Knight with a Violin by Judith Laik Book Release

Just Release: Knight with a Violin: A short story in the Unsuitable Bride Series

A violinist with a mission When musician Bayard Pytchley’s childhood sweetheart is abducted, he sets aside his newly realized ambition of playing in the Florenz Theatre orchestra to rush to her rescue. A stroke of fate strands Bayard with a down-on-their-luck thespian troupe. Viviana Fairweather’s joie de vivre inspires him as only music did before. Despite his noble intentions, Bayard proves all too susceptible to the charms of the troupe’s beautiful leading actress. A free-spirited actress Viviana cannot imagine a more satisfying life than touring with her family and performing for ordinary folk in the towns and villages of rural England. But when violinist Bayard Pytchley joins their troupe temporarily, she realizes what she has been missing—a man to share her life and love. Caught between honor and love Viviana can’t help but admire the man for his loyalty. Yet, how will her shattered heart mend when he leaves the troupe to search for his first love? What’s a man of honor to do when he falls in love with the wrong woman?

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Other Books in The Unsuitable Bride Series:

The Lady is Mine (Book 1)

He needed a solution When an innocent carriage drive leads to a few stolen kisses and a hasty proposal, Lord Beldon must find a way out of a most inconvenient betrothal. Miss Harriet Vernon is not the tall, elegant lady he envisioned for his wife. His solution: invite her to his country home. He believes a fortnight with his quarrelsome family will send her running the other way. She had a plan Harriet is no happier with the situation. If only she hadn’t been so dazzled by Lord Beldon’s handsomeness and dazed by his kisses, she never would have agreed to his proposal. Marriage isn’t in her plans—she wants to travel and see the world. If she brings her ravishing younger sister to his country home, the beautiful pair is bound to fall in love, leaving Harriet free to pursue her goal. Unfortunately it wasn’t working . . . for either of them Harriet and Beldon can’t seem to keep their hands off each other, and with interfering families, hot pursuit by other candidates for their hands and a pantomime to perform, will these two misguided lovers ever discover they were meant for each other? "Sometimes what the mind thinks it wants, the heart will speak another language all it’s own, called love… " --Janalee Ruschhaupt, Love Romances website

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The Lady in Question (Book 2)

A fateful toss of the dice Charlotte Treadwell is outraged when she learns her gaming-mad papa has just forfeited her in a game of hazard. Suddenly she is the “property” of Hugh Brooks, Earl of Rayfield, a rake and a gambler who couldn’t possibly understand that her passionate heart is taken up with helping those less fortunate than she. A perilous game of chance Rayfield must stop an aristocratic spy from inflicting the horrors of revolution upon England. How can he keep his mind on his duties when the tempting woman he has just won is the fiery daughter of his prime suspect? Love is the most dangerous gamble of all . . .

Buy Link

About the Author:

Judith lives on a historic pioneer farm in the verdant Pacific Northwest with her husband, daughter, two cats, some horses, and a dozen or so Collies. Ms Laik writes Regency-set historicals, and has also written two (so far) stories in the “When a Hero Comes Marching Home” World War II series. As Judy Laik, she is the author of a story in a historical anthology for middle-grade children, A Horse’s Tale, and a middle-grade book, Under Whose Influence?, as well as co-author of a book of quotations, Around the Circle Gently. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Beau Monde and Greater Seattle chapters or RWA, and Pacific Northwest Writers Association. Visit her Web site at http://www.judithlaik.com.

Ever Near by Melissa MacVicar Audiobook Review

Most definitely one of the top YA books I've listened to this year.



My Review:

I'm a huge fan of ghost stories and loved this story! Jade is a normal teen except she see's ghosts. It's something she keeps to herself as she assumes everyone will think she's nuts if they knew including her best friend. The ghosts are creepy, mean and ugly -- something out of a nightmare.

Her mother engaged they move into Fairever in Nantucket with the fiance and his two sons. That brings up more problems as a creepy ghost she calls Lacy haunts the house and her. She also has a massive crush on the youngest son Charlie who will soon be her step brother.

The story unfolds at a good pace, adding to the suspense and written first person builds Jade's character making come alive. There's a little humor and a touch of romance making this a story it's hard to put down.


A big part of audiobooks for me is the narrator and Melissa Redmond gave the story more character and life.

Amazon/Audible

The Patchwork Man by DB Martin Audiobook Review

Clever story that's most definitely worth listening too!



Review:

This story is about Lawrence Juste, a lawyer who is brought a young man Danny who is accused of a crime. His job is to get Danny off. As he digs into the case more and more is revealed starting with his life as a child.

When Lawrence was just a child his parents had too many children and little means to take care of them all. The government stepped in and split up the children. Lawrence went to a home along with other of his siblings and while there learns life the hard way. As the story progresses more of his life and its secrets are revealed.

The story is clever and suspenseful. Not nail biting suspenseful but enough to pique the reader/listener and keep them posted. The plot unravels like a slow death to Lawrence. There are elements in the story many authors wouldn't broach but this author did and with taste.

The narrator Rob Groves does a great job. His voice is easy and steady. I wish he'd changed his pacing more to match the story but overall no complaints. This is an excellent story and written well. 

I definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy mystery, suspense and thrillers!

Amazon/Audible

Shadow Sight by EJ Stevens Audiobook Review

Worth the listen.



My Review

This was fun listen. Ivy is a psychic detective with second sight. She see's the monsters for who they are and can't touch anything without seeing its past. She lives in Harboursmouth where plenty of creatures mingle in the streets.

When a demon walks into her and best friend Jinx detective agency her life gets even crazier. He's been hired by a type of Fae when their king disappears. They want her to find an item of his. In her search she gets distracted and doesn't spend a lot of time looking for it instead she spends more time warning other supernaturals and gaining their assistance. 

It was another type of Fae who kidnapped the other's king and they are ruthless and ready to attack Harboursmouth. 

It started a little slow but picked up after the first few chapters. Where I kept getting lost was her in depth descriptions of all the various types of Fae and other monsters. I really just needed to know about the ones directly involved with the story not every one she saw and it's history etc. I adore the author's imagination but trying to keep track of them all was a brain blast that detracted from the actual story. Sometimes less is better.

I enjoyed listening to the narrator and think she was a good fit for the story.

Amazon

Midnight Burning by Karissa Laurel Audiobook Review

Refreshing, creative and suspenseful!



My Review:

This story had me intrigued and hooked from the start. Solina travels to Alaska after her twin brothers death. She's driven to learn more and haunted by nightmres involving a wolf. Once there she hooks up with her brother Mani's friends and searches for clues to his death. No one is forthcoming. In fact they all seem a little shady as if they're covering something up and insist she go home and have an intense need to protect her. But she's stubborn and one track minded. Dead set on learning what happened to her brother she stays,continuing her quest and finds more than what happened to Mani.

First, I love the setting. I've never been to Alaska but the author's brief, solid descriptions make me feel as though I have. The suspense factor in this book is high too. From one chapter to the next I had to continue listening. The author uses great pacing only revealing a little at a time, slowly thickening the plot.

The narrator was a perfect match for me. Good quality and she used great pacing.

On my list for best books I listened to in 2016!

Amazon

Holiday Giveaway!

December is an awesome month! It's the best month of the year and filled with treasures for me such as my birthday and enjoying Holiday time with my family. 

I'm celebrating and have a gift for a lucky somebody. Enter the Rafflecopter below and get a chance to win a $20 Amazon card to be given to the winner 12/24. Go on, enter to win!


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The Devil's Cross by E.M.G. Wixley Audiobook Review

Wow! It doesn't get much better.

My Review:

I always enjoy a good thriller and this is entire series is nonstop intrigue and suspense. There was many points I didn't know who was good or bad or even who I liked. And the creepy doll thing was eerie from book 1 and I loved it. 

There's a lot of players and characters some who are completely despicable. EMG Wixley does a fantastic job building the characters and plot twists. I didn't expect the end and I see the possibility of another in the future or even a spin-off series.

Nigel Peever didn't disappoint either; the voices and sound effects work very effectively to add intensity to the story!

Amazon

Dead Endz: Zombie Games by Kristen Middleton Audiobook Review

Love this series!



My Review:

This series is simply fun! This book picks up where book 2 left off. Cassie and crew are finally in Atlanta but separated into various groups.

There's a few surprises and twists but you'll have to read or listen to find them out. I won't give any spoilers!

What makes this such a fun book is the many plot twists in combination with the author's ability to build the characters. The narrator, Belle Avery, adds extra comedy to it with her change of pace when reading and the many voices she uses for the characters.

This is a series you won't want to miss!

Amazon/Audible

Winter Thrillz by TL Katt Book Blitz!

Winter Thrillz
T.L. Katt
Publication date: December 2nd 2016
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Two short paranormal romances: Tigress and Talons. Explore debut author T.L. Katt’s world of paranormal romance.

Tigress
Jestin, in need of a vacation, takes a break to the mountains where strange events send him exploring the woods. What he finds changes his life forever.

Talons
It’s an ordinary day when Meg gets scooped up by a creature. She awakes in her own bed believing it was only a dream, until she finds puncture marks under her arms. In fear that she’s been injected with a virus, she flees to solve the mystery — finding much more.
This book is meant for mature audiences 18 and above.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

TALONS EXCERPT:

“Oh, Miss Meg, you don’t look good. Your cheeks are flushed red like a tomato.” Elsa placed the coffee on the nightstand beside the bed and brought her hand to Meg’s forehead. Worry wrinkles creased her chocolate hairline and brow. “You’re burning up, and what are all those splotches on your legs and arms? We need to cool you down!” Elsa ran out of the room, leaving Meg to stare at her body covered in splashes of red inflamed skin. A fever and illness would explain the hallucinations she dreamt the night before.

Within minutes, Elsa returned with a cold cloth that she placed on Meg’s forehead. “This will cool you off while I draw your bath.” Like a small black whirlwind, Elsa had the bath water running and

was slipping off Meg’s gown and lowering her into the tub of chilly oatmeal water. Meg knew better than to resist Elsa’s efforts and complied.
Shivering beneath the cold water brought her back to her dream and the frozen air. She could almost feel the large talons beneath her armpits and the acute pain the creature’s claw had caused. She brought her left hand instinctively to beneath her under arm and felt a hole the size of her pinky. She removed her hand and drew her arm up over her head. “Elsa, do you see anything?”
Elsa’s eyes grew twice their average size. “What happened?” she asked, bringing her fat fingers to the hole and rubbing gently across it. “Does it hurt?”
“No, it’s just a big hole. It feels like someone stuck me with a centimeter-sized needle.”
Elsa reached over and grabbed a vanity mirror off the counter and positioned it where Meg could see the hole. She stared at it, her mouth gaping with fear as she realized last night had not been a dream. She had been abducted by something that stuck her and most likely drugged her. She couldn’t go to the hospital with this, not after the disappearance of her husband and the mystery that surrounded the strange death of the man thought to have been guilty of murdering several people. No, she was a doctor and would take and analyze her own tox screen.
“Elsa, help me out of the tub, I have work to do!” Sensing the urgency of her tone, Elsa did as asked, against her own judgement. Meg was her friend but also her employer. Meg threw her bathrobe on and rushed through the house with lightning speed, not stopping as she yelled, “Tell Amy I had to leave town for a few days.” Her voice trailed off, leaving Elsa seated on the lip of the tub in a quandary.
As Meg sped through the house, she could feel the sun’s heat nipping at her skin even though a thin layer of snow covered the ground. She had no time to close the drapes to the many floor to ceiling windows that enclosed her home. She had fallen in love with the large amounts of sunlight that streamed in, giving the house a warm, cozy feel — but not now. Today, she hated the light and the tendrils of heat that ebbed across her exposed skin. With a speed far beyond her ability, she was but a mere flash streaking through the home.
In the basement, she tore through boxes of lab equipment; setting aside test tubes, needles, flasks, a hot plate, and microscope. She had used the equipment to analyze the sample her colleague and college dorm mate — now FBI lab rat — had collected from the sociopath’s blood. The sample had been small but enough to tell

her the toxin he was injected with was unknown and deadly to him. When it interacted with his blood, within seconds the agent destroyed every blood cell in his body. It acted as a virus exploding each red blood cell from the inside out like over inflated balloons. Yet when she mixed the toxin with her own blood it mingled, restructuring the hemoglobin protein in a way that allowed it to carry more oxygen throughout the body.
Meg found the large bulging vein in her arm. Without hesitation, she withdrew a vial of blood.


Tigress Excerpt:
He scrambled off his porch and through the woods, nearly tripping in the snow. Once he reached the tree line, he slowed and moved through the woods. Steam rising from the earth caught his attention and a woman, almost white as the snow and buck naked, stood before him. She was tiny, with breasts no larger than biscuits, and an oval face. Her blonde hair hung in curls around her shoulders and her eyes were a deep violet. The steam wasn't rising from the snow, but from her.
He took a step towards the woman. "Are you real?" he asked, more to himself.
She answered, "I am. Come." Her voice pulled him further towards

her. He felt caught in the middle of reality and a dream.
"Pinch me," he demanded.
She moved toward him, her heat making him sweat inside his coat and he felt his cock rise inside his pants. Gently, she touched his arm and pinched a small piece of his cheek between her fingers.
The warmth of her hands tingled against his flesh, sending waves of desire through his body and a feeling of his face on fire when she let go.
"Ouch," he said.
She giggled. "You aren't dreaming."
A gun shot rang through the air and Jestin turned to see Hank standing a few feet away. "What are you doing out here?" he asked.

Jestin turned back towards the woman and she was gone. Vanished. "I was... I thought I saw something here in the woods."

Author Bio:
T.L. Katt lives in the south eastern U.S. with her two fur-children Crescent and Gibbous. She dabbles in graphic design, creating all her own covers, and writes stories that are more truth than fiction. Her favorite genres and writing preferences are paranormal and fantasy.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Mailing List

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Incandescent Embers by Hargrove Perth Book Blast

A perpetual night-owl and lover of all things paranormal related, Hargrove spends a great deal of time researching the larger than life characters of history to formulate characters unforgettable and strangely adored. She writes horror, dark romance, fantasy, and paranormal in the Adult, New Adult, and YA categories. When asked why paranormal, she said, "I'm the girl who cries at the end when Frankenstein is misunderstood, who wants Dracula to keep Mina in his arms forever... I see the humanity in them that others cannot." 2014 Author of the Year by Double Decker Books in Historical/Horror Dark Days Remy Broulette. DDBA 2015 Author of the Year YA Fantasy Miss Crabtree's School for Unnaturals, DDBA 2015 Nominee YA Fantasy Chronicle:Dark Sea Triad, and DDBA 2015 Author of the Year Horror (comedic) Coven Wives.

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While Europe is enduring the Nazi invasion, and England exists on the verge of falling, Miss Crabtree and her students must face the greatest danger of their lives as they stand against those who wish to destroy their beloved homeland and use the Unnaturals for their own devices. With the Everlast close behind their every move, Fleur, Lucy, and the Loams set out toward Germany to destroy the Ahnenerbe before they can capture their friends and to stop the atrocities happening before their eyes. Will Fleur and Lucy survive and find their way home to Rivenwood or will the Ahnenerbe prevail? The fate of the world rests in the hands of a young group of brave misfits known as the Unnaturals...

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Giveaway for Book Blast for Incandescent Embers

Odds and Endings by Joe DeRouen Audiobook Review

Very Entertaining!




My Review:

I'm a huge short story lover and this book has several. Each is a suspenseful tale with a few twists and turns. I love shorts because I can listen or read them during breaks but it takes a talented author to bring a story down to the most important information without jumping too quickly or giving anything away too soon. I think Joe DeRouen has the ability to do this.

I'm not sold on the narrator. He wasn't great but not horrible. What I did really dislike about the book was each story flowed with little separation between them. I think there should be larger pauses between them and a little more intro so the reader knows the story is switching. Otherwise it's an entertaining collection of shorts.

Amazon/Audible

White is the Coldest Colour Audiobook Review

An interesting psychological thriller.



My Review:

So I already left a review but it's not here. So weird. Overall an interesting concept but to be honest I was hoping for more suspence which this book lacked in spades.

I give the author credit in attempting to broach difficult subject latter with taste but their isn't any so might as well be forward and gruesome or at least build the suspense. The narrator didn't help as his tone was even and he lacked any tactics to characterize or even lead on that I should be chewing my nails, instead I went to sleep after every couple chapters.

So that all sounds pretty negative but overall with a more exciting narrator and more action I think it has potential. I also recognize that most people don't digest fictional gruesome as well as I do so I think many people would enjoy this book even though I found it a literal sleeper. 

Honestly, if you can't stomach gory yet want a good toe curler that won't gross you out this may be a book for you.

Audible/Amazon

Keep the Creativity Going!

Authors when working heavily on a story, what do you do when you need a break to keep the creative juices flowing?

Daily I do a little listening or reading of someone elses' work. It gives me a break from the confines of my own imagination. But when taking a break after working several straight hours on one of my masterpieces I watch TV or movies, depends on what I'm writing. My Father' a Serial Killer was my show of choice while writing The Calm Before the Storm. I also spent as much time as possible watching the most gruesome movies I could find and doses of Criminal Minds.

I also enjoy Vampire Diaries, episodes of True Blood, Dexter, Ghost Whisperer and Wicked City. I'm crossing my fingers Wicked City will come back for a second season.

Those are all fantastic shows but I prefer movies. I've seen every Purge, Insidious, Paranormal Activity and anything and everything that makes a person's skin crawl as they cringe and hide under the covers and I usually do this late at night. Judge Judy and Hot Bench are also great inspiration.

I find these aren't just great for breaks, watching movies puts me in the mood for writing when my schedule's been crazy and haven't had the time.

Below are trailers for the movies I've watched this week. So what do you do on a writing break?

Giveaway! The Complete Tea Tin Collection!

You could WIN the complete tea tin collection! Inspired by books 

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NanoWrimo 2016

For three years straight I participated in Nwnowrimo but this year I've chosen not to.

I love Nsno and regardlesss of not joining I'm 20,000 words into my next release. The second Bloobseeker book, The Monster Upstairs. It's coming along nicely and I encourage all Nanomers to continue.

My first Nano book was Eye of the Storm, since two books have followed, completing the trilogy. Write, write and write. Book 3 published and a spinoff series on its way after I complete The Monster Upstairs and Prison of the Past Baby Girl 7 and the final book in the series. The spinoff series is YA horror, titled Evan's Girls. The first book starts with the most unlikely victim of the serial killer.

Keep writing and let your imagination go wild. Enjoy Nano and support all those working on their masterpiece :-)

Love you all, keep writing!

Among Monsters by Jamie McGuire Audiobook Review

This was a really enjoyable zombie story!



My Review:
Among Monsters is an apocalyptic story involving a family, 2 daughters and a father, trying to get to Red Hill where the girls think their mother is. The oldest daughter Jenna and her mother spent free time watching zombie flicks and have an elaborate plan for the apocalypse. The girls father picks them up from school at the beginning of when people are only starting to get sick, things progress quickly, cell phones go out and they have no way of contacting their mother or for her to contact them so they stick to the plan, meet at Red Hill.

I really didn't like either girl nor the mother. The oldest Jenna is a brat and the youngest is whiny. I felt bad for the father but all that brought realism and character to them and they humbled over time. In the story they face several tough situations and meet several people who help them during their travels. The plot was pretty tight and focused and I felt the story wasn't too gory for young adults, in fact there wasn't much blood and guts for a zombie story.

I enjoyed the narrator, Patricia Santomasso's performance and was able t to see the story play out in my head.

Amazon

Introducing TLKatt and grab her FREE book!

Author of paranormal romance Winter Thrillz

She invites you to sign-up for her mailing list and get a FREE copy of The Calling, only available with sign-up.

Simply click here. The rest is automated.

The Dispatcher by Zachary Quinto Audiobook Review

Great story! I picked it up free and wasn't disappointed.



My Review:
I love short stories that grab my attention and are developed. In this story the reader is introduced to dispatchers. The story opens with a man who is in the hospital room as a serious operation is happening. The doctor openly wants him gone but he's there for liability. His job is to return the person if they die. As the story progresses it's full of twists and surprises.

I picked it up because it was free and the genre I enjoy. The author is fantastic. I'd read another of his books. The narrator Zachary Quinto did an awesome performance. 

The suspense and curiosity plotted in this story along with great character development make this is story I reccomend to anyone who enjoys a good thriller or mystery!

Amazon

The White Aura by Felicia Tatum Audiobook Review

Original and Intriguing



My Review:
The White Aura is a young adult fantasy that's appropriate for teens. All the elements to make it an entertaining read were present. The main character is kinda a normal teen excepr she has dreams, vivid dreams about a really hot guy. The hot dream guy is real but can't let her know he exists until she reaches a certain age. He's a sorcerer. In the story various sorcerers are known to each other by their aura.

The story is fast paced and easy to listen to. The characters were believable and there was an element of suspense. The only thing that made me smash my eyebrows was the Crimson Calamari. The CC is an evil sorcerer whose super strong. I didn't get the name. The red squid? I chuckle at the name rather than accept him as a bad guy. I think his nickname could be stronger but it was a really fun story anyways. 

Evienne Zander's performance and pace was good. The story ends but leaves the door wide open for a sequel so I'll be watching for it.

Amazon

The Masterpiecers by Olivia Wildenstein Audiobook Review

I finished this book a week ago but have been slow at getting a review written. It's a great book just busy.



My Review:
Sisters Ivy and Aster are caught in the middle of a scheme. Aster's in prison for murder and Ivy's on her way to join the hit show Masterpiecers. A show where artists complete for money through a series of activities displaying their skills. That doesn't sound all that exciting but intrigue is carefully woven into the story creating a great story.

The story flips between Aster and Ivy developing their characters. and the plot. At first the connection isn't evident whether on purpose or not but there was enough suspense to keep me listening. Narrator Catherine Wenglowski did a good job with her performance and I enjoyed the story.

For anyone who enjoys a good mystery then check this one out.

Amazon