Al Stone's Blog, page 24

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Love You Again by Julia Kent

Love You Again(Love You, Maine, #2)Author: Julia KentPublication Date: July 19th, 2022Genre: Adult Comedy / Contemporary Romance
Book Description:Set in the woodsy small town of Luview, “Love You,” Maine – a tourist favorite where every day is Valentine’s Day – local police officer and single dad Luke Luview has spent the last two years making his young daughter his priority after his wife’s death. When first-love Kylie Hood comes back into town under bizarre circumstances, he learns that nothing’s a coincidence – and maybe second chances are possible after all.
If you’re looking for a fun read about first kisses, second chances, featuring a hot single dad small town police officer and his accidental nanny, set in a small town in New England, with a golden retriever named Jester, a heroine whose dream in life is to run a fairy camp, and a hero who wants to build a place where everyone belongs – then this is your book.
Grab a cup of coffee, tea, and maybe some edible glitter, and get your happy meter ready as you read the second book in the Love You, Maine series – where love isn’t just a feeling – it’s a way of life.
✓Single Dad✓Second chance✓Small town romance✓Local police officer and his last-minute nanny…and a Golden Retriever named Jester
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Spark of Madness by Brynn Ford

Spark of Madness(Ember Glen, #1)Author: Brynn FordPublication Date: July 21st, 2022Genre: Adult Dark Romance / Dystopian
Book Description:In Ember Glen, men purge under the full moon. It’s the duty of women to serve them. When Mercy refuses to serve, Arlo will force her to find absolution through three brutal trials. But will their forbidden romance destroy their world?
MercyNeglecting my duty to serve is a sin, and during the last full moon, I became a sinner.
He saw me run from my duty, chased me, and caught me.
He promised me that I would be punished.
But I never could have imagined the hellish fate that would be chosen for me. More than that, I never could have imagined the maddening lust that would spark between me and the man who caught me.
This passion is forbidden…and it might set us on fire.
ArloIt’s my role to catch the sinners, and Mercy sinned gravely.
I saw her and I chased her, drawn to her inexplicably.She sparked something within me, but she had to be brought to judgment.
Her punishment is coming in the form of an archaic ritual we’re bringing back to make an example of her. I’ll be her warden, her keeper, the man to ensure she stays alive between her torturous trials.
Something within her brings out the worst of me…and the worst of me wants to ruin her.
AUTHOR NOTE: This is a dark romance series that involves many triggering elements which may be upsetting for some readers. A complete list of tropes and triggers can be found on the author’s website at brynnford.com/triggers.
SERIES NOTE: Spark of Madness is book 1 of 3 in the Ember Glen series and it ends on a cliffhanger. The author plans to publish all 3 books by the end of 2022. The trilogy follows Mercy and Arlo and must be read in order.
READING ORDERBook 1: Spark of Madness (July 21, 2022)Book 2: Blaze of Misery (October 20, 2022)Book 3: Embers of Mercy (December 29, 2022)
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Strut by Jay Hogan

Strut(The Style Series, #2)Author: Jay HoganPublication Date: July 14th, 2022Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / LGBTQ+
Book Description:New Zealand farm boy turns New York fashion model.
Fairy tale? Maybe. But it hasn’t been easy. A year in this crazy city, working my tail off just to survive in a ruthless industry where sex sells and boundaries are too readily crossed.
A year and a reassuring ocean away from Hunter Donovan—a sexy, humiliating mistake that I’m not about to repeat. Distance is good. Distance is safe.
But now Hunter is back. In New York. In my life. In all those treacherous feelings that haven’t gone anywhere. But when my world suddenly crashes and I have to piece myself back together and fight for my career, will Hunter be there when I need him? Will we have what it takes to make it through this, together?
Note: This book contains themes of sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Orb and Arrow by V. L. Stuart

Orb and Arrow(Exploration, #1)Author: V. L. StuartPublication Date: May 15th, 2022Genre: YA Adult Fantasy
Book Description:Brillar was expected to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a healer but she was headstrong and impetuous and took the Way of the Bow. Now a highly skilled hunter, she has been forced to kill to release a mage, bound in enchanted chains. It was self-defense, but that is no excuse for a healer.
Releasing a Master War Mage from bondage could get you killed . . . or apprenticed. When Master Elden insists on the latter, Brillar finds herself on a journey not of her making. When it doesn’t end well, she insists on directing a new journey where her healing skills will find newer and greater challenges.
Settled lands are one thing, but in the Wild, she will have to rely on her Master’s knowledge of the terrain and the people. And the Rovers are not always friendly.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Mermaid of St. Moritz by Jincey Lumpkin

Mermaid of St. Moritz(Mermaid of Venice, #5)Author: Jincey LumpkinPublication Date: July 11th, 2022Genre: Adult Fantasy / Romance
Book Description:Billionaire mermaid Gia Acquaviva is back for the riveting fifth installment of the Mermaid of Venice series. Gia struggles with intense feelings for a man from her past, while her passionate love affair with a Hollywood actress threatens to ruin it all.
The Mermaid Civil War unleashes Ancient Magic, putting both mermaids and mankind in danger. Caught in the middle of warring factions is Gia’s daughter, Serena. Will the child master her magical powers, or will she become a casualty of war?
Everything’s on the line for Gia. Will her risky behavior cause her to lose everything she’s worked so hard to regain?
Tropes:• Love triangle• Enemies to lovers• Secret affair• Billionaire romance• Paranormal romantic suspense
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK
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BOOK REVIEW: Moon Touched by Elizabeth Briggs

Moon Touched Series: Zodiac Wolves, Book 1Author: Elizabeth BriggsGenre: Fantasy / RomancePublication Date: 1st September 2021
Book Description:My fated mate rejected me—and now I've been captured by someone even worse.

As the half-human outcast of the Cancer pack, I've been beaten and bullied my whole life. Gaining my wolf form and my fated mate is my only chance to change packs and hope for a better life.

Except when my fated mate is revealed, he's the future alpha of the Leo pack—our worst enemies. He rejects me in front of everyone, just before the Leos slaughter my entire pack and murder my family.

I manage to escape, but then I'm kidnapped by a far greater threat: the alpha of the mysterious lost pack. The 13th sign was banished from the Zodiac Wolves years ago, and I thought they were just a myth.
They're real. They're holding me captive. And the dark, dangerous alpha is offering me something I can't refuse—revenge.

Moon Touched is the first book in the scorching hot Zodiac Wolves series.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK


MY REVIEW

As the daughter of the Cancer Pack's alpha, one would think life for Ayla would be prestigious or at least have its privileges. For Ayla, however, being half human means being bullied and outcast by her pack, especially her father. She longs to escape the Cancer Pack, so when her Convergence approaches, she’s excited to activate her wolf form as it would mean things would look up for her. She’ll finally escape her pack and find acceptance among her new pack. When the Leo Pack strike at the Convergence and attack her entire family, things take a turn for the worse. Ayla didn’t think things could get any worse than having to witness her family slaughtered. That was before she got kidnapped by the lost pack, who had been banished from the Zodiac Wolves years ago. What do they want with her? Can this be her second chance to find a home or do they have other plans in store for her?

 

I saw this book on Amazon Prime and because it had raving reviews, I thought I should give it a try. Big mistake. I really tried to like this book, but the MC made it very difficult. She was all bark and no bite, and I'm not referring to her genetic disposition. It was just very hard to like her and come to terms with her senseless behaviour. I couldn't engage with her and that made it hard to get through the book. It took me a while, but I finally got there in the end, and I will be ending the series here. I didn't so much mind the lost pack. They were the only interesting element in the story. Unfortunately, the story didn't have a compelling enough MC for me to care about her story.

VERDICT:
I expected a lot more romance, especially given the book cover, but it fell flat. I was just very disappointed by the overall execution of the story. I did not enjoy it. I think the most disappointing thing was that it had a lot of potential to go places. Give the MC a total makeover and you could have a fun read on your hands. It was very immature, cheesy and far too predictable.
RATING:

Source: Amazon Prime

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Heated by Naima Simone

Heated(Burned, Inc., #1)Author: Naima SimonePublication Date: July 5th, 2022Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Book Description:From USA Today bestselling author Naima Simone comes Heated, a sizzling novel about a breakup professional who embarks on a fake relationship with a client’s ex—the one person she wasn’t supposed to fall for.
Zora
I’m Denver’s unmatchmaker. Every city needs one.
Why? Because people break up—and sometimes they should. But when I learn that entertainment attorney Cyrus Hart is someone else’s mistake, I can’t believe it. He’s smart, successful, and sexy as hell.
When a chance encounter with Cyrus turns into something more, I can’t help but fall for him. Our chemistry is undeniable. But his ex used my company to send him that letter—and that’s a problem. Especially since he doesn’t know I own the company.
How can this possibly work? I know from experience that the riskiest ventures are the worthiest ones…but falling for Cyrus Hart may be my biggest gamble yet.
Cyrus
I’m a man with a plan—college, law school, a great career. So far, so good.
Until a stranger shows up on my doorstep and reads me a breakup letter from my girlfriend. My carefully laid plans unravel.
But then I meet someone new. It’s spontaneous. It’s electric. And it’s not according to plan.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK
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Release Day Promo & Giveaway - Arcadia: The Complete Collection by Al Stone

Celebrate 10 Years of the epic young-adult fantasy series ARCADIA with the Release Day Giveaway
Limited-Time DealGrab Arcadia: The Complete Collection at the discounted price of 0.99
Join us today in celebrating the new edition.
Enter below for a chance to win 1 of 2 $10 Amazon Gift Cards and 1 of 3 kindle copies of Arcadia!
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BOOK REVIEW: The Battle for Verdana by Brett Salter

The Battle for Verdana Series: The Talisman, Book 4Author: Brett SalterGenre: Middle-Grade / YA Fantasy / AdventurePublication Date: 23rd July 2020
Book Description:What’s REALLY hiding in the forests of the Pacific Northwest? Could it be The Tyrant King’s army of Darkbrands? Could it be more of Mr. Jones’s liaisons? Or could it be the solution to the problem vexing our favorite heroes? Whatever mystery it is, you can guarantee the boys from Georgia are sure to find themselves deep in the thick of it.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK


BOOK SUMMARY
Since losing their powers, Rome and Julian have been feeling out of sorts, especially Rome, who feels trapped in his human form. The boys can't perform any function until they find one of the Talismans and perform The Great Synergy. With the threat of their enemies ever increasing and with there being a possible Nocturne possessing a member of their group, will they find a Talisman in time to save the world? The boys hope to find answers as they head to the forests of the Pacific Northwest where they've been informed a Talisman, said to have been used by the great King Arthur himself, is located.
Will the boys luck out or is someone luring them into a trap?
WHAT I LIKED
As expected, the book is non-stop action and adventure, so there was never a dull moment. I liked that we learn a little more about some characters, particularly Julian, so to better understand his personality, which I am a big fan of, as Julian is one of my favourite characters. As Rome said, he is definitely SPECIAL.
I liked the inclusion of new characters. We delve a little deeper in the world of dragons in this portion of the series. Knowing the rules and how things work helps a lot with the world-building element of the story. I liked the fact that although you never quite know if you can trust new characters until after going on an adventure with them there are moments that instil distrust and suspicion in the readers that put you on guard for anything. You never know which way it's going to go, which is exciting and keeps you reading on.
I find the romance between Rome and Krysta, though a very slow burner, to be quite romantic and sweet. It would be nice to see Julian romantically connected with another character. I think that would be quite chaotic in a comedic way.
WHAT I DISLIKED
I don't think I learned a great deal more about the enemy the gang is facing from the previous chapter to now, which I was hoping to do, but with Rome and Julian lacking behind in the power department, I wasn't surprised the focus would shift to them trying to gain back their abilities.
I found there was a lot more telling than showing in this book than the previous, which I found surprising as, having read four books now, I'm used to rich dialogue when it comes to showcasing character personality and trait.
I didn't like the direct address to the reader in the Prologue. I don't mind the breaking the fourth wall technique, but it just felt out of place here.
VERDICT:
Another great adventure full of mystery and intrigue. It's a fun read for all.
RATING:
Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Buck Up, Buttercup by Anna Alkire

Buck Up, ButtercupAuthor: Anna AlkirePublication Date: June 30th, 2022Genre: NA Comedy / Contemporary Romance
Book Description: All’s fair in love and war. With Randi and Buck, it’s hard to tell the two apart…
An uptight, self-contained college girl, Randi Becker just needed one thing: a room. Somewhere she could study, and keep away from the things that most confuse and frighten her: people.
Unfortunately, the “nice quiet place” she reserved turns out to be a room in the campus’ most raucous house. A place seemingly designed to make studying impossible, made even worse by the other girls’ non-stop drama.
But then Buck, a fun-loving cowboy whom all the ladies love, shows up…and everything gets much worse.
Buck seems to have it all: friends, fun, and a never-ending line of admirers. But what he most desires is a break. So when Buck spots Randi, he figures she’s a perfect decoy: he can play up a “crush” on her that will take him off the market; buy him some breathing room. And if he can tease her a bit, and get under the skin of the uptight busybody? Well, that’s just gravy.
But Buck is about to find more than he bargained for. Randi’s strong-willed, opinionated, difficult—and maybe just what he needs. And Buck isn’t alone. Soon Randi wonders as well…if the world she wanted is really the world she needs. If her future is nothing more than a diploma on the wall. And if the most important thing in her world isn’t a grade, but the cowboy who’s planted his boots firmly in her heart.
Fans of Beth O’Leary’s The Flatshare and Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game will delight at this mix of romantic comedy, contemporary romance, and cultures colliding in a campus town with a western flair. Grab your copy today, and fall in love with Buck Up, Buttercup!
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK
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