Review for Swimming through Clouds by Rajdeep Paulus

Title: Swimming Through Clouds

Author: Rajdeep Paulus

Kindle Edition, 

260 pages 

Published:  May 25th 2013 by Playlist Fiction 

ASIN: B00D0V236K 

Edition language: English 

Literary awards: Finalist (2nd Place) NORWA (YA Fiction) (2012), Finalist Wisconsin RWA Honorable Mention (YA Fiction) (2012), Finalist Women of Faith Full Manuscript (2012), Semi-Finalist Genesis Contest (YA Fiction) (2012)

I live in the in between. Between what if and what is.

It's how I manage. It's the only way I know.

Everyone has their way. This is mine.

When high school, cell phone disruption forces a classroom ban, the words on a Post-it note spark a sticky romance between two unlikely friends. Transfer student Talia Vanderbilt has one goal at her new school: to blend in with the walls. Lagan Desai, basketball captain and mathlete, would do just about anything to befriend the new girl. One Post-it note at a time, Lagain persuades Talia to peel back her heart,

slowly revealing her treasure chest of pain - an absent mother, a bedridden brother, and an abusive father. In a world where hurt is inevitable, the two teens search for a safe place to weather the storms of life. Together.

I got a copy from the author for my honest review. 

I have to admit, I don't like to read about any child suffering because of a grown up, especially getting abused but Rajdeep Paulus hooked me from the first page of Swimming through Clouds. The situation is real and one that seems to happen more and more everyday. We can't ignore it and I think what Rajdeep Paulus did with this debut novel was quite amazing. Although the setting isn't my favorite, the words, description and imagination coming from this author was.

I couldn't put the book down and Lagan Desai, is such an amazing character, you won't help to love this character dearly. He creeps into one's soul and I loved loved loved his Post-it's he kept sending Talia in order to gain her trust, friendship and love.

A beautiful story of heartache, pain, kindness and love and I understand why Swimming through Clouds were up for an Literary Awards.

Well done Rajdeep and I wish you all the best with Swimming through the clouds and all your writing endeavors. I'll definitely keep an eye on this author. Worth buying this novel and I recommend it to everyone 

that loves a drama, something different type of love story.

Title: Journey of the Princess of Ice

Author: LaVerne Thompson

Series: The Elementals 

Genre: New Adult/ Fantasy/ Graphic Novel

Publisher: Isisindc Publishing, LLC

Release Date: TBA 

Blurb/Synopsis: 

What happens when fire meets ice?

Ice had traveled the realms for centuries searching for the ice elementals, others of her kind but she was alone always alone. Never staying one place for long because sooner or later her mere presence caused the temperature of the land to drop to a killing freeze. Until she found the one place her powers had no effect. And perhaps the one being who could counter her freeze.

Running from a destiny not of his own choosing, Arch finally found the one person who could make him stop running. But Ice must never learn the truth. A fire demon destroyed her world and he was his father’s son.

LaVerne Thompson is the mother of two college age kids, so weird to read that. A wife, a former intellectual property attorney, a multi-published best-selling author of contemporary, fantasy, and sci/fi sensual romances and avid reader of same. She also writes romantic suspense and new adult contemporary under Ursula Sinclair.

Her stories are available from Amazon, All Romance E-books, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Smashwords as well as her publishers. Visit her at http://lavernethompson.com to learn more.

GMTA Presents Tempus by Holly Lauren

Title: Tempus

Author: Holly Lauren

Print Lenght: 322 Pages

Publisher: Mythos/Libertine Press (November 25, 2013

Language: English

Asin: B00GWASK3Y

ISBN-10: 1493513303

ISBN-13: 978-1493513307

Chapel Ryan isn't crazy. At least, that's what she's been trying to convince herself of for most of her life. But after being hallucination-free for three years, Chapel finds herself face down on her English classrooms's gritty linoleum floor. When she looks up, everyone around her is suspended in animation. Mouths hang open mid-yawn, feet hover mid-cross, Ms. Freeman's arm flexes mid-sentence diagram. It's another hallucination. Or, is it? Chapel prepares to tear herself back to reality when something happens. Something that has never happened before in any of her hallucinations--someone moves. And not just any someone-- it's the new guy with a scar over his lip and a reputation as black as his perfectly styled hair. And all of the sudden Chapel's white-knuckle grip on her life has slipped, and with it, her assurance that what she's experiencing isn't real.

To buy links:

http://www.amazon.com/Tempus-Holly-Lauren/dp/1493513303/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1392019066&sr=8-1

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tempus-holly-lauren/1117497461?ean=9781493513307

Holly Lauren is an incredible story-teller. Within the first three chapters, I could tell that Tempus was going to be plot and character driven, and wow! What a ride!. Holly has such a natural ingenuity and grace with her writing, I was easily transported to the world of Chapel Ryan. I didn't just read about her -- no. I knew her. The characters were well rounded and perfectly formed. 

The story itself was rock solid!

At a certain point, I felt like I was strapped in a roller-coaster. There was this delicious excitement as the plot continued to crank, lifting me higher and higher, until finally I was at the arch. That pivotal point of no return. There was an actual moment when my chest expanded for the ridiculously huge breath I gulped down. 
All and all, it was a wonderful escape, and I am wholly excited for the next installment.

To be written by Lea

will add it shortly

Firebolt, The Dragonian Series book trailer

Review for Second Hand Stops by Katie St. Claire

                                                   

Title: Second Hand Stops

Author Katie St. Claire

Pages: 348

Published: December 13, 2013

Nestled in the sleepy town of Chipping Campden, England, Julia Malone has a destiny she never imagined. Forched to drink and unknown substance, her gifts begin morphing into something altogether extraordinary. A mysterious benefactor whisks her and five other orphans to New York City, and life as they know it will never be the same.

Armed with telepathy and a curious disposition, Julia sets out to make her mark as the vice president of product development at Van Buren Industries. A cataclysmic secret is brewing in the labs, which has the capacity to threaten the world. With Claude Van Buren by her side, she never knows whether she is in the company of family, or a lunatic on the brink of world destruction. It is a madcap journey into the lives of six unique teenagers destined for greatness. one way or another.

Ms. St. Claire has given me a copy for my honest opinion.
When I started first with Second Hand Stops I did found the character introduction a bit overwhelming, but I could see why the author decided to do it this way. When the action began I couldn't put the book down. It was an amazing read that I think teens would absolutely love.

I couldn't put it down and would sell this as a page turner. Ms. St. Claire really created her orphans strong and they were all somebodies we could relate to. I love what she did with Claude, it was different, a breath of fresh air. This entire story is different and one you should definitely pick up. It is the perfect choice for Teens.

Good luck with your novel Ms. St. Claire and I can't wait for the next one to see what is going to happen next.

You can get your copy of Second Hand Stops on Amazon.

The Green Hills of Home by Emma Bennet

Title: The Green Hills Of Home

Author: Emma Bennet

Published: June 22, 2013

ISBN: 0781311217090 

Amazon

Goodreads

Gwen Jones, a young Welsh writer is desperate to save the family farmhouse from being sold from under her critically ill mother and herself. When she lands a lucrative three-book deal with an eminent publisher, she thinks her problems are over. However, Gwen's need to be near her sick mother, means she's unable to travel to London to work with her devilishly desirable editor, John Thatcher, and he must come and stay with her in Wales. Handsome and eminently capable, comospolitan John is used to getting his own way and has plans for the future which certainly don't include being distracted by pretty Welsh girls; nevertheless when he journeys into the country to work with Gwen it's not long before he finds himself falling in love with her, as well as the house she's so anxious to save. But is John capable of loving anyone as much as his job? And when he has to decide between his goals and Gwen, which will he choose?

'The Green Hills of Home' - a sweet heart warming tale of duty, devotion and love.

The author gave me a copy for my honest review. I have to say I really liked this one. It's a light romance with plenty of falling in love moments.
The Green Hills of of Home is Emma Bennet's debut Novel and I think she's done a wonderful and amazing job. She capture you in the first pages with her characters and their circumstances and I've got to say that I really connect to Gwen as I'm an author myself. Her emotions and feelings were dead on. I think she had done a wonderful job with Gwen and not to mention the heart throb editor. What we authors wouldn't do to land an editor like John Thatcher.
Gwen's dog Oscar is really playing a very important role in this novel and everyone will fall in love with him and how he changes John.

I love romance but I hate the type of novels that just jump with one another into bed without even knowing who the other person is. Emma didn't do it here. Half way through the novel there isn't even any mention of falling in love etc and when it did happened it was so much more magical.
I appreciate the fact that Emma chose to do it that way. We got a chance to fall in love with Gwen and John and that says a lot.
I would recommend this novel to every one that loves a good light romance.

Nice Job Emma and good luck with your writing career.

RBTL Presents The Harlot's Pen by Claudia H. Long Book Blitz

Title: The Harlot’s Pen 

Author: Claudia H. Long

Genre: Historical Romance 

Publisher: Devine Destinies

Release Date: Feb 1 2014

Blurb/Synopsis: 

San Francisco in the roaring 20s-- After World War I, San Francisco is a wild town. Abandoned by her lover, Violetta is swept up in the new, freer ways and becomes America's first "embedded journalist." She joins a brothel that caters to San Francisco's most powerful men in order to write her epic story on the conditions of working women. But federal agents looking to clamp down on both vice and workers' rights don't take kindly to her modern views. Shorter dresses, fair pay for women, and the dark and frightening worlds of sex and politics teach Violetta the lessons of a lifetime.

Claudia H Long writes fiction when she isn't mediating messy legal disputes. She has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and as a change she recently tried to take up belly dancing. Luckily, she is a better mediator than she is a dancer, by far, but her real love is writing fiction.

The Harlot's Pen, her first venture into the roaring 20s, is a Devine Destinies book, an adventure in embedded (literally!) journalism and the rights of working women in the world's oldest profession. Claudia is also the author of Josefina's Sin (Simon & Schuster 2011). The Duel for Consuelo, which follows on Josefina's Sin, will come out in late Spring 2014 with Booktrope.

Claudia has two grown children, and lives in Northern California with her husband and far too many animals. 

Author Links

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Book Links

Amazon

RBTL Presents Resurrection by Laury Falter Book Blitz

Title: Resurrection
Author: Laury Falter
Series: The Apocalypse Chronicles
Genre: Teen Dystopian
Publisher:  Audeamus LLC
Release Date: January 16 2014
Editions/Formats Available In: eBook
Blurb/Synopsis:
The second and final installment in the two-book series, Apocalypse Chronicles...
a dystopian romance about five high school seniors who set out to cure an apocalyptic world of a contagious infection.
Bestselling author Laury Falter finishes off this two-part series--a dystopian romance filled with an electrifying plot, a powerful romance, and unexpected twists.

Laury Falter is a bestselling author of young adult romantic suspense and urban fantasy. She has three series out: the Guardian Trilogy, the Residue Series, and the Apocalypse Chronicles.

Places to find Laury

Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter

Website

Places to find Resurrection

Amazon

RBTL PRESENTS: Blood Mate by Kitty Thomas

Title: Blood Mate
Author: Kitty Thomas
Genre: Literary Erotica
Publisher: Burlesque Press
Release Date: Feb 2014
Blurb/Synopsis:
Blood Mate, a dark fairy tale... 

Nicole has been happily married to big shot attorney, Dominic Rose for ten years, but soon after their anniversary he grows cold—as if she doesn’t exist. Meanwhile, another man has been pursuing her far too intently for comfort.
August Corinth is a six-hundred-year-old vampire, cursed to kill and suffer the pain of his victims each night until and unless he can find the one woman who can resist his thrall, his blood mate. Once he’s found her, there are no lines he won’t cross to claim the promised salvation even if it means taking away everything and everyone she loves.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, and the author does not endorse or condone any of this book’s content in a real world setting. This work is intended for an emotionally mature, adult audience.

The Knive's Edge by Matthew Wolf

Title: The Knife's Edge

Author: Matthew Wolf

Genre: High Fantasy

Paper back: 409 Pages

Published: April 8th 2013

When legends come to life the world trembles from a single name. Ronin. Once-heroes from a different age, they wield elemental powers...wind, water, fire, stone, forest, sun, moon, flesh and metal.

At the same time, a young man discovers his best friend with a sword in his stomach, and dark wings sprouting from her back. Guards rush onto the scene, accuse him of the act, and he is forced to flee.

In a new world without his memories, Gray must find his way amid legends and darkness, as he wrestles with an elemental power inside himself.

A power all too similar to the infamous Ronin....

The Knifes Edge is an Epic Fantasy/ or High as some of you would call it. It's a world filled with elves, humans, dragons and all sorts of creatures just like every epic fantasy should haven.

What I didn't like about the book was the beginning. It was hard to get past the 100 pages and there were a few times I wanted to put it down and give up, but....

WOW!!! I'm so glad that I kept on reading. It's a story about good and dark and the way Matthew brought everything to live and not to mention the main plot. I can't wait for the second book and that is just because of his story telling ability. I have to admit there were here and there things that I struggled to see, but this novel is seriously amazing.

If you are an Epic Fantasy Lover, please, please, please buy this book. It is everything that you want in a fantasy and the characters will stay with you for a long time.

Good luck with the next one Mr. Wolf and I wish you all the best with The Knife's Edge.

Lea's Review: Cain's Salvation by Sarah O'Rourke

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

At first I was hesitant in reading this book. I read and re-read the first few pages a couple of times and couldn't get into it. Probably because I was busy with other books simultaneously. But as I sat down and forced myself to concentrate on just this book I actually found it very entertaining.

The characters were nicely developed and I loved how the book was written from everyone's perspective without being boring. As I was reading the hotter scenes, i started getting a sense of Dèja Vu with my own life. It gave me a sense of nostalgia.

I really loved the characters of Cain and Faith and wished that there was more to read at the end. It was a moment of silence at the end of the book where you sit with the book in hand and just think with the warm fuzzy feeling running through you. 

It really was a great read, and I would read it again in the future.

Thanks Sarah O'Rourke for a great story.

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Stronger Than The Rest by Shirleen Davies - Spotlight

Title:  Stronger Than the Rest

Author:  Shirleen Davies

Published:  January 13th, 2014

Word Count:  approx. 68,000

Genre:  Western Historical Romance

Content Warning:   Mild Sexual Content

Recommended Age:  18+

Synopsis: “Smart, tough, and capable, the MacLarens protect their own no matter the odds. Set against America’s rugged frontier, the stories of the men from Fire Mountain are complex, fast-paced, and a must read for anyone who enjoys non-stop action and romance.”

Drew MacLaren is focused and strong. He has achieved all of his goals except one—to return to the MacLaren ranch and build the best horse breeding program in the west. His successful career as an attorney is about to give way to his ranching roots when a bullet changes everything.

Tess Taylor is the quiet, serious daughter of a Colorado ranch family with dreams of her own. Her shy nature keeps her from developing friendships outside of her close-knit family until Drew enters her life. Their relationship grows. Then a bullet, meant for another, leaves him paralyzed and determined to distance himself from the one woman he’s come to love.

Convinced he is no longer the man Tess needs, Drew focuses on regaining the use of his legs and recapturing a life he thought lost. But danger of another kind threatens those he cares about—including Tess—forcing him to rethink his future.

Can Drew overcome the barriers that stand between him, the safety of his friends and family, and a life with the woman he loves? To do it all, he has to be strong. Stronger than the Rest.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | GoodReads

About the Author:

Shirleen Davies began her new series, MacLarens of Fire Mountain, with Tougher than the Rest, the story of the oldest brother, Niall MacLaren. During the day she provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. She grew up in Southern California and now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona. Between them they are the proud parents of five grown sons.

Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Website

Excerpt:

He opened his arms and Tess fell into them, clutching his shirt, and burying her head in his neck.

Drew pulled her tighter and buried his face in her hair. He was vaguely aware of a door opening and closing. He looked up to see that Jericho was gone.

It was just the two of them. She squirmed a little on his lap and Drew felt a slight hardening of his body. He’d felt the sensations for the last few days and hoped they were an indication that his entire body was healing. Relief washed over him as he realized another hurdle was being crossed.

When Tess lifted her face to his it seemed natural to move his lips over hers. It was a soft caress, just a touch. He brushed his lips over hers. She strained to get closer. His hands moved to the back of her head and deepened the kiss. Her lips parted, and his tongue traced the edges of her mouth. He knew she had little experience and didn’t want to frighten her.

Tess melted into his arms. She was totally unprepared for the warmth that swam over her body. She could smell the mixture of pine soap and fresh sweat and couldn’t stop herself from running her fingers along his cheek bones, and wrapping her hands around his neck to draw him closer. She never wanted the kiss to stop.

Giveaway Details:

There is an international tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:

• $25 Amazon Gift Card
• $10 Amazon Gift Card
• 2 eCopies of Tougher Than the Rest
• eCopy of Harder Than the Rest
• eCopy of Faster Than the Rest

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