Friday, May 31, 2013

Review: Afterlife Academy by Jaimie Admans

Afterlife Academy
 
Afterlife Academy by Jaimie Admans
Publication Date: March 15th 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal
Pages: 206
Format: Kindle
Source: Author
 
 
~Summary~
 
Even being dead isn’t enough to get you out of maths class.

Dying wasn't on sixteen-year-old Riley Richardson's to-do list. And now, not only is she dead, but she's stuck in a perpetual high school nightmare. Worse still, she's stuck there with the geekiest, most annoying boy in the history of the world, ever.

In a school where the geeks are popular and just about everything is wrong, Riley has become an outcast. She begins a desperate quest to get back home, but her once-perfect life starts to unravel into something not nearly as great as she thought it was. And maybe death isn’t really that bad after all...

Welcome to Afterlife Academy, where horns are the norm, the microwave is more intelligent than the teachers, and the pumpkins have a taste for blood.
 
Purchase
 
 
~My Thoughts~
 
*Was provided with a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
 
In this gray world Riley ends up in, there's a message in every word that is spoken to her. But sadly she is too blind and too hung up on her ex to see it. I really wanted to love this book but the main character kinda got to me a bit. I know if she wasn’t like that then there wouldn't have been a story and the ending message at the end of the book wouldn't have meant anything without the main characters attitude, which is why this got 4 hearts instead of 3 because I understood that.
So shoving Riley's attitude aside, some moments I did get to like her and when she opened her eyes to certain things I was able to enjoy this book. And there was this one moment in the book that involved a prank with pigs she was scheming up to do, that moment made me laugh out loud so hard. It was one of the scenes that stuck with me.
Now for some reason this is a hard review for me. I did enjoy it and I absolutely loved the world Jaimie has created for us but for some reason this sorta fell short for me. I think its cause I enjoyed the secondary characters more than the main gal. Again I didn't have a real connection with her and sometimes I just wanted to slap her silly. So, I don't have much to say about her. Though I'm glad she finally got the message at the end and am very happy that she choose the right path.
Since I absolutely loved the secondary characters let’s talk about them. First, Anthony is an absolute sweetheart and he's able to put up with Riley, good for you dude. Cause after what happened to him he deserved all the happiness he could get. Second, the demon lunch lady with the magical microwave and red shiny horns. She too stands out at this academy so she's there constantly to give Riley the advice she needs. I loved her the most. Now there are more side characters that were great and were there to either help prove Riley wrong or right, no matter they were there for her even though sometimes she didn’t want them to be.
Overall I couldn't get enough of this world. The gray coloring, the background stories to all the characters, the pumpkins there have a taste for blood (love! As I just love Halloween and that just screams it ha-ha), and the hunt for the portal that might be able to send them back to life. If you love ghost then you should add this to your list of reads. The writing is decent and it’s cool to read some of the slang the author uses. Slang that I'm not used to hearing in the states.
 
 
Will disturb your being
 
 
~About The Author~
 
Jaimie Admans
 
Jaimie is a 27-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, drinking tea and watching horror movies. She hates spiders and cheese & onion crisps.

She has been writing for years, but has never before plucked up the courage to tell people. She writes mostly chick-lit and young adult. Kismetology is her first novel and there are plenty more on the way!
 
Author Links:
 
 
 
Sweet Readings Everybody!
 


Thursday, May 30, 2013

{Book Blitz: Guest Post + Giveaways} Surface (Surface #1) by Tiffany Daune



Surface (Surface #1)
 
Surface (Surface #1) by Tiffany Daune
Publication Date: February 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal
 
 
~Summary~
 
Bound to the water bound to land, a Siren’s soul will never be safe on either side of the ocean’s surface. Hidden beneath the rolling waves lies the secret to Theia’s past and as she unveils each haunting truth, she realizes the last seventeen years of her life have been a lie.
 
Now, drawn into a mysterious new world and with nowhere to turn, Theia must place her trust in Luc, a beautiful boy who stops her heart with each dazzling smile, but even his unearthly charm can’t hide the truth—he has secrets— dark secrets binding him to his world—an underwater world where Theia will never belong—a world determined to destroy her soul.
 
 
~Purchase~
 
 
 

 
 
~Guest Post~
 
"Casting Call: Who are three actors you'd love to see audition for the role of Luc if Surface ever made it to the big screen and why would you choose them?"
 
Lucas Till – Lucas has a quiet confidence to him…and that smile. Luc has the same dazzling grin.
 
Chris Zylka – Chris can pull off so many looks from dangerous bad boy to the guy next door. Plus have you seen him…need I say more?  
 
Alexander Ludwig -Baby blues that will rock your world. I think we will be seeing a lot more of him on the big screen. Hmm…perhaps in a movie with lots of water.
 
~About The Auther~
 
 
Tiffany Daune doesn't get why people want to grow up or why anyone would ever stop eating candy. Her purse is filled with books, lip gloss and a few pieces of Lego bricks. She writes best with a dish of chocolate chips on hand and finds licorice makes a better straw than plastic.

She lives on an island and believes mermaids may be raiding her candy stash, thoughshe hasn't caught them, yet.

Surface is her first novel and pairs well with gummy sharks.

Author Links:
 
 
~Giveaways~
 
Good Luck All!
 
Thanks for stopping by!
 

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Review: The Phantom and the Psychic by Sophia Jones

The Phantom and the Psychic
 
The Phantom and the Psychic by Sophia Jones
Publication Date: January 24th 2013
Genre: Adult Paranormal Erotic
Pages: 28
Format: Kindle
Source: Free from Amazon (0.99 now)
 
 
~Summary~
 
A paranormal erotic short story

Psychic Alyssa DeAngelo travels to a castle-turned-resort in the Italian countryside to assist its owner with his ghostly problem. There, she encounters Dominicus Romano, a tormented soul who has dwelt within the castle walls for six centuries. Can she help him find peace?
 
 
~My Thoughts~
 
Okay I have to make a confession. I didn't dive right into this one right away even though I was dying to after I read Sophia's other title, The Pharaoh and The Curator (click the title for my review). I think a part of me was afraid to cause I was afraid that it wouldn't be as great as The Pharaoh and The Curator. Yeah, shame on me. It was just as freaking amazing as the other one!
Though this one wasn't about lost true lovers and it didn’t have that same passion, it was just as beautiful and it was nice to watch as these two's love grew for one other within every word Sophia wrote. God Sophia, please tell me you've got more stories up your sleeve because I am dying for more from you.
Her writing is just so captivating and the worlds she creates is just so hypnotizing you'll never want to leave them to go back to your own reality, trust me. In this world she has created a grumpy ghost that has been haunting this castle for 600 years and he has seen this act of a psychic proclaiming she can sense ghost many times before. All those other times were fakes and just looking to con some money out of the old man that owns the castle as a resort. However this time it’s for real and boy is it funny when Dominic sees the truth unfold.
He is quite rude to Alyssa, the psychic, and here are a few words from him. "I'll give you deep and long. How 'bout my hard cock pounding into you, punishing you for being a wicked woman who takes advantage of helpless old men?" Charming, isn't he?
Well, he really is in the end and this sure brings a fire to Alyssa's nether lands along with his ghostly touch. Boy ladies, this is one steamy story and I recommend reading it right before you go to bed, especially if you have a handsome lad laying right next to you ;). Trust me, you'll be wanting him the moment you finish this short from Sophia.
Overall, I hope this review has done justice to this short story. I was afraid of writing it after writing the high praises I wrote for, The Pharaoh and The Curator, haha. Anyways, this is a to die for read of any paranormal erotic lovers out there. Again if you want a strong story with one hot passionate scene then this is your read. But if all you care about is the number of sex scenes, well then, please look away.
 
 
It will take possession over you
 
Sweet readings Everybody!
 

Monday, May 27, 2013

{Cover Reveal} The Cindy Chronicles by RaShelle Workman

 
The Cindy Chronicles: Books 1-6 by RaShelle Workman
Genre: YA Paranormal
 
 
~Summary~
 
Life sucks.
Possessing magic sucks.
What doesn’t suck? Fashion, Cindy's boyfriend Gabe, and her best friend, Snow White.

Cindy (Cinderella…shhh, don’t tell) was born a witch. It’s part of who she is. But there’s more to her than that. She loves deeply. And has a big heart. She’d do anything for those she cares about, including risk her own life to save theirs.

When her fairy godmother demands she leave Salem, Massachusetts and return to the land she was born to rule, she has two options. Tell her fairy godmother no, and seal a death sentence on complete strangers. Or, leave all she’s ever known behind, including the love of her life, for an unknown land she’s fated to save.

So, yeah, life sucks.
But Cindy is determined to change that.
 
 
~About The Author~
 
 
RASHELLE WORKMAN lives on a mountain with her husband, three children, and three dogs. From her back porch she can see the city lights and imagine... She's the bestselling author of the Dead Roses series (Sleeping Roses is being translated into Turkish, and will be available in print wherever Turkish books are sold in 2014), the Immortal Essence series, and the Blood and Snow series.

Author Links:
 

Thanks for stopping by!
 


Sunday, May 26, 2013

Review: My Ex From Hell (The Blooming Goddess Trilogy #1) by Tellulah Darling

My Ex From Hell (The Blooming Goddess Trilogy, #1)
 
My Ex From Hell (The Blooming Goddess Trilogy #1) by Tellulah Darling
Publication Date: April 1st 2013
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 212
Format: Kindle
Source: NetGalley
 
 
~Summary~
 
Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she’d been taught the following:

a) Bad boy’s presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl’s brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.)
b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.

Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, bitchy yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behaviour. Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world.

Literally.

This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie’s true identity; Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She’s key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed.

Plus there’s also the little issue that Sophie’s last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.

Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone’s would be assasin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe…

…and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.

My Ex From Hell is a romantic comedy/Greek mythology smackdown. Romeo and Juliet had it easy.
 
 
~My Thoughts~
 
Was provided with an advance ebook copy from Te Da Media and NetGalley for an honest review
 
This was a fun retelling of Persephone. It really was but something for me was holding it back from truly being a great retelling. I think cause I feel like there wasn’t much description to it. It was more tell than show and it bugged me. It was why I couldn't fully connect myself to the story. One minute something was going on here and the next we were shot into some other kind of activity. Because of this feeling in the writing I would have to reread a lot of parts to understand and see the transactions of scenes.
Now just one other thing bugged me and it was Kai, Hades son and Persephone's lover. He was portrayed as a bad guy and yeah, he was at the end. However when you say "Finally" after finding your lost true love you'd think he would act on it. Like if you, after all this time finally found your true love wouldn't you be jumping their bones like crazy. Okay, I understand why he didn’t because Sophie didn’t have all of Persephone's memories, they hadn’t fully returned to her yet. But does that give you permission to flirt with any girl with a pulse. No, it doesn’t. Instead you should be taking the time to figure out how to bring her memories back faster that way you could "finally" have your true love. So yeah, this boy irked me to the t and ooh, I just so wanted to slap him hard across the face. One word for him....Pig. But I get it, the author wanted him to be showed case as a bad guy and she did absolutely well on it.
Okay, so beside those two factors it was an enjoyable. Wished it was a bit smoother but what can I do. Oh, I'm doing it haha. I absolutely adored Hannah. Her and her nerdy facts on animals and all creatures that had a deathly touch to them. Girl knows how to make a threat. Would so want her to be by my side always and always would want to be on her good side haha. Sadly Hannah wasn’t the main girl (not saying Sophie wasn’t great but Hannah had an attitude and spunk like no other) but the main girl, Sophie, yeah she did have some spunk to her too.
She's one that will stand up against the bully and I love it! And she does it in style not the typically way by throwing food on her enemy. I'm talking laxatives and being locked into the bathroom stall that way her enemy can't go off campus and meet up with a certain hottie. Style people, that's what makes me interested.
Anyways, this is where the main plot kicks in. Enter Kai and the most powerful kiss and this will give you an action pack story to tell your grandkids haha. I truly did enjoy this read. It was nonstop action and adventure for this fun cast of characters. But because of my first problem I talked about above sometimes it felt like it was dragging even though it was constant action *shrugs*. All I can say is, if you love greek myth then pick up this book. If you love adventure, seers, dragons, magic, bullies that get put in their place, and a nice trip to the underworld then go for. Just take my forwarnings please.
 
Will disturb your being
 
 
~Aboout The Author~
 
Tellulah Darling
 
Tellulah Darling
noun

1. YA Novelist
2. Alter ego of former screenwriter and instructor
3. Sassy minx

Geeks out over: cool tech.
Squees for: great storytelling.
Delights in: fabulous conversation.
Writes about: where love meets comedy. Awkwardness ensues
 
Author Links:
 
 
 
Sweet Readings!
 
 
 
2 Birds, 1 Stone
 
YA Reading 2013 Challenge
Paranormal Reading 2013 Challenge

Friday, May 24, 2013

{Book Blitz: Interview + Giveaway} In Darkness We Must Abide: The Complete First Season by Rhiannon Frater

 
 
 
In Darkness We Must Abide: The Complete First Season by Rhiannon Frater
Publication Date: May 24th 2013
Genre: NA Modern Gothic Horror
 
 
~Summary~
 
In Darkness We Must Abide is the epic saga of one young woman caught in the dangerous world of the creatures of the night.

Already living in the shadows due to her albinism, Vanora is just a little girl when her older brother inadvertently unleashes a terrible evil from the family crypt that changes their lives forever.

As she grows up in a world where beautiful deadly beings hunt by night, one captures her eye and her heart. Yet, can she trust the mysterious Armando? For there is a powerful entity plotting to claim her when she reaches adulthood in order to fulfill an ancient prophecy, and her enemy has enveloped her in a web of deceit, casting doubt on all she believes to be true. Soon, she will have to fight not only to save those she loves, but also for her very soul.

Rhiannon Frater delivers a chilling adventure once again with this multi-part epic serial with a dynamic cast, old school vampires, bloody action, a smoldering forbidden love, and a terrifying villain set against the backdrop of a modern day vampire war.

This paperback includes all five episodes of the first season of the serial.
 
 
~About The Author~
 
 
Rhiannon Frater is the award-winning author of over a dozen books, including the As the World Dies zombie trilogy (Tor) , as well as independent works such as The Last Bastion of the Living (declared the #1 Zombie Release of 2012 by Explorations Fantasy Blog and the #1 Zombie Novel of the Decade by B&N Book Blog),and other horror novels. Her next novel for Tor, Dead Spots, will be published in 2014. She was born and raised a Texan and presently lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and furry children (a.k.a pets). She loves scary movies, sci-fi and horror shows, playing video games, cooking, dying her hair weird colors, and shopping for Betsey Johnson purses and shoes.

You can find her online at:
Website: rhiannonfrater.com & astheworlddies.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/astheworlddies
Twitter: twitter.com/rhiannonfrater
Blog: rhianonfrater.blogspot.com
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/rhiannonfrater/
Email: rhiannonfrater at gmail.com

 
~Interview~
 

Q: In Darkness We Must Abide is a supernatural serial. What exactly does that mean? What is a serial?
A: It means I’m crazy and just had to put more on my writing plate! Okay, in all honesty, In Darkness We Must Abide is sort of like a television show I’m writing for your brain. A serial used to be a very popular form of literature. It was an ongoing episodic form of storytelling much like popular television shows today. Each part builds on the one before it, creating a very rich story for the readers to enjoy. Serials followed pretty regular schedules for their installments (weekly, biweekly, monthly).
Q: So what genre is In Darkness We Must Abide?
A: In Darkness We Must Abide is gothic horror set in modern times. It has all the classic gothic horror trappings like a big, gloomy mansion, the deep dark secrets, the tormented lovers, and terrifying monsters. It’s an epic tale about a young woman who is caught up in the supernatural world of vampires, werewolves, witches, and ancient prophecies. 
Q: This story is a bit different from most of your books though, right?
A: Though it’s still a character-driven tale of horror, and has some truly scary moments, at its heart it is a very tragic sort of love affair between two people who are drawn to each other even though their worlds are tearing them apart. Upon reflection, I can definitely see how my love of Jane Eyre and other gothic romances influenced the central relationship. Armando and Vanora are wounded people that you want desperately to somehow be together, but you’re just not sure if/when/how it might happen.
Q: We only see bits of Armando in the prologues of the first two episodes before he appears as a central figure in episode three. He instantly became very popular in the first season. Why do you think that is?
A: Well, he’s delicious! LOL. Armando is not only very handsome and charming, he’s very complicated. He’s a man of many secrets and conflicting emotions. Though he’s an older vampire (400 years old), he’s eternally 22 years old and has a youthful spark to him. He’s a bit sarcastic, naughty, and playful despite the fact that he’s not all that he seems to be. Armando doesn’t come across as cruel, so I think that adds to his appeal. Yet at the same time, he’s dangerous in that he can totally break Vanora’s heart and possibly betray her to his Master.
Q: Tell us a bit about Vanora, the heroine of the story.
A: Well, we start our journey with her when she’s ten years old and her life is altered forever when her brother has his ancestors from Romania transferred to the mausoleum on their estate in Houston, Texas. Immediately, a chain of events starts that sends her plunging into a very dark world. That being said, not all is bleak, because she has a much older brother and sister who take care of her and love her. They’re a very strong family unit. As season one continues, we see Vanora grow up to be a charming seventeen-year-old on the verge of her adulthood. Of course, that’s about the time when things between her and Armando start to significantly change.
Q: Vanora is an albino. How does that affect her life?
A: Vanora’s albinism affects her life quite a bit. She can’t be out in direct sunlight, she’s legally blind (though her sixth sense powers allow her to “see”), her appearance draws unwanted comments and negative attention, and isolates her a bit from others as she’s growing up. That being said, the difficulties she has to overcome make her a formidable person. She doesn’t feel sorry for herself, though she may not be entirely confident at times.
Q: We finally got a good look at the villain at the end of episode 5, the first season finale. He’s an albino, too, and quite imposing. Will he take on a bigger role in Season 2?
A: Armando’s Master is definitely the villain of the story. In Season 2 we learn a whole lot about him and what exactly he’s up to. We also learn why he’s so fixated on Vanora and why he sent Armando to watch over her. That Vanora and the villain are both albinos is significant.
Q: What can we expect in Season 2 that starts June 7, 2013?
A: Well, the intensity of Episode 5, the season finale, is amplified. It becomes very, very intense and all the characters are in considerable danger. Of course, Armando and Vanora continue to be at the center of the storm. By the end of Season 2 the readers will definitely know where Armando stands and exactly what Vanora must battle against.
 
~Giveaway~
 
Thanks for stopping by!
 

Review: Telepaths and Traitors

Telepaths and Traitors (Phoenix Chronicles, #1) by K.J. Blaine
Publication Date: October 28, 2012
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 246



Summary

The year is 2042 and mankind has colonized the solar system. The International Space Alliance emerges in response to the lawlessness teeming in the new frontier. The ISA's most advanced ship, the Phoenix, has a mission of both peacekeeping and scientific research. Can her crew withstand the threat of mind control and betrayal from within?

A dirty admiral orders an antique B-29 to crash with Captain Jason Armstrong and two of the Phoenix crew aboard, but they parachute out in the nick of time. Lost at sea with the Phoenix days away, and aware they're targeted for assassination, who can they trust to rescue them?
 
 
 
I'll be honest. I liked this book more right after I finished it. The more time that passes, and the more I think about it, I realize it is not as good as I first thought.
 
 
The book start out slow. The first ten chapters (out of 56) felt like a completely different book. Yes, things do happen that connect to the rest of the book, but most of it doesn't. It would've better if it didn't take as long to explain or if it was just mentioned like they did a few other things. The rest of the plot was pretty good, though a little confusing. It felt like she was trying to add a lot of details and characters, but instead it just made cluttered. Though, I was hooked. I wanted to know what happened to Steve and Tim.
 
 
There are a lot of characters. Some, I will admit, I don't remember well. The main characters, though, were interesting and relatable. I loved Tim and Steve. I wish Bravo was in it more, but than again, I love monkeys.
 
 
All in all, it was good, but not great. It had it's moments, but felt cluttered and confusing. It has potential but doesn't quite reach it. I am not fully sold on reading the next one. If you like science fiction, then this one might be for you. I got a feeling you might like it more I do.
 
 



 

{Cover Reveal} Becoming a Legend (The Blue Eyes Trilogy #2) by B. Kristin McMichael

 
Becoming a Legend (The Blue Eyes Trilogy #2) by B. Kristin McMichael
Publication Date: June 6th, 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
 
 
~Summary~
 
Arianna Grace is about to turn seventeen and her life has been very complicated lately. She is the leader of four clans of night humans: dearg-dul, baku, tengu, and lycan. While the four clans seem to get along better with each other, there is internal conflict on both sides of her family, not to mention the three boys vying for her attention.

Edward Lucan is making a chase for the power to lead the baku clans and is playing his cards by using his nephew Andrew to lure Arianna into a trap. Unfortunately for Lucan, Andrew has his own plans. He has spent the last year waiting for Arianna to see him as more than a friend, and he now finds it necessary to make a move for her affection, despite his uncle.

In the dearg-dul estate, Arianna discovers that the ambitious Lord Seeger has been laying his own strategies for power and is slowly poisoning her. After getting away with her grandfather's murder, he is setting his sights on her. Luckily for Arianna, her team is on to all of the plans and is making some plans of their own. Will it be enough to keep Arianna safe? Several people close to Arianna have been keeping secrets. If Arianna is to take power and control of the night, she will need to know the truth. Will someone finally tell her what it truly means to become the legend everyone is waiting for, before it is too late to turn back?
 
 
~Sequel To~
 
 
 
~About The Author~
 
B. Kristin McMichael
 
Originally from Wisconsin, B. Kristin currently resides in Ohio with her husband, two small children, and three cats. When not doing the mom thing of chasing kids, baking cookies, and playing outside, she is using her PhD in Biology working as a scientist. In her free time she is hard at work on multiple novels; as each day passes, she has more ideas for both current and future novels.

Author Links:
 
 
I absolutely just love it, both of the covers and it really brings out...I don't know, screams powerful and yeah, I kick ass to that girl haha.
 
Thanks for stopping by!
 



Thursday, May 23, 2013

{Cover Reveal} Ruby's Fire by Catherine Stine

 
Ruby's Fire by Catherine Stine
Publication Date: June 26, 2013
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
 
 
~Summary~
 
If everything about you changes, what remains?

Seventeen year-old Ruby, long-pledged to the much older Stiles from the Fireseed desert cult, escapes with only a change of clothes, a pouch of Oblivion Powder and her mute little brother, Thorn. Arriving at The Greening, a boarding school for orphaned teens, she can finally stop running. Or can she? The Greening is not what it seems. Students are rampaging out of control and as she cares for the secret Fireseed crop, she experiences frightening physical changes. She’s ashamed of her attraction to burly, hard-talking Blane, the resident bodyguard, and wonders why she can’t be happy with the gentler Armonk. She’s long considered her great beauty a liability, a thing she’s misused in order to survive. And how is she to stop her dependence on Oblivion to find a real beauty within, using her talent as a maker of salves, when she has nightmares of Stiles without it?

When George Axiom, wealthy mogul of Vegas-by-the-Sea offers a huge cash prize for the winner of a student contest, Ruby is hopeful she might collect the prize to rescue her family and friends from what she now knows is a dangerous cult. But when Stiles comes to reclaim her, and Thorn sickens after creating the most astonishing contest project of all, the world Ruby knows is changed forever. This romantic fantasy set in 2099 on earth has a crafty heroine in Ruby, and a swoonworthy cast, which will surely appeal to the YA and new adult audience.
 
 



~About The Author~
 
 
 
Catherine Stine writes YA, New Adult and middle grade fiction. Her YA futuristic thriller, Fireseed One, illustrated by the author was granted a Bronze Wishing Shelf Book Award and an Indie Reader Approved notable stamp. Her YA Refugees, earned a New York Public Library Best Book. Middle grade novels include A Girl’s Best Friend. More and more, she’s enjoying writing speculative tales. She teaches literature at the School of Visual Arts and creative writing at the Philadelphia Writing Conference and in her own ongoing NYC writing workshop. Catherine earned a double focus MFA in Creative Writing at the New School.
Visit her at www.catherinestine.blogspot.com and at www.catherinestine.com.

Author Links:
 
 
 
Thanks for stopping by!
 
 


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Review: The Pharaoh and the Curator by Sophia Jones

The Pharaoh and the Curator
 
The Pharaoh and the Curator by Sophia Jones
Publication Date: April 25th 2013
Genre: Adult Erotic
Pages: 30
Format: Kindle
Source: Free from Amazon
 
 
~Summary~
 
A paranormal erotic short story

Unlucky in love museum curator Michelle Beaumont finds herself in Egypt where she contributes to god Amon Ra's resurrection. His burning heat soon has her throwing caution to the desert winds, but a lurking danger threatens both of their souls.
 
 
~My Thoughts~
 
So I was downloading books I had on my kindle onto the laptop and you know how after it's downloaded it pops up to the first page. Well, when you see a line like this "It really is just a giant penis, isn't it?" for the first sentence you tend to get a bit curious.
After reading that line I didn’t dive right into it (knowing there was a sex scene in it I really didn't want to read it in my living room with my family sitting out there too haha) so I did a bit of research by going to good ole' Goodreads. I reread the summary and this got me more interested. So with that line, the summary, and the steamy cover I decide to just go for it. Lately I've been feeling like I have been in a slump so I said whatever to that slump, I mean it’s a short story, maybe it can help.
And you guys, it totally helped out my slump. I was hooked from the beginning and I so didn’t want to put down my tablet. But since I started it right before I had to take my sibs to their dentist I had to. I was so sadden. I was in the action and I was dying to know what was going to happen next. But I had to restrain myself cause there was no way I would read this in public, especially with my sibs sitting right next to me in the waiting room that short period of time. So you ladies who are comfortable with reading erotic stories out there in public, you guys are so brave and can be looked at as hero’s for having the courage to do that.
Anyways, so I read a review and they said that this isn't a real erotic so I took the time to look up what it means. I know what it means but I wanted to see what the true meaning they have for it in the dictionary. "Of concerning, or arousing sexual desire or giving sexual pleasure" and it just did that.
Look, I don't read much erotic so if I offend you in any way I'm sorry but these are just my opinions. Erotic stories don't need a certain amount of sex scenes to make it an erotic. It just really needs one passionate one that'll make you melt. So if you're looking for a book that's all about the sex and not the story, then look away. But if you want one hot scene that flows within the storyline, then pick this short story up.
This story is written beautifully with a deep passion in the words. It'll consume you and you won't want it to ever end. Yes, at some moments it might feel fast but it’s a short story. But even then it was able to tell a story, a great story. We were able to see and learn about these characters. We were able to fall for them and when that passion finally got to come forth, it was just the cherry on top for me. So thank you Sophia, for writing that first sentence cause without I wouldn't have been able to fall into this magical world so soon.
 
It will take possession over you
 
 
~Dying To Read~
 
The Phantom and the Psychic
 
 
 
~About The Author~
 
Sophia Jones
 
I live in the Arizona desert with my husband and an assortment of other furry critters. I am a voracious reader of many genres, though most often it's a romance novel in my hand. Coffee addict. Dog lover. Yoga noob. Fledgling paranormal romance author. Please stop by and say hello.
 
Author Links:
 
 
 
Sweet Readings Everybody!
 


{Book Blitz: Interview + Excerpt + Giveaway} The Girl Guide by Christine Fonseca

 
 
The Girl Guide: Finding Your Place in a Mixed-Up World
 
The Girl Guide: Finding Your Place in a Mixed-Up World by Christine Fonseca
Publication Date: May 1st 2013
Genre: Nonfiction
Pages: 228
 
 
~Summary~
 
Finding your unique voice in a noisy world can be hard—very hard. But not if you have a great guide! The Girl Guide: Finding Your Place in a Mixed-Up World is a must-read for girls in grades 6–8 as they enter the tumultuous world of adolescence. Packed with fun worksheets and quizzes, as well as stories from older girls and women, The Girl Guide covers everything a teenage girl needs to know on the journey toward her own identity. Proven strategies for dealing with stress management, confronting relational aggression, being safe online, navigating the changing mother-daughter relationship, and more make this the ultimate guide for any girl to get through the teen years and discover her unique point of view in the world.
 
~Reviews~
 
"The Girl Guide is a game-changer and should be in every girl's backpack." ~ Ali Cross, author of the Desolation series

"The perfect remedy for a world obsessed with airbrushed perfection. A must read for every girl who has ever wondered what it means to be strong. Girls who can find beauty and strength within should be--and can be--the new normal, and The Girls' Guide is there to show the way." ~ Danyelle Leafty, author of The Fairy Godmother Dilemma series



"It's easy to understand, professional and relevant without being preachy, and really delves into the situations and emotions that girls out there are experiencing...I highly recommend this book."~ Michelle McLean, author of Homework Helpers: Essays and Term Papers (Career Press 2011) and To Trust a Thief (Entangled Scandalous 2013)

"It's like an older sister and a mom rolled into one helpful book, all with the intent of helping me discover the best "me" there is. Definitely something I'd recommend to girls who are feeling lost...or just overwhelmed"~ Shayna, High School Junior

"The Girl Guide is an easy-to-read, profound book that allows teenagers to understand it's the world that is different, not the teenager. I'm picky about the type of books that I introduce to my kids and I must say, this is one of the superior ones." - A Reader's Refuge

"For those parents, librarians, teachers and counselors who have teens that are struggling to find their own identity, or even that enjoy getting to know themselves better. Definitely a delicious pick!!" - Novel Nutritious
Availability:
 
 
 
 
 
 
And Other Fine Retailers
~About The Author~
Christine Fonseca
Critically acclaimed nonfiction and YA author Christine Fonseca is dedicated to helping children of all ages find their voice in the world. Drawing on her expertise as an educational psychologist, her nonfiction titles address issues of emotional intensity, resiliency and giftedness. In fiction, she explores the darker aspects of humanity and delivers gothic thrillers that take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. In life, she teaches her own children to embrace their unique talents and find their voice by being a force of positive change in the world.
When she’s not writing or developing programs to support children with exceptional needs, she can be found spending time with her family, sipping too many skinny vanilla lattes at her favorite coffee house or playing around on Facebook and Twitter. For more information about Christine Fonseca or her books, visit her website – http://christinefonseca.com or her blog http://christinefonseca.blogspot.com.
Author Links:
Website/Blog – http://christinefonseca.com
Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/authorchristine             
 
Additional Titles by the author include:
Nonfiction:
  • Quiet Kids (Coming in October 2013, from Prufrock Press)
  • Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students
  • 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids
 Fiction:
  • The Requiem Series: Lacrimosa, Libera Me and Dominus (coming Summer 2013)
  • Transcend
  • Short Stories: Dies Irae, Mea Culpa, Enigma
~Interview~
1) What inspired you to write a book to help young girls find their individuality?
My first and primary focus has been my girls. I want to do anything I can to help them embrace their unique nature and grow up to be strong, vibrant women. Additionally, I have the opportunity to work with young girls every day in my role as a school psychologist. More and more I see girls struggling with identity, resiliency, and authenticity. I wanted to do something to change that. The Girl Guide is a result of that effort.
 
 2) Is it challenging writing advice books like this? Do you think girls will take the advice?
Yes, it is challenging and boy, I HOPE they are interested in the advice! I know that every quiz, worksheet, tip sheet and activity has been tested on the children I work with. I can also tell you that I conducted many focus group online and in person as I researched the book, so I am confident in the strategies presented.
 
3) How long did it take to complete The Girl Guide?
The research took a few months, and the writing took about a month or so. This book was hard for me. I was going through a lot in my day job, and my writing time was suffering. I am sure I drove my friends and family a bit crazy as I tried to get this book written!
 
 4) Do you believe that you've found you're unique voice in this noisy world?
Some days, yes. I know that I am a unique person and definitely march to my own drummer. As the years pass, I have grown very comfortable with who I am and what my interests are. But, like anything, remaining in touch with the authentic part of our nature requires work.
 
5) What project are you working on now?
I am finishing up a new parenting book titled Quiet Kids that I am THRILLED about. After that I will be finishing Dominus, book #3 and the final installment in the Requiem Series. Then...who knows! I have some special things in the works, but nothing I can talk too much about right now.
~Excerpt Link~

~Giveaway~

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