Monday, March 5, 2012

Book Giveaway: The Night Watchman by J.L. Manning


The Night Watchman

This story takes place in any city where there is street crime, street racing, and underground fighting. There is a young man that was in a car accident as a child and was left with physical limitations. Over these years a speech impairment made him want to withdraw from society, because of how people now saw him left him lonely.
A technology gave him strength and stamina beyond the average person, and he wanted to use these abilities to help out his city. The abilities that he gained improved and the side effects gave him abilities that he was learning to take advantage of.
He started to investigate a criminal that got him involved in some tight spots. He gained the most unlikely of friends that were involved with underground activities.
His confidence grew, but when the time comes will he do the right thing?

About J.L Manning: J.L. Manning authored "Changing the Little Things" in 2010  He has self-published three books through Authorhouse.com that have not been getting the attention that they deserve.  The first book that he published was about Mars in the not too distant future. "The New Mars" is about vacationing on Mars. He wrote two more books that are connected to the first book about Mars, but they are not sequels.
The first book was published Dec. 14, 2006 by a pay to publisher, as were all six of these books.  Now that he has some experience, in writing good books, he is looking for a mainstream publisher to get these and future books the attention they deserve.  He did self-publish "The Night Watchman" with Publish America. He republished "Paradise Island" with Tate Publishing.  "Changing the Little Things" is his most recently published book. by Trafford Publishing.  He has many ideas for new books that he is hoping will sell.
He dreams a lot about places to get away to and doing things that he's not capable of doing.  His books help people imagine being at these places and doing the things that he writes about.
Buy the book on J.L. Manning’s website: http://www.jlmanning.net/TNW.html
&
Where you can find the author:
Website: http://www.jlmanning.net/Home.html



One lucky person will win an e-book copy of The Night Watchman from the author! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below with your email address where you can be reached if you are the winner, that is it. 

The contest will run for today only and the winner will be chosen tomorrow using Random.org. 

Good luck to all who enter!!

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Review: Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

Title: Juliet Immortal 
Author: Stacey Jay
Series: Book One of Two in the Juliet Immortal Series
Published By: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (Aug. 9, 2011)
Genre: YA Paranormal
My Rating: 5 Stars

Goodreads Description:
 "These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume."
—Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The most tragic love story in history . . .

Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love.


My Review:
 
I have always loved the story of Romeo and his Juliet. Way before I had to read it in high school, way before the movie with Claire Danes and Leonardo Di Caprio came out. It is just one of those star crossed love stories that any hopeless romantic like myself has to love, tragic ending and all.

So when I saw this book with its amazingly gorgeous cover and completing captivating synopsis with a twist of the old tale of star crossed lovers, I knew it was made just for me. Okay, so maybe Stacey Jay didn't write this for me, heck I am sure she has no idea I exist but this is my review, I can pretend what I want to. ;)

The first chapter of this book completely pulled me in and left me wanting more. I mean it had everything the famous love story is suppose to have. No tragic endings here, just a pure real love....or so you are lead to believe.

Then we get into the second chapter, which was just as captivating and every bit as hard to not fly through as I soaked up the words off the pages.

We are brought from 1304 Vienna with a love story in the making to modern day California with Juliet as heart broken and bitter as ever. For the love story wasn't a love story after all. Oh yes, there was love at some point in time and yes there was the tragic ending, but this ending is not something Shakespeare made up. Oh no, this is a tale of betrayal and suicide and yes, even murder.

Romeo betrayed his Juliet.

Juliet is transported into the teenage body of Ariel, a girl much like Juliet.
But something feels off with this new mission. She shouldn't be here so soon after her last one and Romeo? Well Romeo is just around the corner. In fact he woke up right next to her. Something that has never happened so quickly before.

And as always he woke up with a vengeance.

As Juliet in the body of Ariel tries to flee from Romeo she meets Ben and instantly feels a connection with him. A connection she hasn't felt for more than 700 years.

I have to say, I loved Ben right away. He was so kind and caring to Ariel and just seemed genuinely nice. I was a little heartbroken when we find out that Ben is the one Juliet was sent there to protect. The one that he is destined to be with, is not Ariel but with Gemma, Ariel's best friend who is less than, well lets just say her attitude is less than nice at times.

How can she protect them and make sure they are together when she has feelings for Ben? Someone she is forbidden to love. And how can she love at all after what happened the first time she fell in love?

This story actually alternates between Juliet and Romeo's (well we only get glimpses of Romeo's view) point of view and I am glad that it does because you learn that things maybe aren't quite how Juliet sees them. That maybe there is more to the love story that ended so darkly.

That maybe there is more to Romeo and his deal than she is lead to believe and more than she was ever told by Nurse and the Ambassadors.

I really loved this story. It was just beautifully written. It felt like reading prose at times and I felt myself get swept away in the story and genuinely caring about Juliet.

I loved all the twists and turns that happened throughout the story, they were so well done. I just love how this ended and I truly can't wait to read the next book. I want more of Romeo's tale and I do want him to be able to redeem himself. I think there is way more to his story than what we were given in this book and I can't wait to read about it!



Saturday, March 3, 2012

The World Among Us Blog Tour and Interview!


I have the great pleasure to not only be a part of Beth Masarik's The World Among Us Blog Tour but I also happen to be the last stop on the tour! 

But first a word from Beth!

 
Thank you so much Ali, for having me on your blog today! Today, unfortunately, happens to be the last day of my tour. BUT, don’t worry! You guys can still follow me on all my websites and blogs, which will be listed below. I can’t thank you all enough for being so enthusiastic and for participating in my tour! All prizes will go out sometime this month, and I will announce the winner of the scavenger hunt sometime next week. I will announce the winner on my blog at www.bahbammymusings.wordpress.com so you should click that follow button and be instantly notified!
One more important note before we get on with the character interview. All winners will have a spotlight in the magazine called Literary Lunes. Information about it can be found here www.literarylunes.com

Thank Beth!! It has been a fabulous tour and I have the pleasure of bringing you one last character interview but it won't be from someone you are expecting. Oh no, I have someone very special in mind for this interview and he graciously accepted to come here today, of course, considering where he is now, I don't think his social calender is too terribly full at the moment. *clears throat*

So yeah, without further ado, I bring you Endymion!!



I stand to meet Endymion as he enters through the door to my office and awkwardly shake hands with him. He seems somewhat reserved and almost a little shy or maybe nervous as he is glancing around the room taking in all the books I have stacked, well, everywhere.


I clear my throat again and take a seat in the chair next to me as I motion for him to do the same

"So Endymion, thank you so much for being here today! I hope you didn't have a hard time getting here, I mean, you know, all things considering. 
I know this interview may seem a little odd to some considering your outcome, err, demise in the book but I thought if anyone deserved a little more time in the limelight it was you."


Endymion beams at the compliment. Excitement is radiating off of him, as he takes a seat in the chair next to Ali. He plays with his tie nervously, as this is his first interview.

“Thank you for having me here today, Ali. It is a real pleasure, and a treat to be acknowledged for once. I must admit though, that it is a little weird considering the fact that, well, I am dead.

I shift around a little in my chair and have to clear my suddenly dry throat again

"So, were you upset that your part in the book was cut so short, I mean, after the first chapter, it was pretty obvious to all who was reading, that you were a goner?"

I inwardly cringe a little at that last  part, I so could have said that better.

 
Endymion’s face fell, and his smile turned into a frown. For a moment, it almost looked like he was about to cry.

“I was upset at first when Beth killed me off, but I understand now that it was important for the storyline to continue. I do miss Selene, and the fact that she is so gun-ho about finding my killer means the world to me. Even if she does end up with Damien in the end, the sacrifice will be worth it if she is happy in the end.”

 
"I know before meeting Selene the moon goddess, you were a shepherd boy, and that you meet during a rain storm. Was it love at first sight?"

Endymion smiled again and leaned back in his chair, as if replaying that night in his head.

 
Mhm,” he said through one of those content and happy groans. “She was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. I knew right then that I had to get to know her. But, what chance did a shepherd have with someone as beautiful as Selene? I mean, her skin was so pale that she practically glowed in the darkness of the night. Her eyes were so beautiful, oh and that beautiful red hair of hers…” he trailed off. Endymion had on a stupid-happy look on his face, almost as if he were high on love.

I can't help but smile as I listen to him re account their first meeting. The love he has for her is obvious on his face and in his eyes.

"Did you know who she was when you first saw her?" I ask.

 
Endymion shook his head and pouted. “No, I didn’t, however, that probably wouldn’t have changed anything. We were both instantly attracted to each other. The rest is history.”

Now I am the one with a sad smile on my face. I can't help but let out a small sigh as I see the sadness on his. This is a man that truly loved his wife.
I try to lighten the mood with my next question. See if I can get a smile back on his face again.
 
"So 50 kids? Really? And all girls too?"
" What must that have been like? I mean did you ever have a spare moment to yourself with all those lovely kids running around? How many bathrooms does a person need with all those woman?" I eagerly wait his answer, fascinated at what he will respond with.

Endymion chuckled at the question. He crossed his legs and smiled at Ali as he thought about his answers. 
“It was challenging at times. I mean, 51 women to 1 male. Those aren’t exactly even odds, are they?” He asked with another chuckle. “We had at least 52 bathrooms, and we had shower schedules to boot. Thankfully, we lived in a palace, so we weren’t cramped or anything like that, and it wasn’t so difficult to find time to myself. Don’t get me wrong; I love ALL of my girls to pieces, but it could get overwhelming at times,” he admitted.

I try to picture it and I just can't. My household has 4 woman and only two bathrooms and my girls are still young yet, I thankfully don't have the teenage years to contend with yet. I can't help think that here, before me, sits a very brave man indeed with all those woman and estrogen floating around him every single day. 

I dread the next question I must ask, but a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do. I gulp down a breath of air and trudge forward into dangerous ground.

"How did you feel about the Prince of Darkness swooping in only hours after your death, trying to take your place?"

I actually moved onto the edge of my seat, hands gripping the chair as I waited for his reaction to my question.

Endymion’s face went dark, and a shadow cast over him at the thought of Damien.
I’m not happy about it at all,” he growled. “But,” he said with a sigh. “If he makes her happy, and my kids can deal with him, then I guess I have no choice but to accept him and be happy for my family. I don’t want Selene to be alone. As my father would say, ‘better the devil you know, then the devil you don’t.’”

I can't help but feel a burst of love for this man who loves his wife so much he is willing to sacrifice his only happiness to see the one he loves happy in return. My eyes get a little teary at the devotion he has for Selene and his family.

I can't help but ask the last question, I am just too curious about what goes on in this man's head.

"If you could change one thing about the outcome of your demise, what would it be?"

If I wasn't on the edge of me seat before, I certainly am now. I hold my breath waiting for him to answer. 

Endymion looked up towards the sky, as if he were deep in thought. Finally, after a couple of long minutes of silence, he opened his mouth to answer. “If I could change anything, I wouldn’t have accepted Selene’s request to put me into an eternal sleep. I missed so much of my daughter’s lives, that I regret that decision. Besides, if I had been awake, I might have been able to defend myself against my murderer…”

 
He stood up and stretched as he looked at Ali. “Thank you for interviewing me today, Ali. I apologize for snapping at you during the interview. It wasn’t anything against you,” he explained. “Please let me know if there is ever anything else that I can do for you in the future,” he said with a bow and escorted himself out of the room.


And with that, my interview was over. I sat their for a few minutes afterward contemplating all that he has shared with us today and feeling a little more sad for the outcome that became him and hoping that at least in the afterlife he will once again know peace and who knows, maybe even love again as well. 






Beth: Well, there you have it folks! That’s the inside scoop on our beloved mortal, Endymion. I may eventually write a short story that highlights his life and how he met Selene.

For more information about me and my books, please follow my websites www.bethannmasarik.com or www.bahbammymusings.wordpress.com
Thank you again everyone and Ali, for following me throughout this tour! I hate to say goodbye, but I’d love for you all to please keep in touch! I am always up for interviews and guest posts, so please feel free to contact me at anytime!



Thank you so much Beth for letting me be a part of your tour and for letting me read your book! 

For those of you looking for a great fun fantasy read with some mythology thrown in , please check out Beth's book. 


Friday, March 2, 2012

Review: Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby

Title: Shooting Stars
Author: Allison Rushby
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Walker Children's Books (Feb. 28, 2012)
Genre: YA Realistic Fiction
My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Goodreads Description:
 Meet Josephine Foster, or Zo Jo as she’s called in the biz. The best pint-sized photographer of them all, Jo doesn’t mind doing what it takes to get that perfect shot, until she’s sent on an undercover assignment to shoot Ned Hartnett—teen superstar and the only celebrity who’s ever been kind to her—at an exclusive rehabilitation retreat in Boston. The money will be enough to pay for Jo’s dream: real photography classes, and maybe even quitting her paparazzi gig for good. Everyone wants to know what Ned’s in for. But Jo certainly doesn’t know what she’s in for: falling in love with Ned was never supposed to be part of her assignment.

My Review:

As soon as I saw the cover of this book I wanted to read it. The cover is just eye catching for whatever reason. It isn't even anything completely unique but yet it drew me in nonetheless.

The storyline for this one is different too, a paparazzi (and a young one at that) that falls in love with the object of her work.
It kind of made me wonder actually, has this ever happened before? Are there people out there, other than stalker of course, who fall in love with the stars they are shooting pictures of?
Interesting thought huh?

I can't say I felt any real connection with the main character Jo while reading this story. I couldn't even really say that at times I liked her. Her character was, well maybe just different. She had all these internal struggles with what she wanted and needed to do and what she knew was right and what was wrong and sometimes that got to be a little tiresome. I really just wanted her to make a decision already and stick with it, good or bad.

I know nothing in life is ever that simple though and it certainly wasn't in this book either. There were factors that she had to consider not only with her life but with Ned's as well and I have to say, I really do like where her choices took her. What she decided was important and right in the end.

There were even some twists and turns I happily didn't see happening along the way.

Overall I think this was a really fun read and a great first book. 



Review: The Kingdom by Amanda Stevens

Title: The Kingdom
Author: Amanda Stevens
Series: Book Two in the Graveyard Queen Series
Published By: Mira (March 27, 2012)
Source: ARC copy from Netgalley
Genre: Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 5 Stars

Goodreads Description:
 Deep in the shadowy foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies a dying town...

My name is Amelia Gray. They call me The Graveyard Queen. I’ve been commissioned to restore an old cemetery in Asher Falls, South Carolina, but I’m coming to think I have another purpose here.

Why is there a cemetery at the bottom of Bell Lake? Why am I drawn time and again to a hidden grave I’ve discovered in the woods? Something is eating away at the soul of this town—this withering kingdom—and it will only be restored if I can uncover the truth.

My Review:
 In the second book in the Graveyard Queen series Amelia is sent to a little town called Asher Falls to restore an old cemetery there. She is still sad about everything that happened (and didn't happen) between her and Devlin in the first book so the change of town and scenery was a welcome one.

As Amelia is on the ferry to get to Asher Falls she thinks she sees something in the water, well a ghost to be exact. As she is leaning over the ferry trying to find her ghost she startled by the mysteriously dark Thane Asher and learns that when the town flooded the old cemetery along with half the town went under water where they all still reside today. Because of the flood the town became somewhat of a ghost town (no pun intended) and local residents claim that at night you can hear the ghosts ringing the bells attached to their coffins (as was the custom back then to do if the person was buried alive by mistake).

From the moment Amelia sets foot in the town something seems off about it and the residents. There is already a creepiness and air of mystery after just reading the first few chapters and I could already tell that this book was going to be even better than the first one.

Everything in the place is different, the air the trees, the ghosts, they are connecting with Amelia like she has never experienced before and she is scared not to mention worried about what that all means.

There is said to be a thin place located in the falls, a place that is thinnest between the world of living and the dead. Could that be the reason for all the strange occurrences, all the strange people and sightings and noise?

This book is such a journey for Amelia, she finds out so much about her life her family and who she is not to mention about the town and all of its secrets.

This book is definitely more creepy than the last one and while Devlin didn't play a role in this book he was never far from Amelia's mind.

We do meet some new and very interesting characters that play a huge role in Amelia's life and I think we will see more of them in the future.

I don't want to give anything away other than to say that this sequel was everything I wanted and them some. It was fabulous and I am so excited to read the next book, after the cliffhanger ending I can't wait to see what happens next!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Indie Book of the Week: A Merman's Kiss by Laura Lond

This weeks indie book of the week is actually a short story called A Merman's Kiss by Laura Lond.

This story had a very fairy tale feel to it. In fact it read a lot like the fairy tales I grew up reading and loving as a child.

This was a pretty fast short read though so even though it was very well written it was hard to get a complete feel for the characters like you would in a novel.

The ending did have a somewhat abrupt feel to it but like I mentioned, it was well written and considering it was a short story it was handled nicely.

I would love to read a full length book from the author because I did really enjoy her writing style.

I think if you are looking for a fast, unique read about merpeople this would be a great book to read.

 

Review: Firelight by Kristen Callihan

Title: Firelight
Author: Kristen Callihan
Series: Book One in the Darkest London Series (also a prequel out)
Published By: Grand Central Publishing (Jan. 31, 2012)
Source: ARC Copy Netgalley
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4 Stars

Goodreads Description:
 London, 1881
Once the flames are ignited . . .

Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.

They will burn for eternity . . . Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.

My Review:
This is one of those books that is just really hard to review because there were just so many elements to it and it was so unique and charged, this book was on fire.

Truly this was a really great read. I loved that it took place in London during the late 1800's. It actually takes place over a series of years, around three to be exact. In fact, there is a prequel out, Ember that I highly suggest you read before starting this one. It has a lot of background in it on how Miranda and Archer met and about both of their lives. It explains a lot about what happened to Miranda as a little girl and where and why she is where she is when Firelight starts as well as reveal a little of Archer's mysterious past.

Gah where to start with this book! It is one of the best urban fantasy books I have read in awhile. It definitely is an adult read though, there are some pretty spicy scenes between Archer and Miranda and lots of sexual tension, but honestly that just adds to the story. Their attraction was delicious and definitely not one of your normal circumstances. it was kind of like Phantom of the Opera meets the paranormal world and then some.

Throw in a little mystery and intrigue and curses and cults and what you end up with is a whole lot of page turning action and suspense.

This was so well written that I felt like I was in 19th century London with all of its harsh smells and fog and darkness. I could picture the cobblestone streets and horses and carriages, the street vendors, buildings and grand houses.

I don't want to give anything away which is making this a hard review to write honestly, but truly if you want something different and fun, full of lots of tension (sexual and otherwise) this is the story for you.

I really look forward to seeing where Callihan takes the next book and I am hoping that althogh the main characters will be different that we will still get glimpses of Archer and Miranda and where they are as well.