Wednesday, November 27, 2013

LISA'S REVIEW: Settle Blood (Mari Hannah) DCI Kate Daniels #2




Title: Settled Blood

Author: Mari Hannah

Series: DCI Kate Daniels

Format: ARC

Source: Witness impulse

ISBN13: 9780062323514

Published November 19th 2013 by Witness Impulse

Summary:

A gripping thriller for fans of Tess Gerritsen and Lisa Gardner.

When a young girl is found dead at the base of Hadrian's Wall in Northern England, it's not long before detective Kate Daniels realizes her death was no ordinary homicide. She was thrown from a great height and was probably alive when she hit the ground.

Then a local businessman reports his daughter missing. Her description fits the dead girl exactly. Has Daniels found the identity of her victim—or is a killer playing a sickening game?

As the investigative team delves deeper into the case, half-truths are told, secrets exposed. And while Daniels makes her way through a mountain of obstacles, time is running out for one terrified girl.




About the Author:




born
Westminster, The United Kingdom    
website



twitter username mariwriter       


About this author

When an injury on duty ended my career as Probation Officer, I began writing. I am the author of the Kate Daniels series published by Pan Macmillan. My debut, The Murder Wall, was written as a TV pilot for a BBC Drama Development Scheme - before the adaption. The novel has recently been nominated for the Polari First Book Prize. Before becoming an author, I fell in love with scriptwriting and submitted speculative original dramas to the BBC Writersroom. I've also written a romantic comedy feature film that I hope will find a producer one day. In 2010, I won the Northern Writers' Award for my second novel, Settled Blood. I'm represented by AM Heath literary agent, Oli Munson, and live in Northumberland with my partner, a former murder detective.
 

(Image and information courtesy of 
Goodreads; Summary lifted from actual book)

Review:

Another case in the life of DCI Kate Daniels. This book was full of twist and turns leaving you with no clue who killed poor Amy and kidnapped Jessica. All the great characters from the first book, but a few new to go along with the new case.

I hated that things with Jo sill are not worked out and that Bright and Kate's relationship is so rocky in this book. I hope to see more of Cole in upcoming books and cant wait to read about Kate and Hanks next case!

These are long books with lots of description but well worth the read. One of my favorite crime series right now. It has humor and mystery and on edge moments leaving you turning pages begging to know what's happening next. Kate is an amazing strong character I love reading about.


Rating:

 
 
 



check it out on these sites
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

 

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

LEANN'S REVIEW: The Weight Of Words (Georgina Guthrie) Weight of Words #1



Title:   The Weight of Words (Weight of Words #1)

Author:  Georgina Guthrie

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group: New Adult

Publication Date:  November 26, 2013

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Cover by: Micha Stone and Amy Brokaw

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

 

Synopsis

 

Aubrey Price is in the final months of her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto.  Bright, witty and fiercely independent, Aubrey works part-time for the college Dean and has her sights set on graduating with distinction.  When she meets Dean Grant’s son, Daniel, the TA in her senior Shakespearean studies course, a shared love of the Bard’s works and an instant mutual attraction draw Aubrey and Daniel together.  Unfortunately, a strict anti-fraternizing policy, made more perilous by a black mark on Daniel’s record, keeps them apart.

 

Against this academic backdrop, Aubrey and Daniel navigate their way through a steamy courtship, their forbidden romance aided, abetted and sometimes thwarted by a colorful cast of friends, family and classmates.

 




Add to Goodreads

 

Purchase Links


 




About the Author
 
Georgina Guthrie has been a self-professed book hugger for as long as she can remember. An avid reader and compulsive diarist, she is thrilled to be taking the leap into the world of publishing. GG resides in Toronto, Canada, but she still considers herself a Brit through and through and can often be found roaming the aisles of her favourite British import shop.
 
A graduate of the University of Toronto where she studied English literature, GG is happy to fill her hours reading and writing, but she’s just as likely to be found enjoying a good film with her husband, dancing around the kitchen with her daughter, or hanging out with friends and family, almost certainly with a glass of red wine in one hand a bag of cheese and onion crisps in the other.
 

Connect with the Author:  FacebookWebsite |  Twitter |  Goodreads

 

 

Tour-Wide Giveaway 

 




 

Tour Schedule (link to the tour banner)

 
http://literatiauthorservices.com/2013/08/25/blog-tour-weight-of-words-by-geor


Review:

Let me start off  by saying... I LOVED THIS STORY! Hello forbidden love. I really enjoy a romance that is forbidden, but my oh my do I want more! I kind of hated how it ended. Hated as in oh my goodness why did it stop? I need more! :)

Other than dying for more, this is a beautiful story. I love the witty humor and found myself actually laughing out loud.  The characters are great. They truly bring the story to life. It was a lot of fun to read and I can't wait for the next installment of this series.

Guthrie captured my attention from the very beginning. Many books I read take a few chapters to really get going. I admire an author who can capture my attention from the get go. I have to say my favorite part of this book might be meeting the parents. I was laughing hysterically, yet so curious as to how it would end up. Truly a great read.

Rating:
 
 
 

Monday, November 25, 2013

THE TWINS REVIEW:The Christmas Wish (Katy Regnery) Heart of Montana #1.5


 

 

 

Title:   The Christmas Wish (Heart of Montana #1.5)

Author:  Katy Regnery

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication Date:  October 27, 2013


Cover Designed By:  Kim Killion

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

 

~ Synopsis ~

 

Waitress Tess Branson has earned a bad reputation, and the nickname "Fast Tessie," as result of her poor judgment where men are concerned. Tess learned from a young age that men – of all ages – were interested in one thing from her and one thing only. But all Tess ever really wanted was to connect with someone special – to mean something to someone. Lucas Flynn, the short order cook at the restaurant where Tess works, has just been released on parole. He’s trying to get his life back on track, but can’t help noticing the pretty waitress who treats him kindly, despite his past. At Lucas’s urging, Tess makes a wish on a star, but they’ll have to rely on the magic of Christmas to help it come true.

 

The Christmas Wish is a novella and can be read as a standalone.

 


Purchase Links:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

 

About the Author

 

KATY REGNERY, winner of several regional RWA contests, has always loved telling a good story and credits her mother with making funny, heartwarming tales come alive throughout her childhood. A lifelong devotee of all romance writing from Edwardian to present-day, it was just a matter of time before Katy tried her hand at writing a love story of her own.

As it turned out, one love story turned into a series of five Heart of Montana romances, following the love lives of the Yellowstone-based Lindstrom siblings. In addition to small-town contemporary romance, Katy is presently writing a paranormal romance that takes place in northern New England and the forests north of Quebec.

Speaking of forests, Katy lives in the relative-wilds of northern Fairfield County, Connecticut where her writing room looks out at the woods and her husband, two young children and two dogs create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories of all are the messy and unexpected ones.

 

Connect with the Author:  Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

 

 

 




 

 

 

Tour Schedule (link to the tour banner)

 



Review:

Due to communication error on the twins part both of us read and reviewed this little novella. I think we can both say that we are glad we did. I am pretty sure both of us will be jumping in to the whole series now that we have had a peek into this world.

So short!!! We wanted it to go on and on. We loved it!!! Regnery did amazing job building the character's back stories for a novella. We felt like we had the whole story. That isn't always the case with a novella. Often we find the story lacking in many aspects. Not the case here.

We found ourselves smiling and caught up in Lucas and Tess's  romance. We love the characters. More or less town castaways brought together. A great short that we highly recommend! Can't wait to read the first book in this series. We fell in love with Regnery's characters and writing.

Rating:
 
 
 

 


&


Friday, November 22, 2013

COVER REVEAL: Pieces for You (Genna Rulon) For You #2


Title:  Pieces for You (For You #2)

Author:  Genna Rulon

Genre:  New Adult 18+

Publication Date:  December 17, 2013

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

~ Synopsis ~

"The phoenix hope, can wing her way through the desert skies, and still defying fortune's spite; revive from ashes and rise.” -Miguel de Cervantes


Samantha Whitney survived unimaginable tragedy only to discover she had been betrayed by a man who claimed to love her. Shattered, Sam spends months at a safe haven trying to piece herself back together. Ready or not, the time has come for her to return home.

As Sam struggles to resume a life that no longer feels familiar, she finds unwavering support in an unexpected, familiar face. Confronting Sam’s raw emotions and open wounds head-on, Griffin manages to take two steps forward for every step she retreats.

But when Sam is once again threatened, Griffin must decide how far he is willing to go to protect the woman he wants…knowing the cost of her safety is the risk of losing her.

Pieces For You is a captivating journey of survival, healing, and sacrifice—teeming with honesty, humor, unexpected twists, and love’s unsurpassed endurance.begin to plague Sam, it is Griffin she is forced to turn to.

Though Pieces For You is a part of the For You Series, the book can be read as a stand alone


 


 

Purchase Links for Only For You:   Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK


 

~ About the Author ~

Genna Rulon is an up and coming contemporary romance author.

During her 15 years in the corporate world, Genna, inspired by her love of reading, fantasized about penning her own stories. Encouraged by her favorite authors, many of whom are indie writers and self-published, she committed to pursuing her aspirations of writing her own novels. Genna was raised in Long Island, New York, where she still resides, surrounded by the most amazing family and friends. Married to a wonderful man, who patiently tolerates her ramblings about whichever book she is currently working on, even feigning interest relatively convincingly! Genna is blessed with two little boys who do their best to thwart mommy’s writing time with their hilarious antics and charming extrapolations.

Connect with Genna:  Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads | Pinterest | Tumblr

 

 

 

 

 

COVER REVEAL: Backward Compatible (Sarah Daltry & Pete Clark)


Backward Compatible packet

Cover Picture:


Book Info:

 

Title: Backward Compatible

Author: Sarah Daltry and Pete Clark

Genre: Geek Romance

 

 

 

Blurb:

 

Not too long ago,

in a town that,

depending on your current location,

is either not super far

or actually quite close…

 

It is a time of chaotic hormones.

Two nerdy gents

home for winter break

have discovered a female gamer

at a midnight release.

 

During the break,

the gamer trio manages

to reveal the game’s secret boss,

a hidden enemy

with enough power to destroy

anything in its path.

 

Pursued by other gamers

who want to be the first

to beat this boss,

George and Katie race to level up,

and, in so doing, restore decency

and sexual activity to their personal galaxy…

 

Buy Links:

 

No links yet!! December 2013 release

Playlist: 


 

Trailer:


 

 

Excerpt:

 

“These graphics suck,” George says and I look back at the screen. We’re standing in the middle of the Estate, colorful orbs quivering ahead of us. We each have to choose our starting advantage. Waterfalls shimmer in the distance and the sunlight streams over multicolored stones in the courtyard.

“Amateurs,” Lanyon concurs. “I mean, they couldn’t have five waterfalls?”

“Your ironic wit is mind blowing, but choose your damn orbs,” I tell them. I consider. Magic, defense, offense, stealth, and charisma. I always go for magic as a black mage, but I wonder if a druid needs something else. Screw it. I need charisma in real life, too.

“Charisma?” Lanyon asks. “No one ever picks charisma.”

“We’re a party of a thief, druid, and a bard. We’re screwed regardless.”

“You two underestimate the mighty power of my lute,” George argues.

“Did you start with charisma?” Lanyon asks.

“Hell, no. I have charisma in spades. I started with stealth.”

“Great. A stealthy bard,” I sigh.

“She’s right,” Lanyon concedes. “We’re screwed.”

However, it actually isn’t bad at all at first. We power through the Estate and make it to the Yobanaria Dale with no resurrections and all at level ten. I’m impressed. George hasn’t actually fought anything, but he has some pretty awe-inspiring charm mastery already. I think I might have a serious crush. He seals the deal when he buffs my hailstorm spell without even being asked.

“Can you guys watch El Thiefelo? My mom wants me to eat supper,” Lanyon says.

“Yeah, we’ve got it,” I tell him. “The first boss is in the elven ruins anyway, so we should grind a bit. I think he’s a twelve.”

George and I explore the Dale, taking out bats and Joba spores. It’s fairly quiet, except for when we combo with his charms and my spells and he yells out, “Eat lute, bitch,” but it’s nice. We work well, almost inherently understanding each other. I’ve never been able to play this effectively with anyone. I try not to think about his eyes. Stupid boys, being cute and stuff.

By the time Lanyon comes back, we’re all at level 12, although Lanyon leveled up just by standing by a door while we played. Still, we are ready to take on Balsa the Proud. As a black mage, it took me about nine seconds. Trees don’t like fire. However, druids don’t have the same level of black magic and all elemental magic is weakened by the need to draw from the elements nearby. Sadly, trees seem to avoid storing fire runes in their villages. I expect this to be a little more challenging. It might even take fifteen seconds.

“First boss. Also known as the freebie bitch to sucker the young folks into a false sense of security,” Lanyon announces as he runs into the center of Balsa’s lair. The cinema plays and then, in a moment of pure absurdity, El Thiefelo is squished as Balsa steps on him.

“Can someone revive me?” Lanyon whines.

 

Dream Cast:

 



About the Authors:

 

Sarah Daltry:

 

Sarah Daltry writes about the regular people who populate our lives. She's written works in various genres - romance, erotica, fantasy, horror. Genre isn't as important as telling a story about people and how their lives unfold. Sarah tends to focus on YA/NA characters but she's been known to shake it up. Most of her stories are about relationships - romantic, familial, friendly - because love and empathy are the foundation of life. It doesn't matter if the story is set in contemporary NY, historical Britain, or a fantasy world in the future - human beings are most interesting in the ways they interact with others. This is the principle behind all of Sarah's stories.

 

Sarah has spent most of her life in school, from her BA and MA in English and writing to teaching both at the high school and college level. She also loves studying art history and really anything because learning is fun.

 

When Sarah isn't writing, she tends to waste a lot of time checking Facebook for pictures of cats, shooting virtual zombies, and simply staring out the window.

She has written several books, most notably Bitter Fruits, an urban fantasy in the Eden’s Fall series, and the Flowering series, including Forget Me Not, Lily of the Valley, and Star of Bethlehem.

 

Pete Clark:

 

Pete Clark likes writing, animals, potato chips, and cheese. Midnight Riders is his first published novel, although he can also proudly say he finally finished Helix Crashing, the fantasy novel he has been working on for over a decade. In addition, he has written Across the Barren Landscape, a collection of linked Western short stories. He also writes plays, both dramatic and comedic.

When he is not writing, Pete tends to ignore everyone around him and obsess over sports.

 

 

Social Media Links:

 

Sarah’s Website: http://sarahdaltry.com




Sarah’s Twitter: http://twitter.com/SarahDaltry


 

Top More than Ten:

 

Sarah’s Favorite Video Games:
1.Borderlands 1 and 2
2.Fallout
3.Persona series
4.Eternal Darkness
5. Silent Hill series
6.Final Fantasy series
7. Skyrim
8. Dragon Age series
9.  Mass Effect series
10.Fable series
11.Bioshock series
12.Magic: The Gathering
13.Perfect Dark
14.Heavy Rain
15.LA Noire
16.Parasite Eve
17.Catherine
18.Zuma

 

Pete’s Favorite Video Games:
1. Bioshock
2. Resident Evil 4
3. Uncharted 2
4. Eternal Darkness
5. Goldeneye
6.  Ms. Pac Man
7. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood
8. God of War III
9. Dead Space
10.Silent Hill 2
11.Infamous 2
12.Portal
13.Defender
14.Super Metroid
15.Mass Effect
16.Castlevania
17.Call of Duty 4
18.Dragon Warrior
19.Perfect Dark
20.Arkham Asylum
21.Limbo
22.Rogue Squadron 2
23.Medieval
24.Parasite Eve
25.The Walking Dead
26.Metal Gear Solid
27.Team Fortress 2
28.Kagero: Deception 2