Julie A. Rainey's Blog, page 10

Author Spotlight - J. M. Moris

Description:
Ryan Harper grew up in a white bread neighborhood in the American South. The summer he turns 18 and prepares to leave for college, his world is turned upside down by the arrival of a new neighbor...an exotic firecracker of a girl, all the way from India. Her name is Cassie, and she’s as fierce as she is beautiful, with the vocabulary of a sailor and the moves of a kung fu master. Over the course of their summer together, Ryan finds himself hopelessly drawn into her colorful world...a world more exciting and vivid than he ever dared dream. As summer wanes into fall, how will he cope with his growing feelings for her? Will their friendship stand the test of time, or will tragedy and discrimination force them to relinquish each other to the memories of “that summer”?





Where to Buy:
Amazon
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Goodreads

Promotions:
Use Coupon Code UL27G for a free copy.

Author Spotlight - Ken Maness

Description:
What's Desire: The Key and what would attract me to the story?

Let's talk about Vampires. We'll address it in a straightforward, logical, almost “historical fiction” manner. Thus, we're immediately placed in the realm of fantasy. The Vampire is an imaginary creation, long-since detailed, documented, and thoroughly explored. Thus, such a story would be entered into as entertainment only, loosely classified as fantasy-suspense-drama. I doubt romance or historical accuracy will tag the title, but there's a strong tale being told, between learning the ins-and-outs of becoming a Vampire and finding the top of the predatory hierarchy is not without risks.

But now we're discussing the creature, as if it were real. In fact, are they real and do they simply blend in, to the point of invisibility? Aren't they simply a figment of our collective imagination? Aren't Vampires metaphorical tools, like stories of myths and legends, used to impart powers both erotic and ageless?

Who will enjoy this story?

Desire: The Key is a twisted journey, often from the first person's perspective. While avoiding sexually explicit scenes, or overly-exposing gore, the act of taking blood is an erotic act, and coupled with violence and mature themes, this story is targeted at an adult audience.

The book cover?

The cover art comes from a tool, used by a very limited number of Vampires, detailed in this book. The “Wheel” or “Circle” depicted on this cover is a unique work of blended art and magic, providing both advantage and risk to those who choose to use it. The timeless aspect of the lettering of the title itself corresponds with the ageless depiction of the Wheel, with its multi-languaged border. The double-ringed border can be translated, if one has the eye to do such things.

What prompted this story?

This story has taken decades to develop and has taken on a life of its own. The tale continued to evolve and while it has obvious lessons to teach, the spiderweb-like ties between characters and events provide deeper reasons for my writing. Ultimately, it's a story I had to write!

Desire: The Lock, is currently in works, and The Door will complete the story.

Where to Buy:
Amazon

Author Website:
Ken Maness

Reviews:
This book is incredible, Beautifully written. Maestro Maness's story weaving sucks you in, keeping you on the edge of seat with a surprise around every corner. This is a must-read, it could very well change your perspective of the world around you.
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This is an amazing read, highy recommended. The characters are fully developed and the storyline is enthralling. I can't wait for the next in the series!
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To read more reviews, click here.

Author Spotlight - Michael Cargill

Description:
John is not a very nice man. He works for the government. So who has tied him to a chair and what do they want? James is a British soldier during WWII. Tom is a young boy with a terrible secret.

Three stories. Three very different people. All of them battling to survive.

Where to Buy:
Amazon
Smashwords

Author Website:
Michael Cargill Blog
Facebook


Reviews:
I usually read novels and was skeptical that a short story could offer the same satisfaction of being transported to another world, but these stories do just that. Each story was raw and real, making you feel as if you were right smack dab in the middle of it. Truth be told, I didn't want the stories to end.
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Shades of Grey is a collection of three short stories, each dark and unique.

The first story in the collection, Shades of Grey, is told from the perspective of John, a UK government agent. The story takes place in John's mind as he is tied to a chair, and we get to see where his thoughts take him as he waits to be questioned by an unknown captor. The author did an excellent job getting into his character's mind, and I found myself really liking John. The humor sprinkle throughout the story was great and had me laughing out loud a in a few places.

There and Back Again is the story of James, a young man in the British Army during WWII. The story was well written and very detailed. I loved the emotion the author was able to evoke through this short story.

Down the Rabbit Hole, the third story, was by far my favorite. Tom is a young boy with a loving mother, an abusive father, and a dark secret. This story was much darker than the first two, and I loved the way it was played out.
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Three short stories all centered around seeing, experiencing and committing acts of violence. I suppose that sounds rather brutal, which it isn't at all. The author looks at it from three different angles. The first short introduces us to a man whose job it is to kill, and even he seems to think his own actions are more honourable and redeemable than those of others. The second short takes us into the world of war. Where being surrounded by death and violence becomes almost normal and the humans within that setting grow a little indifferent to all of it. Last but not least my favourite, which was the third one. It was dark, deep and worthy of a psych evaluation. Read that one carefully it is the image of a creation, the making of a future bringer of violence.I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review.
To read more reviews, click here.

Author Spotlight - T. D. Dewmer

Description:
Mystic Hearts: Light of the Bonded Fates is a young adult fantasy and the first in a five book series. The book has a compelling amount of suspense, adventure, and romance with a message reminding us to have confidence in ourselves, even when hope seems lost, and that love can be a light in the darkest of times. The story revolves around Balthazar of Kalator, a boy of sixteen, who carries a burden when he discovers he is a destined hero know as the Chosen and his beloved Kristella is bonded to his fate. They share thoughts, feelings, dreams, and even death. If one dies, so does the other. The mystic kingdom of Kalator was once peaceful, but evil hangs in the air of an ancient demon who now hunts vulnerable Kristella to end the threat of his ancient enemies known as the Chosen. In the darkest of towers hides another enemy who follows the ancient fiend and means to summon a foreboding beast from the hellish Underworld. As a long forgotten war resurfaces, the people will, as they always have, turn to The Chosen Hero, but Balthazar refuses to believe himself a Hero of Light and it seems his love for Kristella is the only light in the world plagued by Shadows. He must overcome his insecurities to find the courage to protect Kristella, defeat the predator that hunts him, known as the Shadow, and save his people from the certain ruin they will face from the spawn of hell.

Where to Buy:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
Goodreads

Author Website:
T.D. Dewmer

Reviews:
I received this e-book in exchange for a review.

Once again Mr. Dewmer proves a master at engaging the reader's emotions. I think the plot is well thought out and has several unexpected twists.

The worldbuilding is some of the best I've ever seen. It's clear he is an upcoming best seller.

I'm honored to have been able to read his works, and will keep an eye out for his next literary works of art. Description:
Adam’s grandparents don’t know what to do with him when he is rendered mute after a fire claims both his parents and his home. His elderly guardians consider it a miracle when the boy starts talking out of the blue after dreaming of a mysterious girl. Over the years, Adam records the reoccurring dreams of the girl in a journal, until they fade away and he leaves the town of Willow Brook to attend college and further his path to a writing career. Adam returns a 23 year old aspiring writer and begins working in his grandparents’ book store, while finishing his manuscript.  He is startled when he crosses paths with the very girl from his dreams in reality. An upper class girl named Sarah, who is staying in Willow Brook for the summer. The two start a beautiful summer romance, in which they fall in love. But, the secret of the Dream Journal could threaten to tear them apart. Adam must somehow prove to Sarah that miracles exist and their love is real. The stakes are stacked against Adam and his heart can’t bear to lose the angel who saved him from his sorrow.

Where to Buy:
Amazon
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Smashwords
Goodreads

Author Website:
T.D. Dewmer

Reviews:
“It definitely takes you into its world and brings it to life right from the beginning,”

This was a qoute found in the story by one of the main characters Sarah Watson. Not only does this statement speak the truth of the book it also pulls you into the book beging to know more. I couldn't tear myself away while reasding this story and found myself laughing, smiling, crying, and fearing what was going to happen next. each paged turned I was trying to guess what was going to happen next. I found my heart racing with exciting from reading every word found in this beautifully written novel. it speaks of a romance we all wish to find and causes you to crave a greater meaning to your life. Every emotion you wish to feel will come out when you read this story. Its exciting, riviting, sexy, intriguing.. I couldn't find myself to tear my eyes away from it, and when I had to I just picture all the images from the words in my head and kept wondering over and over what was going to happen next. Its trully spoken from the heart and a wonderful tear jerker. "This book was an absolute page turner." yet again a quote spoken from the character Sarah Watson. This book trully could be read over and over and give you the same excitment you felt when first reading it. Amazing and stunnning work. Amazing job to the authir. You have a true gift of writing and are going to def. go far with your gift. This is by far my most fav. story ever read.

Author Spotlight - Denise Baer

Description:
She is trying to get out of the mental institution. He wants to keep her in. The only possibility for her release is to hand over her prize possession—her journal, but can she trust him with her secrets?

In the dead of winter, Sydney Hayes finds herself in an internet chat room in hopes of expelling her loneliness. Enchanted by a stranger, she soon finds herself caught up in an affair that spills over into her everyday life. Within a short period of time, the stranger captures her mind, her body and eventually her heart, but excitement turns to terror and Sydney must abandon the life she built in Chicago and assume a new identity.

A fragile woman in a new city, Sydney tries to put it all behind her as she makes a fresh start in Seattle, but her troubles follow her and she is running out of time. Feeling as though she has no other choice, Sydney is determined to destroy him before he destroys her—unaware that her journal holds the key.

Will she discover the secret before it’s too late?

Where to Buy:
Amazon
Kindle
Nook
Indiebound

Author Website
Desise Baer

Reviews
To read reviews, click here.

Promotions
Net Switch is on a Goodreads Giveaway until July 2nd.
For other promotions, click here.

Author Spotlight - Kayla Cargiulo

Description:
When Contessa Manoso is in a deadly car crash she wakes up with an incomplete memory filled with images of a silver haired man, which she considers to be the least of her problems. Little did she know she would be taken on a harrowing adventure where she single handedly discovers an alien race, falls in love, and finds out that her entire life has been a lie. But thats just the half of it, she's more concerned about the fact that she keeps ending up in public in her underwear. Life has taken a right turn on the wrong road and she would really like to ditch the bad luck, oh and the weak-in-the-knees feeling Samson gives her.

Where to Buy:
Amazon
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Smashwords
Author Website:
Kayla Cargiulo

Reviews:
"I should start out by saying that I don't read YA fantasy or sci-fi and this novel is both. It's a fast-paced and interesting story and the plot is solid. The author has created a brilliant foundation for an entire series using this set of characters. The main character Contessa-known as Tess-starts out as a typical one-dimensional and shallow teenager. Through the course of the story she grows up and becomes more well-rounded. Tess becomes a typical main character in a young adult book-she can do something no one else can but in spite of that she still manages to get caught outside in her underwear and remain, by all accounts, very human.
Even though the book itself is short the story is phenomenal and leaves no questions unanswered. It ends on a cliffhanger which will leave the reader eager to read the second installment.
I've heard a lot of complaints about the grammar usage and some typos. Personally, I read it from start to finish the other day and these things didn't detract from my experience.
If you allow it, the story will take you to a world that will rival that of a graphic novel (as it would translate well to this format if the author ever chose). The beginning scene will bring Rogue from X-Men to mind-something that I personally enjoyed.
It's a good read for the YA market.
I look forward to reading the next one. "
-Jennifer
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"a really good read, well written with some really creative details. good plot and storyline that leaves you wanting more in the end. exciting and darkly alluring at the same time :)"
-Laitalianbeauty

*To read more reviews, click here.
Description:
When Contessa Manoso first discovered that she was an alien Hybrid meant to sustain her people and save the Earth from a hostile invasion she thought this was the worst of her problems. Upon her return to Earth accompanied by her Eternal Consort Samson, whom she is not too sure is the love of her life anymore; she fights not only the wicked High Empress Helena but the entire Human race. Contessa knows she has to dig down, become a leader, and make the tough decisions…but how can she do that when those around her are untrustworthy and Chase an inky-eyed space pilot is hovering so closely that she can’t help but drink in every bit of him? Torn, the sequel to Sustenance is going to take Contessa through a whirlwind of emotions and action packed moments that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Where to Buy:
Amazon

Random Thought - The Movie Montage

I have watched a lot of movies in my day and one theme keeps popping up over and over and over, the montage. When the main character needs to go through any type of rigorous transformation that can't possibly be shown in detail and not have a ten hour movie, the editing team breaks out the montage.

It's usually accompanied by inspiring music and scenes of a struggling but still happy person who in one moment is still weak or fat or whatever the case may be and then the next moment they are strong or skinny, etc.

If only that could work in real life. Need to loose twenty pounds? Just start a montage and poof, five minutes later you are twenty pounds lighter. Have to study for finals and are seriously far behind, start a montage and you'll pass the test with flying colors. Need to endure some insufferable family get together or event, break out the montage.

To illustrate my point more fully, watch the hilarious Montage Song in Team America (made by the same guys who make South Park.)

Author Spotlight - J.A. McCorkle

Description:

Mia Harrington's life as a wealthy socialite is changed forever when a duo of deadly vampires attack her home in the middle of the night. Lucas Bradshaw, the handsome and powerful leader of a vampire clan, rescues Mia from the evil clutches of her attackers and vows that nothing will ever hurt this woman again. As Mia is exposed to the vampire world that she never knew existed, can Lucas really keep her safe? Especially when his clan is being threatened by the same vampires that attacked Mia?

As Mia recovers from that violent night, the attraction to the mysterious vampire leader grows. Will Mia be able to handle the intense attraction she shares with Lucas? Will he share more with her than he ever has shared with anyone before?

Warning: This book is intended for adult audiences only. It contains adult themes of sensual and erotic intimacy.


Where to Buy:
Amazon

Reviews:
This is a great find!! The book is action packed and I could not put it down once I started reading it. I love love love the characters and can't wait for the next book in this series. GREAT JOB J.A. McCORKLE!
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Never heard of this author, but Mia is pretty well written. Found some of the Vampire torture to be a little much....but hey, they're vampires. Pretty quick read with just the right amount of erotica for me. Lucas reminds me more of a Frank Langela type from the early 80s movie or maybe a Gary Oldman, in the way they treat their ladies. But he is definitely able to "vampire up" when need be. Mia is bound to be well treated in her title role. The story sets up nicely and I hope J.A. McCorkle continues. Looks like it could continue into a series.

Author Spotlight - Kevin Anthony

Description:
Twenty year old Ford Fischer is a serial slasher desperately trying to resist the lure of the blade. After taking a life, Ford's regret consumes him, leading him to self-mutilate his hand in hopes of preventing further mayhem. All the while a series of family issues threaten to sidetrack his quest for mental stability.

His drug abusing mother disappears after an argument between her and Ford; leaving him sole caretaker of his transgender parent, whose life is slowly deteriorating from a mysterious illness. The parental strain leads him to weigh the strength of his bond with the two divorcees.

Just as Ford feels nothing more could go wrong, he finds himself in the middle of a slashing spree - the victims being slashers themselves. He's forced to play the role of detective to avoid becoming suspect, or worse, a victim. As slasher after slasher is eliminated, Ford seeks out the blade-friendly stalker with the morally conflicted mindset "slash or be slashed."

MAD MORAL is the world of Ford Fischer, where in murderous stuffed animals, demonic possessions, gigantic creepy crawlers, knife wielding slashers and much more madness are common place. Fischer, coupled with a romantically conflicted exorcist and a dreamer who redefines night terrors, leads us through a twisted world that can be best defined as one of a kind.

Where to Buy:
Amazon

Reviews:
This was a great read. I'm not all for the usual horror stories, per se, but this one caught my eye. It was different and intriguing. The characters are unusually warped but have personalities you can relate to. It has it's funny moments and it's scary moments and by the end, you begin to question what you always believed to be right. If you like the Stephen King type of stories, then this book is definitely for you.
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This is an amazing book!! I love horror books and movies, so when I saw it on wattpad.com, I had to read it. Turned out to be a brilliant book. I would definitely suggest everyone buy this book and check out more of this authors work on wattpad.com!
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This book is wonderful, its captivating, enticing and just pulls you in.
I have fallen in love with this book. It is not your average horror book, it's better.
The numerous twists and turns have you at the edge of your seat, wondering what's coming next.
Mad Moral is pure genius and the author who wrote it, his work is phenomenon!
I would recommend this to anyone who's looking for something fun and exciting.

Mad moral cannot be classified as typical, it's totally different from any horror story you will ever read.

Author Spotlight - Linda M. David

Description:
A lonely 11-year-old girl, a bit on the moody side, and more than a little spoilt, is looking forward to a luxury break in the Caribbean with her parents, but is livid when they announce that the trip has to be cancelled due to work commitments! So instead of endless sunshine and tropical beaches, she finds herself unceremoniously packed up, and sent off to stay with a grandfather she barely knows for the summer! But it turns out to be the best summer of her life. Her grandfather has a strange reunion with a mysterious childhood friend, and she gets the opportunity of a lifetime. To visit a world beyond the stars, and become Earth’s first student to be enrolled in an experimental Inter-Planetary Education Programme at the Firestone Academy, where lessons in telepathy, mind-reading and astral projection are the norm. But things are not as straightforward as they seem. One fellow student makes no secret of the fact that he despises her and will do anything to make her leave…she is having disturbingly vivid dreams…and who is that hideously deformed cave creature and what does it want with her?

Where to Buy:
Amazon
Feed-a-Read

Author Website:
Eternal Rainbows

Reviews:
Best Book EVER March 30, 2012 By Pebbles

I was looking around for good books and I found this. I would rate this above Harry Potter and the Hunger Games. Its great. Everyone should read this.
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Just one word "Wow" January 22, 2012 By hawkssr

What a great story! The author's imagination is right up there with J. K. Rowling, IMO this book is like a scifi Harry Potter. It revolves around an eleven year old girl who ends up in another kind of universe to go to a certain school along with lots of others her age. They are all from different planets and look very different but friendships are formed along with some not so friendly. There is humor, mystery, suspense and lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing who is not whom they seem to be. I think children up to adults would enjoy this book! Wonderful job Linda!