REVIEW: The Garden: The Unauthorized Biography of Adam and Eve by Paul T Harry

Title: The Garden: The Unauthorized Biography of Adam and Eve
Series: none
Author: Paul T Harry
Published Date: Dec 20, 2012
Publisher: Sphere Publishing LLC
Format: ebook
Pages: 360
ISBN: 0988785803
Copy provided by: Innovative Online Book Tours
Genre: religious sci-fi
Add to: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon
Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Synopsis: Nearly every religion and society in the world today begins with their story with Adam and Eve. And yet, this most basic story is couched in mysticism, myth, and vague detail. Did such a couple really exist? Were they the first man and woman on our planet–or is there more to the story?
For two hundred thousand years the Neanderthal race ruled Earth, then mysteriously, 40,000 years ago they disappeared forever leaving behind a new race of people, the Cro-Magnon. Why? What happened back then that changed our history?
The Garden of Eden, a perfect home built and designed for two people, until the serpent arrived. Who was the serpent? And what was he doing there in the first place? Is there a chance that the serpent is actually a reference to some hidden sexual transgression?
Imagine traveling billions of light years across space to settle an unknown world populated by primitive barbarians. Imagine being alone, just you and your spouse, the two of you in charge of an entire world with only your faith and your mission to guide you—and, of course, the devil waiting for that first fatal mistake.
Could you have done things better?
The Garden 
A Love Story 
A Saga of Good vs Evil
The Beginning of Humanity’s Historic Journey

My review: I'd like to thank the author and Innovative Online Book Tours for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I picked up this book for a few reasons. First, I'm a big science fiction fan. I love sci-fi. Second, I'm currently a month behind a rather large endeavor to read the entire Bible in one year. Out of the two months of the year so far, I'm....a month behind.... And finally, I have a guilty pleasure of watching the history channel, especially when they go into the whole "aliens were the beginning of our civilization" theme. 
I cannot imagine a better mesh of those three than this book. A lot of us like to laugh at the crackpots who say UFOs exist. But on a realistic note, look how big the universe is, if even one thousandth of those stars had planets, and one thousandth of those planets were inhabitable, and a thousandth of those inhabitable planets had some sort of intelligent species, and one thousandth of those intelligent species could be space travelers....then this book could very well have happened. 
I loved every minute of this book, from the very beginning to past when Kane killed Able. And yes, I finally have my answer of how the heck Noah could have lived over 800 years. 

Endless Book Blast and Giveaway!

Endless

After the tumult of her high school senior year, all is right in Tasmyn Vaughan’s world. She’s attending college with her boyfriend, and she’s learning to control her powers. Everything is finally perfect, until it isn’t. When her new part-time job leads to more than she bargained for, Tasmyn is thrown into a deadly fight against forces of evil that she didn’t even know existed. Mastering her extraordinary gifts—along with the strength of an endless love—may be the only weapon that can guarantee her a happily ever after. Check out the entire King Series: Book 1: Fearless Book 2: Breathless Book 3: Restless Book 4: Endless

About Author Tawdra KandleTawdra Kandle is the author of THE KING SERIES, a young adult urban fantasy quartet. Born in South Jersey, Tawdra published her first short story at the age of 13 in Child's Life magazine. During the early years of her marriage and motherhood, she wrote articles and columns on parenting and homeschooling, as well as some homeschooling curriculum. THE KING SERIES is her first published full-length fiction. Tawdra currently lives in central Florida with her husband, and children, both skin and fur types. And yes, she has purple hair.
Follow Tawdra Kandle: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon

Tawdra Kandle is giving away an awesome swag pack. Fill out the form below to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Marriage Caper Blast and Giveaway

The Marriage Caper

Andre de Laurent is the second son of an extremely wealthy family, which basically means he’ll always be number two. That is, until his mother’s uncle dies and leaves him a multi-billion-dollar fortune. So what’s the trouble? Andre has sixty days to take a wife, and he’ll have to remain married for one year or forfeit the inheritance to distant relatives—who are hell-bent on claiming the inheritance as their own. Aspiring actress Tasha Gordon has never wanted anything quite so much as that big break—until she met Andre de Laurent. Could his offer turn out to be the role of lifetime? Purchase The Marriage Caper on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo.

About Author Sandra Edwards

Sandra is an award-winning author of romance. She has eclectic tastes, penning tales in a variety of genres such as paranormal (mostly time travel and reincarnation), contemporary and suspense. She lives in the U.S. (west coast) with her husband, two kids, four dogs and one very temperamental feline. Sandra's books often push the envelope and step outside the boundaries of conventional romance.

Follow Sandra Edwards: Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Goodreads.
The author is giving away a $50 Amazon GC as the Tour prize. Fill out the form below to Enter
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Literary Addicts: Feb 27, 2013

This week's question:

Was there a quote that just blew you away? Or one that made you totally mad? Or cry?

There are two characters I firmly believe are great for quotes....Gandalf and Albus Dumbledore. Is it just coincidence that these two characters are wizards of great renown as well?

Here is my absolute favorite from Gandalf:

“Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?”

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

I love this quote because it's just so funny...so detail oriented, so obvious to the speaker's mind. How many ways can one misinterpret such a simple phrase as "Good Morning." 

Swept Into the Darkness Excerpt

About Author LaTaeya Lane:

Years of exposure within the writing and publishing world have made a lasting impact on Author LaTaeya Lane. Writing since she was seven years old, Lane began jotting down phrases and themes later turning them into poems and short stories. Writing became such a passion throughout her youth that she became the Junior and Senior editor of her High school newspaper. She wrote her first novel at age sixteen but was not seeking publication at that time in her life. Lane entered several creative writing contests during her early years of writing and won a few of them. Always captivated by the supernatural and elements of fantasy, Lane was inspired to write a series of books that focused on going beyond the boundaries of life and imagination. The angel vampire fantasy "Swept into the Darkness" is Lane's first published book in a series called "Chronicles of the Celestial." Lane completed a degree in social Sciences and currently works to support the education of special needs middle school students. Lane resides in the state of New Jersey with her husband Leo and is working on writing a publishing the second book in the series.

Follow LaTaeya Lane Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Excerpt from book:

Ever since the car accident I have excruciating headaches. I lunged off the sofa and headed for the kitchen drawer that I kept my medication in. I was on prescription pain killers. I also took sleeping pills, and sometimes needed to take anti depression pills. I haven’t needed to take the depression pills in a long time. I tried to deter the pain from gaining force. If it didn’t, I was going to have to cancel my date with Christine and go straight to bed. The pain was almost blinding at times and literally feels like a hammer is

banging inside of my brain. Every time my head pounds I am reminded of the worse day of my life.

I had just got into town from a weekend skiing trip in Aspen with some old girl friends and of course Christine. My dad Samuel London had picked me up from the airport. It was mid-winter and my flight was delayed for several hours due to a terrible snow storm that hit the area. My dad was a surgeon that worked in the emergency room at Milford General Hospital. He had worked a thirty hour straight shift at the hospital; the staff was low because of the storm so he decided to stick around to help out whenever he could. So my plane landed pretty late. I offered to take a cab in, but dad insisted that he would pick me up. We were both pretty tired but it never occurred to me that dad was not in any kind of shape to drive. It was four forty five on a Thursday morning. It was dark, and freezing. Sleet came down pretty hard, and made the roads very slick. It looked like my dad was doing fine and I always felt safe when he was behind the wheel. Mom was

up waiting for us to come home. I had spoken to her before we left the airport and she told me that she would have some hot coco ready after we arrived home. The ride was long and I occasionally nodded on and off. The sound of skidding tires and the sudden swerving motion abruptly alerted me to wake up. I glanced in the direction of the driver’s seat and noticed that my Dad’s head was slumped down over the steering wheel. His glasses were crooked and his eyes were closed.

“Dad! Dad! Wake up!” I yelled. I yanked off my seatbelt to shake him with force. The car was going out of control. His head bobbed up and down and his eyes lazily open and closed. I grabbed the steering wheel and tried to scoot over as close as I could towards him. Trying to feel the break with my foot I moved it as fast as I could. The car was going at such an extreme speed and bumped and swayed through the light traffic. Then the speed intensified. I kept yelling for my dad, and then everything went black.

The bed was a mess after forty five minutes of restlessness. I read for a little while and before I even realized it my eyes grew heavy and I drifted off to sleep. The hours felt like seconds as I felt my body light and motionless. I saw myself floating above my sleeping body. Appearing in a heavily wooded area, I was wearing a black gown. My hair was curly and shiny. My feet were bare and my skin was soft and milky. I stood still being captured by the winter’s atmosphere. My toes melted into the snow as I slowly moved. Looking up; the sky was clearly bright and the blue illuminated stars sparkled in the skies. The trees were tall and thick and covered with the soft fresh powdery snow. I pulled up my gown a little and saw

that my cast still clung tightly onto my ankle. It started to itch in a place where I could not obviously reach. I became annoyed but there was nothing I could do. Pain flowed though me, I flinched at the shock of it. My arm clung to my body secure in its sling. In the distance I saw some kind of creature descending from the heavens. It was a man I think, emerging from the skies. He got closer and closer. I froze not taking my eyes off of him. The man wore a gold breast plate which was the first thing I noticed about him. His hair was long, straight and dark like mine. Silver sparkly wings surfaced from his back, and his eyes gleamed silver. He hovered over me, and his gold Roman style boots touched the snow. His strong jawline could cut stone. I knew his face. It was the face of my childhood friend Angelo. He looked so different. The Roman Gladiator look made a rush of heat flow down into me. I embraced him and called his name.

“What are you doing here, in my dream?” I touched the side of his strong forearm.

“This is who I am. I wanted to show you. You have been hurt and I have come to heal you and ease your pain. You have a deep pain that has cast a shadow upon you.” He spoke softly and took my left hand. I smiled.

“What are you? You look like you came from a different time or something?” I brought my voice down to a whisper even though there was not a soul in sight.

“I am an angel.” He closed his eyes and looked down. I glanced up and saw a brilliant light encircle us both. I basked in the overwhelming feeling of warmth that came over my body. I was in another place, a place that I’d never been in before. Somewhere out of this world

EXCERPT: The Garden by Paul T Harry

Nearly every religion and society in the world today begins with the story of Adam and Eve. And yet, this most basic story is couched in mysticism, myth, and vague detail. Did such a couple really exist? Were they the first man and woman on our planet, or is there more to the story?
For two hundred thousand years the Neanderthal race ruled Earth, then mysteriously, 40,000 years ago they disappeared forever leaving behind a new race of people -- the Cro-Magnon. Why? What happened back then that changed our history forever?
The Garden of Eden -- a perfect home built and designed for two people until the serpent arrived. Who was the serpent? And what was he doing there in the first place? Is there a chance that the serpent is actually a reference to some hidden sexual transgression?
Imagine traveling billions of light years across space to settle an unknown world populated by primitive barbarians. Imagine being alone, just you and your spouse, the two of you in charge of an entire world with only your faith and your mission to guide you -- and, of course, the devil waiting for that fatal mistake.

Excerpt: 
Adam and Eve rose and walked toward the edge of the meadow and a pile of granite rocks that jutted abruptly out of the ground where the grass ended. Though covered with a dusting of snow, the boulders afforded them a sturdy foothold and it was relatively easy to climb to the mountain’s vertex. As they climbed, the two could tell that the mountain was quite high, perhaps eight or nine thousand metrons. As they neared the apex, the two caught glimpses of the ocean that lay twenty hexons or more in the distance—the water was a pristine, a sparkling blue, but that was nothing compared to
what came next. At the very pinnacle of the peak, Adam and Eve had their breath stolen away. For there, lying below to their bird’s eye view was one of the most beautiful and picturesque sights that they had ever seen on the Terran planet—a huge peninsula of magnificence and majesty jutting into the blue ocean waters.
Adam and Eve gazed upon the long, slender land mass that protruded into the sea for a good fifty to sixty hexons. The actual length was difficult to judge because the land mass became obscured in the distance. Its width was also hard to ascertain for its shape was erratic, but the range appeared to be between twenty hexons at its narrowest point and forty hexons at its widest. The peninsula also contained a small mountain range with snow-capped peaks and there was a large river angling the length of the cape. The river appeared swift in its movement, dividing the finger of land in half before
finally emptying out into the sea somewhere at the peninsula’s end.
Transfixed by the beauty of the rugged terrain, Adam and Eve gazed upon the picturesque scene that now held a mystery all its own. For at the base of the mountain upon which they stood, the couple could see where the peninsula merged with the mainland. And there, curiously enough, were two straight lines running parallel to each other—lines that ran the entire width of the peninsula, forming a barrier or dual wall. Did this wall protect the peninsula in some way? That was Adam’s immediate thought—for on the mainland side he could see animals grazing and wilderness. But on the peninsula side there were checkerboard patches of cultivated land, and a network of thin, web-like trails, and dwellings. Was that a village partially hidden by the trees?
Suddenly Eve noticed something. “Is that a pyramid?” she queried, pointing to a dark colored mass, it form nestled against the base of the mountains.
“I think so,” said Adam.
“How?” remarked Eve. “What is this place?”
“This is Eden,” replied Lanna, proudly, his form rising up and behind them. “This will be your home on Terran. It is being prepared for you and your future off spring. It is a garden retreat on which Plon and Janno have been working on for almost seventy-five years. They are building it in anticipation of your arrival.”

The Author:

Paul T. Harry attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas as an English major with a theater arts minor before beginning his career as a writer and music producer. He also worked as an editor with Second Avenue Songwriter’s magazine and has spent the last 30 years writing novels, screenplays and short stories. Paul is married with four children and resides in Gold Canyon, outside Phoenix.

Follow the author:

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Amazon Buy It Now Link

The review for this book will be up on my blog in a week!

REVIEW: The Darkening by Caris Roane

Title: The Darkening
Series: Dawn of Ascension
Author: Caris Roane
Published Date: February 14, 2013
Publisher: St Martin's Paperbacks (?)
Format: ebook
Pages:  170
ASIN: B00BEXZZPW
Copy provided by: Innovative Online Book Tours
Genre: paranormal Romance
Add to: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon
Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads Synopsis: A tortured warrior and a peace-loving counselor battle to protect Second Earth against a powerful dark force…
He thwarted connection of any kind…
Fearing that his newly emerged grayle power will kill innocent ascenders, Samuel Daman struggles to keep his distance from beautiful Vela Stillwell. But the breh-hedden has struck and her light floral scent tears at his restraint. When the enemy draws them both into the darkening, a place of secret travel for Third ascenders, will Samuel learn to control his power, or will he destroy what he desires most?
She hid from grief…
Vela Stillwell wanted a new life, away from Militia Headquarters, away from the reminder of all she’d lost when her husband died five years earlier. Seeking a more reclusive occupation, she finishes her last day of work only to have Samuel Daman and the infamous breh-hedden sweep through her life. Though trying to disconnect from her new emerging power and from Samuel, the call of the darkening pulls Vela into an adventure that both terrifies her, yet reveals the truth about her deepest desires. Will she succumb to the breh-hedden, or will her fears prevent her from living life to the fullest?

My Review: I would like to thank Innovative Online Book Tours and Caris Roane for giving me the opportunity to read this book for review. 
I love this book. I love it! I have loved this series since the very first book. I've read the first four books of the Guardians of Ascension series, and am looking forward to finding time to read the next in the series. Every time I hear a friend tell me she's looking for a good paranormal romance book, I always point her towards this series. It's just that good.
There is a jump in the last book of the series I read (#4) and this novella (#6.5), so there was some stuff that I didn't know, but I knew enough of the world to piece things together. So if you're going to read this book, you really do need to start from the beginning of the series. The world is so well-built, and terminology is added in there that isn't explained in the middle of the series. 
There was only one thing that truly disappointed me in reading this book. One of the What-Bees (see...terminology!) that I like hasn't found his breh yet, and he really deserves a good one! So please Ms. Roane, if you're reading this review, please please find Luken a breh! He's such a  sweetheart, he really deserves happiness.

Grounded Tour and Giveaway!

Grounded

"All my life I've worked to be simple, but I can't pretend anymore. Nothing about me is simple." In the year 2050, a secret government study nicknamed Operation Source Code injects eight volunteers with a retrovirus. The goal? To abate the energy crisis by reprogramming human DNA to power personal electronic devices. The experiment works but with disastrous consequences. Seventeen years later, Lydia Troyer is far from concerned with the energy crisis. Growing up in the isolated community of Hemlock Hollow, life hasn't changed much since 1698 when her Amish ancestors came to America. She milks her cow by hand, makes fresh bread every morning, and hopes to be courted by Jeremiah, the boy who's been her best friend since she could walk. But when Lydia's father has a stroke and is taken to the outside world for medical treatment, Lydia and Jeremiah leave Hemlock Hollow. An ordinary light switch thrusts Lydia into a new world where energy is a coveted commodity and her own personal history makes her the most sought-after weapon on the planet. Purchase Grounded on Amazon | Nook | iTunes | Kobo

About Author G.P. Ching

G.P Ching is the author of The Soulkeepers Series, The Grounded Trilogy, and a variety of short fiction. She specializes in cross-genre paranormal stories, loves old cemeteries, and enjoys a good ghost tour. She lives in central Illinois with her husband, two children, and one very demanding guinea pig. Learn more about G.P. at http://www.gpching.com and more about The Soulkeepers Series at http://www.thesoulkeepersseries.com.

Follow G.P. Ching Website | Facebook | Twitter

"I am seriously impressed with how the author took the simplistic Amish life and combined it with a futuristic, almost dystopian story line as seamlessly as she did. I highly recommend it." Crafty Cauldron

"I am also a sucker for Amish stories, and love the idea of the new paranormal/supernatural/dystopian twists using them. This book is electric. You are pulled into Lydia's story and keep on reading, trying to find out what happens next.I tried to figure out what I would do if I were in her situation. I am impressed by the strength she is able to find within herself." Andi's Young Adult blog
"I never know what to think when I start reading a book by a new author. But this one was electrifying!!! his book had me on the edge of my seat all the way to the last page. " Taking Time for Mommy
"It begins with the perfect bang, and lights up your mind in ways you may not have thought. As much as it is dystopian it is speculative, and I am all for challenging the minds of the human race." Literary Sweet
"The characters were so well written that I felt like I knew them. Lydia stayed true to who she was and her personality even when she had to make decisions that were not at all what an Amish would have ever imagine anyone would have to make." Delphina Reads too Much 

Tour Prize - $100 Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Apple Giftcard fill out the form below to enter! a Rafflecopter giveaway

It's Monday! What Are you Reading?

Last week, I had a stack of 6 books and said that if I could get through half of them in the week, I'd be doing good. Well, one of them I finished (and reviewed!), my fun book for the month got put aside halfway through reading because I've got deadlines looming, the third book was finished (but I won't be reviewing that one just yet), and finally fourth one is almost finished.

So as I look at my calendar in the next few weeks, my TBR pile looks like this:

By roboartemis. Found on DeviantArt.com

So this week it looks like this:

1. The Swords of Gregara - Honora by Cynthia Woolf
2. Demon Lover by Juliet Dark
3. The Water Witch by Juliet Dark
4. The Hot Shots by Stephanie Queen
5. The Chronicles of Trellah by T.S. Graham

I'm still hoping to get back to my fun book for February (Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn) and finish it this week.

Week in Review: Feb 24, 2013

Is it Sunday again?! And of course, we have another snow storm, so as everyone else is snuggled down in their nice warm beds, I'll be out shoveling my car out to go to work. Yes, I work on weekends occasionally....sometimes, more often than I'd like to.
Anyways, onto the past week! It's been a slow week for reviews, with only two:

1. Shifty Business by Olivia Hardin
2. Tom's River by Dan Fagin

Both are really good books, but Shifty Business is the third in a series, and you really must read the first two to enjoy it fully. Tom's River is chock full of facts, all very interesting, however, it can get a bit into the information overload.

Only two giveaways as well:

1. Food For A Hungry Ghost: $25 Amazon GC and Food for a Hungry Ghost Bag
2. Player: $25 Amazon GC and autographed book

Also, a new meme I started participating in is The Literary Addicts week from LiteraryAddicts.com

Happy Reading!

Feature and Follow Friday #13

Q: We always talk about books that WE want. Let's turn it on its head. What books have you given other people lately?

I usually go hunting for books for my mother in law, books that she requests I find for her Nook. I've given her Until the End of Time by Danielle Steele and The Power Trip by Jackie Collins last week. 

I had two contests on my blog that ended this week, for Koishi and Infernal Eighteen, and give one copy of Koishi away, and two copies of Infernal Eighteen away. 

And finally, to give it to ALL of you wonderful readers and followers....Collapse by Richard Stevenson is free until midnight tonight. So go get it while you can!

REVIEW: Tom's River by Dan Fagin

Title: Tom's River
Series: none
Author: Dan Fagin
Published Date: March 19, 2013
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Format: ebook
Pages: 560
ISBN: 9780553806533
Copy provided by: author
Genre: non-fiction
Add to: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Rating: 4 stars

Synopsis: The riveting true story of a small town ravaged by industrial pollution, Toms River melds hard-hitting investigative reporting, a fascinating scientific detective story, and an unforgettable cast of characters into a sweeping narrative in the tradition of A Civil Action, The Emperor of All Maladies, and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

One of New Jersey’s seemingly innumerable quiet seaside towns, Toms River became the unlikely setting for a decades-long drama that culminated in 2001 with one of the largest legal settlements in the annals of toxic dumping. A town that would rather have been known for its Little League World Series champions ended up making history for an entirely different reason: a notorious cluster of childhood cancers scientifically linked to local air and water pollution. For years, large chemical companies had been using Toms River as their private dumping ground, burying tens of thousands of leaky drums in open pits and discharging billions of gallons of acid-laced wastewater into the town’s namesake river.

In an astonishing feat of investigative reporting, prize-winning journalist Dan Fagin recounts the sixty-year saga of rampant pollution and inadequate oversight that made Toms River a cautionary example for fast-growing industrial towns from South Jersey to South China. He tells the stories of the pioneering scientists and physicians who first identified pollutants as a cause of cancer, and brings to life the everyday heroes in Toms River who struggled for justice: a young boy whose cherubic smile belied the fast-growing tumors that had decimated his body from birth; a nurse who fought to bring the alarming incidence of childhood cancers to the attention of authorities who didn’t want to listen; and a mother whose love for her stricken child transformed her into a tenacious advocate for change.

A gripping human drama rooted in a centuries-old scientific quest, Toms River is a tale of dumpers at midnight and deceptions in broad daylight, of corporate avarice and government neglect, and of a few brave individuals who refused to keep silent until the truth was exposed.

My review: I'd like to thank NetGalley for providing an ARC copy of this book to me for the purpose of review.

Awhile ago at work, I had to take some extra instructional stuff, and it was all about these laws and regulations by the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency. One of the first things I learned about very briefly were different places that caused this thing called the Superfund. One of the places was Tom's River. 

Being the geek I am, I jumped at the chance to get more details. This book gives all the details. And then some. And then some more. The story behind Tom's River is written in such excruciating detail that you are absolutely horrified at the amount of damage companies have done to our environment, whether its in Tom's River, or in other places all over the world. 

The history that leads up to the actual events in Tom's River go back all the way to pre-Industrial times. The author leads you by the hand down the road as it gets darker and darker and darker. It was so well-written. 

The only bad part about the book is that it has so many details. Did you know that the first cancer discovered was in a dinosaur bone about 150 million years old? Yes, that's one of the hundreds of slightly related facts that are in this book. I loved learning everything I read, but it could have been cut by about 200 pages with no one the wiser. 

Collapse #FreeEBook today and tomorrow!

Collapse

What would it take for the United States to fall from within? In a not too distant future, America is put to the test. With the American people deep in The Second Great Depression and two of the most powerful hurricanes on record to contend with, the United States is in no condition to deal with hidden terrorists on its soil, maniacal politicians, and the most formidable military threat the world has seen since the Third Reich. This is the story of three men from three very different walks of life: Howard Beck, the world's richest man, also diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome; Richard Dupree, ex-Navy SEAL turned escaped convict; and Maxwell Harris, a crippled, burned-out chief of police of a small Texas town. At first, they must overcome their own struggles and fight for their survival against impossible odds. In the end, the unlikely trio must band together to save their beloved country from COLLAPSE. Empires topple. Nations crumble. Civilization is fragile. In 2027, America will fall.

About Author Richard Stephenson

Richard Stephenson was born in 1975 in Denison, TX and spent his childhood in North Texas. In 1992, he graduated high school after only three years. He then pursued his degree at Oklahoma Christian University, once again accomplishing the task in three years. Richard then married his best friend before going off to basic training to be a military policeman with the US Army. With his new wife joining the adventure, they spent the next four years at Fort Polk, LA and had two children. Just before his son turned five, Richard and his wife were told that their oldest child had Asperger's Syndrome. Nine years later, Richard's son would become the inspiration for the character of Howard Beck. After leaving the armed forces, Richard continued his law enforcement career in the federal sector and has been with the Department of Justice for twelve years.

Follow Richard Stephenson:Website | Facebook | Twitter

Download Collapse for FREE on AmazonFeb 21 & Feb 22.

Food for a Hungry Ghost Tour and Giveaway!

Food for a Hungry Ghost

Life was pleasantly normal for Gala Rhyce—that is, until her mom moved the family to Flagler Beach, Florida. Now—despite the palm trees, ocean breezes, and cute surfer guys—Gala is miserable…until she meets Trista. Trista makes a great friend, except for one thing: she's a ghost. The girls learn to communicate, and through Gala, Trista finds a way to experience the world again. As Gala’s romance with a heartthrob poet begins to bloom, her unlikely friendship with Trista continues—until the ghost wants more than Gala can give, and things start to go horribly wrong. Filled with horror, romance, and humor, Food for a Hungry Ghost is about friendship, trust, jealousy, and boundaries that get pushed too far. How much can Gala endure? Will she survive the clutches of the Hungry Ghost?

Buy on Kindle / Paperback Author's Website

Follow Becky on Facebook / Goodreads / Website       Becky Pourchot is the author of two books: I Look Better in Binary and Food for a Hungry Ghost and had published over one hundred articles ranging in topic from haunted museums to burlesque dancers. Ms. Pourchot grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, but has spent her last year and a half enjoying the sand and surf in Flagler Beach, Florida, where she now lives with her husband, three kids, and a grouchy parrot named Zoey.    




February 20 - Blast http://www.promotionalbooktours.com
 February 21 1. http://mommyreadstoomuch.com 2. http://www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com 
February 22 1. http://takingtimeformommy.com 2. http://www.thestuffofsuccess.com
 February 25 1. http://momzunas.blogspot.com/ 2. http://www.amamascorneroftheworld.com 
February 26 1. http://bibliophilesthoughtsonbooks.blogspot.com/ 2.Interview - http://ereadingonthecheap.com
 February 27 1. http://www.craftymomof3.com 2. http://nikita-mattes.blogspot.com/
 February 28 1. http://andisyoungadult.blogspot.com 2. http://manicmamaof2.wordpress.com 3. http://inspirationsbysimone.blogspot.com
 March 1 1. http://mamasgotflair.com 2. http://www.prettyopinionated.com
 March 4 1. http://booktester.blogspot.com 2. http://StressedRach.co.uk 3. http://simplyathomemom.com/

Tour prize is a $25 Amazon Giftcard and Food for a Hungry Ghost Bag Fill out the form below to enter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Literary Addicts #1: Stalker Week!

Pick your favorite author that you love to stalk and just can’t get enough of!

I don't do stalking. My MIL loves to stalk Danielle Steele, James Patterson, and some others. As soon as she hears a new book is coming out (which seems to be once a week for these authors!), she's all..."Kristin! Can you get this book for me?!" 90% of the time I can get it pretty quickly for her, for her Nook.

But, no, I don't do stalking, famous people, authors or unfamous people who may not be authors. I don't have enough energy to do it. Usually I find out about a new book probably weeks after it comes out. However, if I would stalk any author, it would probably be Caris Roane (I've got a review of her newest novella, The Darkening, scheduled for next week). She's the author of the Guardians of Ascension series. She's awesome. Her writing is awesome. I'm secretly hoping she'll leave a comment on my review next week! (Oh god, do I sound like a teeny bopper stalker type now or what?)

So, if you want to stalk her for her obviously awesome writing abilities...go ahead!

Caris Roane Website | Caris Roane on Facebook | Caris Roane on Twitter

Winner for the Koishi Giveaway!

Congrats to Leslie Miner for winning the ebook copy of Koishi! You have been emailed a copy of it. I truly wish I could have given both entrants a copy.

Winners for the Infernal Eighteen Giveaway!

Congrats to the winners! 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Player Book Blast and Giveaway!

Player

Joshua Hanover had it all. He was handsome, rich, athletic, and had always been popular with the ladies. Yet, until he gets paired up with his beautiful but shy lab partner, Rosa, he never allowed himself to fall in love. As the chemistry between them grows, Josh realizes that his player days have come to end. But it seems his change of heart has come too late. Not only is Rosa leery of his bad boy reputation, he has four vindictive ex-girlfriends who are on a rampage. At first he doesn’t take their threats seriously, but then his tires are slashed, someone tries to poison him, and one of the girls turns up dead. Josh doesn’t know who to trust, but one thing is certain. It definitely isn’t worth the price he’s paying to be a player.
Follow the author Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Pinterest

Buy on Amazon / Smashwords

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.

Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan and Player.

February 19- Blast
February 20 - 1. http://mommyreadstoomuch.com 
2. http://nikita-mattes.blogspot.com
February 21- 1. http://livingatthewhiteheadszoo.blogspot.com
2. http://takingtimeformommy.com
February 22 - 1. Jennifer http://simplyathomemom.com/
2. Interview http://ereadingonthecheap.com
February 25 - 1. Review: http://andisyoungadult.blogspot.com 2. Review: http://mamasgotflair.com
February 26- 1.Review: http://www.craftymomof3.com 2. Guest Post - http://mamivalsbooks.blogspot.com February 27 - 1. Review: http://tiffanytalksbooks.com/ 2. Excerpt: http://museunleashed.com/

Tour Prize - $25 amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book. Fill out the form below to Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW REDUX: Shifty Business by Olvia Hardin

Title: Shifty Business
Author: Olivia Hardin
Series: Bend-Bite-Shift Trilogy #3
ASIN: B00AM0P1PC
Published Date: Dec 9, 2012
Publisher: Olivia Hardin
Pages: 173
Format: ebook
Copy received by: Promotional Book Tours
Add to Goodreads
Buy it Amazon / Barnes and Noble

My Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Synopsis: Gerry Hinton thought she had the perfect career as an operative for the Company. Her next assignment should have been another "mission accomplished", but hell was delivering hand baskets that day.
When a little girl gives a mysterious silver box to Gerry, her world self-destructs. Suddenly under constant mental attacks, the only person who can save her is her partner, Nicky--but nothing comes without a cost. Secrets buried deep in the past begin to rise, threatening everything she holds dear.
If she can't out run her past, can she save her future?

Review: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to preface this review by saying that I really enjoyed this book. I like the characters, Gerry and Nicky. I liked the action in the book, and I like the paranormal elements of the book.
However, I haven't read Books 1 and 2 in this trilogy, and that detracted alot from the enjoyment of the book. Alot of it went way over my head, and I don't think I understood half of the book as I probably would have had I read the first two books. But, this in no way reflects negatively upon the book or the author's style of writing, it's just a sad reminder that if I do read a book in a series, I really should read the entire series first.



It's Monday! What Are You Reading!

It's Monday again, and I can say that I've gotten through a little of last week's TBR list. This week's:

• Tom's River by Dan Fagin
• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
• Swept into the Darkness by LaTaeya Lane
• Demon Lover by Juliet Dark
• The Water Witch by Juliet Dark
• The Swords of Gregara - Honora by Cynthia Woolf

If I can get half of these books read, I'll feel like I accomplished something!

Week In Review: Feb 17, 2013

Yet another week has passed, some warm weather has blown in this past week, and allowed a few inches of the snow to melt. Last night brought in a few more inches however, and since I sprained my elbow shoveling last weekend, I'm not looking forward to shoveling this time!

I was able to get a few reviews posted this week though, and a few sales and giveaways.

Reviews:

1. No Greater Illusion by K Bassett: 5 stars to this book, truly it is an AMAZING book!
2. Seduced by Innocence by Kimberly Kinrade: 4 stars
3. Renhala by Amy Joy Lutchen: 4 stars

Giveaways and Sales:

1. Nobody Has to Know: $50 Amazon giftcard
2. Chronicles of Trellah: $100 Amazon Giftcard
3. Swept Into Darkness: $25 Amazon Giftcard
4. Valentine's Day Sale (May already be over so check the prices before you buy)

REVIEW: Renhala by Amy Joy Lutchen

Title: Renhala
Series: none
Author: Amy Joy Lutchen
Published Date: September 27, 2012
Publisher:self-published by author
Format: ebook
Pages: 406 (although in my nook it was much longer at over 500)
ISBN13: 9780988281509
Copy provided by: author
Genre: fantasy
Add to: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon
Rating: 4 stars

Goodreads synopsis: Kailey Rooke, timid accountant, dedicated to philanthropic work, finds herself spiraling into a deep depression after she suffers a horrifyingly odd and humiliating assault, to only discover more of these freakish assaults occurring across the globe.
A chance discovery leads Kailey to a meeting with elderly Gunthreon, actual master of persuasion. Gunthreon, who seems to know too much of Kailey's history for her liking, opens Kailey's eyes to a coexisting realm she never knew existed: Renhala, while entrusting her with the knowledge of her newfound power as karmelean, serving as a beacon to the Higher Ones. Kailey slowly starts revealing new talents, and Gunthreon is fascinated with what she starts achieving.
She soon discovers that Renhala is in danger, and this danger has been leaking into her own realm. As she uncovers secrets within herself, and attempts to toughen up, she fuses with an unlikely band of fellow travelers (including a dragon, woodsprite, six-hundred-pound greble, her faithful female canine companion, and a "giver"), falls into an unexpected love triangle, deals with her sexy and flirtatious best friend’s “issues,” and finds the courage to master a new deadly weapon. 
On her mission to save Renhala, Kailey will find herself running from life-threatening disasters, such as greble Tartarin, who likes to remind Kailey that when he catches her, he plans on eating her brains with ice cream; she'll run from the deadly meeples: small cute bunnies with talons and an undeniable thirst for imposing self-destruction on others. Kailey will also run into the possibility that a centuries-old Renhalan rumor is true, that advanced technology existing in Kailey's realm shortens all life spans.
As blood is shed and puzzles near completion, Kailey pulls from deep within herself, conjuring up mystical qualities that enable her to astonish as once predicted at her birth, but despite the newfound strength, Kailey will discover that monsters not only come in ugly packages, but can be easily disguised as those she has come to love and trust.

My review: I'd like to thank the author for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. 
The beginning of the book I will admit was confusing as all heck and a little slow. I think maybe opening the book with a flashback to the attack would have drawn the reader in immediately. Overall, the writing was excellent. The story line was a little long. In fact, with a little more detail and a good cliff hanger, this could have easily been broken down into two books. With the story line being so long, there were times when it felt slow and draggy. 
The love triangle, did it ever really get resolved? At the very end it did, but I didn't like how Kailey couldn't decide till the very end, she was so wishy-washy about the two guys. I wanted to slap her a few times. On the other hand, I did like how there was no insta-love. 
So basically: great writing style, the storyline was long and draggy at times, but, ultimately, a great read.

Feature and Follow Friday #12

Q: Write a letter to your favorite character. Rant, rave or gush…just pretend like they are real and you just want to let them know a "few things". - Activity courtesy of author, Kelly Walker

Dear Hamlet,

Before you start seeing any more ghosts, just a suggestion...check your wheat fields and storage facilities for mold. I hear the mold can cause some trippy visions. Between you, your mom and Ophelia, its either mass hallucinations, or bad wheat. Personally I think y'all need to be locked up and fed some serious anti-psychotic medication and counseling  especially poor Ophelia, before she goes off and decides to take a swan dive into the river when she knows she can't swim. 

It's called Abilify, and Haloperidol....check it out and see a doctor.

Kris

Nobody Has To Know Tour and Giveaway

Nobody Has To Know

Nobody Has To Know, Frank Nappi's dark and daring new thriller, tells the story of Cameron Baldridge, a popular high school teacher whose relationship with one of his students leads him down an unfortunate and self-destructive path. Stalked through text-messages, Baldridge fights for his life against a terrifying extortion plot and the forces that threaten to expose him. NHTK is a sobering look into a world of secrets, lies, and shocking revelations, and will leave the reader wondering many things, including whether or not you can ever really know the person you love.

Purchase Nobody Has To Know on Amazon.




  "A haunting, briskly-paced page turner that explores the darkest recesses of the human psyche while propelling the reader through an intricate series of hair-raising twists and turns. Nobody Has to Know is a masterfully written tale that is expertly told. Frank Nappi knows how to entertain the reader from start to finish." -- #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Nelson DeMille

About Author Frank Nappi

Frank Nappi has taught high school English and Creative Writing for over twenty years. His debut novel, Echoes From The Infantry, received national attention, including MWSA's silver medal for outstanding fiction. His follow-up novel, The Legend of Mickey Tussler, garnered rave reviews as well, including a movie adaptation of the touching story "A Mile in His Shoes" starring Dean Cain and Luke Schroder. Frank continues to produce quality work, including Sophomore Campaign, the intriguing sequel to the much heralded original story and the just released thriller, NOBODY HAS TO KNOW, which received an endorsement from #1 New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille. Frank is presently at work on a third installment of his Mickey Tussler series and his next thriller. He lives on Long Island with his wife Julia and their two sons, Nicholas and Anthony.

Follow Frank Nappi Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
Follow the Tour Tour prize is a $50 Amazon Gift Card.
Fill out the form below to Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW: Seduced by Innocence by Kimberly Kinrade

Title: Seduced by Innocence
Series: Seduced Saga #1
Author: Kimberly Kinrade
Published Date: Jan 21, 2013
Publisher: Daring Books
Format: ebook
Pages: 206
ASIN: B00B751B6E
Copy provided by: Innovative Book Tours
Genre: paranormal romance
Add to: Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon
Rating: 4 stars


Goodreads synopsis: Rose Wintersong didn't have an ordinary upbringing. Raised in what most would call a hippy commune, but what is actually a powerful coven of witches, she never questions the life fate chose for her.
Until she meets Derek O'Conner.
Derek challenges everything Rose believes and forces her to see the secrets hidden beneath the whitewashed walls of her idyllic country life.
Rose knows she should walk away, that the sexy martial arts instructor is bad news bred to create discord in her tight community… but the animal magnetism between them is impossible to fight.
Caught between the passion of first love, and the steady beat of the life she's always known, Rose must choose between the innocence of her youth or the pleasures of womanhood—but lost innocence comes at a price, and Rose harbors a dark secret that could destroy everyone she loves—including Derek. 

My review: I'd like to thank the author and Innovative Book Tours for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a nice paranormal version of Romeo and Juliet. The Witches versus the Druids, instead of the Montagues versus the Capulets. I felt for Rose the entire time, from her gift, to her horrible mother, even to the commune she lived in. The entire book was so well-paced and well-written that I just couldn't put it down. I finished it in one afternoon.

Fortunately, neither Derek nor Rose had to die, but there was a nice little final battle at the end. I can't wait for the next book!