Tag Archives: adventure

May 2, 2017 · 5:00 am

Author Showcase – Hywela Lyn (The Destiny Trilogy)

Note from Hywela Lyn regarding the ‘The Destiny’ trilogy:

💕 “Although some characters appear in each of the three books, each story is a ‘stand alone’ with no cliffhangers until the next book in the series. The series is Science Fiction/Adventure romance with a fantasy feel (or ‘space opera’, not heavy S.F.)” 💕

 

 Book 1 in the Destiny Trilogy



When Jestine Darnell is rescued from her sabotaged starship by the crew of the Destiny her only objective is to complete her mission and keep her promise to save a world from slavery. Love is the last thing on her mind. However, she has not counted on losing her heart to Kerry Marchant the ship’s second in command, who makes his distrust of her painfully obvious, despite the chemistry between them. The completion of her mission has consequences that neither of them could have foreseen. Enter Dahll Tarron, who becomes involved in a long and dangerous quest to find the Destiny. Fates become intertwined, perils shared, culminating in the realization that sometimes love may be so close that there is a danger it will not be recognized until it is too late…
 
 
 
 
CHILDREN OF THE MIST – Book 2 in the Destiny Trilogy
 
 
Two minds united against a common foe. Two hearts afraid to show their love:

Long ago Tamarith fell in love with a man she can never have, and is convinced she will never love another. However, she cannot help but be intrigued by a handsome stranger whose psychic powers exceed even her own.

Vidarh seeks only to find his true purpose in life and to win the regard of his father, who eschews his son’s psychic abilities. Thrown together by a comon threat to their planet, then torn apart by an evil greater than any they could have imagined, can Vidarh save the lovely Nifl woman who has captivated him, before it is too late?

Will Tamarith and Vidarh overcome the deadly enemy who threatens to destroy all they know and love? Will they find the happiness they both seek? Or are they fated to live their lives alone?
 
 
 
 
 
 BELOVED ENEMY – Book 3 in the Destiny Trilogy
 
 
Cat Kincaid is obsessed with killing the man she believes is responsible for the torture and death of her sister, but when she eventually catches up with him, survival becomes a greater priority than revenge.

Kerry Marchant, haunted by memories, regret, and self-blame, shields himself from the pain of the past by committing himself totally to the starship, Destiny, of which he is part owner. However, the beautiful, red-haired woman who reminds him of his lost love, and who he suspects is working for a corrupt regime, represents a possible threat not only to the ship, but to his heart.

Marooned on an inhospitable planet, they need to work together to stay alive, fighting not only unknown assailants, but their growing attraction. But how can they learn to trust each other when he has vowed never to get close to a woman again, and she made a solemn pledge to destroy him?
 
 
 
 (review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 

The best science fiction tv shows are the ones that have you eagerly anticipating the following week’s episode or have you zooming through the commercials because wading through 2.5 minutes of ads feels like eternity… pure torture. When a show is that good, you wish for a few more minutes. When a scifi/fantasy book is equally grand, you crave a several more pages.

When I was nearing the end of Beloved Enemy, I kept hoping 20-30 pages would magically appear —  much like things in the book. No such luck though. However, despite my wish not being granted, I was thoroughly satisfied with everything I did read.

Each chapter in Beloved Enemy contained enough scifi, mystery elements/creatures that maintained my attention from the beginning to end.

 

Most memorable (for me):  

  1. The huge ass water and sand creature. They are the things of nightmares and deserve a spot on any otherworldly show! PS. I am rethinking ever washing off in a lake again. 
  2. bio-regenerator: This device enhances the body’s natural healing process. Imagine how many lives would be saved, children or an adult’s pain eased in minutes instead of days, and the profound effort it would have in combat missions. Medical marvel! 

 

After dealing with inhospitable creatures, more than one crash, physical altercations with humans, and other WTF moments, I am not surprised Cat and Kerry relationship went from allies for a common cause, to becoming friends, and then progressed to full on love. When you been to hell and back, your troublesome times either break you or make you stronger. Their bond definitely became stronger. It’s what actually saved them. And that’s all you’ll get from me. To find out more…. read the damn book. No seriously, read it. It’s a page-turner, for sure!

 

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score:❤❤❤❤1/2

 

 
 
 
 
REMINDER:  “Although some characters appear in each of the three books, each story is a ‘stand alone’ with no cliffhangers until the next book in the series.” 💕 
 
 
 
Hywela Lyn lives in a small village in England, with her long suffering husband Dave,  although her heart remains in her native rural Wales, which inspired so much of her writing.
 
Although most her writing tends to be futuristic, the worlds she creates are usually untainted by crowded cities and technology, embracing the beauty and wildness of nature.  Her characters often have to fight the elements and the terrain itself.  Her heroes are strong and courageous, but chivalrous and honourable – and of course, handsome and hunky. Her heroines are also strong and courageous, but still retain their femininity! However difficult the journey, love will always win in the end. She is a member of The Romantic Novelists’ Association (UK)  and Chiltern Writers, her local writing group.
 
A keen animal lover, she has two horses,a ‘feral’ stable cat, and a rescued terrier, who manages to twist her round his little paw.  When she is not writing, she can usually be found enjoying the outdoors with the horses and dog – or just  eating chocolate!
 
 
 
1. Hywela Lyn are her real first two names. She has always been called ‘Lyn’ and decided it was time her Welsh/Celtic name ‘Hywela’ got an airing!
2. She completed the arduous Red Dragon Endurance ride in Wales.
3. She used to enjoy oil painting but gave it up to write.
4. The planet Niflheim, featured in the first two books of the Destiny Trilogy, was inspired by seeing the snow sweeping in like a pink mist across the Welsh mountains just before sunset.
5. The name ‘Hywela’ means ‘Eminent’
 
 
 
 
 

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March 14, 2017 · 5:00 am

Review of “Kayos: The Bad & The Worse” – Tracy A. Ball

kayos-the-bad-and-the-worse-front-cover

Pride & Prejudice do Mission Impossible with Young Guns

LAREINA ELLIOT, guidance counselor for Presque Isle Academy, discovered her idea for making students loyal to the government is being implemented in the Excellence Program to further the war. It has become her life’s work to undermine that effort. When she is arrested for being a Revolutionary sympathizer, her brothers, KAIDEN, FISHER, and SILAS rescue her with help from three of Lareina’s top students; ALEC, ORION, and YUKIYO. On the run but armed with intelligence and more, they seek to learn how she was exposed and by whom.

CHRISTIAN DEVERELL, the agent assigned to Lareina’s case is relentless. She can’t escape him. It doesn’t matter that he and Lareina are on opposite sides of the law, or that their history is dirty. It doesn’t matter that he commissioned her adopted brother, Silas, to assassinate her. The only thing of importance is his love for Lareina and his promise to protect her.

Silas MCKADE, soldier elite, Lareina’s secret weapon. The man who never misses is on the Government’s payroll to do whatever he likes to whomever he chooses. He has a death warrant for Lareina—the woman who means everything to him—and a heart full of hatred for Christian—the man he wants to be. He’s either going to break Lareina’s heart or stop it altogether. 

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

Growing up, most of us have played cops and robberies, superheroes, spy games, or something of that nature. For those of us with children, we have seen the good guy – bad guy playtime trend continue on. It’s the thrill of the chase, desire to go on covert missions, being a secret agent, stopping an enemy target and so forth that keeps seats filled for movies such as Mission Impossible, Bourne series, 007 and the list goes on. The cinema even captures the interest and hearts of the younger crowd with movies like Spy Kids, Toy Soldiers, and (yes) Austin Powers series.

No matter what role we see ourselves in — fighter, assassin, brainiac, mad scientist, villain, damsel in distress, double agent, or the dying hero — there’s a place for us all and so viewers keep shelling out money for their love of action and adventure. Rest assured, you’ll get plenty of explosive action in Kayos: The Bad & The Worse. Unlike some movies, you’ll NOT walk away from KAYOS thinking you wish it had more booms, surprises, heartaches, gun battles, or action. Tracy DID NOT falter in the deliverance of the triple A’s — action, adventure and awesomeness.

Oh yeah, she also treated us to a few smoochie moments.  😉 

 

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2

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Tracy’s family is blended from three distinct cultures. Over the years, she has opened her home to foster children, drug addicts, AIDS victims and anyone who needed an assist. She has an equal number of liberal and conservative friends. She knows people who have committed murder and she knows people who know the Pope.

Which is why she writes sweet stories about tough love.

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February 4, 2017 · 5:00 am

Author Showcase – Kat Martin (Into the Firestorm: BOSS, Inc.)

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At Brodie Operations Security Service, Inc., following your instincts is company policy . . .

M. Cassidy—Luke Brodie had heard the name before, some novice bounty hunter working Seattle, catching tricky skips with more success than a newcomer should expect. But the dark curls, sparkly top, and impressive cleavage were not what Brodie had pictured.

Emma Cassidy is tough and smart and sexy as hell. She’s also popping up a step ahead of him every time he’s close to the capture he wants most . . . and there’s no room for learning on the trail of this monster.

Emma has idolized Luke Brodie, the bounty hunter who can bring anyone in. The big man in the soft shoes, with a face like a fallen angel and a reputation for breaking hearts. Watching him in action is intoxicating. But her fight with Rudy Vance is fiercely personal. If he gets too close, Brodie will find out just how ferocious she can be . . .

 

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~~ Excerpt From Into The Firestorm ~~

 

Sitting at the long, neon-lit bar in Rocker’s Karaoke Lounge, Luke Brodie sipped a cold Corona and eyed his quarry.  A bail skip named Skinner Digby leaned back in a chair at a round Formica-topped table a few feet away.

“You here for Skinner?”  Eddie Mullens, the bartender, a string bean of a guy with gold wire-rimmed glasses, followed Luke’s gaze to where Digby sat nursing a Jack and Coke.  Eddie knew everything that went on in this part of Seattle.  For a little cash once in a while, he kept Luke informed if anything interesting went down.

Luke took a sip of his beer.  “Digby skipped on a DUI.”

“Seems like small potatoes for you.”

Luke was a bounty hunter.  He went after FTAs, failures to appear, guys released on bail that didn’t show up in court.  He got twenty percent of whatever the bondsman had posted for their release and would have to forfeit if the fugitive wasn’t rearrested.  Luke specialized in the toughest and most profitable cases, bail skips whose bond sometimes ran into the millions.

“I need to ask Skinner some questions.”  That was the way it worked.  You went after the small fish to get your hands on the big ones.  “Figure I might as well make a few bucks while I’m at it.”

Luke took a swallow of beer and returned his attention to his quarry.  Digby had been flirting with a petite little brunette no more than five-foot-three in a tight black skirt and low-cut silver top who laughed at his dirty jokes.

Luke was getting irritated.  Skinner, with his bulldog face and beer belly, was no ladies’ man.  Luke wished the woman would just take the free drink he offered and move on.

Instead, she sidled a little closer and leaned down to whisper in his ear, giving him a bird’s eye view down the front of her sparkly top at some very impressive cleavage.  Skinner pulled out a chair, inviting her to join him.

Luke softly cursed.  If the woman was going to hang around, he was going to have to make his move.  He didn’t like putting a woman in the middle of a situation that might go bad, but he needed to talk to Digby.  The lady was giving him no choice.

He set the beer bottle down on the bar and came off the stool.  Luke couldn’t hear what the little brunette said, but Skinner snarled a curse and started up from his chair.

Luke couldn’t believe his eyes when the lady grabbed Digby by the nape of the neck and shoved his head down, slamming him hard onto top of the table.

Skinner groaned and his muscles went limp.  The brunette twisted one of Skinner’s arms up behind back, pulled a pair of handcuffs from the handbag on her shoulder, and shackled his wrist, did the same to the other one.  Looking even more stunned than Luke, Digby swayed, his legs wobbly, as the brunette hauled him to his feet.

Sonofabitch.  Luke turned to Eddie, who stood chuckling behind the bar.  “What the hell just happened?”

“She’s something, ain’t she?  Looks like the lady got to your bail skip first.”

“Who is she?”

“Name’s Cassidy.  She’s a bounty hunter.  Pretty amazing, huh?”

Luke was torn between annoyance and curiosity.  “That’s M. Cassidy?”

“Short for Emma.  The guys call her Em.”

Em Cassidy.  He knew the name, thought it was a man.  He watched the petite brunette–nine inches shorter than Digby’s six foot frame and no more than a hundred ten pounds–haul Skinner out the side door into the parking lot.  Luke reached for his beer, took a last swallow, tossed a little extra cash on the bar, and followed the lady outside.

It took him a minute to spot her beneath a lamp post at the edge of the parking lot.  He sauntered into the shadow of a car in a nearby space, got a real good look at her this time.

Late twenties, petite, but curvy in all the right places, thick dark hair that hung in heavy curls around her shoulders.

A bounty hunter.  That was a laugh.

The smile on his face slipped a little as he watched her handle Skinner.  She had the guy sitting cross-legged on the grass, hands cuffed behind him.  She was pressing him to answer her questions–exactly the same questions Luke wanted to ask.

“There’s a guy you know,” she said.  “His name is Felix Riggs.  He’s your supplier.  I want to know where to find him.”

Felix Riggs.  Same guy Luke was hunting.

Skinner just grunted.  “Yeah, right.  Like I’m gonna tell you anything.  You damned near knocked me out, you bitch.”

Emma lightly cuffed the back of Digby’s head, and Luke bit back a grin.

“You skipped on a drunk-driving charge,” the lady said, “third offense, Skinner.  They’re going to stick your butt in jail for at least a year.  Tell me what I want to know and I’ll let you go.”

She’d let him go?  Luke hadn’t expected that.  Now he was even more intrigued.

Digby sat quietly, considering his options.  “Take off the cuffs, then I’ll tell you what you want to know.”

“Not a chance.”

Digby shook his head.  “If Riggs finds out I told you, he’ll kill me.  He don’t like snitches.”

Frustrated, Emma nibbled her bottom lip.  It was plump and damp, and Luke felt a curl of heat he hadn’t expected.

“You want to walk or go to jail?” she asked, pushing, but not quite hard enough, only willing to go so far.

Luke glanced around.  If Digby didn’t spill in the next few minutes, there was a chance the cops would arrive.  Always somebody there to dial 911.

He stepped out of the shadows and Emma spun toward him, went into a wide-legged, self-defense stance.  He pointed to the bail enforcement badge clipped to his belt and she relaxed.

“I didn’t hear you walk up,” she said.

Luke ignored her, zeroed in on Skinner Digby, crouched down in front of him.  “The lady asked you nice and polite where to find Felix Riggs.  You know who I am?”

Skinner grunted.  “I know who you are.  You’re Brodie.”

“That’s right.  I’m going to ask you the same question just one time.  You don’t answer, you won’t have to worry about dealing with Riggs.  You’ll have to deal with me.”

Skinner swallowed.

“Now…where is Felix Riggs?”

Skinner ran his tongue over his lips.  There was a lump turning purple in the middle of his forehead.  “Riggs is…he’s out of town.  Won’t be back till Monday.”

“Where can I find him?”

Skinner gave a sigh.  “Hangs around The Polo Club.  There’s a bitch he’s got the hots for.”

“What’s her name?”

“Lila Purdue…like the college, you know?”

“Yeah, I do.”  Luke rose to his feet, turned to the lady standing a few feet away.  The moon was out.  She was prettier than he had first thought, with big doe eyes, fine features, and a firm little chin.  He was a boob man and from what he could tell, hers were prime grade A.

“Emma Cassidy,” she said by way of introduction.

“Luke Brodie.”  He glanced down at Skinner, who was grumbling beneath his breath, then looked back at Emma.  “Nice work,” he said.

“Thank you.”

Luke glanced across the parking lot.  “Here comes Skinner’s ride.  I’ll see you around.”  He started walking as a black and white patrol car rolled into the lot.  Interesting lady, he thought, ambling over to his battered old Bronco.  Pretty and feminine with a hot little body.

The very last person who should be running around trying to hunt down criminals.

Luke just shook his head.

He wondered why she was interested in Felix Riggs.  Riggs wasn’t wanted, though he should be since he was a low-life scum.  Maybe he knew something about another bail skip she was hunting.  Luke hoped like hell Emma Cassidy wasn’t going to confront the guy.  He didn’t think she’d come out as unscathed as she had tonight.

None of your business, he told himself as he crossed the lot, slid in behind the wheel of his beat-up old Ford, and fired up the powerful V-8 engine.

The Bronco, the perfect, non-descript surveillance vehicle, had been completely rebuilt.  A powerful Ford Racing Aluminator XS 5.0 liter Coyote Engine–500 plus horses–idled like a predator under the hood.  The Bronco had a Cobra jet intake manifold and fully CNC ported aluminum heads.

Welded restraints had been fitted into the back to hold any prisoners he had to transport to jail.  Luke loved the Bronco.  Like driving a rocket disguised as a paper airplane.

He checked the rearview mirror, saw little Emma Cassidy hauling butt-ugly Skinner Digby over to the patrol car.  Why she would want to be a bounty hunter he couldn’t begin to guess.

He’d never understood women.

Clearly that hadn’t changed.

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January 19, 2017 · 5:00 am

Author Showcase / Interview / Review – Nabila Fairuz (The Chronicles of Captain Shelly Manhar)

Welcome, Nabila!

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  1. For those who might not be familiar with you, would you be a dear and tell the readers a little about yourself? How did you get your start in the writing business?

(Nabila) Ahoy, mateys! I am a Bangladeshi Canadian living in Calgary, AB at present. I published my first novel, The Chronicles of Captain Shelly Manhar, this year in October. I love Anime, video games, and reading. A lot of reading. Not all of it necessarily needs to be books. I hate not knowing what happens at the end of movies. And I am a big fan of lame puns. The lamer, the better. Here’s one: A man walked into a bar, and said, “Ow!”

 

 

  1. All writers fear the dreaded “block”. Please tell us how you handle it.

(Nabila) First of all, I’ll have you known, I don’t handle it well. When writer’s block hit me, I tend to become very lazy. I end up doing everything else except writing. So if you want advice, here’s what I would tell you: don’t be like me. Try some other way. If I had to take a guess, I’d say that even if you are facing writer’s block, still try to write something. It may not be your best work, but it will keep the habit going.

 

 

  1. Contrary to what some people envision about a romance writer’s life, it’s not all glitz and glam. Well not for the majority of us. With that bubble sadly busted, when you’re not writing, how to do you spend your time?

(Nabila) I like to play video games. Or read books. Currently I’m playing Dragon Age: Inquisition, and reading “Siege and Storm” by Leigh Bardugo.

I also like to check up on events happening nearby. Street festivals, Harry Potter themed outdoor markets, new movies, etc.

 

 

  1. I know many writers, such as myself, keep their pastime/career a secret. Do those close to you know you write? If so, what are their thoughts?

(Nabila)  Thankfully, I have a very tight-knit group of family and friends who always wish me well and are very appreciative and proud of my work. I published my first book quite recently, and the love and support I have received from them has been astounding!

 

 

  1. Will you share with us your all time favorite authors? If you’re like me, it’s a long list so give us your top ten.

(Nabila) Um… I am not good at coming up with top tens, but here’s a couple: J. K. Rowling, Rick Riordan, Stieg Larsson, Neil Gaiman, Dan Brown.

Among Bengali writers (i.e. writers from Bangladesh and Calcutta) I love Tagore, Humayun Ahmed, Zafar Iqbal, and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay.

 

 

  1. If you could choose one book to go to the big screen, yours or otherwise, which book would you choose and whom would you love see casted in the parts?

(Nabila) Well, I’ll be a little narcissistic and say that I would choose mine. I think ‘The Chronicles of Captain Shelly Manhar’ would make an excellent movie. It’s about a female pirate captain, and I think movie industries could use more of that.

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  1. Would you care to tell us what you’re working on now? That is if it’s not top-secret information. If so, just whisper it in my ear. I swear it’ll go no further.

(Nabila) It is still in the outlining/planning stage, but I am planning to write another YA fiction with a sixteen year old girl called Celeste as the protagonist. There will be nursery rhymes. That’s all I’m saying.

 

 

  1. Where can we find your stories and is there a particular reading order?

(Nabila) So far, there’s only one book published by me, so no need to worry about reading order. My book is available on Amazon, and in e-book format from Kindle and Kobo.

It is also available in Barnes and Nobles, and the e-book version is available through Chapters and Indigo bookstores in Canada.

I am not 100% sure but I am pretty certain it is also available in UK and Australia.

 

 

  1. Would you please share how your present and future fans can contact you?

(Nabila) Yes! I am available on Facebook and Goodreads under the name Nabila Fairuz. Check out my page on Facebook and send me a message!

I am also available on Twitter and Instagram.

My Twitter handle is @N_FairuzR and Instagram ID is n_fairuzr.

Finally, and most importantly, you can contact me on my blog, My Own Little Corner, at the following address:

http://nabila-fairuz.blogspot.ca

 

  1. Before we conclude this enlightening interview, do you have anything else you’d like to share? The stage is all yours.

(Nabila) Goodbye, my dear friends,

‘Tis the mighty end of the road.

Again, we shall meet.

 

 

~~ Closing remarks ~~

I’ve said this once and I’ll say it probably a 1000 more times but I love interviewing authors. It’s so interesting finding out more about the person behind a story, what or whom inspires him/her and what he/she are working on next. When I read an interview, I find myself adding new books to my reading list based off question 5.

And, like many of you, my TBR is constantly growing and that warms this bookworm’s heart.  With that said, I have ONE MORE BOOK I hope you add to your reading list because it’s a voyage I think you’ll rather enjoy taking.

Enjoy, Mateys! 

 

 

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The youngest of three siblings, Shelly’s childhood tragically ended when her family disappeared under cryptic circumstances. Shelly and her sister embark on an epic journey to find them, only to face more hardship.

Witnessing the death of her only sister’s hardened Shelly more, and she was left with facing the bleak reality of continuing the mission alone. It affected her deeper than she imagined, and fueled her every move. It made her become the pirate captain whose name would eventually be feared everywhere. She gathered a crew and despite all odds always managed to come unscathed from any of her crazy exploits.

Along the way, she bumps into her brother who is now charged with arresting her, reconciles with her father who is hiding his own secrets, and frees her mother from the clutches of a power hungry Admiral of the English Navy. Will the fearless Captain Shelly Manhar manage to evade the hangman’s noose, or be forever lost in Davy Jones’ Locker?

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images-2(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

You can’t have a pirate’s tale without a hunt for lost treasure and what would a hunt be without a map. Shelly and her merry crew go searching for Neptune’s treasure and a magical goblet that grant a user’s request. Of course, the journey to the great booty isn’t easy as a finding an X on a sandy beach. No, they have to face creatures, scoundrels, and traps — some of the magical nature. 

This all sounds like a making of a Disney movie — aka Pirates of the Caribbean. Well mateys, Jack Sparrow didn’t suddenly appear from stage left but he was mentioned in passing. No, the pirates in this tale weren’t lead by a mascara wearing bloke. Instead the crew was led by a woman who wore an eyepatch and was quite the swordsman ….err swords-woman. 🙂

For that alone, I had to give this story high marks. The only reason why I knocked off a full point was due to the interaction between her and her brother. In First Contact, Conrad (Shelly’s brother) flats out states he wrote to her and Anna but they never responded. They argued about it. Then down the road in the chapter titled Family Reunion, they once again argue over it and Shelly appeared perplexed by him stating the same thing again. Why? Did she suffer from short term memory loss and forget he made this claim already. 

Anywho……

Despite that, I had only one other eh moment. I like how the story ended. The epilogue was quite comical but what about the buildup of Roy and Shelly throughout the adventurous tale? They had a moment, he loves her, and then nada. Maybe it’ll be played out in part 2. One can only hope!

Oh and one last thing, nice jaw-dropping, bombshell in Her Father’s Daughter. I do love surprises. It keeps me coming back for more! Others too. 

 

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤❤❤

 

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January 5, 2017 · 5:00 am

Author Showcase – Tracy A. Ball (Kayos: The Bad & the Worse)

RELEASED TODAY!!

kayos-the-bad-and-the-worse-front-cover

Pride & Prejudice do Mission Impossible with Young Guns

LAREINA ELLIOT, guidance counselor for Presque Isle Academy, discovered her idea for making students loyal to the government is being implemented in the Excellence Program to further the war. It has become her life’s work to undermine that effort. When she is arrested for being a Revolutionary sympathizer, her brothers, KAIDEN, FISHER, and SILAS rescue her with help from three of Lareina’s top students; ALEC, ORION, and YUKIYO. On the run but armed with intelligence and more, they seek to learn how she was exposed and by whom.

CHRISTIAN DEVERELL, the agent assigned to Lareina’s case is relentless. She can’t escape him. It doesn’t matter that he and Lareina are on opposite sides of the law, or that their history is dirty. It doesn’t matter that he commissioned her adopted brother, Silas, to assassinate her. The only thing of importance is his love for Lareina and his promise to protect her.

Silas MCKADE, soldier elite, Lareina’s secret weapon. The man who never misses is on the Government’s payroll to do whatever he likes to whomever he chooses. He has a death warrant for Lareina—the woman who means everything to him—and a heart full of hatred for Christian—the man he wants to be. He’s either going to break Lareina’s heart or stop it altogether. 

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sneakpeek

               

             Christian watched Alec skipping down the fire escape; rifle over his shoulder, two-liter drink under his arm. Cocky little punk. He didn’t know Alec personally, but he was certain his description was accurate. It grated him that it wasn’t the cocky little punk he was waiting for. It didn’t matter. This one was obviously extra special to Lareina. Reason enough to kill him. He slid his gun free. “Stop right there you little bastard.”

               Alec did.

               Christian could see the intelligence in those dark eyes. The little shit is debating it. “You move. You die.” Gut instinct prompted him to add, “And Lareina gets to watch.”

               Now, Alec obeyed.

               “Climb down off that last step and put your hands up. You blink in the wrong direction and I will personally hand her the pieces.”

               Alec didn’t answer. He was thinking.

               “Leave him alone, Eugene.”

               Together Christian and Alec watched her approach. This was no place for a lady.

               Only Lareina would stroll down a blind, back alley, toward a loaded weapon, wearing stilettos. Christian couldn’t remember a day when she didn’t look good. He’d never admit it, but he’d been agonizing over her since the hospital. He had been worried. Hell, he missed her. And there she was: green top—too low in the front, dark jeans—as tight as can be, dangly earrings, glossy lips, an arm full of bangles, and those damned sexy-ass stilettos.

               Armed with an air of supreme poise, Lareina came forth. “Get in the car, honey.” She ruffled Alec’s hair but didn’t stop until she stood directly in front of Christian. His gun was less than three inches from her heart.

               Alec hadn’t moved. She hadn’t expected him to, but it was worth a try. No matter. Now, that she was there, he was safe enough. 

               “What are you doing here, Lareina?” Christian lowered his weapon.

               “Getting my child. What’s it look like?” She had the nerve to grin. “How did you find us?”

               He arched an eyebrow at her and cast a speculative glance at Alec, exaggerating the act long enough to make sure she noted it before he let the topic go. “What did you want with Jeri?”

               “Jeri’s a bastard.”

               “No shit, Sherlock. Tell me something I don’t know.”

               “It was news to me. That M-F’er has been stealing my files. He sold me out. It seemed prudent to find out some particulars.”

               “It wasn’t to the government because you’re a criminal?”

               She pursed her lips at him.

                Not the government. Then who? Something started to click, but Christian couldn’t finger it. “You know I’m taking you in, right?”

               “You can’t. Not today anyway.”

               “Why not today?” He could hear them coming.

               So could she. “Because my son can’t drive.”

               “Yes, I can.” If they wanted to pretend this was normal, Alec was cool with it.   Lareina glanced at him, affectionately. “Not legally.”

                He gave an indignant huff. “Because that matters.”

               “Lareina.” Christian didn’t have time for this shit.

               “Christian. I’m getting my child out of here.” There was no mistaking the resolution in her tone. “If you want to shoot me, you’ll have to do it in the back.”

               He leveled her a mean look.

               “Mr. Deverell, sir.” An officer came into view. Two others followed him escorting Jericho Parks.

               “That’s her!” Jericho pointed. “That’s her! She did it. She’s responsible. I want to press full charges! She was behind it all!”

               His outburst made up Christian’s mind. He raised his weapon and unloaded three caps. Like dominoes, the DoP’s went down one after the other. Jericho screamed. He fell to his knees and covered his head. Christian studied Lareina. “Three days.”

               He watched her eyes dart to the left in that telltale manner.

               “I need at least a week.” Urgency caused her voice to rise.

               “You’re only getting three days.” He was in no mood to bend. Three soldiers lay dead. He had compromised enough.

               “Fine. I’ve got to go.”

               One hand extended, gun still pointed toward Jericho, in the event he attempted to run, with his other, Christian grabbed Lareina’s arm, pulling her to him. He put every ounce of his frustration into his kiss. It was either that or break her neck. And he was strongly contemplating the latter.

               Lareina allowed it. She wanted, craved his touch as much as he craved hers. Theirs was a dance with the devil; irresistible and impossible. The tangles had become knots and he only gave her three days. It wasn’t enough. She could hardly wait.

            The kiss ended, but the intensity remained. He sighed, letting the heat recede.

            She whispered, “I have a pretty long to-do list, Christian. Unfortunately, you’re not on it.”

            He licked the corner of her mouth, matching her tone. “I am the list.”

            She pressed her cheek against his lips. “Well, you’re not getting done tonight.”

            “Don’t fool yourself, Lareina,” he said. “I am going to have you.”

            The absolute authority rippling through the huskiness in his voice made her nerves tingle with anticipation. It was a future fact. The next time, they wouldn’t be in the middle of a shootout. There would be no high emotions or weak moments to blame it on. It would be intentional. It would be permanent.

               Summoning strength he didn’t like to utilize, Christian pulled back an inch, tugging on her bottom lip a moment longer. “Don’t stop.” His eyes were serious.

               “Be careful.” Her eyes were worried. 

               With nothing more to say, she turned, moving away as fast as her stilettos would allow. Alec fell into step beside her. They were to the car, backing out and pulling into traffic when they heard a noise. It sounded like a gunshot.

 

Print Purchase Link

 
 

Tracy’s family is blended from three distinct cultures. Over the years, she has opened her home to foster children, drug addicts, AIDS victims and anyone who needed an assist. She has an equal number of liberal and conservative friends. She knows people who have committed murder and she knows people who know the Pope.

Which is why she writes sweet stories about tough love.

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January 3, 2017 · 5:00 am

Review of “From Within the Light” – C. Warner-Thompson

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For hundreds of years, Light and Darkness have fought in a fierce and unrelenting battle.

Now that battle is reaching its final stage, they are calling upon their strongest warriors to search for the Vessel.

Cassie’s quiet life is shattered. Her family are taken from her and she is thrown into a world of chaos.

Why were they taken, what was the reason?

Is there something Cassie is destined to do? Does she have the strength to save them?

Her Guardian Angel has seven days to show her the Light.

Seven days to keep her safe, safe from the demons hunting for her soul.

 

 

Purchase Links: 

Lulu (print)

Smashwords (ebook) 

 

 

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

Good versus evil — Light versus dark — no matter how you phrase it, there’s always a battle of some sort going on – around us and within ourselves. No man or woman is perfect and, it appears, no “angel” is perfect either. It’s an everyday struggle and, at times, the darkness will come ahead but then there’s the glorious days when goodness prevails.

In From Within the Light, the readers will watch the internal and external struggles of the dark and light battles. We shall see causalities, tears shed, and the possibility not everyone is truly gone (cliffhanger).

We also witnessed quite the HUGE REVELATIONS. Hint: One surprise made me think of the popular saying, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Another bombshell had me saying, “Umm, I didn’t see that one coming!” (Chapter 21) 

I will say for those who love non-stop action with hardly any quiet moments, then you’d hit the jackpot. However if you are like me and want a bit more smooth sailing moments to help you drift off in la la land , then you won’t want to read this before bedtime. Seriously, Clemy went from exiting the metaphoric starting gate to Mach 1 quicker than I could make supper. Again, not a terrible thing for those who want a little more bang for their buck.

For you action book junkies, Clemy definitely “brought it” when it comes to the battle scenes with the leaches and The Keepers. They were hardcore where anyone and everyone was thrown into the mix. 

 

CLIFFHANGER! 

 

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤❤❤

 

Purchase Links: 

Lulu (print)

Smashwords (ebook) 

 

 

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I live in the fantasy world just as much as real life these days. I self-published my first book, ‘Purest Light’, when i was 16, which is the first book of my first series, ‘The Sacred prophecies’. The 2nd and 3rd, ‘Darkest Regrets’ and ‘New Beginnings’, were released 2 years later, allowing me to start on a second, more in-depth, fantasy series. ‘The Star’ was released in 2012, with it’s two sequels, ‘The Mirage’ and ‘The Void’, following soon after. I am now writing my newest project which consists of two books. The first being named as ‘From Within the Light’ , which has just been released in October 2016, and ‘Even in the Darkest of Times’ which I have only started recently. I am looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for me 🙂

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October 24, 2016 · 5:00 am

Review of “The Keresa Headdress” – Larry Shackelford

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It’s just a routine case at the FBI’s Salt Lake City offices. The young woman’s boyfriend is missing, possibly dead. Agent Karen Adams thinks he’s probably just out with another woman—but then the Royal Canadian Mounted Police come calling. Why would they care about a wayward addict cheating on his girlfriend in Utah? Soon, Karen is involved in a case like nothing she’s ever seen, navigating through an international criminal network of drugs, sex trafficking, murder, and the black market trade of priceless archaeological relics. Her new partner Marcus “Playboy” McCoy—handsome, charming, and almost unbearably crass—is equal parts help and hindrance as she navigates a seamy underworld in the Utah desert. But she also finds assistance from some unusual sources: a graduate student in archaeology, a dissatisfied sister-wife from a polygamous commune, and an undercover Canadian Mountie. Together they become entangled in the web of international crime and the only way out is to find the most priceless artifact of all: the legendary Keresa Headdress.

 
Kindle Purchase Link

 

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
When a writer constructs a story dealing with historical facts, it’s easy to get caught up in the finer details and suddenly your story takes on the image of a wikipedia page. In this case, Larry didn’t cross the line from entertaining to overly informative. Sure, you could feel the passion and respect Larry Shackelford had for the Native American culture. Through the use of his characters, (Derek and Ruth), we learned much about their history but it wasn’t presented in a stuffy, clinical way. Knowing when to pull back takes talent. Larry, congrats on possessing such talent. 
 
However, as much as I enjoyed the history lessons, I didn’t connect to some characters. 
 
Constable Lee Bergerman’s focus seemed to shift drastically from work to pleasure once he met Ruth. Guess his “other head” did all his thinking for a bit until work/case struck a little bit too close to home. 
 
I didn’t really see the importance of Marcus except for comic relief. But, if we look at all the great detective shows, there’s always one funny guy to help lighten up the tension filled cases so I guess Larry felt his story would’ve benefited from a funny guy too. Actually, it kind of did. 
 
Karen: When I think of an FBI agent, I picture a woman who comes across as a leader, not a follower. Basically, I felt everyone was leading her around by the nose. Her detective skills were also lacking. She should’ve been able to realize sooner that Marcus had been using her phone for personal pranks. Others caught on fast. Maybe go back to FBI training camp?
 
I could discuss my take on the various other characters but I won’t. I will say despite my lack of love for them, they didn’t turn me off from the story. With the historical info, Marcus’ pranks, I found myself enjoying the story. 
 
So would I recommend this story to others? Yes, yes I would. 
 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
 Score: ❤❤❤1/2
 
 

 

 
 
 

Larry was raised in southwest Missouri where he received his college degree, but he received his education after he graduated and began working in a maximum-security federal prison. After spending two years behind bars, he continued his law enforcement career as a criminal investigator, residing and working in eight states and two foreign countries. Larry retired from law enforcement after twenty-five years of service and resides in Salt Lake City with his wife and cat.

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June 30, 2016 · 5:00 am

Review of “Veronica Phoenix” and “Search for the Phoenix” – Jim Proctor

 

Carl Wilkins, a successful man with a thriving business, loses everything and has to start over from scratch. His dogged determination quickly deteriorates when he finds that even his reputation is gone. With barely enough money to buy a cheap bottle of booze, and no prospects for employment, things look bleak until he receives an unusual job offer from a stranger who turns up just as Carl hits rock bottom. The perilous space salvage job is more than just a chance to rebuild his broken life. It is also a chance to strike back at SACOM, the people who ruined him. Carl, the best space salvage operator in the star system, bets his life that he can complete the job. Setting out in the Phoenix, a specially modified space freighter, Carl begins a dangerous mission to find and collect missing cargo pods from the dense asteroid belt. Struggling to remain alive in the belt while avoiding detection by SACOM ships, Carl learns that he may have as much to fear from the people who hired him as he does from SACOM. His chance to rebuild his life turns into a desperate race across the galaxy in hopes of finding a safe haven where no one will ever find him.

 
US LINKS —-> KINDLE OR IN PRINT 
UK LINKS —–> Kindle OR IN PRINT
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
If you enjoy books regarding space travel such as Firefly, then I think you’ve just found your next read. 
Veronica Phoenix will definitely please any bookworm who favors the sci-fi genre. 
There were bots, AI with holographic breasts, battle scenes, crashes, and much more. 
Interested yet?
Yeah, I bet I had you at holographic breasts. 🙂 JK
Speaking of Veronica/Billy (AI), five minutes alone with the AI and I’d be one bald momma due to pulling out all my lovely locks. After reading all their conversations, I can see why Carl found the AI infuriating to speak with. Its favorite word had to be “cannot”. 

After months alone together a ship, I’m surprised he didn’t go batshit crazy. 

Hell, I would’ve been one cranky chick over the food I had to consume. If you call goop in a squeeze tube food. Ok, I can get behind yogurt, applesauce, or pudding in a squeeze pouch but steak and eggs? That’s where I draw the line!! 

Before I wrap this up, I want to touch base on an edit related error. On page 57, in my print copy (supplied to me by Jim), John and Earl die first leaving Vince and Becca knocking on death’s door. Flip to page 59, Becca dies and Earl dies again. A minor editing oversight by Jim and his editor (Cynthia Shepp) but one I felt the need to mention to HIM and to YOU. 

FYI: He said he was going make the necessary changes so by the time you read this review it’ll be changed in the latest print editions and for your e-readers. Only those who’ve already purchased an old copy (prior to March 2016) will be affected with the wrong name usage. 

Besides that one hiccup, every detail seemed on point and, to that, I say good job Jim and Cynthia. 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5
(highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

US LINKS —-> KINDLE OR IN PRINT 

UK LINKS —–> Kindle OR IN PRINT

 
 
 

Fighting to remain one step ahead of SACOM, Nolan Peters and Megan Carson investigate the mysterious disappearance of their friend, Carl Wilkins. During the investigation, Nolan struggles with his growing affection for Megan, while she tries to cope with the recent death of her husband. Will the strain bring them together, or drive them apart?
When the pair uncovers evidence of a treasonous conspiracy that threatens the stability of all human worlds across the galaxy, they reluctantly put their trust in a SACOM investigator and a hard-nosed Army general to root out the conspirators. Will their trust prove to be their undoing… or prevent a galactic-scale military coup?

 

GET YOUR KINDLE OR  PRINT COPY TODAY!! 
 

 

 
Anyone who loves or even likes science fiction books/movies a teeny wee bit will absolutely find pleasure in Search for the Phoenix. It made me long to kick back on the couch, with a huge bowl of popcorn, and binge watch my favorite scifi shows. It also made me wish food synthesizers weren’t only found in the land of make-believe. So inventors, hop to it and contact me to be your guinea pig because I’d happily put this invention to the test. 🙂
 
Besides this wicked cool product idea, I enjoyed the level of conspiracy, double-cross happenings and the chemistry between the various characters. 
 
One of my favorite interactions of the book didn’t happen between humans though. Strangely enough, it occurred between Nolan and the rats. When he shrieked, ran, and smacked his head against a large, water pipe, I laughed because I would’ve reacted the same way. Heck, ain’t no shame in showing fear or running away from a rodent. Those pests are scary! 

 

Now for the conspiracy, double-crossing aspects of the story, which made up a great portion of this creation, I’m going to quote Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith and say, “I love it when a plan comes together.”

 

Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤
 
GET YOUR KINDLE OR  PRINT COPY TODAY!! 
 
 
 
I worked for decades as an engineer and laboratory scientist
while my wife and I raised our four children. I had wanted to write since high
school, and in early 2008 I began writing my first novel, publishing it in July
of 2012. I published my second novel later that same year.
 
In 2013, after realizing neither of my novels was of
publication quality, I unpublished them and spent several months re-evaluating
my priorities. I returned to writing later that year committed to making sure
each new book was as good as I could make it at the time, and determined to
improving my writing skills with each new book published.
 
Having finally found my found my writing voice, Veronica
Phoenix flowed to the page, as did its sequel, Search for the Phoenix. I am currently considering story ideas for my next novel.
 
 
 

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June 26, 2016 · 5:00 am

Author Showcase – G.E. Stills (Contest for “Blood Rage”)

 

Guess what ladies and gents, G.E. Stills is back on my blog with another hot release and a contest. For those who aren’t familiar with Mr. Stills, let me give you a brief overview of this talented author.

Normally zany and often naughty talking, G. E. has a serious and compassionate side if you can find it. He cares deeply for his friends and hasn’t met an animal yet he didn’t like. He is terrified of heights so hasn’t braved the tramway ride in his home town. He lives in the southwest while longing to live by the sea. He often says, “We have the sandy beaches but where is the water?”
 
G.E. Stills heeds the call of the many characters that pop into his mind and demand to have their stories written. Their tales are both serious and humorous. A multi-published author, his stories cover many genres including contemporary romance, paranormal romance and science fiction.
 
Most of his stories have action, adventure, and humor. Some of them are erotic and some are not, but all have romance. His paranormal stories involve witches, demons or vampires. You can find all of his books at his Amazon author page 

 

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Gypsy Shadow’s Homepage
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CHECK THIS OUT!! 
 

Exploring caves by day, then partying and romancing all night with her all male team members, is a dream come true for Mia. After all, what more could a woman ask for than her choice of four handsome, muscular men who all adore her. Things are about to change for her, because an ancient evil awaits the team in the final cave they explore. This evil will rip her world apart.

Kindle Purchase Link
Paperback Link

 

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Their comical
banter ceased. In front of her, Bret climbed to his knees and stood. His feet
moved to the side, out of her view. She joined him and stood. One by one, the
rest of the team entered the chamber and climbed to their feet. Bret removed
one of the glow sticks, activated it, and held it aloft. It provided additional
illumination in the large chamber. Shane played out rope from the coil he
carried, allowing them to spread out while remaining linked. They moved apart,
testing each step before putting full weight on that foot. It wouldn’t be the
first time the floor had caved-in out from under one of them.     
“What the
hell is that?” Efren pointed across the room and all of them approached.
“What is a
wooden door doing down here?” Shane asked.
While Bret held
the glow stick high, Nash knelt in front of the door for closer inspection. A
wooden plank stretched across it, with two metal U-shaped brackets holding it
affixed to the rest of the door. The ends of the plank went through two
additional brackets secured to the rock wall. There were the rotted remains of
ropes that had additionally held the plank in place.
“Easily
removed from this side,” Nash said, “and impossible to open from the
other side.”
“Which leads
me to wonder what was imprisoned on the other side,” Bret mused.
“One way to
find out,” Nash said. With Efren’s help, he lifted the plank from its
brackets. The massive door hinges groaned when Nash pushed it open.
The tunnel beyond
was obviously manmade and large enough to walk through erect. The team
proceeded. After a few yards, the tunnel ended in another chamber, this one
much smaller, room-sized. Three human skeletons lay in one corner.
“Is that what
it looks like?” Efren asked and pointed to the metal box across the room
resting on the floor and against the wall.
The team crossed
the room and Shane knelt beside it. “It looks like a damn coffin.”
The hinges
squealed in protest when Shane pried the lid open. Mia looked down in shock.
Instead of bones, or the half-rotted corpse that she’d expected to see, the
body inside was so life-like she expected him to open his eyes at any moment.
“Damn,”
Nash swore when he cut his hand on a jagged part of the casket. Blood welled up
on his palm and dripped down onto the corpse. Two drops touched its lips. The
man’s eyes snapped open. His irises were grey, circled by red. He blurred into
action so fast her mind couldn’t absorb it. The next thing she knew, she was
flying through the air. At the same time, she heard screams and shouts. She
collided with the rock wall and slid to the floor. She closed her eyes and
passed out.
Mia woke to awful
pain. She opened her eyes, but it was just as black as when they were closed.
She couldn’t move her left arm or right leg, and her head felt like it was on
fire. She reached up with her good hand, and first discovered her helmet was
missing. When she pulled her hand from the back of her head, it came away
sticky.
What happened?
“Bret…Nash…Efren…Shane,”
she called out to each member in turn. “I’m hurt. Hurt bad. I think one of
my arms and legs are broken and I have a bad laceration on the back of my head.
Maybe a concussion.”     
Only silence
greeted her. She listened intently for any sound of breathing, both in the room
and over her earbud.
Nothing.
She felt her tool
belt then groped the floor around her, searching for her spare flashlight.
“Damn,” she said when she was unable to locate it. Her ears perked
when she heard a noise in the dark. “Is that you, Bret?” she asked.
“Anyone? I’m over here.”
The sound grew
louder, like wet bare feet slapping on a tile floor. A strange voice just
inches in front of her face whispered, “I’m here.”
Putrid breath
assailed her nostrils. A hand twined in her hair and snapped her head to the
side. Another hand pressed against her chest, pinning her back against the rock
wall behind her.
 
“Ouch. You’re hurting me. Whoever you are, don’t be so
rough.”
 
 
IT’S PRIZE TIME!! 
 
G. E. Stills and I really hope you enjoyed the excerpt from his latest creation. If you did, we’d love to hear from you. As a thank you for leaving him (us) a comment or question, you’ll be eligible to win a 
 
  

So, my lovely, followers, drop us a line below and put your name in the hat to win some Amazon moolah. 🙂



Contest ends Monday at 11:59 p.m. (central time). 
Winner selected Tuesday and their name will be posted on a comment so make sure and follow the thread. 



Good Luck!! 

 

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