A Life Through Books

Monday, December 14, 2015

Blog Tour: A Hero Grinch For Christmas by @samanthyawyatt #review
8:59 AM0 Comments


Contemporary Romance / Christmas
Date Published: December 10, 2015


Dani will not allow The Grinch to hide from Christ­mas. She will cure Hunter of his nasty mood, even if it kills her. But who will save her from his pas­sion­ate kisses.

War hero, Hunter Gra­ham, has seen enough dev­as­ta­tion to last a life­time. At the end of his lat­est Army term, he accepted his dis­charge papers and never looked back. His uncle’s home is tucked away in the majes­tic moun­tains, a per­fect place for him to hide from Christ­mas and his own mem­o­ries. But he can’t hide from the delec­table Dani. The last thing he needs is a female in his life. But this one has the face of an angel and eyes you can drown in.
Dani Wimer left the Col­orado moun­tains and relo­cated in the bright lights of New York City. Every Decem­ber she returns to the vil­lage of Wyattsville. When a hunky mil­i­tary guy enters her aunt’s shoppe, he seems lost and angry. His scowl is intim­i­dat­ing, but that doesn’t bother the spunky girl who cel­e­brates the hol­i­days like it’s Christ­mas every day. She decides to put a smile on his Grinch face and ends up los­ing her heart in a pas­sion­ate whirlwind.


Review

Both Dani and Hunter come off as real people in this story. I think that they are genuine and the things they have been through really make them relatable to a reader.

My favorite thing about this book is that it was uplifting and one surprise after another. It really kept me on my toes and captivated by the story.




About the Author

Samanthya lives with her husband in the Shenandoah Valley. She left her accounting career and married a military man traveling and making her home in the United States and abroad. Once she found historical romance novels, she couldn’t put a book down. She fell in love with the characters and needed to know their happy ending.
One day she put words to paper creating a story of her own. The more she wrote, the more she became involved with the characters, and they seemed to take a life of their own. She relishes the challenge of penning a story with strong characters, a bit of humor, and active scenes while creating new characters and bringing them together in a romantic tale. It took years of writing, joining RWA, joining chapters, entering contests, submissions & rejections which created the author she is today. By keeping her spirit and turning criticism into drive she has achieved her career as a published romance author.


Contact Links

Twitter: Samanthya Wyatt @ samanthyawyatt

Purchase Link
      
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Friday, December 11, 2015

Blog Tour: The Lightening Round
3:00 AM0 Comments


Literary / Women's Fiction
Date Published: November 1, 2015


Did you ever wonder what it’s like to dare to fall in love with someone who literally isn’t on your level?

The Lightening Round is a fast-paced novel brimming with colorful characters, sinister plots of intrigue and revenge, and over-the-top antics.
Hannah More, a single mom with weight issues, assumes that her longtime boyfriend, Luke Havitt, is about to propose marriage to her. Instead, he proposes that in order for Hannah to take their relationship to the next level, that she needs to join a gym and to lose weight. Hannah soon finds herself entering the Ultimate Level, a highly controversial yet incredibly sought after San Francisco “fitness experience” known for not only having the latest in technology and fashion, but also segregating all of its members based solely on their weight and fitness levels.
This snappy novel ultimately questions whether true love can survive two individuals from different levels. Even if those levels are only found at a gym.



Purchase Link






Bruce Stuart is the founder of five previous books and is the founder of the popular serial fiction website, SerialTeller.com. The Lightening Round was previously seen in part as a serial on SerialTeller.com under the pseudonym K.T. Newman.
Bruce lives and works in San Francisco.



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Blog Tour: Snowbound With a Ghost by @_ani_gonzalez with a #review
2:00 AM0 Comments


Paranormal Romance
Date Published: 12/7/2015


Stuck in a snowstorm is bad. Stuck in a snowstorm with the ex-boyfriend you sort-of, kind-of betrayed is even worse. But an otherworldly storm may give Lily Holroyd a chance to reconnect with her old flame, Hollywood heartthrob Sebastian Franco... if they survive the night, that is.



Purchase Links
Review

Sexy and Fun with plenty of emotion and drama along the way. 

The fantasy/paranormal aspect of the story was actually interesting. I liked the way it evolved.

I think all in all this is a very well written Paranormal Romance. 


I write sexy paranormal small town romance (whew, that's a mouthful!) set in Banshee Creek, Virginia, The Most Haunted Town in the USA. My books feature feisty, irrepressible heroines and strong, controlling alpha males along with a host of paranormal critters (ghosts, cryptids, pagan gods...the sky's the limit). My heroes fall (with a little supernatural help) and they fall hard.

I love quirky towns with spooky stories, and, thanks to my books, I get to "live" in one year-around. In real life I live in a Minneapolis suburb (which is sadly lacking in ghosts) with my husband and three children and I'm still trying to adjust to the cold.


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Thursday, December 10, 2015

Blog Tour: From Frights to Flaws with a #review
9:16 AM0 Comments


Middle Grade Fantasy
Date Published: January 14, 2014



Twelve-year-old Alyssa McCarthy is sick of her uncle’s unfair rules and longs for a better life. After discovering the existence of magic, she finds out about a dark wizard hunting her down. An unforgettable storm occurs in Alyssa’s ordinary New Jersey town before the sorcerer kidnaps her to the Fiji Islands.
On the enchanted island of Yanowic, Alyssa learns that she is unable to get out of the country due to a giant shield. She must defeat some dangerous creatures and the evil wizard in order to leave. But with sorcerers and magical technology getting in her way, can Alyssa succeed?




Review

This is my second novel with Alyssa as the main character and I absolutely love her as a lead character for young readers. She has obstacles in front of her, but I love the way she overcomes them. I think this novel will definitely relate with pre-teens and even teens. 

I enjoyed the fact that the Author was able to build on the first novel and not have anything that felt repetitive. 2nd novels can be difficult when you are working the same world and with the same characters to not make them seem the same. Great job. 


About the Author
Sunayna Prasad has been writing stories for over fifteen years, starting at the age of six. Now nearly twenty-two she is a college junior who studies graphic design as well as writes for children. Aside from that, Sunayna also likes to cook, watch movies, and draw. She lives on Long Island, New York, with her family.



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PROMO Blitz: Riverview Series - A Healing Heart & A Healing Spirit by @mahwriting #giveaway
12:00 AM1 Comments

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YA Clean Romance
“A Healing Heart” – Riverview Series Book 1 – Updated 7/4/2015 (orig publish 2012)

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On a bitter cold winter night Bailey Walsh’s family was killed in a traffic accident. Two years later as she lives with her aunt and uncle in Southern California, Bailey is still plagued by the nightmares of that terrible night. Everywhere around her are reminders of what she lost. Even her aunt, in a cruel twist of fate, is not just her mom’s sister, but her identical twin.

Babysitting Riley, a spunky two-year old, is a sweet distraction and one constant light in her life. One day as she takes Riley to the park she meets Collin McKenna, a senior at her high school and her life is changed forever as he helps her find herself and realize her life is worth living.

As the romance between them grows her broken heart begins to heal. However, still nagging in the back of her conscious is the fear that her new found happiness could come crashing down and she could lose everything she loves, yet again.

Outside forces begin to tear them apart and Bailey must learn to trust in herself and realize that she is worthy of happiness. That sometimes love and healing comes in unexpected forms.

A story about first love, life’s unexpected tragedies, and the miracles that make it possible to move forward.

A Healing Heart Buy Links:

Also available as paperbacks from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Depository


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YA Clean Romance / New Adult
“A Healing Spirit” – Riverview Series Book 2 – 8/16/2015

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A freak ski accident brings nineteen-year old Mia Kinney within minutes of death. Hurt and scared, Mia is calmed by the southern drawl and clear green eyes of her rescuer. 

Twenty-one year old Dylan Blackburn is one of the first Ski Patrol members on the scene. As his patient is airlifted to the local trauma center, he can’t shake her from his thoughts.

As Mia fights for her life, Dylan, is haunted by the blonde hair beauty, and knows he needs to make sure she’s going to be okay.

With a troubled past Dylan has vowed never to completely open himself up to another girl, but Mia continues to knock down every wall he’s constructed. When his past arrives at his front door and threatens once again someone that he loves, will Dylan be able to save Mia yet again? Or will he be too late this time?

A story of love, friendship, and the determination to turn a horrible experience into something worthwhile

A Healing Spirit Buy Links

Also available as paperbacks from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Book Depository


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About the Author

Melissa A. Hanson lives in Southern California with her husband and two sons. Growing up in Southern California, inspiration for the city of “Riverview” is based on her hometown. Melissa enjoys scrapbooking and reading when time permits.

A Healing Heart was her first completed novel, and is book 1 of the Riverview Series. It is Bailey & Collin's story.

A Healing Spirit, book 2 has now been released and is book 2 of the Riverview Series. It is Mia & Dylan's story.

Each book is a stand-alone novel.

Book 3 of the Riverview Series is in the early stages and will be Natasha's story.

Contact Links

instagram:@mahwriting
twitter: @mahwriting

Giveaway
Choice of either e-book set or paperback set



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Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Blog Tour: One More Sunset by @JolyseBarnett with a #interview and #giveaway
2:30 AM1 Comments


Romantic Suspense
Date Published: September 21, 2015


Some people run for exercise while others run for fun. Abby Stone spends most days running for her life.

After Abby Stone’s ex-boyfriend shows up at her new hideout and she uses a bottle of wine as an impromptu weapon, calling the police is out of the question. His family has a knack for erasing charges and pesky restraining orders. Desperate, she prays for help. A magical suitcase appears and she’s compelled to play an unsettling game involving a sexy, kind stranger while staying one breath ahead of her stalker.
Dylan Reece has overcome tragedy and enjoys life as a single Key West handyman and fisherman. Yet Abby’s sad, wary eyes hold secrets and a chance for his redemption, if not more…
Will the magic of their love be enough to save them?


Purchase Link


Review

You will definitely want to have plenty of allotted reading time before starting this one. It was hard to put down. I was so engrossed in the story that I put off many of my important things to do. Jolyse Barnett does a great job of creating a Romantic Suspense that keeps the reader invested and guessing. 

I think the Romance was believable and unfolded smoothly which is always important. I don't like when Romances seem forced, this one seemed natural. Great not only Romantic Suspense but Suspense in general. 




Author Jolyse Barnett writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense. As a little girl growing up in upstate New York on the shores of Lake Champlain, she enjoyed chasing fireflies, riding her ten-speed bike on winding country roads, and playing horseshoes at family picnics through endless summers. Winter was another kind of adventure for an active kid, with skiing in the Adirondack Mountains, trips to the local public library to feed a voracious reading habit, and ice skating with her siblings on a frozen pond near her childhood home. Much to the confusion of her peers, she discovered the thrill of storytelling at a young age, often forgetting to differentiate between fact and fantasy. Thankfully her fifth grade teacher encouraged her to memorize poems and create her own—unleashing her inner writer. After graduating from high school, she developed a more practical side. She earned a degree in Writing, fell in love with her best friend, and now lives her happily-ever-after in Long Island suburbia. Who knew the dream home would include a leaky kitchen faucet, piles of laundry, and a too-hairy cat? But with love, it's all good. She enjoys a fulfilling day job where she shares her love of language and explores the world one vacation at a time with her two children and real-life hero. Jolyse loves to connect with her readers. You can find her social media links and book news at http://jolysebarnett.com


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Blog Tour: Fairly Certain by @DeborahAnnDavis with a #review
2:00 AM1 Comments


Quirky New Adult Fiction With a Twist
Date Published: 12/3/2015


Book One of the Love of Fairs series

          What happens when a Computer Geek challenges a Medieval Outlaw? 

Petir takes a rough tumble in the Connecticut woods, and awakens in the middle of old England. His instinct to freak out is tempered by the arrival of a fair maiden wearing a bow... and arrow. Throwing caution to the wind, Petir decides he has nothing to lose by pursuing Maid Rianne. But when she is captured by the enemy, a geek with no ability to defend himself must find a way to rescue the fair maiden. 

          Look for the second book in the series, Fairly Safe, available this winter!






Review 

Unique. That is the word I would use to describe Deborah Ann Davis's novel and her main character. I loved that the main character wasn't some casanova or supremely popular kid. He was a bit geeky and had plenty of problems that stemmed from that. It made him compelling and easy to get behind as a character.

As far as plot and pacing. I was very happy with how everything unfolded. Nothing ever felt forced or lagging. I can't wait to see what's next! 




DEBORAH ANN DAVIS writes Quirky New/Young Adult Fiction with a Twist. An award-winning author, speaker and personal trainer, she is popular with students, parents, readers and authors alike. Setting aside teaching to deal with Lyme disease led her to Fitness— to boost her body health—and Writing— to boost her happy health. Currently, she is a healthy and happy Educational Speaker and a Certified Personal Trainer. With an insightful and quirky approach to life, she shares life lessons with wit and compassion.
She presently resides on a lovely lake in Connecticut with her first boyfriend. Twelve years after their first kiss, Deborah reunited with, and married her childhood sweetheart. Together they coached their daughter's AAU Basketball Team, which swept States two years in a row. (Yay!) Then, for several years, their daughter and their money went to college.
When she isn't writing novels for her Love of Fairs series, she enjoys dabbling with living a sustainable life, dancing, playing outside, and laughing really hard every day. She also promotes increasing your movement throughout your day as Wiggle Writer in her Merry Meddling blog at http://deborahanndavis.com/merry-meddling/

Contact Information
Twitter: @DeborahAnnDavis  or @WiggleWriter 



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