May 20, 2015 by Caroline Barker

Release-day Review Winging It (short story) by Christine S. Feldman

Released today is a fantastic, short read by Christine S. Feldman (Heavenly Bites novellas)! If you’re looking for a quirky, fun read to put a smile on your face and make you laugh out loud, then you’ll love Winging It. It is certainly a memorable read!

Title: Winging It

Author: Christine S. Feldman

Genre: Comedy/humour, contemporary romance

Date released: May 20th, 2015

Length: 63 pages

Blurb: Up until now, straitlaced Simon Kirkendale has done an admirable job of keeping his high society mother’s demands for grandbabies at bay, but lately she’s kicked things into high gear. So he isn’t too disappointed to delay her latest matchmaking attempt when a pretty stranger hops into the backseat of his car en route to one of his mother’s dinner parties and tells him to drive. A car-jacking? Nope. More like a bird on the run, but this particular bird happens to be a parrot who has slipped its cage, and Simon’s new acquaintance desperately needs to get it back before she loses sight of it altogether.

Ever the nice guy—and okay, maybe also a little intrigued by the colorful Miss Juleen Pruitt’s sudden appearance in his car—Simon hits the gas pedal and obliges only to find himself unwittingly dragged into a wild goose chase around town for a bird who seems to be determined to either get itself killed or the two people trying to catch it. Simon’s money is on the latter.

But it turns out that a little disruption and chaos in his life might just be what Simon needs most—especially if it comes in the form of Juleen.

If he can just manage to survive meeting her…

REVIEW

Christine S. Feldman’s ‘Winging It’ is everything it is cracked up to be. A short contemporary that leaves the reader smiling after providing fun, quirkiness, and excitement, not to mention the romance! I found myself laughing at certain scenes between the main characters, Simon and Juleen, as the author tells of their escapades in trying to capture Juleen’s grandfather’s parrot, Frankie!

This fast-paced, light-hearted story is extremely refreshing and original. The reader will love the unpredictable run of events as Simon and Juleen try to chase down Frankie in Simon’s car after Juleen jumps in and asks unknown Simon to put his foot down, and then later on foot as they race through a park after a bird in flight.

It is due to Simon’s chivalry and good-mannered upbringing that he goes along with Juleen and tries to help once he finds out the exact true nature of her ‘carjacking’. Only, after being bored with his mother’s vision of what his future bride should be like, he becomes fascinated with Juleen, and her quirkiness. After all, she is interesting and has some energy about her that is different.

Juleen is the chaos in the ever-so-organised life of Simon. His routine leans on the tedious side of the fence, whilst Juleen appears wild and free spirited. Opposites attract in this exciting, little read. And Simon can’t help but be drawn to her.

However, in the back of his mind he knows that his mother is expecting him to turn up for dinner and hoping to entertain a blind date with a woman of her choosing. His good manners and courtesy, not to mention the guilt trip his mother plays on him, all add up and make him feel obliged to meet this latest blind date. Will he be amazed and fall for his date, or is Juleen still playing on his mind?

If you’re looking for an uplifting, laugh-out-loud fast read Winging It is definitely for you! It really stands out from many other rom-com reads in a very punchy and vibrant way. And, it will leave you wanting more!

An ARC copy was provided by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Winging It by Christine S. Feldman is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

You can find our review of Christine S. Feldman’s festive novella Pastels & Jingle Bells (a Heavenly Bites novella #1) on our blog by clicking on the title. We will also be reviewing the author’s All’s Fair in Love and Weddings very soon too!

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

May 15, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW The Girl In Between (The Girl In Between #1) by Laekan Zea Kemp

The Girl In Between is the first of a brand new Young Adult fantasy/paranormal series of the same title, written by author Laekan Zea Kemp. I found it a fascinating, original read that was mysterious, and strangely, calming at the same time. You can also find the sequels, The Boy in Her Dreams and The Children of the Moon, on Amazon and Goodreads. And for a great start, The Girl In Between is currently FREE on Amazon! (Please note that prices are subject to change.)

Title: The Girl In Between (The Girl In Between #1)

Author: Laekan Zea Kemp

Genre: YA fantasy/paranormal

Date released: September 30th, 2014

Length: 289 pages

Blurb: Bryn Reyes is a real life sleeping beauty. Afflicted with Klein-Levin Syndrome, she suffers episodes of prolonged sleep that steal weeks, and sometimes even months, from her life. But unlike most KLS patients, she doesn’t spend each episode in a catatonic state or wake up with no recollection of the time she’s missed. Instead, Bryn spends half her life in an alternate reality made up of her memories. For Bryn, the past is a place, until one day a boy she’s never met before washes up on the illusory beach of her dreams with no memory of who he is.

But the appearance of this strange boy isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Bryn’s symptoms are worsening, her body weakening as she’s plagued by hallucinations even while awake. Her only hope of finding a cure is to undergo experimental treatment created by a German specialist. But when Dr. Banz reveals that he knows more about her strange symptoms than he originally let on, Bryn learns that the boy in her head might actually be the key to understanding what’s happening to her, and worse, that if she doesn’t find out his identity before it’s too late, they both may not survive.

REVIEW

The Girl In Between is beautifully written and will draw in an audience of Young Adults, New Adults and adults alike. With plenty of mystery and many turns – darker turns towards the end – the reader will keep on guessing until the very end.

Suffering with Klein Levin Syndrome (KLS), Bryn finds that her condition is changing. Not only are her periods of sleep starting to lengthen again, but her dream-like state, usually full of all her memories, has just had a new addition! A boy has washed up on the beach, and Bryn has no idea who he is or where he came from. He certainly isn’t a memory of hers.

During her times awake she finds it more and more difficult to forget about the boy. However, she is desperate to become a ‘normal’ young woman. She longs to go to college, much against her mums wishes. Bryn wants to be independent but her condition also reminds her that she needs help during her times of sleep. Therefore, she agrees to yet another experimental trial to find a cure. Bryn is quite anxious about her treatment. She begins to accept the idea that it won’t work, but puts a brave face on for her mum.

“My emotions on the day before a new trial always existed on this manic spectrum between reserved hope and total indifference. There was a part of me that believed it would work as if that belief was its own serum and if I just let it fill every inch of me, maybe it would tell my body to relent. To let the cure work. To be a miracle for once. But there was another part of me that knew my body would never be a miracle, that I would never get better, and sometimes that ache filled me too, snuffing out everything else.”

With her hope dwindling on a cure she focuses more time thinking of the boy.

After reluctantly approaching the boy in her dream-like state, Bryn and the reader discover more and more about him as the story moves forward. We realise that he does not know who he is, or how he came to be on the beach. Bryn begins to think that he must be a part of her imagination, but he is a little alarmed at this as that would mean that he isn’t real.

The story is told from both Bryn’s and the boy’s point of view, with each chapter named as Bryn or nameless for the boy, making it easy to keep track of where each character is in the story, and what their thoughts and concerns are.

Bryn surely does have a great deal on her mind. As she is asleep for weeks at a time, she finds that she has a great deal of school projects to catch up on. And so she finds herself busy with her sculptures, and the rest of her schoolwork to reach the grades she needs for college. Also, as she is taking up time of her mums, there is a slight pang of guilt as she wants her mother to also live her own life. With her dad long gone, but still making a nuisance of himself, it is her uncle who looks out for them and offers comfort where he can.

Throughout the story Bryn spends time trying to ignore and avoid her ex boyfriend, Drew. And, as she comes to know ‘the boy in between’, she slowly begins to fall for him. However, nothing is permanent there, and so she is never sure if he will always be there. Should she give Drew another chance? Or is she the boy’s answer to the real world? Is he hers?

“…I’d almost kissed him. He was leaning over me, a strand of my hair curled around his finger and I’d almost kissed him. Because he was stuck. Because he wanted to know me and I wanted to let him. Even if it was just because he was lost and I was his only answer to the real world, I wanted to let him.”

If the experimental trial works she may never see him again and never find the answers that they both seek.

To make matters worse, Bryn begins to notice that some moments she is having are ones that she has already seen or experienced. Are these moments hallucinations brought on from the drugs of her treatment? Or were they related to something more mysterious?

Despite the dark sides of the story, the enigma of Bryn’s dream state, the not knowing who the boy is in her dream (if it is a dream), and some of the serious turns that the story takes, The Girl In Between is a really beautiful story. Laekan Zea Kemp has clearly written with care and delicacy, making it read at a slow steady pace to match the atmosphere of the story. Despite the mystery and the longing to know who the boy is, and if they will both survive, I found it to be a very calming read and I would certainly read more from this author.

A copy of The Girl In Between was provided by the author in return for a fair and honest review.

The Girl In Between by Laekan Zea Kemp is available FREE at Amazon US and Amazon UK. (Please note that prices are subject to change.)

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

May 12, 2015 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ ~ Wild Thing, by Blair Babylon (includes excerpt)

Brand-new New Adult Rock Star Romance
from USA Today-Bestselling Author Blair Babylon!

The music calls Georgie.

Every night, she stands offstage, watching rock star Xan Valentine and his band, Killer Valentine, set fire to the crowd with music until they would burn down the city for him. His music wraps her until her fingers dance, desperately wanting the piano, but her terrified legs could never walk onto a stage.

Most nights, when Xan Valentine strides off the stage, his dark eyes shift, blurring, and he becomes Alexandre de Valentinois again.

Sometimes, Xan won’t let go.

Some of the other band members, Rade and Grayson, are caught in a death spiral of booze, drugs, and groupies. The drummer, Tryp, is too infatuated with his new wife to do more than show up to play.

Xan is the only one who can compel them onto the stage. He’s holding Killer Valentine together with the force of his will.

This can’t go on.

Something has to break.

Amazon.com ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Google Play
iBooks ~ iTunes ~ Kobo

Wild Thing is the second book in the Georgie and Xan series.

Haven’t read the first one yet?

Get Every Breath You Take (Book 1) Here:

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iBooks / iTunes ~ Kobo

Excerpt from Wild Thing

Riding in the back of the limousine on the way to the sound check, Georgie watched Alex, or Xan, or whoever he was.
He reached over and held her hand. The hard calluses on his fingertips scraped her fingers. The sympathetic interest in Alex’s dark eyes made her feel like the chaos of the world out there had quieted.
As they neared the venue, gliding through the light traffic hours before the arena began to fill, Alex’s body tensed.
First, his far leg began to twitch.
His strong fingers tapped out a complicated rhythm on the armrest on the door.
As the venue came into view—a huge arts complex like a pile of white boxes surrounded by lonely fields of empty parking lots—Alex tugged her hand toward him, and he leaned over for a kiss.
At first, his lips caressed hers, drawing out her response, an intimate and tantalizing kiss that promised more. His lips parted, and Georgie opened hers. His strong arms clamped around her waist and the back of her neck, grabbing a fistful of her long hair. He stroked her tongue with his until she felt a moan shudder in her throat, and he chuckled against her skin as he drew away.
When he lifted his head, his dark eyes held the predatory gleam of a hawk, and his lips were pinker with the blood rushing through him.
He dragged her across the car seat.
His burly arms caged her, and he pinned her against the seat and kissed her again, opening her lips with his and bending her to fit against his hard body.
She flattened her hands against his chest.
He lifted his head, looking down at her. A smile curved one side of his mouth. “We’re almost to the show, anyway.”
She couldn’t quite catch her breath. “Yeah.”
He uncoiled his arms from around her, still keeping one hand resting on her back, and he stared out the window at the arena.
His posture on the seat was wider, more possessive of the space, and his body nearly vibrated with energy.
If she hadn’t seen the change for herself, several times, she might not have believed it. It seemed more like black magic than psychology.

May 7, 2015 by Tina Williams

DOUBLE RELEASE BLITZ ~ Ensnared and Flawed, by Jade Kennion (includes excerpts and giveaway)

Released March 3, 2015

The two Falconer boys, Raphael and Michael, were named for the archangels. Lily Herald knows that they are anything but. At twenty-two, she married Raphael, the first Falconer boy. By twenty-five, she was divorced, having traded in her wedding ring for two near-fatal bullet wounds—the best damned trade of her life. No one, especially not Michael Falconer, knows why she’s returned home, to the place of so many shared and painful memories, but he’s determined to find out before she destroys what’s left of his family.

Michael bit back a curse as he turned to leave the café, but Katie called out, “You really love her, don’t you?”

He looked over his shoulder. “Yes, I do.”

“Good.” Katie’s smile was unsteady, but it held. “Maybe I had someone like you after Raphael left me, I might have been okay too.”

“Does that mean you’ll tell me what Raphael did to Lily?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know what Raphael did to Lily. She didn’t tell me.”

“But that day, in the café—”

“When Lily and Anna fought? I told Lily what Raphael did to me. I thought she might understand. She did.” Her fingers twisted the hem of her T-shirt into a knot. “I needed someone to talk to, after all these years.”

Michael’s jaw dropped. “You haven’t told anyone? Not even your sister?” Katie shook her head. “I couldn’t.” She swallowed hard. “Raphael doesn’t hit. He doesn’t shout. What he does, it breaks you, on the inside. I couldn’t tell anyone; Raphael said no one would ever believe me, and he was right.”

“We would have believed you.”

“Would you?” Katie raised her gaze to Michael. “Didn’t you, like everyone else, once think that Lily must have done something terrible for Raphael to shoot her?”

Michael flushed.

She turned her face away. “Sit down, Michael, I’ll tell you what he did to me, and maybe it will help you reach Lily.”

Amazon US ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU ~ Amazon UK

Released May 5, 2015

Aspiring actress Ariel Falconer is out of dreams. Disillusioned and burned-out, she heads on a lavish, all-expense-paid vacation, determined to enjoy herself one last time before facing up to the fact that life has dealt her a big flat zero.

Professional beach volleyball player Jake Hunter is full of dreams. He holds a winning hand, but only if he can find a wealthy sponsor to finance his modest lifestyle while he trains for Olympic gold.

Their mutual attraction is immediate and scorching, but neither is ready for the emotional complications of false impressions and clashing expectations. Can Ariel and Jake escape unscathed, or will their conflict shatter their dreams and the promise of love?

“No, he’s not in a relationship of any sort.”

“Good, keep going.”

“He’s not looking for a relationship of any sort.”

“Well, neither were you, right?”

“Right,” Ariel said.

“So, no complications?”

The claw digging into her heart ripped a half-sob out of her.

Noelle’s eyes widened. “Oh my God.” She hustled Ariel into the ladies bathroom, which was mercifully empty. “What happened? What did he do to you?”

Ariel blinked back the tears that stung her eyes. “He thought I was rich.”

“So?”

“He was looking for a sugar mama.”

“So?”

Ariel said nothing.

Noelle tipped her chin up. “The Ariel I know would have thought it all hilariously funny. You’d have found a way to gently refuse him without damaging his ego— the way you turn down all those marriage proposals from men drinking their heartache away. So what’s different this time?”

“I thought he was different.” Ariel leaned against the sink. “He had big dreams, and he would never let anything get in their way, but he seemed to understand me. He helped me realize that my dreams were different from what I enjoyed doing.” She sniffled. “I wanted to be an actress, but auditions always made me panicky, which is probably why I flubbed every single one of them. I hated acting; I hated the pressure of having to say the right thing and do the right thing under the spotlight. He helped me realize how much I enjoyed the stuff I was already doing, like surprising people with mixed drinks that were just exactly what they wanted, and listening to people talk and learning about the world from them. He said I would probably enjoy bartending, and he was right. I do enjoy bartending. I always did; I just didn’t realize it until he told me.”

“And then you started falling in love with him, didn’t you?” Noelle finished quietly.

Amazon US ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU ~ Amazon UK

Jade Kerrion defied (or leveraged, depending on your point of view) her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Philosophy, as well as her MBA, to launch her second (and concurrent) career as an award-winning science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance author. Her debut novel, Perfection Unleashed, won six literary awards and launched the Double Helix series, which should be read in order for maximum enjoyment. (Hang in there for the happy ending…) Life Shocks Romances features her sweet and sexy contemporary romance series. She writes at 3:00 am when her husband and three sons are asleep, and aspires to make her readers as sleep-deprived as she is. She is the Executive Vice President of the Florida Writers Association, and the Regional Director for Miami-Dade and Broward counties. McSill Literary Agency represents Portuguese rights for her Double Helix series in Brazil.

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April 28, 2015 by Tina Williams

RELEASE BLITZ ~ Red Hot Beginnings (Boxed Set)

FREE for a Limited Time! Over 2000 pages from your favorite NYT and USA Today bestselling authors!

14 Novels in One Sexy Bundle!

All great love stories have a beginning. 14 top-selling authors have banded together to bring you 14 beautifully romantic, heart-pounding stories of love, passion, and thrilling suspense. First in a series, or simply appetizers, these are all great entry points into your new favorite author’s world!

THIS IS A ONE-CLICK SET!

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | iTUNES | GOOGLE PLAY | KOBO

These 14 amazing books are the beginnings to incredible series. Some of these alpha males are sweet, some are sexy, and some are furry or bitey. All will fight for their women and protect them in these 14 brilliant stories by authors you’ll love!

From first kisses to dangerous encounters and second chances at love, we’ve gathered all 14 wonderful stories in one big box. This heart-pounding collection is filled with confident, sexy, and sweet men you’ll fall madly in love with.

FOURTEEN NOVELS TO CAPTURE YOUR HEART

AND SET YOUR BLOOD ON FIRE!

Cora Seton – The Navy SEAL’s E-Mail Order Bride – Mason, Navy SEAL, has a mission that is one for the record books.

V. M. Black – Life Blood – Cora is dying…until a mysterious man offers a cure at a deadly price.

Skye Warren – Beauty Touched the Beast – Ex-soldier Blake Morris is no good for the young woman who cleans his house.

Blair Babylon – Rae Falling – Rae shoves The Blond Hottie up against a wall. How can one affair change everything so fast?

Lacey Silks – Dazzled by Silver – He’s not ready to commit. She’s looking for a fling.

Sarah M. Cradit – Flourish – Anne’s entire life has been a lie, even the terrifying, inexplicable ability she was born with.

JJ Knight – Fight for Her – An MMA fighter must win back the heart of his first love and become a father to their daughter.

Clarissa Wild – Seek – Lillith remembers Sebastian, her savior, but all she knows about him is his name.

Liv Morris – Adam’s Apple – Adam Kingsley can possess anything or anyone he desires, except Kathryn.

JC Andrijeski – New York – A gritty, unique world and star-crossed telekinetic lovers.

Alica Knight – Tigress – Libby the Loser is a were-tiger and in love with a man she’s never met.

Jacqueline Sweet – The Ghostwriter – Curvy, sassy Jessica is a ghostwriter and must destroy sexy billionaire Logan.

Pavarti K. Tyler – Sugar and Salt – After working at The Sugar House, Janice retains no illusions but longs for a connection.

Alisa Woods – Desired – Hot Wolves, High Finance—Lucas is a broken alpha, but can he keep his paws off Mia?

Red Hot Beginnings Boxed Set will be FREE for a LIMITED time only.

What reviewers are saying:

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AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | iTUNES | GOOGLE PLAY | KOBO

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March 11, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Yesterday by Sheila Norton

A little later than I expected to read it, but I have been very excited to read Sheila Norton’s ‘Yesterday’. As soon as I read the synopsis with the 1960’s era ,and the Mods and Rockers mentioned, I had to add it to my reading list! Being born two decades later, I obviously cannot recall the times myself. But, I always loved family members’ stories of the times, watched documentaries, loved the music and, as a fan of the indie band Blur in the 1990’s, I used to hang on every word frontman Damon Albarn said. And so, as soon as I found out his favourite movie of the time was Quadrophenia, I simply had to watch it. Over the years I have watched it many times, even when it was re-released on cinema. I had the poster on my bedroom wall and listened to The Who’s soundtrack of the movie over and over. And so, Yesterday has opened up that side of me once more and I have to say that the read is fantastic! – Caroline

Title: Yesterday

Author: Sheila Norton

Genre: Period/historical drama (1960’s), mystery, romance, crime

Release date: April 17th, 2014

Length: 286 pages

Blurb: During the riots between the Mods and Rockers in the early Sixties, teenager Cathy finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the events which follow will haunt her for the rest of her life. Forty years later she’s forced to revisit her past, deal with her unhappy memories and try to find out exactly what did happen back in 1964.

REVIEW

It is almost 51 years ago since the mayhem and chaos at the seaside resorts of Clacton and Brighton involving the Mods and Rockers, and yet Yesterday keeps the whole era alive with the music, fashions, dialogue, and day-to-day life. Focusing on the life of fourteen year old Cathy, Yesterday delves into her involvement with the Mods and Rockers, her friends and bullies at school, pressure from her mum to get good grades, trouble with her mum’s new male friend, and a violent stabbing that involves someone she knew!

We begin the story in 2004 where Cathy, a journalist and now in her mid-fifties, is given the chance to write a story on the era she knows a great deal about – the Mods and Rockers of the 1960’s. Little does her editor know that she may be able to fill in the blanks of a crime story that would be full of interest in the public eye, as well as opening up some wounds of the past and releasing some ghosts of her own! Yes, this story is certainly personal, just as it is informative.

The reader is then taken back to March, 1963, where Cathy meets Janice Baker. Janice Baker is two years older than Cathy. She is both cool and pretty. Being sixteen and having parents that do not trouble her too much, Janice can almost do what she wants. She wears the fashions, including make-up, and has magazines featuring many bands including The Beatles, which Cathy absolutely loves to look at – especially if Paul McCartney is pictured with those beautiful puppy dog eyes of his! Cathy’s fascination is so exciting to read about, and after travelling home from school regularly on the bus at the same time as Janice they begin to chat about the culture of the day, embarking on a close friendship.

Each chapter is set in a different month from thereon, leading up to the beach fights and afterwards, as we follow the story of a terrible ordeal that Cathy has at Clacton, a stabbing later in Brighton, as well as some home troubles for poor Cathy. We watch her friendship grow with Janice, her romance blossom with her brother’s friend, Jimmy, and her relationship with her mum take a downward spiral when she finds out what her mum has been quiet about for some time.

The mystery of the story is surrounding the stabbing at Brighton. Janice’s Mod ex-boyfriend, Ian, is the victim but the culprit is yet to be determined. After the violence and Cathy’s ordeal from the first beach fight in Clacton, Cathy believed all of her friends and her brother had stayed away this time. However, Cathy has a bad feeling about this, especially since it was Ian that brought on her ordeal in Clacton! Could it simply be his stabbing was a result of yet another fight between many Mods and Rockers who just lost it with each other and things got out of hand? Or was it that somebody intentionally stabbed him? Could it have been someone she knew? And, could it have been anything to do with her ordeal?

After her ordeal in Clacton, she ran to meet with her Rocker brother, Derek. However, when he wasn’t at the café he said he would be at, Cathy stayed there waiting for him to show. She was trying to cope with the teasing and taunts from the Rockers (as she was dressed as a Mod!), when a lad with Paul McCartney’s soft, brown eyes defended her, and offered to walk her to the station so she could get home safely. This is Jimmy. Lovely, sweet Jimmy, and a Rocker friend of her brother’s. And this is the beginning of an attraction between them. She becomes closer to Jimmy as he turns up ‘looking for Derek’ a few times at her home, and they begin to see each other over time.

But, he is her secret. As Janice would say, there’s no way you can go out with a greasy Rocker. She can’t be seen in public with him, or even tell Janice about him. She would be outcast and taunted forever if her friends knew. Cathy begins to realise that Mods and Rockers do not mix – you are either one or the other (in the eyes of her friends). But, she finds this ridiculous, as does Jimmy and her brother. But, she soon learns the hard way, and risks losing everything – Janice and Jimmy! Will their friendship, and love, survive? What can Cathy do to keep it all running smoothly?

The characters of Yesterday are all brilliant and realistic. One of my favourite characters of the story is Cathy’s brother, Derek, a Rocker. He is a caring older brother, looking out for her when he can, buying her the occasional record (even if it is a Mod one!) that she’d never be able to afford with her little pocket money, and even letting her play it on his record player when he was out. This shows the sort of relationship they had – they were very close and didn’t really care deep down whether you were a Mod or a Rocker.

And then there is Cathy’s other school friend, Linda. Linda was always seen as ‘square’ and didn’t really fit in either category. She was happy doing her own thing, being an individual. And, besides, she was too busy looking after her ill mother. But when Cathy began her friendship with Janice, Cathy began to leave Linda behind, only to realise later that Linda was very mature and didn’t get wrapped up with whose side to be on, what group to belong to, etc.

Yesterday is well-researched and has a fantastic feel of the era with perfect, realistic characters to draw the reader in. It is written so well it is easy to visualise the story with many references to the times, with social and financial aspects in particular. There is great dialogue between the characters with a real British 1960’s charm. Pop culture and fashions are mentioned but are not overdone, allowing the reader to really enjoy the fantastic narrative running through the book!

A copy of Yesterday was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Yesterday is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

March 5, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #3) by Tim O’Rourke

Released on 1st March 2015 by Tim O’Rourke, #1 bestselling author of ‘The Kiera Hudson Series’, came ‘Werewolves of Shade’ (Part Three), a werewolf romance with a twist.

When the entire population of Shade go missing, investigative reporter Mila Watson knows this could be the big break she has been waiting for. Setting off into the mountains to the village of Shade, Mila soon learns that the village isn’t as deserted as she first believed it to be and that creatures lurk in the shades…

For readers 16+

REVIEW

This short story series is getting darker! Despite there being so much adventure, there is always a great deal of mystery in Tim’s books, and part 3 of Werewolves of Shade is no exception! Thus far, Mila has left her uncle and best friend/boyfriend in the village of Maze, seeking her parents or what has become of them in the village of Shade. After hearing stories of the beautiful immortals, finding out about the war between the vamps and the wolves, and then hearing a possible myth that a witch ended it all, Mila has come to seek the truth. Believing Shade to be deserted she soon finds out otherwise and meets with Calix, Rea and Rush. This is a MUST-READ series for fans of paranormal, mystery, romance and even horror!

Assigned to replace the former village teacher, Mila has to meet the village children at the school. But she first needs to tackle the dark, mysterious alley where we left her at the end of Werewolves of Shade (Part 2). Not only does it feel claustrophobic and menacing, it seems to almost move and reach out to her – it actually put me in the mind-set of the never-ending alleyway in the film, The Labyrinth, albeit more menacing and terrifying! And just who is it who keeps calling her name? Surely it can’t be all in her head?!

Before she realises it, and not being able to explain how, she ends up on the other side where she meets with a most mysterious man in Augustus Morten. Although appearing to be friendly and kind towards Mila, the reader can’t help but be suspicious of him. As he walks Mila to the school it becomes apparent that he has spoken with Rea and knows a little about Mila. Is he talking to Mila to discover any holes in her story, or is he merely trying to be a friend? Finding out Augustus had been assigned as the village gravedigger made his character to be even more eerie.

The children of Shade seem fairly quiet as Mila begins to learn their names. Although speaking English she is surprised to realise their exercise books are all written in another language she has never seen before. And after, asking some questions, she realises that the children are not as open as she hoped. The story takes a turn when one child tries to answer Mila and is quietened by another. This begins to raise even more suspicion of the people of Shade with both Mila and the reader.

There is certainly more horror and gore in this instalment, following an unfortunate twist of events. But what will Mila make of it all? Is she partly to blame, and even if not, being the new stranger to the village raises suspicion and doubt of her. She is certainly going to have to gain the trust of people there.

Whilst Calix is still quite mean and sharp towards Mila, she can stand up to him. He gets under her skin and irritates her so much. Not forgetting the times when he seems a little full on and gets carried away with Mila, making for some very creepy and cringe-worthy moments! However, I can’t say that I completely dislike him, although a part of me tells me I should. There are times when I feel that his character may open up more and you could change your mind about him.

The one comfort in Shade that Mila has is Rush. He manages to subdue Calix a little and calm the situation, and make sure Mila is alright. They become increasingly close and open up to each other more. There are clearly feelings towards each other, but what of Flint, Mila’s boyfriend and best friend in Maze? Does she really love Flint or are they just friends? Is there really anything happening between Mila and Rush?

Part 3 is another fast-paced adventure with Mila getting deeper and deeper into her life in Shade. With a house, a job and a closeness to Rush, I do ask myself ‘will she ever be able to leave’? If so, how? And what will be her reason for leaving? But before we reach these answers, the biggest questions of all is ‘will she seek what she came to find?’ and ‘will she survive?’

The final twist and cliff hanger in this third instalment of Werewolves of Shade will leave you needing a change of underwear! It is petrifyingly brilliant, psychologically disturbing, just sheer horror that will leave you chilled to the bone!! And to extend the torture, we’ll have to wait until April 4th, 2015 for the next instalment!!!

A copy of Werewolves of Shade #3 was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Werewolves of Shade (Beautiful Immortals #3) by Tim O’Rourke is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

March 3, 2015 by Caroline Barker

RELEASE PROMO, INTERVIEW & REVIEW The Color of Happiness by K.P. Gazelle

We are very excited about this soon-to-be-released young adult contemporary story, packed with romance and drama, from debut author, K.P. Gazelle, and released by Radiant Books. It is a strong and meaningful story, with some beautiful moments with fantastic characters that will enlighten you and give you that boost you always needed! 🙂

Heart-warming story of adolescence, self-esteem & love!

Title: The Color of Happiness

Author: K.P. Gazelle

Genre: Young Adult, contemporary, drama, romance

Release date: March 1st, 2015

Released by: Radiant Books

Length: 197 pages

Book Blurb: Faith Lane is the girl who has everything. At least, that’s what everyone thinks when they see her rocking a killer dress while laughing with her best friend, Tiffany. But Faith’s life is far from flawless. Her peers torment her relentlessly, and her parents expect her to be the epitome of perfection. Criticized and pressured at school and home, Faith retreats into silent acceptance and finds an escape in her passion of dancing. Then she meets Alex – quirky, forever with a pass, and concealing a mysterious secret of his own. And through his encouragement, Faith starts believing in her gift for dance and gains courage to stand up for herself. But will she be able to keep her footing when the events of one night consume her with the need to jump off the rocky cliffs near her coastal home? And what has pushed her to the edge of reason?

REVIEW

Adolescence hits us all, along with the many lessons we have to learn about ourselves and others. We all want to be accepted, we all want to feel great and we all want to experience love. The Color of Happiness explores all of these subject matters and I loved every second. It really put me in the mind frame of movies such as The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles and St. Elmo’s Fire – to name but a few!

Faith Lane experiences teasing and torment from her peers as she has her own individual wardrobe – sometimes she’s a hit and other times a flop. But the teasing upsets Faith and keeps her self-esteem low. If it wasn’t for her best friend, Tiffany, she would be quite alone. However, she is one that is strong enough to stand up for what she believes in, and even when her mother wants her to wear an outfit that she has made looking like the Mexican flag, Faith wears it in a selfless act to spare her mum’s feelings.

Tiffany is a strong character – she accepts Faith for who she is, encourages her when she’s feeling low and gives her a great boost when she needs it. We can all do with a Tiffany in our lives. She is the one person that Faith opens up to about her feelings of her peers, school work, her parents, and boys.

Faith’s parents can be quite controlling over her life -not wanting her to do too much socialising with the wrong sorts and keeping a very close eye on her grades. Even when reaching 95%+ in her exams, her mother in particular tries to push for more. Faith knows it is because her parents just want the best for her and because they worry, but she needs a release of pressure at times.

One day at school changes her life forever. After being teased by an upperman, she is relieved from further torment as his friend, Alex, encourages him to stop. Although dubious at first, after bumping into Alex around the school and having conversations and small flirtatious moments with him, she begins to develop feelings for him and they begin to see each other on a regular basis. Albeit, without the knowledge of Faith’s parents – they are so controlling over her life she feels that they won’t accept her having a boyfriend and therefore feels she has no choice but to keep him a secret from them.

Alex soon becomes the love of her life. They share many lovely, intimate and emotional times together. And he really is the boost that she has always needed, giving her courage and building her self-esteem, as well as showing her what true love is all about. The moments with Alex are written beautifully.

Alone in her bedroom, she has been watching dancing videos on the internet and practices the moves around her home and in-between classes at school when no one else is around. After noticing Faith do this and knowing that there is an opening with the dance class, Alex (and later Tiffany) encourage Faith to audition. Not really believing in herself, and knowing her parents want her to dedicate time on her studies, she tries to shrug it off. But deep inside she knows that she would love the opportunity to feel free in dance. Being urged to at least try the audition out, she flourishes and her confidence soars.

Faith’s life comes crashing down when there is a major twist in the story with some very unfortunate events. The reader is taken on a journey with Faith as she tries to piece her life back together. It is extremely touching in parts that may bring a tear or two to your eyes.

The Color of Happiness is a powerful read with so much meaning. It puts the message across for all of us, not just adolescents, to ‘have a go’, even if in doubt. That during dark times you can pick yourself back up. It is a huge confidence boost, uplifting and a great read for any teen, as well as a motivation boost for those feeling down or those with low self-esteem. The story provides courage and faith to all those that read it, which is exactly what Alex does for Faith’s character. It is a great debut from author K.P. Gazelle!

An ARC copy of The Color of Happiness was provided by the publisher in return for an honest and fair review.

The Color of Happiness is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR, K.P. GAZELLE

Welcome to A Reader’s Review Blog. We would like to thank you for participating in our interview for The Color of Happiness.

Thank you SO much for having me 🙂

Where did your inspiration come from to write The Color of Happiness?

Different events and people inspired different parts of the book. The element of grounded friendships was inspired from my personal life. I have the BEST friends!

Can you relate to any of the characters in The Color of Happiness, either personally or through a friend?

I can relate to Faith in certain ways. Like Faith, I put a lot of pressure on myself to excel and do the best that I can.

Your character, Faith, escapes her peer pressure and the pressure from her parents through dance. Has dance ever played a part in your own life?

Nope! I’m more like Tiffany – Faith’s best friend – in that regard LOL. Couldn’t dance if my life depended on it!

Can you tell us more about Alex, and the effect he has on Faith?

Alex, of course, is Faith’s love interest in the book. He’s one of the people who really get Faith to start believing in her dance abilities and in herself as an individual overall.

Were any particular areas of the story more difficult to write than others?

Definitely, yes. Sometimes, it was difficult to share the exact emotions a character was experiencing at a given time.

How would you describe your writing style?

Hmmm . . . I don’t know if I have a set style. I like to write in character, so that changes each time.

Are you an avid reader? Do you have a favourite book/author?

Yes! I absolutely LOVE to read! I love too many books and authors to pick a favorite . . .

When you are not writing, what do you do like to do? What is next for K.P. Gazelle?

You would probably find me reading. I also enjoy taking pictures, although I’m not very good at it LOL. There’s been an idea rattling in my head for some time. Let’s see what happens with it!

Thank you for your time. We wish you every success with The Color of Happiness!

February 27, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Three Rules by Marie Drake

I have been wanting to reading Marie Drake’s ‘Three Rules’ for quite some time. It is a remarkable read that will reach out to most readers either because of the mystery, the emotional and physical effects of abuse and the beautiful romance/love story. During this past year, Three Rules made it as a semi-finalist for The Kindle Book Review’s Best Kindle Book Awards 2014! Definitely not one to be missed!!

Extremely powerful narrative, beautifully written – will have you reduced to tears!

Title: Three Rules

Author: Marie Drake

Genre: Dark fiction, mystery, romance

Release date: September 24, 2013

Released by: Marie Drake

Length: 296 pages

Blurb: Hope Wellman has a childhood full of horrific memories, a bone chilling recurring nightmare, and a persistent paranoid sense of being followed that she would rather keep repressed. Is evil reaching from beyond the grave to capture the tattered remnants of her soul once and for all, is it only a machination of her disturbed mind, or is there something happening more sinister than even she can imagine?

Attending the funeral of her abuser is the first step in putting her life back together. She struggles with the fact she never told anyone what happened to her, and that the grave they are mourning over is empty. She’d find it a lot easier to move on and believe in the future if he were in the box, ready to be covered with dirt. She fears the last thread of her sanity has snapped when she sees Lucas everywhere she turns, and can’t escape a recurring nightmare. Is her tormentor alive, or is she imagining it? Is her dream triggered by past fears or is it a prediction of the future?

Quoted from Three Rules:

“I have learned three rules in my life: 1.) The most dangerous people in the world are not always strangers. 2.) The scariest things imaginable are not those that can kill you, but those you can live through. And probably the most prominent: 3.) The most horrible possibility is not what could happen to you, but what you could become – I became a killer.”
~Hope Wellman

REVIEW

Three Rules is an extremely powerful narrative and beautifully written, with a great deal of emotion running through it, that will reduce you to tears. Despite the dark subject matter of abuse, and the mystery of the storyline, it also holds one of the most romantic stories I have ever read!

Hope Wellman (20) having lived through sexual abuse as a young girl, by her step-uncle, Lucas, has never said a word about her ordeal to anyone. And now at Lucas’ funeral she feels an inner-relief that he cannot harm her again. The only doubt that she does have is that his body is not in the coffin as it was never recovered from his boat accident. Without his body, there is a fraction of her that wonders if he is still alive, and when she has moments of feeling that somebody is watching her, she instantly thinks it could be him.

There are a string of events that come to light early in the story that keep reminding Hope of her past and begin to create the mystery for the remainder of the story. One of the main questions you’ll be asking is whether or not Lucas is still alive?

Hope is having terrible nightmares about being chased by someone, and then when she is out she feels like someone is following her, watching her at times. This makes her question her own sanity – she may be paranoid, unless she does have a stalker, or maybe it really is Lucas? There are some brilliant twists in the story to keep the reader wondering and guessing.

The reader is aware of how Hope feels about Lucas’ death as it opens her mind up to those moments of abuse again. She puts on a brave face for her parents, to offer support and to keep her ordeals to herself. However, remaining strong and trying to forget is becoming increasingly difficult when she finds out that one of her childhood friends, Karen Bishop, is pregnant with Lucas’ child. Not only does it hurt to know that he had his hands on her, but it also creates some guilt within Hope that maybe if she had spoken about what had happened to her, then Karen wouldn’t have gotten herself into this situation.

As if dealing with all of this wasn’t enough, there is also the very lovely Joey Bishop to face. Joey is Karen’s brother who was always Hope’s best friend growing up. They did everything together during their childhood and he always had time for her. He was the only boy she ever felt close to. But, after what should have been Hope’s magical and memorable first kiss, her parents encouraged her and Joey to keep their distance after Lucas had seen their innocent moment and reported it back.

A few years on and the attraction is still clearly there. And yet, Hope struggles with her feelings. Anything physical is out of the question, leaving Joey believing that they are just friends. After certain events take place, Hope spends more time with Joey and this really brings them closer together on many levels. But every time she feels she can tell him, something prevents her from doing so. And, will he change his opinion of her if he knew her secret?

The further into the story we go the more Hope’s feelings and past are brought to the fore. Hope’s character is very strong, despite all that she has been through. She still feels like she can’t tell anyone and when her family notice something isn’t right they assume she is depressed (just as she tended to be when she was younger). She begins to feel trapped – she wants to tell Joey on many occasions (and sometimes her mum) but she just can’t face it. At this point the reader feels trapped with her – wanting to encourage her to speak and finally let it out, but at the same time realising it is a delicate subject for her. The fact that she is thinking about telling someone is a step in the right direction.

Three Rules is a work of fiction and yet based on the abuse suffered by the author, making it a very real read but written without lengthy graphic details – it is more focused on the state of mind, the emotions, as it is written with the intent to help others in similar situations. Marie Drake has written the story with so much care that it is a sensitive read but with some powerful heart-warming moments – two of which had me in tears.

This is a story of inner-strength, of coming through abuse and it’s effects, and then reaching the other side. It is a story of courage, will-power and love that carries it’s own message to all those in need – don’t push those feelings down, don’t ignore them. The power to speak to someone, anyone, can be all that you need to begin your journey to the light, where you can find security, love and be at peace with yourself and your loved ones.

A copy of Three Rules was provided by the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Three Rules by Marie Drake is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

To read the prologue and first chapter, along with info on the author, Marie Drake, please check out our spotlight.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

February 16, 2015 by Caroline Barker

REVIEW Deception (Dark Alpha #3) (short story) by Alisa Woods

The Dark Alpha short story series by Alisa Woods is proving to be a darker read by the book! And released today, February 16th, is the third instalment of this New Adult, paranormal romance series. Shifter, Jak, is in love with his alpha’s brother’s mate, Arianna. He is betraying everything he knows to be with her, and is now looking for a way to break the unwanted bond she has with her mate, Mace. He is taking a massive gamble, and Arianna is becoming more scared that they will get found out. Will they ever have the chance to be together?

Title: Deception (Dark Alpha #3)

Author: Alisa Woods

Genre: New adult, paranormal romance

Date released: February 16, 2015

Publisher: Sworn Secrets Publishing

Length: 60 pages

Blurb: New Adult Paranormal Romance serial

Shifters live in the shadows of Seattle, just under the skin of the alpha male, dot-com entrepreneurs who are building a new Silicon Valley in the Emerald City.

Jak has a plan to free Arianna without the witch’s help… but the best laid plans of wolves and men rarely turn out as they hope.

Is love stronger than magic? Or will breaking an unbreakable bond destroy them both?
Deception (Dark Alpha 3) is 60 pages or 15,000 words. It’s the third of six episodes in the Dark Alpha serial.
Adult content. Ages 18+.

REVIEW

This New Adult, paranormal romance series, is becoming darker and darker. Just when we thought that Jak would be able to come to an arrangement with the witches in order for him and Arianna to be rid of her mate, Mace, so that they could be together, he soon realises that it may not exactly go according to plan.

Shifters, Jak and Arianna are in love, but with Arianna being mated to the brother of Jak’s alpha, Gage, it causes more than one problem for Jak. Not only will he have to worry about Mace finding out and killing him and, at the very least harming Arianna, but Jak knows that he has already broken the rules by being with her, and thus gone against his own alpha and pack’s trust. Although they are unaware, if they find out Jak will have a great deal to answer to, as well as feel riddled with guilt.

One of the main conflicts that Jak fights in his mind is his deception to his pack, and pack leader, Gage. Gage has always had a close relationship with him, and accepted him into his pack. They have known each other for a long time, since Jak was quite young. And Jak feels that he is turning his back on the strong friendships he has made, especially with Gage.

There are also many more emotional conflicts as the reader wants Jak and Arianna to be together, but just as the characters do, we fear the outcome. Being mated to Mace against her will, means that Arianna has to follow his rules and obey him. Jak wants to rid Ariana of this meaningless bond, even if it means he doesn’t have the chance to be with her.

Jak feels there is no other way than to break the bond between Mace and Arianna by killing Mace himself. He feels he has no option but to deceive and betray his pack for the one he loves. Arianna, on the other hand, is scared. She knows that Jak will be killed. She feels that it is in their best interests to leave their plans and keep living how they are used to. But then, deep down when Mace mistreats her or she sees Jak, she longs to be with him.

Deception is certainly more focused on Jak and the bond he has with Gage, as well as the psychological struggle he has. The reader gets to know Jak even better and can sympathise with his situation. It is definitely a series you will need to read from the beginning, with Torment (Dark Alpha #1). Paranormal and romance fans will feel the high levels of emotion throughout these episodes and will be left waiting for the fourth, to be released on March 2nd 2015!

A copy of Deception (Dark Alpha #3) was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Deception (Dark Alpha #3) by Alisa Woods is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

You can also check out my first two reviews of the Dark Alpha series, with Torment (Dark Alpha #1) and Pleasure (Dark Alpha #2).

Reviewed by Caroline Barker