Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Review: Vampyre 2000: Life to the Lifeless by Christopher F. Benson

Vampyre 2000: Life to the Lifeless by Christopher F. Benson

Amazon Product Description:
Cornelius was able to roam freely among the streets of the city undetected for one simple reason. If that man next to you on the train or that woman at the theatre told you that he or she was a vampire, would you believe them? After being turned into a vampire during transport to America to become a slave, he was thrown overboard and drifted ashore on the New England coastline in 1804. Now, hardened from a lifetime of death and solitude, he sensed a void within that left him feeling so very alone. In search of something or someone to give his life some meaning, Cornelius had walked the earth for centuries. Finally, he found what he had been endlessly waiting for, her name was Rita. But Cornelius had many secrets, most importantly, a frightening reminder of his past that had plagued him for over one hundred years. Inescapably, that past could no longer be ignored and would prove to be an obstacle that would prevent Cornelius and Rita from ever being together. If neglected further, it also threatened to end both of their lives, a life Cornelius saw as a new beginning. Even if he chose to confront his demons to find some closure and stop running, was he powerful enough to accomplish it? Staring deeply into the face of such an overwhelming situation, were they foolish to believe that they could be together?

My thoughts:
It took me awhile to get into the story.  It is nicely written and interesting.  I love the issues that run through the book and that the author was so insightful to offer such ideas in a vampire story, very original.  This is the first vampire book I have read that brings racism into the plot, that and revenge drive Gregory to hunt Cornelius.  To balance out the monster that is Gregory, the autor brings the reader love as the driving force for Cornelius and Rita. 

At the very start of the book, I wasn't sure if I truly loved Cornelius as a character.  I had a hard time with the fact that he had to kill to feed - just because it's different from most vampire stories.  But, as I read the story I found myself completely investing in Cornelius.  He is a carefully, thoughtfully created character who spans centuries with his ideas, ideals, and theories.  He is noble, compassionate and kind.  In contrast, Gregory is the very ipitmy of a heartless, thoughtless, vicious monster.  I love the twist with Gregory at the end. 

I liked Rita's character from the start, but wonder at how rapidly she falls for Cornelius considering how much he warns her against it.  Her dedication to Cornelius and her desire to protect and be with him are heartwarming. 

The book ends with an creative twist and I can't wait to start the next book in the series, Vampyre 2000: Ill of the Dead.

Click HERE to buy book one ~ Click HERE to buy book two

(I received this book in exchange for an honest review).

Uprising by LM Pruitt

Uprising by L.M. Pruitt

Amazon Product Description:
In the last year, Joanne Watson has died, fallen in love, fought demons and earned her Wings.

None of that compares to what's coming next....

Life as a member of the Winged isn't perfect--or easy. There's always some new camp drama. There's always a demon ready for a fight. There's always death.

And now there's the Resistance.

Joanne must choose again, this time between her fellow Winged and their burning desire for change or the archangels and the eternal vow she made.

Even in the afterlife, one truth remains--everything ends.

My thoughts:
I'm a L.M. Pruitt fan.  I was excited to read this series.  I enjoyed the first book, Winged and Uprising takes up where it left off; bringing us wonderful characters and a fast-paced, well written story.  
The storyline is clever and creative, the plot is twisty and emotional.  You will run the gambit with these fantastic characters - laughter and tears.  I love Pruitt's characters because I feel like I know them.  The book plays in your mind like a movie as you read.
I suggest getting both books from the go, you won't want to wait for Uprising once you finish Winged and you will be looking for more at the end of this one!




Monday, April 29, 2013

Blog Tour: Demons by Heather Frost (giveaway)

This is an author presented blog tour.
Click HERE to go to Heather's website.
Welcome to The Wormhole and my stop on the tour.
It is my pleasure to feature Heather Frost and Demons.
Heather has stopped by for an interview:
? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?
            I’ve had a few part-time jobs, while in school. I still work part-time as a writing tutor. Writing doesn’t pay the bills yet!

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?
            I often take pieces of people that I know, though many of my characters are influenced by book characters that I admire.

? How do you decide what you want to write about?
            I like asking myself the “what if” questions. If I see an interesting character trait or story motif in a book or movie, I’ll start turning it over in my head, trying to see it in new ways. Characters are usually the first to develop, and then I put that character in a situation. From there, I just keep on asking questions, and I set the character lose in a new world. I pick the genre that fits the character and situation best, and I start writing.

? What books have most influenced your life?
            Too many to name! But Peter Pan, the Scarlet Pimpernel, the Lord of the Rings, Jane Eyre, and Harry Potter all top the list.

? What are you reading right now?
            I’m re-reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I needed some easy reading now that finals are upon me and I’m drowning in homework, because I have no self-control when it comes to new books.

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?
            I’m obsessed with movies.  From Disney’s Beauty and the Beast to Lord of the Rings, from  Doctor Who to Singin’ in the Rain, from What’s Up Doc to Star Wars—I spend way too much time in front of the TV. I also love playing board games, reading, listening or creating music, and taking long walks or drives.  

? What is your favorite comfort food?
            Ice Cream. Just about any flavor.

? What do you think makes a good story?
            Real characters. The plot of a story can be as intricate and unique as it likes, but if I can’t call the characters my friends, I can’t be bothered to finish the book.


Fun random questions: 
  • dogs or cats? Cats
  • Dark or milk chocolate? Milk
  • Rocks or flowers? Flowers
  • Night or day? Night.
  • Favorite color? Green
  • Crayons or markers? Crayons
  • Pens or pencils? Pens


DEMONS (Book 2)
Kate's life is far from normal. She can see Auras, her boyfriend is immortal, and her powers make her a target. But now that the Demon Lord is hunting her, things are about to go from dangerous to truly deadly. Packed with action, mind-blowing plot twists, and characters you can't get enough of, this is a fast-paced, heart-pounding read from cover to cover.

Click HERE to buy your own copy.

SEERS (Book 1)
For Kate Bennet, surviving the car wreck that killed her parents means big changes and even bigger problems. As she begins to see auras and invisible people, Kate must learn to trust Patrick O'Donnell, a handsome Guardian, or risk her life being overrun with Demons. She soon realizes that both she and her heart are in big-time trouble.

Click HERE to buy your own copy.



Here is a Sneak Peak at the next book:

Guardians (Book 3)
A vision of Kate's death causes Patrick to intensify his duties as Guardian. The Demon Lord is especially relentless now that Kate is the only Seer to ever escape his grasp. When Patrick discovers that Kate is the key to defeating their greatest enemy, he must choose between sacrificing the girl he loves or letting the Demon Lord win. You won't be able to put this final installment in the Seers trilogy down.


Available for pre-order by clicking HERE.



Giveaway:
The author has offered a free ebook - choice of Seers or Demons to the winner.
Giveaway is international.  Good Luck!



Please stop back - reviews of books one and two to come.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Blog Tour: Unbelievable by Sherry Gammon (Giveaway)








Deliah Lopez Dreser’s in town to take care of family business. They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, but there’s more to Lilah than meets the eye. Cole’s in danger of losing his heart when this firestorm throws sparks his way. However, is she simply playing him for the fool in order to exact revenge for her brother’s murders?  
Maggie and Seth’s reaction when the truth is revealed pushes friendship to the limit. And this time around it won’t be a Dreser causing an uproar in Port Fare. It will be Cole's good friend Booker. But does Booker have it all wrong?  Usually not!



Full cover

ONLY THREE entries are Mandatory, the rest are optional on the Rafflecopter! a Rafflecopter giveaway
ONLY THREE entries are Mandatory, the rest are optional on the Rafflecopter!




Book Trailer


Author Bio


Unlovable was Sherry's debut novel and quickly rose to many top seller lists on Amazon. She is pleased to announce that Unlovable is currently being made into a movie. She has added three more novels to her body of work. Souls in Peril, the poignant story of Max Sanchez who is on a journey to help the struggling JD Miller survive high school, and Pete & Tink, a fun, light-hearted novella of a manga-loving geek and and five-and-a-half inch fairy. And UNBELIEVABLE, Book 2 in the Port Fare Series
Sherry and her husband, along with their children and a couple of crazy dogs, call Upstate New York home. It is where she spends her nights writing instead of sleeping {:


Prizes:



1. A Signed paperback copy of Unlovable and Unbelievable 




 2. An Ecopy of Unbelievable



3. A signed book wreath made from the pages of Unlovable


 4. Swag

5. Sheppard's Hook Bookmarks





6. An ecopy of Author Cindy C Bennett's new anthology Enchanted Fairytales










7. Ecopies of part one and two of Author Camelia Miron Skiba historical anthology.
I was here...Before You came and Born in Sin (due to be released in June)


























Blog Tour Schedule

April 15 http://www.ya-aholic.com/~ Review

April 15  http://jamiecanosa.blogspot.com/Review

April 16 http://cindybennett.blogspot.com/ ~ Review













April 21 http://drwrnmk.blogspot.com/ ~  Review

April 22 www.workadayreads.com ~ Review





April 23 http://julicaldwell.blogspot.com/ ~ Review

April 24 http://www.marendille.com/ ~ Review


April 24 http://www.aliciakleppert.com/ ~  Review


April 24  http://www.camichecketts.com/ ~ Review


April 26 mybookaday.blogspot.com ~ Review

April 27 www.stacylynncarroll.com ~ Review


April 28 http://wormyhole.blogspot.com/ ~ Review

April 28 http://shantalhiatt.blogspot.com/ ~ Review

April 29 www.goodchoicereading.com ~ Review

April 29 http://www.mandituckerslack.com/ ~ Review



Review: Death's Servant by C.J. Ellisson

Death's Servant by C.J. Ellisson

Amazon Product Description:
Jonathan Winchester has clashed with his alpha one too many times. After another argument he leaves the Manitoba pack, his only home since the werewolf attack that changed his life. He returns to his home state of Virginia to start a new life free of pack politics. Jon finds work and meets a young waitress, Raine, who appears to be a lone werewolf, too.

As their relationship progresses, Jon's embroiled in more intrigue than he bargained for and a danger bigger than he can handle. He's running scared until his own alpha tendencies surface, making him unable to leave the pretty werewolf's problems behind. The young man is desperate to save Raine--even if his efforts may lead him straight to death.

Journey along in this first prequel novel involving the favorite characters from the bestselling V V Inn series. Written at reader demand, this stand-alone story explains how the beloved Jonathan came to serve the deadly redheaded vampire, Dria.

My thoughts:
This was my first C.J. Ellisson read.  I was pleased with the story.  The characters are incredible.  Although Jon is a fantastic character, I found myself unable to choose a favorite as I liked Dria, Rafe and Raine so much too.  The author is descriptive and vivid.  The story line is original, which is somewhat hard to come by in a shifter/vampire story.   The book works as a stand alone.  It is fast paced and a quick read.  
The story is well written and made me run out and buy more of the books in the series.  I can't wait to get started reading more of the VV Inn series.  

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Blog Tour: Broken Faith by Brandy Nacole


Welcome to The Wormhole and my stop on the tour.
(This Virtual book tour is presented by Reading Addiction Blog Tours).
It is with great pleasure that I bring you:
Brandy Nacole and Broken Faith.

Broken Faith
Brandy Nacole
Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Synopsis:

This was it. The moment Heaven and Hell would clash. But which unearthly being would
win? The Fallen Angel or the Hell Hounds?

Overtaken by fear, I close my eyes.

Kayson is a Fallen Angel who has spent decades running from the Hell Hounds
while searching for something that no one else believes can be so, not even God. Kayson is
determined to find a Blood Child. But when a hound finds Kayson first, he is sure his end has
come.
Falon, Alpha of the Hell Hounds, destroyer of the blood children, and devoted believer in
his master’s plan, is bound and determined to drag Kayson back to Hell with him.
Sabrina is a Vampire, a half-breed created from one of Lucifer’s original blood children.
After years of hiding, Sabrina’s fate changes when she finds Kayson barely alive. Against her
instincts, Sabrina saves him. Now she and Kayson are both marked by the Hell Hounds.
Emma is an ordinary human, whose only problem is making ends meet, and getting over
the hurt caused by her untrustworthy brother. Her everyday problems become supernatural ones
when she finds Kayson and Sabrina hiding in her parent’s backyard shed.
Kayson, Sabrina and Emma are unlikely allies, thrown together by chance to fight against
the most powerful creatures of the underworld in order to follow their world-changing quest.
But will the broken faith of one break the faith of all?


Brandy has stopped by for an interview:

? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I was little. I wrote my first story when I was seven about a boy named Sam and
his pet alligator. From the time I realized what an author was, I wanted to be one.

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?
Oh man, the fun of the in and out job life. Between the age of 17 and 23, I bounced
between 8 different jobs.

? How long does it take you to write a book?
Depends on how much research I have to do, what’s going on in my life, and how
excited I am about the book. For a book I am really excited about, I can the rough draft
in 1 to 2 months.

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?
The inspiration behind Broken Faith came from two roadsides on my way home from
New York. After seeing the two signs, by the end of the 1,200 mile trip, I had the story
laid out in my mind.

? What are you reading right now?
I recently just finished Being Mrs. Dracula, which is a great read. Currently I am trying
to finish up Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare.

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I am an avid outdoors girl. I love hiking, swimming, sports, my jeep, photography, and
so much more. Let’s just say there’s never a time when I can’t find something fun to
do!

? What is your favorite comfort food?
Ice Cream. Love me some ice cream, or better yet an M&M blast!

? What do you think makes a good story?
The characters. The best action packed story can lose its greatness if the characters
are not built up with different personalities that the readers can begin to see and
believe.

Fun random questions:
• dogs or cats?
Cats
• Coffee or tea?
Coffee
• Dark or milk chocolate?
Milk Chocolate
• Rocks or flowers?
Rocks
• Night or day?
Night
• Favorite color?
Green
• Crayons or markers?
Crayons
• Pens or pencils?
Pens



Blog Tour: Death's Servant by C.J. Ellisson

Welcome to The Wormhole.
It is my pleasure to feature C.J. Ellisson and Death's Servant.


Death's Servant by C.J. Ellisson
Product Description:
Jonathan Winchester has clashed with his alpha one too many times. After another argument he leaves the Manitoba pack, his only home since the werewolf attack that changed his life. He returns to his home state of Virginia to start a new life free of pack politics. Jon finds work and meets a young waitress, Raine, who appears to be a lone werewolf, too.

As their relationship progresses, Jon's embroiled in more intrigue than he bargained for and a danger bigger than he can handle. He's running scared until his own alpha tendencies surface, making him unable to leave the pretty werewolf's problems behind. The young man is desperate to save Raine--even if his efforts may lead him straight to death.

Journey along in this first prequel novel involving the favorite characters from the bestselling V V Inn series. Written at reader demand, this stand-alone story explains how the beloved Jonathan came to serve the deadly redheaded vampire, Dria.

C.J. Ellisson is the USA Today Bestselling author of the NYT Bestselling book, Vanilla on Top, the bestselling V V Inn series, and several erotica shorts. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, two children, two dogs, and a fluffy black cat who makes her sneeze. Unlike most full-time authors, she's also battling severe chronic illness. C.J. works daily to put her Lupus into remission and continues to fight numerous bacterial infections while her immune system slowly attacks her body. She turned to writing when she could no longer work outside the home and claims the escape of penning contemporary fantasy, erotica, and erotic romance has helped save her sanity.
To learn more about C.J. and her other books, please stop by the author's website (http://www.cjellisson.com) or visit her on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/c.j.ellissonfanpage. She's also available via Skype for interviews and book club Q&A sessions, please email admin@cjellisson.com for more details.
Do you miss signed books? C.J. offers free, full-color signed 4x6 postcards of all her novels to readers who've left honest reviews on any retailer or book reviewing website. To obtain yours, please email your review URLs to the previously stated email addy with your mailing address--international readers welcome!

Review to follow.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Reivew: Voodoo on the Bayou by Elle James

Voodoo on the Bayou by Elle James

Amazon Product Description:
“By day a frog, by night a man, ‘til de next full moon...”


At first, lawyer and ladies’ man Craig Thibodeaux thought Madame LeBieu’s chant was a strange bayou joke. But the voodoo worked and Craig is spending his days as...well, a small green frog. Now he has only two weeks to find love, or his new froggy transformation becomes permanent.

When she receives the anonymous toxic water sample from Bayou Miste, research scientist Elaine Smith decides a trip to the bayou is the perfect excuse to escape the lab, and forget about her cheating ex-fiancé. Then she accidentally stumbles upon Craig’s oh-so-fine naked form, and her science-nerd brain is overrun with naughty thoughts about her new gorgeous night-time bayou guide.

But there’s more to Bayou Miste than voodoo curses and sexy late-night trysts. Dark secrets threaten the delicate ecosystem, and there are those who would do anything to keep those secrets hidden. Even murder...  

My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this book!  Wonderfully written.  You know from the go what will happen, but the journey to the end is fantastic.  This story is filled with emotion.  You get fun, funny, serious, dedicated, passionate, sensual, sweet, endearing and at the same time you have intrique and mystery enough to keep you turning the pages.  Elaine's transformation from mousey scientist to a go-getter is great and Craig's is just as good. 
The setting is perfect.  The characters are carefully, lovingly created and fully developed.  The plot is interesting and entertaining.  The underlying theme of friendship is threaded throughout each character for each other, the animals and the place they call home.
Wonderful read - can't wait to start book two.  Do not miss this one!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Blog Tour: Winged by L.M. Pruitt

This virtual book tour is presented by Bewitching Book Tours.
Click HERE for more tour information.
Welcome to The Wormhole and my stop on the tour.
It is my pleasure to feature:
L.M. Pruitt and Winged.


About the Author:

L.M. Pruitt has been reading and writing for as long as she can remember. A native of Florida with a love of New Orleans, she has the uncanny ability to find humor in most things and would probably kill a plastic plant. She knows this because she's killed bamboo. Twice. As a result, she's not allowed to walk in the gardening department of any store without supervision. She's also not allowed in the card aisle of any grocery store without an escort since she'll spend thirty minutes opening cards and laughing for no good reason. She is the author of the best-selling Jude Magdalyn series, the Moon Rising series, and the Frankie Post series. She continues to make her home in Florida in spite of the heat and mosquitos and shares her home with two cats--one of them smart, the other not so much.

Connect with her at:

Facebook:   L.M. Pruitt
Twitter:                lmpruitt
Website:      www.lmpruitt.org

Winged by LM Pruitt
Release Date February 5
Book Two Uprising Coming in April

I fell from the Talmadge Bridge the week before I turned thirty.

I was given a choice: Go to Heaven. Go back to my life in Savannah. Or spend eternity fighting evil under the direction of the archangels.

I chose the demons--and the angels.

I chose the Winged.

BN Print  BN Nook    Amazon Print   Amazon Kindle

My thoughts:
The prologue hooked me; the story kept me.  
Intriguing, well written and entertaining.  L.M. Pruitt has once again brought us great characters.  I love that Joanna has the "perfect" life - before...sometimes enough just isn't enough. 
Fast paced and sexy, this is one story you don't want to miss.