Al Stone's Blog, page 19

BOOK REVIEW - Screamcatcher: The Shimmering Eye by Christy J. Breedlove

Screamcatcher: The Shimmering Eye Series: Screamcatcher, Book 3Author: Christy J. BreedloveGenre: YA Fantasy / Sci-Fi / SupernaturalPublication Date: 18th August 2020
Book Description:Eighteen-year-old Jory Pike, a half-blood Chippewa, is depending upon her Native ancestry to help her investigate one of the strangest hauntings she’s ever encountered. A 500-plus acre ranch in rural Montana is under psychic and physical attack. The ranch’s owner, the elderly Ambrose Tucker, is determined to hold steadfast and courageously to his beloved property. Answering an ad in Jory’s outfit, The Badlands Paranormal Society, Ambrose hopes to rid his property of evil spirits once and for all.

Jory and her crew of three other teenagers, each of whom bring to the table their own line of skills and expertise, have brought every known piece of hardware and technical equipment to Granite Springs Ranch. Although the assignment seems ordinary at first, and the answer to the haunting seems eminent, everything spirals out of control and leaves the team terrified. The problem is, they have no idea that they’re being outclassed and sabotaged by a malevolent spirit, who seems to know their every move.

If Jory and the Badlands Paranormal Society don’t solve the problem in quick fashion, they stand to lose the $50,000 extermination fee, but worst of all, they will allow a dangerous and unmerciful entity to unleash a hoard of vicious mythological creatures that will run rampant over the ranch and surrounding properties. Jory has no idea how she and her teammate’s mettle will be tested, bringing them near the edge of insanity, physical endurance and death.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK


BOOK SUMMARY
It's a UFO ... It's a ghost ... It's a demon ... It's ... No one knows. And therein lies the problem. How do you defeat an enemy if you don't know what you're up against? 
The Scooby gang are back with another whirlwind adventure, battling an enemy that has terrorised Granite Springs Ranch in rural Montana for what could be centuries. Jory and the gang have faced challenging opponents before, but this enemy may just be the death of them. Always seeming to be one step ahead of the gang, The Badass (sorry, I mean "Badlands") Paranormal Society have to solve the mystery surrounding the identity of their enemy if they wish to stand a chance at defeating it before it destroys them one by one.
WHAT I LIKED
The fact that the story was set in one location really worked well in building suspense and a tense atmosphere, which at times allowed elements of horror to slowly seep into the narrative. This would be great as a movie. I got vibes of Jordan Peele's movie "Nope". With the focus being in one location, you really got the chance to see the characters' personalities more than we did in previous books. It was a little hard to connect with the characters other than Jory in previous books, but in this one, their character traits stood out more and we get to learn a bit more about their background and upbringing. You get to see that they are distinct characters and got a better insight into what each of them bring to the team individually, their strengths and weaknesses, so to speak.
I don't fully recall the previous books in detail, but I'm sure I didn't think of (or don't recall) the characters as being humorous, however, in this book, there were some good banter between the gang, particularly Darcy and Lander. I found myself laughing a lot more in this book than the previous ones, which was enjoyable as the burden of battle was very weighty and prolonged, so it was nice to see some light moments and fun between the characters despite trying times.
There were some good action scenes where the characters were getting their asses handed to them by their enemy. They also put up a good fight.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
I would have liked the enemy to feel more of a threat to the characters. There was a lot of suspense built up around unveiling its identity, but given there was no evidence of it killing humans, it didn't always seem as though they were truly at risk of dying or being badly hurt. I had also expected a bigger final fight. It wasn't as gripping as I had hoped it would be given the intelligence of the creature throughout the story.
There was oftentimes more telling than showing, which also killed some of the suspense and character development.
VERDICT:
A thoroughly entertaining read for anyone seeking a thrilling adventure coupled with fantasy and sci-fi elements.
RATING:

Source: Author

BOOK REVIEW: Love Forever by Maharaja Jadeja

Love Forever Author: Mahiraj Jadeja
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Poetry
Publication Date: 6th May 2016

Book Description:
“Lover Forever” is Poet Mahiraj Jadeja’s second collection of romance contemporary poems after beautiful reception of his first collection “A Lover’s Will”. The work covers all aspects of Love and Emotions, their highs and lows and pain and pleasure. This collection leaves its readers with a relatively intense emotional yet naive foray into love, and does it in a manner which is both pure and intense. The poems aren’t merely romantic words put together but have a deeper meaning to it. Poems are literally painting pictures of different scenarios depicting Love will always remain Forever.
Buy Links: Amazon US | UK


SUMMARY
A collection of short poems about love expressed through a range of emotions, both subtle and intense.
MY REVIEW
This was an interesting collection of poems with relatable scenarios. I liked the references to nature and the way the author incorporated nature in his expression of love and romance, pain and suffering. It made it easier to visualise the scenarios depicted. A few poems did stay with me and left an impression, particularly Innocent Lover, Shower of Tears and Love Forever.
The grammatical errors were distracting and intrusive, which caused me to disconnect from time to time, which I found disappointing as I enjoyed the creativity and imagination of the author in his raw and genuine portrayal of love. Nonetheless, this was still an enjoyable read.
RATING

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Guiding the Grouch by Shanna Hatfield

Guiding the Grouch(Summer Creek, #5)Author: Shanna HatfieldPublication Date: December 15th, 2022Genre: Adult Contemporary Holiday Romance
Book Description:He’s a billionaire set on escaping the holidays and his demanding family.
She’s a single mom with a sunny smile who keeps her heart safely hidden.
When she makes him her personal Christmas project, what could possibly go wrong?
Gabe Gatlin would do anything to evade the obligatory family holiday hobnobbing that is nothing more than one horrible business event after another, all wrapped up with a gaudy Christmas ribbon. Then the opportunity arises to explore a property in the small town of Summer Creek, Oregon, and gives him the idea to run away for the holidays. This year, he’s skipping Christmas. All he has to do is hide out until January in the quirky little town where the residents have dubbed him Grinchy Gabe. But when a delightful woman starts making his sleigh bells jingle, he might find it impossible to avoid losing his three-sizes-too-small heart.
Single mom and waitress, Dani Latham, has two priorities: give her son the stable life she never had, and spread joy to her friends and neighbors in Summer Creek. When a stranger with a grinchy attitude sits at her table, she makes it her personal mission to make him smile. As she guides him into a flurry of Christmas festivities, she starts to wonder if this grounch’s heart will ever return to normal size. And even worse. . . if it does, who is going to save hers from breaking when he leaves?
Will a little Christmas magic and wonder bring these two lonesome people together?
Discover the joys of the season mixed with humor, holiday fun, and moments that tug at your heartstrings in this sweet contemporary Christmas romance.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Billionaire’s Arrangement by Amélie S. Duncan

The Billionaire’s ArrangementAuthor: Amélie S. DuncanPublication Date: December 11th, 2022Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Book Description:Paul Crane is rich, brilliant, and powerful. And I belong to him, body and soul…
I came to New York City to study design and build a life for myself. I was young, naive, and the last thing I was looking for was love.
I needed money for my family and the medical bills that threatened us into poverty. I didn’t have time to worry about my loneliness, to fill that cold empty spot in my heart…
At first, it seemed like Paul was the answer to all my problems. But after he rescued me from a desperate situation,
I soon discovered Paul had demons of his own.
Paul wasn’t looking for a lover… He wanted a companion, a kept woman. And I was captivated by his charm, lavish gifts, and trips to Paris.
And his touch awakened my desires, passions I had never dreamed of.
But the closer we get, the more I begin to wonder. What happens when our arrangement comes to an end…
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Copper Waters by Marlene M. Bell

Copper Waters(Annalisse, #4)Author: Marlene M. BellPublication Date: December 5th, 2022Genre: Adult Crime / Mystery
Book Description:A rural New Zealand vacation turns poisonous.
Antiquities expert Annalisse Drury and tycoon Alec Zavos are at an impasse in their relationship when Alec refuses to clear up a paternity issue with an ex-lover.
Frustrated with his avoidance when their future is at stake, Annalisse accepts an invitation from an acquaintance to fly to New Zealand—hoping to escape the recent turbulence in her life.
But even Annalisse’s cottage idyll on the family sheep farm isn’t immune to intrigue.
Alec sends a mutual friend and detective, Bill Drake, to follow her, and a local resident who accompanies them from the Christchurch airport dies mysteriously soon after. A second violent death finds Annalisse and Bill at odds with the official investigations.
The local police want to close both cases as quickly as possible—without unearthing the town’s dirty secrets.
As she and Bill pursue their own leads at serious cost, the dual mysteries force Annalisse to question everything she thought she knew about family ties, politics, and the art of small-town betrayal.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - A Valentine for Christmas by Reese Ryan

A Valentine for Christmas(Valentine Vineyards, #1)Author: Reese RyanPublished by: Harlequin DesirePublication Date: November 29th, 2022Genre: Adult Contemporary / Holiday Romance
Book Description:Opposites do more than attract when an older woman falls for a younger man in Reese Ryan’s brand-new Harlequin Desire series, Valentine Vineyards!
A red-hot romance between a career-focused woman and a determined younger man?
Doctor’s orders!
Dr. Julian Brandon is too charming, too sexy and too young for Chandra Valentine. But after the successful bachelor rescues her—twice—she owes him. Still reeling from life-changing family revelations, Chandra somehow agrees to pose as Julian’s girlfriend. And now the irresistible Julian has plans that start with seduction under the mistletoe and end with their fake relationship erupting into a scorching affair. Now Chandra’s questioning everything she believed about love…
From Harlequin Desire: A luxurious world of bold encounters and sizzling chemistry.
You’ll be swept away by this bold, sizzling romance, part of the Valentine Vineyards series:
Book 1: A Valentine for Christmas
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
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BOOK REVIEW - Tree Full of Wonder: An educational, rhyming book about magic of trees for children by Anna Smithers

Tree Full of Wonder: An educational, rhyming book about magic of trees for childrenAuthor: Anna SmithersGenre: Children's Picture BookPublication Date: 16th November 2021
Book Description:Have you ever wondered why trees are important? Why do we need to protect them? 
Tree Full of Wonder is a vibrant, rhyming, educational and unique picture book showing the unbreakable bond between people and trees. Children will fall in love with nature and will become Protectors of the Trees.
Mindful stories for kids create a brighter and calmer future, one child at a time.
Through included, simple information, breathtaking illustrations and worksheets at the end, children will discover:- Why trees are important and useful to us- What can we do to protect them- How to recognise common trees
Perfect for fans of:Peter Wohlleben booksThe Hidden Life of TreesPeter and the Tree childrenSir David AttenboroughGreta Thunberg
Great for parents who are looking for:children's books about treesbooks for children about naturetree picture booksbooks that rhyme
Buy your copy now and discover the wonder of trees!
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK


MY REVIEW
A story about the importance of trees and how we should take care of them just as they take care of us. A jolly good read with an important message to help our environment. Sometimes you just need a cute book with vibrant vocabulary and colourful illustrations to remind you about the important things in life, like our trees and their significance to our health and growth. I loved the inclusion of Charles II (shows both historical relevance and the various uses of trees). It's a wonderful educational read that I would recommend for young minds.
VERDICT:

Rating: 5Source: Own copy

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Irish Rebel by L.K. Shaw

Irish Rebel(Brooklyn Kings, #7)Author: L.K. ShawPublication Date: November 22nd, 2022Genre: Adult Contemporary Mafia Romance
Book Description:Caitlín
After finally convincing my over-protective family to let me visit my uncle in Dublin, I know this may be my only chance to experience everything I’ve always wanted: Adventure. Excitement. Freedom.
Until I’m introduced to the man assigned to be my bodyguard. With his silver-flecked hair and wicked scar, Roarke radiates power and danger. Everything I’m drawn to. Except, he’s also the one standing in my way. I push all of his buttons, until one night I push too far.
Roarke
They call me a killer. And with each death I cause, my soul turns a little blacker. As an enforcer for the Irish mafia, I’ve always done what’s been asked of me. Including becoming the reluctant bodyguard for a woman who shines so bright, I’m afraid of tainting her with my darkness.
Caitlín tests my patience at every turn, determined to make my life hell. Even worse, she tempts me with her smart mouth and lush curves. In a moment of madness, I forget she’s off-limits and cross a line I can never come back from.
Now I’m torn between loyalty to the family I owe everything to—including my life—and the woman who just might be my salvation.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Fighting for King by Gillian Archer

Fighting for King(Star Studded, #2)Author: Gillian ArcherPublication Date: November 17th, 2022Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Book Description: The Nanny Factor! Is there something more going on between Actor Kingston Grier and his new nanny? Stay tuned…
Kingston : Who knew it would be such a challenge finding a nanny who could focus on my daughter without getting sidetracked by trying to get into my bed? I can’t even make eye contact without them thinking I’m flirting. I’m not.
Until Briar arrives, and finally we have a nanny who’s there for Zoe. But why does this Mary Poppins have to be so damn hot?
Briar: My divorce left me with more than my share of trust issues. Not that I’m looking at my new boss that way. Kingston might be a Hollywood hunk, but the guy has the personality of a potato. His daughter couldn’t be more different. One look into her doe eyes, and I am in love.
Somehow Kingston and I go from barely speaking to talking all night long. And our attraction becomes impossible to deny. Just when everything’s finally going right, intimate pictures of us are leaked and the fallout is insane. When I signed up for this job, I knew I’d do anything to protect Zoe—I just never expected how much I’d want to fight for King.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
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Cover Reveal - Bratva Angel by Sabine Barclay

Bratva Angel(The Ivankov Brotherhood, #5)Author: Sabine BarclayPublished by: Oliver Heber BooksPublication Date: December 13th, 2022Genre: Adult Contemporary Mafia Romance
Book Description: Our worlds couldn’t be further apart…
She’s light. I’m dark. She’s an angel. I’m a devil.
I’ll never walk away from my life with the bratva.
My only choice is to bring her in.
She’s mine and always will be.
Maybe she doesn’t know we’re soulmates yet, but I have since we met.
I’ll do anything to protect her. No one’s foolish enough to stop me.
And if they are…
I’ll take her to the limits of what she thinks she can handle, then I’ll please her any way she wants.
Bratva Angel is an interconnecting, standalone Dark Mafia Romance with a HEA and no cliffhanger. It contains extra-steamy scenes that will make your toes curl and your granny blush. This is book five in The Ivankov Brotherhood, a six-book series that’ll keep you warm at night.
Pre-Order Links:Amazon US | UK

About the AuthorSabine Barclay, a nom de plume also writing Historical Romance as Celeste Barclay, lives near the Southern California coast with her husband and sons. Growing up in the Midwest, Sabine enjoyed spending as much time in and on the water as she could. Now she lives near the beach. She's an avid swimmer, a hopeful future surfer, and a former rower. Before becoming a full-time author, Sabine was a Social Studies and English teacher. She holds degrees in International Affairs (BA), Secondary Social Science (MAT), and Political Management (MPS). She channels that knowledge into creating engrossing contemporary romances that will make your toes curl and your granny blush.
Author Links:Website | Goodreads | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Newsletter | Amazon

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