Author: sydneygen

Blog Tour & Review: Hope is Lost by Emma James

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SYNOPSIS

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
-Jimi Hendrix

Keanu Lee, the funny man, finds himself on the sticky end of a night out with his best friend Levi.

Keanu’s life is about to take another unexpected, sharp turn. New friends will be found under the most unique circumstances.

Hope Walker is a lost soul, and Ajax, the street performer, is her unspoken protector. Together, they survive the streets of Ocean Beach.

Life has a way of righting wrongs when you least expect it.

Come join this sexy crew as they show you that, even though life may take from you, it can also give back when you least anticipate it.

The Ocean Beach series continues with the brotherhood, passion, and laughter you have grown to love, and through the eyes of these survivors, you will realize love can truly heal.

The past will never be forgotten, but there is hope if you just allow yourself to have a little faith.

 
 

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EXCERPT – Keanu Pov
 


“Do you want to come join us, Keanu? I just realized you were sitting over here by yourself.”

I look over at Slade and then back over at Phoenix. “So, kids, what’s up with you two?” OKAY, so I’m starting to slur a little.

“Sounds like you’ve had enough alcohol for the night,” Phoenix says.

Slade grunts and pretends he’s busy, wiping the bar down, even though he has wiped the same place in front of Phoenix several times. Phoenix turns her back on Slade and aims her boobies in my face, which I think is funny, so I start getting that drunk man-giggle going. Wanting to annoy Slade, she pretends I’m not being a little school boy, but she’s doing it with the wrong person. I am not getting in between those two.

Slade clears his throat. “Is there an order you’d like to put in for you and your friends?” The friends bit is said not so friendly.

“Oh, hey, Slade. I didn’t see you there,” she quips over her shoulder at him.

How could she not see him? He’s huge. I think I’m seeing two of him, which makes me chuckle.

“I’ll be right with you. Keanu and I are talking.”

Ooooh, she did not just use me to make Slade wait. On that note, I decide I shall move on home and slam my hand down a little too hard on the bar.

“Okay, guys, sorry to be a pooper, but I’m heading on home, and I will leave you two to whatever this is you two are doing.” I lean over and give Phoenix a kiss on the cheek and catch the possessive glare being directed at me from Slade. “I think I will call a cab.”

“I’ll do it for you. You go wait out front, and there will be one with you shortly,” Slade growls out to me.

Somebody is a bit grouchy.

“Thanks, bro. Enjoy the rest of your night, and same to you, too, Phoenix.” I shake Slade’s hand and head off to take a piss before I leave.

I’m wearing the doppelganger tonight, so I’m a bit slower with taking a leak. After what happened with Levi today, something inside me just wanted to make me feel a bit more normal tonight, so I chose to wear the doppelganger prosthetic under my loose fitting long sleeved t-shirt. I should have fought the insecurities which had decided to rear their ugly head and just worn the ‘big gun.’ Sometimes, I let them creep up on me and take over then wonder if I’m whole enough for somebody to love me.

I zip my pants up and think, Fuck it! I’m quite a catch. Then I have another chuckle to myself.

I head on out, yelling goodbye to Slade as I leave and waving to Phoenix.

Slade raises one arm in the air to wave at me yet doesn’t take his eyes off Phoenix, whom he seems to be having a heated discussion with. Those two kids need to just give into each other.

Almost as soon as I walk outside, a cab pulls up, and he calls out to me through his open window. “Are you Keanu?”

I move towards the back passenger door. “The one and only.”


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This book was a perfect next edition in the Ocean Beach series. You can check out my review of the first book: A Little Faith here. I wasn’t always a fan of switching POVs but Emma James has changed my mind. She manages to switch character POV at just the right time in just the right way that the story flows flawlessly and each character has a voice of their own. In this book I feel like James has improved her technique, and it’s easier to blend into the characters and distinguish their personalities. I think that being able to write so many different characters and their voices is a huge achievement and I commend the author on being so brave! I don’t think it’s going to be a style that will suit every reader, but the story line makes up for any inconveniences that may achieve. Whilst the endings leave the reader saying “WHAT…. WHAT… WHAT.. I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT ONE?!?!” it’s definitely not a reason to wait to pick up the series. Start reading now and fall in love with the humour, the mystery, the intrigue, the closeness, the family that the characters are, and enjoy the guys and gals of Ocean Beach.
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AUTHOR BIO

Emma James lives in Queensland, Australia with her smexy husband, three children and a big black Labrador. Life is busy and most entertaining in the James household.Writing has been a part of her life for many years. Life was getting on and it was time to put her fears aside and do what she does best. It was time to show readers what she was made of, take that leap off the diving board and see where it takes her.Emma is a creative person at heart. She loves to read as much as write, devouring books into the wee hours of the morning.Who needs sleep, right?Photography is another great passion of hers.A Little Faith is the first book released in the Ocean Beach series and proved to be quite the surprise read of 2014 for contemporary romance lovers with Hope Is Lost following closely on.Emma James is one determined snowflake who is here to make her imprint in the writing world.

 
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There is a giveaway for a $10 Amazon gift card and 3 ebooks (direct to Kindle) of Hope Is Lost

Click below image to enter

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TOUR SCHEDULE
28th February
2nd March
4th March
6th March
7th March
10th March
12th March
13th March
14th March
15th March

Teaser Tuesday – March 3rd, 2015

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How Fun does Teaser Tuesday sound?! I know they’re done loads over on Facebook, but I thought it’d be fun to start them over here!!!!! So, let’s get started ….I only have one for you so far…

Exotic Racing Crusader by JORDANA mia LEZAMY

is now available for pre order!
Release Date: 1st April
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Synopsis: EXOTIC CARS MEET A LOVE STORY “NOTHING IN LIFE IS A COINCIDENCE” It was the day of a special occasion in my life, when my entire future was rewritten and set on a new course Or was this always part of destiny that I believed you cannot run from? My Destiny. Now Ours. Together. Exclusively. As I watched him at the show I never planned on attending – I was certain of one thing about his velocity: ONLY GOD is capable of catching him. The moment we met, there was no looking back on a past life down a darkened and lonely road any longer. Before him I had never dated anyone. Before him I lead a normal good-girl life. With him my plus size curves and unique facial features are loved and adored beyond a passionate and lustful extent Beside him I became queen to the messiah of an exotic cars racing universe I defied heaven for.

As fate would have it, regrets collected like old friends ready to relive both our darkest moments It’s always darkest before the dawn, but to see the sunrise at the end of the finish line, there are SEVEN words of a pledge barricading the way:
Oath
Griffin
Blood
Hypersonic
Racers
Breakneck
League
Cauterized words onto his soul that will decide if he is either a villain or a savior The ultimate sacrifice must be made by him alone Which will he choose? Which will he let go of? Which means more? This is our journey This is where our racing legacy with fast cars begin.
Contemporary, Erotica, New Adult, Romance : Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18
–>PRE ORDER NOW<—
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canstock6030971If you would like to be featured in the future Teaser Tuesday posts please email me at sydneygenreads@gmail.com Please include images and any excerpts in PLAIN or HTML format.

Sunday Spotlight: Authors On Show – Jessica Florence

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SSJessicaFlorenceAbout the Author:

I am a books, movie, and music nerd. I can tell you about every book I’ve read chapter by chapter. Can tell you about every movie I’ve ever seen, and can sing songs I’ve only heard once. 

I’m pretty talented right?! I absolutely love writing. It’s been a pure dream to write and put my stories out into the world for all the lovely readers to have in their grabby hands. I currently own my own business in Southwest Florida.I love the warm 1375812_10151595771226710_2127657335_nweather, and the humidity. 

I love torturing my husband 🙂 playing with my dog Rogue, and making my super cute as hell baby smile. 

I’m obsessed with survival stuff. Just put me out in the woods for a weekend and I will Bear Grylls it up!

I’m not a good cook, I can make quesadillas like no bodies business though! 

I am a geeky redhead that reads books, and likes to be outside.

Jessica’s Books

cover1Genre: Contemporary Suspense Romance

Beach Eyes: Beautiful gold surrounding the pupils, just like sand at the beach, and then
suddenly BAM! A deep blue like the ocean.

It all started with beach eyes for Scarlet surviving val
Barnette. After jumping into bed with men
without getting to know them first, she has learned it always ends in disaster. So she puts
everything she has into running her self defense studio. As Valentine’s Day approaches Scarlet tries to steer clear of men SV2who promise her a good time. Until she meets Darien Valentine and his beach eyes.
Resisting him is going to take every ounce of
control she has. Especially when she finds out he is her sexy new neighbor.

Darien Valentine wants Scarlet.
As soon as he saw her, he knew he had to have her.
She says she wants to be friends before lovers. Well Darien is just going to be the best friend she will ever have. Looks like this Navy Seal has his next mission.

Will they be able to resist giving in?
And when Tragedy strikes, will they survive it at all?

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woth2Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance

The more I see the less I know for sure- John Lennon.

After living in peace for twenty five years Thalia Alexander’s life is about to change.

A black hair, grey eyed, sexy man shows up in her dreams, and then in reality. He looked like trouble with a capital T, but she couldn’t stay away. Something inside her called out for him. wot6

Tristan Jacks is intense, and has a possessiveness for Thalia that she doesn’t understand. They just met, but it would seem like she has known him a lot longer.

Those strange dreams continue to stalk Thalia as her relationship with Tristan builds to be an epic love for the ages.

What do those dreams mean to her? Is Tristan the sexy, sweet, bad ass man he claims?

And when secrets are revealed will she be able to handle the truth?

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goodreads_icon_50x50-823139ec9dc84278d3863007486ae0acComing Soon:

54bada3262aa2bbe244013e4d67f7cadGenre: Contemporary Romance

It was supposed to be an easy stake out.
Until a bunch of bachelorettes mobbed me,changing my life forever.

I couldn’t get Andi Slaton, with her red hair, blue eyes, and cotton candy flavored lip gloss out of my head.

But when she offers herself to aid the FBI to help me take down the biggest criminal family in Tampa, Florida, my very sanity is put to the test watching her spend time with my arch enemy.

She’s everything I want, I will be everything to her.
We will be Evergreen.

goodreads_icon_50x50-823139ec9dc84278d3863007486ae0acQandA

1. How would you describe the writing to publishing process? Any fun analogies?

Writing is the fun part. I don’t do outlines or anything of that sort. I picture it like a body. I have all the bones in my head, then as I go I add in everything else, and POOF I have a little book baby. I am the absolute worst at editing. and working on the covers is fun. Once all that’s done it’s easy. You just push some buttons.

2. Are you a plotter or a fly by the seat of your pants type writer?

Haha, Like I said before I am not a plotter. I have the main things I want to happen then just write as I go for the in between parts.

3. Do you listen to music or are you a silence in the library writer?

I listen to music. Sometimes. During the emotional parts for sure. My first book I don’t think I stopped listening to music the whole time. I always have music or a movie going on in the background. Silence just doesn’t work for me.

4. You’re going to a deserted island and you’re allowed 3 books to read for the rest of your life… which books and why? 

Eek, Um hard decision.

Wallbanger by Alice Clayton -Because this book makes me laugh over and over. I just love it to death. Never tire of it.

In flight ( up in the air first book) by R.K.Lilley – I lovee this book so much. I love James. He is my ultimate Book boyfriend.

Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout- Simple answer.. Daemon.

Huge thanks to Jessica for stepping into the spotlight. I am loving this Sunday post. So much variety in the answers and all different types of authors… the Best!!! Be sure to connect with Jessica at all her places on the buttons below!!!

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I started university again this week so I’ve been a little slow with finishing books. I’ve started some, so will tee up some reviews for the week! I’ve been asking for recommendations and excited to see such a broad range of books being presented! If you ever have a rec let me know! In the mean time —- Happy Reading!

Sunday Spotlight: Authors On Show – Cecily Paterson

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SSCecilyPaterson

About the Author:

Cecily Paterson has given up sugar in pursuit of a healthier life more times than she can count. She’s probably not going to do it again because, chocolate. Cecily grew up in Pakistan where they don’t eat chocolate too much, so she now makes up for missed Cecily Paterson Author  opportunities. Her years at boarding school overseas were also largely chocolate-free, unfortunately, but she did learn a lot about teenage girl relationships, and especially that every girl needs two things: her own place to chill out in, and a kind, understanding person to talk to. Cecily now lives in small town NSW with her husband, four kids and two dogs. Her favourite kind of chocolate, in case you’re wondering, is the Lindt 70% dark blend. Mmmmm.

Genres: Young Adult

Cecily’s Books

cover front smallJazmine Crawford doesn’t make decisions. She doesn’t make choices. She doesn’t make friends. Jazmine Crawford only wants one thing: to be invisible. For Jazmine, it’s a lot easier to take out her hearing aid and drift along pretending that nothing’s wrong than it is to admit that she’s heartbroken. When Jazmine is forced to be in the school play, she finds that she’s stronger than she thought. But is it enough to stand up to the school bully? And does she have enough courage to face the truth about what really happened to her dad?

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INVINCIBLE COVER SMALL“When I was smaller I thought that at some point in my life I’d reach the top of the mountain. You know, the place where you’re finally happy. The night I got a standing ovation in the school play was the night I got to the top. The trouble was, no one ever told me that I’d have to hike back down.” invincibleteaser2 invincibleteaser
Finally, everything is going right for 13 year-old Jazmine Crawford. After years of being invisible, she’s making friends, talking to her mum and hanging out with Liam. But what happens when everyone around her changes? Will getting back in touch with her grandma help her cope or just make things worse? And who’s going to finally give arrogant Angela what she deserves?
Invincible is the much-anticipated sequel to Invisible, a semi-finalist in the 2014 Amazon Book of the Year Award.

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goodreads_icon_50x50-823139ec9dc84278d3863007486ae0acLMP cover smallThirteen year old fashionista Coco Franks has finally made it into the popular group when her dad decides to move the whole family to the country so they can ‘bond’. Social death is looming, her shoes are covered in mud and all Coco wants to do is get herself back to her city friends. After all, things can’t get any worse, right?

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QandA

1. How would you describe the writing to publishing process? Any fun analogies?

Hmmm. It’s a lot like poking your eyes out with blunt pencils. Slow, painful and messy. The only bit I like about writing and publishing is having a book in my hand at the end.
2. Are you a plotter or a fly by the seat of your pants type writer?

I plot. With four kids and no time, I’m a big believer in doing things in the most time-efficient way possible. I have no time to faff around changing plots. However, like with my kids, I do let my characters have a bit of leeway as we go. I’m not super-strict with them.
3. Do you listen to music or are you a silence in the library writer?

PLEASE BE QUIET. DO NOT FLICK YOUR TOES. DO NOT BLINK OR SNIFF. DO NOT EVEN BREATHE. WE ARE WORKING IN HERE, ORRIGHT?

4. You’re going to a deserted island and you’re allowed 3 books to read for the rest of your life… which books and why?

Pride and Prejudice. Or anything by Jane, actually. Her books make me laugh every time, and I have so much so learn from her construction and characterisations.

A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth. The India setting reminds me of my childhood growing up in Pakistan, the characters are wonderful, and it’s incredibly long, which is useful, because I’ve got the rest of my life, right?

The Bible. In my estimation the most important and most interesting story ever told. Plus it’s incredibly long, which is useful, again, because, well…
Thank you so much to Cecily Paterson for joining us in this addition of Authors on Show. I am super excited and intrigued to grab these books, they look absolutely divine! Don’t forget to click the buttons below to connect with the author. ((I’ve checked out her website and I highly recommend you have a lookie…there is SO much wonderful information on it!!)) I’ll see you next week for another post!

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Book Review: Outside the Ropes by Ashley Claudy

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OTRcover60956-smallGenre: New Adult. Romance. Suspense. Action.

Regan Sommers spent her life fighting. Fighting foster parents, kids in the group home, and classmates. But the night she has to fight for her life changes everything.
Now, she’s fighting for money in the ring, and from the first punch she’s addicted. Every addiction has a price though, and this one is the gym’s star boxer, Gage Lawson. He may come in an enticing tattooed package, but his demands are more than she can handle. OTR
The responding officer from that night, Anthony Fields, comes with no demands. He want’s whatever she’s willing to give, and Regan can handle that. She can definitely handle him.
But no help comes string free, and Regan’s not the only one with a hard past and scars to cover. The life she was trying to escape is nothing compared to the danger she’s in the middle of now, and she can’t fight her way out.
***Reader please be aware: Story contains mature content such as: Drugs, sex, abuse, and explicit language that may be upsetting for some.****

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The author does a great job weaving multiple story lines through out this book, suspense and action included. There were a few angles that I wished had been resolved by the end, or had a little more depth put into them, but for the majority of the book I wasn’t worrying about that.

Regan’s character was likable, a strong female, who also has enough vulnerability that the reader can relate to her. In some of the ways she acted she showed she wasn’t the complete tough girl, which added depth to her character. The way shIMG_20150217_142044e craves attention didn’t make her less likable, in fact it shows that being damaged allows her to get through life the way she has.

At first I was confused by Gage, but at the same time intrigued and sucked into his demeanour and appeal. Throughout the story he remains a mystery, but at the same time you also feel like whatever his motivation is, it’s for the best. Who doesn’t love a hot boxer who knows goes all protective, but not in an aggressive and possessive way!?OTR4

I was hoping some of the loose ends would be tied together, but I compliment the author in giving the reader an experience that will have them hanging for the next installment. In the end, I really couldn’t put the book down and now I really can’t wait for the next book! *warning, there is a bit of a cliff hanger…..

BUY LINKS: AMAZON

About the Author:

OTRAClaudy

Mother. Wife. Teacher. Proud UMD Terp. Perpetual learner. Wild imagination fueled by coffee. Occasional runner. Late night book junkie. Daytime dreamer.
 
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*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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Rating Reviews: Star Light – Star Bright – How Many Stars Will We Add?

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Before now I haven’t given any of the books I’ve reviewed a star rating. I do so on Goodreads because it makes me, but I’ve always felt that it was saying a very clear message of read this ..or don’t, based on stars. I think writing what you didn’t like and what you did like really mean a lot more than stars. However….. it seems that stars are really important when it comes to all those awesome authors I get to read. So from now on, all reviews will be accompanied by a star rating. Below is a table of what the star ratings mean for this blog:

 

 

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1 star = Did Not Finish – Not For Me – You might like it so at least check it out
(I’m going to be honest and say I probably won’t share a lot of these – is there really a point in making an author who has put their heart and soul into something feel bad?! Nope!)

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2 star = I see the point of the book but I just didn’t like it. It didn’t connect with me. It was really hard to finish but I did. Check it  out at your own risk.
(again, not sure how many of these I’ll post, but that’s okay!)

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3 star = Was a good book. Interesting and engaging, although it was a book I could easily put down and come back to. I still liked it and would really like if you checked it out.

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4 star = I really loved this book. It captured me. It kept me interested and I really enjoyed being able to escape into this books world and characters.

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5 star = Whoa. What day is it? I spent all day ignoring the housework, and all night ignoring sleep just so I could finish this book. It was AMAZING and you should DEFINITELY check it out – IMMEDIATELY.

I’ll start this system with the next posted review … for now…

Happy Reading!

Book Review: It’s Not Me, It’s You by Mhairi McFarlane

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itsnotmeGenre: Women’s Fiction. Adult Literature.

Delia Moss isn’t quite sure where she went wrong.

When she proposed and discovered her boyfriend was sleeping with someone else – she thought it was her fault.

When she realised life would never be the same again – she thought it was her fault.

And when he wanted her back life nothing had changed – Delia started to wonder if perhaps she was not to blame…

From Newcastle to London and back again, with dodgy jobs, eccentric bosses and annoyingly handsome journalists thrown in, Delia must find out where her old self went – and if she can ever get her back.

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This story had me aching with the intensity reserved for stories that really touch my emotions. The beginning had me gasping and being all of the sad, but it set me on a path that throughout the book I was rooting for Delia to get through life and make good choices. There were many times were I didn’t know where the author was going to go in regards to relationships in the book, and it made me even more excited and anxious to keep reading. This book was a great read, and will leave the reader on an emotional roller coaster, but fear not, you’ll get to the end and be ready to ride again! I vote this book as very enjoyable, clever, smart, funny, and emotional. Get on it! This is McFarlane’s third novel and I’m now on a mission to read her first two, especially if they’re as clever and easy to read as this one was.

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About The Author:

McFarlane11443Mhairi was born in Scotland in 1976 and her unnecessarily confusing name is pronounced Vah-Ree.

After some efforts at journalism, she started writing novels. It’s Not Me, It’s You is her third book. She lives in Nottingham, with a man and a cat.

Author Page on Harper Collins   Twitter   Goodreads

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*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Sunday Spotlight: Authors On Show – Steve Harrison

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We’re back again with my regular post on authors. Let’s discover a brand new one today! The genre is Time Travel – Adventure – History – Duty – Revenge … sounds exciting to me!! Let’s meet the author!

SteveHarrisonAbout the Author

I’m an Australian writer who was born and grew up in England and, unlike the convict characters in my novel, I was not forced steve-harrisonto come here! I live in Sydney with my wife and daughter and I have a ‘real’ job, at least until writing becomes my real job. TimeStorm is my first novel and I have written short stories, articles, a long running newspaper humour column and a number of unproduced feature film screenplays. Oh, and I’ve written three produced short films under my partnership with director John Osmond, Pronunciation Fillums. I am hard at work on my nextnovel, the first in a proposed YA science fiction trilogy.

Steve’s Book

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TimeStorm, an epic action adventure tale of convicts, time travel, history, romance, honour, duty and revenge.

In 1795 a convict ship leaves England for New South Wales in Australia. Nearing its destination, it encounters a savage storm but, miraculously, their battered ship stays afloat and limps into Sydney Harbour. Here, the convicts rebel, overpower the crew and make their escape, destroying the ship in the process.

Fleeing the sinking vessel with only the clothes on their backs, the survivors struggle ashore. Among the escaped convicts, seething resentments fuel an appetite for brutal revenge against their former captors while, for their part, the crew attempts to track down and kill or recapture the escapees. However, it soon becomes apparent that both convicts and crew have more to concern them than shipwreck and a ruthless fight for survival; they have arrived in Sydney in 2017.

TimeStorm is a thrilling epic adventure story of revenge, survival and honour set in a strange new world of unfamiliar technology and equally unfathomable social norms. In the literary footsteps of Hornblower, comes Lieutenant Christopher ‘Kit’ Blaney, an old-fashioned hero, a man of honour, duty and principle, dragged into the 21st century – literally.

A great fan of the grand seafaring adventure fiction of CS Forester, Patrick O’Brien and Alexander Kent, and modern action thriller writers such as Lee Child, Steve Harrison combines several genres in his debut novel. The book was inspired by a replica 18th century sailing ship on Sydney Harbour and a question from Steve’s brother, Tony: “What if that was a real convict ship?”

TimeStorm explores that question in a fast-paced story as a group of desperate men from the 1700s clash in 21st century Sydney.

TimestormBuy Links: Buy eBook:    Buy paperback 

Book Links: Goodreads:   Publisher page

QandA

1. How would you describe the writing to publishing process? Any fun analogies?
It took 25 years to get TimeStorm published, so I would describe the writing to publishing process as ‘long.’ I would write a revised draft every few years and then submit to a new bunch of publishers, but it was always rejected. I was constantly looking for a publisher who saw what I saw, an old fashioned ‘blood& thunder’ adventure with something for everyone. Eventually I found Elsewhen Press in the UK and the feedback from readers appears to have justified my perseverance.

2. Are you a plotter or a fly by the seat of your pants type writer?
I hate plotting so much, I would rather write myself into dead ends. I see my stories and scripts in my head and work on them there, so they usually come out reasonably well formed. Is that plotting? Maybe. The only written notes I make are towards the end, so I don’t miss any of the threads requiring resolution. That’s the theory, anyway.

3. Do you listen to music or are you a silence in the library writer?
I always listen to music while writing. Actually, I should say I have music playing, but because I get totally absorbed, I can often miss an entire album. When I am conscious of sound, though, I choose music suited to what I’m writing. For instance, TimeStorm is filled with action, so I often played pieces by movie trailer specialists, Two Steps from Hell. Blood & thunder, indeed!

4. You’re going to a deserted island and you’re allowed 3 books to read for the rest of your life… which books and why?
I couldn’t possibly take unread books, in case I didn’t like any or all of them, so I have chosen three I have read and enjoyed multiple times.

Flashman in the Great Game by George MacDonald Fraser

The villain from Tom Brown’s Schooldays was brought vividly to life in a wonderful series of comic – though historically accurate – novels, lying, whoring and doing his utmost to avoid danger in every hotspot in the 19th century – and failing. I’ve read them all, but this Harry Flashman adventure, set during the Indian Mutiny, is my favorite and will withstand a great many further reads.

The Stand by Stephen King

A monster of a book and my favourite by King. A post-apocalyptic epic with marvelous characters and one of, in my opinion, the best fictional villains ever. I read this often.

Tolstoy’s Bicycle by Jeremy Baker

My final choice is a non-fiction work. A wonderful collection of interesting feats by famous people throughout history, sorted by the age at which they did them. It’s an endless joy thumbing through this book at random, just the ticket for years on a desert island!

Thank you so much to Steve for joining us on the blog today. It was great to discover a new book that sounds all parts intriguing and cool at the same time. Let me know if you’ve read it! I’d love to hear your thoughts.If you’d like to connect with the author, check out the following links:

My website with all buying links

Twitter

Goodreads

Google+

Thanks for joining me for another Sunday Spotlight. See you next week with another one! cropped-readsheader.jpg

Book Review: Trade Me by Courtney Milan

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trademe

Genre: New Adult

Tina Chen just wants a degree and a job, so her parents never have to worry about making rent againtumblr_nicw120eAr1qmb3rso1_1280. She has no time for Blake Reynolds, the sexy billionaire who stands to inherit Cyclone Systems. But when he makes an offhand comment about what it means to be poor, she loses her cool and tells him he couldn’t last a month living her life.

To her shock, Blake offers her a trade: She’ll get his income, his house, his car. In exchange, he’ll work her hours and send money home to her family. No expectations; no future obligations.

But before long, they’re trading not just lives, but secrets, kisses, and heated nights together. No expectations might break Tina’s heart…but Blake’s secrets could ruin her life.

tumblr_nicvz5ybnI1qmb3rso1_1280I’m not going to lie, I grabbed this book because of the cover! Don’t judge me (or do, it’s okay!)!!!!!!!! I certainly haven’t read many books, if any, that had an Asian immigrant as a main character and it was something that had piqued my interest in the book. Not to mention a hottie billionaire that was off-limits. The interesting thing about this book is Blake, who struggles with being in the spotlight and having the pressure of a family company on his shoulders. The author does a good job of revealing this throughout the book, and the chemistry between Blake and Tina is thrown together with a few surprises that I wasn’t expecting. I liked the subtlety of the character traits that made it a bit more than a boy meets girl and girl swoons and falls all over the guy type of book. Tina’s mum had me laughing out loud with inappropriate mum-isms and her honesty and bluntness (no daughter wants her mum talking about wrapping it and condoms at the dinner table, right!?!!!!). The ending turned a little bizarre for me as I felt Tina’s character digressed into a strange alternate world, but in the end it was wrapped up in a sense that an ongoing series is. Read this New Adult romance if you are after a clever written story of love between opposites. Also, this author has written multiple historical romances, so if that’s your thing, be sure to check them out at her website.

Click the image to read the first chapter

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Buy Links:

About the Author:

Courtney_037webCourtney Milan lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, a marginally-trained dog, and an attack cat.

Before she started writing books, Courtney experimented with numerous occupations. She has trained dogs, written legal briefs, sold newspaper subscriptions, and written computer programs. Having given up on actually being able to do any actual things, she’s taken to heart the axiom that “those who can’t, teach.” When she isn’t reading, writing, or sleeping, she can be found in the vicinity of a classroom.

Courtney loves hearing from readers. You can visit her on the web and find out more about her and her newest releases at http://www.courtneymilan.com.

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books1b*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an
 honest review

Sunday Spotlight: Authors On Show – Michelle Irwin

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I thought we’d try something a little different around here and start a weekly post called Sunday Spotlight – Authors on Show.  A place to showcase some authors and see what book or books they have out all in one post! I may not have read the books posted, so please know that this is all about sharing the love and discovering new authors, together. Kicking off the inaugural Sunday post is……

ASMichelleIrwin

About the Author

Michelle Irwin BioMichelle Irwin has been many things in her life: a hobbit taking a precious item to a fiery mountain; a young child stepping through the back of a wardrobe into another land; the last human stranded not-quite-alone in space three million years in the future; a young girl willing to fight for the love of a vampire; and a time-travelling madman in a box. She achieved all of these feats and many more through her voracious reading habit. Eventually, so much reading had to have an effect and the cast of characters inside her mind took over and spilled out onto the page.

Michelle lives in sunny Queensland in the land down under with her surprisingly patient husband and ever-intriguing daughter, carving out precious moments of writing and reading time around her accounts-based day job. A lover of love and overcoming the odds, she primarily writes paranormal and fantasy romance.

Michelle’s Books

Through the Fire 1400x2100 300dpiThrough the Fire (Daughter of Fire)
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy

Evie Meyers’ life is one spent on the run. Every minute of every day, her life is in danger if anyone should suspect the truth about her ancestry. Her father was willing to risk everything to keep the truth hidden, even from her, but the lies he fabricated were exposed when her high school crush, Clay Jacobs, inadvertently stumbled upon her secret. His discovery puts Evie at risk from a secret organization tasked with washing the world clean of nonhumans—and Clay is one of its deadliest soldiers. Forced into a war she doesn’t understand, all because of what she is, Evie is left with no choice but to flee with her father to escape persecution.Magnolia Teaser

When Clay reappears in her life, battle scarred and mysterious, Evie is unprepared and terrified as he forces his way back into her heart. When the battle catches up with her, and a tragic accident tears apart the peace she discovered, she finds herself alone and without the protection of her father, or her lover. Now, she needs to keep her secrets hidden and learn to survive on her own in a world that wants her dead, all while searching for the missing piece of her heart.

*link to my review

Happily Even AfterHappily Evan After (Fall for You #1)
Genre: Romantic Comedy.

Evan is a reluctant cupid.

Facing an unknown term of servitude to repay his debt to the world, it is his responsibility to guide couples together. Despite initial hesitancy, he has learned to handle every case with care and he now basks in the afterglow of new-found love and Happierrelishes in the energy it provides him. But his end goal is still the promise of paradise in return for his penance.Roses

It’s all going according to plan until he receives an assignment that is inconceivable to him. He has to find a mate for Becca, within whom lives the reincarnated soul of his one true love. Bound by his duty to find her a match, he must resist her charm and suppress his own desires. It is his job and he cannot fail, even if his own paradise now seems lost.

For a cupid, falling in love is against the rules.

Isn’t it?

Goodreads

Buy Links: Amazon: Amazon UK

Besieged by Rain e-book coverBesieged By Rain (Son of Rain)
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy

Clay Jacobs is a soldier. His family—elite members of a secret organization—are tasked with washing the world clean of all supernatural threats. Each new day brings the opportunity to fight at their side for a cause that he’s never doubted is just.‏

But Clay harbors a dangerous secret. The object of his teenage obsession was not human, and he failed to detect the truth until it was too late to destroy her. Even after she fled, he couldn’t bring himself to report her. Now, the memory of the one who got away not only haunts him, it holds him captive and assaults him nightly. Unable to escape her hold on his mind, he races across the country to locate her and restore his sanity. Only instead of the monster he expects, he finds a woman who ensnares him with her charms. In her embrace, Clay dares to imagine a different life.

When his family discovers his betrayal, and threaten to destroy his dreams in the worst way imaginable, Clay has no option but to return to their side and convince them he’s back on the right track. Will he be able to play his part convincingly when the cause he’s spent most of his life fighting for is the very thing that will end his lover’s life?

Goodreads

Besieged by Rain FB Banner 2Each week the authors will answer the same questions..it’s what I like to call a Sunday Quickie!

QandA

1. How would you describe the writing to publishing process? Any fun analogies?
I don’t know about fun analogies, but the best description is different to what I expected but somehow exactly what I expected. Actually, I have an analogy but not sure if it’s “fun.” Writing to publishing is like having a baby (stay with me):
Step 1 is the learning how-to – this is the sex ed part of writing. You don’t have to do it, but you know a hell of a lot more if you do.
Step 2 is the fun part 😉 – the actual sitting and writing. This can be painful, can be brilliant. You sometimes do it when you’re not in the mood but when you are right into it everything is just flowing (*snorts* unintended pun, but leaving it there for comedic value)
Step 3 is the editing – this is a bit like antenatal classes and labor all rolled into one. It’s also sometimes painful, but it’s necessary. It helps you to understand what is happening a little better. It is where things go from being a theoretical maybe in the future to the “holy crap this is happening right now.”
Step 4 is bringing the baby home and showing it off. There’s a certain amount of trepidation of have you done everything you can to make the baby (book) the best it can be. You worry when it goes off to meet friends and strangers. You are left just hoping that you’ve done what you can do to make sure it has every possible success but ultimately it’s out of your hands.

2. Are you a plotter or a fly by the seat of your pants type writer?
I usually start out with an idea and a very loose plot. I don’t sit and plot that out further. I spend the time getting to know the characters instead. Usually when I sit to write, they look at my loose plot points, laugh, and then wander off to do their own thing. So I guess that makes me a pantser.


3. Do you listen to music or are you a silence in the library writer?
“Who turned out the lights?” Sorry, whovian joke 😉 To answer the question: music. Always. I’m the sort of person who can’t sit in a silent room without getting an irresistible urge to chuckle, which was obviously not great for exams. The right song at the right time though can get things moving in unimaginable directions. My first proper writing session after I’ve allowed myself to concede that yes this idea is going to be a book, is usually spent setting up a playlist.

4. You’re going to a deserted island and you’re allowed 3 books to read for the rest of your life… which books and why?
I always cheat when this is asked, because one choice would be my Lord of the Rings book, which is actually all 3 of the LoTRs books in one deliciously bound book. I can read this over and over again so it’s a must. The 2nd would probably be Red Dwarf omnibus, again a great book that is actually three books all in one. And lastly hmmm it’s a hard choice, but probably the complete works of William Shakespeare. I love his plays and really between those books I’ll have hours & hours of reading before I have to repeat 😉

Thank you so much for answering my questions and letting us get to know you a little better!
If you’d like to connect with the author check out the following links:
Pinterest: @writeonshell
Tumblr: @writeonshell
Instagram: @writeonshell
I hope you have enjoyed this Sunday Spotlight.  Look out for every Sunday for a new author to discover.  Read On!