Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” —Groucho Marx

Friday, August 31, 2012

TGIF Feature and follow Friday #7

RULES

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
    • (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
    • (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
    • Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
    • Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
    • If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
    • Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
    • If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers
    • If you’re new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!


THIS IS A BLOG HOP!!!!


Q: Best Cover? What is the best cover of a book that you’ve read and didn’t like?

A:  I can't think of one that had a great cover and was a disappointment when read.   Allison's ? had to do with best cover, best story and for me that is Lauren Destafanos Wither .   Loved that book!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

The Bachelorette Project by Tami Anthony / RABT Tour

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Chick Lit / Women's Fiction
Title: The BACHELORETTE Project
Author: Tami Anthony
Date Published: 6/3/12

Synopsis: 
Synopsis: When an unfortunate twist of fate leaves 28 year-old socialite Leslee Robinson broken-hearted and unemployed, she embarks on a journey to discover what boggles every twenty-something single woman’s mind: What do men REALLY want and how do you find the perfect mate? With the help of her two best friends; Annie, a self-conscious, sarcastic single mother; and Karen, the neurotic, perfectionist ‘bridezilla,’ Leslee creates The BACHELORETTE Project, a ‘scientific’ dating experiment designed to uncover the enigma of the male species. 
After multiple dates gone awry and unanticipated encounters of the extreme, Leslee decides to confide in the last person that she’d ever consider asking dating advice from: Eric, her handsome, womanizing college friend with a well-known ‘love ‘em and leave ‘em’ reputation. Aside from Eric’s infamous bachelor tactics, Leslee can’t help but to be oddly attracted to him, but will pursuing the charming, ‘bad boy’ philanderer that Eric is even be worth the risk?
With unbelievable twists and a contemporary, comedic Chick-Lit feel, The BACHELORETTE Project is the chronicle of a single woman’s journey to finding true friendship, discovering herself, and learning the enigma of love down to a science.


My Review:

Ok ladies, after having read some serious stuff here of late, I needed today's read in a bad way!   I found our heroine, Leslee Robinson to be a lot like me...In the wrong place at the wrong time.  Lose job.    Heart broken by what she thought was the love of her life.....only Mr. Not....lose boyfriend.   She was all about herself and her fashionista persona until she hit rock bottom.   

 Unlike me she was beautiful and tiny and hysterically funny.   If anything could go wrong for Leslee Robinson, it did.    She did however, have friends.   She left Manhatten for home sweet home in Philadelphia!    When she has enjoyed all the unlikely events you would never expect when dating, she settles into a new job and seems to mellow out and find some contentment within her own skin.   I loved watching that transition take place.   Because when she wasn't demanding her time/her lifemate/all the good stuff from life, the good stuff sort of just happened at its own pace.

Tami's writing was fun and witty.  Her characters fully developed and quirky.  What strange men she met through dating companies, internet dating, 5 minute dating blind dating and pickups at the local bars....can we spell Catastrophe?  It was amazing  as well as her emotional growth within the pages.   I truly enjoyed the story and had many a chuckle as I read.  For a light read with a lot of heart and chuckles, this is the book to read!  Quirky & smart!

Tami Anthony



Author Bio

Tami Anthony is an author, a playwright, and the beautiful mind behind Pink Butterfly Publications, a publishing company devoted to female-driven literature. She is a graduate of Rutgers University with a Bachelor’s in English Literature and Theatre Arts. Tami presently resides outside of Philadelphia with her son and is currently working on her second novel and future plays.

Twitter - @tami_anthony
Goodreads
Facebook

Links to Buy
Amazon 

Guest Post:  How to Avoid the Rejection Blues

Please welcome our guest, Tami Anthony .  Tami will explain how she manages to avoid those rejection blues.


It happens to every author. It’s not kind, it’s not heartwarming, and it doesn’t give you that warm and fuzzy feeling inside. It’s that thing that new authors expect but never know exactly how it will feel until it happens. It is simply called the rejection blues. But, have no fear, new authors! There are ways that you can overcome these blues and stride on the path to writing success.

I remember my first rejections (yes, that is meant to be plural), and to be brutally honest, it sucked. I sent out query letters and the synopsis of my debut novel to about thirty different agents. When I received my first rejection letter, I just brushed it off and thought, “maybe there is another agent out there for me who believes in my story.” Well, that thought disappeared after about the tenth rejection letter I received (and don’t expect a personal, heartfelt rejection letter either. These rejections come in the form of two sentence, photocopied, heartbreaking strips of paper or very bland, generic emails). But, I didn’t cry or curl up in a corner and avoid society. I overcame my rejection blues by using a few simple steps:

1.      Ranting, raving, and bitching: Yup, I said it. These rejection letters can almost feel as bad as a breakup, so why not rant a little to a friend or a family member? This is your dream and you are allowed to be upset and a little emotional. Just don’t let your hurt feelings stop you from succeeding. Vent, bitch, then get over it.
2.      Improve if necessary: Okay, so maybe your query letter isn’t the best or maybe your work isn’t 100% perfection. There’s always room for improvement. Read your material over, make a few changes, and hit the pavement again.
Find a way(say YES to yourself): Haven’t found an agent to represent you or a publishing company to print your work? Still feeling rejected? Have no fear, my friend, because there are ways for your writing voice to be heard   and one way is to self-publish. If other people tell you ‘no’ and you truly believe that your work should be seen by the public eye, then finally tell yourself ‘yes.’ Find a way to get yourself out there! Say no to rejection and do it yourself. Yes, it’s easier said than done, but if you have drive and believe in yourself, trust me, you will find a way. Plus, there are plenty of great self-published writers in the literary world and you can be one of them.  
Have that well-deserved glass of wine and celebrate your wonderful accomplishments: You deserve to celebrate because you just wrote a book, or a play, or a short story. Not many people are determined or disciplined enough to complete such a task. Have a glass of wine, celebrate your accomplishments, and PRAISE yourself. Get your mojo back! Don’t let the rejection blues get the best of you. As my mother always tells me, ‘when one door closes, another one opens.’ If you are feeling rejected right now, you will find a way to finally be accepted and fulfill your   dream. Keep your head up, always believe in yourself, and give those rejection blues a nice kick in the ass. What doesn’t kill you can only make you stronger.

Thank you Tami, I have used the last line myself many times!  LOL


*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Feature and Follow #6

Q: Worst cover? What is the worst cover of a book that you’ve read and loved?

A:  I hate to diss on anybody or anything, but, if I have to say what cover I really thought was ugly, it would have to be the Stephanie Plum series covers.   I truly love the books, but could do without the colorful jackets.   Course, since I own every book in the series and I love them all, the jackets are acceptable by associated love for the books.   Sorry Janet...nothing personal.   Strange I know, because I truly am a color junkie.   Go figure.

 

RULES

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
    • (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
    • (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
    • Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
    • Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
    • If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
    • Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
    • If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers
    • If you’re new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

 This is a Blog Hop! 

      

 

 

Ungolden Silence by Lydia E Brew/RABT VBT


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Excerpt:

Shara stepped to the microphone and said “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Attitudes must change if this problem is going to be solved. I went to Washington the second that I heard Beatrice had been raped. The firm had a limo for Elaine and Beatrice so that Elaine could be as independent as possible. When I got to Washington, the rape and the act that a “community leader” was accused of rape was a major story. The limo driver just knew that the lady was a hooker, and he was mad. Again, it was the victim’s fault. This driver did not have the facts. Why didn’t I set him straight? Well. I thought I had to protect Beatrice’s privacy right?”
“Right,” the crowd answers slowly.
“NO, WRONG, ladies and gentlemen. This is what we are talking about; wrong becauseRAPE IS A CRIME! When it comes to sexual harassment or anything about sexual dysfunction, we don’t listen, we don’t tell. It is personal, private. NO! It is a crime and everybody needs to tell the world. Beatrice was not the first female that the man raped not even close to the first.”
“Each case of rape is different. In Beatrice’s case, this man was chasing her all the time that she was in Washington. Am I blaming her? To a degree, yes.”
“The audience seemed repulsed; “People. Please understand that what is being said here tonight is known by all people in the firm, especially top team members. I am not saying this to hurt my colleague. This is to make you see and understand what we are saying. The man who raped her stalked her all week. The women who saw the “bad” side of him kept quiet. That enabled him to cause more pain. He used that silence, and his list of victims got longer and longer. The women kept silent because they did not want to face the attitude that we as a society give them; oh, it was nothing. It was something when Mr. Paige touched my colleague inappropriately the second they were alone. She did not want him. We must allow women to say what they do and do not want men to do to their bodies. We must change the attitude about sexual problems, and we must listen when a woman is trying to get a man to stop. When a woman says a man is bothering her, we must hear and make sure the man understands that he must stop.”
General Fiction
Title: Ungolden Silence
Author: Lydia Brew




Date Published: 2008


Synopsis: 
 Ungolden Silence will explore the world of rape and expose the myths through articles that are based on facts. The main question that needs to be answered is why one human being would rape another human being. These reasons are explored in a compelling story that will make the reader ask questions. Beatrice James wanted to take her  co-worker Elaine on her first professional trip, she had to convince her employers and Elaine’s parents that she wanted to take Elaine on the trip. Elaine was in charge of the campaign. 
Thomas Paige is a well-respected community leader, however, there is whole other side of side of him. The man can be charming when he needs to be and that is why he can get away with sexually harassing and raping women. He began to harassed Beatrice did not want Elaine to have to deal with it. Beatrice did not want to deal with the fact that she was being sexually harassed.   
When any crime takes place, the families of the victims as well as the criminal are involved. Ungolden Silence will illustrate that the criminal is a real person, and rarely does he commit crimes just for the fun of it. 
It is important to know that rape is a part of violence. Through the characters of Ungolden Silence it is hoped that society will begin to find a way to eliminate the acceptance of violence, which includes the act of rape. 
It is through Beatrice, Elaine, and their colleagues that Ungolden Silence begins to explore the world of rape. Each of the main characters discovers what he has believed about rape and violence is not entirely true. A good example of this is when the firm’s secretary is told what happened on the trip. She discovered that some things that she was told when she was young was a myth. 
Through all of the characters, Ungolden Silence offers an alternative to the everyday acceptance of violence. When it comes to rape, it tells us that the rapists are human beings and there is a way to curb the crime.
What does the author wants the reader to take away is that the story is about a woman was rape while she and her business partner was away on a business trip. Her business partner is disabled but that is an important part of the story. However, it is not the main story. 

 My Review:

Wow.   I just finished reading Ungolden Silence.   Usually I take a day or two to mull a book over before I try to write my review.  But this book by Lydia Brew was so compelling, I felt the need to share my thoughts immediately, while they were fresh and burning in my soul.  When first invited to participate in this book tour, we were told the book was a different genre than had been offered before.  When I found out it was about rape and the exploration of myths, history, and other related abuses in our world, I though oh boy, this will be a dull read.  It was anything but!!   

You can read the synopsis above regarding the storyline and the certain characters involved.   Ms  Brew writes in a very simple style and her characters are very believable and well crafted individuals and like all of us, carry a phenomenal amount of baggage...some of which is buried baggage.  As the story developed, I was amazed by the number of people that were affected by the physical rape of one woman and the unlocking of secrets that resulted from that same rape.

This book was definitely enlightening, powerful, painful and emotional. My emotions were totally invested, probably because the subject of rape is so frightening. Yes, I cried.  There is so much to think about in the aftermath of a rape and so much we as women need to be educated about.      I definitely want my kids and grand kids to read this and I want the families to talk about it.  If we can learn to discuss this type of material, I think we would all be better for it

I rated this book 5 out of 5 winks Specifically due to the sensitivity of the subject material.

Thank you Ms Brew!  I will be thinking about your book for a long time to come.




Virtual Book Tour August 15 - August 28



August 17 - VVB32 Reads
August 21 - My Cozie Corner 
August 22 - My Seryniti
August 22 - TE Garden of Books
August 24 -  Bunny's Review
August 27- Intriguing Reads
August 28 - My Escape 



 
Lydia Brew



Author Bio

Author Bio: Lydia E. Brew was born with cerebral palsy but has not allowed her physical limitations to stand in her way. Her writing also provides insights into the world of the physically challenged. She graduated from Texas Southern University where she received The Society of Professional Journalist Sigma Chi Citation for Achievement.  She was a member of the drama club and pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  Under the leadership of one of her journalism professors, Miss Brew penned her first book Edith, The Story of Edith Irby Jones, M.D. about the first African-American to graduate from The Arkansas School of Medicine.  Upon finishing college, Miss Brew worked with the Houston Association of Black Journalists. She is a Christian and attends St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church.


Miss Brew founded Lydia’s Educational and Charitable Organization (LECO) when she decided to encourage young people to write.  LECO did this by sponsoring a yearly contest in which the contestant had to write about positive role models who were alive and from the Houston area. Each student who wrote an eligible essay was given a certificate of participation.  Winning writers received cash prizes.


Her second book Our Learn Together Book is based on the biography of Dr. Jones. It tells her story in a simplified format on one page and allows the child to writes his biography on the other. There are activities in the back where children can learn developmental skills and older children can learn to do research.




Website 
Twitter 

      
Facebook    
blog               


Links to Buy

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

For Ever by CJ Valles/ SupaGurl- VBTour w/ GIVEAWAY




Coffee! Music! Alone Time!

Welcome author guest blogger, C J Valles this morning!  (viewing audience, thunders applause)

What are your writing quirks and must haves in order to write?

This is such a fun question! First, some history on me. When I started my first book—which remains unpublished—way back before For Ever, I stayed up all night almost every night writing. I also listened to certain tracks on iTunes over and over. When I wrote For Ever, I worked mostly during the daytime, but the music part didn’t change. I’ve added different songs, but there are a few (three actually) that are getting really close to a thousand plays apiece!
Now I can’t write and not listen to music. It actually feels like there’s something wrong if iTunes isn’t playing. But when I’m not writing, I almost never listen to iTunes. It’s like my brain has two different settings: writing and non-writing.
Another absolute must have when I’m writing is alone time. I can write when my husband is sleeping or out of the house, but if he’s in the other room—forget about it. I get up a million times to check on what he’s doing; I fidget; I procrastinate. Basically, I need to be in a cave by myself!
Now that I’m writing (mostly) during the day again, I also need carbonated water and copious amounts of black coffee—cold-brew only please! I finally bought a carbonator to cut back on plastic bottles, and I can go through five or six bottles of self-bubbled water a day. With coffee, I’m up to about 36 ounces as I’m writing the sequel to For Ever. Any more than that, and I’d probably twitch more than I write!
Lastly, I need to be a little bored in order to write. I know; it’s strange. Ernest Hemingway said, “In order to write about life first you must live it.” And yeah, I’ll agree with that. But if I’m stressed out, running around doing a bunch of stuff, worried about my personal life—well, then I don’t have the energy or imagination left to write and be really involved with my characters.
Beth, thanks for sharing a little space on Beth Art from the Heart! So fun!
Thanks for joining us C J and best of success with For Ever, forever!!  Lol
 

Blurb:

 For Ever starts now
Sixteen-year-old Wren Sullivan doesn?t want to know what other people are thinking about her?because most of the time it sucks. Too bad since that?s what happens every time she looks into someone?s eyes.

When she moves to Portland, Oregon, after her parents? divorce, Wren?s just hoping to get through the rest of her junior year unscathed. Instead, before the end of her second day in school, she wakes up in the hospital after her very own freaky demonic-possession incident. Wren can?t remember much. But soon she finds out that her ?episode? happened right after she locked eyes with the one classmate who happens to have gone missing.

Wren starts digging through people?s heads for the truth about him, and finds ? nothing. Godlike hotness? Yep. But nobody knows who Ever Casey really is. Even weirder, they don?t seem to care that he just disappeared. So, when he randomly shows up again in her first period class, she?s determined to get some answers. He may be perfect on the outside, but with one look into his eyes, Wren discovers his mind is also perfect ? perfectly empty.

Or is there something he doesn?t want her to see there that will put her and anyone near her in danger?

When For Ever ends, Never begins.
Never, the second book in The Ever Series, is coming soon.

My Review: 

I really enjoyed this story and I must continue to read the series to find the "rest of the story".  Our young heroine, Wren Sullivan is a transfer student, aged 16 and she can, when looking at a person, read their mind/thoughts or see pictures of what they are thinking.   At first I thought she was the typical snarky teenager who wanted no one to see her up close and personal.  Then it became clear she had been hurt by her rare talent...sometimes what others think of you, is unnerving to say the least.
Then she meets the boy who she can't read, Ever Casey.   His the most mysterious boy in school and he never speaks to anyone, but he starts being everywhere she is and saving her from death or injury.   It doesn't take Wren long to figure there is no human way possible....So what is he? and how does he?   Well that's the part you have to find for yourself, within the pages!
The characters are excellent...I could relate with Wren and her little group of friends, Ashley, Lindsey, Taylor and the guy folk, Josh, Marcus and several others.  Ever is well defined and I could accept his confusion as the relationship between Wren and Ever grows.   And I really loved Wrens mom, Caroline!  She was a wonderful mom, consumed by her work and guilt ridden about being a single mom and doing her best to be there for Wren.   It was a YA paranormal romance story and very sweetly written.  The characters were well written and I enjoyed it.   There was only one chapter that didn't fit real well and that was the explanation chapter by the older "OTHERS".   There just wasn't sufficient explanation and that left me wanting, but I suspect that will come in the form of book Two, Never.   I need to get out of these series, or I'll never complete my TBR pile....I give this book 4 winks!  Thank you CJ!  SO Good!

About the Author:


C. J. grew up in Southern California before moving to Northern California for college, where she majored in English and psychology. A professional writer for more than a decade, she finished her first novel in 2008 for fun and practice.
For Ever isn’t that novel.
When she isn’t writing fiction, C. J. works as a freelance public relations writer. She lives in Portland, Ore., with her husband, the saint who spent an entire weekend reading For Ever.
Contact C. J. at author@cjvalles.com.
 http://cjvalles.blogspot.com/
(Borrowed from CJ's Website)



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.

 

 

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Started Early Took My Dog, by Kate Atkinson

I began my reading in early May 2012 and finished the book on August 16,2012.   I began by reading a few pages each night at bed time....that was my first mistake.  I know my rating of this book will not do it justice between 2-3 winks.  But I really had a hard time following the story from start to finish.

First my expectations were shattered.   There were no chapter divisions...however there were dates, but I gave no credence to the dates...I'm sure I should have.    I read three fourths of the book, not understanding why there were so many varied characters all having a POV, and how they interconnected.   Probably the first 3/4ths of the book was back history of all the characters...ok but somewhat boring.   Without chapters and titles to indicate whose point of view was whose....scary business for this old woman's head to wrap around. 

When I got to the last 100 pages, I was finally interested in the story and the outcome.   It was at this point the author started to resolve the many mysteries within the pages and things started to make some sense.   I am sure there is an audience for Ms Atkinson's writing, but I am apparently not it.   I will someday re-read this book and try to come at it with a fresh mindset and then, my Peeps, you will get to see a different review and assessment, but until such time as I do that I give this book a 2-3 wink rating.    Not my style I guess.

   Now I'm off to read another questionable read,  Same Kind of Different as Me.   Hope I like it better!



Saturday, August 18, 2012

Cover Reveal--Beyond the Veil by Quinn

Blurb:                                                                                   

 Though the Serbian pack has been brought to heel thanks to the downfall of their Alpha, the war is far from over.
Desdemona, a witch of unfathomable power, has escaped the wolves’ wrath, but she will not go quietly into the night. She takes refuge in a place where even the smallest sliver of light does not dare to enter. Though she had to flee, she has not given up on the treasure she wishes to acquire. Her depravity knows no bounds; she's even willing to search for the one who can assist her in opening a Veil that has not been opened in millennia – with good reason: the danger is incalculable.

Meanwhile, there are major changes rippling through the Romanian Grey wolves. Decebel has become Alpha to the Serbian pack in an effort to begin to unite the Canis lupis species. Their numbers are dwindling in the wake of the shortage of true mates and lack of offspring. The wolves are beginning to lose faith and darkness seems to be crashing in on them from all sides. But the winds of change are blowing, changes that will alter the future of not only the Canis lupis, but of another ancient race as well.
Amidst all of this, Sally is continuing to come to terms with her relationship with the playful, charming, flirty, unbelievably handsome bartender – who happens to be a member of the Romanian pack.
If all that weren’t enough, the Fates have decided to pay a little visit to Jen. It’s time to collect. She cheated the Fates of a life, her life. Now they want what they are due. The problem? It’s more than Jen is willing to pay.
Yes, the war is indeed far from over. Bargains will be struck, declarations will be made, sacrifices will be given, love will be tested, and trust will be questioned as evil makes its stand against them all.


Author Bio:

Quinn is a 32 year old wife, mother, nurse, and writer, not necessarily in that order. She lives in beautiful North West Arkansas with her husband, son and Nora their Doberman pinscher. She loves writing, reading, and crocheting. Her favorite holiday is Christmas, favorite book(s) is Pride and Prejudice, The Alpha and Omega Series by Patricia Briggs, and the Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling. She loves to be silly and have fun, loves music and thinks there is no greater sound in the world than that of her little boy's laughter.


Links:Goodreads : http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5014564.Quinn_Loftis
Blog: http://quinnloftisbooks.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthQuinnLoftis
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuinnLoftisBooks


Friday, August 17, 2012

The Immortality Virus by Christine Amsden/ RABT VBTOUR

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Sci Fi
Title: The Immortality Virus
Author: Christine Amsden



Date Published: 6/15/12

Synopsis: 
In the mid-21st century, the human race stopped aging. Those who know why aren't talking, and the few who are brave enough to ask questions tend to disappear. To an elite few, The Change means long life and health, but to the ever-increasing masses, it means starvation, desperation, and violence.

Four centuries after The Change, Grace Harper, a blacklisted P.I., sets off on a mission to find the man responsible for it all and solicit his help to undo The Change -- if he's still alive. To complicate matters, Grace's employer is suspected of murdering his father, and when the police learn of their connection, they give her a choice -- help them find the evidence they need to convict Matthew Stanton, or die. But if they discover Grace's true mission, they won't hesitate to kill her in order to preserve their shot at immortality.

Winner of the Epic Award for Science Fiction, the Global eBook Award for Science Fiction, and a finalist in The Next Gernation Indie Book Awareds. 


My Review:

This was an awesome action adventure, sci-fi, mystery thriller read.  My breath was held in spots; I felt the pain of the heroine, Grace Harper.   She was definitely someone I could relate to.   Not rich, but not the bottom of society's crop either.   Rather cynical about why people would continue to bring children into this world that no longer aged and died by natural means.   Food was scarce for the growing throng of people and was fed by nutribars.  Real food was at a premium and work was scarce.   Grace had been blacklisted by the establishment when she killed a cop attempting to commit a rape.   Blacklisted and out of work, her captain did give her a card that helped her get established as a Private Investigator.

Grace was prepared to have no children.   She didn't believe in God.   She did not believe in love, although she had spent fifty of her 130 years with Sam.  She believed the old way was the best, let nature take the aged when it was their time.    Living forever appeared to have it's disadvantages.   However, she kept that last bit to herself.   You didn't want to get labelled for believing that way.

She is hired by Matt Stanton at Medicorp.  He wanted her to bring in Jordan Lacklin, who invented the immortality virus.  Matt claimed Jordan could prove his innocence in the claim Matt had killed his father.   Now like me, anything that could go wrong for our heroine did.   The first thing is encountering her Ex, Sam as he is Matt's right arm man.   The second is being sentenced to farm work once, she contacts Jordan's grandchildren, Alexander, Margaret, and Carl Lacklin.  She is tortured.   She eventually finds out, information has been withheld from her, she encounters  the Sewer Rats and things get foul real quick and there is positively no one to trust except possibly, Alexander and Meg.   Grace's search for Jordan challenged every belief and non belief she possessed.

Characters were very well developed and the pace of the story was captivating!  I think the world the author created is  one in which no one would ever want to live in...hope that stays between the pages of the book!   If you want action, it's here!   Want adventure?   Take it at your own risk!  Want sci-fi?  It's right here.  Mystery thriller...oh yeah!   A touch of romance?  Just a bit.  The ending is satisfactory.   This could be a stand alone read or could go into a series? who knows.  But the ending doesn't not leave you hanging.   Thank you Christine!   I loved your story and especially the heroine Grace!  A Very satisfying read.  4 out of 5 winks!

This Tour will Run from August 6 - September 1
August 6 - Crossroads Reviews
August 9 - My Cozie Corner 
August 10 - Deborah's Books
August 11 - Bookishly Devoted 
August 11 - The Bookshelf
August 12 - Kimmie's Bookshelf
August 13 -Tien's Blurb
August 14 - My Reading Addiction
August 16 - Andi's Book Reviews
August 18 -
August 19 - Whoopeeyoo! 
August 20-
August 21 - 
August 22 - FireStar Books
August 23 - Cabin Goddess
August 24 - One Page at a Time
August 25 - 
August 27 - Workaday Reads 
August 29 - Froze8's Blog
August 30 - Book Lover's Hideaway
September 1 - Known to Read





Christine Amsden



Author Bio

Christine Amsden has been writing science fiction and fantasy for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that effects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams.

When she's not writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing, usually at Savvy Authors. She also offers professional editing services. She maintains a book review blog on her website with occasional writing tips thrown in for the fun of it.

Christine lives in the Kansas City area with her husband and two children. 





*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*



Thursday, August 16, 2012

The Whole Package by Cynthia Ellingson/ VBTour CBLS

 
Title: The Whole Package
Author: Cynthia Ellingsen
Publisher: Penguin/Berkley
Length: 409 pages
Genres: Contemporary Women's Fiction (Comedy)

Available at:

Blurb:
Life has thrown childhood friends Jackie, Cheryl, and Doris a few curveballs. Widowed and broke, Jackie returns home after an extravagant life in Paris, Doris is reliant on anti-depressants, and Cheryl’s plans for a corporate take-over are replaced with walking papers. But after a drunken night sampling the delights at strip club for women, the ladies stumble upon a genius idea and decide to open up The Whole Package—the world’s first restaurant staffed exclusively by very attractive men. Armed with Jackie’s connections, Doris’ ambition, and Cheryl’s business sense the ladies set out to make their mark in the world. 
 




About the Author:
Cynthia Ellingsen is a fiction writer and screenwriter. She lives in Lexington, KY with her husband.



Reviews: 

"The friendship between the women is realistic, the characters funny, and the premise well-executed. Readers will giggle and grin from start to finish, and will surely be eager for Ellingsen's next novel."--PublishersWeekly.com

“The Whole Package is a delightfully frivolous romp. An excellent beach read, this light but enjoyable fare will have you chuckling (and likely blushing!) throughout...”--RT Reviews

I personally have not read this book as yet.  Beth @bethartfromtheheart, but I sure want to!


 For other tour spots and  information, please see the schedule below:

Aug 1: whoopeeyoo :D 
Aug 7: Aspired Writer 
  Aug 15: Have Novel, Will Edit  
Aug 17: Sandra's Blog 


 

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.