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Cover Reveal: Reaper

Published April 30, 2012 by LS Murphy

Holy snickerdoodles! It’s really happening. I’m so excited to share this! I think I’m hyperventilating. :)

REAPER HAS A COVER! SQUEE!!!!!!

AND HERE IT IS AT LAST!!!

Back of the Book:
There’s no way sixteen year old Quincy Amarante will become the fifth grim reaper. None. Not over her shiny blue Mustang. Her Jimmy Choos. Or her dead body.
She’s supposed to enjoy her sophomore year, not learn about some freaky future Destiny says she has no choice but to fulfill.
It doesn’t take long for Quincy to realize the only way out of the game is to play along especially since Death can find her anyway, anywhere, anytime. And does.
Like when she’s reassuring her friends she wants nothing to do with former best friend Ben Moorland, who’s returned from god-knows-where, and fails. Miserably.
Instead of maintaining her coveted popularity status, Quincy’s goes down like the Titanic.
Maybe … just maybe … that’s okay.
It seems, perhaps, becoming a grim reaper isn’t just about the dead but more about a much needed shift in Quincy’s priorities—from who she thinks she wants to be to who she really is.

Publisher: http://www.jtaylorpublishing.com/books/19

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13504857-reaper

Book Review: Black Heart by Holly Black

Published April 26, 2012 by LS Murphy

Synopsis: Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy.

But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.

The Cover: Meh. I almost missed this on the shelves since they changed to cover design.

The First Line: “My brother Barron sits next to me, sucking the last dregs of milk tea slush noisily through a wide yellow straw.” I love Cassel’s voice. You get an immediate picture of a brother annoyed by his sibling. Since this is the third book in the series, readers will already have a good idea of their relationship. This sentence just punctuates it more.

The Good: Cassel Sharpe is a quick witted young man with a razor tongue and more skills than he has sense. I adore him. There are no easy choices for Cassel and he struggles with being good against being a curse worker. His internal struggles are well written and anyone can relate to his self-doubt.

The Bad: That the series is over. Seriously, Holly Black is brilliant.

Recommendation: Read them all.

5 Questions with Daniel A. Cohen

Published April 24, 2012 by LS Murphy

Daniel A. Cohen was just your average business student. Microeconomics, finance, marketing… you name it, he had to do a PowerPoint presentation on it. One dark and stormy night, he was bitten by the radioactive realization that memorizing business jargon could possibly be the most boring activity known to man.

After gaining eagle-eye vision, abs that could grate cheese, and a talent for imagining things (including his cheese-grating abs), he wrote his first novel and began his epic battle against the formidable business jargon. He continues to fight the good fight by playing saxophone and writing YA fantasy, forever hoping his Veil trilogy will help inspire others to join his cause.

 

Now on to the FIVE QUESTIONS

 

1. Congrats on your novel Masters of the Veil. Where did the spark of inspiration for Sam Lock come from?

I’m a huge sci-fi/ fantasy fan. Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Alvin Maker, Name of the Wind; I love it all. I noticed that there seemed to be a trend in fantasy novels where an outcast is pulled into a fantasy world and finds his place in the new society. I thought it would be really interesting to see what happened if the opposite circumstance occurred. Say… a football playing, popular kid getting pulled into a fantasy world and struggling to find a place there. I couldn’t find it, so I wrote it!

2. Masters of the Veil is the first in a trilogy. How different is the writing process for you now than it was writing the first book?

Oh man, I thought writing the sequel was going to be easier than the creating the first, but that’s not the case at all. With a sequel, us fantasy authors have to keep track of SO much. We have to reveal more of the world, develop the characters further, and keep track of so many interpersonal relationships. I’ve found that writing a sequel requires putting in the effort, but I’m very excited about how “Children of the Veil” is progressing.

3. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Keep pushing against the tide of rejection! All it takes is one yes to change your life.

4. What is your solution to writer’s block?

I’ll get back to you when I find it. What’s yours? (PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE) (Actually, my secret is to interview other authors to find out their secrets. L.S.) 

5. Finally, Star Wars or Star Trek?

Neither. Lord of the Rings all the way! But If I have to say something with “STAR” in it, than STARDUST by Neil Gaiman. Pretty much anything by Neil Gaiman is pure genius.

 

Book Review: Hushed by Kelley York

Published April 23, 2012 by LS Murphy

Synopsis: He’s saved her. He’s loved her. He’s killed for her.

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he’s never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another—Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who’s ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer’s committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn’t get what she wants… And what she wants is Evan’s death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.

The Cover: Love the eyes downcast. Love the blood on the cheek.

The First Line: “‘I feel that suicide notes lose their zing when they drag on too long.’ Archer emphasized the statement with a tap of his foot.” If you don’t get the idea that this is a dark novel by the opening, you probably never will.

The Good: Who would’ve thought that I would sympathize with a serial killer? Seriously? I loved Archer. I wanted to smack Vivian for treating him like she did.

The complexity of the characters is really what drives this story. Nothing is as cut and dry as Archer believes it is. The romance between Archer and Evan is sweet. I found myself rooting for them the entire way.

The Bad: Not much. I wish there would’ve been more from Evan.

Recommendation: If you can stomach it, buy it. Read it. And read it again.

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Visit Kelley’s website: http://www.kelley-york.com/

Cover Reveal: After Dark by Emi Gayle

Published April 16, 2012 by LS Murphy

After Dark
The 19th Year Trilogy – Book 1
by Emi Gayle
Release Date: October 31, 2012

What eighteen year old Mac Thorne doesn’t know will probably kill her.

In exactly eight months, five days, three hours and thirteen minutes, Mac has to choose what she’ll be for the rest of her life.

She has no choice but to pick. As a Changeling, it’s her birthright. To Mac, it’s a birthchore. Like going to school with humans, interacting with humans, and pretending to be human during the pesky daylight hours.

Once darkness descends, Mac can change into any supernatural form that exists — which makes her as happy as she can be. That is, until Winn Thomas, the biggest geek in her senior class figures out there’s more to what hides in the dark than most are willing to acknowledge.

In this first of the 19th Year Trilogy, Winn might know more about Mac than even she does, and that knowledge could end their lives, unless Mac ensures the powers-that-be have no choice but to keep him around.

URL: http://www.jtaylorpublishing.com/books/16

http://www.emigayle.com/blog/

5 Questions with S.S. Michaels

Published April 10, 2012 by LS Murphy

S. S. Michaels is a writer of transgressive fiction. She holds degrees in Business Administration and Film & Video Production. She has lived abroad, traveled widely, jumped out of an airplane and driven a race car. In film and television, she read slush and wrote coverage, then moved on to become a production coordinator. She finally served as a TV network financial analyst before leaving Hollywood. She lives with her husband, two kids, and two dogs.

Now on to the FIVE QUESTIONS

1. Where did the spark of inspiration come from for Idols & Cons?

I was working on a television award show and a couple of our guests were boy bands. I observed their dynamics and had an idea or two.

2. What authors have influenced you the most?

I’m most influenced by Chuck Palahniuk, Bret Easton Ellis, S. G. Browne, and Jeremy C. Shipp.

3. What is your solution to writer’s block?

Writer’s block… Hmm, I used to think that didn’t exist, but I’ve recently been hit right in the face with it. I’m still struggling with it, so I’m open to suggestions. I’m going to try running and reading more. We’ll see.

4. What are you reading right now?

I am currently reading The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama.

5. Finally, Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Beatles all the way.

Her novel Idols & Cons is available from Omnium Gatherum Media.

Synopsis:  Jake Wolfram is the biggest, slickest, sickest pop star of our time.

Drug-dealing voyeuristic punk, Jake, is yanked from poverty and into the white-hot spotlight after witnessing a crime committed by his neighbor, Damien Tungsten, front man for the boy band, In Dreams.

Jake lives life on the run, hiding in the limelight, and resenting every single minute of it. He’s relentlessly pursued by his former friend, psychopathic visual artist, Patrick Salinger, who coerces Jake into helping him turn a grisly murder into a masterpiece.

Seizing control of the power he craves, Jake disposes of Damien, confronts Patrick, and lives a bad-boy rock-and-roll lifestyle as he hijacks Damien’s super-stardom.

But Damien’s not quite ready to let it go.

In her debut novel, Michaels uses biting wit and seething satire to bring the reader behind the scenes, to an explosive world where pop music grinds up against the cutting edge of art and drugs are the fuel that ignite it

Cover Reveal: Blue Moon by J.A. Belfield

Published April 9, 2012 by LS Murphy

Blue Moon
A Holloway Pack Story #2
by J.A. Belfield
Release Date: December 1, 2012

Someone is watching the Holloway pack, and this time, the female isn’t the target.

Life with a group of seven male werewolves worries Jem Stonehouse not one bit. She is engaged to the Alpha’s son Sean Holloway after all. So what has Jem’s territorial instincts on high alert?

The pack’s latest addition. Both of them.

None of the men think there’s a problem with the new girlfriends. Jem’s intuition tells her otherwise—that and a nagging suspicion the new females aren’t there to partake.

Jem believes they’ve joined in to take.

The question is … What?

As the eve of the blue moon draws ever closer, Jem’s running out of time to find the answer and outwit a thief of the worst possible kind.

A woman who believes she can’t lose.
 

URL: http://www.jtaylorpublishing.com/books/18

Previous Books in this series include:
Darkness & Light (#1)
Instinct (#0)
Eternal (#0.5)

http://www.jabelfield.com

Book Review: Tidal Whispers

Published April 5, 2012 by LS Murphy

Synopsis: A romance collection of four stories featuring mermen, sirens, and water sprites.

Heart’s Desire by Julie Reece
After a terrible accident, Tessa returns to her family beach house to heal. She doesn’t expect to see her first summer crush from seven years before. Cameron, though, reappears and ignites a relationship that’s far more intense than ever before. The only problem? Summer is once again coming to an end, and this time, Tessa will have to decide whether to choose life with Cameron or to never see him again.

The Sweetest Song by Claire Gillian
Under Poseidon’s rule, Circe is the most destructive siren in the Pacific ocean, her songs luring ships and their crew to their watery graves. Not Otis, the best halibut fisherman in the Alaskan waters. His ship, the Calypso, has avoided disaster each time Circe set her sights on him.

Given one last chance to deliver Otis to Davy Jones’ locker, Circe takes to land to waylay the handsome captain. Instead, it may be Otis himself who hooks the Siren.

Pearl of Pau’maa by Kelly Said
Should Miki choose to wed the local wealthy boy she doesn’t love, her stomach will stop grumbling. Her soul, however, will suffocate. With one last opportunity before she must concede, she sneaks off for a final dive to her hidden crate at the bottom of the seabed. What waits for her is more than a captured lobster. It’s a treasure she cannot claim without great sacrifice or true love.

The Undergarden by Jocelyn Adams 
Nixie, a water sprite, lives a solitary existence as she struggles to understand the strange world beyond her waters. When she meets one of the pink ones, a curious boy named Wyatt, their friendship blooms into a love that can exist only upon the sands that divide his solid ground from her underwater paradise. Some love, though, once born, cannot be undone, even in the face of death.

The Cover: Gorgeous image! The colors are well balanced and shout MERMAIDS and other underwater creatures. It’s also clear that this is a romance.

My Thoughts on the Stories

Hearts Desire by Julie Reece: Great story to open the anthology. Reece sets up a story that will both break your heart and set it soaring. Poor Tessa, I felt her agony.

The Sweetest Song by Claire Gillian: Gillian leads you through the frustration of Circe, a failing siren, to the realization of why she’s cannot complete her mission with humor and humanity. While Circe was only doing her job, I couldn’t help but feel for Otis as he struggled to understand what was going on.

Pearl of Pau’maa by Kelly Said: Harmon, the soldier who doesn’t believe in the power of the pearl, and Miki, who is desperate to survive, take you to the depths of the ocean as they come together in more ways than one. Said paints the scenery with skill and ease as we swim alongside Miki and Harmon.

The Undergarden by Jocelyn Adams: If this story doesn’t make you cry… WOW. I seriously teared up as Nixie and Wyatt’s story took me on a roller coaster ride through the highs and lows of love. Just an amazing way to end a completely engaging anthology.

Recommendation: A must read for fans of romance.

5 Questions with Lynne Kelly

Published April 3, 2012 by LS Murphy

Lynne Kelly was born in Galesburg, Illinois, grew up in Houston, Texas, then tried living in colder places again before making it back to the Houston area. She works as a sign language interpreter and writes novels for children and young adults.

Lynne’s debut middle grade novel Chained will be released in May 2012

Visit her at: http://lynnekellybooks.com/wordpress/

Now on to the FIVE QUESTIONS

1. Where did the spark of inspiration for Chained come from?

I’d heard that if a young elephant is captured and tied up, it will struggle and struggle to break free, but once it gives up, it gives up forever. So years later you’ll see the same small rope or chain holding a full-grown elephant, who doesn’t know it could easily break free if it tried. That was the birth of the captive elephant!

2.  How much research time did you put in to recreate India?

A lot! It was really important to me to describe India accurately. One challenge was making the setting seem natural and familiar to the characters, but showing it clearly enough so readers who don’t know much about India could envision it. I read books and online resources about India and Indian culture, but I learned most from talking to people who’ve lived there. I don’t think most people know how diverse India itself is; I know I didn’t. There are such differences from region to region, it’s almost like many countries in one. I couldn’t just pick out an “Indian name” or have them eating “Indian food,” for example– it needed to be an appropriate name or food for that part of India.

3. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Read as much as possible, especially in the genre you want to write. Besides letting you know what books are already out there, I think that reading great writing helps you naturally absorb good storytelling skills.

4. What is your solution to writer’s block?

I do better with pen and paper than with the computer, so when I’m feeling stuck I sit down with a notebook and a pen to do some freewriting about whatever I’m working on. Usually I’ll come up with some good ideas or a sentence I need for a scene.

5.  Finally, Beatles or Rolling Stones?

I love them both! If I had to pick one, though, it’d be the Beatles.