Bestseller For A Day Book Review: Nearly Departed In Deadwood

Author: Ann Charles

Title: Nearly Departed In Deadwood

Publisher: Corvallis Press

Publish Date: February 1, 2011

Buy: Amazon

Review Copy Provided By: The author

Book Blurb: Irony is having a big ol' fiesta and Violet Parker is the piñata.  Little girls are vanishing from Deadwood, South Dakota, and Violet's daughter could be next.  Short on time and long on worry, she's desperate to find the monster behind the abductions.  But with her jerkoff co-worker trying to get her fired, a secret admirer sending creepy love poems, and a sexy-as-hell stranger hiding skeletons in his closet, Violet just might end up as one of Deadwood's dearly departed.

Review: There's something to be said about a book whose opening line is "The first time I came to Deadwood, I got shot in the ass.--Violet Parker" I knew from that line on, that this was going to be a great read.  Ann Charles is already being compared to Evanovich, and with good reason. Violet Parker is a more grownup Stephanie Plum.  That's why it is so easy to love her. She stinks at her job, she has twins that are quirky as the dickens and there's someone out there kidnapping girls, her daughter Addy's age.

Somehow in the course of trying to sell a house, to keep her realty job, she ends up trying to solve the kidnapping case, because she doesn't want her daughter to be next.

There are so many parallels to the Stephanie Plum series here, but the two series are really very different. After all, Violet isn't really out to catch bad guys, or is she? Oh and Violet has some male admirers, from the super hot, Doc Nyce, Jeff, the father of her daughter's bff, and ole Harvey!

The cast of character's is really amusing. Toss in a really chauvinistic co-worker and the story is complete.  Plus the mystery really keeps you guessing. I have to admit, I didn't guess who the real bad guy was, and I can usually do that.

Nearly Departed In Deadwood is a super fun read that can easily be devoured in an afternoon.  It's part mystery, part romance and part chick-lit.  It also has a little bit of some paranormal stuff going on, but that's something you'll have to discover while reading the book.

If you are looking for a great read and you like a little mystery and mayhem...pick up this book NOW! It is full of awesomesauce!

Rating:5 flowers

Best Seller For A Day Book Review: Fierce Dawn

Author: Amber Scott
Title: Fierce Dawn
Publisher: Tholden Press
Publish Date: April 1, 2011
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: The author
Book Blurb: Snarling teeth, glowing eyes. Someone--something--is after Sadie Graves.
Elijah Stokes, the man who haunts her dreams, enters her reality claiming she’s transforming into a changeling--not quite immortal but no longer human.

Battle lines are drawn and blood spills as the two fight not only for Sadie’s life, but for all of mankind's as well.

Review: I've read a lot of Amber Scott's books and I've loved them all. This one was no exception, but it was a little harder for me to get into, mostly because I only casually read paranormals. If you love paranormal, and you don't read this, well....YOU SHOULD.

There is so much going on in this story. It starts with Sadie and her sister, Heather coping with their mother's issues, then flashes forward to Sadie dealing with her own problems and Heather acting the part of the concerned parent. (Even though she is the younger sibling). One thing I can say throughout most of the book, Heather was obnoxious. She spent so much time worrying that Sadie was insane, that it was hard to believe she wasn't. She definitely would have driven me there!

The real essence of this story is the relationship between Sadie and Elijah. There's some sexual tension here that you need a knife to cut! Elijah is a seeker from another realm. Sadie is a human..or she thinks she is...actually she's a changling. Not quite human but not totally immortal. Immortals view love in a different way from humans and this is really the key to keeping that tension level high.

She's also the key to finding a long lost book that has information about the two realms. There are a lot of people looking for Sadie and most of them aren't looking for her for good reasons.

Ms. Scott keeps this story moving at a fast pace by combining mystery, romance and a lot of the unexpected. There were quite a few plot twists near the end that I definitely didn't see coming. I'm looking forward to the second book in this series.
 
Rating: 4 flowers
 

Best Seller For A Day!

May 18th Bestseller for a Day: Fierce Dawn Blurb of Fierce Dawn:

“X-MEN action meets True Blood heat.”
-Ann Charles

Nearly Departed In Deadwood, 2010 Daphne Winner

“Intensely satisfying!”

-Carolyn McCray

Kindle Bestselling author, 30 Pieces of Silver


Snarling teeth, glowing eyes. Someone--something--is after Sadie Graves.


Elijah Stokes, the man who haunts her dreams, enters her reality claiming she’s transforming into a changeling--not quite immortal but no longer human.



Battle lines are drawn and blood spills as the two fight not only for Sadie’s life, but for all of mankind's as well. Fierce Dawn excerpt:

He stepped closer, so close he could see thin gold flecks in her sky blue eyes. “Do you remember the night something chased you past the park?” Her eyes widened. She perceptibly swallowed. “A werewolf?” “No,” Elijah said, not wanting to correct the mortal term and create even more confusion. “I thought she was a shapeshifter, but she claimed to be a changeling. And that you are, too.” “It doesn’t sound like you’re sure I am.” “I wasn’t. Until now. The changeling has been following you. I can’t get a strong enough trace to hunt her again.” “She wants me dead?” “I don’t think so, but she wants something. She’s waiting, watching.” Her hand went to her throat but her gaze hardened. “That’s why you want me to come with you?” “Yes,” Elijah said. “There are immortals who would kill you just to keep the realms pure. Half-breeds aren’t tolerated in the immortal realm. They’re seen as inferior, tainted perfection by many. A changeling would be far worse. Right or wrong, your existence threatens both realms. The fact that I’m not the only one who knows you are transforming puts you in higher danger.” She threw her hands up and started yanking drawers open, tossing clothes aside. Impatient but not angry. He took in her every move, listened to the even keel of her vibration. She sounded resolved. Elijah’s worries subsided. She was far sturdier than he’d first assumed. She paused but didn’t face him. “And?” “And there is a faction—The Illeautians—who consider humankind parasitic. They want the human realm destroyed. If humans start evolving….” She pulled off her tee. The smooth bare skin on her back, two crescent shaped scars at her shoulders, filled his vision. Elijah couldn’t look away as she strapped a bra around her slender ribcage and put her arms through the straps. His gaze caressed the slope of her back. Two hollows above her ass peaked out from her bottoms. His imagination filled in what he could not see. His body tightened against his will. He had no business wanting a mortal. Even a changeling one. Because a part of her might always be human. Humans died. Immortals lived. “If you’re right and I’m not going to be human anymore, why would anyone care what I am?” She brought a snug blue shirt over her head then glanced meaningfully over her shoulder. He should turn around, give her privacy. “Because, what are realm lines for if humans are evolving? Mortals live, they die, they do not become immortal. In human terms, it could be seen as the first stages of Armageddon. Only this wouldn’t be a war between Heaven and Hell.”

Amber Scott bio: In between naptimes and dishes, Amber Scott escapes into her characters’ addictive lives. She often burns dinner, is a sucker for chocolate and still believes in happily ever after. She makes her home in hot Arizona with her two children, husband, and one day, two cats. Contact info: amberscottbooks@gmail.com (for readers) amberromances@yahoo.com (for main contact) Twitter: @amberscottbooks Weblog: http://amberscottbooks.com Facebook: http:// HYPERLINK "http://www.facebook.com/AmberScottBooks" facebook.com/AmberScottBooks

Blurb of Stolen Dreams by Stacey Kennedy: Tess Jennings has the ability to see and talk to spirits. On a daily basis, they harass and annoy her to save their souls. Sometimes she helps, other times she ignores them, but one ghost will give her no choice. Kipp McGowan, a cop with the Memphis Police Department, uses his ghostly charms to gain her attention and forces her to expose herself to his partner.

As she’s pulled into the five year old cold case of Hannah Reid she wants no part of, she finds herself in more than one precarious situation. But that’s the least of her worries―Tess begins to have a serious problem on her hands. Kipp might be dead, but he’s drop-dead gorgeous and she’s beginning to forget that he’s a ghost.

Murder and corruption has brought Tess and Kipp together. But as her feelings for Kipp deepen, she suspects she just signed herself up for a one-way ticket to the nut house, and can only hope, straitjackets come in a size four. Blurb of Fated by Carolyn McCray:

Lovers torn apart by history Bound for eternity

Blurb of Cattitude by Edie Ramer:

It's all in the Cattitude...



After Belle the cat switches bodies with a psychic on the run from a murderer, she wants her perfect cat body back instead of this furless human one. But she doesn't count on falling in love with her former owner. Or that a CEO and a beauty queen want to use up her nine lives. Now is her chance to prove anything a human can do, a cat can do better.

"Cattitude is a magical tale that you won't soon forget. Edie Ramer has a writing voice that charms, and she pulls the reader right into Belle's amazing world." -Cynthia Eden, author of Deadly Fear and I'll be Slaying You

About Bestseller For a Day: Making authors dreams come true one promotion at a time. Each month, for one day, readers, friends, family and peers rally together to drive an ebook up the Amazon Kindle rankings with a goal to pierce the top 100. The aim of the program is to help indie authors get a foothold in the traditionally published dominated market. Authors coordinate with book review sponsors to show readers that the 99 cent promotional price is worth every penny. As thanks, each author creates give aways for participants and drives traffic to participating review sites. Additionally, readers are offered Bonus Buy reads discounted to 99 cents for the event with that price offered to be rebated back by the participating authors when readers fill out the relevant form. Fierce Dawn Giveaways: Amber Scott will be giving away an Amazon Kindle to one lucky winner who purchases Fierce Dawn during the promotion on May 18th and fills out the form located on the http://bestsellerforaday.com site. Signing up the for event newsletter earns readers extra entries toward the Kindle, too! Additionally, any reader who purchases Fierce Dawn through May 18th can request a signed ebook copy of it after submitting proof of purchase in the form of a five word phrase from the middle of the book sent by email to amberscottbooks@gmail.com!

Book Review: A Walk In The Snark

Author: Rachel Thompson
Title: A Walk In The Snark
Buy: Amazon   99 cents!!!
Publish Date: Jan 23, 2011
Review Copy Provided By: The author
Book Blurb: Rachel Thompson, author of A Walk In The Snark, writes non-fiction that makes you laugh and think. Stranded in Orange County, CA (the OC), she’s a redhead in a sea of blondes, who decided to use her voice as a way to differentiate herself from the SUVs and fake boobs that surround her every day. This chick is all real and isn’t afraid to say so.

Her Mancode and Chickspeak essays speak volumes about how men and women communicate (or fail to), while her more serious pieces about parenting, work, and lost love will tear at your heart.

With her trademark snarky humor and candor, Rachel whisks you into her caffeinated world where she deconstructs common phrases (I’m Fine) and makes up words (Refrigeratoritis) in order to help dudes understand chicks…and vice versa.

Book Review: Do you need a laugh? Do you like witty observations about the age old battle of the sexes? If you do, you want to read A Walk In the Snark.

Actually, there isn't a reason why you wouldn't want to read this book. I don't relate to Rachel's life much, but her observations are funny and spot on.  She's the kind of woman you want to have as a friend because she seems like she has something to say about everything and most of it is right on the money.

She definitely has it down about men and supermarkets. I may not be married, but I know when we send my father out of the store, with his LIST, there are usually 2 or more phone calls about something on it that he is sure isn't in the store anymore. It is a given, if I were to go to the same store 3 hours later, I'd find the item. But who wants to argue!

She's writes a little bit like Jen Lancaster but without the the traces of politics that might not suit every reader. But it isn't important who her writing reminds you of. Its important that her writing makes you laugh or think. Her poignant moments of observance show that she's not just a funny lady.

I don't say this often, but get out there and buy this book. It is definitely worth the read!

Rating: 5 flowers

Book Review: Irish Moon # 22 Bestseller for the Day

Author: Amber Scott
Title: Irish Moon
Publish Date: Jan 5, 2011
Review Copy Provided By: The author
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Druid Magick... Breanne grapples with the old ways, her mentor murdered before she masters her talents. The stranger washed ashore must be the key to proving murder.

Knight Errant... Ashlon made a vow to bury the Bloodstone, it's horrific past, it's secrets, in the farthest reaches of Ireland.

Fate's Twisted Course... Passion binds them but betrayal will test every belief under an Irish Moon.
 
Review:  I fell in love with Amber Scott's writing when I read Play Fling. I was eager to read Irish Moon, and it didn't disappoint me. Amber writes historical romance just as well as she does contemporary romance.
 
Irish Moon had a wonderful mixture of romance and magic and mystery. The characters all had good chemistry, whether they were friends, family or lovers. I particularly loved Rose. She was lusty and gossipy and fun. Just the sort of friend that every girl needs or wants.

The story revolves around the death or Breanne's Druid teacher, Hermone. When she discovers his body, she also discovers an injured knight, Ashlon. She nurses Ashlon in secret. It doesn't take long for sparks to fly. These two have a link, one that she's trying to hide, because her soon to be stepfather is getting ready to see her wed, much to her chagrin. Together they set out to find a missing chest, and in the process they succomb to their desires.

Amber gives her readers some spicy sex scenes, but she doesn't go overboard, which is good. It gives the story balance and the lovemaking doesn't overtake the plot.

The highlight of the story is the cat, Finn, who Breanne is  trying to release from a curse. He's sarcastic and funny...and really one of the best written characters in the book. He is also more than what he seems, a lot more than what he seems.  In fact, the last few chapters were really a surprise to me, so I give kudos to Amber for the unexpected plot twist.  I really didn't see it coming.

Amber really has a good grasp of the old Irish culture. Reading Irish Moon felt like a trip back in time.  If you haven't read any of Amber's books, start with this one! It is a great read!

Rating: 5 flowers

Guest Post: Amber Scott

Five Things On Amber Scott’s Desk:


People magazine asks celebrities to dump out their purse and reveal the dark secrets inside. But readers? Readers aren’t interested in an author’s purse so much as in their desk. What are the little items that breathe life into the spark of an idea? Ignore the mess and take a peek at what’s on my, Amber Scott’s, desk right now…

1. Magic 8 Ball: I love, love, LOVE the Magic 8 Ball! I ask it all sorts of questions and do so often. Should I skip doing the dishes? Will dinner cook itself? Is a million dollar check in the mail? Do I ask it about a plot line? Well, I haven’t yet. So far, each of my story’s characters do a really good job of telling me their tale. Also, getting “ask again later” may not be the decisive encouragement I’ll need. Plus, I see the Magic 8 Ball as a ‘get out of writing block free’ card. I won’t abuse it. But if I need to, I will use it!

2. Grow A Pair!: I have this favorite quote framed. For several years my career coach and I have emailed each other words of encouragement and support so when I got an email from her with just these three words, I laughed but figured, hey, great motivator. Two seconds later, she resent the email as a link to a really funny commercial. We had a good laugh about my mistake and to this day it’s one of our favorites when doubt comes a-knocking.

3. Spell Cards: For Irish Moon in particular, I enjoyed laying cards out and reading them in relationship to the plot and characters. In combination with the music of Enya, it really gets me in the mood for magic and mayhem. My favorite spell is the spell of protection. It takes me back to those fierce but confusing emotions Ashlon stirs in Breanne.

4. Wishing Rock: Hand in hand, walking down the beach on a stormy autumn day with my husband, a black stone caught my eye. I picked it up and rubbed it. I immediately loved its weight in my palm, the way it spooned into the hollow of my hand and the grainy texture under my thumb when I rubbed it. I made it my wishing rock and every time I wish on it, I imagine it’s imbued with the energy of my dreams.

5. My iPod: Like a lot of writers, I create playlists for every book. Music speaks to me at a soul level. Florence and The Machine, The Temper Trap, Enya, Muse, TV on the Radio, Vampire Weekend, Ke$ha. The list goes on and on. I love the way a song can rip open my heart and force me to feel things I didn’t know possible. When I write, that is what I hope to create and songs carry me through every scene and emotion.

Thanks for taking a peek, and please pardon the mess! It’s hard to clear the clutter when a new story is whispering in my ear. Enchanted Moon, Irish Moon’s sequel is right now. Ah, Quinlan, you’ve stolen my heart.


Thank you for stopping by Amber and sharing what's on your desk! I'm not telling what's on mine, because it is too messy!

Also remember:

If you buy Irish Moon for just .99 cents today, you can win prizes and get additional books free! Visit Best Seller For A Day to find out how!  Look for my review of the book later today!

Book Review: 30 Pieces Of Silver Bestseller For A Day #19

Author: Carolyn McCray
Title: 30 Pieces Of Silver
Publish Date: Dec 22, 2010
Publisher: Off Our Meds Media
Review Copy Provided By: The author
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: "Carolyn McCray's 30 PIECES OF SILVER proves that Dan Brown's crown is up for grabs. Part minefield and all roller-coaster ride, here is a story as controversial as it is thrilling. Hunker down for a long night because once you start this book won't be putting it down."
James Rollins, New York Times bestseller of The Doomsday Key

That's right, 30 PIECES OF SILVER makes Brown's Da Vinci look like a Sunday school lesson!

You have been warned!

Review: There are some books that really get to you when you read them. This is one of them. It makes you think about your faith. In fact it really makes you think about Christianty and religion on many different levels. Carolyn McCray write a story in the same vein as The DeVinci Code, but there is much more to this...MUCH MUCH More.

There were many times when I read this that I wanted to pull out the Bible and look something up, just because Carolyn's writing felt so real. Her story proposes a real "what if," one that many Christians will probably find difficult to take, but her story is woven so tightly that no matter how much you agree or disagree with it, you'll have to finish every last page.

The story alternated between modern times and the time Jesus walked the earth. Carolyn really balanced the shifts in the story well. Readers are never left hanging in one time period.  She also made Judas a very sympathetic character. The plot has him still as Jesus' betrayer, but he's in that role for reasons other than the ones most of us know.

If you liked The DaVinci Code, you definitely want to check this book out. It is phenomenal! I can't begin to say how great this book is, without spoiling it for everyone. Check this book out!!

Rating:

Guest Poster: Carolyn McCray

I’m so pleased to be here today! Thanks, Andrea for the wonderful support you give to indie authors.

I’m SO excited about my promotion this Monday, 2/28 Bestseller For A Day, where the Indie Book Collective joins forces with an indie author to propel their book up the Kindle Top 100 Bestsellers . For this amazing event my controversial historical thriller, “30 Pieces of Silver,” is priced at just 99 cents!

Every purchase will help drive my book to the top of the Bestselling Lists and ultimately into the Kindle* Top 100! This will hopefully be a historic day in publishing history as we count on all of you, our amazing readers, to propel an indie author onto the top lists for the very first time! I just can’t wait!!

This promotion is so critical, not only to my success as an author but for any indie author who wants to show that we can put out quality books. We’re sending a clear message to the NYC publishing industry that our books can compete with the big boys here – but we need you to help us, readers.

So…as a little added incentive for you to participate in “Bestseller for a Day,” (cause I’m all about the fun, you know), I’ve decided to throw in a little something…like, oh the chance to win a FREE KINDLE! Woo-hoo!

Anyone who purchases my eBook – remember, we’re talking only 99¢ here, people— qualifies you for 5 entries into the contest giveaway! You simply need to head to the Bestsellerforaday website after your purchase and follow the directions to secure your entries.

But that’s not all. How about a BONUS BUY? Yep. The IBC is offering Cristyn West’s Patterson-style thriller “Plain Jane” as a “Bonus Buy” for just 99¢ as well!

Wait, it gets even better! Purchase “Plain Jane” at the same time you buy “30 Pieces of Silver” and we will rebate you the full purchase price of “Plain Jane!”  Just head over to the Bestseller For A Day rebate page, follow the instructions and if you qualify, we will rebate you the full 99 cents for “Plain Jane.”

AND – oh yes, there’s even more – 5 additional entries into the free Kindle giveaway contest!

Phew!  That’s a lot of indie action for one day, but that’s what “Bestseller for a Day” is ALL about. 

Authors, readers, and reviewers all coming together to celebrate the indie spirit!  And, of course, entering to win a free Kindle! LOL

*And remember, even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can still download an eBook: all you need is a smartphone or computer. See the Amazon free Kindle app page for details.

You can find Carolyn McCray on Twitter at @craftycmc, @IndieBookIBC, or @writingnodrama where she teaches writers writing stuff. You can also check out her website http://carolynmccray.com/ for all of her books and multiple personalities.