bookworm on the loose

Release Blitz: Mr. Billionaire CEO by Sedona Venez

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 12:30:00 +0000

Title: Mr. Billionaire CEO

Author: Sedona Venez

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: November 28^th, 2018

Cover Designer: Covers by Combs

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb:

A forbidden, sexy office romance stand-alone from USA Today best-selling author Sedona Venez.

Jayla is trouble, and she’s just my type of woman. 

I was damned when I watched her stroll into the office building her first day of work. In a matter of minutes, she shattered my control.

I’ve been obsessed with her bombshell body since that day.

But I’m her boss. 

So, my fixation on her is totally inappropriate, especially when she hasn’t shown a bit of sexual interest in me—or so I thought … up until recently.

I’m a Dom, and I sense she is a natural submissive, albeit one who seems inexperienced with men. My instincts tell me that the right man can not only bring out her external beauty, but sexually awaken her as well.

Now that I’ve set my sights on her, I’m not going to back down until I get what I want.

And, as everyone in the office knows, I always get what I want.

As with all my books, this stand-alone is safe with no cheating and a guaranteed HEA.

Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Sedona Venez lives in New York City with her hot ex-military hubby--hooah--and their fur babies. She loves writing sizzling, sexy intricate stories about strong but broken characters who push limits, overcome their fears, and risk it all for love.

Author Links:

Text "SedonaVenez" to 33222

Newsletter: https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/349313?v=7

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SedonaVenez/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SedonaVenez

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NomBU9

Web: http://sedonavenez.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6535416.Sedona_Venez

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sedona-venez

Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

Release Blitz: MS. LAWYER by Lea Coll

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 12:22:00 +0000

**Today we have the release blitz for Lea Coll’s MS. LAWYER. Check it out and be sure to grab your copy today!**

Title: Ms. Lawyer

Author: Lea Coll

Genre: Contemporary Romance

About Ms. Lawyer:

She’s the new public defender in town. He’s running for sheriff. Emma Ryan vows never to live in a small town again. Then her boss transfers her to Chestertown on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. On opposite sides of the law, Emma quickly clashes with police officer Luke Hudson. But when Emma is threatened, she’ll need to work with Luke to determine who’s responsible. Stubborn, cocky and ambitious, Luke will stop at nothing to get what he wants. When his association with a criminal defense attorney puts his bid for sheriff in jeopardy, he’ll need to choose between his dream job and taking a chance on love.

Get Your Copy Today

Exclusive Excerpt

I felt his heat at my back and a voice whispered over the shell of my ear, “Ms. Lawyer, a word?” I didn’t even have to look up now. I knew that voice anywhere, I shivered as the sound shot straight through my body. I shot an apologetic look at my client and turned to follow Luke out of the courtroom.

He was in uniform again today and he was so authoritative on duty it captivated me. Just the click of his black dress shoes on the courtroom floor did it for me. It made me think of how commanding he would be in bed making my core clench in response. I resisted the urge to fan myself with my file as I followed him. The state’s attorney at my internship in college told me to avoid all police officers, because they were cocky womanizers or cheaters. Something like that. I couldn’t seem to heed her warning now that I had the attention of one. It was merely his professional attention, but I was starting to crave more.

“Yes?” I asked, crossing my arms in front of my chest hugging the file to hide my attraction to him. He drew himself up to his full height, placed his hands on his duty belt, and went into full cop mode. I tried not to look directly into his eyes, which tended to draw me closer into his sphere.

“I’m here for the heroin case at Washington College. This case yours?” He asked as he handed a police report to me.

I took a look down at it, happy to have something else to concentrate on. “Oh yeah, the janitor who picked up a newspaper while he was cleaning.”

“A newspaper which was wrapped around a bag of heroin,” he said.

My eyes narrowed at that, “He works at a college, Luke. He was just doing his job, cleaning up after those kids. College kids do drugs. He picked up garbage, which contained abandoned drugs. It’s hardly a crime. From a defense standpoint, there’s reasonable doubt.”

Luke dropped the final nail in the coffin, “He was high when we arrested him.”

I snorted, “Of course he was.” Well that sucked. I thought I had a pretty strong argument for reasonable doubt. I hadn’t seen an official field sobriety test in the report but there probably wouldn’t be unless he was driving. “So you’re here just to brighten my morning, Luke?”

“I have to say Emma, it is not a chore to stand here and spar with you this morning,” he said as his eyes traveled from my pumps to my skirt.

It definitely felt like he was undressing me with his eyes. I was wearing a black skirt suit with four inch black pumps, which still only brought me up to his shoulders. Nothing that should be evoking the heat I saw in his eyes.

“Those heels make your legs look amazing,” he said softly. When his eyes traveled back to my face, his gaze captured mine and the intensity of it pulled me closer to his body. There was no question that Luke felt the same attraction for me that I felt for him.

Then his voice lost the intimate tone as a bailiff walked out of the court room slamming the door behind him and continued walking down the hall, breaking the mood. “I still don’t understand how you’re a defense attorney. A sweet girl like you? I could see you as a state’s attorney. I could get behind you holding a badge, that’s crazy hot. But why a public defender?”

About the Author:

Lea Coll worked for over ten years as a trial attorney in both civil and criminal law. She earned a J.D. from University of Baltimore School of Law where she was production editor on Law Review. Throughout the course of her legal career she wrote opinions for judges and various legal memoranda, briefs, and motions for a Fortune 500 Company. After years of legal writing, she enjoys the freedom that comes with writing fiction. Now that she stays home with her children she survives by plotting stories while fetching snacks and running back and forth to their activities. Her experience in court influenced the legal drama in her book. She has an interest in the history and charm of small towns which is why she chose Chestertown on Maryland’s Eastern Shore for the setting of her first series. Lea grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and currently resides in Maryland with her husband and three children.

Connect with Lea:

Website | Facebook

Enter Lea’s Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'm baaaaaackkkk!!

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 07:05:00 +0000

Did you miss me, bookworms? It’s me, A…. as in Arianne, back on track.

I know I’ve been away for the past 3 years.. It’s been three tumultuous, nerve-wracking but also fulfilling years. A lot of things happened, but I don’t regret any single one of them.

Oh, there’s one regret I have – and that’s not being able to read books as much as before. I wish I could get back to reading again, but for now, I’m taking one day at a time and read when I have time.

Good news, though..

I’m still me, The Bookworm on the Loose, and if you ever need help with your books, promos, cover reveals, freebie blitz and everything related to books, then I’m your gal. Just shoot me up a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!

Oh it’s so nice to be back!

Review: Recurve by Shannon Mayer

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 09:23:00 +0000

Recurve (The Elemental Series #1) by Shannon Mayer

My name is Larkspur, and I am an Elemental. My people use the power of the earth to sustain life and defy our enemies. I should be at my father's side as a royal princess. But as a half-breed, bastard child, that isn't going to happen. I've been accused of attacking the queen, my wicked stepmother, and my life is suddenly on the line.

I have only two options left to me: banishment, or training to become one of the King's Elite Guards, an Ender. Option one will kill me. Option two is meant to break me, but is the only way to survive. Did I mention I have no power like the rest of the elementals, and my connection to the earth is worth next to nothing? Could things get any worse? Of course they can. Welcome to being an Elemental.

NOTE: I was provided this ARC copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I've been a follower of Shannon Mayer since the first Rylee Adamson series. I thought I'd never met a woman as fearless and fierce as Rylee. Now, I'm having second thought after reading Recurve. I think Larkspur aka Lark is the new heroine to watch out for.

Lark is a princess without a crown. She's an Elemental without power. She's serving the Kingdom as a Planter instead of a Royal, simply because she was deemed useless without her elemental gifts. Haunted by her mother & brother's deaths, Lark did her best to be liked and loved by her Father, the King. But after being accused of attacking Queen Cassava, Lark found herself training to become an Ender. That is the only way she'd be able to survive. Little did she know that her decision might just be the catalyst to her death.

I had a super great time reading Lark and her adventures. Shannon Mayer is a brilliant and impressive author, she immediately sucked me in to her fantastic world. There's so much awesomeness wrapped up in the book. Plus, the names of the characters are really cool and unique. From Cactus, to Coal, Raven to Belladonna, from Granite to Ash, from Fern to Griffin, these amazing Elementals just keep getting better and better.

Although this first book is a bit longer than usual, Recurve is a pleasure to read. It doesn't feel rushed. Rather, the whole story resonates with substance and every page matters. The ending left an ample room for a sequel. It isn't like those first books where you are really left hanging with those unanswered questions on your mind. Simply put, Recurve is very satisfying.

The urban fantasy and paranormal elements are intricately woven into the story. That's what makes Recurve an engrossing and heart-pounding read. I guess, many readers would agree with me when I say, Lark has surpassed its predecessor, Rylee.

Shannon Mayer lives in the southwestern tip of Canada with her husband, dog, cats, horse, and cows.

When not writing she spends her time staring at immense amounts of rain, herding old people (similar to herding cats) and attempting to stay out of trouble. Especially that last is difficult for her.

Shannon Mayer gained bestselling status with her Rylee Adamson series.

To learn more about Shannon and her books, go to www.shannonmayer.com To get a taste of The Rylee Adamson Series, check out the cinematic trailer!

Bachelor at her Bidding

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Thu, 05 Mar 2015 21:27:00 +0000

Title: Bachelor at her Bidding

(Montana Born Bachelor Auction #2)

Author: Kate Hardy

eBook provided by Netgalley

Published February 27th 2015 by Tule Publishing

How to win a girl in ten cakes…

When Dr. Rachel Cassidy comes back to Marietta with a broken heart and a divorce under her belt, going to a Bachelor Auction fund-raiser doesn’t sound like her idea of a good time – and when her sister and friends “buy” her a dinner date with sexy Parisian-trained pastry chefRyan Henderson, that sounds even worse. Ryan doesn’t have time for dating – he’s put his dreams to one side and come back to Marietta to look after his sick grandmother.

But when he agrees to help a charity fundraiser by offering to cook a special meal to one lucky bidder, he gets more than he bargains for and discovers a woman he might just dare to let himself fall in love with. Then tragedy strikes, just when Rachel and Ryan think they might have a future, opening up old scars and pushing them apart. And if they’re to stand a chance of getting back together, then Ryan’s going to have to be seriously inventive. Can he win the love of his life with ten cakes?

4 stars!

A few weeks ago, I started reading the Bachelor Auction series, and met Beau Bennett, who went on a date with Lily Taylor, the Auction Bidding organizer. Now, it's Chef Ryan's turn, the successful pastry chef, whose sweet confections was "almost better than sex".

Ryan didn't want to fall in love; he didn't believe in dating, and heck, he even didn't have time to even find the one for him. All he cared about was his grandmother Phyllis, who had stood by him eversince he was a child, eversince he lost his mom and dad in an accident. When her last relationship failed, he vowed to focus all his energy and attention to his ailing grandmother.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rachel Cassidy was back to her hometown after an ugly divorce. People at Marietta looked down on her; they thought she would never find a man again who'd take her seriously nor love her because her attention is all on her books. Sometimes, she thought, all those hurtful rumors might just be true. Until one night, during the Bachelor Auction bidding, it was Ryan's turn at the stage and he was surprised to learn that the one who won him at the bidding actually bought him for Dr. Rachel Cassidy. If Ryan didn't like the idea of dating before the auction, things changed after he met Rachel.

These two lonely and brokenhearted souls found each other. Then came the dates, the cakes, the flowers, the sweets, the affection, the emotions. When Grandma Phyllis's delicate condition worsened, things started to get sour between the lovers. Would there ever be a happy ending for them at all?

I thought I liked Beau & Lily's story in the first Bachelor Auction series. Turns out, I was wrong. I think I like Rachel & Ryan's story better, because theirs was lighter, sweet and mushy and fun. There was an instant attraction between them, but both were afraid to take the plunge, so they decided to test the waters and waddle slowly. I liked that kind of relationship, not pushing too much, not expecting too much.

This was a quick & delicious read. I love reading books about love & food, esp cakes & chocolates because those are my weaknesses. I say, this is a perfect afternoon read!

Previously read/reviewed: Bound to the Bachelor (Montana Bachelor Auction Series # 2)

Cover Reveal: Anissa's Redemption

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 22:30:00 +0000

Title: Anissa's Redemption

Author: Zack Love

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Romance

Cover Design: Ashley Byland

Anissa Toma fled war-torn Syria after narrowly escaping the massacre of her Christian family by Islamists. Fortunate enough to rebuild her shattered life in New York City, the young refugee gained admission to an elite college, where she excelled. Her beauty, brains, and purity soon captured the interest of two powerful men: Michael, an activist working to establish Antioch, the first Mideast Christian state, and Julien, her professor and one of the city’s wealthiest bachelors.

As Anissa's saga continues, the refugee-turned-rising-star must navigate between Michael and Julien, while trying to help her surviving relatives and other vulnerable Christians in Syria. As she gets closer to both men in a complex and evolving love triangle, can she unlock Julien's traumatic childhood to open up his heart? Or will Julien find greater solace from his nightmares and other demons in the sessions with his intriguing therapist? What will Michael do for Antioch and for Anissa, and what will Julien's role be? How far will each person go to help Anissa's remaining family and other persecuted Christians at risk in Syria? Find out in this stunning sequel to "The Syrian Virgin.

Zack Love graduated from Harvard College, where he studied mostly literature, psychology, philosophy, and film. After college, he moved to New York City and took a corporate consulting job that had absolutely nothing to do with his studies. The attacks of September 11, 2001 inspired him to write a novelette titled “The Doorman” and heightened his interest in the Middle East. A decade later, that interest extended to the Syrian Civil War, which provided the backdrop for his latest work. In late 2013, Zack began releasing his unpublished works of fiction and became a full-time author. He has published comedy, psychological and philosophical fiction, and romance. Zack enjoys confining himself to one genre about as much as he likes trying to sum up his existence in one paragraph.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Image by Cool Text: Free Logos and Buttons - Create An Image Just Like This

Book Tour: Forever In My Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 02:04:00 +0000

FOREVER IN MY HEART

Author: Aleya Michelle

Series: My Heart, Book #3

~ SYNOPSIS ~

Roxy & Kade have finally reunited.

Soul mates destined to be together...

Their magnetism drawing them back into each other's embrace was far too strong.

Their Happily Ever After is written in the stars and their hearts beat as one in unison... All is magical...

So what could happen that could shatter their plans of forever after?

What evil force will be the one to alter the path of happiness & bliss?

And can Kade & Roxy's Love withstand the chaos and turmoil that is heading their way?

My Review

I like reading novels with characters who are driven and full of passion. Kade & Roxy belong to that category. What I love about this couple is their undying love for each other that made them stronger and able to battle the fiercest winds and storms.

Indeed Roxy & Kade had come a long way. They matured over time, trusted each other and vowed never to let go. Theirs is a love story waiting to be told. Both strive to make their relationship work, amidst all the leaps and bounds that come their way. Babies, paternity suits, vengeful and bitter ex-lovers, you name it, they got it.

Will they end up together in the end?

Aleya Michelle concludes her My Heart series with a bang! Lots of steamy scenes in here, mouth-watering action and endless words of sweetness and passion. I'm not wondering why there were a lot of ants around me while reading this!

~ PURCHASE ~

AMAZON

~ TEASERS ~

~ MY HEART SERIES ~

Book #1: BREAKING MY HEART: http://amzn.to/1Fw3Wib

Book #2: HEALING MY HEART: http://amzn.to/1Fw46pP

~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~

Aleya Michelle

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia.

Happily married and mother of 3 gorgeous and very active boys. A true lover of reading and escaping into a book, I love to write and find solace and escape through my characters and story lines.

So excited to finally publish my debut novel Breaking my Heart in May, Book 2 Healing my Heart was released September 17th.

The third and final book in My Heart Series is Forever in my Heart and is releasing February 20th.

Favorite past times include shopping, reading, going to the beach and seeing friends.

Music is another great love.

Social media links:

AMAZON | FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | TWITTER

~ Tour Host ~

HEA Book Tours, PR & More:
http://heabooktours.blogspot.com/

Bound To The Bachelor

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 01:24:00 +0000

Title: Bound to the Bachelor

(Montana Born Bachelor Auction #1)

Author: Sarah Mayberry

eBook provided by Netgalley

Published February 20th 2015 by Tule Publishing

Lily Taylor knows Beau Bennett dislikes her, but that won’t stop her from asking him to volunteer for the Bachelor Auction she’s organized to help her friend Molly provide for her tragically injured son, Josh. If Beau’s gorgeous face, piercing blue eyes and chiseled body inspires the women of Marietta to dig into their pockets for a good cause, then Lily will do whatever it takes to secure his participation.

Beau Bennett isn’t sure how he wound up on the auction block being eyed up by hundreds of eager women, but he knows who to blame for it – Lily Taylor, the sexy, distracting, off-limits best friend of his kid sister. As far as he’s concerned, the sooner this nightmare is over, the better. The last thing either of them expects is for Lily to wind up bidding on – and winning – Beau, or that their date will lead to Beau stepping in to save Lily when her past comes back to haunt her.

As Beau does his best to keep Lily safe, they discover that maybe they don’t dislike each other quite as much as they thought. In fact, maybe it’s just the opposite…

4 stars!

Tis' one of the really romantic books I've read this month of Love. If I do have ten thousand grand right now, I'll bid for Beau Bennett immediately, no questions asked!

Bound to the Bachelor is the first book in the Montana Born Bachelor Auction series. Lily Taylor asked Beau Bennett, as well as other hot bachelors of Marietta, to participate in a Bachelor Auction, to raise funds for their friend, Molly and son Josh who was recently involved in a tragic accident. Long before this auction bid took place, Lily and Beau had tried really hard to get away from each other. I basically didn't really know what made Beau dislike Lily so much; is it just because she's got the notorious reputation of being a stripper/exotic lap dancer once? I say, he was quite judgmental if that was his reason for avoiding her. But as the story progressed, we learned the real reason why Beau couldn't trust his heart to be near her.

On the other hand, Lily's past found its way to come back and haunt her, ultimately putting her life in danger. An inheritance of some sort, amounting to ten thousand dollars, shook up Lily's nerves, and brought about the memories of her past. To get away from it all, she decided to use the money to bid on Beau Bennett. And their lives took a spin from thereon.

I like happy endings, I crave for it every now and then. The author knew how to make readers swoon for the guy and cry with the girl. This book melts my heart, Lily & Beau have the perfect chemistry. Although their instant love connection and profession of love at the end of the book was too soon, I still liked that "having butterflies in my stomach" feeling after reading their book. It's my first Sarah Mayberry book and hopefully, not the last.

Princess of Thorns

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Title: Princess of Thorns
Author: Stacey Jay
eBook, 400 pages
Published Dec. 2014
source: Netgalley

Game of Thrones meets the Grimm's fairy tales in this twisted, fast-paced romantic fantasy-adventure about Sleeping Beauty's daughter, a warrior princess who must fight to reclaim her throne. Though she looks like a mere mortal, Princess Aurora is a fairy blessed with enhanced strength, bravery, and mercy yet cursed to destroy the free will of any male who kisses her.

Disguised as a boy, she enlists the help of the handsome but also cursed Prince Niklaas to fight legions of evil and free her brother from the ogre queen who stole Aurora's throne ten years ago. Will Aurora triumph over evil and reach her brother before it's too late? Can Aurora and Niklaas break the curses that will otherwise forever keep them from finding their one true love?

3.5 stars

I’ve got mixed feelings about this book. A month ago, I've read Fractured Dream by KM Randall and I thought it was really great. I became a Storyteller and it was like the book version of Once Upon A Time, the TV series. Now, after reading Princess of Thorns, I couldn't help but compare the two books. Which is totally unfair because each book has its own story to tell.

Truth be told, I’m a big fairytale fan and I like retellings, too, but I can’t say the same with Princess of Thorns. Somehow, Sleeping Beauty’s story has come to an end and so her daughter Aurora is next to the throne. But she can’t relinquish this throne because she’s on the run, together with her brother Jor; because once the Evil Queen learns she’s alive, Aurora might as well wish for her death. She must hide and save her brother, and then suddenly Prince Niklaas arrives. He thinks Aurora as a boy, so she pretends she’s Jor.

Suffice it to say, the book, in my opinion, was very well written & was quite engrossing. I admire Stacey Jay’s clear and concise descriptions and development of characters, as well as the pacing and magical adventures along the way. But soon, it became too much of a mixture of Mulan & LOTR, that it somehow lost its appeal in the end.

While evidently Aurora & Niklaas had chemistry, the uber romanticism on the latter part of the story became too much for me to bear. But surprisingly, my kids enjoyed reading it, and they told me Aurora kicks @ss. So we’re giving the Princess of Thorns thumbs up!

S T A C E Y J A Y

Stacey Jay is a recovering workaholic (or at least working hard at recovering) with three pen names, two small children, and a passion for playing pretend for a living. She’s been a full time mom-writer since 2005 and can't think of anything she'd rather be doing.

Her former careers include theatre performer, professional dancer, poorly paid C-movie actress, bartender, waiter, math tutor (for real) and yoga instructor. Learn more at http://staceyjay.com.

Stacking The Shelves - Valentine's Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 03:45:00 +0000

Stacking The Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews, is all about sharing the books you’re adding to your shelves, be it buying or borrowing. From ‘real’ books you’ve purchased, a book you’ve borrowed, a book you’ve been given or an e-book they can all be shared!

Here's my shelves for this week:

Bound to the Bachelor by Sarah Mayberry

The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma

All For Down by Ally Carter

Purchased at a local bookstore:

The Heiress by Cathy Gillen Thacker

Light in Shadow by Jayne Anne Krentz

Simmer Down by Jessica Conant- Park

Sorry for the crappy pics, I don't have a professional camera yet :)

So what are your hauls / finds for this week? Share it here :) Happy weekend & happy Valentine's Day!

A Valentine Teaser - Syrian Virgin

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 07:06:00 +0000

V-DAY EXCERPT

In honor of Valentine's Day, we are pleased to share with you this romantic excerpt from "The Syrian Virgin" by Zack Love...

In this scene, the 18-year-old Anissa, who fled war-torn Syria for a new life of hope and love in New York City, goes on her very first date ever, and it happens to take place on Valentine's Day...Her longtime crush, Michael (27), takes her ice skating in Central Park. Enjoy! :-)

♥♥♥At 3 p.m. on February 14, the security guard for my dorm called me with a cute message from my visitor. “There’s a Mr. Kassab downstairs who wants to know if you’ll be his Valentine today.” I quickly looked in the mirror one last time before leaving, and felt butterflies in my stomach as I closed the door and made my way to the elevator.
When I arrived in the lobby, I saw that Michael was waiting for me by the door. He held it open for me and we exited the building into the crisp New York air.
As we walked towards the subway stop on 116th Street, I lightly shared a small confession: “Do you realize that this is officially the first date of my life?”
“Wow. Well, it’s good to know that there’s no pressure on me here!” he replied ironically.
I playfully elbowed him. “None at all.”
“And that means it’s also a good thing that I brought these goodies for you,” he said, taking a small bag of Baci chocolates out of his coat. “But – since this is your first date – I should warn you that most dates do not come with chocolate! You know, just to manage your expectations a little.”
“And why shouldn’t they all come with chocolates?” I replied with a teasing smile.
“I guess that’s a fair question. But if you got chocolates on every date, then getting them on Valentine’s Day wouldn’t seem very special, now would it?”
“I think I’d be OK with that,” I said, amusing us both with my understatement as we arrived at the subway entrance.We passed through the turnstile, went down the stairs, and stood by the track, waiting for the downtown train to show up. Our flirty banter resumed as the area gradually filled up with more New Yorkers heading downtown in sweaters, scarves, hats, and gloves.
“Well, I think there may be a compromise arrangement we can work out,” he replied, looking down at me with a smile.I glanced up into his brown eyes, curious. “What’s that?”
“You see, Baci literally means ‘kiss’ in Italian, so I think you could fairly expect some kind of kiss on every date.”
“Will I ever get both chocolate and non-chocolate kisses on the same date?” I responded, glimpsing at him coyly from the side.
“Are we getting greedy now?” he joked. “Ten minutes into your very first date ever? I guess you may need to make up for some lost time,” he said with a teasing glint.
“I might.”
“Well, your odds of getting both kinds of kisses are probably best on Valentine’s Day, so there may be cause for optimism.”♥♥♥

Amazon(.com): http://tinyurl.com/TheSyrianVirgin

Amazon (UK): http://tinyurl.com/TheSyrianVirgin-UK

Willow is Coming!

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 06:07:00 +0000

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Willow, she’s actually the girl who can fly without wings (metaphorically, of course) and has been harboring secrets, which drove Josh almost crazy. These characters are from Kate Givan’s book: Tortured (Tortured Souls series). In the next months or so, the sequel to Tortured – Unraveled – will be released and I’m so excited for the book!

Get ready #TorturedSoul fans! #WillowIsComing!

Here’s a sneak peak of Unraveled.

New Release: Losing It...

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 07:13:00 +0000

22 Bestselling YA authors reveal what went on behind the curtain in your favorite YA novels! From paranormal to contemporary, this collection features over 200 pages of ALL NEW CONTENT full of original scenes, extended endings, and more from the young adult series you love.

In this YA/NA crossover collection. All of your favorite heroines are cashing in their V-Cards! YA just got steamy, sexy, and not afraid to go all the way!

Due to the graphic nature of some content, this collection is recommended strictly for mature readers.

Available NOW on Amazon!

Top Ten Tuesday - Books I Haven't Reviewed

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 23:01:00 +0000

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the tandem of The Broke and The Bookish. This week’s list is a Freebie week where we can choose what list we’d like to make. I really can't come up with any topic freebie today so I scoured my blogfriends's pages and I liked ChrissiReads' Top 10 Books I Loved but Haven't reviewed...

So far, this is the best topic that piqued my interest, so I'm giving you now my top ten books that I haven't reviewed... (so technically, this would be my short-cut review version)

My Top Ten Loved Books But Haven't Reviewed in 2014

Can You Keep A Secret by Sophie Kinsella | she knows a lot of secrets and she's good at keeping them.. until she was about to die on a turbulent plane ride.. it really freaked Emma out that no sooner, words sprouted from her mouth in front of a stranger. Really freaky!

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell | ahh the young love, sweet love story.. the joys and pains of falling in love at such a young age.. two high-schoolers who were considered weird by their own peers which became the recipe for their lasting friendship. Plus the 1980s setting is so close to my heart!

Fallen by Lauren Kate | a little kind of gothic angel story, my mistake was I read this one right after I finished Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick and I couldn't help but compare the two. In the end, I think I liked this one better (Fallen) because the storyline is more fascinating and believable in the sense of reincarnation. I liked how Luce & Daniel had repeatedly found each other over centuries.. destiny perhaps?

Anna and the French Kiss | I actually loved this story, especially because Paris has always been my dream place to visit. A really romantic YA novel that left me reading until the wee hours o the morning, romanticizing, sighing, smiling, falling...

This is Falling by Ginger Scott | I loved this book, the characters are easy to love eventhough one got so many issues and extra baggages in her life while the other was super understanding in all situation. I wish there's still some Nate's around for every suffering Rowe.

Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park | loved the whole plot of the story, it's got the perfect mix of family issues, finding love in the most unexpected way, finding the truth and getting hurt and asking for a second chance. This book is absolutely good that I flat-out loved it!

Shattered Promises by Jessica Sorensen | When I picked this book up, I honestly didn't have any idea what this was all about, except that it's from Jessica Sorenson and it's all sort of paranormal. Then I learned that it was the reimagined version of her Fallen Stars series which I liked, so it was interesting to read this again in another point of view..

A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott | A_Long_Fatal_Love_Chase a darker story by the same author who penned Little Women; how to get away from a dangerous man but still want to stay close to him because she was inlove with him.

Trouble in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon | I love the plot - the ghost of a dead mother-in-law still wrecking havoc and causing trouble to her son's estranged wife. It's the first in the Ghost-In-Law series which I hope to read in the next months..

A Dead Red Heart by R.P Dahlke | - a delightful and funny mystery, something that will have you laugh out loud at the same time, guess the murderer until the end.

Thanks so much ChrissieReads for this topic and The Broke and The Bookish for another exciting Top Ten Tuesday! I'd love to know more about your top tens too, so hit the comments below and let's share and compare notes!

Up for Pre-Orders!

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 03:22:00 +0000

Up for preorder! Amazing story!

A Shattered Moment (A Fractured Lives novel) by AuthorTiffany King

via

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O2BKKP8

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Available for Pre-Orders!

When I'm Gone by Abbi Glines

A Rosemary Beach Novel (The Rosemary Beach Series Book 11)

I had an urge to fix all her problems. Which was stupid.

She was doing fine without me. But something about those big eyes…

http://www.amazon.com/When-Im-Gone-Rosemary-Beach-ebook/dp/B00LD1OO0C/

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When You're Back by Abbi Glines

A Rosemary Beach Novel (The Rosemary Beach Series Book 12)

Publication Date: June 30, 2015

Available for Pre-Order via

http://www.amazon.com/When-Youre-Back-Rosemary-Beach-ebook/dp/B00P42X2HW/

Book Sales & Promos! Grab your favorite books here!

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 02:41:00 +0000

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Owlet (Society of Feathers, #1)

by Emma Michaels

Somewhere between falling and flying…

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Whispers and Wishes (Sage Springs Series, Book 1)

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Come, The Dark Has Been Released!

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 01:46:00 +0000

Thanks for stopping by to view this quick announcement on Rebecca Hamilton's latest release, COME, THE DARK, book 2 in the Forever Girl series. Although this book is the second in the series, it is a complete standalone following a completely new set of characters. And you can grab your copy today for only $0.99! Still apprehensive about reading the second book in a series? Well, you can grab the prequel, HER SWEETEST DOWNFALL, off kindle--Always Free--and on January 9th, THE FOREVER GIRL will be free also, for the first time ever! Worried you might forget the date? Join the mailing list using the option on the Rafflecopter below and you'll receive a reminder on January 9th to download your free copy anytime between January 9th and 13th!

***

COME, THE DARK

by USA Today Bestselling Author, Rebecca Hamilton

Rose desperately wants to escape the abuse of the father who impregnated her and the dark spirits that haunt her life. Being thrust from Georgia 1961 into the era of Salem’s infamous witch trials isn’t what she had in mind, and now her daughter is left hopelessly out of reach.

The only way to return to her daughter is by facing certain death to banish the dark spirits that plague Salem. If she doesn’t eliminate these dark spirits in time, they will destroy civilization and trap her in this strange new place, ages away from her daughter.

Even if she can complete the task in time to return home to save her daughter, there’s still one problem: she’s falling in love with a man who can’t return with her. Achieving her goals will force her to choose between the only man who has never betrayed her and a daughter she can’t quite remember but will never forget.

A heart-wrenching tale of a mother’s love for her daughter, this romantic paranormal fantasy underlines the depravity of both historical and modern society while capturing the essence of sacrifice and devotion.

TRIGGER WARNING: This book deals with the sensitive subject of sexual abuse.

Buy Now for $0.99

***

THE FOREVER GIRL

by USA Today Bestselling Author, Rebecca Hamilton

NOW OPTIONED FOR FILM!

At twenty-two, practicing Wiccan Sophia Parsons is scratching out a living waiting tables in her Rocky Mountain hometown, a pariah after a string of unsolved murders with only one thing in common: her.

Sophia can imagine lots of ways to improve her life, but she'd settle for just getting rid of the buzzing noise in her head. When the spell she casts goes wrong, the static turns into voices. Her personal demons get company, and the newcomers are dangerous. One of them is a man named Charles, who Sophia falls for despite her better judgment. He has connections that might help her unveil the mystery surrounding her ancestor's hanging, but she gets more than she bargains for when she finally decides to trust him.

The Forever Girl is a full-length Paranormal Fantasy novel that will appeal to lovers of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, witches, vampires, ghosts, paranormal mystery, and paranormal horror.

View Now on Amazon

***

*** a Rafflecopter giveaway ***

About the Author

Rebecca Hamilton is a USA Today Bestselling Paranormal Fantasy author who also dabbles in Horror and Literary Fiction. She lives in Florida with her husband and four kids. She enjoys dancing with her kids to television show theme songs and would love the beach if it weren’t for the sand. Having a child diagnosed with autism has inspired her to illuminate the world through the eyes of characters who see things differently.

She is represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA and has been published internationally, in three languages. You can follow her on twitter @InkMuse

What is a Forever Girl?

Thanks for stopping by!

The Anticipated Books of 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 12:49:00 +0000

Visit Arianne's profile on Pinterest.

Book Review: A Cowgirl's Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 06:24:00 +0000

Title: A Cowgirl's Christmas
(Carrigans of the Circle C)
Author: CJ Carmichael
eBook from Tule Publishing
Pub Date Oct 28 2014

For years Callan Carrigan has been her father’s right hand man, so when her dad’s will names city slicker Court McAllister the new owner of The Circle C Ranch, Callan feels betrayed on every level.

Then she and her sisters find their mother’s diaries, hidden from them by their father since their mother’s accidental death 18 years ago, and the shocking revelations explain a lot. Reeling, Callan seeks refuge in the local saloon, where it seems no one can reach her, until Court offers her a challenge.
If she agrees to be foreman at the Circle C for one year, he’ll deed the ranch back to her and her sisters. The deal seems too sweet at first—until Callan realizes Court has his eyes on something she protects even more than her family’s land—her heart.

Right from the start, I had tears in my eyes when the patriarch of the Carrigan family dies. But it also shocked me when he uttered the swear word "bastard" in front of her daughter before he met his demise. This immediately peaked my interest and had me reading A Cowgirl's Christmas until the end.

Luckily, I was able to read two of CJ Carmichael's Carrigans of the Circle C series, so I already had an idea about the Carrigan sisters. But this latest book takes the cake, because it further explains Callan's and her sister's true identity. It shocked me, really, to learn about their mother and respective fathers. Yes, you read it right, there is something much deeper and intriguing about the lives of the Carrigan sisters, but somehow, Callan's true parentage was the biggest revelation in the story. Callan spent all her life with a father who barely acknowledged or showed affection and love to her. Hawksley dying was bad enough to her, learning that he didn't bequeath the ranch to any of his daughters just rubbed salt into Callan's wound. Meeting Court McAllister, her father's distant relative from St. Paul, inherited Circle C ranch instead, and now, he is offering half of the ranch to her, provided that she stay with him for at least a year. This is an offer that made Callan even more furious. How could she ever accept that deal and how could she ever live with him?

A Cowgirl's Christmas is an entertaining and emotional read. Callan was the most affected among the Carrigan brood, having had to witness her father's death. That itself was tear-jerker to me. Coming to terms with the truth also made me realize that life isn't really fair. That life is full of surprises and the truth actually hurts. But above all these, Callan learned that finding one's self and moving forward with love and acceptance helps. THis is truly a wonderful read :)

About this author

Rita Award nominated author C.J. Carmichael has published more than 30 books with Harlequin. Right now she's loving cowboys and Montana--those are the themes of the books she's writing for Harlequin American.

CJ likes to write stories about romance and intrigue with a strong sense of community and family. If you enjoy her Harlequin books, you might want to check out her self-published titles. The Gift is a short novella Christmas story and A Buried Tale is a puzzler of a mystery that will keep you guessing and shock you with the surprise ending.

You'll find both on Amazon, kobo and her website.

http://www.cjcarmichael.com

Book Review: Wicked Road

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Wed, 17 Dec 2014 16:18:00 +0000

Wicked Road: Midnight Scars Series Book 1
Author: H'deel Batnij

What does a dark but innocent girl do when Death follows her, and hurts all that she loves?
"It brought on a memory of my parents. I remembered the screaming, the pants, the gasps, the pain, the cries, and the burn. It also brought on the memory of Mathew dying. I closed my eyes and sighed deep as I counted from ten to one backwards a couple of times, something I learned from therapy a long time ago.After I reopened them and collected myself I looked into the distance. I couldn’t keep count of how many times I had felt paralyzed lately.I watched the fire till it all burned into ashes, till there was nothing left of it, till there was nothing left of the evidence just like the memory of my house burning down into nothingness.I was wrong.Revenge isn’t always beautiful."
Donnie not being able to take control of her own body during the day of the "recording" was terrifying and hard to believe. Thanks to Marylin, the Goth guitarist in her foster brother's band (or used to be), is not just any normal Goth. But a practiced Demon summoner looking towards a high seating in Lucifer's chair. And to do so, he needs an innocent lady who shall be his virgin bride. Donnie was perfect to his set of eyes.Donnie falling madly in love with her best friend, Ronnie Sykes, was not in her hands to stop it. And as the grieving months passed by she was losing herself into her own heart. Being alone definitely sucked for her when her friends were nowhere near her anymore, her best friend moving to another state, and her foster brother being dead...Yeah, Hell was on the loose.Will hope be there for her? Is there a light ahead for her at the end of the road?

Cheers to a new haunting series! Wicked Road is H’deel Batnij maiden offering and I am already impressed with her writing. Although I read on the editor’s note that this novel had to go through some rigid editorial task, as a grammar guru myself, I can say that this book is perfect – in storytelling, in capturing the attention of the readers, in mesmerizing and urging the reader to read until the end and clamor for more. That is exactly how I felt upon reading Wicked Road.

The story begins with an abandoned child at the footsteps of Dr. Todd Ronalds’ home. He named the newborn child Mathew who was loved and well-taken care of. Fast forward five years later, a girl named Donnie Sparks witnessed the death of her parents due to fire, just one day before her birthday. Tragic, isn’t it? Luckily, Todd came at the right moment and adopted her and raised her as his own. Together, Mathew & Donnie bonded and shared what natural siblings have – a family – a real relationship between a brother and a sister.

It wasn’t long after Donnie grew up and turned into a beautiful but goth-like lady, with tattoos, weird hairstyles and piercings on her body, a far cry from what she had envisioned herself as a magical pink princess before her parents’ death. She had a bestfriend – Ronnie, who also played on her brother’s band, whom she was slowly falling in love with. Things got way too complicated when one day, the guitarist of the band, Marilyn, had somewhat controlled Donnie’s mind, causing her to strip her clothes in front of him. Oh my! That’s when I knew something menacing and disturbing lurked behind his eyes.

The book in its entirety is a fast-paced, easy to read and positively scary! Satanism was introduced in the story, which was really frightening and hair-raising. I cringe a lot whenever Donnie’s mind got controlled by Marilyn, which were really too creepy and sick. especially with him playing tricks with Donnie, plus a number of deaths surrounding them. ! H’deel Batnij ended the story with one hell of a cliffhanger, a gateway to a more complex sequel that I am sure, is going to be another nail-biting experience. This is a highly recommended read!

Meet H’deel Batnij

I am a twenty-one year old college student who is currently married to the man of my dreams. I live in Houston, Tx. When I’m not writing, you can find me getting lost in a book, smoking flavored tobacco (hookah) while drinking mango juice, listening to new music, and attending classes to keep me busy. I plan on taking a BA degree in Literature to teach High Schoolers.

I want to be that type of teacher that gives motivation to her troubled, and untroubled students…Or to anyone for that matter…

I also plan on taking film classes in order to film my own novels/short stories cause surely I don’t think anyone else is going to do it for me as the way I want it. Plus, I prefer to learn things on my own…

Life is too short to not get anywhere where you want to in life.

Random fact/s: I like collecting candles o.o and different various pens. And I’m a big shopper!

Find me on the internet!

websitehttps://www.facebook.com/AuthorHdeelBatnij

twitter usernameSkeletons93

Into The Woods Trailer - In Theaters December 25!

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 21:29:00 +0000

I'd definitely watch this!

Review: The Jennifer Series by Cristina Imre

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 06:02:00 +0000

The Halloween Attraction: Hidden Angels (Jennifer #1)

Author: Cristina Imre

A gift for all the fans of the words mystery, thriller, suspense, murder, occult, sprinkled with romance.

Starting with intriguing but mild scenes, the plot develops into a highly sophisticated mystery tale about power, influence and knowledge, with deep explorations inside religion, myth, the occult and bloodthirsty cults. All for one cause …

Everything about the Fallen Angels gives you shivers down your spine. They are a secret group with more power that you can imagine.

The book meets your “clever and catchy” expectations. It has a great plot with well-developed characters, a lot of excitement and suspense about what’s around the corner. You can empathize with one or more characters from the books, since the palette is wide. The skeletons from the closet encompass our own personal fears. Cristina connects the dots carefully, revealing her story in a uniquely tailored setting. At the end, she leaves some mysteries for the readers to solve, letting their imagination grow.

Until … next time, when the storyline and all its details will be unveiled in the coming books of the series, without compromising the integrity of each individual book. The mystery and thrills run all throughout.

Enjoy the thrill!

This was a terrifying read! My first occult book for this year and I couldn’t have timed (reading) it perfectly! Halloween Attraction is a great start of a thriller series, featuring a group of really evil people, a seriously sick occult rituals, chopped body parts, screaming blondes, blacks and brunettes, and a high-profiled lawyer gearing up for the biggest case of her life – and that of her father, too. Jennifer’s life was dramatically changed after she found herself in the dungeon, getting ready to be sacrificed. Will she came out alive or is she doomed to die?

Cristina Imre didn’t mince with words with this novel. She described the Halloween parties and rituals as gruesome yet as real as it could get. And the cliffhanger – fantastic! I’m actually reading the sequel as of this moment!

Shades of Revelation – Before Christmas
A Novella (Jennifer, #2)
by Cristina Imre

She thought she knew so much about this world, as any intellectual and open minded person with a great career should. But she is so wrong. Her life changes completely and there’s no way back since the Fallen Angels invaded her life. Nothing will ever be the same again. She finds herself in a middle of surreal nightmare where nothing is the way it seems anymore. Driven by the lost love who has come back into her life, she finds the power to go on and act normally. But the world is shaken and destructive intentions are spreading all over in full gear. Does she have a chance, together with the good guys, to change the odds? Christmas is coming and an evil plot knocks on the door. Will they stop it?

The second book of the Jennifer series (A Suspense Occult Thriller) will stimulate all your senses, revealing a world you never knew existed. By Halloween (the first book), Jennifer’s world turned upside down. By Christmas, she faces new challenges which will seal her future.

Allow me to say this: After reading Shades of Revelation – the sequel to The Halloween Attraction, I can safely say that Cristina Imre is the author worth calling The Next Stephen King.

The story Before Christmas picks up from the time when Jennifer’s life had drastically changed, after getting abducted and almost sacrificed to a cult and after being saved by her lost love, Nate. Things will never be the same in her life, including her father’s. What they thought have ended in Halloween was actually just the beginning of another holiday-themed creepy murder mystery. Now there’s more people involved, including an avenging family who lost their son from a recent gruesome ritual failure. Jennifer thought she had formed an alliance with Nate and she was about to discover what truly brings the Illuminati in this diabolical equation.

I really loved all the characters in Shades of Revelation. Everyone one of them has traits that was their own, that distinctively distinguishes them from one another. The plot, although it was supposed to be a jolly yuletide season, was marked with blood, power, deceit and vengeance. Truly a remarkable read from one of the finest thriller storyteller. I couldn't sleep anymore after reading this!

Cristina Imre

website: http://www.cristinaimre.com

twitter username: Cristina_Imre

genre: Thriller, Self Help, Mystery

Cristina dares to switch genre and prove herself in the world of Fiction with her new release, part of a breathtaking series, Jennifer. A series designed for all the fans of the words mystery, thriller, suspense, murder, occult, sprinkled with romance.

“I’ve always wanted to do this. Not many people know but I’ve started many novels in the past, just to explore my imagination. I am a big fan of the Mistery, Thriller/Suspence genre, and today I decided to immerse myself in this world,” explains Cristina.

Her hidden passion for mystery and forensics it’s finally revealed. Together with her medical background and criminalist blood – through her late grandfather – she developed an inner knowledge of the human mind as well as pathology and deviations from the normal. She seriously studied murder cases during her life, reading a wide number of Best Sellers in the area. Her favorite authors list include names as: Patricia Cornwell, Mary Jane Clark, Robert Crais, Anne Perry or Ann Rule.

Review: Breaking My Heart by Aleya Michelle

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 06:08:00 +0000

Title: Breaking My Heart
Series: My Heart #1
Author: Aleya Michelle
Kindle Edition, 300 pages
Published May 5th 2014

Roxy is a fighter, she is strong and independent.

She knows exactly what she wants and is not afraid to go after it, especially when it comes to men.

Roxy thinks she has men figured out, that is until she meets Kade. He storms into her life like a knight on a white horse to save her. He makes her question everything she ever thought she knew about life, men and herself.

With a past that keeps holding her back will Kade be able to break down her walls?

Will he be able to prove to Roxy that everything she thinks she knows about men is wrong, or will he prove her right?

Oh. My Gosh… I actually felt my heart pulsing, my mind racing & my cheeks blushing while reading this!

Aleya Michelle found a gold mine in this provocative first novel of hers. Roxy clearly got issues with men, so it’s understandable how she is with guys around her, and those she meets in bars and parties. It’s understandable how she continuously puts up a wall around her heart when men like Kade profess feelings for her. But Kade is entirely different from all the men who came into her life. A surfer guy, thoughtful, one-woman man and oozing with great personality, what’s not to like? Of course, Roxy would feel insecure, would think that there are a lot of girls falling for Kade, so she’s guarding her heart against disappointment and jealousy. But clearly, what her mind tells her to do does not agree to what her heart feels for Kade. So she gives in to her emotions and makes a life with Kade… until he eventually breaks her heart.

Ouch! I couldn’t put words to what I felt when Kade seems to drift away from Roxy. I am aghast with chock and pain. I’m not surprised if Roxy feels the same.

Roxy & Kade are the next hottest book couple to watch out for! That much is true!

P.S. I got this book courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

About ALEYA MICHELLE

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia. Happily married and mother of 3 gorgeous and very active boys. A true lover of reading and escaping into a book, I love to write and find solace and escape through my characters and storylines.

Favourite past times include shopping, reading, going to the beach and seeing friends. Music is another great love.

Book Highlight of the Month: SNAKES (Shaolin Darkness)

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 05:47:00 +0000

SNAKES: A Shaolin Darkness Thriller

Author: Wesley Robert Lowe
Kindle edition; published Oct 2014

Micah Keating. Son of missionaries. Mentored by a Shaolin Grandmaster. President of three-billion-dollar foundation with funds hijacked from Triad leader, Chin.

Severely burnt and in rehab, Chin commissions his son, King, master and connoisseur of all things connected to snakes, to lead the savage charge to recover the family’s illicit fortune.

King, with clandestine military precision, hounds Micah as he accompanies his mentor on a journey of death and adventure to Heaven, the mystical Kung Fu monastery in the mountains where the aged master learned The Way of the Shaolin.

With a story that moves with the speed of a Ferrari, yet with the breathtaking drama of Star Wars, SNAKES is a rich story of experiences never seen that will entertain even the most adrenaline-charged reader.

INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

Q. What is unique about the Shaolin Darkness series?

A. There are many talented action and thriller writers out there: Russell Blake, James Patterson and the late Robert Ludlum are three that I particularly admire. I want to write books that have the electrifying action, intrigue and suspense that are hallmarks of their best sellers.
That said, I am a product of East and West, Chinese heritage born in America. I grew up watching Bruce Lee and Muhammad Ali, reading Mario Puzo and Amy Tan, and wanted to integrate the “Orient and Occident” into my stories. Shaolin martial arts training, organized crime, Triads, the Tao, Confucius, Christianity, Hong Kong, New York, Shanghai, Portland” novels that show the contemporary world as a multicultural, multi-dimensional, inter-racial society.
The Shaolin Darkness series is like that. The heroes and villains are more than pulp fiction caricatures but have deep, even pathologic personalities. Murder, madness, and mayhem ”” with an on again, off again romance that drives our young protagonist crazy.

Q. There is an extraordinary amount of violence, including brutality against animals. Is this really necessary?

The underbelly of the world does not battle using Gentleman’s Warfare principles or conduct meetings with Robert’s Rules of Order. The lives of humans and beasts are insignificant. Bloodshed and assassination just go with the territory. That being said, none of the violence is gratuitous and are essential story elements.

Q. What order should I read the books in?

A. While each book has its own complete story arc, I suggest reading them in numerical order.

TIGER – Shaolin Darkness 1
SNAKES – Shaolin Darkness 2
CRANE – Shaolin Darkness 3
LEOPARD – Shaolin Darkness 4
DRAGON – Shaolin Darkness 5

The short 10,000 word prequel, UNLEASHED is not necessary to appreciate the series but is a great case study in the making of a psychopath.

Q. You’re a pretty new author. Why should I give you a try?

A. Fair question. I launched the Shaolin Darkness series May 2014 and the first books have hit the Top 50 Bestsellers in several categories of Kindle. I try to make sure that each new release continues with creative action, unexpected twists and turns and riveting stories.

WESLEY ROBERT LOWE

I write what I know and care about.

My work is infused with relentless furious action and/or paranormal charismata. Contemporary worlds infused with mysticism. Breathless, brain-twisting plots. High stakes suspense that churns the psyche.

But ultimately it is knowing and experiencing the lives of people that provide the impetus of Stories that Grip the Soul.

I’ve made music with Kainai First Nations, helped save Russian refugees from deportation, hung with Martial Arts Grandmasters, counseled WWII vets on their deathbeds. Not to mention deep Chinese, cultural participation,

Wesley Robert Lowe is an award-winning writer, filmmaker and composer (including four seasons on Sesame St.).

Book Review: TORTURED

noreply@blogger.com (Arianne The Bookworm) — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 05:58:00 +0000

Title: Tortured (Tortured Soul #1)

Author: Kate Givans
Series: Tortured Soul Series, Book 1
Genres: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Publisher: Kate Givans
Publication Year: 2014

More than a year after the death of his best friend, Josh is still tormented by the past. Everything changes when free-spirited Willow barges into his life. She challenges him, helps him feel something other than the overwhelming pain, sadness, and anger.
There’s just one problem.
Underneath that carefree spirit, Willow is elusive and secretive. Josh believes she may be fighting a few demons of her own, but the harder he tries to uncover the truth, the more she pushes him away.
Can Josh get her to open up before it’s too late? Or will he discover that some secrets are better left untold?

I’ve read quite a number of novels about moving on & Tortured belongs to my Top Ten Favorites! Kate Givans captured the emotions of love, acceptance, trust & hope in Josh & Willow.

Josh thought he’d be forever imprisoned by guilt after his bestfriend Brad died in his hands. He couldn’t work properly, he was getting left behind in his studies, he didn’t want to drive a car, he couldn’t even take a look at one.

Then a bird-girl showed him how to break out, let go, fly away, be free.

Willow, a spirited girl, helped Josh get his wings back, but there seems to be something holding her back to the ground. A secret she never liked to share, even to Josh, after all the good things she’d done for him. When Josh wanted to get intimate with her, she scurried back to her nest and hide.

After reading the last chapter of the book, I was left hanging in the air. What’s the big secret Willow has been hiding?

Now I’m getting tortured guessing and thinking and anticipating the next book!

K A T E G I V A N S

Hello! I’m new adult and contemporary romance author Kate Givans. Those closest to me might say I’m quirky, clumsy, and a little off-key . . . but they also know there’s more to me than my oddities and eccentricities. kategivans

I’ve always been a bit of a book nerd, reading almost anything I could get my hands on.
Now I’m fortunate enough to be the one writing the stories. No stranger to the darker and more painful aspects of life, I drag my complicated characters through unimaginable losses and pain–domestic violence, death, sex trafficking, child abuse, and more. But because I’m obsessed with creating more empathy, understanding, and compassion in the world, those same characters often find the happily ever afters that seem to evade us in everyday life.

In addition to my fiction writing, I contribute annually to the End the Silence Campaign. I also blog about parenting at Growing Your Baby, and I provide non-fiction copywriting services. In my “spare” time, I also offer formatting services to other Indie authors.

I’m also a wife and mother of five with a serious coffee addiction. I like to dance for no reason at all, I’m a day-dreamer who loves to play with the voices in my head, and somewhere in the midst of all the fun and crazy, I remind myself to “breathe” and enjoy the life I have.