The Sparks: Book One of the Feud Trilogy by Kyle Prue

  

This is a MUST READ!

Instructions on how to win your very own copy can be found right above Kyle Prue's picture.

2nd CHANCE TO WIN YOUR OWN COPY! 2 WAYS:
1. REPLY TO THIS POST WITH YOUR NAME AND E-MAIL
2. E-MAIL ME AT CCHAVOUS68@GMAIL.COM WITH "THE SPARKS" IN THE SUBJECT LINE AND YOUR NAME IN THE BODY OF THE E-MAIL.
THE CONTEST ENDS ON FRIDAY 3/6/2015 AND I WILL POST THE WINNER IN MY BLOG BANNER (unless otherwise requested)

Synopsis via Goodreads:

The Vapros, the Taurlum, and the Celerius: three dynasties bound by an ancient promise, and given superhuman abilities to protect the city of Altryon from the dangerous world beyond its walls. Centuries of fighting, however, have turned the families against each other. A powerful emperor now rules and each family has suffered heavy casualties in the feud.

Sixteen-year-old, Neil Vapros desperately wants to become an assassin in order to impress his overly critical father. Despite a failed mission, Neil learns that a new sinister threat has awakened. This mysterious new power will shatter the established order and threaten not only the very lives of these powerful families, but also the once great city of Altryon.

Everything can change with a single “Spark”

First of all let me tell you a little about the author, Kyle Prue:
Kyle is a 17 year old high school student who had insomnia one night and wrote out the entire plot for this book that night. He was a 15 year old high school sophmore at the time. This too me, personally, is quite impressive. I mean, how many high school seniors, let alone sophmores have this kind of focus and drive?

So, this story is classified as YA/Fantasy. When I am blessed with the chance to read this particular genre, I always ask if my 16 year old son can read them along with me (I love this special bond we have!!! Just a mom-thing!). So my son, Josh, read the book first. I asked him on his second day of reading how it was going. He looked at me and said "I'm finished." I must admit I was shocked, Why? Because those two days were school days. So I asked him what he thought of the book. He quickly answered "I can't wait for the next one!". Very high praise coming from a reader who is Kyle's peer (a high school student and a teen pursuing an acting career).

I became even more excited to read this book written by this young man. The synopsis intrigued me, Kyle's personal story intrigued me, and my son's delight in the book intrigued me even further.
As I cracked open the book and started reading, the first thing that jumped out at me was the depth of character young Mr. Prue reveals. His dedication (which some may generally do not take the time to read when they open a book) shows that Mr. Prue has learned something early in life that a percentage of people go to their graves lacking: the insight and wisdom that those around us and closest to us are what helps us find the person we want to be.
   The second thing that struck me was the organizational skills of this young man. Each family is listed with key characters listed under the family surname. This gives the reader an introduction of sorts to the characters. But, each chapter is in a different voice. The transition from voice to voice is flawless and flowing. It is as if you are watching it unfold in real time. The emotion that is imbued into the story is clear and apparent. You're perception and reactions to the plights of the characters will surprise you.
   I found myself developing a relationship with each character as well as their family. There were families I was not too fond of, yet understood why they developed the way they did. I found myself pulling for another family, yet wondering if I should feel the way I felt. But mostly I developed a sort of bond with individual characters. This is what a great writer can create: a relationship between his/her world and the reader.
   This series, categorized as Young Adult, defies barriers. Don't be fooled by the categorization.
   Young Mr. Prue has an extraordinary talent that is rarely seen. I see not only a large following, but numerous literary awards in Mr. Prue's future.

How can you own your own copy of Mr. Prue's awesome book? The first way is to visit his website at http://kyleprue.com/store-2/#!/Autographed-Copy-of-The-Sparks/p/40025918/category=0
use the code: BLOG25 and you will receive 25% off an autographed copy.
The second way is to enter my giveaway. I have generously been awarded 1 copy to give to my readers (US and Canada only). And the third way is to visit Amazon and B&N, but these copies won't be autographed.
  KYLE PRUE 

How did you pick the names of the families?
I based the family names on Latin root words: Taurlum is based on the Latin word for
bull, Celerius is the Latin word for swift and Vapros is smoke. 

How did you get the idea for the three families?
In the first book, there are three main families and since I have a brother and a sister, I
loosely based these families around the three of us—their mannerisms, their traits,
resulting in a black-and-white version of us blended with a more honorable, respectable
side and a more aggressive, audacious side. So the Taurlum are based off my brother,

the Celerius off my sister and the Vapros off me, a little bit. 

Do you have advice for other high school students wanting to write a book?
Yes, never stop writing. Write, and write and write, until you’ve got something that you
like. Don’t be afraid to have a very rough copy of something. The editing process is
terrible and long and arduous, but it’s something you have to do. What matters is getting
something on paper and then really shaping it into what you are looking for. 

@AshleyLitPub
@KylePrue.
#TheSparksBlogTour.
@PRbytheBook.

Slow Burn by Cheyenne McCray

Synopsis via Goodreads:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Cheyenne McCray, brings you heart-stopping, blood-racing, western romantic suspense with SLOW BURN. In this standalone short contemporary suspense/NOVELLA from the Lawmen series, Trace Davidson is determined to protect Christie Simpson from her ex-husband who has ordered a hit on her from his jail cell. Salvatore Reyes intends to make sure Christie never makes it to the witness stand to testify against him. In the midst of danger, Trace and Christie find love—but first they have to make it out alive. 

Slow Burn is Book 3 in Miss McCray's Lawman Series. And as always Miss McCray takes a HOT lawman and a sexy, stubborn woman and creates fireworks!

Slow Burn is Christie and Trace's story, set in Bisbee, AZ, a town that is picturesque and old west-like (but not out of date). Christie is hiding from her ex-husband and his cartel. Jace is the Dept. of Homeland Security agent who had saved her from him over a year ago. 

Christie secretly heads back to Bisbee from where the FBI is hiding her to be present at her best friends' baby birth. Christie and Trace are thrown back together and the sparks fly!

Miss McCray has a special love for Southeastern AZ (I share that love). Her detailed writing of the area makes the reader feel like they are sitting right next to the characters feeling the beautiful sun beating down on them. Her literary genius pulls the reader into the story and creates a bubble where they can almost see everything unfold right in front of their eyes.

The heroes Miss McCray creates are men that every woman dreams of finding. They are hot, handsome, caring, protective, smart, and willing to do anything for the woman they love.

If you haven't read any of her Lawman series, jump feet first into Slow Burn and then go get the others. You will be hooked from the first few pages, I promise!!

Taken by Passion/Wonderland Series #1 by Jaymie Holland

Synopsis via Goodreads:

After being cheated on yet again, full-figured Alice O’Brien decides that she will leave behind her dreams of Prince Charming. From now on she will be a “love ‘em and leave’ em” kind of girl. However, when she—literally—tumbles down a rabbit hole, she discovers that she has left the familiar chaos of San Francisco behind and stepped into something vastly different. And it is here that she meets the fierce, powerful shapeshifter named Jarronn, who is one of the four irresistible brothers who rule this strange and fascinating land.

Jarronn quickly seizes Alice for himself and threatens to introduce her to untold pleasure and to steal her furiously pounding heart. However, Alice soon learns that Jarronn deliberately lured her into his kingdom in order to make her his mate in hopes of averting a dark danger that threatens his people. But can their bond of passion save them?

Taken by Passion is Cheyenne McCray writing as Jaymie Holland. And if you like Cheyenne McCray's writing, you will be just as entranced with her writing as Jaymie Holland. Miss McCray has updated Taken by Passion. If you have already read this story, you will want to read it again. Miss McCray has expanded it by approximately 50 pages!
For those who like Cheyenne McCray's work, you will definitely enjoy The Wonderland Series. As you begin reading you will recognize Miss McCray's "voice". Taken by Passion has an intelligent woman who is comfortable with her sexuality and is looking for a man who can fulfill all her "special" desires in the bedroom. And then there is the HOT, SEXY, MUSCLEBOUND, ALPHA male who is looking for a sexy woman to fulfill ALL his needs. But that is where her trademark "voice" ends. 
This is Miss McCray's version of Alice in Wonderland. Alice is transported to a world where all the men are HOT and all the women are SEXY and scantily-clad. As a matter of fact, what the woman wear is quite thought provoking. Believe me, you don't want to miss this one!
Taken by Passion has a HOT factor and PANTY-WETTING factor that is OFF THE CHARTS!
Hmmm, I wonder if I can be transported to Wonderland???!

L.O.S.T. by R.S. Collins and S.R. Vaught

Synopsis via R.S. Collins website:

Seventeen-year-old Brenden McAllister can't wait to prove himself to his overprotective parents—and enjoy the beach! Despite problems related to his ADHD, he's finally on his own, allowed to borrow his mom's truck and travel to his best friend's house in California. It's great. In fact, it's perfect until he makes a pit stop in a tiny desert town called Live Oak Springs Township.

Something's off in L.O.S.T., like that witchy girl in the general store, and a greasy guy that gives him an ominous warning. Weird, for sure. Maybe even a little frightening. Bren plans to take care of business and get back on the road.

Except, somebody stole his mom's truck. And that witchy girl, she's starting to change into something with glowing eyes and sparkling fingernails. And what's with the bats and finger joints for sale in that creepy store? Before Bren can even yell, "Foul ball!" he's trapped in a world of mysterious magic and terrible danger—maybe forever—unless he can find the power in his blood, become a champion of prophecy, and defeat the most evil being who ever lived.

No pressure, right?

Jasmina Corey knows Bren may be the solution to her biggest problem. He has a warrior's heart and the strongest spark of magic she's ever found. As Queen of the Witches, it's up to her to save her people from the vicious, murdering Shadowmaster, and Bren might be strong enough to fight beside her. Too bad he can't pay attention. Too bad he's so impulsive. And he knows nothing about magic, he hates her guts, and he doesn't want anything to do with his destiny.

He'll get over being kidnapped. Sure he will! She can teach him what he needs to know. Sure she can!

Bren strains her optimism to the breaking point, but Jasmina's out of choices and out of time. She has to find a way to reach Bren, and to work with him to take out the Shadowmaster for good. The fate of the witching world—of the whole world—rests squarely on her nervous shoulders.


No pressure. Right. No pressure at all...

I received a copy of the trilogy box set in return for an honest review. Thank you to R.S. Collins for this opportunity.

So, even though I received all three books, I decided to break them down and review them individually.

This trilogy is classified as YA/ Fantasy.

   L.O.S.T. is the first book and introduces us to Brenden and Jasmina (Bren and Jazz).  When you start reading you will be transported to what I considered a whole new dimension. A dimension where magic rules and conflict reigns. Where the person in charge is a teenager and her hero is also a teenager, albeit a confused teenager. 

  Jasmina is the queen of witches and has sent out a "call" for someone who can help her save her world from the evil that is destroying it little by little.

  This is an exciting book. It has every day conflict (boy v. girl, authority v. minority), ingenuity, happiness, sadness, fear, and triumph. There is even a bit of mystery.

  It is easy for the reader, no matter their age, to develop a relationship with Jazz and Bren. The adults will see teenagers that are growing and developing while teens will see one of their own creating and carrying a world. 

  The most obvious part of reading this book is that I was transported to another world. I was part of a place where magic was the ordinary and ordinary was the exception. I got to learn what is was like to experience magic for the first time while learning the frustration and pain of living through losing those I loved as well as those I felt was my responsibility. But as an adult I got to watch teens rise above the expectations of their age and what they thought adults expected of them. I got to see their triumphs as well as their failures.

  This story will take you on a roller coaster of emotions and you will love every moment!

  This is a great introduction to the trilogy. While the ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, you will continue to the next book because you truly want to know what happens next, you will be that invested in the characters and their story.

Run out and get this trilogy. You will not be sorry! 

Happy Reading!! 

Skip to the Good Parts by 20 authors

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Skip to the Good Part offers face-fanning romance and tie-me-up sizzle (and everything in between) from top authors including New York Times and USA Today bestsellers. 

The collection features a British alpha who wants to turn a good girl bad, a woman realizing her impetuous marriage to a stripper isn’t all bad, a bad boy boxer who could use a large dose of sexual healing, a carnie who has found new and inventive uses for fun house mirrors, and a rocker who wants to woo the girl who got away: his high school sweetheart.

I received a copy of Skip to the Good Part in exchange for an honest review.

Do you ever wish you could only read the hot, steamy parts of a book? Maybe you wanted a sample of a book from the heart of the story to see if it interested you? Maybe you wanted to try out a new author, but wanted a sample of both their writing style as well as their sex scene writing style? Then this is the book for you. The excerpts from each author were just as promised: hot, steamy, and sexy! But for each entry there was information on the story, the author that wrote it, and where you could buy the book.
But maybe you are wondering: Were the scenes really steamy? Well, even though they were short, the majority were definitely pantie-wetting. Your significant other may reap the benefits of you reading the book. And for those couples so inclined: Reading this book out loud could definitely be a benefit.
This is definitely one book that delivers on it's promise. But there is one slight drawback in my opinion (but I don't think the authors would agree with me): for most of the excerpts I was left wanting to know more. I wanted the story to keep going. I wanted to get to know the characters better,
Would I buy this book? Well, that is a YES!

Happy Reading!!

No Mercy (Lawmen book 2) by Cheyenne McCray

Synopsis via Cheyenne McCray's website:

Over twenty years ago, when she was just a teenager, Belle ran from everything she knew to escape her abusive stepfather. She left behind the boy she loved and a circle of friends who had been like family to her since childhood.

Now, years later, the death of one of her close friends brings her face-to-face with the boy she had to leave. Only now he's not a boy anymore.

Dylan has never gotten over Belle running away all those years ago. When Nate—one of their Circle of Seven childhood friends—is found dead, Belle and Dylan are drawn back together. It's not long before he realizes he has a second chance to make her his.

The second reason Belle left could ruin any future she might have with Dylan. The secret hangs over her head while she falls in love with him all over again.

When a dangerous drug cartel starts targeting the Circle of Seven friends, Dylan must use all his federal law enforcement training and contacts to stay one step ahead. He must solve the clues Nate left behind before all of them end up dead.

While this is the second book in a series, it is a stand alone story.

I want to thank Miss McCray for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

No Mercy is a story of a group of people who formed a bond in high school that never broke. A story of a high school love that never died. But mostly a story of a group of people who love each other enough to protect those who matter most.

I loved this book!  A law enforcement officer, a mystery, romance, and southeastern Arizona. I was hook from the get go!! And the cover, now what woman would not want to be a holster for his gun?!! (All due respect to my husband)

I was easily drawn into the story and lives of the characters. Even though the plot of the story required forays into the characters' past, Miss McCray effortlessly transitioned the story between the  past and present at perfect times in the story. She made it so easy to track the storyline.

I became enthralled with the characters and their intertwining lives. As I read I came to feel like I was a part of the story. I found myself feeling their anger, frustration, happiness, and fear.
The mystery part of the story was well done. There were multiple times I thought I had parts of it figured out only to find out I was way off base! I really loved that part of it. (Not to sound egotistical) I find many mystery stories easy to figure out. Miss McCray leads you towards a conclusion and then BOOM! she creates a twist or turn that keeps you guessing.

Let's talk about the characters a little. (I promise, no spoilers). Dylan: Now here is a man every woman can fall in love with!! He seems perfect! Smart, sexy, great looking, and loyal.
Belle: a woman who's past forced her to leave the person she loved the most. She had to learn how to be strong and take care of herself.
The Circle of Seven (CoS): a group of high school friends who have grown up and moved their own way, yet have never forgotten what they mean to each other. Always willing to be there for each other when needed. Basically, the kind of friends we all wish we had.

If you know Cheyenne McCray's work, then you will love this story. If you haven't been introduced to Cheyenne's work, this is the story that will hook you! You will devour it and beg for more!

Happy Reading!!

Abandoned:Three Short Stories (unabridged) by Jim Heskett

Synopsis via JimHeskett.com:

TO BUILD A HELICOPTER
The story of a man whose girlfriend unceremoniously dumps him at a party due to his lack of ambition. He’ll seek solace in two piles: one of LEGO pieces, and the other, Bolivian marching powder. He’ll use them both to build something to prove his worth.

THE MEANINGS OF WORDS
A story of a man peeping through the glass window of a hair salon, longing for the beautiful stylist inside. He knows all of her curves, her smile, everything about her. He’s got a message for her, but doesn’t know if he can find the courage to say it.

SHOTS AND STRIPPERS
One fateful night in the life of a party kid. What starts out as a little get-together turns violent when drinks and dancers swirl into chaos. He’ll try to keep his composure and control of the situation as sanity abandons everyone in the house.

I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Mr. Heskett for this opportunity.

This was my first foray into audiobooks. I have been a little skeptical about audiobook in the past because I believe in the power of seeing the story and converting it into a movie in my head. For me, if a story comes alive in my head, then it is a wonderful ride.

Abandoned was a story that intrigued me. Three short stories in one book. The fact that it was an audiobook was definitely a plus. The narrator, Joe DiNozzi did a wonderful job. Each story made me stop and think about what the main character was really all about. Mr. DiNozzi's narration was full of consistency, depth, and interest. His tone was rich and varied. He was able to create the voices of characters that spoke to you, both literally and figuratively. But Mr. DiNozzi did not do that on his own. This was a joint venture, both the storylines and the narrator were needed to keep my attention as well as stimulate my imagination.

These three stories are not for someone who wants a little mindless entertainment. Mr. Heskett and Mr. DiNozzi draw the listener in and surround him/her with stories that require a deep, intellectual attentiveness. They cause the reader to pause and think about what the lead character is thinking and experiencing.

My first foray into audiobooks was a success. My first foray into Mr. Heskett's writing was also a success. While he is a little outside my typical genre, I would definitely delve into any story he chose to offer readers.

Happy Reading!!