Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Seed of Doubt

About the book:
Caught in a murderous nightmare, businessman-turned-fugitive Connor Bryce flees across the country in a desperate attempt to evade the police, leaving his wife and son behind. With detectives in hot pursuit, Connor must try to clear his name and uncover the truth. But with a war waging in his mind, he grapples with the realization that the impossible may actually be true: there is a battle for his mind. When temptations get blurred, there are no winners.


Find the book: Goodreads   Facebook

Buy the book: Amazon Paperback   Amazon Kindle   Barnes and Noble   B&N Nook

Review:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Everyone has wished for something that he/she really didn't mean. Driving home from work, you might wish for a cop to pull over the rude driver that cut you off and is now driving erratically down the street (or for that driver to get into an accident). Or you might wish for something to happen to a coworker who just beat you out of a job promotion. Luckily, these things are only errant thoughts and secret wishes. In Robert C. Milton's book, Seed of Doubt, Milton creates a unique story where sometimes what you secretly desire can have unforeseen consequences.

Milton's storyline is original and refreshing. I expected this book to be your run-of-the-mill murder mystery. What I read was a pleasant surprise. There's no way I would have predicted the outcome of this book. Readers know that Bryce didn't show up at Jansen's house and kill him. Later, when he's accused of other crimes, readers know that he didn't actually do them. However, the author implies that there is a chance that his character did in fact commit these wrongs. Is it possible for someone to be innocent and guilty at the same time? In Milton's world, the answer is "yes". How is that possible? Well, you have to read the book to find out!

The writing style is natural and has the perfect mix of dialogue and description. The flow of the story is like a rollercoaster. Readers hold their breathes to see how long Bryce can evade police. Every time the police get close, you wonder, 'How is he going to get out of this?' The story quickly draws readers in and keeps their attention.

The book is very realistic. After reading it a couple nights right before going to sleep, I realized that I couldn't do that every night. I would plan to read for 10 minutes before going to bed. I'd pick up the book and read until Bryce reached a "safe point" in the story. Then I'd look at the clock and way more than 10 minutes had passed. I'd put the book away, but because you can really feel Connor's emotions--the anxiety, pressure, and feelings of being trapped--my heart rate would be elevated. I had to calm myself down before I could relax and go to sleep. Good stories tend to do that--make time disappear and let you experience another person's/character's emotions.

The story incorporates multiple points of view. Since the story entwines many characters' lives, it was smart of Milton to set the story up this way. You have Connor, the police, Connor's wife, and the Mims all with important parts to play. Readers are able to see their thoughts and motives. The depth of each character helps to make all of them feel authentic.

Connor Bryce is very frustrating in this book. At first he runs from police. Stupid man! (But then, I don't know what I'd do if I were in his shoes, so I let him off the hook.) I liked how he told his wife goodbye. Sweet man! He keeps evading police when they catch up with him. Smart man and stupid man! He starts doubting himself and believing that he actually did the things he was accused of doing. Crazy man! Then he mentally beats himself up over all of his actions and poor judgment. Harsh man! Needless to say, I felt a range of emotions for this character. Readers will be able to relate to what he goes through. After all, we have all been guilty of thinking things we'd never admit or take action on. I think he needs to show himself a bit of grace and forgiveness.

This story can be enjoyed by men or women. It has elements of suspense, action, and drama. It also has spiritual undertones to it. The religious aspects don't come across as being "preachy", but it will make readers think. It will definitely stick with readers and have them thinking about it long after the finish it.

Honestly, the first 2/3 of the book are good. The last 1/3 of the book is where it gets even better. Milton decides to give readers some theories or explanations of what is going on. The explanations are difficult for the detectives to accept, and they might be for readers too. These theories are what helps to set this book apart from other mystery books. It's also what readers will remember.

Milton provides a complete storyline that will leave readers satisfied. There are a few very minor details that I wish he would have addressed in the book. First, what happened to Trace Lasser? What are the consequences of his actions? Second, how was it possible that Connor was able to do what he did?  And third, did Connor ever do those things again?

All in all, this is an impressive piece of work from a debut author. It is one that I'd definitely recommend if you want something that will get your heart pounding and your mind racing.

About author Robert C. Milton:
A poet at heart, and influenced by the writings of Stephen Crane and C.S. Lewis, Robert Milton sheds light on the struggles of man in his debut novel, Seed of Doubt.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, he graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University where he studied Science and Psychology. His poetry book, The Gray in Between, was self-published in 2006. Since then, he’s written two novels and is currently working on his third. An outdoor lover, he enjoys spending time hiking, fishing, and relaxing with friends and family. Robert and his wife, Lorrie Beth, currently reside in Birmingham, Alabama with their two dogs, Joey and Cooper.

Find Robert: Website  Twitter Goodreads

Giveaway:
Enter to win a signed paperback copy of Seeds of Doubt. (Open to US only.)

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Thursday, January 23, 2014

More books to read before they hit theaters

After my first post about five books turning into upcoming movies (see original post here), I decided to write about a few more books turning into upcoming movies. I know I always want to read the book before the movie, so here's your chance to do the same.

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1 by Richelle Mead)
After Twilight series finished, I guess the movie industry wants to cash in on the YA vampire fad. Look for lots of teenage drama--like gossip and backstabbing, and a touch of action. It hits theaters Valentine's Day.




Heaven is for Real (by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent)
Based on a true story where a young boy died, went to heaven, then came back. Over the years, he offered insights to what he saw there. The book is a fascinating, quick read. It should be interesting to see how they make this into the movie.  Comes out Easter 2014.




The Fault in Our Stars (by John Green)
Though I generally love paranormal stories, there were so many positive reviews and comments for TFIOS, that I picked up the audiobook to read (orlisten to) it. Yes, it a serious subject matter (kids with cancer), but it is also a love story that will resonate with many readers and movie goers. Look for it in theaters June 6th. Movie Trailer hasn't been released yet, but here's the publisher's book trailer:


 
 
 Mokingjay (Hunger Games #3 by Suzanne Collins)
The Hunger Games was good, but Catching Fire was much better. The cinematography was steadier than the first book The script was very close to the book, in fact, some dialogue was the exact dialogue from the book. With the popularity of these two movies, you know Mockingjay will have to meet some high expectations. I guess that's why they are splitting Collins' third book into two different movies. Look for Mockingjay part 1 to hit theaters on November 21, 2014! Since the trailer isn't out, please enjoy the book trailer.
 


 
 

BONUS TRAILER:
In my previous post, the Divergent movie trailer hadn't been released. I linked to the book trailer. Now that the movie trailer is out, I thought I'd include it in this post. Can't wait to see it this March!



 

Friday, January 17, 2014

The Defiance (The Brilliant Darkness #2) excerpt and giveaway

DefinaceAbout THE DEFIANCE (Brilliant Darkness, Book 2):
It hasn’t been long since Fennel, a Sightless Groundling, and Peree, her Lofty Keeper, fell in love and learned the truth: the Scourge, and their world, are not what they seem.

Fenn and Peree are determined to guide their people to the protected village of Koolkuna, but first they must convince them that everything they believe is a lie. An impossible task, especially when someone seems hell-bent on trying anything–even animal sacrifice and arson–to destroy the couple’s new bond and crush the frail truce between the Groundlings and the Lofties. Not everyone wants to uproot their lives in the forest, and those who stay behind will be left terribly vulnerable.

Fenn and Peree’s resolve to be together, and the constant threat of the Scourge’s return, push both groups to the breaking point. Unable to tell friend from foe, Fenn must again decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice to ensure the future of the people of the forest.

Only this time, the price of peace may be too high to bear.


*AMAZON BIG DEAL SALE*

FROM 1/17 to 1/23 THE DEFIANCE will be just $1.99

Grab your copy on Amazon

Praise for The Defiance

“Fans of The Scourge, you will not be disappointed with this sequel. The Defiance was thrilling, romantic, and full of surprises. Loved this book!”
– Imagine a World, blog review

“I had very high hopes for this follow-up novel, and Henley DEFINITELY delivers in her sophomore release!”
– Booking It With Hayley G, blog review

Excerpt from THE DEFIANCE:
The morning passes quickly. There was more wood to move into the storeroom in the caves this morning, new stores of salt meat and dried beans to deliver, and our herbalist, Marjoram, told me she has some poultices and teas she wants me to bring in. Marj was underprepared for the accidents and illnesses resulting from such a long confinement last time. She won’t make the same mistake again.

There’s plenty of space in the storeroom—it was almost empty by the time we left the caves after the Reckoning. It’s an easy job to stow the supplies neatly along the natural stone shelves. My stomach rumbles, anticipating a midday meal, as I cross the cavern to the storeroom carrying the second-to-last load of wood. Even the lingering stench of crampberries doesn’t deter my appetite.

“Fennel.” The word whispers across the cave.

I freeze. “Who’s there?”

“Stay away from the Lofty. Groundlings and Lofties aren’t meant to be together. You’ve been warned.”

I can’t tell anything about the speaker—man, woman, their age. But quiet as the person’s words are, it’s hard to miss the implied threat. I drop most of the wood, keeping one thick log as a potential weapon. The person is between the passage out and me.

I hold the log firmly in front of me, trying to tame my wild breathing so I can hear. Fear strangles my thoughts. An indefinable amount of time passes. Finally wrestling the courage to move, I step forward, keeping the log at the ready.

And I cough.

The air is wrong, and not simply human-waste wrong. Something else. There’s light where there shouldn’t be, and . . . smoke. That’s what I’m tasting and smelling.

There’s a fire in the passageway, and it’s blocking my way out. Terror doesn’t steal through me. It rips my head off.

agAbout author A.G. Henley:
A.G. Henley is the author of the BRILLIANT DARKNESS series. The first book in the series, THE SCOURGE, was a finalist for the 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Award.

A.G. is also a clinical psychologist, which means people either tell her their life stories on airplanes, or avoid her at parties when they’ve had too much to drink. Neither of which she minds. When she’s not writing fiction or shrinking heads, she can be found herding her children and their scruffy dog, Guapo, to various activities while trying to remember whatever she’s inevitably forgotten to tell her husband. She lives in Denver, Colorado.

Find A.G. Henley:   Website  Twitter   Facebook   Pinterest   Goodreads


Giveaway:
Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW

Monday, January 13, 2014

Warrior's Moon blast and giveaway

I'm excited to help promote Warrior's Moon by Jaclyn M. Hawkes. Like medieval stories with adventure and romance? Check out Warrior's Moon. Oh, and don't forget to enter the giveaway for a $50 amazon gift card or paypal cash!

About Warrior's Moon:

Medieval Historical Romance by Jaclyn M. Hawkes

Never in all the kingdom has there been a more brave and protective champion. Nor such a loyal and capable maiden. And they loved each other desperately.

But is their love strong enough to withstand all their dark age holds—danger, feudalism, disease, and unfair oppression?

Yes, they truly loved each other desperately.

They loved their kingdom more.



 
 Praise for Warrior's Moon:

"This book has adventure, memorable characters, and tons of action. There is even romance! I absolutely loved it!!!" ~Laura (Goodreads)

"I loved this book! Great characters, I love a strong female lead. I really enjoy all of Jaclyn Hawkes books, but I must say this in one of my favorites!" ~ KMon (Amazon)

Warriors Moon Tour
 


About author Jaclyn M. Hawkes:
jaclynJaclyn M. Hawkes grew up in Utah with 6 sisters, 4 brothers and any number of pets. (It was never boring!) She got a bachelor’s degree, had a career and traveled extensively before settling down to her life’s work of being the mother of four magnificent and sometimes challenging children. She loves shellfish, the out of doors, the youth and hearing her children laugh. She and her fine husband, their family, and their sometimes very large pets, now live in a mountain valley in northern Utah, where it smells like heaven and kids still move sprinkler pipe.

 
Find Jaclyn M. Hawkes: Website   Facebook   Twitter 


Giveaway:
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.





Tuesday, January 7, 2014

The Upside of Being Let Down Releases Today!

I'm excited to help promote The Upside of Being Let Down which releases today.


About the book:
The fact that AJ's sister is a stripper has been the bane of AJ's existence for as long as she can remember. Every guy that has showed interest only wanted to get closer to her sister. After being kicked out of college, and subsequently out of her apartment, AJ heads to the strip club for some sisterly advice. Instead, she lands in the apartment of a cute stranger who seems way too eager to help.

Bryan is a regular guy looking for the simplicity in life. A strip club is definitely not his idea of simplicity, but he is pleasantly surprised at who he finds not prancing around on stage. In the middle of a strip club his eyes are glued to a woman that is fully dressed and thus begins a rollercoaster romance that he never saw coming.

When a risky dare is set in motion, an earth shattering truth is unraveled and AJ no longer knows who she can trust. Can Bryan prove that he loves AJ and help save her bond with her sister before it's too late?

Find it on Goodreads

About Author London Casey:
London Casey is the author of bestselling series, The Boys of Down Crash.

Facebook   Website   Twitter


Giveaway:
Enter to win  $10 Amazon gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Indelibles‘ Winter Reads Collection and $100 Amazon Giveaway


Winter Reads CoverSit back, relax in your favorite reading chair and enjoy 15 Winter Reads from 15 bestselling YA authors. There is something to delight every reader in this box set – paranormal romance, futuristic sci-fi, historical, time travel, and contemporary. Many of the Indelibles have given you access to both the first and second books in their series. This is the perfect way to start your New Year!


LIMITED TIME BOX SET - from 15 bestselling YA authors

ON SALE 12/29 - 1/11 for just $1.99


15 Winter Reads includes:



Iron ButterflyThe Iron Butterfly
by Chanda Hahn
 
Escaping an experimental prison, Thalia tries to hide her past and her gifts, from her friends. But her past isn’t always easy to escape, especially when it hunts you down.
 

TrembleTremble (Celestra Series) by Addison Moore
 
Sixteen year-old, Skyla Messenger is a dead girl walking. When her newly remarried mother moves the family to Paragon Island, to a house that is rumored to be haunted, Skyla finds refuge in Logan Oliver, a boy who shares her unique ability to read minds.
 


ExiledExiled
by RaShelle Workman
 
Venus wakes to find herself no longer on her home planet of Kelari, but on Earth with a week to get back or she'll die.
 
Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads * Wattpad




 

Dragonfly CoverDragonfly
by Leigh Talbert Moore
 
Gossip Girl meets VC Andrews in this contemporary family saga. Love, lies, and betrayal become the new normal when Anna enters the world of Jack and Lucy Kyser.
 
Amazon  * Facebook  * Twitter  * Goodreads  * Pinterest


 

open minds
Open Minds and Closed Hearts
by Susan Kaye Quinn
 
When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep.

 Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Wattpad * Goodreads





untraceableUntraceable
by S.R. Johannes
 
When Grace's forest ranger dad disappears on patrol, she fights town authorities, tribal officials, & nature to prove he’s alive. Torn between a new hot boy and cute ex, she heads into the wilderness to find her dad. Soon, she is caught in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder.

 Twitter * Facebook * Blog  * Goodreads

 

date an alienHow to Date an Alien and How to Break Up With an Alien
 by Magan Vernon

Alex Bianchi takes an internship at an alien operations center to pad her college applications but doesn't plan on falling in love with one of its residents. But as Alex’s senior year progresses, everything changes and she can’t figure out if it is interstellar or if it is just time to break up with an alien.
 



flutterFlutter of Luv
by L.M. Preston
 
Dawn, the neighborhood tomboy, is happy to be her best friend’s shadow. Acceptance comes from playing football after school with the guys on the block while hiding safely behind her glasses, braces, and boyish ways. But Tony moves in, becomes the star Running Back on her school’s football team, and changes her world and her view of herself forever.
 
Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads
 


watchedWatched
by Cindy M. Hogan
 
It takes more than a school trip to change Christy's life. It takes murder.
 
 Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads


 


clockwiseClockwise and ClockwiseR
by Elle Strauss
 
A follow up to Clockwise, Casey and Nate travel back in time and race against the clock to rescue Casey's rebellious brother Tim from frontline battle in America's civil war.
 
 Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Wattpad * Goodreads


 

5.5"X8.5" Post Card TemplateGlimpse (Zellie Wells #1) and Glimmer (Zellie Wells #2)
 by Stacey Wallace Benefiel
 
While working together to figure out what their shared vision means, Zellie discovers that Benjamin is a worthy friend and mentor. If only he could keep his hands off of her - if only she wanted him to...
 
 Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads


 

spy like meA Spy Like Me
by Laura Pauling
 
After dodging bullets on a first date, Savvy must decide how far she'll go to protect the ones she loves.
 
 Blog * Twitter * Goodreads





Grasping At Eternity
by Karen Amanda Hooper
 
An eternal soul mate, a supernatural family who has known her for centuries, and lifetimes of erased memories: this is Maryah Woodsen’s life. She just doesn’t know it yet.
 
 Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Goodreads





lacrimosaLacrimosa
by Christine Fonseca
 
In the world of angels and demons, one thing is clear - some sacrifices should never be made. Even for love.
 



spruce knollThe Secret of Spruce Knoll
by Heather McCorkle
 
The town of Spruce Knoll hides many secrets—and many dangers, among them are that the untimely death of Eren’s parents was no accident and that she is far more than she realizes.
 
 Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Wattpad * Goodreads




Giveaway:
Enter to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.