K.C. Sprayberry's Blog, page 182

Review: Children of the Plague by Gregory Carrico

Good morning, and welcome to today's guest, Gregory Carrico. We'll be reviewing his book, Children of the Sand.



Gregory Carrico is a former dental practice management consultant and software trainer. Abandoning his dream of working the daily grind until death, he was forced into the thankless life of a fiction writer. Now an Amazon.com Best Selling horror and science fiction writer, as well as a 2013 HFA Author of the Year Finalist, he finds a small degree of succor in crafting despicable bad guys and then tricking readers into caring about them.When not creating new worlds and plotting their destruction, he advocates for adopting rescue dogs, and politely urges slower drivers to get out of the passing lane. 

Blurb: In the darkest corners of lower Manhattan, a battle like no other rages. The city is home to a hidden group of survivors of the nanite plague, and a brother and sister born to defend their race. With a touch that can destroy nanites, Lanni, sister of Alex, is their last chance. Can she save her brother? Can she protect mankind's only hope? Or will she be responsible for the destruction of the last humans on earth? It's going to be another long day...
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Alex and Lisa Ann (Lanni) are twins, and they're also pivotal in the upcoming plague that leaves them orphans. Alex is a burgeoning host, while Lanni is driven to help those still human. They work together, until she comes to the realization that her brother has become like the hosts she hunts and destroys.The opening of this book was intense, drawing the reader immediately into the action. From the beginning, the reader experiences this plague haunting humanity, and the consequences for those without powers as the world awaits the birth of one child – holding their breath as to whether it will be human or monster.Gregory Carrico presents a zombie style novel unlike any other. The good versus evil theme isn't clear cut, as Lanni discovers almost too late, yet she's a consistent individual, capable of making and holding to harsh decisions. I found the plot to be excellent, and the book well-crafted. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in it. 
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Review: Dream Doctor by J.J. DiBenedetto

Good morning and welcome to Out of Control Characters guest, J.J. DiBenedetto. Today, we'll review the second book in his Dream series, Dream Doctor!    J.J. (James) DiBenedetto was born in Yonkers, New York. He attended Case Western Reserve University, where as his classmates can attest, he was a complete nerd. Very little has changed since then.He currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). When he's not writing, James works in the direct marketing field, enjoys the opera, photography and the New York Giants, among other interests.The "Dreams" series is James' first published work. FacebookTwitterWebsiteAmazon Author PageSmashwordsGoodreads       Dream Doctor“I didn’t expect to be woken up by someone I don’t know dreaming about killing somebody.  I thought I was done with that once and for all…”But Sara’s not done with it.  As if adjusting to life as a newlywed and starting medical school weren’t difficult enough, she’s started seeing the dreams of everyone around her, again.  Before everything is said and done, those dreams might destroy Sara’s hopes of becoming a doctor, wreck her marriage and even end her life…“Dream Doctor” is the thrilling second novel in the Dreams series.    Sara and Brian are back, as a married couple. He's working overtime to complete his bachelor's degree six months early, and she's in medical school. Their lives are hectic enough, but the dreams return to haunt Sara with another mystery, one she can't ignore.J.J. DiBenedetto dives right into this suspense novel with Sara and Brian's wedding, followed by the couple working through college and medical school as newlyweds. The dreams this time are tighter, more involved with Sara's direct life, more in synch with the suspense of who-done-it. The story flows in a tight, concentrated manner, leaving the reader satisfied, but also willing to go on to the next step. I found this novel to be extremely interesting, and I can't wait to find out what the future holes.
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Take Chances Teaser Tour!

Wonderful Monday morning to everyone. Today kicks off the Take Chances Teaser Tour. Take Chances is my next young adult coming of age novel, and will release on Monday, September 30 – the same day the tour ends. Below, you'll find all the stops on this tour. Each will have a character interview, an author interview, or a guest post – all connected to this book. Enjoy!



Tour Schedule
9/16/2013 Day 1 Title: Character Interview – Julie Bond - Layers of Life9/17/2013 Day 2 Title: Military Brats – Teens Who Only Want to Fit In - Words, Words, Words9/18/2013 Day 3 Title: Author Interview - Penny's Tales9/19/2013 Day 4 Title: Character Interview – Heather Billings - Naturally Grimm9/20/2013 Day 5 Title: Ogre Mom - The Library at the End of the Universe9/21/2013 Day 6 Title: Author Interview - Suzanne's Thoughts for the Day9/22/2013 Day 7 Title: Character Interview – Tom Maxton - Projecting A9/23/2013 Day 8 Title: Friends - Renee Entress9/24/2013 Day 9 Title: Author Interview - The Write Place9/25/2013 Day 10 Title: Character Interview – Lukas Miller - The Write Time9/26/2013 Day 11 Title: Surviving School Violence - Writing Dreams9/27/2013 Day 12 Title: Character Interview – Hugh Townsend - Raven Reviewer9/28/2013Day 13 Title: Author Interview - I Love Books9/29/2013Day 14 Title: Character Interview – Michael Taylor - Sabina's Adventures in Reading9/30/2013 Day 15 Title: The History of School Violence - Out of Control Characters

Review: Sisters in Love by Melissa Foster

Good morning. Today on Out of Control Characters, we welcome Melissa Foster and review her book, Sisters in Love.


 Melissa Foster is an award-winning, International bestselling author. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on  Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine. Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.
Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.
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Blurb:Danica Snow has always been the smart, practical, and appropriate sister. As a therapist, she prides herself on making reasonable, conservative choices, even if a bit boring, and as part of the Big Sister Program, she has little time for anything more in her life..Blake Carter is a player. He never gets bored of conquering women, and with his sexy good looks and successful lifestyle, he has no trouble finding willing participants. When his friend and business partner dies in a tragic accident, he suddenly, desperately, wants to change his ways. The problem is, he doesn't know how to stop doing what he does best..When Blake walks into Danica's office, the attraction between them is white hot, but Danica isn't the type to give into the heat and risk her career. Danica's desire sets her on a path of self-discovery, where she begins to question every decision she's ever made. Just this once, Danica wants to indulge in the pleasures of life she's been so willingly ignoring, but with her Little Sister in turmoil and her biological sister's promiscuousness weighing heavily on her heart, she isn't sure it's the right time to set her desires free. 


 Review:Danica Snow is the smart, practical, appropriate sister, the oldest child who wasn't encouraged to have fun. She's a therapist, with her own townhouse, everything about Danica spells a woman in control of her life, a woman who doesn't have to depend on anyone. Everything except for a man she can trust.Kaylie Snow is the baby sister, the creative one, the butterfly flitting from relationship to relationship, with most having no meaning to her. She has an apartment, no real schedule, and is constantly partying. No one expects her to do anything important with her life, and she lives by this belief.Blake Carter lives to conquer women and Arcoskiing. He has sexy good looks, a successful ski store in Allure, Colorado, and a best friend he believes will trust him with everything. Blake has deep feelings for those he cares about, but not women. Women he uses, holding his heart back from serious involvement.The lives of these three people intersect in a Bar None, and instead of going into the wind, they merge in interesting ways. Melissa Foster crafts a sweet tale of love defined by modern adults, and how their lifestyles change as they realize things aren't what they truly want. Danica the therapist learns she can have a relationship, and that she can chuck her safe, carefully crafted business to follow her heart's desire. Blake realizes his best friend wasn't the man he thought he was, but that he was a better man, torn by a decision. Kayle grasps that she isn't going to disappoint everyone. All of them achieve these things through trial and error – just as most of us do. Their faults add a depth rarely found in romances. I was enthralled from beginning to end, and plan to pick up the rest of the books in this series as they become available.Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.
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If you love this book, just wait - there's another Bloom sisters book coming!

Dog Training Challenge

Welcome to the Dog Training Challenge! What is it? A group event in which housebreaking issues are eliminated once and for all! (Now that the kids are back in school but it's not holiday season yet, it's the perfect time!)
Puppies: All need house training!Older dogs: Many still have accidents, whether frequent, occasional, excitement wetting, etc!Already housebroken dogs: Teach your pet to use a designated area instead of your entire yard!What do I have to do?
Decide that you're going to work on the above issues once and for all! (It will take 30 days or less!)Follow the instructions in "Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies & Adult Dogs."Enjoy extra help along the way through the author's group discussion/Q&A feature!How do I win?
Everyone wins by no longer having to deal with accidents in your house or poop all over your yard!One person at random wins the $20 Petsmart card... however, you can earn extra entries the more you participate!Yeah, yeah... clearly the author is selling books. How much is this gonna cost me?
Yes, Lori Verni-Fogarsi is the author of this book and hopes you'll buy one and participate. But honestly, this is not some sort of huge money-making venture for her! (Let's face it... if she were looking to get rich, there are better ways!) I know Lori is a genuine person who truly cares about dogs and their owners!The book will be only $2.99 during this entire event! (Kindle version, which you can read on any computer or smartphone as well as Kindle, iPad, etc.) If you prefer paperback, it normally retails for $14.99 but Amazon often offers it for less. (For example, right now it's $12.92 with free shipping.)Okay, sounds good. How do I sign up?
Get your copy of "Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies & Adult Dogs" from Amazon.Enter your information into the entry form below to confirm that you have the book & are participating.Start reading & following the methods!Return to Lori's site regularly to participate in the discussion, ask questions, &/or get extra entries in the entry form! (Additional entries will become open to you once you've done Step 2.) Bookmark this page so it's easy to find!How do I know if my dog's issues will be covered? The book covers LITERALLY every housebreaking issue you could possibly think of! Including, but not limited to:
General confusion about where to "go."Leg lifting/territorial marking.Occasional accidents in a certain room.Won't go out in the rain (or other weather issues).Excitement or fear-related wetting.Accidents in the crate.Won't go in front of you outside.Accidents after moving to a different home.Accidents when visiting.Special section for rescue dogs.Teaching your already housebroken pet/s to use a designated area instead of your entire yard.And more!Ready? Let's go! START HERE: (Step 1): Get your copy of "Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies & Adult Dogs." STEP 2: Use this form to confirm that you have the book & are participating. (You may need to wait a moment for the form to load.) Do some extra entries now if you'd like. a Rafflecopter giveawaySTEP 3: Read the book & follow the methods! (It's a short, easy, read!) STEP 4: Visit the main event page regularly to ask questions, participate in the discussion (in comments, below), let us know how your dog is doing, gain additional entries, etc. Congratulations on taking the first step toward enjoying your pet, home, and yard more! I encourage you to take some time to visit these fabulous blogs who are all helping support this amazing event! Just click their titles to visit!

Review: Shadow of the World by Gregory Carrico

Good morning, everyone. Today, on Out of Control Characters, we welcome Gregory Carrico and review his first book of the Sand series, Shadow of the World.



Gregory Carrico is a former dental practice management consultant and software trainer. Abandoning his dream of working the daily grind until death, he was forced into the thankless life of a fiction writer. Now an Amazon.com Best Selling horror and science fiction writer, as well as a 2013 HFA Author of the Year Finalist, he finds a small degree of succor in crafting despicable bad guys and then tricking readers into caring about them.When not creating new worlds and plotting their destruction, he advocates for adopting rescue dogs, and politely urges slower drivers to get out of the passing lane. 
 NewsletterEmailWebsiteBlogFacebookTwitterPinterestAmazon Author PageGoodreads          Gregory has quite a few books available. Check them out here: 
Apocalypstick:Amazon.comB&N.com
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Tales from the Mist:From AmazonFrom B&NFrom SmashwordsFrom KoboFrom AppleFrom All Romance Ebooks

Children of the Plague:GanxyAmazonB&NSmashwordsKobo
King of Rats:GanxyAmazonSmashwordsB&NApple 




Ex-con, former police officer, Wayne, finds himself accused of terrorism, and it's not his fault, but that of his barely controlled super power. Time is running out for Wayne to protect his daughter and grandson, to stop the deranged killer stalking them, but he can do nothing until the authorities believe him.Gregory Carrico weaves an excellent tale of a man fighting against something he doesn't understand in this first novel of the Sand series. What Wayne experiences comes through, with his confusion at the "sand" obliterating everything around him, to the consternation of those around him appearing catatonic. The story captures the reader with its not so clear cut hero, who only wants people to leave him alone, to the imposter of another man killer out to destroy Wayne.This novel is interesting at times, but it does drag at points, and the reader is left wondering if Wayne is suffering from a split personality, either as a natural condition or because of chemical intervention. It was slow to get into the real action associated with this type of book, but there good suspense throughout.All in all, I'd give this a five star rating, but with the caveat that the reader might be tempted to put the book down. Don't. What comes once things start moving leaves you breathless, waiting for more.Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own. 
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Review: Cry of the Wolf by David R. Bennett

Good Morning! Welcome to today's blog tour – Cry of the Wolf by David R. Bennett, the second book in the Destiny Phoenix series. We'll be doing a review of this exciting next chapter in Destiny's life, but first let's learn a little more about David.



David R Bennett is an author from Spring, Texas in the United States of America. David R Bennett is a pen name that comes the reordering of his initials real initials. He, also, thinks the name has a ring to it.Not only is he an author, he, also, is an illustrator. His real name is what is credited with the cover art to his novels.He attended Rocky MountainCollege if Art + Design in Denver, Coloradowhere he earned a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Advertising Graphic Design. The graphic design techniques he learned in college he uses to design his covers.He, also, reads a lot of sci-fi / fantasy / paranormal books. Some of his favorite monsters are vampires, mummies, zombies, goblins, ghouls, werewolves, etc. He has plans to write a long string of novels in the Destiny Phoenix series and a series about an alien coming to Earth in the Alien Survivor series. Both of these series are planned as Young Adult novels.His favorite horror flick is Resident Evil because it is scary to think that biological warfare could one day result in human extinction by undead creatures. And his favorite series of films is Star Wars and is excited about the next film coming out in 2015.BlogTwitterFacebookFacebook Fan PageAmazon Author PageGoodreads Author PageSmashwords Profile PageDestiny Phoenix Saga BlogFacebook: Destiny Phoenix SagaGoodreads: Cry of the Wolf 




The Crimson Clan:I had the pleasure of reading The Crimson Clan prior to its release, and I have to tell you that it's a fabulous beginning to this series. Haven't read it yet? Check it out here:The Crimson Clan on Createspace



Blurb:    Destiny, Brandon, Chris, Michelle, and Sandra enter the town of Jasper Springs, Louisiana on their way to meet some important people out in Atlanta. They are here to stop and get some rest and refuel before continuing on.

But when the full moon rises, the howling begins.
People, then, come up missing as a bloody trail is left throughout town.
This town is used to the unusual, but this werewolf is extraordinarily bloodthirsty even for this town.

Destiny and her friends check it out.
What trouble are they headed for?
Will someone be turned?
Or worse yet, killed?


Review:Destiny and her husband, Chris, along with the rest of their group have a mission, as part of a government agency – the PIA, Paranormal Investigation Agency. They soon receive their first assignment and head on out to meet a group of werewolves. It's there that Destiny and her group run into the first indications of trouble. This kind of trouble isn't something they can get out of easily. Are Destiny and her friends in over their head?David R. Bennett doesn't disappoint in this second of the Destiny Phoenix series. The reader is captured from the first word, and hangs on to the end. His evolution of Destiny and her friends matches the enemy they're up against, giving the teens still dealing with all the changes to their lives a chance to cope.Set in a backdrop of Louisiana, and all its mysterious beauty, Cry of the Wolf pits the teens against a new enemy. This is an enemy they might not prevail against, and one that may take new friends from them as well. With very little training, Destiny grapples with new powers and tries as hard as she can to keep the Crimson Clan from prevailing.All in all, it was a story I found hard to put down. I highly recommend Cry of the Wolf for all teens interested in paranormal fiction.Thank you for coming on by today, David R. Bennett. We look forward to more Destiny Phoenix books.
Cry of the Wolf 

Review: My Family Sized Pizza by Josie Montano

Today on Out of Control Characters, we're hosting Josie Montano and her new YA book, My Family Sized Pizza. Josie is another Solstice author, and she has written a delightful book about what it's like to grow up in a very Italian family.



Bio:Josie is an award-winning author of over 40 books. She has been internationally published and writes fiction under the name of MONTANO and non-fiction resources on Asperger Syndrome under the pseudonym of SANTOMAURO. From age nine Josie annoyed her librarian by shelving her self-published books for borrowing and being the most diligent library monitor there was! She then went on to receive her first rejection letter from Golden Books at age thirteen. But that didn't stop her, decades later - finally she has 'real' published books on those shelves! Josie draws on her varied life experiences to help her with her writing, interesting experiences such as being involved in a bank robbery, working within the primary school environment, surviving cancer, growing up within an Italian community, winning the major prize on ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and as a volunteer member of the State Emergency Services.She loves coffee, chocolate, amateur theatre, going to the movies, and being silly, witty and humorous.
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Blurb:Angela lives with her grandparents who run a restaurant, Fioruccis, rechristened Hoochies by the mega cool Rachael Blake and her wannabe groupies. How can Angela discover herself when she feels as if she's smothered in spaghetti sauce and drowning in olive oil? Add two scheming Italians with a grand matchmaking plan, Simon who wants to be more than friends, a controlling Nonna who won't let her wear jeans and Angela's sheer Italianicity- all getting in the way of her search for independence.


EXCERPT: I got home from school one afternoon and there were heaps of cars parked outside Nonno and Nonna’s place. Something was wrong. Nonno hadn’t been feeling so good that morning. I could hear moaning. Did I really want to go inside? I walked down the side to the backyard and found Nonno asleep on the garden chair. He was under his olive tree with a big bottle of vino on his lap. Phew! He was OK. The moaning from inside sounded like chanting. Had Nonna joined a cult or something? I went in and found the house full of Italian women. They were on their knees praying …to a huge statue of Mary! Mumbling and fiddling with their rosary beads, but at the same time checking me out. Multi-talented women! Oh no! It was Nonna’s monthly rosary meeting. But this time it was at our place. If I’d known I’d have gone to the library with Sarina.“Angelina! Mamma Mia how you have grown!” Signora Romanelli was looking straight at my boobs. “Oh, you look just like Elena, you mudder,” Signora Vesta did the sign of the cross and looked at me sadly. It’s not me that’s dead, you idiot.  “Madonna, is dis little Angelina? She’s a big gal!” Signora Della Something was looking at my bum. I needed a quick escape, but the statue blocked the way to my bedroom. There it was – halfway up the stairs.        “Angelina, vieni qua,” Nonna called. “Come on”. She had her arm around one of her friends. “Dis is Signora Bertolini.” This lady I’d never met before grabs me by the cheeks with her fingers and thumbs. “Quanda si bella!” She was shaking my face but half of my face was still in her hands. Yes. I’m beautiful, but I’m going to need plastic surgery if you don’t cut it out! “You know who dis is?” Nonna asked. “Signora Bertolini. The Nonna of dat boy I tell you about.” She winked.Ohhhh! Dat boy! The one you want me to marry.Nonna and Mrs. Bertolini knelt at the bottom of the stairs and looked up at the statue. I looked at the statue of Mary, I looked down at Nonna and Signora Bertolini – two interfering grandmothers. What if the statue lost balance? The very heavy statue would topple down and … that would be the end of the matchmaking!
Amazon Solstice Publishing
 Review: My Family Sized Pizza by Josie Montano
Sixteen and never been kissed describes Angela Fiorucci, and she has no idea how her life turn out. She lives with her grandparents, and her nonna can't let her do anything cool. What's a girl to do? How will she get her first kiss? Worse, there's Nonna's matchmaking efforts to overcome. Or is that something Angela wants to overcome?I was enthralled by this book from the very beginning. It's hilarious, breathtaking, so much like any teenager of any age growing up too fast with restrictions by those in charge. Josie Montano drags the reader into Angela's world immediately, with a sixteenth birthday party where Angela is wondering if she'll ever get her first kiss, or if she'll ever get away from being so Italian. The elements of a child orphaned at six coming of age in a home run by two old country Italians is very evident from the first page. Not that the elements are very different from any other home, but there is an element of bigotry from some of the elite girls at school, and name calling that brings home how cruel teens are.Montano plots a fast paced novel about the perils of being half child and half adult. I laughed in places, and cried in others. In the end, I was cheering for Angela, as she becomes more in control of her future. This book is perfect for teens searching for their place in the world. I highly recommend it.Note: I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.
I have to reiterate - This is a delightful book about a teenager coming of age in a very conservative home. Teens will love this book!
Thank you, Josie Montano, for stopping by today. We hope to see you many more times on Out of Control Characters! 

Review: Dream Student by J.J. DiBenedetto

Good Tuesday morning to all of my followers. Today we're the first of J.J. DiBenedetto's Dream series. This isn't the first time J.J. has appeared on our blog, and we hope it isn't the last. His series is a delight, and I hope all of you read his books.



 J.J. (James) DiBenedetto was born in Yonkers, New York. He attended Case Western Reserve University, where as his classmates can attest, he was a complete nerd. Very little has changed since then.
He currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). When he's not writing, James works in the direct marketing field, enjoys the opera, photography and the New York Giants, among other interests.The "Dreams" series is James' first published work.FacebookTwitterWebsiteAmazon Author PageSmashwords Author PageGoodreads      



Sara Barnes is a typical pre-med college student, until her dreams become far too real to deal with. One dream brings Brian Alderson into her life, and with the help of her roommate, they stumble onto a series of mysterious murders that have Sara caught up in the middle of them.J.J. DiBendetto's tale of dreams being broadcast much like radio waves captures the reader from the very first page. Some of the experiences are extremely normal – the showing up naked for a major exam is something any college student can attest to dreaming about – but a singular theme comes from the nightmares, and DiBendetto plots out the situation with ease. The reader might constantly wonder why people aren't using Google Maps to find a location, or grabbing their cell phones to make instant calls, but this tale is set in 1989/1990, and the lack of those features adds a great element of suspense to the hunt for the college professor turned into a murdering man bent on revenge.Dream Student is a fabulous suspense tale, one that deserves a look, and a dive into the next story in this series immediately.  AmazonSmashwordsBarnes & Noble
Tomorrow, you can find out more about J.J.'s delightful book at 556 Book Chicks! Thanks for stopping by today.    

Double Cover Reveal: The Kat Scratched Trilogy!

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