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Friday, May 8, 2015

Book Review of At the Sharp End of Lightning

Book Review of At the Sharp End of Lightning
Sponsored by Virtual Author Book Tours

Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.


NR BatesAt The Sharp End of Lightning by NR Bates:

Publisher: NR Bates (January 30, 2015) Category: Epic Fantasy, Magic Realism, Literary Fiction, Celtic Mythology, History Tour Date: May/June, 2015 Available in: Print & ebook, 239 Pages AT THE SHARP END OF LIGHTNING is the tale of family, of loss and sacrifice, of unexpected gifts and coping with disability and new abilities set against the backdrop of climate change occurring across parallel worlds. The intertwined worlds of Oceanlight and Earth are no longer hidden from view of each other. In one realm, Yalara Narika, a winged Sea Sprite, searches for her family and she encounters a deadly blue haze at sea. Escaping the poison makes her realize that her world, Oceanlight, is experiencing sudden and catastrophic environmental change. Meanwhile, in the safe suburban normality of North Wales, Einion Morgan Alban, a restless youth with haemophilia, is nearly murdered by a man in a white suit who intentionally shoves him off a cliff. If Yalara and Einion don’t uncover the connections between their worlds and near-deaths, it will have dire consequences for the worlds they live in. Book one of the OCEANLIGHT series.

Praise for 'At The Sharp End of Lightning' by NR Bates:

"What a fantastic book, the author takes you into another realm. I couldn't put the book down, a real page turner. Seeing as this is book 1 I can't wait for the next one to be written."-Scotialassie, Amazon.UK Reviewer "British author NR Bates makes his novel writing debut with AT THE SHARP END OF LIGHTNING, Book 1 of the OCEANLIGHT series. He has indeed written extensively which explains why his command of the medium is so secure: he has published more than one hundred and twenty scientific papers on ocean chemistry, climate change and ocean acidification as a Senior Scientist at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and Professor of Ocean Biogeochemistry at the University of Southampton, UK. Bates' passion for the ocean and environmental sciences has proven a successful driving force in both his scientific mind and his fantasy creative mind. The result, as we read it here, is `true' Science Fiction fantasy! Bates opens his book with a map/diagram called The Interfaces - the meaning of which will be explained throughout the novel, but whose information offers hints and suggestions of codes to be solved. And at the end of his book he discusses Welsh history that informed this story as well as the biology and biogeochemistry of the Sargasso Sea, further influences. The author provides an outline of the story that assists the reader immensely: `The interwoven fantastical tale of family, of loss and sacrifice, of unexpected gifts and coping with disability and new abilities set against the backdrop of climate change occurring across parallel worlds. Bates' writing style can only be called `elegant' - he is unafraid to challenge the reader with a rich vocabulary that somehow enhances the characters we encounter. This is obvious form the opening paragraph: `As the streamer of lightning harmlessly discharged through her body into the palm of her hand, Yalara Narika noticed many things at once. There was fright and surprise as adrenaline raced through her body. The words "I'm alive" came to mind, accompanied by an overwhelming relief when the forked sharpness passed out of her. Then came the reflex response-- her call to Calymene, Mother Earth-- that she had despite her doubt. A hurried glance brought the reassuring thought "I'm still in the sky." Simultaneously, she returned to her search-- for the "lost"-- which was set against the immensity of the seas. And interwoven amongst these reactions were thoughts of that moment in the distant future, at the end of her life, when she'd fly up into the tumult, clad in a cuprous woven fabric, and upon the flash of electrica, her constituent parts would disassemble in an instantaneous coruscation of energy.' This is our first encounter with being struck by lightning. As with most fantasy/sci-fi books it takes a while to adjust to the strange names and the references to places of origin, but Bates' language makes that journey of discovery a rewarding one. He does offer a helpful Sprite Glossary and Human Glossary at books end. This is a strong debut, well worth the investment of mental energy."- Grady Harp, Amazon Hall of Fame & top 100 reviewer. Ambitious and enchanting, At The Sharp End Of Lightning by author N R Bates proves a rich and original foray into the realms of fantasy fiction. Compelled by a commanding narrative that readily enthrals the imagination, the magical intrigue simmers throughout as Bates renders his fantasy world in rich hues. A world parallel to our own yet retaining a time worn familiarity that makes it feel immediately authentic. It’s an intricate, intrigue-laden telling, which plays to the best in this popular genre and it’s clear from the start that Bates is in his element. "There’s certainly much to enjoy here. From cleverly contrived and vibrant scenes to a captivating blend of magical mysticism, he ably manages to avoid prescriptive tropes whilst a certain descriptive economy and a tight word count brings a penetrating levity to his dialogue. Both timely and well observed, he notably avoids the trite mutterings of mediocre characterisation to create genuine depth and emotive resonance, which in turn ensures the reader becomes fully invested in the trials and tribulations of his characters. Beautifully written and undoubtedly the start of an exciting new series, At The Sharp End Of Lightning proves a fine example of fantasy fiction. Definitely deserving of a place on your bookshelf, it is recommended without reservation!"-Book Viral

About NR Bates:NR Bates

NR Bates was born in London, grew up in Wales, and lived in Canada and Bermuda. He shares his life with his wife,seven cats, one dog and the tropical wildlife of lizards, wolf spiders and ant colonies that seek out a better life indoors. He is an oceanographer and scientist, and has published more than one hundred and twenty scientific papers on ocean chemistry, climate change and ocean acidification. He is a Senior Scientist at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and Professor of Ocean Biogeochemistry at the University of Southampton, UK. His novels focus on epic fantasy and magic realism, and inspired by his deep love of the ocean and environmental sciences. Website: nrbates.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NR-Bates/1536689869946441 Twitter: https://twitter.com/NRBatesAuthor

Buy At the Sharp End of Lightning by NR Bates:

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Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus May 1 Excerpt & Giveaway Ordinary Girlz Book Reviews May 4 Review What Jenna Thought May 5 Review What Jenna Thought May 6 Interview & Giveaway Books, Books & More Books May 8 Review Rockin' Book Reviews May 11 Review Cassandra M's Place May 12 Review & Giveaway Confessions of a Reader May 15 Interview Mary's Cup of Tea May 20 Review Lightning Chronicles May 21 Review & Guest Post 100 Pages a Day May 22 Review Indie Review Behind the Scenes May 23 Live Interview 11 am cst Romance That's 'Out Of this World' May 27 Guest Post Room With Books May 28 Excerpt What U Talking Bout Willis? May 29 Guest Post Rockin' Book Reviews Jun 1 Interview & Giveaway The Cosy Dragon Jun 2 Review Deal Sharing Aunt Jun 9 Review & Giveaway Joy's Book Blog June 24 Review & Interview Bound 4 Escape June 25 Review Create With Joy June 26 Review

Review: 

            This story is a fascinating look at a new culture and the creatures that live in parallel realms.  However, sometimes the story jumped from one group to another without any real clear connection between them.  It appears that they separate stories are building toward meshing with each other, but some of the connections are difficult to fathom. 

            The language was exquisite.  The author causes the words to dance together in a beautiful picture.

            I give this book 4out of 5 clouds and look forward to hearing more about this interesting culture.


This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.


Thursday, May 7, 2015

Giveaway, Trailer, and Book Review of The Shadow of the Unicorn II: The Deception

Book Review of The Shadow of the Unicorn II: The Deception
Sponsored by Enchanted Book Tours


Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.


About the Book

Title: The Shadow of the Unicorn II: The Deception

Author: Suzanne de Montigny

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy / Tween Fantasy

Ulysees’ breath was ragged, and his heart filled with terror when they galloped toward the herd pursued by an enraged Icarus.

How did the Legacy of Azaria transform into the world fear it has, the unicorns barely existing hidden in the depths of the forest? Why is Icharus, the Great Stallion, so cruel and ruthless? And who is Jaresh, the invisible being who takes away their powers? Angry, the young colt Ulysees and his friend Téo rebel, following an abandoned trail where they’re discovered by humans. Now the entire herd must make an exodus. But Ulysees discovers there’s more danger then just humans when he meets a giant creature who warns them of impending doom…


Author Bio

Award winning author, Suzanne de Montigny, wrote her first novella when she was twelve. Years later, she discovered it in an old box in the basement, thus reigniting her love affair with writing. A teacher for twenty years, she enjoys creating fantasy and paranormal for tweens and teens. She lives in Burnaby, B.C., Canada with the four loves of her life – her husband, two boys, and Buddy the dog.

Five Fun Facts About Suzanne de Montigny

1.       I talk to my bichon frisé like he’s a normal human being. And yes, Buddy does answer back. (Funny how my mouth moves while he talks!)

2.       When my son took up skate boarding, I thought I’d be the cool mom and learn it too.
Unfortunately, I ended up on my back and paying a visit to emergency.

3.       My two boys and I fiddle. (But they’re way better than me!)

4.       My favourite season is autumn so I can kick the leaves when no one’s looking.

5.       My husband says I snore so loud it wakes him up.

Links

Author Links:
Book Trailer Links:

The Shadow of the Unicorn II: The Deception. 








The Shadow of the Unicorn: The Legacy


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The Shadow of the Unicorn II: The Deception

The Shadow of the Unicorn: The Legacy
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Book Excerpts

“It happened many seasons ago—many, many seasons. Some of the older mares still remember. Icarus wanted to be the Great Stallion, but there was already a very powerful one in place named Sampson.”

“So what happened?” asked Téo.

“Icarus had a small following, a group of very young mares who fell for his sense of humour.”

“Icarus had a sense of humour?” Ulysees’ eyebrows shot up in amusement until he forced them down again.

“Yes. He used to be a pretty nice guy until he got ambitious. Then he started rumours with the young mares about how there was a superior being who would take away their powers if they didn’t obey Icarus. After a while, even the older mares started to believe him. It ended in a battle between him and Sampson, and because Icarus was younger and stronger, he won.”

“What happened to Sampson?” asked Ulysees, pretending to chew.

Danae lowered his voice. “Icarus killed him.”
Ulysees gasped. “Unicorns don’t kill each other.”

He did.” Danae made a casual move closer. “Ulysees, you have to listen to me, and listen hard. I may not move with the herd much longer. I’m too old, but I want you and Téo to find the truth. Pretend to go along with what Icarus says to stay safe, but remember that the Legacy of Azaria was not the poisonous thing it is now. It’s up to you to find the true legacy.”

Ulysees’ heart raced. “But how?”

“Find it. Some way, somehow. You’ll feel it inside.”

“But…” Ulysees’ heart beat faster.

Danae eyed Icarus. “I have to go before they know I’ve told you.”

“But Danae…” Ulysees whispered. The old stallion didn’t answer. Ulysees shot a quick glance sideways. He was gone.

Ulysees’ head spun in confusion. He twisted his body around and stared at the herd with new eyes. They’d all been living a lie? His mouth hung open. And it was up to him to find the real Legacy of Azaria?               Why him? His gaze fell on Lilia and Alannah. Should he tell them?

He watched the fillies play in the meadow, their giggles filling the air. Then his hair rose. There was something too terrible for words only a stone’s kick away from them.

“Alannah!” he cried.

Review: 

            Great story told from the point of view of a unicorn.  It’s a story that I grew up with told from a different point of view, although I didn’t find that out until the very end, which was a delightful surprise.

            Point for view is so interesting in stories.  I loved that this was told from the point of view of the unicorn.  Besides being the story I had heard, which really isn’t the part I knew.  It is also a story about prejudice, acceptance, and trust.

            I give this story 5 out of 5 clouds.



This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Book Review of Killian

Book Review of Killian
Sponsored by Enchanted Book Tours


Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.

About The Book

Title: Killian
Author: Elizabeth Kelly
Genre: Paranormal Romance / Fantasy


Being accepted to the fiercest, strongest, fairy warrior army ever to protect the realm – Easy.

Making the human girl, who holds your destiny in her hands, fall in love with you – Not so Easy.

When the Fairy Kingdom of Avalon comes under attack, Prince Killian, Fairy warrior, and heir to the throne, prepares for battle. But when the prophesy of a Seer overshadows his fate and while his family is dying around him, he flees Avalon to the Human Realm. He vows to return and claim his destiny, only…he never thought his vengeance would mean fifty years stuck in the human realm with no way home.

Reagan Lunsa is completely alone and she thinks she likes it that way. She buries her grief from her parents’ mysterious disappearance, 3 years ago by keeping busy at her university art school and working at Faircrest’s New Age shop. All while secretly spending every free moment on solving the mystery of what really happened to her parents.

On a rare night out her attention is caught by a handsome, sexy bartender who seeks her out, asking for friendship, and maybe more. This stranger is unlike any man she's ever known.

And when she discovers he’s also hiding secrets her world turns upside down, all while she falls deeply in love with this protective, and patient Fairy prince.

Reagan finds that learning to trust again is harder than she thought. Especially when the truth, and her love, leads her into a world unlike she has ever known.

A world where fairies exist and humans are not welcome.

Author Bio

Elizabeth Kelly was born and raised in Dublin Ireland. She now resides in southern California.

She is the best-selling author of New Adult contemporary, paranormal, and Fantasy romance novels. By day she stays at home with her daughter but each night she slips away to spin her tales and gets lost in her fantasy worlds.

As an avid reader, Elizabeth enjoys anything with a bit of romance and a paranormal twist. When she's not writing or devouring her latest read, she can be found spending time with her family or watching movies.

Elizabeth loves to hear from readers and you can contact her on her social media pages.




Links





Teasers



Book Excerpt

 “Wanna hit the floor one last time?”
 
“Yeah, let’s do this.” The four of us take off, leaving Savannah and her minions standing there looking stupid—which isn’t hard for them. Jake and I get our groove going and I feel that peace envelop me again. Closing my eyes, I enjoy the feeling and the music. Jake holds me close, grinding against me. My eyes open slowly, meeting a pair of jet black ones. Stumbling backward, my heart pounds with fright. Jake looks up and sees the guy just standing, staring at me.

“Dude, what the fuck is your problem?” Jake bellows out to black eyes. He just tilts his head slightly and gives me a half smile. His hand reaches out to me and I recoil. Who the hell is this weirdo? Jake steps in front of me. “Dude, back off. She is my girlfriend.” Jake. Shit, I love this guy. He seriously takes care of me.

“I’m Killian,” the guy announces in a voice so melodic, the music of the club just sounds like noise.

Review: 

            Oh I love this story.  It combines the best of romance stories and fantasy stories, but it ends on a cliffhanger and I hate that.

            I laughed, I cried, I tried to keep turning pages after I got to the end because I wasn’t ready for the story to end and I didn’t like how it ends.  So there has to be more to this story…a second one.  However don’t wait.  Read this fabulous story now.

            I give this story 4.5 out of 5 clouds.


This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.


Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Book Review of Lucky Strike

Book Review of Lucky Strike
Sponsored by Virtual Book Tours

Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.



http://www.virtualauthorbooktours.com/?p=4173
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
(February 24, 2015)
ISBN: 978-0545592178
Category: Children's Fiction, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Magic, Friendship, Bullies
Tour Date: April 1-May29, 2015 
Available in: Print & ebook, 272 Pages
By the award winning author of 'The Dogs of Winter', Bobbie Pyron.

 A rich, southern voice tells the unforgettable story of two vulnerable outsiders, the lightning strike that turns their world upside down and the true meaning of lucky. Nate Harlow has never had a lucky day in his life. He's never won a prize, he's never been picked first, he's never even won a coin toss. His best friend, Genesis Beam (aka Gen), believes in science and logic, and she doesn't think for one second that there's such a thing as luck, good or bad. But only an extremely unlucky person could be struck by lightning on his birthday... and that person is Nate Harlow.

By some miracle, though, Nate survives, and the strike seems to have changed his luck. Suddenly, Nate's grandpa is the busiest fisherman in their small, beachside town. And Nate finds himself the center of attention, the most popular kid at school, the one who hits a game-winning home run! This lucky streak can't last forever, though, and as a hurricane draws close to the shores of Paradise Beach, Nate and Gen may need more than just good luck to save their friendship and their town: They need a miracle.

Praise for Lucky Strike by Bobbie Pyron:

"This well-told story of growth, friendship, and small-town life hits all the right notes. The quirkiness of the characters and the town never goes too far, and there is an overall cozy feeling to the book. Genesis’s dad is the preacher at The Church of the One True Redeemer and Everlasting Light, but she is a scientist through and through, which adds complexity to the text, including musings on destiny, fate, probability, and weather. Fans of Susan Patron’s Higher Power of Lucky (S. & S., 2006), Sheila Turnage’s Three Times Lucky (Dial, 2012), and Ingrid Law’s Savvy (2008; both, Dial) will find something new for their to-read shelves."- School Library Journal starred review

"Even lightly sketched characters leap off the pages, adding rich depth to an already satisfying tale. In the slightly fantastical Gulf Coast world that Bobbie Pyron (The Dogs of Winter, 2012) has imagined, people can change in unexpected ways. With just a spark of magic, bullies can become true friends, those without humor can learn to giggle, and perennial victims can emerge victorious. Amusing, endearing and sometimes even electrifying."- Kirkus starred review

 "Bobbie Pyron offers a gentler take on survival and friendship than in her gritty novel The Dogs of Winter. A dramatic and sweetly poignant story, enlivened by a dash of magical realism."- Publisher Weekly

Praise for The Dogs of Winter:

Junior Library Guild Selection Kirkus Best Books of the Year!

"Packs plenty of punch.” The New York Times 

"This story is amazing. I read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. The writing is captivating and the story is heartbreaking. The characters are wonderful, both the good and the bad. The writing is descriptive and filled with emotion. An absolute MUST read."-Bev Sharp, The Wormhole

 "An amazing story that was emotional and realistic? The book is written in first person, and I think this is a perfect story for young adults and older adults alike. The tenacity of the dogs and the boy will enthrall you. There were no boring portions of the story, and I believe that the author captured the emotions of the characters perfectly. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future."-Ruth A. Hill, My Devotional Thoughts

" I loved this book. I loved the writing. I loved the characters. The book is adventurous, engaging, happy, sad, and an overall emotional roller coaster all rolled into one."-BookAngel, As I Turn the Pages

 "Bobbie Pyron has a gift for creating characters that live in my heart. She did it with A Dog's Way Homeand she's done it with this one, The Dogs of Winter. I wanted to dive into the story, take Mishka in my arms and just love him. Bobbie Pyron has created an emotionally powerful story about survival, love, and healing. This is not a story I will ever forget. It is a truly thought-provoking and unforgettable read."-Heidi, GEO Librarian

About Bobbie Pyron:

Bobbie Pyron OutsideBobbie Pyron was born in Hollywood, Florida and spent her growing up years up in the panhandle, swimming in the Gulf of Mexico and dreaming of being a mermaid. She has degrees in Psychology and Anthropology, and a Masters degree in Library Science, and has worked as a librarian for over twenty-five years.

Her first book, a novel for teens titled The Ring (WestSide Books), was published in October of 2009. Her second book, A Dog’s Way Home (HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Books), was published to starred reviews in March of 2011. The Dog Writers Association of America recently awarded Bobbie the Maxwell Medal of Excellence and the Merial Human-Animal Bond Award. It was also named a Banks Street Best Books of the Year. Bobbie Pyron's book, The Dogs of Winter (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic), came out October of 2012. The Dogs of Winter is a Junior Library Guild Selection and a Kirkus Best 100 Children’s Books of the Year.

Bobbie lives in Park City, Utah with her husband, two dogs, and two cats.

Bobbie Pyron's Website.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BobbiePyron 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bobbie.pyron?fref=ts

Buy 'Lucky Strike':

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Book Depository
Indie Bound

Follow the Tour:

Lucky Strike  Web Tour Schedule

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Apr 2  Spotlight & Giveaway
Rockin' Book Reviews Apr 7 Interview & Giveaway
Hott Books Apr 8 Review                                              
Always Reiding Apr 9 Review & Excerpt
Geo Librarian Apr 10 Review                                         
Curling Up With A Good Book Apr, 13 Interview & Excerpt
fuonlyknew Apr 14 Review & Giveaway
Once Upon A Story Apr 15 Review & Excerpt
Beneath the Jacket Reviews Apr 16                                           
Indie Review Behind the Scenes Apr 17 Live I 6 pm cst
Cassandra M's Place Apr 20 Review & Giveaway
The Crypto-Caper Review Apr 21 Review                                    
In Bed With Books Apr 22 Review,Interview & Excerpt
Allison's Book Bag May 24 Review & Interview
Mary's Cup of Tea Apr 27 Review                                              
Deal Sharing Aunt Apr 28 Review, Excerpt & Giveaway
Bound for Escape Apr 30 Review                                              
What U Talking Bout Willis? May 1 Review                                             
Lisa's Writopia May 4 Review                                        
Books, Books, and More Books            May 5 Review & Excerpt
Beth's Book-Nook Blog May 8 Review                                       
Sweet Southern Home May 11 Review                                       
One Frugal Girl May 15 Review  

Excerpt/Other: 

LUCKY STRIKE EXCERPT

Nate wandered to the living room. He’d finally persuaded his grandfather to go back to his fishing boat. “I only have a half day trip today,” his grandpa had said the night before. “I’ll be back in plenty of time for the fish fry.”
Nate plugged in the toaster and dropped in the sacrificial slice of bread. He waited for the smell of burning toast.
Instead, the toaster sang out the prettiest ping! ping! you ever heard. Nate watched wide-eyed as a perfect, golden piece of toast popped up proudly.
“Must be a mistake,” he muttered, and slipped in two more pieces of bread. Again, the toaster popped out the prettiest slices a person could ever want. “Cool.”
             Nate ate his perfect toast and listened to the mockingbird in the magnolia tree. Just as the doctor said, the hearing in his left ear had, in fact, returned. He thought that bird had never sounded so sweet.
           He got ready to go over to Gen’s house. He pulled on shorts and carefully, very carefully pulled a long sleeve shirt over his bandaged hand and arm. Next week the bandages would come off. The thought of seeing what all the lightning had left behind made the perfect toast flip in Nate’s stomach.
Nate stepped out the front door and studied the morning sky for even the slightest sign of a storm, then headed to Gen’s.

“Where’s everybody?” Nate asked the twin girls dressing up with their cats, Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy (“Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…Psalms 23:6). Rebecca held tight to Goodness while Ruth tied a tiny straw hat to the cat’s head.
“Up in the kitchen cooking up a storm,” Ruth said.
“For the fish fry,” Rebecca whispered.
Nate found Mrs. Beam in the kitchen chopping cabbages for coleslaw. Gen shredded the carrots while Reverend Beam mixed his secret coleslaw dressing.
“Good morning, Nate,” Mrs. Beam said with a smile. “You ready for your party tonight?’
“I guess,” he said. He eyed the huge bowl of cabbage and carrots. “You’re going to have lots left over, though,” he said in a worried voice. “I don’t think there’s going to be that many people coming.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” the Reverend said. “From the talk around town, I think there’s going to be more people coming tonight than you can imagine.”
“Wow!” Leviticus called from his spot on the floor in front of the TV. “Maybe you and your grandpa will be millionaires!”
“I don’t think the odds of becoming millionaires are very likely,” Nate said. “Right Gen?”
Gen shrugged. “Who knows? The odds of you getting struck by lightning are 1 in 650,000, and you did.”
“On a clear day,” Joshua said.
“And your birthday,” Leviticus added.
A shiver raced along the marks the lightning had set upon Nate.


Review: 


Loved this book.  Great story about friendship, the power of hope, and two kids whose lives are changed when one of them gets struck by lightning. Nate is the most unlucky person ever until he survived being struck by lightning.  After that his luck changes to good…always.  That is good, right?  Sometimes good luck is worse than bad luck… and Nate’s good luck may not be so great for his friend, Gen.

I loved the characters in this book.  They were so real and likeable.  I grew up in a small town where everyone knew my dad who had been raised here.  It was rough growing up because I couldn’t get away with anything, but it was also nice to be part of a community.  My dad was in construction and times were tough growing up financially.  So I could relate to the struggles of the people in this community and also how they came together.


I give this book 4.5 out of 5 clouds.


This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Monday, May 4, 2015

Book Review of "Changes" book 1 of Family Portrait Series by Gillian Felix

Book Review of  Changes, book 1 Family Portrait Series by Gillian Felix
         Sponsored by b00k r3vi3w Book Tours

Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.



Books Blurbs

Changes (Book 1)

Adriana Banovic’s 15th birthday sucked! She got fired after eight years of playing Shayanne Montgomery on the #1 soap in the country, found out that her family was on the verge of bankruptcy and worst of all, forced to return to Westwood Academy. Her only saving grace was a chance glance at dreamy mystery boy Haze Lyndon. Armed with only his picture and a determination to find him—even if it means turning Los Angeles over on its ass.

In this new adult novel you’ll meet Robin Banovic, Adriana’s father; financially challenged, dealing with the death of a family member and his brother’s disappearance.
You’ll meet Savannah DaCosta aka Savi, mother/manager; Savi enjoys the life her rock star daughter Leighann has provided. When Leighann makes a choice to end her career, Savi sees it as a personal attack.

You’ll meet college boy Haze Lyndon; New to Los Angeles, Haze soon realizes how quickly money changes hands in the City of Angels. Will he return to questionable ways to survive or go back to the safety of his family in Wisconsin?

The Banovic Siblings (Book 2)

College boy Kevin Banovic’s casual affair with Savi DaCosta suited him perfectly. Things change when he finds out that Savi is his mom’s high school bestie. When Kevin tries to end their affair, Savi blackmails him.
After Kevin rescues Savi’s stepdaughter, L’Wren, from her abusive boyfriend, he can’t stop thinking about her. He must find a way to handle Savi, protect L’Wren, and keep his sanity.

Bad girl Adriana Banovic is pleased with herself for getting her nemesis expelled from Westwood Academy. As feelings between her and her latest victim Haze Lyndon escalate, an unexpected rival discovers her secret and threatens to expose her. With emotions on the line, will her new rival beat her at her own game or end up another casualty of Adriana’s wrath?

Zax Banovic has it all. Tall and handsome, he’s an academic genius, with a killer smile and a heart of gold. When his best friend gets into trouble, he feels responsible and covers for him. But his best friend is not as honorable and has other plans for Zax.

Bastard’s Brew (Book 3)

When L’Wren’s ex-boyfriend Jeff suddenly disappears, she turns to Kevin to help her find him. With one phone call, Kevin makes sure that Jeff stays hidden and that L’Wren’s heart is broken, leaving the door open for Kevin to pursue her. But Kevin is not as free as L’Wren thinks; she is in the dark about his affair with her stepmother, Savi. Savi constantly reminds Kevin of his devious ways and uses their secret to keep him as her toyfriend.

“You don’t deserve to be loved, and you don’t deserve to be happy. You and I are the same … we’re broken inside. Everything we touch, we destroy. We don’t get happily ever after … we don’t get to ride off into the sunset. You know who gets that? L’Wren … she gets it, she gets the guy, and she deserves a decent guy.”- Savi

Kevin desires to be the man that L’Wren deserves, but before he can assume the role of white knight, he brews one last plan to get rid of Savi for good. Will L’Wren, the innocent victim in their twisted game, become a casualty?
Kevin may have sold his body to the devil in stilettos, but he’d be damned if he let her have his heart.

Perfect Escape (Book 4)

In this coming-of-age story, teen singing sensation Leighann DaCosta tries to find out who she is without her music career. A career that has been part of her life since before the age of ten. When Leighann’s estranged father enters her life, she is caught up in a tug-of-war between both parents. Does she trust the man who abandoned her as a baby, or a mother who is losing her mind?

When heartthrob Zax Banovic is assigned to tutor Leighann, he provides her with the perfect escape from the madness in her life. Enter Kristin Newman, Zax’s super-hot, sickeningly perfect, tennis-pro girlfriend, who dampens any chance Leighann has with him.

After the unthinkable happens, Leighann’s world is shattered, causing her to shut everyone out. Unable to cope, Leighann accepts help from her frenemy, but will the help she accept come with a hefty price?


Excerpt Links





Bad Uncle (Book 5) – Releasing summer 2015 “Who needs enemies when you’ve got family.”

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Changes

Banovic Siblings

Bastard’s Brew

Perfect Escape





Want to give the series a try? Changes the first novel in the series is FREE on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EADYMCA.


Author Bio

Gillian Felix was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad. She grew up watching night time soap operas by Aaron Spelling with her mother. That’s where her obsession with rich, powerful and devious characters were born. After repeatedly seeing Mr. Spelling’s name on the screen night after night, Gillian knew she wanted to be an Aaron Spelling, before she knew that Aaron Spelling was actually a person.

Gillian pursued drama in high school although it was not taught as a “serious subject”. When asked what career she wanted to pursue after graduation, she told her guidance counselor that she wanted to be an actress, and was told that acting is not a “real job”.  

When Gillian moved to the US in 1998, she landed an internship with Spotlight On Theater in New York City, where she learned stage managing, casting and the technical aspect of running a production. Later she branched out into film, and fell in love with the behind the scenes action of film and theatre production. She traded acting and her “real job” for a career in film and theater production. Gillian continued writing novels and scripts but kept them to herself.

When not writing, Gillian can be found volunteering at the New Mexico Children’s Grief Center or hiking the many mountains that surround New Mexico. Gillian can easily get lost in a parking lot and considers herself directionally challenged. She is always grateful for the people she hikes with, because without them she’d be left roaming the mountains like a lost mountain goat.

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What people are saying about the series

“I see a huge following for this new series! I know I'm going to watch for more!” Di Bylo – Amazon Top Reviewer

“Gillian Felix is truly wonderful in the way she writes and captivates her readers. She has a true gift and I guess anyone who reads her books will be waiting for the next book as eagerly as I am." Namrata Ganti - Red Pillows

“There are love, lies, secrets, and desires that rival any soap opera out there.” Karen-Anne Stewart, Author

“This series is like the Sopranos meets Nashville. It was gritty and realistic whilst entertaining and dark.” Rachel P



Review: 


I had trouble following parts of the story.  I recommend keeping some sort of person tree if you have trouble keeping the characters straight.  The story is interesting and kind of like following a soap opera, something I have have trouble following.

I give this story 3.5 out of 5 clouds.


This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.