Becoming Pvt Harmon by Casey Sean Harmon

Becoming PVT Harmon: My Journal from Army Becoming Basic Combat Training

by Casey Sean Harmon:

Available now on Amazon

Ever wonder what it's like to go through Army Basic Combat Training? The reality may surprise you. For the first time ever, experience the making of a U.S. Soldier through the eyes of a Soldier-in-training. This is a behind-the-scenes glimpse at things that you'll never read about in newspapers or see on television. From the humor in "canteen bowling" to the power of believing in something bigger than ourselves, this book captures the very essence of what is considered one of the most challenging--and rewarding--transitions a civilian will make: becoming a Soldier. You will witness fear, excitement, and death. And you'll learn what separates a Soldier from a civilian.

Whether you are a parent, a Soldier candidate awaiting training, or just someone looking for a good read, it is mandatory that you read  Becoming PVT Harmon!

Excerpt:

     Today we conquered “Victory Tower.” Talk about awesome! The Drill Sergeants taught us how to rappel down a slanted wall that was twelve-foot tall. Just when we thought that things were finally easing up a bit, they had us rappel down a vertical wall that was two-hundred-foot tall! Of course, the Drill Sergeants had to have a little fun with us first.    While they were giving us a demonstration, one of the Drill Sergeants threw a dummy off the side of the tower. At first we thought that it was a real person, and watched in horror as the dummy landed face-first on the ground. 

   “That’s what happens if you fail to strap yourself in properly,” one of the Drill Sergeants yelled from the top of the wall. “This time it was only a dummy. A few years ago a young troop was up here, fell off and died. Let’s not let that happen today. Hooah?” 

    We all let out a thunderous, “Hooah!” 

    When it was my turn to climb up to the top of the tower, my knees were shaking so bad I didn’t think I could do it. But I forced myself to climb to the top. And once I got up there, and realized how high up I was, the only thing I could think about was getting this over with. 

    The Drill Sergeant strapped me into the harness, showed me how to handle the rope, and then told me to turn around and rappel down the wall. 

    “This is the only way down,” he told me. “Just don’t think about it.”

    I did what the Drill Sergeants had taught me, and in no time I had rappelled to the bottom of the wall. It turned out to be rather fun! And it was a good thing that I enjoyed it so much, because I ended up doing it three more times!

About the Author

Casey Sean Harmon is a bestselling author and a Soldier in the U.S. Army. He has studied with the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writer's Guild, and holds a degree through American Military University. He lives with his wife and son wherever the military sends them.

 

Three Questions:
(Since I already asked my usual three questions when I interviewed him for The Everlasting Chronicles, I am changing the questions just a bit)

Q - How old were you when you first started considering a career in the military?
Casey Sean Harmon - I was around ten years old when I started thinking about the military. As I grew older, I was actually leaning toward joining the Navy. (I have always had a fascination for ships and the ocean.) But fate would have different plans for me, and I ended up joining the Army when I was nineteen.

Q - If you knew then what you know now, would you still enlist? 
Casey Sean Harmon - Of course! I have learned so much in the Army, and have made many lifelong friends. My confidence in myself has grown so much over the years, I'm confident I can handle any task that life throws my way. Even if I don't do the full 20, I will always be able to profit from my experiences in the service.

Q - If you could have lunch with anyone, any time, who would you choose?
Casey Sean Harmon - That's a tough one. I'd say it's a toss up between Stephen Spielberg (my favorite director) and Brad Paisley (my favorite country music artist). 

You can learn more here:
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Twitter
Website 

Other works:
The Earth is a Floating Sphere: A Care-Free Collection of Poems and Stories
Reign of the Night Creatures (The Everafter Chronicles)
The Thousand Year Voyage

Kerry's review of Becoming Pvt Harmon
Firstly, I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to (now) Sgt. Harmon and his family for everything they have done and continue to do for us all. It also takes a lot to share something as personal as a journal with the world and I appreciate it.

That being said, this book gives us a small insight as to what is demanded of our military personnel. Not really having any knowledge of the military, I found some of the things these men and women go through to be a bit extreme but I also understand the reasoning behind it all. The writing gives us a raw, behind-the-scenes view of life in the eyes of a civilian turning into a Soldier. As the person holding the pen changes, so does the writing style and the mindset of what is happening. You see bonds being forged between Soldiers and you are exposed to others at their worst possible breaking point. I know the names have been changed and some of the situations have been omitted for content but you still feel all the emotion behind each word. It is a short read, however I still found myself needing to put it down a few times just to let it sink in and not get too overwhelmed.

I do have a cousin that just started at West Point and I will definitely be buying him his own paperback of this. Be sure to get your copy too!

Jake Snow by Elodie Parkes

‘The Last Time’ takes place on a movie location and that’s where Jake and Bethany, who are private investigators are sent by their agency to deal with hate mail being sent to a movie star there. It’s two years since his sister got married and Jake has been working cases alone. He’s tired and hoping to find love too when we meet him in this book. This time the story takes place in the fashion world and Jake gets caught up in the strange happenings in an atelier. 

The idea for the movie location book came to me when I was invited to watch a shoot by an indie film maker. The idea for the high fashion setting for this book was seeded about the same time when I went to watch a fashion show with friends. I was on holiday overseas, with them. We had attended a dance theatre, and then later in the week a fashion show. I knew immediately that I would write a story about the world of fashion. The idea of placing Jake Snow in this world came after I had written, The Last Time.

 

A new romantic mystery from Amazon best-selling author, Elodie Parkes

Jake Snow

Private detective, Jake Snow, has grown tired of working alone since his sister Bethany married, and stopped working on field cases with him. He's chosen less high-powered cases as he decides against teaming with another partner from the Black Agency. Gradually Jake realizes he wants the kind of love his sister found, and a different job...

When he's sent on what he thinks is a simple surveillance assignment, just before he's due to take his requested extended leave, he finds a tangled web of lies, and a fashion designer in trouble...

The question is will he also find love?

With steamy love scenes and a twist of fun, this book is 18+

 

 

Read an excerpt G 13+ rated

It was seven o’clock as he lay on the bed. He closed his eyes, and pictured Pixie’s lovely face and her mouth. He let himself think about kissing her. He fell asleep promising himself that he would ask her out.

Jake’s cell phone woke him up. He clawed at it only managing to toss it to the floor instead of pick it up to answer. Fuck it.

He scrambled to the side of the bed and hung over there to reach the phone. It was his sister Bethany calling. She greeted him and he perked up, shuffling to sit up in the bed.

“Hi Bethany, it’s good to hear from you. What’s happening?”

“Jake, I miss you, and every time I hear your voice I think about coming back to work. How is work? Brandt tells me you’ve applied for holidays. That’s not like you Jake, you never take holidays.” Jake could hear a hint of concern in her voice and smiled. He missed her too.

“Work is a bit of a drag to be honest. Partly my own fault though because when Brandt asked me to team up with another detective for some high profile cases, I didn’t want to, so the jobs I’ve been doing lately have been, ‘less interesting,’ I guess you could say.”

“I’d like to see you. Seth would too. Come over here, have some time with us. It’s a beautiful place.”

Jake smiled again. “I’d like to Bethany, I just have a job to finish…it’s a weird one. There’s a young woman involved too…I like her Bethany…she’s lovely.”

“Have you asked her out or let her know you like her? I bet you haven’t. I’d like you to have someone. I can’t tell you how great it is to be loved.”

Jake ran his hand through his hair. “I haven’t said anything to her because it’s early days I only just met her and it’s a bit complicated. We don’t all fall on the client and seduce them the night we meet.” He laughed then because that was close enough to what had happened between his sister and her husband. “Then again it worked out well for you…”


COPYRIGHT ELODIE PARKES 2013

 

Elodie is giving away a $10 or £10 Amazon gift voucher to celebrate the release of ‘Jake Snow’. Enter via the rafflecopter with a comment on the blog.

 

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Elodie Parkes is a British author writing romance, erotic, contemporary, and often with a twist of mystery,paranormal or suspense. Her books are always steamy, cool stories and hot love scenes.

Elodie lives in Canterbury with her two dogs. She works in an antique shop by day and writes at night, lovingthe cloak of silent, darkness that descends on the rural countryside around her home.

Elodie writes for, Hot Ink Press, Moon Rose Publishing, Eternal Press, and Evernight

She has also released titles as an individual indie author.

 

Find Elodie online: Blog  Tumblr  Facebook  Twitter  Google +  Pinterest  YouTube..Amazon USA..Amazon UK..Smashwords.. KOBO..SONY Barnes and Noble..AllRe..

 

The Old Star by Elodie Parkes

About the author:

I live in the United Kingdom and I work in an antiques shop as well as writing. I have two dogs that keep me fit with their need for walks. I love the countryside and the coast.
I write romance, contemporary, and erotic with a twist of mystery, suspense, or the paranormal, now and then. I like to make the story unusual in some way, by a quirk in the tale. My books are always steamy.

About the book, 

The Old Star, an August 23, 2013 release from Hot Ink Press, and author Elodie Parkes

She was looking for new office space...but it found her…what’s hidden in this spooky place?

When Cathy Faraday goes out from her office to buy morning tea, a set of circumstances send her on a different route from the one she would normally take. Waiting on a street unknown to her is a house. Old and left to fade away the house looks shabby against its neighbors. The whole row of houses are now offices and Cathy sees a ‘for let sign’ outside the place. Something draws her to the house. Someone watches from the third floor window.

Cathy applies to rent the building to expand her dating agency business. As she begins to make it ready, the house reveals its secrets. 

Erotic romance, with a twist of paranormal, set in contemporary England this story will haunt you.

Graphic sex/love scenes. 18+ only.

 

 

 

****

I’ve brought along my hero and heroine from the book today so sparks might fly a little.

Meet Cathy Faraday and Owen Sheringham

Cathy would you like to tell the readers about how you and Owen met?

Cathy: Actually no because I think that would be a spoiler, don’t you Owen?

Owen: I agree, let’s tell the readers about the first time we made love instead.

Cathy: Okay…well, I was very attracted to Owen right away. He’s my ideal, and I’d always knew I would need a man who made my heart pound the minute I saw him. It was love at first sight for me and I know what you’re thinking…that doesn’t exist…although I don’t think Owen fell for me right away did you?

Owen: I might have, and not known it. I was in a dark place when you came along.

Cathy: We fell into each other’s arms quickly though. I just let myself take what you offered.

Owen: I noticed that, as you dug your fingertips into my waist and moaned. (smiles)

Cathy: I seem to remember you moaning too.

Owen: You’re so very sexy darlin’ (Owen puts his arm around her shoulders and Cathy kisses his ear. Now he’s holding her head with a handful of her hair and…now they are kissing…)

Author: We are in public you two. How about telling the story?

(They stop kissing, but remain cuddled against each other. Owen is stroking Cathy’s neck. I’m ignoring it.)

Cathy: Well we actually made love when there were cleaners in the rest of the house. It’s a long story, but a locksmith was about to arrive to. It was just impossible to resist being with Owen. It was delicious. (sighs and kisses Owen on the jaw)

Author: Owen tell us something about Cathy, how would you describe her in a few words?

Owen: Cathy is strong, sexy, intelligent, pretty. She has her own business. She’s friendly too, helps people. She’s mine, which I’m so thankful for. I can’t imagine living without her now.

Cathy: That’s a lovely thing to say, I feel the same about you…(is trailing her fingertips around on his chest muscles, good thing he’s wearing a shirt. I’ll ask another question)

Cathy describe Owen in a few words.

Cathy: He’s loving, he’s sexy, and surprising too. He’s creative and generous. He can still be a bad boy though…he swears…I’m used to it and sometimes it’s sexy…

Owen: Let’s just give the readers an excerpt to read.

Author: I think that might be a good idea

 

Here’s the excerpt G rated:

The room she could see through the opening was huge. It was filled with sunlight and as Cathy walked in, she realized the room took up the whole of the top floor. There were big windows on each side and these were not covered with newspaper, or the brown paper. Cathy shook her head clearing her thoughts. She felt sure she’d seen paper at these windows when she was standing in the back garden looking up.

Suddenly she realized someone was there at the far end. It was a man in jeans and a T-shirt, and he was painting the window frame. Cathy froze. She wasn’t supposed to come up here, but surely she ought to be informed if anyone was in the building. When she moved in, her client information would need the strictest privacy and security.

The man turned around and Cathy’s heart flipped. He was quite simply the most attractive man she had ever seen. He walked halfway down the room and stopped.

“Who are you?” His voice was low, husky, and as attractive as he was.

Copyright Elodie Parkes 2013

 

Buy the book:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Old-Star-ebook/dp/B00EPWDDGC

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Old-Star-ebook/dp/B00EPWDDGC

 

Elodie writes for, Hot Ink Press, Moon Rose Publishing, Eternal Press, and Evernight

She has also released titles as an individual indie author.

 

Find Elodie online: Blog  Tumblr  Facebook  Twitter  Google +  Pinterest  YouTube..Amazon USA..Amazon UK..Smashwords.. KOBO..SONY Barnes and Noble..AllRe..

 

 

Elodie is running a celebration prize draw because she’s so excited about this book.

First Prize, WIN a $25 or £25 Amazon gift voucher to buy what you want and the kindle copy of ‘The Old Star’ gifted from Amazon

Second prize, WIN a kindle copy gifted from Amazon of both ‘The Old Star’ and ‘The Winter Girl’ the latest release erotic romances.

Third prize, WIN the kindle copy gifted from Amazon of ‘The Last Time’

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Feeling This by Casey Blue Review and interview

 

Feeling This by Casey Blue
Published September 4, 2013
Available at Amazon

Cover by B Design
Event Organized by: Into the Night Reviews

Whoever said life is hard didn't know the half of it! 

Completely devastated when his life is ripped out from underneath him, Jordan Rhodes decides to take a break. A break from everything he’s always known; the country club life-style, his life-long friends and his overbearing parents. He just wants to be free to get lost and not feel the pain he has endured.

Kimber Maguire has been dealt the tough card her entire life. An ailing mom, a sister who refuses to face reality and a yearning for the one that got away, she finds putting one foot in front of the other as her only saving grace. What she really wants is to be free of feeling the pressure that is her life to get lost.

But when Jordan finds Kimber while losing himself, they both discover, sometimes you just need to feel to be found.
Goodreads
Link to Spotify Playlist

 

 
The Author:

Casey Blue is a hopeless romantic always striving for the perfect love in which to write about. Her ideal swoony boy constantly changes. She is the Hyde to Jekyll and Hyde; whatever her other half does, shs a little naughtier! She is addicted to caffeine and loves Jelly Bellies. She loves imperfect characters because in the end we are all imperfect. She has been writing her whole life but ‘Feeling This’ is her first New Adult masterpiece. She is happily married with kids and lives in the sunny state of Florida. 

I was able to catch up with Casey Blue and ask her
Three Questions:
Q - What was your favorite book when you were a young child and do you think this influenced what you prefer to read and/or write today?
Casey - My favorite children's book when I was young and now is still Where the Wild Things Are by: Maurice Sendak. It is such a simple story yet so complicated with many themes. I think it definitely influences me today or the fact that I like to see the themes in a story and sort out how the story is told. I prefer stories with twists and plots that are difficult.

Q - The characters in this book are or wish they could escape their problems. If you wanted to escape, where would you go?
Casey - Yes Jordan and Kimber both had reasons for escaping. I love the beach and if I had to choose one place that soothes me or inspires it would be the beach but I am confrontational person. I believe in facing things head on because they really never go away!

Q - If you could have lunch with any author, who would you choose?
Casey - This one is tough! If I could only choose one author to have lunch with it would have to be Lewis Carroll. His works are full of themes and many meanings. I would love to find out about his state of mind when he was writing them and what he would think about them today.
You can find Casey Blue here:
Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Goodreads
 
Kelly's review of Feeling This:
This is the story of two very troubled people. Each tells his/her own side of the story and I thought that might be confusing, but it isn’t. They are so very different from each other, as opposite in every way as two people could get. That makes it easy to know which one is talking. It helps greatly that each chapter starts with the name of the character who is speaking. What I did have a problem with was the switching from past tense to present tense. That took a lot longer to figure out. I believe this story would have been better without the tense changes. Present tense did not really work.

Other than that, this book was very involved and had excellent character development. It is not your usual feel-good romance story. They are dealing with serious issues and have wonderful reactions. The really odd coincidences felt right and makes the story seem like the fates intervened rather than stretching too far. Anyone who grew up or lives in a very small town will agree that constantly running into people, even when you are trying to avoid them, happens all the time in small towns.

It took a long time for the characters to start interacting with each other, almost half the book. By that time, I really cared what happened to them. I felt like the book started off too slowly, but once things got rolling, I understood the reasoning. So if you are tempted to set the book aside after a few chapters, just keep going another chapter or two. This book is worth getting to know the characters.

CRY OF THE WOLF release announcement

Introducing:

Cry of the Wolf

Destiny Phoenix #2

by David R. Bennett

Published by Freaky Fiction Writing 

Released August 30, 2013

Good Reads

Destiny, Brandon, Chris, Michelle, and Sandra enter the town of Jasper Springs, Louisiana on their way to meet some important people out in Atlanta. They are here to stop and get some rest and refuel before continuing on.

But when the full moon rises, the howling begins. People, then, come up missing as a bloody trail is left throughout town. This town is used to the unusual, but this werewolf is extraordinarily bloodthirsty even for this town.

Destiny and her friends check it out.

What trouble are they headed for?

Will someone be turned?

Or worse yet, killed?

David R Bennett is an author from Spring, Texas in the United States of America. David R Bennett is a pen name that comes the reordering of his real initials. He also thinks the name has a ring to it. Not only is he an author he is an illustrator. His real name is what is credited with the cover art to his novels. He attended Rocky Mountain College if Art + Design in Denver, Colorado where he earned a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Advertising Graphic Design. The graphic design techniques he learned in college he uses to design his covers.

He also reads a lot of sci-fi / fantasy / paranormal books. Some of his favorite monsters are vampires, mummies, zombies, goblins, ghouls, werewolves, etc. He has plans to write a long string of novels in the Destiny Phoenix series and a series about an alien coming to Earth in the Alien Survivor series. Both of these series are planned as Young Adult novels.

His favorite horror flick is Resident Evil because it is scary to think that biological warfare could one day result in human extinction by undead creatures. And his favorite series of films is Star Wars and is excited about the next film coming out in 2015.

Blog 

Twitter

Facebook

Facebook Author Page

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Goodreads Author Page  

Smashwords Profile Page 

Destiny Phoenix Saga blog

Destiny Phoenix Saga on Facebook

Destiny Phoenix Saga on Twitter

The Crimson Clan on CreateSpace.com 

TRAVIS (Buffalo Rocker) by N Kuhn

NEW RELEASE:
TRAVIS (Buffalo Rocker Series)By N. KuhnPublished by Nevermore Press

Nicole has done it again! This wonderful and prolific writer had another larger-than-life, but secretly flawed character.

Lots of people want to be Rock Stars, but the question is, can they handle it? Travis Dane has never wanted anything more than to be a Rock Star. He dreamed of being just like his father, Marcus. What the idol in his life never told him, is that the road to fame is paved with self destruction. Music, drugs, drinking, fighting and crazy stalkers all battle for his attention. Throw in an uncaring mother and Paparazzi following his every step is disaster waiting to happen.
Brittany Landers has never loved anyone like she did Trav. But his temper and drug use drove her into the arms of another man. Finally getting her life on track, striving for her law degree, can Aiden Bland take her mind off of Travis and what he’s going through? Or is he just Mr Wrong Right Now? The emotional roller-coaster of fame is never a Happily Ever After.


Meet the author N Kuhn
N Kuhn was raised in a small town, in the middle of nowhere. Small town life is something she cherishes. Having spent her afternoons outside or with a book, she grew up with a love of reading and writing. Her mother and grandmother fully encouraged this in her. Many years later, after a husband and children, she made a promise to her dying grandmother to fulfill her dream of being an author. Her grandmother lived to see Nicole's name in print. This was a turning moment for her. Driven by ambition and a promise made, she has since published her first trilogy (The Mohawk Series). N Kuhn has also signed on with WheelMan Press for Tucked In (The Hollywood Files) series as well as Nevermore Press for the much anticipated Buffalo Rocker Series, and ParlorTricks


You can find N. Kuhn here:
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And find the publisher Nevermore Press on Facebook


Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter HERE.

Kelly's Review of Travis:

 Travis: Buffalo Rocker is a gritty no-holds-barred look at the young rising star Travis as he spirals out of control, the typical “sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll”. But there is nothing typical about this book. Travis is haunted by his love for the straight-laced, law student. And she is haunted by the idea of a wild life. I found myself yelling at the characters, “No! Don’t do that!” and hoping they would be able to find a happy medium together. Throw in psychological abuse, blackmail, and an aging rock star and this novel is filled with anticipation and suspense. The writing is wonderfully descriptive, the characters easy to love and the story is engrossing enough that I only reluctantly put it down when real life forced me to.

Be forewarned, the sex scenes are very graphic, and the drug use is pervasive. I would not recommend this book for anyone under the age of 18. I DO recommend it to anyone who wants a peek at the rock star life in a wonderfully exciting whirlwind story. There are a few misspelled words and grammatical errors that can disrupt the flow as you're reading, but this book is worth it.

I give this 4 out of five stars.  

* * * *

Walking Weird by Gori Suture

WALKING WEIRD: 

A SMUT SAGA, VOL. 5

Synthesis, The Design of Moirai only glimpsed in the previous Smut Sagas is laid bare in Walking Weird, and this skein is a sticky one, ensnaring all of your favorite characters in Hecate’s web. After years of imprisonment, Astothan’s chance for escape finally comes.  His cherished beloved from Geist Kinder is all he can think about, but time may not yield even for gods, and his struggle with forgiveness and love anew has only begun.  Poor Jasper’s troubles were only just beginning in The Witch of Hainted Holler, and now he must pick up the pieces of that fateful day and carry the weight of the world on his scrawny shoulders, with the Grim Reaper his only friend.  In Shatter Kinder, being a father was Phoenix's fondest wish; yet paternity of monsters is fraught with danger and omens. Eldridge and the rest of Omega begin to master the powers revealed to them in Asphyxia, yet old enemies hatch fresh schemes.  The mad adamantine shuttle flies and as the weave grows ever taught, the sole path navigable is Walking Weird!

The confluence of Gori’s first four books is a torrid one, and the reader is sure to get wet, so kick back and enjoy, while you still can …

The Author:
Hailing from the outskirts of Mayberry, North Carolina, Gori Suture has been writing fiction since she could hold a crayon.  Her work is often allegorical, chronicling man’s pursuit of understanding God and the God within.  Simultaneously debase and philosophical, she juxtaposes eroticism and horror with metaphysical introspection.  She is currently working on the last of the Smut Sagas, the Sorrow and Rue Eroto-Obscurities, and a comic book series is also in the works.

YOU CAN FIND THE AUTHOR HERE:

Gori Suture
Amazon
Author's Blog
The Color of Paradox blog
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Review of Inevitable

Inevitable

by

Angela Graham

I liked the basic story line of Inevitable, but I felt like the story was just drug out too much. She wants him. He wants her. So they play hard to get relentlessly for months on end and just when both are ready to profess their true feelings for each other, something happens that prevents them from being together and the story ends. The entire book is a cat and mouse game and it drags out for the the duration. Just when the book begins to get interesting, the story is it over. I would imagine that there is going to be a sequel, otherwise it would make for a very poor story. It's not that I disliked the story. In fact, I enjoyed the story very much. I just feel that it wasn't as well-written as it could have been. Instead of ending the book the way it did, the author could have included what I imagine will be the sequel and instead of dragging out the inevitable, it could have been set at a pace that would have produced a very good book. I give this 3 stars.

Review of Resisting Fate

Review of Resisting Fate

by 

Heather Van Fleet

Resisting Fate was a great little paranormal romance that any age group, I think, would enjoy. It has a great story line with likable characters. It is a classic teenage love story with a paranormal spin. Emmy is a 17 year old girl who is trying to deal with her boyfriend who up and leaves town without a word, an abusive step father, and a mother who doesn't care. She's got a best friend who she discovers has been lying to her for years, and her boyfriend's cousin who brings out the best and worst of her. My only problem with the book was how it ended. You can tell there will be a sequel, but the ending literally just stops. It definitely left me wanting more.

Review of Snow Bound (More than Magic)

Snow Bound

(More than Magic)

by

Elizabeth Kirke

Snow Bound, part 2 in the More than Magic series is just as awesome as the first book, Semester Aboard. All the likable characters are back and this time, they all go on a ski trip. As with book 1, Snow Bound is filled with lots of action, surprising, mouth dropping events, and new romance. By the end of the book, you'll be asking yourself "Did that really just happen?".The characters we fell in love with in Semester Aboard are also met with a few new characters we love to hate and someone who literally got on my nerves because she refused to listen to anyone, instead acting like a whining toddler. But despite my dislike of said character, she does play a pivotal role in the story. So, I'll forgive her this one time. I do hope Kirke continues this series because I just love these characters.

Review of Semester Aboard (More than Magic)

Semester Aboard

(More than Magic series)

by 

Elizabeth Kirke

Semester Aboard was great. From the very first page, I was hooked. Jen is just an ordinary 20 something year old  spending a semester of college aboard a ship traveling around South America. Little does she know that the walk she takes around the ship one late night would chance her life forever. During her late night walk, Jen witnesses something she knows is impossible. Enter Dani, Charlie, Mariana, TS, and Thomas, five people who all hold very unique secrets. Since Jen has seen something that she shouldn't, the five strangers take turns following Jen around to make sure she doesn't tell anyone what she has seen, until they get word from Jon on what to do. Jen is taken to meet Jon and during the meeting, a surprising discovery is made, and the group, instead of following her around, take Jen under their wings. Each of the characters in this book are so likable and unique. Their characteristics are unbelievably detailed. You won't be able to help yourself from falling in love with these characters. Semester Aboard is clearly well-thought out and a great beginning of an awesome series.

Review of How (Not) to Kiss a Prince

How (Not) to Kiss a Prince

Cindy Eller #2

by

Elizabeth A. Reeves

How (Not) to Kiss a Prince is Book 2 in the Cindy Eller series and like book 1 in this series, this one does not disappoint.  Cindy and her roommates are back with more antics and magic gone awry. Then add to the mix a mother who promised her first born to be married and stubborn Cindy who refuses to be forced to marry a man she doesn't love. Now that Cindy has her own bakery, she's got 2 weddings (not her own) to prepare for and things begin to get crazy in the kitchen. Dozens of different kinds of cookies and pastries need to be made along with 2 lavish wedding cakes. Cindy doesn't have a choice but to hire another pastry chef to help out and before long, Sue appears, ready to dive in. Sue isn't all that meets the eye and has a few secrets of her own.

How (Not) to Kiss a Prince is non-stop funny with lots of secrets revealed. Cindy learns more about herself, including why her magic is so wonky. I just love this series and when I was done, I wanted more. this is such a likable series that you won't want to put it down.

Review of How (Not) to Kiss a Toad

How (Not) to Kiss a Toad -Cindy Eller #1

by 

Elizabeth A. Reeves

How (not) to kiss a toad is the first book in the new Cindy Eller series by Elizabeth Reeves. This is such a fun and likeable series. Cindy Eller is a witch with powers that often go awry, except when she is in the bakery creating the most delectable treats, then her magic is perfect. Every time Cindy goes on a date and she kisses the man she is with goodnight, he turns into a toad because he's not Mr. Right. This time though, her toad doesn't turn back like all the others do. She seeks the help of her step-father in getting the toad to turn back and even he, who is a powerful wizard, can't figure out what went wrong. In the meantime, the bakery where Cindy is the pastry chef is about to be transferred to a new owner and Cindy and her roommates who also work at the bakery are about to be out of their jobs if they can't come up with a down payment to buy the bakery themselves. Cindy's creations in the bakery are nothing short of magical. In fact, the only time Cindy's powers don't go awry is when she's in the bakery creating the most amazing pastries.

The characters in this book are so loveable and many parts of this story are laugh out loud hysterical.the story is well written and once you pick it up, you won't want to put it down. This is a must read for anyone who loves checklist with a dash of magic.

A Review of THE WIZARD OF OZ: A Steampunk Adventure

The Wizard of Oz: A Steampunk Adventure, by S. D. Stuart and Steve DeWinter, is a wonderful interpretation of the classic story. As Dorothy traveled, I kept waiting for the next classic reference. Scarecrow and Woodsman, the “cowardly” lion and other forbidden or outlawed characters living in the Outcast Zone, aka OZ, don’t seem to care that it is supposed to be a penal colony. So many steampunk stories get caught up in the machines at the expense of characters and plot. I did not find this at all with this book. It was very well written, with the loveable characters leading a tale that is full of the twists and turns of a great adventure story.

I think anyone who is a fan of The Wizard of Oz will like the twist in this book as long as they realize it is not a retelling, it is a whole new story. Steampunk fans will love this. And if you don’t know what steampunk is, this is the best example I have ever read.
I rate this book 5 stars *****
This review is by Kelly and is not necessarily the opinion of Ravenz Reviews. I received a copy in the hope that I would write a review and this in no way affected my rating.

Book Description
Publication Date: January 5, 2013
There is no yellow brick road here. No emerald city. No lollipop guild. This is the Australis Penal Colony, a continent sized prison referred to the world over as the Outcast Zone. Built to contain the world's most dangerous criminals, OZ ended up the dumping ground for everything polite society deemed undesirable.

From inside this place a garbled message proves Dorothy's father is still alive, trapped in a prison with only one way in and no way out. Into this place 17-year-old Dorothy must go if she wants to find her father and keep the promise she made to her dying mother.

She thought she had spent the past seven years preparing to overcome anything that got in the way of fulfilling her promise, but the situation she finds herself is harder and more intense than anything she has experienced before as she drops right into the middle of a power struggle for control over all of OZ. If she has any hope of surviving long enough to find her father, she will need her mother's guts, her father's brains and the unexpected help from those discarded and forgotten.

Everyone she meets tells her the same thing. The only person who can help her is the one prisoner who deserves to be in a place like this and refers to himself by the name, Wizard.

The Wizard always asks for something in exchange for his help. Can Dorothy afford the terrible price he will demand?

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Introducing COVERT CRAVING by Jennifer James

She just stripped in front of an NYPD detective...

The glow-in-the-dark water at Camp Sunny Woods left Chloe Saunders with the ability to disappear from sight.

Thirteen years later, she uses her “gift” to take out criminals when she can. If she’s got to be part of a freak show, she’s going to do some good while in the buff.

And he’s enjoying studying every luscious curve…

Color blind detective Jacob Greiff smokes to weaken the overwhelming messages his nose sends him. One summer camp trip was enough for him. His priority right now is busting the vigilante leaving burglars tied up with panty hose and women’s scarves.

He thinks he’s hallucinating when he sees a petite, bare foot brunette in an enormous trench coat at his crime scenes because for the first time in years, he’s seeing someone in full color.

He’s not sure he’s buying it, but Chloe sure looks great when she’s “invisible.”

Despite his own supernatural abilities and the raging lust between them, Greiff wonders if Chloe isn’t some kind of nut who gets off on public nudity. She insists she can disappear from view when naked, that he’s the only one who can see her when she’s in the buff.

Their shared past comes to a treacherous intersection when a man shows up at Chloe’s apartment and informs them at gun point it’s time to report for duty—or else.

EXCERPT 

     Chloe looked the detective over and rolled her eyes. She paused at her apartment long enough to chuck her purse inside. He followed her back to the elevator and she wished she’d put on a different outfit. One with underwear and a bra. The man was so hot most of her thoughts were consumed with taking clothes off, not keeping them on. And he kept looking down her top at her boobs. Part of her, the perverse part, wanted to yank up the tank top and flash him to see his reaction. She’d been naked loads of times in front of people, but they didn’t know she was there. It made the whole nudity thing seem mundane.Except for where he was concerned. Every time she felt his gaze moving over her butt or breasts, hell, even the back of her neck, arousal curled in her belly and set goose bumps marching over her skin.“So, what else do you have to get for your neighbor?”
     “A pigeon and a cheesecake.” She glanced at him from beneath her eyelashes and caught him staring. He chuckled and shrugged. “You can buy the cheesecake as well, since I’m providing you with a peep show.”
     “Can’t help myself.”
     “Right. Look, if you keep doing that I’m going to have to insist on tit for tat.” They continued down the hallway, he with both hands shoved in his pockets, Chloe with her arms swinging freely.
     “And what would that imply?” His voice dropped an octave, bringing the damned goose bumps out in force.
     “Simple. I show you mine, you show me yours. Although, you’re in the red right now, since the subway incident.” The words thrilled her. She’d never had the opportunity to engage in this kind of banter. She should be on the road and headed for a new town and existence. Instead she was here, defying protocol, flirting with a hot-ass cop, and outright challenging him to a sex game.
     “I disagree. If I accept your challenge, it starts now. We’d have to start over again, so technically I haven’t seen any naked body parts.” He pressed the button on the wall to call the elevator.
     She glared down her nose at him and crossed her arms over her breasts. The effect didn’t work too well, since he was much taller, but she gave it her best impervious-haughty-queen bee try. His lips twitched and he stepped closer. She narrowed her eyes, fighting the jumble of excitement and nerves in her belly before taking a step of her own forward. The front of her flip flops bumped into his dress shoes.
     “I think you’re trying to work the system here.” The heat of his body and the tingle of sexual arousal had brought her closer than she realized, and their chests collided.
     “Maybe. I’m attracted to you.” He put his left hand on the wall next to her head. “I want to kiss you.”
     “Yeah?” She ran one finger down his tie, tracing the pattern. The elevator bell chimed and the door slid open. A few steps to the right and she could be inside. The intensity in his eyes held her still.
     “Yeah.” He brought his right hand out as well and stroked the exposed skin at her waist between tank top and pants with his thumb. “May I?”

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer James hates to talk about herself in the third person and has now started so many series books she’s wondering if she has a mental illness. A traditionally published author who recently dipped her toes into the oceans of Indie land; she’s finding the water quite nice and plans on sticking around. She loves Dirty Palmers in the summer, Spiked Cocoas in the winter, and Jack and Honey with Pepsi any time at all. Recent college grad, wife, mother, cat wrangler, and dog belly scratcher, Jenn spends a lot of time at her computer, frowning at the shenanigans of people. 

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ENTER THE RAFFLECOPTER

PATRICK O'SCHEEN an Exclusive Interview

I got a chance to interview Patrick O’Scheen and his roomate Charles The Cat. Patrick is the author of the awesome and inspiring book Magic and the soon to be released Seer, the first two books in the Chronicles of Marithe.

Q - When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? Patrick - Writing was not something that I planned. I have always had an active busy life. One day, in the middle catching my breath, things suddenly changed. I found myself unable to keep up. Writing suited my insanity. When you get knocked down…not much else to do but get up again, and change direction. I have always loved storytelling and I simply expanded that into a written form. I eat, sleep and dream stories.
　
Q - Charles, did you know he was a writer when you adopted him? How does it feel to be a writer's assistant
? Charles - The human? He’s a writer? I always wondered what he was doing on that computer…I didn’t understand when he wasn’t sitting on it. I don’t assist…I create…and sleep on the keyboard.
　　
Q - What’s the hardest thing about being a writer? Did you ever feel like giving up? What kept you going?
Patrick - I think when family and friends look at you like you have gone totally insane, you are finally a writer. Don’t expect support from the people closest to you…they will interrupt at the moment you think of the best line, be incapable of understanding why you have spent hours alone at your desk doing research, or simply be angry with you for being different.
For me, giving up is not an option. Maybe I’m stubborn that way. Writing is a part of who I am, and I couldn’t quit if I tried.  
Q - Charles, I know you hack Patrick’s Facebook page on occasion. Did you ever consider writing your own book?
Charles - I don’t read or write in human well…I have written a number of manuscripts in cat, however. Perhaps you have read a few? If not I can arrange to leave one for you… in your kitchen, or perhaps your favorite shoe?
　
Q - I love the juxtaposition of the contemporary story with the fantasy world. It’s a very original approach. Had you planned it like that from the onset? Did you ever consider writing it as simply a fantasy book or simply a contemporary book?
Patrick -The story of Magic always took place in two worlds. I was asked to write it simply as a fantasy, but that was not how I envisioned it, not how the story was meant to be told. Being true to an inner guide is a rule for me. I listen to my muse, and follow the passion.
　
Q - Seer, the second book in the Marithe series will be our very soon. Do you have a third in the works? Or is that top secret?
Patrick - A book can truly be a very personal window into a writer’s soul. There’s no secret that the third and fourth book are already written. It’s a matter of preparation, editing and patience on my part for the remaining titles… It took me five years to decide to share Dreamer with the world. The dam is broken. Let the books spill out!
　
Charles, is there anything else you would like to add?
Have you noticed how cute I am?
　　

Yes. Charles is absolutely the cutest cat. Go check him out on Patrick's facebook page. Thank you Charles The Cat. I just have Three Final Questions for Patrick:
Q - What was your favorite book when you were a young child? Do you think it influenced what you like to read and write today?
Patrick - I had two favorites. Tales of 1001 Arabian Nights and The Wolves of Willoughby Chase! Now, I like to read just about anything available. I think I have always loved storytelling. There is no doubt that Scheherazade influenced my ideas about the power of a good tale. Stories touch lives.
　　
Q - Dreamer has two, parallel stories going on about men from different worlds staying best friends no matter what. How important is having a friend like that?
Patrick - Loving unconditionally is perhaps the most amazing thing one can imagine. To give and share in such a relationship is life changing.
　
Q - If you could have lunch with any author, who would you choose, and why?
Patrick - Lunch? Do I get to ask questions? Are hugs involved? Can I bring Charles? What’s on the menu?
I usually eat lunch alone. I think I’d eat with someone who cared enough about me to make time for lunch. I wouldn’t ask to resurrect Shakespeare, or impose on an author who might find me less than interesting. Rather I’d enjoy lunch with anyone who had the same love of storytelling that lives in my own heart.

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Kelly's review of Dreamer: 
Dreamer is an amazing story of love and friendship that transcends worlds. I wasn’t sure at first when and where the story takes place but it was quickly evident that two stories were happening. One is a contemporary story of the love that two very different friends share through thick and thin. The other is an amazing tale of adventure and throughout it all themes of love and friendship so deep that they call themselves family. This is a fascinating book that will enchant younger readers who will identify with the fantasy tale and to older readers looking for a story with deeper themes. I highly recommend this book for all ages 11 and up. The violence in the story is lightly treated with the characters expressing regret and remorse, something not usually found in fantasy adventure stories. If I could, I would love to rate this book six stars. I love that this is a stand alone book, no cliffhanger ending. Still, I eagerly away the release of the next book in the series by this wonderful new author.
And watch for the second book in the series, to be released very soon.