BOOK REVIEW: The Battle for Verdana by Brett Salter

The Battle for Verdana

Series: The Talisman, Book 4

Author: Brett Salter

Genre: Middle-Grade / YA Fantasy / Adventure

Publication Date: 23rd July 2020

Book Description:

What’s REALLY hiding in the forests of the Pacific Northwest? Could it be The Tyrant King’s army of Darkbrands? Could it be more of Mr. Jones’s liaisons? Or could it be the solution to the problem vexing our favorite heroes? Whatever mystery it is, you can guarantee the boys from Georgia are sure to find themselves deep in the thick of it.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

BOOK SUMMARY

Since losing their powers, Rome and Julian have been feeling out of sorts, especially Rome, who feels trapped in his human form. The boys can't perform any function until they find one of the Talismans and perform The Great Synergy. With the threat of their enemies ever increasing and with there being a possible Nocturne possessing a member of their group, will they find a Talisman in time to save the world? The boys hope to find answers as they head to the forests of the Pacific Northwest where they've been informed a Talisman, said to have been used by the great King Arthur himself, is located.

Will the boys luck out or is someone luring them into a trap?

WHAT I LIKED

As expected, the book is non-stop action and adventure, so there was never a dull moment. I liked that we learn a little more about some characters, particularly Julian, so to better understand his personality, which I am a big fan of, as Julian is one of my favourite characters. As Rome said, he is definitely SPECIAL.

I liked the inclusion of new characters. We delve a little deeper in the world of dragons in this portion of the series. Knowing the rules and how things work helps a lot with the world-building element of the story. I liked the fact that although you never quite know if you can trust new characters until after going on an adventure with them there are moments that instil distrust and suspicion in the readers that put you on guard for anything. You never know which way it's going to go, which is exciting and keeps you reading on.

I find the romance between Rome and Krysta, though a very slow burner, to be quite romantic and sweet. It would be nice to see Julian romantically connected with another character. I think that would be quite chaotic in a comedic way.

WHAT I DISLIKED

I don't think I learned a great deal more about the enemy the gang is facing from the previous chapter to now, which I was hoping to do, but with Rome and Julian lacking behind in the power department, I wasn't surprised the focus would shift to them trying to gain back their abilities.

I found there was a lot more telling than showing in this book than the previous, which I found surprising as, having read four books now, I'm used to rich dialogue when it comes to showcasing character personality and trait.

I didn't like the direct address to the reader in the Prologue. I don't mind the breaking the fourth wall technique, but it just felt out of place here.

VERDICT:

Another great adventure full of mystery and intrigue. It's a fun read for all.

RATING:

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Buck Up, Buttercup by Anna Alkire

Buck Up, Buttercup

Author: Anna Alkire

Publication Date: June 30th, 2022

Genre: NA Comedy / Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

All’s fair in love and war.

With Randi and Buck, it’s hard to tell the two apart…

An uptight, self-contained college girl, Randi Becker just needed one thing: a room. Somewhere she could study, and keep away from the things that most confuse and frighten her: people.

Unfortunately, the “nice quiet place” she reserved turns out to be a room in the campus’ most raucous house. A place seemingly designed to make studying impossible, made even worse by the other girls’ non-stop drama.

But then Buck, a fun-loving cowboy whom all the ladies love, shows up…and everything gets much worse.

Buck seems to have it all: friends, fun, and a never-ending line of admirers. But what he most desires is a break. So when Buck spots Randi, he figures she’s a perfect decoy: he can play up a “crush” on her that will take him off the market; buy him some breathing room. And if he can tease her a bit, and get under the skin of the uptight busybody? Well, that’s just gravy.

But Buck is about to find more than he bargained for. Randi’s strong-willed, opinionated, difficult—and maybe just what he needs. And Buck isn’t alone. Soon Randi wonders as well…if the world she wanted is really the world she needs. If her future is nothing more than a diploma on the wall. And if the most important thing in her world isn’t a grade, but the cowboy who’s planted his boots firmly in her heart.

Fans of Beth O’Leary’s The Flatshare and Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game will delight at this mix of romantic comedy, contemporary romance, and cultures colliding in a campus town with a western flair. Grab your copy today, and fall in love with Buck Up, Buttercup!

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Cover Reveal & Giveaway - Loving Dark Men by J.A. Huss

Loving Dark Men

Author: J.A. Huss

Publication Date: July 26th, 2022

Genre: Adult Erotica / Thriller

Book Description:

A man lures a woman into the woods.

Another ruins the life of his best friend.

And yet another strings them along like puppets.

Dark men.

They are intriguing, and charming, and powerful.

They are changing the world.

They are changing themselves.

They are playing with lust, and love, and fear, and loathing.

Addicted to each other, to their secret, to the seduction, to the sex.

It’s a crash in the making.

And yes, it’s on purpose.

These men are dark.

And this is the messy story of how Nova Ryan loves them.

Loving Dark Men is a seductive romantic thriller that will have you turning pages well past your bedtime. A standalone book by New York Times bestselling author, JA Huss.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

About the Author

JA Huss is a New York Times Bestselling author and has been on the USA Today Bestseller's list 21 times. She writes characters with heart, plots with twists, and perfect endings. Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world. Her book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie Award in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Her audiobook, Mr. Perfect, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017. Her audiobook, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Her book, Total Exposure, was nominated for a RITA Award in 2019. She lives on a ranch with her family, dogs, cats, birds, chickens, horse, donkeys, and goats in Colorado.

Author Links:

Website | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Audible | Bookbub

***GIVEAWAY***

LOVING DARK MEN COVER REVEAL

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Weaver by Tish Thawer

Weaver

Author: Tish Thawer

Published by: Amber Leaf Publishing

Publication Date: June 21st, 2022

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

He walked out of my dream, identifying himself only as the Weaver. In a black cloak, with eyes like stars, there was a shimmer to the way he moved. He was beautiful … Ethereal. And I was going to make him mine.

****

Alone for most of her life, Milly is determined to make the man of her dreams a reality. Using her hereditary magic, she sets out on a lifelong quest, entering a world of shadows and secrets. Little does she know, to possess his heart, she’ll have to give away her own … for the only way to love a Dream Weaver is to become his Queen of Nightmares.

****

The choice between love and magic is a dangerous thing.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Blog Tour Guest Post & Giveaway - Moon Deeds by Palmer Pickering

 

Twins Cassidy and Torr must save Earth from a ruthless enemy at a time when the only force more powerful than alien technology is magic…

By Palmer Pickering

Release Date: May 25, 2019
Publisher: Mythology Press
Soft Cover: ISBN: ‎ 978-1732568808; 598 pages; $21.99; E-Book, $.99; Audiobook, FREE.

Book Description:

It’s 2090: the last outpost of freedom is the moon, the best defense against technology is magic, and the only hope for humankind rests in the hands of the Star Children.

Twins Cassidy and Torr must save Earth from a ruthless enemy at a time when the only force more powerful than alien technology is magic. Moon Deeds launches the siblings’ journey across the galaxy, where they must learn their power as the Star Children, claim their shamanic heritage, and battle dark forces that threaten humankind.

The Star Children Saga follows Cassidy and Torr as they slowly awaken to their destiny as the twin Star Children, born every millennium to reconnect with the source of all life. They come to discover the sheer enormity of their task: to find our ancestors on a lost planet across the galaxy and save humanity from a spiraling descent into darkness. The powers they must wield to accomplish this task are truly frightening and put at risk everything they love.

Come along with twenty-year-old twins Cassidy and Torr, who inherited deeds to land parcels on the moon. They want to use their moon deeds to get off Earth and escape a brutal dictatorship. But first they must unlock their shaman powers.

A rollicking yet poignant adventure in the not too distant future, when we have colonized the moon and nearly lost Earth to a dictatorship. Only the shamans remain free, plus the lucky ones who escaped to the moon.

Join the adventure! An addictive space opera, science-fantasy series.
“This is a marvelous book. The characters are compelling, complex, and emotional. The future described is neither all evil nor all good, and it’s described so realistically that I can still feel the moon dust in my nose and expect to see large packing containers around every corner. The text is delightfully written with none of the bad grammar that makes picky people like me wince even in an otherwise great story. Alas, this is just the first book of the series, and it appears I’ll have to wait a whole year for the next one. I really need to know *now* what happens next!” – Garden Reader

“I was totally captivated by this story. It is set just far enough into our future that I could see it all unfold. This tale has it all, mystery, magic, aliens, war, family, friendship and love. The authors ability to paint landscapes with words is amazing! I can not wait for book two to come out. I must know the fate of the Star Children!” – VR

“Anything dealing with the moon is almost immediately mystical and magical. Throw in a heart racing adventure and characters that will leave a mark on your heart and you have a masterpiece!” – Taylor Johnson (Educator, Netgalley)

“I found this novel to be as much a psychological thriller as it is a science fiction adventure, and the draw-in happens almost instantly. This is unquestionably one of the best books I’ve read this year and Pickering has roped in an entire family as new fans. I’d give Moon Deeds a whole bucket of stars if I could.” – Asher Syed (Readers’ Favorite)

“There is so much to love about this book, from its complex and intricately woven plot filled with tension, strife, and discovery, to the personal attachment you begin to build with the characters due to finely executed character building, engaging personalities, and difficulties in both moral dilemmas and situations. The pace is perfect to build tension, and I loved the length of this book.” – K.J. Simmill (Readers’ Favorite)

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | B&N

WATCH BOOK TRAILER

“10 Things You Might Not Know About MOON DEEDS”

1. The Moon Deeds story starts on Earth in the year 2090.

2. The two protagonists are 20-year-old twins, Cassidy and Torr. Cassidy is studying plant-spirit medicine, and Torr is a soldier (and a lucid dreamer).

3. Their mother is a shaman. Currently, she practices plant-spirit medicine. Their father is a trader and merchant and has a special connection to animals.

4. Cassidy and Torr inherited deeds to land parcels on the moon that they inherited from their Great-Aunt Sophie. There is a strange connection between Great-Aunt Sophie and the President of the World Government (Global Alliance), but it is not clear what that connection is.

5. Prior to the start of the Moon Deeds adventure, on January 2, 2038, a strange-looking craft showed up on the landing field of Rothera Station spaceport in Antarctica. The landing party were humanoid, not so different from Earthlanders. They had a working knowledge of the Globalish language, and it had taken them some effort to prove they were from another planet—Thunder Walker, which orbits Errai in the Cepheus constellation. At that time, Antarctica was a neutral zone. Representatives from each country were sent there to meet with the aliens, who turned out to be diplomats and scientists. Several more Cephean craft arrived in Antarctica over the course of two years.

6. By 2090, the Cephs are backing a world army on Earth and are supplying it with advanced weaponry.

7. The only thing able to defend against the alien technology is magic.

8. At this point in time, the moon has been colonized. There are two interstellar spaceports, and the colonies have the ability to supply their own oxygen and water by mining moon soil and lunar ice. The colonies are still dependent on Earth for food and other critical goods such as medicines.

9. The third POV character, Ridge, is an inventor and runs one of the interstellar spaceports and the largest mine on the moon.

10. Palmer Pickering’s inspiration for Moon Deeds was a gag gift from her brother of a deed to a land parcel on the moon. It professes to be legit, and therefore Palmer may indeed own land on the moon.

Chapter 2 - Miramar

San Diego California, Western Free States, planet Earth

July 9, 2090                                                                                                                             

Something was not right with the air. There was a crackling that Torr could only sense when he stopped breathing. An intermittent wave of whispering, skin-tingling static. He lay on the platform inside the shadows of the cement bunker and stared through his rifle scope at the Shaman’s Shield. For three years the cloud barrier had stood between the Western Free States and the Tegs. Torr had joined the Gaia United rebels at the southern border two years ago, facing the massive wall every day. It soared up into the sky as though it were a towering marble cliff or a plunging waterfall, five miles high, stretching east to west far as the eye could see, shimmering like water but solid as stone. As far as anyone could tell, it was a cumulonimbus cloud made of ash from the volcanic mountains, held together by an unknown shamanic magic. The scientists called it an electromagnetic force field, of a sort no one had ever seen before. At its peak, the wall curved overhead, sealing them in from above in a thick cloud cover. But today the southern wall had receded from its normal position, exposing flat desert scrubland and skeletal bushes coated in ash. Since dawn, dark, vertical shadows had appeared at the base of the wall, as though some giant creature had attacked it overnight with long, jagged claws.

Torr crawled forward and poked his head out through the open front of the bunker half-buried in the hillside, and peered up at the sky. The cloud barrier overhead still appeared intact; the sky was gray and gloomy as ever, though it smelled like a storm was brewing. He pulled himself back inside and settled down behind his gun, tightening its bipod and adjusting the sand bag under the butt of the rifle. He inhaled deeply, held in his breath for three seconds, then exhaled and held it out for three seconds, hoping the breathing exercise would stop his cheek from twitching. It hadn’t bothered him in months—now his left cheek was spasming non-stop. He could not shoot with it jittering like that.

Inhale one two three. Exhale one two three.

He glanced over his right shoulder at Reina, propped up on her elbows on the plywood platform between him and the cement wall. She was staring through her spotting scope. Her TAFT stood on its bipod next to her, loaded and ready to mow down Tegs should they come streaming across the plain. Torr wanted to die before she did; he didn’t think he could bear to watch her suffer, or see her dead eyes staring up at him. It was a selfish thing to wish, but he wished it anyway. Bobby, on the other hand, lying on the platform to his left—two hundred pounds of solid muscle—he wouldn’t mind dying before Bobby. Torr would lean into him as he died, and Bobby would tell him everything was going to be all right, even though they both knew it wasn’t.

"Compelling...complex...epic"

Palmer Pickering has been writing fiction since she was eight. She received her BA in American Studies from Wesleyan University, with concentrations in Religion and Race Relations.

She currently works in Silicon Valley in the gaming industry and high tech. In addition, Palmer holds a certificate in Chinese Acupressure, is a certified solar panel installer, and studied Tibetan Buddhism with the 14th Dalai Lama.

She lives and writes in the magical redwood forest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, California.

Her latest book is the scifi fantasy for adults, Moon Deeds: Star Children Saga Book One.

You can visit her website at www.MythologyPress.com or connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Palmer Pickering is giving away one autographed copy of Moon Deeds and one autographed copy of her sequel, Light Fighters!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• Two winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one autographed copy of Moon Deeds and one autographed copy of the sequel, Light Fighters.
• This giveaway ends midnight October 28.
• Winner will be contacted via email on October 29.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Cover Reveal - Buck Up, Buttercup By Anna Alkire

Buck Up, Buttercup

Author: Anna Alkire

Publication Date: June 30th, 2022

Genre: NA Comedy / Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

All’s fair in love and war.

With Randi and Buck, it’s hard to tell the two apart…

An uptight, self-contained college girl, Randi Becker just needed one thing: a room. Somewhere she could study, and keep away from the things that most confuse and frighten her: people.

Unfortunately, the “nice quiet place” she reserved turns out to be a room in the campus’ most raucous house. A place seemingly designed to make studying impossible, made even worse by the other girls’ non-stop drama.

But then Buck, a fun-loving cowboy whom all the ladies love, shows up…and everything gets much worse.

Buck seems to have it all: friends, fun, and a never-ending line of admirers. But what he most desires is a break. So when Buck spots Randi, he figures she’s a perfect decoy: he can play up a “crush” on her that will take him off the market; buy him some breathing room. And if he can tease her a bit, and get under the skin of the uptight busybody? Well, that’s just gravy.

But Buck is about to find more than he bargained for. Randi’s strong-willed, opinionated, difficult—and maybe just what he needs. And Buck isn’t alone. Soon Randi wonders as well…if the world she wanted is really the world she needs. If her future is nothing more than a diploma on the wall. And if the most important thing in her world isn’t a grade, but the cowboy who’s planted his boots firmly in her heart.

Fans of Beth O’Leary’s The Flatshare and Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game will delight at this mix of romantic comedy, contemporary romance, and cultures colliding in a campus town with a western flair. Grab your copy today, and fall in love with Buck Up, Buttercup!

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon US | UK

About the Author

Anna Alkire has been a long-term college student, a business owner, and a world traveler. Now “settled”—with a sigh and a cup of decaf—Anna lives in Washington state, where she splits her time between a husband who thinks the North Pole would be a great place to live, chasing her hurricane of a son, learning new handicrafts, and creating worlds full of the kind of romance and fun she most wants to read. Find more about her (and grab a freebie or two) at her website, annaalkire.com.

Author Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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BOOK REVIEW: A Lover's Will by Mahiraj Jadeja

A Lover's Will

Author: Mahiraj Jadeja

Genre: Poetry

Publication Date: 26th May 2016

Book Description:

Poet Mahiraj Jadeja has a new collection of 50 poems entitled A Lover's Will. The work covers all aspects of love, from the first questioning 'What is Love' through poems praising women and lovers to unrequited love. The interaction of lovers who are past the first flush of love, are comfortable in each others company and have an instinctive almost telepathic understanding of each other is explored in 'As Expected'. In the poem 'Suicide', the tragedy of a love across a religious divide is sensitively explored. 'Roles of a Lady' shows the three types of love in a woman's life and 'A Mother's Wish' speaks of the one love a dying woman is yearning for.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

SUMMARY

An anthology of narrative poetry about the varying concepts of love.

MY REVIEW

As a lover of poetry, and since it's been a while since I read some poetry, I was looking forward to delving into this anthology. In all honesty, I didn't enjoy the anthology as much I thought I would, however, there were a few poems that stuck for me as they generated a reaction that was satisfying and that put a smile on my face. I especially liked the following: My Reflection, Freedom of Love, Angel of Death Cum Love, Soul Sister and Hope.

I didn't like that the tone and general ambience was monotone throughout. I wanted a flux of emotions, but I didn't get that. Given that love has many forms of expressions, I was hoping for varying emotions, but the tone was unchanging.

While the anthology didn't excite me as much as I had hoped, it was still a nice collection. I would have liked to have connected with it more on an emotional level, but I appreciated the exploration into the varying decrees of love, albeit the monotone vibe.

RATING

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Falling For My Hot Neighbor Surprise Release

Falling For My Hot Neighbor

Author: Rachael Brownell

Publication Date: June 9th, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

There’s a professional line in the sand. One I refuse to cross. I can’t afford to if I want to keep my secrets safe. To keep my life from falling apart again.

Those boundaries are tested when he moves in across the hall.

My new neighbor might just be the sexiest man I’ve ever seen. He’s also my patient’s brother which is why he’s off limits. But with him this close, I find it hard to ignore my attraction to him. To deny the spark between us. To avoid the magnetic pull I feel.

Because Alex is everything I’ve ever wanted in a man.

Kind and sweet, with a dirty mind and a touch that lights a fire inside me.

And he loves my son.

Which scares me the most.

It’s not just my heart at risk. The closer Alex gets, the more I fall for him, the more I risk exposing everything I’ve worked so hard to keep hidden.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Four Weddings and a Billionaire by Tina Gabor

Four Weddings and a Billionaire

Author: Tina Gabor

Publication Date: June 8th, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

He cannot be serious! God’s gift to bridesmaids is trying to let me down gently. Listen up Bradley Bronson. This fix up is a scheme put together by your brothers and my besties. Not me!

I’m trying to put together a fresh start for myself. The last thing I want is to get into a relationship.

The problem is we keep running into each other at engagement parties, weddings, and even around town.

So we become friends, and everything is perfect until one lust-filled night.

Now, the foundation I’ve laid for my new life has morphed into a minefield of questions.

Do I pretend it didn’t happen? Does Bradley think our night together was a mistake, too? And most importantly, how do I stop thinking about him naked?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Smart Girls Don’t Love Aliens! by Alina Jacobs

Smart Girls Don’t Kiss Aliens!

Author: Alina Jacobs

Publication Date: May 31st, 2022

Genre: Adult Comedy / Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

Crash-land on an alien barbarian planet and told there’s no way home?

LMAO! I’m a rocket scientist. Miss me with that noise.

Anyone else might have a nervous breakdown, but I was abducted with my besties. Among us, we have fifteen PhDs.

We will be getting off this planet. Trust.

No, I will not be finding an eternal bonded mate among the seven-foot-tall alien males.

No, I will not be wearing a furkini and walking around barefoot.

And no, I will not be moving into a cave with no internet or running water and accepting my fate like the rest of the freed human women on this craft-cocktail-forsaken planet.

Two liquid hydrogen rockets and a smidge of deep-space travel later, and we’re back home on Earth.

Except that our spaceship had stowaways.

Now there’s a seven-foot-tall alien named Cassius in my Los Angeles condo. He’s explaining calmly that according to the ancestors, we are supposed to be eternally mated, he’s bonded to me, and we’re going to have a litter of children. Also, he’s wearing a loincloth. And he has horns.

Wipe that smirk off your face. No, it is not as sexy as it sounds.

He barked at my cat. He harassed my busybody Karen neighbor (actually, I’m okay with that one). He’s obsessed with the ice maker on my fridge.

What’s a smart girl to do?

The smart thing is to build a rocket ship and send Cassius and his other hot alien friends back to their home planet.

The not-smart thing to do is fall into those deep blue-gray eyes and let him show me just how good that forked tongue feels.

And the downright stupid thing to do is fall in love with an alien.

This is a stand-alone, full-length, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, complete with bad space puns, hot guys with horns, and enough steam to cause a supernova. Happily ever after guaranteed!

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK