Julian Rosado-Machain - Guardians Inc.: The Cypher

Thursday, July 31, 2014

42. Guardians Inc.: The Cypher by Julian Rosado-Machain (2010)
The Guardians Incorporated Series Book 1
Length: 222 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Started: 27 July 2014
Finished: 31 July 2014
Where did it come from? I originally downloaded a copy of this book for free from Amazon; although, many thanks to Dorothy at Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 21 June 2013 as an ebook; Since 31 May 2014 as a physical book
Why do I have it? I like fantasy and Julian Rosado-Machain is a new author for me.

Guardians Incorporated is a mysterious multinational company that has a substantial stake in almost every area of society. To the general public, the company's mission statement is relatively innocuous. However, in reality, Guardians Inc. is the oldest of secret societies, one that spans close to seven thousand years of existence, weaving in and out of history, guiding and protecting humanity from creatures and forces that most of us believe exist only in mythology and fairy tales.

Thomas Byrne is just your average fifteen-almost-sixteen-year-old teenager. Newly arrived to Carlsbad, California eight months after his parents disappeared while on a cruise, he is now living with his grandfather while going to high school. For the most part, Thomas does well in school - for the new kid, the routine is pretty simple: do your work, stay out of trouble, and whatever you do, don't cross the radar of Vice Principal Khanna - code name: Killjoy.

Thomas Byrne is a young man suddenly thrust into a secret world he shouldn't be aware of, facing dangers of which he should not have any knowledge. But, he ultimately will face such dangers, for he is a Cypher. The only one who can steer humanity's future into the light.

The ultimate conspiracy theory is that Magic is real. Oh, it's kept in check by technology, that's true, but every five hundred years the balance can shift and, if it does, technology will ultimately fail and all those creatures we've driven into the realms of myth will come back with a vengeance. In order to protect the present, Guardians Incorporated must know what lies in the future.

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I was quickly caught up in the story, and found the characters extremely likeable and sympathetic. I would give this first book of the Guardians Inc. Series a definite A+! It was certainly an excellent start to this series, and I can't wait to find out where the story goes next.

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

Marc Shapiro - Total Titanic: The Most Up-to-Date Guide to the Disaster of the Century

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

41. Total Titanic: The Most Up-to-Date Guide to the Disaster of the Century by Marc Shapiro (1998)
Length: 190 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction
Started: 19 July 2014
Finished: 29 July 2014
Where did it come from? From a Library Book Sale
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 2 February 2013
Why do I have it? I like non-fiction and Marc Shapiro is a new author for me.

On April 14, 1912 at 11:40 p.m. the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. It was her maiden voyage. Just under three hours later - at 2:20 a.m. on April 15, 1912 - the last visible section of the Titanic slipped beneath the waves. More than 1,500 souls perished, with just over 700 passengers surviving what is perhaps the most well-known maritime disaster of the early twentieth-century. This book seeks to separate fiction from fact, reporting on what actually happened.

I have to say that I've always been interested in the sinking of the Titanic. And yes, I've seen the 1997 movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslett twice. As I read this book, I was repeatedly struck by the number of personal histories that were cut short, but that I wanted to know more about.

I suppose that the story of the two children who became known as the 'Titanic Orphans' is already known to history buffs, and I knew a little about their story myself, but it was very interesting for me to discover what happened to both the brothers later on in their lives. I give this book an A! and look forward to reading more from Marc Shapiro in the future.

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Blog Tour For Two Empty Thrones by C. H. MacLean From August 4, 2014 to October 31, 2014 - Come Join Us!

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Hello Everyone! I am extremely happy to announce that C. H. MacLean will be touring the blogosphere to promote his young adult fantasy, Two Empty Thrones. This virtual book tour is being hosted by Pump up Your Book and will last from August 4, to October 31, 2014!

Two Empty Thrones Blog Tour Information:

Meet C. H. MacLean

To young C. H. MacLean, books were everything: mind-food, friends, and fun. They gave the shy middle child’s life color and energy. Amazingly, not everyone saw them that way. Seeing a laundry hamper full of books approach her, the librarian scolded C. H. for trying to check them all out. “You’ll never read that many before they expire!” C. H. was surprised, having shown great restraint only by keeping a list of books to check out next time. Thoroughly abashed, C. H. waited three whole days after finishing that lot before going back for more.

With an internal world more vivid than the real one, C. H. was chastised for reading in the library instead of going to class. “Neurotic, needs medical help,” the teacher diagnosed. C. H.’s father, a psychologist, just laughed when he heard. “She’s just upset because those books are more challenging than her class.” C. H. realized making up stories was just as fun as reading, and harder to get caught doing. So for a while, C. H. crafted stories and characters out of wisps and trinkets, with every toy growing an elaborate personality.

But toys were not mature, and stories weren’t respectable for a family of doctors. So C. H. grew up and learned to read serious books and study hard, shelving foolish fantasies for serious work.

Years passed in a black and white blur. Then, unpredictably falling in love all the way to a magical marriage rattled C. H.’s orderly world. A crazy idea slipped in a resulting crack and wouldn’t leave. “Write the book you want to read,” it said. “Write? As in, a fantasy novel? But I’m not creative,” C. H. protested. The idea, and C. H.’s spouse, rolled their eyes.

So one day, C. H. started writing. Just to try it, not that it would go anywhere. Big mistake. Decades of pent-up passion started pouring out, making a mess of an orderly life. It only got worse. Soon, stories popped up everywhere- in dreams, while exercising, or out of spite, in the middle of a work meeting. “But it’s not important work,” C. H. pleaded weakly. “They are not food, or friends, or…” But it was too late. C. H. had re-discovered that, like books, life should be fun too. Now, writing is a compulsion, and a calling.

C. H. lives in a Pacific Northwest forest with five cats, two kids, one spouse, and absolutely no dragons or elves, faeries, or demons… that are willing to be named, at least.

His latest book is the YA fantasy, Two Empty Thrones.

Connect and Socialize with C. H.!


About Two Empty Thrones:

With her powers growing every day, fourteen-year-old Haylwen Rightad thinks she’s safe in the magical forest. And now that she finally has the friends she always wanted, what is there to be afraid of?

But she’s not out of the woods yet. Old enemies rip through her beloved forest, threatening to haul Haylwen and her new-found friends away. Their safety shattered, Haylwen and her friends are suddenly at each other’s throats. Is the friendship she worked so hard for already ruined, or is there another, unseen enemy at work?

Haylwen and her brother must unmask this mysterious enemy before they can fight it off. But even if all their enemies are destroyed, the King of the magic users will stop at nothing to ensure he’s still in power when the dragons take over the world. And he’s hidden an enemy where Haylwen would never think to look.

If no one is what they seem, who can she trust?

Purchase Your Copy From Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

Two Empty Thrones Book Publicity Tour Schedule:



Monday, August 4 - Interview at PUYB Virtual Book Club
Tuesday, August 5 - Interview at As the Page Turns
Wednesday, August 6 - Book Featured at What Is That Book About
Friday, August 8 - Book Featured at Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews
Monday, August 11 - First Chapter Reveal at The Writer’s Life
Tuesday, August 12 - Guest Blogging at I’m Shelf-ish
Wednesday, August 13 - Interview at Lori’s Reading Corner
Thursday, August 14 - Book Featured at Mom With a Kindle
Monday, August 18 - First Chapter Reveal at Literarily Speaking
Tuesday, August 19 - Book Review and Interview at Book Club Sisters
Wednesday, August 20 - Interview at The Dark Phantom
Thursday, August 21 - Book Featured at My Guilty Obsession
Monday, August 25 - First Chapter Reveal at The Book Rack
Tuesday, August 26 - Guest Blogging at The Book Faery Reviews
Friday, August 29 - Book Review at Deal Sharing Aunt
Tuesday, September 2 - Book Featured at Fallen Over Book Reviews
Wednesday, September 3 - Character Guest Post at As the Pages Turn
Thursday, September 4 - Interview at Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection
Monday, September 8 - First Chapter Reveal at Read My First Chapter
Tuesday, September 9 - Interview at Beyond the Books
Wednesday, September 10 - Interview at Review From Here
Thursday, September 11 - Interview at Keep Calm and Write On
Monday, September 15 - Interview at Straight From the Author’s Mouth
Tuesday, September 16 - Book Review at Through the Open Book
Wednesday, September 17 -
Guest Blogging at Bea’s Book Nook
Wednesday, September 17 -
Book Review at My Life, Loves and Passion
Thursday, September 18 -
Book Review at Blooming with Books
Monday, September 22 -
Interview at Digital Pubbing
Tuesday, September 23 -
Book Review at Ashley’s Bookshelf
Wednesday, September 24 -
Book Review at Mary’s Cup of Tea
Thursday, September 25 - Book Review at Books, Reviews, ETC
Friday, September 26 - Character Interview at The Literary Nook
Monday, October 6 - Guest Blogging at The Story Behind the Book
Tuesday, October 7 - Book Review at CBY Book Club
Wednesday, October 8 - Book Review at Our Families Adventure
Thursday, October 9 - Book Review at Emeraldfire’s Bookmark
Monday, October 13 -
Interview at The Writer’s Life
Tuesday, October 14 -
Book Review at Rhiannon H. Morris’ Blog
Wednesday, October 15 - Book Review at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
Thursday, October 16 - Interview at The Book Rack
Monday, October 20 - Interview at Allvoices
Tuesday, October 21 - Book Review at My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews
Wednesday, October 22 - Interview at Between the Covers
Thursday, October 23 - Interview at Blogcritics
Monday, October 27 - Interview at Literarily Speaking
Tuesday, October 28 - Book Review at Brooke Blogs
Wednesday, October 29 - First Chapter Reveal at She Writes
Friday, October 31 - Book Tour Highlights at PUYB Virtual Book Club

May you read well and often

Christine Amsden, Author of Stolen Dreams, the Conclusion of the Cassie Scot Series Tells us Where the Characters Are Now

Friday, July 25, 2014

Meet Christine Amsden

Christine Amsden has been writing fantasy and science fiction 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 relationships, 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. (You can learn more here.)

In addition to writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing at Savvy Authors. She also does some freelance editing work.

Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. They have two beautiful children.

Connect and Socialize with Christine!


Synopsis from Goodreads

Edward Scot and Victor Blackwood have despised one another for nearly a quarter of a century, but now their simmering hatred is about to erupt.

When Cassie Scot returns home from her sojourn in Pennsylvania, she finds that her family has taken a hostage. Desperate to end the fighting before someone dies, Cassie seeks help from local seer Abigail Hastings, Evan Blackwood's grandmother. But Abigail has seen her own death, and when it comes at the hand of Cassie's father, Victor Blackwood kills Edward Scot.

But things may not be precisely as they appear.

Evan persuades Cassie to help him learn the truth, teaming them up once again in their darkest hour. New revelations about Evan and his family make it difficult for Cassie to cling to a shield of anger, but can Evan and Cassie stop a feud that has taken on a life of its own? Conclusion to the Cassie Scot series.

Coming to Amazon and Barnes and Noble on 25 June 2014!

I would like to welcome Christine Amsden, author of the Cassie Scot Series to Emeraldfire's Bookmark. Ms. Amsden was kind enough to write a guest post for me and here it is below in her own words:

'Eagle Rock, 2014'
by Christine Amsden

Do you ever wonder what happened to your favorite characters after the dust settles? I know I do!

The four books in the Cassie Scot series takes place between June 2010 and April 2011. That's when I started writing them … it takes time to get these things published! So by now, even though Stolen Dreams just came out, it's three years later in Eagle Rock. So let me catch you up on a few of the most notable characters from the series:

SPOILER ALERT (If you haven't read Stolen Dreams, just about everything I have to say here is a spoiler.)

Cassie and Evan are still married and doing okay. They had a daughter in December 2011, Anastasia (Anna), a powerful young healer like her Aunt Juliana. But “happily ever after” is a bit misleading. I've never believed that the work of falling or being in love ends with magic words – either “I love you” or “I do.” That's one of the reasons I had Cassie and Evan get the “I love you” part out of the way in book two. It wasn't enough. In Stolen Dreams they each made sacrifices for the other, but life still moves and changes. 

The big problem between these two right now is that Evan still grieves for the loss of his father, a father Cassie hated so much that he hides his mourning from her. In other words, he's never had a chance to get over it properly. He knows his father was a terrible person in many ways, but it doesn't change what he feels. 

Cassie, meanwhile, is paralyzed when it comes to having another child. Her dreaming ability is growing, but she keeps dreaming about the might-be children she could have, depending upon when she conceives. In her dreams she's seen dozens of children and has fallen in love with all of them; she doesn't know how to choose one and nobody else really understands how real each and every one has become to her in her dreams. (Note: It is *possible* that this becomes the basis for another Cassie Scot story. But if so, what you read is as far as I've gotten with it and I'd really like to start another series first.)

Madison Carter has a spin-off sequel of her own coming out in 2015, so read that to find out what happens to her. It takes place about a year after the Cassie Scot series.

Kaitlin Meyer also has a spin-off sequel, but it's still being written. It also takes place about a year after the Cassie Scot series, and will help you understand what happened to Jason, Alexander DuPris, and Matthew Blair.

Cassie's family:

Sheila Scot, Cassie's mom, went into a deep depression after the death of her husband and is honestly still not whole again. Her family fears she never will be. They've had several empathic healers try to help, but they say it's as if she wants to follow her husband into the grave.

Nicolas finished his magical apprenticeship and decided to join The White Guard as a combat sorcerer at the urging of his mentor, Clark Eagle. After the death of his father, he had to step in as head of the family (because of his mother's depression), a role he takes very seriously and one that has forced him to grow up faster than he would have otherwise.

Juliana is apprenticing with Linda Eagle at the moment. It wasn't her first choice – midwifery isn't really what she wants to do – but she couldn't bring herself to leave Eagle Rock to learn from the healer of her choice. Juliana has been more of a mother to the twins than anyone else and she won't leave them.

Isaac does have a gift. He's a hunter, like his cousin Jason, with the strength and speed to kill vampires. Most hunter gifts manifest with puberty (Kaitlin's baby being a rare exception).

Elena still can't speak to the dead, which is a mixed blessing and curse. She does pay more attention to the living now, but she's sick at heart. And she's never gotten over her crush on Barry Eagle, who hasn't spoken to her since the day her father cursed him.

Adam is an adorable, charming ten-year-old. I expect the other ten-year-old girls had better watch out in a few years!

Christina is an outgoing six-year-old. Only time will tell what kind of person she'll grow up to be.

There's something weird going on with the three-year-old twins, Michael and Maya. Maya is kind of blind …but she seems to be able to see whatever Michael is seeing. Not sure what that's about yet.

If there's any other character you'd like to know more about, just ask! There are dozens of secondary and minor characters in this series. I probably know what's going on in all of their lives.

May you read well and often

Introducing The Donor Part Two by Nikki Rae!

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

I'm delighted to announce that part two of Nikki Rae's The Donor Series has just been released today, and is now available to download from Amazon. To celebrate that release, Ms. Rae tells me that The Donor Part One will be free to download from Amazon for the next two days. Yes, starting on Saturday, August 23, 2014 and lasting until Monday, August 25, 2014 - you can download the first part of this three-part novella for free from Amazon. Grab your own copy now!!!

Meet Nikki Rae

Nikki Rae is a writer who lives in New Jersey. As an independent author, she has appeared numerously on Amazon Best Seller lists and she concentrates on making her imaginary characters as real as possible. Nikki writes mainly dark, scary, romantic tales, but she’ll try anything once. When she is not writing, reading, or thinking, you can find her spending time with animals, drawing in a quiet corner, or studying people. Closely.

The Donor by Nikki Rae (2014)
Length: 31 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon!

The Donor Blurb: 

Casey Williams and her family are poor. Her parents work non-stop and so does she, just so they can keep the trailer roof from leaking. 

They’re getting by fine enough when the headaches start. Then there’s the nosebleeds. And the inevitable doctor’s bills. 

Fortunately for Casey, there’s MyTrueMatch.com: an exclusive, quick, and almost easy way to pay it all back before her parents even have to know. 

All she has to do is give a man she’s never met whatever he wants from her body.
Inside or out.

[Disclaimer: This is a serial novella that will be told in parts about the length of a short story (20-30 pages).]


 The Donor Part Two by Nikki Rae (2014)
Length: 39 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon!

The Donor Part Two Blurb:

When Casey joined MyTrueMatch.com, she never imagined she would meet a man who not only helps her pay the bills, but has been nothing but a gentleman.

As the nose bleeds make way for worse symptoms, Casey can’t help the feelings she has for Jonah, despite how he may never return them. And he’s been keeping things from her. Big things. How does he make his money, and who is that girl in the picture? With the clock ticking, can she find the answers she’s looking for?

[Disclaimer: This is a serial novella that will be told in parts about the length of a short story (20-30 pages).]

May you read well and often

Eliot Baker - The Last Ancient

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

40. The Last Ancient by Eliot Baker (2013)
Length: 312 pages
Genre: Contemporary Mystery
Started: 20 July 2014
Finished: 22 July 2014
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Dorothy at Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read. 
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 10 May 2014
Why do I have it? I like contemporary mysteries and Eliot Baker is a new author for me.

Simon Stephenson is a well-known reporter; long estranged from his alleged arms-dealing father because of a hard-hitting story that he wrote which had exposed Preston Stephenson's shady business dealings to the world. He lives a relatively quiet existence on Nantucket Island, working as an environmental reporter for the local newspaper, and is blissfully engaged to a beautiful young socialite.

Around Nantucket Island, a series of particularly grisly animal slayings is linked to a viral epidemic which could reach Biblical proportions if it isn't contained and eliminated as soon as possible. When the various crime scenes begin to involve human victims, ritualistically murdered and peppered with ancient coins, Simon is the only man able to unlock their meaning. But Simon wonders what the coins could possibly have to do with the murders? And just what type of creature - human or inhuman - might have left them?

His search for answers leads reporter Simon Stephenson on a journey through ancient mythology, numismatics, and the occult. Not to mention his own past - which turns out to be even darker than he'd realized; his murdered father was secretly studying alchemy, among other arcane subjects. Along the way, Simon battles panic attacks and a host of nasty characters - some natural, others less so. Meanwhile, Simon's heiress fiancee turns into 'bridezilla-on-a-rampage', and a gorgeous rival television reporter seduces him - concealing her true intentions.

I really enjoyed this book. The plot was unusual, and I must say that some of the elements of it were slightly difficult for me to fully understand. The study of alchemy has always seemed to me to be more fantastical than based in reality. 

I thoroughly appreciated the humaness and humanity of the characters, despite the seemingly super-heroic acts they performed. I give The Last Ancient by Eliot Baker a definite A! and will certainly keep my eyes open for more books by this author in the future. 

A! - (90-95%)       

May you read well and often

Introducing The Donor Series by Nikki Rae!

Saturday, July 19, 2014

I'm delighted to announce that part two of Nikki Rae's The Donor Series is currently available to pre-order from Amazon. Get caught up on the entire story before The Donor Part Two is released on Friday, August 22, 2014!

Meet Nikki Rae

Nikki Rae is a writer who lives in New Jersey. As an independent author, she has appeared numerously on Amazon Best Seller lists and she concentrates on making her imaginary characters as real as possible. Nikki writes mainly dark, scary, romantic tales, but she’ll try anything once. When she is not writing, reading, or thinking, you can find her spending time with animals, drawing in a quiet corner, or studying people. Closely.

The Donor by Nikki Rae (2014)
Length: 31 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon!

The Donor Blurb: 

Casey Williams and her family are poor. Her parents work non-stop and so does she, just so they can keep the trailer roof from leaking. 

They’re getting by fine enough when the headaches start. Then there’s the nosebleeds. And the inevitable doctor’s bills. 

Fortunately for Casey, there’s MyTrueMatch.com: an exclusive, quick, and almost easy way to pay it all back before her parents even have to know. 

All she has to do is give a man she’s never met whatever he wants from her body.
Inside or out.

[Disclaimer: This is a serial novella that will be told in parts about the length of a short story (20-30 pages).]


 The Donor Part Two by Nikki Rae (2014)
Length: 39 pages
Pre-order your copy from Amazon!

The Donor Part Two Blurb:

When Casey joined MyTrueMatch.com, she never imagined she would meet a man who not only helps her pay the bills, but has been nothing but a gentleman.

As the nose bleeds make way for worse symptoms, Casey can’t help the feelings she has for Jonah, despite how he may never return them. And he’s been keeping things from her. Big things. How does he make his money, and who is that girl in the picture? With the clock ticking, can she find the answers she’s looking for?

[Disclaimer: This is a serial novella that will be told in parts about the length of a short story (20-30 pages).]

May you read well and often

Michael Matson - The Dancing Boy

Thursday, July 17, 2014

39. The Dancing Boy by Michael Matson (2013)
The Treat Mikkelson Mysteries Series Book 1
Length: 245 pages
Genre: Contemporary Mystery
Started: 14 July 2014
Finished: 17 July 2014
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Kathleen at Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 12 June 2014
Why do I have it? I like contemporary mysteries and Michael Matson is a new author for me.

All Treat Mikkelson desires in his life these days is peace, quiet and a bumper cache of clams. After a lifetime spent investigating crimes and analyzing the criminal mind, Treat is now enjoying the well-earned solitude living on a private island in Puget Sound. Life truly couldn't get any better.

The death of eighty-seven year old Margaret Neillsen - a reclusive millionaire who made her money buying and selling real estate - really shouldn't bother Treat in any way. He didn't know Margaret, and despite feeling a certain sadness at her passing, the fact that she died falling downstairs doesn't strike Treat as suspicious or in any way murderous. She was elderly and infirm; it was to be expected.

However, according to Cassie McLaren - a friend of Margaret's - she was spry even at the ripe age of eighty-seven, and could never have tripped and fallen downstairs, because she knew the layout of her house like the back of her own hand. Cassie is convinced that Margaret Neillsen's death is actually murder and begs Treat to investigate it further; promising to try to accept her friend's death as natural if the coroner's report comes back clear. Cassie's request is one Treat cannot deny, even as his subsequent investigation exposes all manner of crime: from fraud to the horrific underbelly of child exploitation.

The Dancing Boy by Michael Matson dealt with some serious, tough, dark issues, and may not be appropriate for all readers. I, myself, found this a difficult book to read and I must say that I wasn't all that certain whether I liked the character of Treat Mikkelson that much at first. I found that Treat grew on me as I read, though. I enjoyed this mystery and am curious to know whether there will be more mysteries featuring Treat Mikkelson - I certainly hope so. I give this book an A! and will keep my eyes open for more books by Michael Matson.

A! - (90-95%)

May you read well and often

Introducing The Dancing Boy by Michael Matson!

Meet Michael Matson

Michael Matson was born in Helena, Montana, and was immediately issued a 10-gallon Stetson and a pair of snakeskin boots. After formative years spent in New Jersey, North Carolina, New York, California, Hawaii and Japan, Michael earned a journalism degree from the University of Washington in Seattle. Following a brief military stint in Oklahoma, where he first encountered red, sticky mud, heavy rain and tarantulas, he returned to Seattle and worked as an advertising agency copywriter, creative director and video producer.

In 2007 he (regretfully) left Seattle for Mexico to have time to write and has since published The Diamond Tree, a fairytale for all ages; Bareback Rider, an inspirational adventure for children; and Takeshi’s Choice, a mystery novel. His short story “Gato” was selected for inclusion in Short Story America’s 2014 anthology. His second mystery novel: The Dancing Boy, was released by Dark Oak Mysteries, a division of Oak Tree Press in April 2014.

He lives with his wife María Guadalupe (Tai), in Morelia, the colonial capital city of Michoacán, where, despite all the bad publicity given the area by U.S. news media, he has never seen a narcotraficante.


The Dancing Boy by Michael Matson (2013)
Length: 256 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

The Dancing Boy Blurb:

Treat Mikkelson is not exactly a burnt-out case but he’s grown tired of his life as a criminologist, weary of memories of a marriage gone wrong and of his time in Vietnam. Trying to burn the bridges to his past, he finds and remodels a cabin on a small Pacific Northwest Island, settles down to enjoy fishing, setting his crab pot, digging for clams and documenting the lives of his island neighbors.

When an elderly woman in the nearby tourist town of La Conner is found dead however, the victim of what appears to be an accidental fall, Mikkelson is persuaded to look into her death. The discovery that it was murder leads to something even more shocking: the human trafficking of young boys brought into the US and Canada.

May you read well and often

Introducing The Donor by Nikki Rae!

Monday, July 14, 2014

Meet Nikki Rae

Nikki Rae is a writer who lives in New Jersey. As an independent author, she has appeared numerously on Amazon Best Seller lists and she concentrates on making her imaginary characters as real as possible. Nikki writes mainly dark, scary, romantic tales, but she’ll try anything once. When she is not writing, reading, or thinking, you can find her spending time with animals, drawing in a quiet corner, or studying people. Closely.


The Donor by Nikki Rae (2014)
Length: 31 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon!

The Donor Blurb: 

Casey Williams and her family are poor. Her parents work non-stop and so does she, just so they can keep the trailer roof from leaking. 

They’re getting by fine enough when the headaches start. Then there’s the nosebleeds. And the inevitable doctor’s bills. 

Fortunately for Casey, there’s MyTrueMatch.com: an exclusive, quick, and almost easy way to pay it all back before her parents even have to know. 

All she has to do is give a man she’s never met whatever he wants from her body.
Inside or out.

[Disclaimer: This is a serial novella that will be told in parts about the length of a short story (20-30 pages).]


The Donor Series
Book 1: Available on Amazon on July 14, 2014! - Grab your own copy today!!
Book 2: Available on Amazon on August 22, 2014! - Grab your own copy today!!
Book 3: Available on Amazon on September 30, 2014! - Grab your own copy today!!
The Donor: The Full Novella: Available on Amazon on October 30, 2014! - Grab your own copy today!!

May you read well and often

Nikki Rae - The Donor

Saturday, July 12, 2014

38. The Donor by Nikki Rae (2014)
The Donor Series Book 1
Length: 21 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started/Finished: 11 July 2014
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Nikki Rae for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 11 June 2014
Why do I have it? I like short stories and Nikki Rae is a new author for me.

Casey Williams is a recent high school graduate still living at home with her parents. Her family is as poor as church mice but both her parents and Casey work non-stop, trying to keep a roof over all of their heads. They're just about making ends meet - barely - but they're still managing to pay the bills each month.

Then the headaches start. And the inexplicable nosebleeds. And the inevitable doctor's bills. Casey needs help, and she needs it fast.

Fortunately for Casey, there is the website MyTrueMatch.com: an exclusive, quick, and relatively simple way to pay her own medical bills, and her parents wouldn't even have to know. All she has to do is meet with Jonah Black - MyTrueMatch's local representative - he would certainly be able to assist her.

I must say that my senses were on high alert right from the start of this story that something bad would happen to Casey - the entire situation was creepy to me, but I couldn't quite pinpoint what it was that made me so uneasy. I'm interested to discover how this novella will develop, but it certainly is an eye-opening start - I give The Donor Part One by Nikki Rae an A!

A! - (90-95%)
       
May you read well and often

Karl Drinkwater - If That Looking Glass Gets Broken

Thursday, July 10, 2014

37. If That Looking Glass Gets Broken by Karl Drinkwater (2014)
Length: 5 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started/Finished: 10 July 2014
Where did it come from? From Smashwords
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 18 February 2014
Why do I have it? I like short stories and Karl Drinkwater is a new author for me.

The old woman's marriage to her husband hadn't necessarily always been the best, she reflected. They had weathered their share of storms, to be sure, but now both husband and wife were content to view their tribulations as tempests in a teapot. Besides, the old woman thought fondly, her husband was a grumpy old sourpuss at times, but she loved him nonetheless.

And, as always, there was her son to think of. Such a polite, well-behaved, handsome, bright boy! She had considered him the "best of all her sons" - secretly, of course - it would never do for her husband to discover she was harboring favorites, now would it? He would be upset with her.

However, enough day-dreaming. Her son needed to be fed. Her husband was right: soup was so nourishing; and her son was such a good boy to let his mother feed him.

I read this story in one night. This was certainly a very suspenseful story, but the ending was much more shocking than I expected. As this was such a short story, I appreciated the suspenseful build-up and that is what made the ending all the more shocking to me.

This was the first story by Karl Drinkwater that I've read, so I'm not sure if this is his typical writing style, however this first story earned a B+! from me. I will certainly be keeping my eyes open for more from Karl Drinkwater in the future.

B+! - (85-89%)

May you read well and often

Blog Tour For Divine Sanctuary by Cheryl Kaye Tardif From August 4, 2014 to August 29, 2014 - Come Join Us!

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Hello Everyone! I am extremely happy to announce that Cheryl Kaye Tardif will be touring the blogosphere to promote her Paranormal Mystery Divine Sanctuary - Book 3 in her Divine Trilogy. This virtual book tour is being hosted by Pump up Your Book and will last from August 4, to August 29, 2014!

Divine Sanctuary Blog Tour Information:

Meet Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Cheryl Kaye Tardif is an award-winning, international bestselling Canadian suspense author. Her novels include Divine Sanctuary, Submerged, Divine Justice, Children of the Fog, The River, Divine Intervention, and Whale Song, which New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice calls “a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart…a beautiful, haunting novel.”

She is now working on her next thriller.

Cheryl also enjoys writing short stories inspired mainly by her author idol Stephen King, and this has resulted in Skeletons in the Closet and Other Creepy Stories (collection of shorts) and Remote Control (novelette eBook). In 2010 Cheryl detoured into the romance genre with her contemporary romantic suspense debut, Lancelot’s Lady, written under the pen name of Cherish D’Angelo.

Booklist raves, “Tardif, already a big hit in Canada…a name to reckon with south of the border.”

Connect and Socialize with Cheryl!


About Divine Sanctuary:
 
There’s no place like home…

In the Divine Trilogy finale, the heat is tripled when CFBI Agent Jasi McLellan must rescue Emily, the ghost girl that haunts her dreams; expose her own mother’s killer; and uncover a murderer that preys on the weak at Sanctuary, a controversial cult nestled in the woods near Mission, BC.

Something insidious lurks behind the safe haven of Sanctuary’s wrought iron gates. Led by the charismatic Father Jeremiah, the cult’s idyllic lifestyle seems perfect on the outside. But a lethal hunter is on the prowl, and in a carefully executed game of cat and mouse, the body count rises.

Along with Victim Empath Natassia Prushenko, Psychometric Empath Ben Roberts and Special Consultant Brandon Walsh, Jasi follows three trails of clues that lead to one terrifying conclusion: home is not always the safest place on earth.

 Purchase Your Copy From Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

Watch the Book Trailer on YouTube and Read the First Chapter

Divine Sanctuary Book Publicity Tour Schedule:

  
Monday, August 4 - Interview at Virginia Beach Publishing Examiner
Tuesday, August 5 - Book Featured at Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews
Tuesday, August 5 - Book Featured at Bound 2 Escape
Wednesday, August 6 - Guest Blogging at To Read or Not to Read
Wednesday, August 6 - Book Featured at CBY Book Club
Thursday, August 7 - Interview at Cheryl’s Book Nook
Monday, August 11 - Guest Blogging at The Story Behind the Book
Tuesday, August 12 - Guest Blogging at Lori’s Reading Corner
Monday, August 18 - Interview at The Writer’s Life
Tuesday, August 19 - Book Review at My Life, Loves and Passions
Tuesday, August 19 - Guest Blogging at Bookingly Yours
Tuesday, August 19 - Book Review and Guest Blogging at My Book Addiction and More
Thursday, August 21 - Book Featured at Paranormal and Romantic Suspense
Thursday, August 21 - Book Featured at Sapphyria’s Book Reviews
Monday, August 25 - Interview at As the Pages Turn
Tuesday, August 26 - Book Featured at Booklover Sue
Wednesday, August 27 - Book Review at Emeraldfire’s Bookmark
Thursday, August 28 - Book Review at Becky on Books
Friday, August 29 - Book Review at Pink Fluffy Hearts Diary

May you read well and often

Blog Tour For Rowena and the Viking Warlord by Melodie Campbell From August 4, 2014 to August 29, 2014 - Come Join Us!

Hello Everyone! I am extremely happy to announce that Melodie Campbell will be touring the blogosphere to promote her Paranormal Romance Rowena and the Viking Warlord - Book 3 in her Land's End Series. This virtual book tour is being hosted by Pump up Your Book and will last from August 4, to August 29, 2014!

Rowena and the Viking Warlord Blog Tour Information:

Meet Melodie Campbell 

Billed as Canada’s “Queen of Comedy” by the Toronto Sun (Jan. 5, 2014), Melodie Campbell achieved a personal best when Library Digest compared her to Janet Evanovich. Winner of nine awards, including the 2014 Derringer (US) and the 2014 Arthur Ellis (Canada) for The Goddaughter’s Revenge (Orca Books), Melodie has over 200 publications, including 100 comedy credits, 40 short stories, and seven novels.

Melodie got her start writing stand-up.  In 1999, she opened the Canadian Humour Conference. Her fiction has been described by industry reviewers as “hilarious” and “laugh-out-loud funny.”
Melodie has a commerce degree from Queen’s University, but it didn’t take well.  She has been a bank manager, college instructor, marketing director, comedy writer and possibly the worst runway model ever.  These days, Melodie is the Executive Director of Crime Writers of Canada.
Her latest book is the paranormal romance time travel, Rowena and the Viking Warlord.

Connect and Socialize with Melodie!


About Rowena and the Viking Warlord:

He was her enemy and her lover…

As Cedric fights battles down south, Rowena unwittingly rides into an enemy war camp and is taken prisoner by her old friend Lars, who is not what he seems.

Yet Rowena is not helpless. After all, she is a hereditary half-witch with a whole lot of magic in her.  Too bad she doesn’t know how to use it. Escaping from the camp, she continues to botch up spell after spell. Soon Kendra joins her on the trek back to Huel, along with the latest magical mistake, a flame-burping dragon called Cinders.

When war comes to Land’s End, it brings the one man who threatens to conquer everything in Huel, including Rowena’s heart. Now she has to make the biggest decision of her life. Will she return through the wall to safety in Arizona? Or will she stay in Land’s End for good, and fight to save her people from the Viking Warlord?

Purchase Your Copy From Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

Rowena and the Viking Warlord Book Publicity Tour Schedule:


Monday, August 4 - First Chapter Reveal at The Literary Nook
Wednesday, August 6 - Book Featured at Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews
Thursday, August 7 - Book Review at My Book Addiction and More
Monday, August 11 - Guest Blogging at ARe Cafe
Tuesday, August 12 - Book Featured at Bound 2 Escape
Wednesday, August 13 - Interview at Examiner
Thursday, August 14 - Interview at As the Page Turns
Monday, August 18 - First Chapter Reveal at Read My First Chapter
Tuesday, August 19 - Interview at Deal Sharing Aunt
Wednesday, August 20 - Book Review at Written Love
Thursday, August 21 - Interview at The Writer’s Life
Monday, August 25 - Interview at Beyond the Books
Monday, August 25 - Book Review at Emeraldfire’s Bookmark
Tuesday, August 26 - Guest Blogging at Lori’s Reading Corner
Wednesday, August 27 - Interview at I’m Shelf-ish
Thursday, August 28 - Interview at Review From Here
Friday, August 29 - Book Review at My Life, Loves and Passion

May you read well and often

Blog Tour For Tortured Souls by Kimber Leigh Wheaton From August 4, 2014 to August 22, 2014 - Come Join Us!

Friday, July 4, 2014

Hello Everyone! I am extremely happy to announce that Kimber Leigh Wheaton will be touring the blogosphere to promote her young adult Paranormal Romance Tortured Souls - Book 1 in her Orion Circle Series. This virtual book tour is being hosted by the author herself and will last from August 4, to August 22, 2014!

Ms. Wheaton is also doing two awesome giveaways - she is giving away an ebook copy of Tortured Souls - available either in Mobi, epub or pdf version for the winners. She is also giving a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky host at the end of her Blog Tour. Be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter form below, and I wish you all the very best of good luck in taking part!

Tortured Souls Blog Tour Information:

Meet Kimber Leigh Wheaton

Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a bestselling YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance. She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs, four cats, and lots of dragons. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate - not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!) She currently lives in San Antonio, Texas but has been somewhat a rolling stone in life, having resided in several different cities and states.

Connect and Socialize with Kimber Leigh!

WebsiteTwitter * Goodreads * Facebook * Young Adult Website * 'Once Upon a YA Book' on Facebook

 About Tortured Souls:

Sometimes Rest in Peace isn't an Option...

Kacie Ramsey sees ghosts—and it's ruining her life. Her mother left, her father blames her, and no matter how hard she tries, she can't keep the ghosts away. Now a new power has emerged. Nightly visions of grisly murders and a relentless predator draw her to the brink of insanity.

When the phantom appears at a party, Kacie's longtime crush, Logan, saves her. He invites her to join the Orion Circle, a group of supernatural hunters with chapters in schools all over the country. Through the Circle, Kacie learns to embrace her spiritual powers, and for the first time in her life she feels in control rather than a victim.

But the Foxblood Demon will not give up so easily. A demented serial killer in life who trapped the souls of the thirteen children he murdered, imprisoning them within the walls of his mansion. Now in death, he plots his return while drawing power from the pure souls of the children. He recognizes something in Kacie he's never seen before—a medium powerful enough to provide a vessel for his tainted soul.

Kacie can't ignore the tortured souls of the children crying out to her every night. With Logan at her side, she will fight the Foxblood Demon. But can they banish this powerful phantom, or will Kacie lose not only her body, but her eternal soul to the monster.

Purchase Your Copy From Amazon!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tortured Souls Book Publicity Tour Schedule:


Monday, August 4 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Top 10, Playlist at Shattering Words
Monday, August 4 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review at For the Love of Books
Monday, August 4 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt at Bound 2 Escape
Monday, August 4 - Book Review at Itching For Books
Monday, August 4 - Character Bios at Books Authors Blogs
Monday, August 4 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Guest Post at Captivated Reading
Monday, August 4 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Guest Post at A Book Lover's Retreat
Monday, August 4 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Interview, Playlist at Coffee, Books and Art
Monday, August 4 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt at Shooting Stars Reviews
Monday, August 4 - Book Review at V's Reads
Tuesday, August 5 - Guest Post, Playlist at I am a Reader!
Tuesday, August 5 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Top 10 at Becky's Barmy Book Blog
Tuesday, August 5 - Character Bios at Jess Time to Read
Tuesday, August 5 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Playlist at Pink Fluffy Hearts
Tuesday, August 5 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Character Bios at Loves All Things Books
Tuesday, August 5 - Book Review, Playlist at Marked by Books
Wednesday, August 6 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt at Girls With Books
Wednesday, August 6 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Top 10 at Fantasy Book Chick
Wednesday, August 6 - Book Review at Abookdoration
Wednesday, August 6 - Character Bios, Character Interview at Christine Amsden
Wednesday, August 6 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review at Imagine a World
Wednesday, August 6 - Guest Post, Top 10, Playlist at Gimme the Scoop Reviews
Thursday, August 7 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Character Bios at Write Away Bliss
Thursday, August 7 - Book Review, Playlist at The Story Goes...
Thursday, August 7 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt at Bookcrastinators in Wonderland
Thursday, August 7 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review at Bookworm For Kids
Thursday, August 7 - Author Interview at We do Write
Thursday, August 7 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Playlist at Tich Brewster
Thursday, August 7 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Top 10 at Fundinmental
Friday, August 8 - Character Interview at Strands of Thought
Friday, August 8 - Book Review, Character Interview, Playlist at Chelsea's Reading Adventures
Friday, August 8 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review, Guest Post at Team Nerd Reviews
Friday, August 8 - Book Review, Author Interview at The Bookworm Corner
Friday, August 8 - Book Review, Top 10 at Book Briefs
Friday, August 8 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review at 6 Feet Under Books
Friday, August 8 - Book Review at The Canon
Saturday, August 9 - Character Interview, Character Top 10 at Fang-Tastic Books
Saturday, August 9 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review at Part of That World
Sunday, August 10 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt at Book Hostage
Monday, August 11 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Playlist at Paranormal Romance Fans For Life
Monday, August 11 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Guest Post at The Book Bag
Monday, August 11 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt at The Cover Contessa
Monday, August 11 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Top 10, Playlist at Falling For YA
Monday, August 11 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Top 10 at Whatever You Can Still Betray
Tuesday, August 12 - Guest Post at From the Shadows
Tuesday, August 12 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review at Sasha Hibbs
Tuesday, August 12 - Book Review at The Rest is Still Unwritten
Tuesday, August 12 - Book Review at Am a Book Lover Blogger
Tuesday, August 12 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review at United Indie Book Blog
Wednesday, August 13 - Promotional TBD at The Rest is Still Unwritten
Wednesday, August 13 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt at My Midnight Fantasies
Wednesday, August 13 - Guest Post at Urban Fantasy Investigations
Wednesday, August 13 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review, Guest Post, Top 10 at Blissful Book Reviews
Thursday, August 14 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Character Bios at Sunshine Book Promotions
Thursday, August 14 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Character Bios at Book Talk Reviews
Thursday, August 14 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt at Mom With a Kindle
Thursday, August 14 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Author/Character Interview at Sweets Books
Friday, August 15 - Book Review at Stressed Rach
Friday, August 15 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt at Bookworm Lisa
Friday, August 15 - Book Review, Character Interview at A Thousand Words, a Million Books
Friday, August 15 - Book Review at Worth Reading It?
Saturday, August 16 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Top 10 at Mad Hatter Reads
Monday, August 18 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review, Guest Post at Jillian's Books
Monday, August 18 - Book Review at The Bookish Outsider
Monday, August 18 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Character Bios at Sapphyria's Book Reviews
Monday, August 18 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review at Emeraldfire's Bookmark
Monday, August 18 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review at I Read it and Wept
Tuesday, August 19 - Book Review, Character Bios at Twin Spin
Tuesday, August 19 - Book Review, Playlist at Books and Books
Tuesday, August 19 - Book Review at Megan Likes Books
Tuesday, August 19 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Character Bios, Guest Post at NaYa Books and More
Wednesday, August 20 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Character Bios, Guest Post at Booky Ramblings of a Neurotic Mom
Wednesday, August 20 - Book Review at Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock
Wednesday, August 20 - Book Review, Playlist at Reviews and Rambles
Wednesday, August 20 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt at Deal Sharing Aunt
Wednesday, August 20 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review, Author Interview at Enchanted by YA
Thursday, August 21 - Book Review at The Phantom Paragrapher
Thursday, August 21 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt at Doodles, Doodles Everywhere
Thursday, August 21 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review at Ali's Books
Thursday, August 21 - Book Review, Character Bios, Playlist at Fictional Reality
Thursday, August 21 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Playlist at Endless Reading Blog
Thursday, August 21 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review, Playlist at Simplistic Reviews
Friday, August 22 - Character Bios at Chosen by You Book Club
Friday, August 22 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review, Character Bios at Goth Girl Gabs
Friday, August 22 - Book Review at Ohana Reads
Friday, August 22 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Playlist at Amethyst Daydreams
Friday, August 22 - Book Review at Musings of Immortals
Friday, August 22 - Book Review, Author Interview at A Leisure Moment
Friday, August 22 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review, Author Interview at Nay's Pink Bookshelf
Friday, August 22 - Book Spotlight/Excerpt, Book Review, Guest Post at Girl With Pen

May you read well and often