Al Stone's Blog, page 9

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Rumble and the Glory by JA Huss

The Rumble and the GloryAuthor: JA HussPublication Date: June 27th 2024Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Suspense
Book Description:Deep in the hills of West Virginia, three small towns have found a way to flourish in the face of extreme poverty. Disciple runs a side-show tent revival that brings in millions of dollars a year. Bishop flaunts traditional ways in the vein of Colonial Williamsburg, luring weary city people to the slow-living lifestyle. And Revenant offers them an experience of sin filled with tattooed bikers and live-music dive bars.
It’s a sacred trinity that worships the almighty dollar and everyone plays their role like a well-trained Broadway actor. But these hills have secrets, and so do the people.
Collin Creed is a killer, but he’s Lowyn’s killer. And after a twelve-year separation, she wants him back. To the untrained eye, Lowyn is the good girl to Collin’s bad-boy reputation. But to those in the know, she’s just like everyone else up in these hills—not as wholesome and pure as she looks.
*****
The Rumble and the Glory is a cinematic and spicy second-chance romance wrapped up in a cloak of mystery and suspense. It honors the themes of found family, redemptive anti-hero, and is filled with bigger-than-life, morally-grey characters against a backdrop of deceit and deception.
TROPES:Morally GreyEnemies to LoversFound FamilyAnti-HeroSmall Town Secrets
Buy Links:Amazon | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Every Scar Tells a Story by Rayna York

Every Scar Tells a StoryAuthor: Rayna YorkPublication Date: June 15th, 2024Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Book Description:They say time heals all wounds, but they never mention the scars left behind.
Serena McNeal, outgoing and ambitious, is ready to escape her small town as soon as she graduates high school. Knox prefers to live in the shadows, finding comfort in his anonymity. As their worlds collide and the ghosts of Knox’s troubled past resurface, more than their newly-created bond will be tested. Because now, every decision made could be the difference between sharing a future together or facing a reality where neither one survives.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Break My Bones by Rachael Tamayo

Break My Bones(Deadly Sins, #1)Author: Rachael TamayoPublication Date: June 6th, 2024Genre: Adult Thriller
Book Description:Three years ago Brooklyn James ran for her life with her toddler in tow. Now, her estranged husband, Cain, is back. Brooklyn will be forced to decide, will she run once again, or stand her ground and face the devil himself?
Brook is the manager of a popular Dallas Nightclub, mother, and wife. Three years later she and her daughter are back on their feet and things for her are going better than she imagined when she was forced to run for her life from her husband Cain and ended up homeless with a toddler to protect. Despite her current success, spending every waking moment watching for his inevitable return has taken its toll on the young mother.
Cain James has been released from a three-year stint in prison, and has hooked back up with his lifelong best friend, Donovan. With money in hand due to a substantial inheritance after his father’s death, and the support of the man that has always helped him when he needed it most, he’s got a plan to win back his wife, by any means necessary.
As Cain becomes a man undone by obsession and descents slowly into madness, Brook must watch virtually helplessly and decide, will she run from him again, or stand this time, risking everything?
Buy Links:Amazon US | UKRead more »

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Need You Now by Maria K. Alexander

Need You Now(A Pelican Bay Novella)Author: Maria K. AlexanderPublication Date: June 2nd, 2024Genre: Adult Comedy / Contemporary, Romance
Book Description: Can two lost souls reunite in time to save her shop and their hearts?
Abby O’Connell returned to Pelican Bay to start a new chapter of her life. With the revitalization of the hurricane-ravaged beach town, it’s a perfect time to open the bath and body product shop she’s always dreamed of. But with her place looking more like a construction zone, the risk of not being ready for opening day is high. Just when she thinks things can’t get worse, she takes a fall on the beach, only to be rescued by her sexy surfer ex.
Connor Maguire was always the party guy. In recovery from a substance abuse disorder, he’s gotten his act together and now is a partner in a home improvement business and co-host of a reality TV show. Surfing has always been a way to escape his worries while becoming one with the waves. When he witnesses a woman fall on the beach, the last person he expects is the girl whose heart he broke ten years ago.
With a week until the grand opening of her shop, can he use his renovation skills to bring her shop and their hearts to life without risking his hard-earned recovery?
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Pity Parade by Whitney Dineen

Pity Parade(Pity Series, #4)Author: Whitney DineenPublication Date: May 23rd, 2024Genre: Adult Comedy / Contemporary Romance
Book Description:Trina Rockwell here. You know, your favorite TV host from Midwestern Matchmaker?I have a I am without a doubt, the unluckiest dater in the history of the entire world. I’m not even embellishing. I’ve inadvertently dated a mobster, a dead-beat dad, and a guy who puts salt on watermelon. What’s next, pineapple on pizza?As my past relationships reads like the who’s who of court jesters, it’s no wonder I’ve refused my producers desire to spotlight me as one of the singles on a new show they’re putting together.
The problem is that Midwestern Matchmaker just got canceled and unless I agree to their terms, I’m out of a job.
In order to keep doing what I love doing—matching midwestern singles, I either need to suck it up and parade my dating life on national television or I need to get married—STAT.
Guess which one I’m putting my money on?
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK
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BOOK REVIEW: The Taste of Storm and Brine (The Talisman Series Vol 5.5) by Brett Salter

The Taste of Storm and Brine Series: The Talisman, Book 5.5
Author: Brett Salter
Publication Date: 27 February 2024
Genre: YA Fantasy / Adventure

Book Description:
The inevitable, all-out war for Earth is inching ever closer, and luckily, we have The Alliance to defend us from the Darkbrand army. But what about other parts of the world? The Alliance, as talented as they are, can’t be everywhere all at once. And the Darkbrands don’t just pop up in the most convenient places. They are indiscriminate and random, as well as dangerous and smelly. So, expanding The Alliance’s circle of allies seems like a good idea, right? Well, one certain water dragon seems to think so, anyway. Starboard, The Sentry of the South, is a loyal and stout defender of The Den of Oceania. He’s even met most of The Alliance members face to face. But after a brush with death, can he convince his fellow water dragons to join The Alliance’s claws… Um, I mean cause? Will The Den of Oceania ever be able to trust the humans completely? Or arrrrrr their hopes for survival destined to be swept out to sea by the coming storm?
Buy Links:
Amazon US | UK


SUMMARY
The Taste of Storm and Brine, a novella in the Talisman Series, serves as a bridge between the events of books 5 and 6. The story follows Starboard, The Sentry of the South, a water dragon who is determined to expand The Alliance’s circle of allies to better prepare for the impending war against the Darkbrand army. The Darkbrands are a pervasive and destructive force, threatening not just the land but also the oceanic territories. Starboard, having met most of The Alliance members, embarks on a mission to persuade his fellow water dragons to join forces with humans, despite their longstanding mistrust. The narrative explores Starboard’s character in depth and introduces new characters such as Tampa and Driftwood, who bring unique personalities and dynamics to the story. The novella captures the tension and urgency of preparing for an all-out war while highlighting the challenging alliance-building efforts between humans and dragons.

MY THOUGHTS
This book was a brisk and engaging read. It was refreshing to see a focus on the dragons, particularly Starboard, a character who has been part of the main series but hasn’t been deeply explored until now. This novella dives into his backstory and motivations, making him a more relatable and compelling character. The shift in focus from humans to dragons was unexpected but welcome, providing a new perspective on the broader conflict and how it is affecting the world at large. The nonstop action kept the pace lively, ensuring there were no dull moments, which is particularly beneficial in a shorter narrative. Starboard’s humorous and engaging nature added a delightful layer to the story, making his journey all the more enjoyable to follow.
I appreciated the inclusion of Tampa and Driftwood, who stood out as distinct and memorable characters. Their interactions and the challenges they face highlighted the diversity and complexity of the dragon community, which is a nice contrast to the human-centric view in the main series. While I did miss some of the familiar characters from the main series, the novella compensated by deepening the lore and providing insights into the dragon-human dynamics. The portrayal of the inherent mistrust between the two species was particularly well-done, reminding readers of the deep-seated conflicts that The Alliance must overcome. This aspect is often glossed over in the main series, where cooperation against a common enemy tends to overshadow underlying tensions.
Overall, this book is a worthy addition to the Talisman Series. It enriches the narrative by exploring new facets of the story and setting the stage for future developments. Despite missing some beloved characters, the novella’s focus on the dragons and their perspective adds a fresh and exciting dimension to the series.
VERDICT

Rating: 4 StarsSource: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Another Side of the Heart by C.H. Lazarovich

Another Side of the HeartAuthor: C.H. LazarovichPublication Date: September 29th, 2023Genre: Adult Contemporary
Book Description:One summer. One dog. One chance encounter.
When Mary Devere encounters a young woman the same age as her dead daughter, Mary connects with her, only to discover that the young woman’s father is Antonio, Mary’s first love. Mary finds herself questioning the sacrifices she made to live the life she thought she should, and the difficult choice she made as a teenager that changed her life’s course.
Easy to read. Easy to love.
In a touching, emotional and moving account of a woman in midlife, Mary finds herself navigating her grief surrounding the loss of her only child, questioning her sacrifices to live a life she thought she should, and confronting the memories of the choice she made as a teenager that changed her life’s course, all while placing her back in the arms of Antonio.
From Readers’ Favorite 5-Star author C. H. Lazarovich comes the moving story of a woman’s awakening.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - If You Loved Me by Brianna Remus

If You Loved MeAuthor: Brianna RemusPublication Date: April 26th, 2024Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Book Description:My parents would lose their minds if they found out their precious daughter lost her virginity to the town’s notorious bad boy and ex-convict.
Ranger Adams might have been a dangerous pariah after he was released from prison, but he was the only man I wanted. And after I convinced him to take me on a date, I got exactly what my body…and heart desired.
I spent my entire life trying to get away from my parents’ overbearing grasp. They’ve tried to control every part of my life, even down to the man I was supposed to marry. That was the price of being born into one of the South’s richest families.
The second I had a chance to get away, I did. Ten years of pissing them off and making my dreams come true was worth the sacrifice. No fun. No relationships. And no sex.
My life had been all work until Ranger came back into town. Everyone whispered about what he’d done to land in prison. But I didn’t care.
He was rough around the edges, wild, and free.
And I wanted every bit of what he was willing to give me.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Darkness Falls by A.E. Faulkner

Darkness Falls(Nature’s Fury, #1)Author: A.E. FaulknerPublication Date: 31 March 2019Genre: YA Dystopian
Book Description:Our family trip to the beach ended before it even began. Mother Nature made sure of that.
Our parents…gone in an instant. It’s just me and my sister. 100 miles from home. No car. No phones. No money. Down to our last crumbs of food.
But just when we figure out what to do, she vanishes.
Mother Nature reached her breaking point and everyone’s paying the price. I have a feeling she isn’t done just yet.
But guess what? Neither am I.
Can Quinn survive the dark side of humanity and outrun nature’s fury? Click Buy Now to find out.
Buy Links:Amazon US | UK
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BOOK REVIEW: Zombie Nerd and the Half-Term Harrowing by Jack Callaghan

Zombie Nerd and the Half-Term Harrowing Author: Jack Callaghan
Publication Date: 6 October 2023
Genre: YA Dystopian / Post-Apocalyptic Fiction

Book Description:
The 'Zombie Apocalypse' is over and has been for some time.

As the country tries to recover from the chaos, Zombies and Survivors live in as close to harmony as they're able, but old divisions continue to bubble beneath the surface.

Ronnie Thanatos isn't a very good Zombie. He suffers from the usual trappings that come with being a member of the undead, but he isn't tough, he isn't cool, and he certainly isn't scary.

Zombies are supposed to be scary, aren't they?

When he learns of the existence of a mysterious man of science, who is believed to have started the Zombie outbreak, Ronnie sets off on a journey towards the country's former capital, the dreadful and benighted 'Necropolis', in search of answers.

Joined by his faithful friends Nate and Bridget, Ronnie travels across the desolate landscape, meeting strange and interesting people, putting his courage to the test, and learning the importance of everyone being 'different but all the same'.
Buy Links:
Amazon US | UK


SUMMARY
Zombie Nerd and the Half-Term Harrowing transports readers to a post-apocalyptic world where the zombie apocalypse has concluded, leaving behind a fractured society where zombies and survivors attempt to coexist. At the heart of the narrative is Ronnie Thanatos, a lovably awkward zombie who defies stereotypes. Alongside his companions Nate and Bridget, Ronnie embarks on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the outbreak. Their journey takes them through the desolate landscapes of Necropolis, where they confront both external threats and internal struggles.
MY THOUGHTS
Jack Callaghan's Zombie Nerd and the Half-Term Harrowing injects new life into the zombie genre by shifting the focus from the initial chaos to the aftermath of the apocalypse. The characters are the heart and soul of this tale, with Ronnie, Nate and Bridget captivating readers with their distinct personalities and heartfelt interactions. Ronnie, in particular, stands out as a refreshingly unconventional protagonist, challenging preconceived notions of what it means to be a zombie.
The narrative's exploration of themes such as acceptance, friendship and identity adds layers of depth and complexity, elevating the story beyond a mere adventure. Readers are invited to ponder the meaning of humanity and the importance of embracing diversity in a world ravaged by disaster. Callaghan's writing strikes a delicate balance between humour and poignancy, eliciting both laughter and tears as the characters navigate the challenges of their harsh reality.
While the book excels in character development and thematic depth, there are some minor drawbacks to consider. The pacing occasionally falters, with certain sections dragging on longer than necessary, resulting in a slower progression of the story. Additionally, the formatting, particularly the inclusion of multiple dialogues within a single paragraph, can be confusing at times, disrupting the flow of the narrative.
However, these shortcomings are outweighed by the book's many strengths. Zombie Nerd and the Half-Term Harrowing is a captivating read that will resonate with audiences of all ages. It is a testament to the power of friendship, resilience and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.
VERDICT

Rating: 4 StarsSource: Author