October 2013 - A Life Through Books

Friday, October 25, 2013

Blog Tour Book Review

Blog Tour: Napoleon: Layers of Veronica by Emilia Rutigliano

Blog Tour: Napoleon: Layers of Veronica by Emilia Rutigliano
2:00 AM1 Comments

Erotic Romance
Date Published: 3/5/2013

They say that when a student is ready, a teacher appears.
What they don’t say is where to register, and how to matriculate in that teacher’s class.
That is a divine gift.
Veronica had it all: the looks, the brains, the personality and the wardrobe. Not to mention a perfect husband, a fabulous career and two adorable children, until the perfect husband leaves her for another woman.
Thus begin the daily routines of a typical New York City immigrant with ambition whose teachers keep appearing, and for whom divine interventions keep affording new opportunities. The new American Dream. Though it starts like ordinary connections going through the tried and true, each relationship continues to delve into parts of her own universe that Veronica didn’t know existed. A universe that is suddenly open to her.
It’s lovely when a brilliant virgin of meager means and a heart of gold meets a brooding billionaire whom only her love can tame… and they wed, have children and live happily ever after. But what about the other eight or so billion people on earth? 
What if you are thirty-five, and not ready for a retirement community? What if marriage and hearth aren’t your cup of tea – even with the perfect man? What if there is more than one man – why do you have to choose? What if motherhood wasn’t your only self-definition? What if the kindest, brightest and wealthiest people that extended an invitation to join their world – would you take it – despite their many eccentricities? Why do you have to stop being one thing, in order to become another?
What happens when you reach the glass ceiling? How do you get to fly in the open sky?
It’s a matter of knowing that you can…
And you can…


My Review:

This book is hard to sum up or put into words I guess. The synopsis doesn't do it a whole lot of justice in my opinion, its one of those you have to read it to know what I mean. 

I was not prepared for how much I truly enjoyed this novel. It was really an inspirational read and felt very REAL and RAW. It will just really evoke a large number of emotions out of you as the reader. Just go get a copy, once  you read it you will be so immersed in her story, you will need to go get the next book ASAP!



Emilia I. Rutigliano scored fiftieth percentile on her SATs... and on her LSATs... and on her BAR...Sigh...
But she nevertheless survived, and seems to be doing OK. She practices Law read lore) in Brooklyn, New York (read Nu Yawk). She was born in the former Soviet Union, and emigrated in 1979. She is happily married to the same crazy Italian she's been with since college, who suffers from a severe addition to travel (still in acute form). Together they are doing a somewhat passable job with their three precious darlings (who are now teenagers, thus elaboration is not necessary).
Which is why Emilia writes about Veronica. Veronica, though... is interesting. And Emilia knows interesting.
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Thursday, October 24, 2013

Contemporary Romance Excerpt

Release Week: The Billionaire Banker

Release Week: The Billionaire Banker
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The Billionaire Banker - Release Week Blitz
By Georgia Le Carre
Contemporary Romance
Date Published: 10/18/2013


When Lana Bloom learns the devastating news that her mother is dying, she is faced with a terrible dilemma.  The one thing that can save her is the one thing she does not have.  For young and innocent Lana, the unthinkable becomes her only choice.

But when she walks through the door of that exclusive restaurant she has no idea of the seismic shift her life is about to take, for the highest bidder will not be the rich man she has accompanied.  Fate drops her at the feet of the deeply mysterious and dazzlingly gorgeous American banker, Blake Law Barrington.  Throbbing with raw masculinity and arrogance, this is a man who owns all that he pursues.

And now he wants her.

Lana cannot deny she is both intrigued and intoxicated by the world Blake inhabits and the smouldering passion he stirs in her body, but she is also fearful for this man is addictive, and right now she is very vulnerable.  She knows she should focus only on the arrangement, but how can she…when he has opened a door that cannot be closed?



EXCERPT

‘Have you read Fifty Shades Of Grey?’
Lana looks into Rupert’s mean, pale eyes.  ‘No, but isn’t it about a sick man who abuses his lover?’
‘Perhaps it is not a sickness, but a matter of taste.’
‘Is that what you want from me?’
‘In a manner of speaking.  What I really like is taking a woman by force.  A dangerous activity likely to end me behind bars, so I am willing to settle for consensual rape.  You will meet me in parks and alleyways, or I will pick you up in my car from a street corner and you will pretend to resist while I overpower you and rape you.  There will be a bit of pain and sometimes it will involve a little bleeding, but I will never mark your face or leave any permanent scars.  And when I am finished I will leave you in the gutter to make your own way back.  Would that be acceptable to you?’
Shocked to her core, Lana hears her own voice as if from far away say, ‘How many times would you expect this…service from me?’
‘Let’s say five times?’
She feels as if she is a stick-figured bird precariously perched on a thin wire.  Rupert’s face is frozen into a cold mask.  A businessman to the end.  Ten thousand must be the going price.  The champagne has made her feel quite light-headed.  He is waiting for something from her. He has already figured that her body is her last option.  Can she really agree to let someone rape her?  Unable to speak she nods.
‘Perhaps I should let you lick the brim to taste the poison,’ he murmurs, and moves closer to her.  Instinctively, she takes a step back on her tall shoes, and if not for the solid wall against her back, would have fallen.  With the trailing fronds of a palm tree and his big body hiding her from the party his hand comes up to pinch her right nipple.  So hard she gasps in shock and pain.  He takes that opportunity to crash down on her open mouth, bumps his teeth against her lips, and pokes a pointy, muscular tongue into her mouth.  His tongue tastes coppery and bitter. 
Copious amounts of saliva pour into her mouth making her want to gag.   The oysters she has not eaten but watched him eat flash into her mind.  His tongue feels slimy and dirty.  She wants to brush her teeth, rinse, spit, and rinse again with the extra-strong mouthwash that her father used to have in the bathroom cabinet.  She truly needs to go somewhere and be sick, but pinned tightly by his strong ox-like body to the wall she finds herself totally unable to move.  She feels his hand force itself between her thighs and slide up quickly.  His rough, sausages-like fingers are already grasping the rim of her knickers and pushing the material aside.  And there is not a single thing she can do about it.  Tears gather at the backs of her eyes and begin to roll down her face. 
Suddenly he removes his mouth and looks down at her.  Her face is white with horror and she is gasping for breath.  He brings up a hand and touches her face.  Her distress seems to please him. Her suffering is his pleasure.  She is playing the part perfectly.  If she had enjoyed it, it would have spoilt it for him.
‘For most part the symptoms of excitement and fear are so similar most men cannot tell the difference.  I can,’ he whispers close to her ear, his thick fingers moving into the folds of her flesh.  ‘I am going to finger-fuck you amongst all these high and mighty people and none of them will ever know.’
She is filled with loathing for him.  Her brain scrambles for escape. Desperately, she pushes the palms of her hands against his chest.  The nausea threatens at her throat.  She must be sick  ‘I need the toilet,’ she gasps. 
He hesitates for a second and then he smiles.  It is the smile of a man who is too pleased with himself.  ‘It’s not very posh to say toilet.  This lot call it the loo.  Go on, then,’ he says, and steps aside. 
The first thing her shocked, ashamed eyes meet is Blake.  There is a blonde in a long red dress wrapped around him, but he is staring at Lana with an expression that she cannot fathom.

Buy Link

Georgia Le Carre
Author Bio:

Georgia Le Carre lives in England, in an old 19th century romantic cottage surrounded by a magical garden filled with fruit and walnut trees.

When she is not feeding words into her laptop, she is either curled up in bed with a box of chocolates and a good read, or lost in a long walk in the woods. Especially on moonlit nights.  And often with the man of her dreams.


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Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Blog Tour Book Review

Blog Tour: Romantic Tales: Bedtime Stories Episode 6

Blog Tour: Romantic Tales: Bedtime Stories Episode 6
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Genre: ANTHOLOGY - Paranormal Romance / Contemporary Romance
Date Published: 10/12/2013


Read a book before bedtime and fall in love with, Romantic Tales:Bedtime Stories Season 2 


This season finale includes the startling ending to Archer and Rebekah's story in Red Hawk Mercenary Group: Ghost. In the last episode we learn that Bekah killed Archer's wife. But how does she cope? Can she tell him the truth now while they are on assignment to catch a killer? Or does she wait? 

In Mail order groom all it takes is a trip, a blind date, along with a mysterious message from an online dating site to get things moving. All are a part of Jessica's continuing quest for love.

Romantic Tales is also pleased to announce we have a new comer to the team. We hope you enjoy her three chapter teaser of, The Vixen Flower.

A request by a famous rock star photographer, and a three day fling take Viscaria and Mark on journey that brings out a side Viscaria never knew existed.


My Review:

Anthologies are the best way to read if you are an ADD reader like I am. My mood changes so often and therefore so does the type of book I'm wanting to read. I have found these Romantic Tales: Bedtime Stories, really are the perfect nightly reads for me. 

Find Romantic Tales: Bedtime Stories:


   
Tigris Eden:

There is really not much to say... I love to write, read, and listen to music. My attempt at a music career sadly ended at the Apollo one warm night in May! LOL (Side note: I was not booed just outdone by two munchkins rapping to Biggy Smalls but they were good!)

Military brat extraordinaire; have traveled to a lot of interesting places. 

The very first time I put pen to paper in story fashion, was in 6th grade. It was called The Case of the Missing Pepperoni. 

It was a cute mystery where all the ingredients and shop appliances came to life when the store owner closed up for the evening.


Ty Langston:

As a child, multi-published author Ty Langston loved to read about dragons and knights so
much that one day, her grandmother told her to "just write about them."
So she did.
From that day forward, she never left home without her pen, a notebook, and some kind of
music playing in the background. Her love of reading expanded from fantasy into science fiction,
and eventually into paranormal romance and erotica.
She enjoys different works from George Martin, Anne McCaffrey, Stephen King, and Jackie
Collins. But some of Ty's favorite writers are from the world of TV and film: namely, Tudors
creator Michael Hirst, and the late John Hughes.
Ty has a certificate in Broadcast Journalism along with a degree in Business Administration.
She is single and enjoys spending time with friends and family.


Dovey Mayali Cralk:
Dovey Mayali Cralk has been using writing as an outlet for her strange imagination since a youngster.  Unable to settle on any one genre, she is working on projects in several different veins.  Dovey, her husband, children, and pets call Texas home. 
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Monday, October 21, 2013

Blog Tour Book Review

Blog Tour: Taken by Surprise by Jessica Frances

Blog Tour: Taken by Surprise by Jessica Frances
8:04 AM0 Comments

New Adult Paranormal Romance
Date Published: 9/5/2013

Five strangers scattered across America have three things in common with each other. 

 One: They each have special abilities that shouldn’t be possible. 

 Two: They’ve all just had people try to kill them. 

 Three: They’ve all just been kidnapped and taken away from their home, families and friends. 

 Their lives will never be the same as they’re taken to a government facility and told that their abilities mean that they must train to become soldiers and fight. But are they being told the truth? Or is something more sinister going on? They must learn to trust each other and decide if they should stay on this path or run away from it. Either way there is no going back.


My Review:
What a wonderful blend of New Adult and Paranormal. This cover can be a bit deceiving in the fact that it looks a lot more Contemporary, so the Paranormal (time-traveling) aspect can come as a surprise to anyone who doesn't read carefully enough.

 I really think that the plot in this story really pulls the reader in. It was superbly done! The characters were also great and I really enjoyed the connection between the leads. For it being a New Adult, it was quite tame. Most New Adults lean more towards the Romance Genre, but this one seemed a bit more Young Adult, maybe it was just me. 

 This book was definitely a surprise and I can't wait until the next book in the series. 
BUY LINKS



Born and raised in South Australia, Jessica spends her days working in a bakery, afternoons catching up on lost sleep, and nights reading and writing. Writing has always been a passion of hers, however it wasn’t until Zoe appeared into her head and wouldn’t leave that she finally was able to put a story down and finish it. After writing three books, she is wondering if she should start charging Zoe and her friends rent.
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Friday, October 18, 2013

Book Cover PROMO

Cover Reveal: Into the Light

Cover Reveal: Into the Light
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Into the Light - Cover Reveal

Jennifer Burrows

Romantic Thriller



After Laney is shot at point blank range, Josh works tirelessly to repair her life threatening internal injuries from the gunshot wounds.  What’s worse is he is forced to inform Laney’s parents about the tragic accident.  Having only just begun a relationship with the woman he knows in his heart he will spend the rest of his life with, he now has to reveal to her parents that a stalker has been tormenting their daughter.  While his only mission is to save Laney’s life, her parents have other plans for their daughter, none of which include Josh.  They are determined to find a new doctor for Laney, and if her parents have their way, she will be taken thousands of miles away from him.

Just when Josh thinks his entire world has been turned completely upside down, he finds his sister Jillian has stopped taking her psychiatric medications and has become a person unfamiliar to him.  Dealing with her psychotic world becomes even more of a shock, leaving Josh in a horrible dilemma.  He is torn between trying to save Laney’s life, keeping her parents from moving her away from him, and providing his sister the attention and help she desperately needs before she has a complete psychotic breakdown.

Will Josh be able to save the love of his life and prevent her parents from taking her away?  Will he be able to help Jillian through her mental illness before it takes over her life?  Will Laney’s relationship with her parents ever be salvaged?  Will Josh and Laney have their happily ever after, or will the hurdles they have to jump through prove to be more than they can handle?

Jennifer Burrows

Jennifer is a Registered Nurse, and she holds a Master’s degree in Nursing Administration.  She has 15 years of experience working in the Emergency Room and the Intensive Care Unit of a major trauma center.  While she is equally adept at all facets of patient care, Emergency room nursing is her passion, and is the inspiration for this story.  Currently, she resides in Southern California with her husband and their three amazing boys. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Website | Facebook | Twitter @jenburrows234

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Thursday, October 17, 2013

Blog Tour Book Review

Blog Tour: Forever Angel by January Bain

Blog Tour: Forever Angel by January Bain
8:27 AM 2 Comments

Book #4 in the Forever Series
Paranormal Romance
Date Published: October 7, 2013

Will the blood be enough to save the Vampire Clans from certain annihilation?
As prophesied by Lord RA, a Dhampyre has been born to a woman of the Fae. Having coupled with a recently turned vampire, Sunday Rose St. Clair bore this special child she named Jax at much risk to her own life and to all that came to her aid.
The newly formed Forever Clan, also created by Lord RA to protect the gifted offspring from all who bore him ill, are sworn to protect the new Dhampyre. Will the now grown up Jax be the one to save all the ancients from certain death? Or will the evil Lucifer Clan that searches for him find him first and end all hope for the vampires…


My Review:

Being that this is the 4th book in a series, you would think that it would have started to get watered down or repetitive by now, but January Bain has managed to keep things fresh and exciting throughout the series. 

 While this is not my favorite in the series, I still really did like this installment. The characters have really shown an evolution and I have enjoyed their journey. 

 There is Romance and Mystery and Suspense and of course the Paranormal. I definitely recommend this series.


BUY IT FROM Amazon



January Bain is first and foremost a storyteller. She lives inside her imagination with so many characters clamoring to be set free that she is constantly working on two or three books. A visual artist, a teacher, a writer, January does not think there is enough hours in the day to capture all the magic that flows forth in our amazing world. A lover of research, she is drawn to world-building like a moth to a flame! She enjoys hearing from readers and writers alike. She is published by Champagne Book Group for her Forever Series of books. You can find January at www.januarybain.ca


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Book Review YA Sci-Fi

Book Review: The Borealis Genome

Book Review: The Borealis Genome
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YA Sci Fi
Date Published: 6/4/2013

New novel The Borealis Genome addresses the issue of increased moral ambiguity as scientific technology advances and removes our sense of individuality. The married authors throw engaged characters Tim and Nora into a scientific nightmare where mind-uploading and a weaponized virus allow the minds of the few to control those of the masses. As the population starts turning into mental zombies can Tim and Nora find the source of this mayhem? And can their love persevere through these harrowing times?


Review 

Not entirely unique in concept, but the execution of the novel was unique. I enjoyed the evolution of the Zombies, this novel was set at a slower pace as far as the outbreak was concerned and it made the outcome that much more exciting when it happened. 

The authors do a great job of providing details that help the reader feel like they are a part of the world. Great writing and a well-developed plot in general. 
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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Blog Tour YA Sci-Fi

Blog Tour: The Borealis Genome by Thomas P. and Nancy Wise

Blog Tour: The Borealis Genome by Thomas P. and Nancy Wise
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YA Sci Fi
Date Published: 6/4/2013

New novel The Borealis Genome addresses the issue of increased moral ambiguity as scientific technology advances and removes our sense of individuality. The married authors throw engaged characters Tim and Nora into a scientific nightmare where mind-uploading and a weaponized virus allow the minds of the few to control those of the masses. As the population starts turning into mental zombies can Tim and Nora find the source of this mayhem? And can their love persevere through these harrowing times?


Review To Come...




Thomas and Nancy come from very different backgrounds.  Thomas was raised in a military family and lived through the separations of war and the challenges that a family faces when coming back together. Challenges such as injuries and the frailty of the body and shifts in the personality that war bring to a family can force everyone to redefine how they see the themselves and the world around them. Nancy was raised in a family challenged by severe injuries.  Her father was paralyzed and could no longer work causing the family to reform around a new breadwinner when their mother had to take over. 
We chose to write a book shaped around these realities and the challenges that new technologies will force societies all over the world to deal with very soon. Mind uploading, neural networks, and human gene manipulation combined with new medical discoveries may become a new reality that we must all understand and learn what it means to our lives. These are realities today that were only science fiction just a few years ago that will soon have a real and direct affect on our lives.
Tom earned his Ph.D. in Organization and Management in 2012 and has other books including “Trust in Virtual Teams,” and “Agile Readiness.”

                                                  
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Excerpt PROMO

PROMO Day: Shadow of the Wolf by S. M. Pace

PROMO Day: Shadow of the Wolf by S. M. Pace
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Shadow of the Wolf - PROMO Blitz
S.M. Pace
Young Adult Fantasy
Date Published: 11/28/12

Add to Goodreads

Toby has always felt like an outcast in his village, but he thought winning a game at the Summer Fair was the answer to making friends. The local boys disagreed and literally threw Toby to the wolves. Stranded in enemy territory with a broken leg, he’s offered two options by the resident werewolves; death or permanent exile from his race.

Although Toby longs to return to his family, he chooses to live. But the werewolf children torment him just like the boys and girls back home. When he fights back and discovers he can wield magic, a crime in his old kingdom, he realizes he’s safer with the werewolves than he ever was amongst his own kind. He even finds happiness and acceptance, until his real sister contacts him with her own forbidden magic.

Fearing for her safety, Toby must decide where his loyalties lie; with the family he grew up with or the werewolves who took him in when his own people discarded him?


EXCERPT

It seemed impossible.  Noah Cham, apologizing and offering to be friends.  Toby hesitated, his mind unable to grasp such a rapid change.  Too good to be true.      
He shoved the caustic thought away and stuck out his hand.  "Sounds good to me."
The corner of Noah's mouth twitched and he stared at Toby's hand for a second before accepting the handshake with an easy grip.  
"Good game earlier," Toby added.     
Noah flinched a little, his smile wavering then snapping back into place.  “Definitely an interesting game.”  He shared a glance with his friends and lifted the bat he held.  “We're headed out to the perimeter, to hit a few rocks.  You want to come?”
Toby thought about it for less than a blink.  “Sure.” 
The other three started toward the road, but before Toby took three steps a hand clamped on his wrist, yanking him back.  
Ora glared at him, eyes fierce.  “What do you think you’re doing?”  
Toby tugged his arm out of her grip.  “Making friends.  You should try it, just once.  You’re too paranoid."
Her eyes darkened, flicking to Noah, who had stopped to watch them.  “Paranoid or not, I’m no fool.  He’s planning something.”  
For a moment, just one small moment, looking into her eyes, doubt crushed Toby.  The knowledge that he was being foolish.  He knew Noah would never change so easily.  
He shrugged the weight off.  “Probably.  But I can handle it.  Tell Mama I’ll be home for supper.”  
Ora reached for his hand again.  He slipped away and left her clutching at air, staring at him with that Ora look, like she thought she’d never see him again.  The weight crept back, but Toby shoved it away.  He wanted friends.  Someone besides his sister and little brother to do things with; even stupid things.  

About the Author:

Stephanie Pace is an avid reader of every genre, though fantasy is her favorite. She started writing at fifteen and never looked back. She currently works as a pre-K teacher by day, and a determined self-publisher by night. When she’s not distracting herself with conlanging and world-building, she loves to do cross stitch or escape to the outdoors when the weather is nice. She lives in central Virginia with her boyfriend, and the rest of her crazy, amazingly supportive family close by.


 Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
    

Amazon Ebook |Amazon Print

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Monday, October 14, 2013

Blog Tour Book Review

Blog Tour: Burned in Shadows by Tigris Eden

Blog Tour: Burned in Shadows by Tigris Eden
2:00 AM1 Comments


PARANORMAL ROMANCE - EROTICA
DATE PUBLISHED: 7/30/2013

Royce Zarides has accepted his hand dealt by fate. He's loved and left far too many women. In the bedroom that is. But one kiss from Belinda Raine Ignis was all it took for his eyes to open. Is she really the woman meant for him and his brother Ronin? Or will history only repeat itself? That's the million dollar question he doesn't want to answer.

Ronin does not believe that Belinda is for him and his brother. But one night with her isn't enough. Even when he sees her for who and what she really is, Ronin still has a hard time expressing his emotions where Belinda is concerned, and time is running out now that she's to ascend to the status of Matria of the Phoenix Enclave.

Belinda (Bells) Ignis is good at ignoring men. She's had her share of heartache. Jilted at the altar by her first love, she's sworn all men off for good. Her mother and Matria of her community has other plans in mind, as well as the Zarides brothers. When faced with the heated glances of Ronin and the smooth tongue of Royce, what's a girl to do?

The clock is ticking down for certain members of the Shadow Unit. Draven assumed dead, leaves a sour taste in every ones mouth. Jes' new found abilities make for a great addition to the team. But when things seem to settle, they only get worse, as the team sets out to discover the origins of Mr. Black and the notorious Red Sun Organization. Secrets are uncovered and deals are made that result in a deadly blow to all involved


My Review:
A definite favorite Paranormal Series. Tigris Eden has taken the characters we came to love in Enslaved in Shadows and made their stories evolve in a way that keeps you intrigued to the very end, and what a surprising end that was. I think this is a must read for fans of the Paranormal and Romance in general.



There is really not much to say... I love to write, read, and listen to music. My attempt at a music career sadly ended at the Apollo one warm night in May! LOL (Side note: I was not booed just outdone by two munchkins rapping to Biggy Smalls but they were good!)

Military brat extraordinaire; have traveled to a lot of interesting places. 

The very first time I put pen to paper in story fashion, was in 6th grade. It was called The Case of the Missing Pepperoni. 

It was a cute mystery where all the ingredients and shop appliances came to life when the store owner closed up for the evening.
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