knocking
* 2013 Global Ebook Awards, Paranormal - Bronze

For Keeps
* 2013 Semi Finalist in Kindle Book Review Book Awards, Mystery Category

Author Links: