2014 VA Trip - Part 4

I made it to the Coeburn Community Library with a downpour accompany as I drove to my destination. It's always a great feeling to speak with the librarians who watched my journey as a reader, and later as a writer, with pride and joy. This is why I love library visits, even if the turnout is not always huge.

Just being able to be surrounded by so many stories, creativity, facts and knowledge is enough to make me giddy. But I'm going off the path so time to get back.

Had a small turnout which was still nice. I got to talk about my novels, answer questions and enjoyed myself tremendously. I also got the chance to give back to the library that was crucial to my childhood/teen years as a reader. I donated all the titles to my books that they did not already have. I hope that others from my hometown will get a chance to enjoy my works and go on many adventures with my characters.

Have to pack the car for the return trip and worry about the snow that is inbound.

2014 VA Trip - Part 3

I arrived at Cavalier Comics with five minutes to spare. Today, it's dreary out and I'm afraid the weather will scare people away. It doesn't help, either, that a winter storm is headed this way. I tried to bring some  Florida warmth which we did have a little of on Thursday and Friday.

Left a little later than I planned as headed to the final stop of my tour. Did manage to give some of my books a good home. I hope the child receiving the book for a gift will enjoy it as well as the parent who bought a book as well.

Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2014: February & March part 3

This is part 3 of 3.

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from Netgalley, the author or publisher for this honest review. 

About the Book

A year’s worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed. Allie left the love of her life at the altar—to save him from a lifetime of heartbreak. When a Valentine’s Day wedding brings them back together, she struggles against her family’s destructive history. Can Allie ever realize that a marriage is so much more than a wedding dress? History repeats itself when Allie Andrews escapes the church on her wedding day—in the same dress passed down for generations and worn by all the women in her family—women with a long history of failed marriages. Allie loves Marcus, but fears she’s destined to repeat her family’s mistakes. She can’t bear to hurt Marcus worse. Marcus Hall never stopped loving Allie and can only think of one reason she left him at the altar—him. When the two are thrown together for his sister’s Valentine’s Day wedding, he discovers the truth and realizes their story might be far from over. Can Allie shuck expectation and discover who she is as a bride and in the Bride of Christ? And if she ever walks down the aisle, what dress will she wear?

Buy the Book

Buy the Book

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 3 stars

Here's why:

***I received this book from Netgalley without compensation for an honest review.***

Good points: short read, characters were written well and the descriptions of places, things and people were great.

Downside: Allie's (main character) penchant for being overly dramatic about family curses, the dress and her general, almost teenage like angst when it comes to her love life. When I find myself getting annoyed at the main character's behavior because it reminds me of how kids sometimes act, then it makes me want to not finish.

I'm glad I did finish but the pacing of the story and Allie's pity party were almost too much for this reader.

Would I recommend this to others? Maybe.

2014 VA Trip - Part 2

For my March 26 stop, I went back to college. That's right I returned to the community college that gave me my first real view of society in action.

Traveling to Mountain Empire Community College was fairly easy thanks to the roads being cleared and a 2-hour snow delay which allowed me to get some rest before coming.  I met several unpublished and upcoming writers and illustrators during my visit. I can't wait to see their finished works.

Next on the tour stop is Cavalier Comics in Wise on Satuday afternoon at 1 pm and the Coeburn Community Library Saturday at 3:30 pm.

Then its back home to Florida on Sunday.

Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2014: February & March part 2

This is part 2 of 3.

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from Netgalley, the author or publisher for this honest review. 

About the Book

A year’s worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed. In A January Bride by Deborah Raney, what will happen when novelist Madeleine Houser’s “pen pal” friendship with a lonely widower takes an unexpected turn? Who can work in a house that's overrun by contractors and carpenters? Not Madeleine Houser, a successful novelist who gladly accepts the help of her octogenarian friend, Ginny, to arrange for a temporary office in the charming bed and breakfast owned by Ginny's friend, Arthur. Maddie's never met the innkeeper - but a friendship grows between them as Maddie and Arthur leave messages for each other each day. To Maddie's alternate delight and chagrin, she seems to be falling for the inn's owner - a man who's likely many years her senior - and who she's never even met.

Buy the Book

Buy the Book

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

***I received this book from Netgalley without compensation for an honest review.***

This is the second novella in the A Year of Weddings series and I have to say that I really enjoyed this classy and sweet romance.

I found the main character, Maddie, to be very likeable and relateable (perhaps because she is an author). Art, the main male lead, was also well-written a character that you could easily understand. Watching the two of them and their relationship grow was fun and, at times, heart-tugging.

The secondary character of Ginny was enjoyable as well as she did her part to help the two lonely and scared couple find their footing.

This story does contain Christian and religious moments so, if you're not a fan of this style of writing, you might want to steer clear.

I would recommend this novel to others and I will continue to read the other novels in this series.

2014 VA Trip - Part 1

Yesterday, I kicked off the first part of my Virginia tour. I visited the J. Fred Matthews  Public Library in St. Paul for an author talk. I met plenty of amazing readers and a few writers, too.

Thanks to the Friends of the Library for having me and for everyone that braved the snowy weather. I would definitely love to come back next year and see everyone again.

For today, I'm off to Mountain Empire  Community College for the next stop on my tour.

Netgalley & Edelweiss Reading Challenge 2014: February & March part 1

I didn't get to post in February so I'm combining the novel I read in February with the ones I'm reading in March as a 3-part posts.

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from Netgalley, the author or publisher for this honest review. 

About the Book

A year’s worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed. What started as a whim turned into an accidental — and very public — engagement. Can Layla and Seth keep up the façade in Chapel Springs this holiday season - for the sake of her career . . . and his heart? Under normal circumstances, Seth Murphy — the best friend of Layla O’Reilly’s ex-fiancé — would be the last person she’d marry. But the news of their upcoming (and phony) nuptials convinces a big client that Layla may be high-society enough to work for his agency — a coup that would put her fledgling home-staging business on the map. Seth has secretly loved Layla for years, even when she was dating his best friend. Maybe she’ll never forgive him for the way he hurt her back then, but he has to try. And Layla is willing to keep up their engagement farce until she’s landed her client. For Layla, it’s the chance to save her career. But for Seth, it’s his last chance to win her heart.

Buy the Book

Buy Now

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating: 4 stars

Here's why:

***I received this book from Netgalley without compensation for an honest review.***

This book was a short, sweet read with characters that were both likeable and easy to relate to.

Everyone who has ever dipped their toes into the pool known as romance, understands that sometimes it is the ones we don't see that turn out to be the greatest loves.

I liked the fact that there were already feelings between the main characters but that the man was just as insecure about making the first move as the woman. When they finally admitted their feelings the moment felt nature and not contrived which is something I look for in the romances I like to read.

I would definitely recommend this novel to others.

Giveaway Hop: Seriously Shifter (3/21 - 3/28)

Shifters - the very word invokes in me a happy thrill, healthy fear and a solid dose of curiosity. To me being a shifter would be wonderful, the best of both worlds. Living as a human but enjoy the world through the eyes of a different species...Oh the fun I'd have.

Since this can never be reality, I'll have to settle for reading about them and sharing my love with others.

The Prizes

Book #1

Book #2

Book #3

1 Autographed copy of book #1 Dusk Conspiracy
1 - Ebook pack of my shifters dark paranormal romance series "Werelove" (books 1-3)
3 - Walk on role in the upcoming 4th book. That's right, you get to design a character and I'll put you in the novel.


It's easy to enter. Just follow the Rafflecopter instructions below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Please visit other participating sites

Task Force Gaea Memory's Curse Book Blast & Giveaway

Tour Schedule

Mar 17

Indie Hoopla Promotions Gala
Nocturnal Predator Reviews
Mary's Cup of Tea
Siren Dreamscape
Saintz Realm Spotlightz

Mar 18

Fated Dimensions
My Inner Muse
The Blood Flow
Hell Fyre Risen

Mar 19

My Fae-void Demon
Indie Author How-to
A Saintz Dream
Carpe Diem

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Series: Task Force Gaea
Book #2

For Aegis, Zodiak, Aether, and Talon, operatives in the United Nations Task Force: Gaea, life should have returned to normal after they restored the cosmic balance that a reckless elder goddess shattered, but because of the intervention of the Fates, they would never remember what life was like before. With history now unfolding the way it was supposed to, paranoia plagues this new time line, and tight-fisted governments mandate control through a pervasive military presence, DNA scans, and surveillance cameras.

Inexplicable occurrences all over the world give way to a new mission for Task Force: Gaea when an ancient cloudlike evil referred to in prophecy only as The Nebulous One emerges from Tartaros, with the intention of devouring the Olympian gods. But, before she can find them, all of the gods but Apollo have disappeared.

Leaving chaos and human corpses in her wake, she oozes her way across the globe to satisfy her hunger. Apollo will not face this threat alone, and it then becomes a race: will he and Task Force: Gaea find and vanquish this primordial goddess without falling prey to her power before she finds the gods?

Aegis and his teammates, perhaps as a side effect of their encounters with The Nebulous One, have to battle personal demons in the form of potent memories that could jeopardize their mission’s success, seemingly insurmountable obstacles that could indeed mean the end of their team.

Starting in antiquity and moving to the modern day, this epic battle between good and evil leaves both immortal and mortal alike wondering whether memory can be a blessing… or a curse.

Buy the Book

Amazon | Smashwords | BN

David Berger

Boston born, I grew up on Long Island in New York, and have my B.A. in English with a Master's in Secondary Education. I currently teach AP English Literature, IB English, and Creative Writing in Land O' Lakes, FL. My avid appreciation for fantasy fiction came from a childhood love of Greek mythology and comic books, especially Wonder Woman. Stemming from this literary love affair, I published my first novel, Task Force: Gaea—Finding Balance, in February 2012.

In addition to my fantasy writing, I have written poetry, much of which was influenced by my travels abroad, namely to Ireland. My hibernophilia extends not only to a great love of the Emerald Isle itself, but also to the writers who hail from there, namely W. B. Yeats, and I studied this poet in a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship at the National University of Ireland in Galway in 2005.

Additionally, I have traveled to Spain, France, and England—all with trips I have led with students—and hope to show more of my students what the world beyond Florida looks like.
I'm "living the dream," as it were, and I love life—I just hope it loves me in return. I reside in Land O' Lakes, FL with my partner of 13 years, Gavi, and our two cats, Yankel and Shayna.

Official Author Website  |  Series Website  |  Series Facebook Page  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads

 GIVEAWAY

$15 Amazon.com or BN.com Gift Card or Paypal Cash. E-books & paperbacks prizes. Ends 03/31/2014. Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com or BN.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kisha from Indie Hoopla Services & Promotions, http://indiehoopla.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kishaz Reading Corner: Knight of a Trillion Stars

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Imagine returning from work to find him in your living room? 

It has been a horrible day for Deanna Jones. She’s fired from her job– and that turns out to be the highpoint of her day.

Good thing she found the weird-looking necklace in a junk shop by the parking lot…or is it?

When she finally gets home, a six foot four inch knight is sitting in her living room! The hunk looks like every woman’s fantasy of the perfect hero, but what is he doing in her cottage?

Well, he’s on a very important quest, of course. But she’ll find that out soon enough.

Poor Deanna Jones is about to be swept into an amazing, epic journey across time and space… leading straight to the heart.

Buy the Book

AMAZON

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating:  3.5 stars

Here's why:

There were several things I liked about the story and a couple that annoyed me. Let's start with those that annoyed me and go from there.

1) Some of Deanna's reactions. I know that statement is rather vague but at the risk of spoiling moments in the story, that will have to suffice. I will say that if I came home and some strange man was in my house, I would not have reacted like Deanna. And, there are moments when the character becomes a little two-dimensional which threw me while reading.

2) The over "alpha"-fulness of Lorgan. There's alpha male and then there's domineering/jerk. I spent most of the novel either hating Lorgan (the main romantic lead) and sometimes liking his softer side. Color me too modern but I don't think if I were a damsel in distress I would want him coming to my rescue.

Now on to what I liked about the story.

1) The secondary characters. For me, Rejar, Lorgan's brother, stole the show. His wit and snappy comebacks kept the story alive when it lagged in spots.

Also the wizard who reminded Deanna of Merlin was another breath of fresh air.

2) The Con scene. I won't say anymore. For those of us who have attend Cons of any type, you'll understand why I found that scene in the book hilarious.

3) Description of the various worlds. I enjoyed the changes in scenery and the author's descriptions of the various areas the characters visited.

Recommend? Yes, I would recommend this one. If you are a feminist, then steer clear because this heroine is not one you'll like.

Kishaz Reading Corner/Blog Tour: The Fire and the Light

This edition of Kishaz Reading Corner is a little different because this review is part of a book tour. So let's get to the review and then more about the tour and giveaway.



Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.

About the Book

Series: Souls of Aredyrah, Book #1

In the world of Aredyrah, things are not what they seem. An ancient Purge has plunged the island into darkness, isolating its cultures by superstition and fear. Dayn lives in the northernmost region of Kirador and knows nothing of the great city-state of Tearia far to the south. All he knows is the Kiradyns are the only survivors of a god’s fiery wrath, and he looks nothing like them. Meanwhile Ruairi, a prince destined for greatness, resents his Tearian obligations, longing for a life he can never hope to have. But when tragedy takes his beauty as well as his name, he finds himself exiled by the very beliefs he once held dear. Both boys long for acceptance in societies that cling to religious ideals, but when fate throws them together, Dayn and Ruairi discover some unwelcome truths: not only are they bound by blood and prophecy, but the teachings they have been raised on are nothing more than lies. Will they reveal what they have learned, risking their lives and the security of those they love? Or will they keep silent, denying their destinies and the future enlightenment of their world?

Here's what I'm giving it:

Rating:  4 stars

Here's why:

I'm all about descriptions and this book is full of them. Not to the point where you feel like you're being told everything. The flow of the narrative as well as the characters (flawed and very believable) made this an enjoyable read.

I would recommend this book to young adults and adults alike. I didn't feel like the author just slapped a story together and put it out there. The storyline was well done and I would definitely be willing to read more books in this series.

Buy the Book

Ebooks: Kindle | Smashwords | Nook | Sony | Diesel
Paperback: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Tour Schedule

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Tracy A. Akers is a former language arts teacher and an award-winning author. She grew up in Arlington, Texas, but currently lives in Florida with her husband, three naughty pugs, and a feisty chihuahua. She graduated with honors from the University of South Florida with a degree in Education, and has taught in both public and private schools. She currently divides her time between writing, lecturing, spending time with her family, and costuming at fantasy and science fiction conventions.

Ms. Akers has won numerous awards for her Souls of Aredyrah fantasy series for young adults. As a Florida Book Awards winner, she was acknowledged for her contribution to YA literature by the Governor of Florida during the 2008 Florida Heritage Month Awards Ceremony. Books One and Two of the Aredyrah Series are included in the Florida Department of Education’s 2008 Just Read Families Recommended Summer Reading List. In addition, Ms. Akers has been an invited guest author at major book events and writers’ conferences, a panelist at fantasy and science fiction conventions, and was on the steering committee for Celebration of the Story, a literary event held at Saint Leo University.

The Souls of Aredyrah Series is Ms. Akers’ first series of novels for young adults.
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads

 GIVEAWAY

$25 Amazon.com or BN.com Gift Card or Paypal Cash, Ebook/paperback giveaway Ends 03/28/2014. Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com or BN.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kisha from Indie Hoopla Services & Promotions, http://indiehoopla.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: The Fire and the Light (Guest Post)

Tour Schedule

Series: Souls of Aredyrah, Book #1

In the world of Aredyrah, things are not what they seem. An ancient Purge has plunged the island into darkness, isolating its cultures by superstition and fear. Dayn lives in the northernmost region of Kirador and knows nothing of the great city-state of Tearia far to the south. All he knows is the Kiradyns are the only survivors of a god’s fiery wrath, and he looks nothing like them. Meanwhile Ruairi, a prince destined for greatness, resents his Tearian obligations, longing for a life he can never hope to have. But when tragedy takes his beauty as well as his name, he finds himself exiled by the very beliefs he once held dear. Both boys long for acceptance in societies that cling to religious ideals, but when fate throws them together, Dayn and Ruairi discover some unwelcome truths: not only are they bound by blood and prophecy, but the teachings they have been raised on are nothing more than lies. Will they reveal what they have learned, risking their lives and the security of those they love? Or will they keep silent, denying their destinies and the future enlightenment of their world?

Buy the Book

Ebooks: Kindle | Smashwords | Nook | Sony | Diesel
Paperback: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

In Consideration of Dayn

Written by Reiv, former prince of Tearia

I have to say, the first time I met Dayn I was not in the best of moods. I had been burned, disowned, and unnamed, had lost my crown, the girl of my dreams, and had been betrayed by my own twin brother! To make matters worse, I had run away, hoping to find some respite from my misery, but ended up facing hunger, exhaustion, and a stranger named Dayn instead. It was bad enough that Dayn looked like my estranged brother, (I am still not sure he has ever quite forgiven me for pressing my blade to his throat,) but the comments that came out of his mouth were so stupid at the time, I thought for certain he must be some kind of simpleton. Needless to say, we got off to a rather rocky start. After a number of arguments about what he knew or did not know, I came to realize he was not stupid, just inexperienced, especially with the ladies. That topic of conversation, which took place much later, was what broke the final tension between us, mainly because the thought of a young man his age having never kissed a woman made me laugh out loud. Afterward, we got along fairly well, we even managed to dodge a few close calls together, but still Dayn’s naiveté made him seem younger than his years, and it made me feel responsible for him somehow. I did not like the feeling of it, in truth we were very nearly the same age, yet over time Dayn has proved to be far braver than I could ever hope to be, so now I think it is he who feels responsible for me.

Tour Schedule

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March 3

Indie Hoopla Gala - Interview

March 4

My Fae-void Demon - Review

March 5

Indie Author How-to - Tens List

March 6

Carpe Diem - Spotlight Foxultely Reviews - Spotlight

March 7

Njkinny's Blog - Interview

March 10

My Inner Muse - Guest Post

March 11

A Saintz Dream - Tens List

March 12

My Inner Muse - Review

March 13

The Blood Flow - Review

March 14

Hell Fyre Risen - Guest Post

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Tracy A. Akers is a former language arts teacher and an award-winning author. She grew up in Arlington, Texas, but currently lives in Florida with her husband, three naughty pugs, and a feisty chihuahua. She graduated with honors from the University of South Florida with a degree in Education, and has taught in both public and private schools. She currently divides her time between writing, lecturing, spending time with her family, and costuming at fantasy and science fiction conventions.

Ms. Akers has won numerous awards for her Souls of Aredyrah fantasy series for young adults. As a Florida Book Awards winner, she was acknowledged for her contribution to YA literature by the Governor of Florida during the 2008 Florida Heritage Month Awards Ceremony. Books One and Two of the Aredyrah Series are included in the Florida Department of Education’s 2008 Just Read Families Recommended Summer Reading List. In addition, Ms. Akers has been an invited guest author at major book events and writers’ conferences, a panelist at fantasy and science fiction conventions, and was on the steering committee for Celebration of the Story, a literary event held at Saint Leo University.

The Souls of Aredyrah Series is Ms. Akers’ first series of novels for young adults.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads

 GIVEAWAY

$25 Amazon.com or BN.com Gift Card or Paypal Cash, Ebook/paperback giveaway Ends 03/28/2014. Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com or BN.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kisha from Indie Hoopla Services & Promotions, http://indiehoopla.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway