A.R. Von's Blog, page 56

Review Phantom (Dark Musicals #1) by Laura DeLuca

"Phantom"
Author: Laura DeLuca
Genre: YA Romance
Pages: 262
Source: Author in exchange for a honest review.
Published: March 29, 2012
Author's Website: http://authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com

Buy Links: Amazon


Goodreads Blurb: The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.

Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.

Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.


My Review: A very entertaining, shocking, thrilling and exciting YA read that brings us a different sort of take on the Phantom of the Opera (a long time favorite musical of mine by the way). Any fans out there that enjoyed the story of the Phantom, or just enjoy the genre itself will enjoy their time spent with this read :)

Rebecca is a senior in high school. She’s always quiet, barely noticed and she’s fine with it. But all of that changes once she tries out for a part in a school musical. Some things take a turn for the better, some for the worse. Can she survive being on stage after all of her years going unnoticed and can she decide on which boy her heart truly wants?
We then have Justyn and Tom. Both are seniors, both handsome (in their own ways), both are in the musical and both like Rebecca and want her for their girl. There’s a mysterious air to Justyn that holds on to the reader and even makes you question him a time or two. He’s a newbie to the high school and of course there are plenty of rumors about him going around and round.

Then there is Tom, surfer boy good looks, money, charm and talent. He’s been in school with Rebecca for years and barely spoke a word to her. Now he desires her in the worst (or best) possible way and WILL fight for what he wants!
There’s a bit of a love triangle for a majority of the book (entertaining and scary at some points). But I am VERY happy with the choice Rebecca made in the end. The heart speaks the loudest and it should NEVER be ignored, even if no one agrees with the decision!

Overall Rating

Review Romancing the Seas by Cait O'Sullivan

"Romancing the Seas" Author: Cait O'SullivanGenre: Contemporary RomancePages: 170Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.Published: January 7, 2013Author's Website: http://caitosullivan.blogspot.co.uk/
Buy Links: Amazon
Goodreads Blurb: Sous-chef Pippa Renshaw thinks a change of scene will mend her bruised heart, so she swaps her job in a prestigious London restaurant to head-chef on a cruise ship sailing around New Zealand. A great plan until she meets her new CEO, the delectable Jonathon Eagleton, and discovers she has to share a suite with him.
Even though sparks fly whenever they are together, Jonathon steadfastly keeps her at arm's length, which suits Pippa just fine because she's still getting over the betrayal of the last time she had a relationship with the boss.

The situation is starting to feel like solitary confinement until a thunderstorm traps them in a tramper's hut while hiking. Suddenly a different kind of storm unleashes inside the hut.

But will they be able to go back to their previous status now the line has been crossed?

My Review: A sweet, fun and romantic read with lots of food and a touching romance that many fans of the genre will be sure to enjoy :)

Pippa is starting anew. Her first step is taking a job pretty much on the blind doing something she loves. She’s excited for a new adventure and the escape of the terrible situation/relationship she was in before. The last thing she expects is to meet the perfect man.
Jonathon recently made it to his current position as CEO and has worked very hard to get there. Now he’s cleaning up the mess the previous CEO left and is working on various projects and improvements. As well as “cleaning up” other areas because the former CEO enjoyed sleeping with the new hires. When a new hire comes aboard, he is stricken by her beauty. His first though is “is she capable of the position she’s been hired for or is she one of the former CEO’s playthings?” He sure hopes not because he’s awakened in the most intimate of ways within himself and is finding it very difficult to resists her.
Not many get the chance to meet their soul mate. Pippa and Jonathon are two very lucky ones. They instantly were drawn to one another and are such a perfect match. I would not mind at all seeing more of Pippa and Johnathon and how their lives end up once they are all settled.




Overall Rating




Sex Rating of 2 Dragon Flames

Demon Release & Giveaway by Laura DeLuca

Demon, Book Two in the Dark Musicals Trilogy, inspired by Sweeney Todd is available now!

Purchase
Amazon * Smashwords; * Barnes & Noble
  When Justyn and Rebecca set off for the New York School of Performing Arts, they think their dreams are about to come true. To their dismay, they aren’t in high school anymore, and the competition is steep. Rebecca must compete against accomplished singers for a role in the production of Demon Barber, including a stunning Gothic diva with her sights set on JustynIt doesn't help that things keep disappearing from their apartment or that Rebecca's father refuses to accept that Justyn is an essential part of her life. Yet, all this seems minimal in comparison to the serial rapist terrorizing the campus.Consumed by fear and obsessed with revenge, Rebecca and Justyn start living the story of Sweeney Todd—both on and off the stage. Head to face book to join the; Demon Release Party.  You can also add Demon to your shelf on good reads.



If you haven't read the first book in the series, now is a great time to get your copy. To celebrate the release of Demon,  Phantom is now on sale for only $1.99 exclusively on Amazon!



Purchase
Amazon * Smashwords * Barnes & NoblePhantom, Dark Musicals Book #1

The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.

Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.

Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.


        Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the editor of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan, Player and Demon. She also has short stories featured in two anthologies called HerStory and A Celtic Tapestry.


 Follow the author Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads | Pinterest;






 THE GIVEAWAY

To celebrate the release of Demon, Author Laura DeLuca has put together a Demon themed prize pack. It includes a signed copy of Phantom, geode and geode slice, rough crystal points, incense and holders, Gothic style leather key chains, smudge stick with abalone shell, mini Buddha and elephant statue, crystal, natural stone and pentacle pendants, and a $10 GC to Little Caesars, . 



The The Sisters Elemental Etsy shop has also created custom Lavender Purification  bath salts and a set of ammonite necklaces, both of which are featured in the book.


And finally, the awesome mommy bloggers at  Mom Powered Media are also throwing in a $50 Amazon GC to support one of their own!



One lucky winner is going to receive all these fabulous prizes. To enter, just fill in the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway will end on  5/17/13. Open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Mom Powered Media, The Sisters Elemental and the author for offering these fantastic prizes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
****Please note no compensation was received for sharing this post. Host blogs are not responsible for prize delivery.***

NEW cover reveal for A Rangers Tale by Mysti Parker

New Cover REVEAL: A Ranger’s Tale by Mysti Parker
The world of Tallenmere was born in January, 2011 with this first exciting story about Caliphany, an elven noblewoman who longs to leave her gilded cage, and Galadin, the half-elf former pirate who trains her to do just that. To better reflect its place in the burgeoning series and Caliphany's choice between two good men, cover artist Caroline Andrus and I tore down the original cover to make room for a whole new look!

Join us for this exciting reveal party on Facebook, Friday, March 29 from 5-10 PM EST. Bring a friend, too. There do be prizes, mateys! *$25 Amazon.com gift card*Signed Print copy of A Ranger’s Tale *And MORE!CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE PARTY: https://www.facebook.com/events/103766896485420/


Blurb: In the world of Tallenmere, an elven noblewoman longed to leave her gilded cage. A half-breed former pirate wanted nothing more than to escape his guilty past. Easier said than done...

High elf Caliphany Aranea leads an enviable life as King Leopold's niece and daughter of Sirius, Leogard's most famous wizard. Yet, being forced to follow in her father's footsteps and being betrothed to a man she doesn't even like makes her want a taste of life outside the city walls. 


As a young boy, half-elf Galadin Trudeaux witnessed his parents' death at the hands of pirates. After being raised by those same murderers and forced to do their bidding, he escaped and now lives an honest life as a sea merchant and ranger. 


When two brutes at Leogard Harbor attempt to kidnap Caliphany while she dreams of faraway lands, Galadin comes to her rescue. Impressed by his skills, she asks him to train her as a ranger. Though he is hesitant at first to train a woman of her class, Caliphany's hefty sack of gold finally persuades him. Unfortunately, her father is not amused, and the two must escape before Caliphany faces a forced marriage and Galadin faces a noose.


From that moment on, she and Galadin embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Only if they can survive the trials ahead, will they find a love that stands the test of time.


****

You can find the brand new version of A Ranger’s Tale with its shiny new cover at all major online bookstores, including:Amazon.comB&NSmashwordsLuluAll Romance eBooksCoffeetime Romance


About the Author Mysti Parker (pseudonym) is a full time wife, mother of three, and a writer. Her first novel, A Ranger’s Tale was published in January, 2011 by Melange Books, and the second in the fantasy romance series, Serenya's Song, was published in April 2012. Book Three, Hearts in Exile, is expected to be born in the summer of 2013. Mysti reviews books for SQ Magazine, an online specfic publication, and is the proud owner of Unwritten, a blog recently voted #3 for eCollegeFinder’s Top Writing Blogs award. She resides in Buckner, KY with her husband and three children.
Mysti’s other writings have appeared in the anthologies  Hearts of Tomorrow , Christmas Lites , and  Christmas Lites II.  Her flash fiction has appeared on the online magazine  EveryDayFiction . She is currently a book reviewer for the online speculative fiction magazine  SQ Mag  and has served as a class mentor in Writers Village University's six week free course, F2K.
The Tallenmere Series: A Ranger’s TaleSerenya’s SongHearts in Exile (coming summer 2013)
www.melange-books.comwww.mystiparker.blogspot.comTwitter: @MystiParkerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mysti-Parker/103786449704221mystiparker@yahoo.com

NEW cover reveal for A Rangers Tale by Misty Parker

New Cover REVEAL: A Ranger’s Tale by Mysti Parker
The world of Tallenmere was born in January, 2011 with this first exciting story about Caliphany, an elven noblewoman who longs to leave her gilded cage, and Galadin, the half-elf former pirate who trains her to do just that. To better reflect its place in the burgeoning series and Caliphany's choice between two good men, cover artist Caroline Andrus and I tore down the original cover to make room for a whole new look!

Join us for this exciting reveal party on Facebook, Friday, March 29 from 5-10 PM EST. Bring a friend, too. There do be prizes, mateys! *$25 Amazon.com gift card*Signed Print copy of A Ranger’s Tale *And MORE!CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE PARTY: https://www.facebook.com/events/103766896485420/


Blurb: In the world of Tallenmere, an elven noblewoman longed to leave her gilded cage. A half-breed former pirate wanted nothing more than to escape his guilty past. Easier said than done...
High elf Caliphany Aranea leads an enviable life as King Leopold's niece and daughter of Sirius, Leogard's most famous wizard. Yet, being forced to follow in her father's footsteps and being betrothed to a man she doesn't even like makes her want a taste of life outside the city walls. 
As a young boy, half-elf Galadin Trudeaux witnessed his parents' death at the hands of pirates. After being raised by those same murderers and forced to do their bidding, he escaped and now lives an honest life as a sea merchant and ranger. 
When two brutes at Leogard Harbor attempt to kidnap Caliphany while she dreams of faraway lands, Galadin comes to her rescue. Impressed by his skills, she asks him to train her as a ranger. Though he is hesitant at first to train a woman of her class, Caliphany's hefty sack of gold finally persuades him. Unfortunately, her father is not amused, and the two must escape before Caliphany faces a forced marriage and Galadin faces a noose.
From that moment on, she and Galadin embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Only if they can survive the trials ahead, will they find a love that stands the test of time.


****

You can find the brand new version of A Ranger’s Tale with its shiny new cover at all major online bookstores, including:Amazon.comB&NSmashwordsLuluAll Romance eBooksCoffeetime Romance


About the Author Mysti Parker (pseudonym) is a full time wife, mother of three, and a writer. Her first novel, A Ranger’s Tale was published in January, 2011 by Melange Books, and the second in the fantasy romance series, Serenya's Song, was published in April 2012. Book Three, Hearts in Exile, is expected to be born in the summer of 2013. Mysti reviews books for SQ Magazine, an online specfic publication, and is the proud owner of Unwritten, a blog recently voted #3 for eCollegeFinder’s Top Writing Blogs award. She resides in Buckner, KY with her husband and three children.
Mysti’s other writings have appeared in the anthologies  Hearts of Tomorrow , Christmas Lites , and  Christmas Lites II.  Her flash fiction has appeared on the online magazine  EveryDayFiction . She is currently a book reviewer for the online speculative fiction magazine  SQ Mag  and has served as a class mentor in Writers Village University's six week free course, F2K.
The Tallenmere Series: A Ranger’s TaleSerenya’s SongHearts in Exile (coming summer 2013)
www.melange-books.comwww.mystiparker.blogspot.comTwitter: @MystiParkerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mysti-Parker/103786449704221mystiparker@yahoo.com

Wunder giveaway/interview/review on Lusty Penguin Reviews

Wunder and I have a giveaway, interview and review over on
Be sure to Visit: http://lustypenguin.com/author-interview-and-giveaway-with-a-r-von/?fb_source=pubv1#
To read the interview I had so much fun doing with Lusty Penguin reviews.
Also be sure to check out the amazing review too: http://lustypenguin.com/review-wunder-by-a-r-von/?fb_source=pubv1



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book SpotlightCover Reveal In Another Life by Jo Cattell

Cover Art & Book Design By Wicked Muse Productions and R. Budney Photograph 

Sixteen year old, Annie Kane was dumped by her last boyfriend. It took a long time for her to agree with her friends and find somebody new. When Jim Osborn, the class clown shows up with his best friend, Annie realizes that there’s is something different about his friend, but she can’t figure out what. Nate Cruz wasn’t like anyone she’d ever known. He’s funny and down to earth, but he also suffers with low self esteem from being in and out of the hospital. After Jim tries to force himself on her at a party, Anne finally sees him as he really is and decides to end it. She and Nate become best friends. Then, a kiss changes it all. With Nate, she sees what love really means. She learns how wonderful life can be. And how at anytime, things can change without warning. If she’d stayed in her safe, little world, Annie would have missed her chance at love. But because of an irresistible attraction for a boy, she just couldn’t forget? She finds out what she’s really made of and what’s it’s like— living in another life.

Look for “In Another Life” coming from Jaden Rose Press, April 2013 on Amazon.com





About the Author Favorite quote: "Characters are not created by writers. They preexist and need to be found" I'm an author, mother, friend. My dreams inspire me, my children drive me. I'm a free spirit, a dreamer, a lover of life, and a loyal friend. I live In New Jersey with my husband Eric, and two daughters Amber and Jade. My first novel, “When Angels Fall” was inspired by a dream and also the loss of my niece, came out in November 2012 and was the first in my  “Fallen Angel Series.” The second book “After Angels Fall” was release New Years Day of 2013. “In Another Life” was inspired by a relationship I was in as a teenager.  We only have one chance to have a first love.  Mine was someone who taught me how important life is and never to take anyone for granted.  To see a person for who they really are on the inside and not just for what shows on the outside.

For more information stop by my blog, http://jcattell.blogspot.com/ and look for my books at Amazon.com

Review Keeper of the Golden Dragon's Heart (Cedar River #1) by Gemma K. Murray

"Keeper of the Golden Dragon's Heart" Author: Gemma K. MurrayGenre: Paranormal RomancePages: 143Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.Published: March 15, 2012Author's Website: http://gemmakmurray.com
Buy Links: Amazon
Goodreads Blurb: The Upper Peninsula of Michigan seems like it is another country. The rawness and beauty of the land draws people from every walk of life. What most people don’t realize is there is a little town nestled on the banks of Lake Superior that an entire group of supernatural beings call home. Shifters of every shape and size live there. They raise their families there. Tourists come from near and far to visit the quaint town of Cedar River, Michigan. The tourists never realize they are walking among some of the most unusual beings on earth.
Bowie Golden is a dragon shifter who is in charge of Cedar River's safety. Until now, the biggest threat to anyone's safety was Anastasia Plum, a witch/puma-shifter. She has been the town hellraiser since she was a teenager. Now someone has discovered the secret the residents of Cedar River keep for one another. These radicals are determined to eradicate the entire town. It's up to Bowie to keep them all safe.

Ana has always idolized Bowie. She may have stirred up trouble from time to time, but Bowie or one of his brothers would always get her out of the trouble she was in. One day, it happened. The unthinkable, the unimaginable occurred. Anastasia Plum fell for the "golden" boy. What an unlikely duo- the sheriff and the hellraiser!

Just as these two discover their passion for one another, a group of people is determined to keep them apart. It's up to Ana to prove that she is the only Keeper of the Golden Dragon's Heart.

My Review:Keeper of the Golden Dragon is a sweet, romantic, exciting and touching read that made me fall in love with Cedar River and its community almost instantly. A read that many fans of the genre will enjoy as a companion until the very end!
Ana lost her parents at a fairly young age and was left with no other family to take her in. Close neighbors and friends of her and her parents, the Goldens, stepped in and took Ana under their wings (Literally!) They grew to be a very tight knit family with a ton of antics and everything a blood family goes through. As she grew older, she found herself looking a bit harder for a companion, a boyfriend, someone to help complete her and make her feel whole and loved in a way she’s not yet experienced. Little did she know her soul mate has been right in front of her face the entire time!
There are plenty of ups and downs, ins and outs, but never a moment of doubt within that amazing family. Love is so very blind, so blind that at times you do not even realize it is love! Thank goodness for the hands of faith and the meddling of family member’s or these two amazing characters would never have had the courage to explore one another on a whole new level.





Overall Rating





Sex Rating of 3 Dragon Flames

Review Natural Born Enemies (Cedar River #2)

"Natural Born Enemies"
Author: Gemma K. MurrayGenre: Paranormal RomancePages: 189Source: Author in exchange for an honest review.Published: December 23, 2012Author's Website: http://gemmakmurray.com
Buy Links: Amazon
Goodreads Blurb: Cedar River, Michigan is a wonderful place to fall in love. Some people see change as a good thing, but there are a few others who can’t let go of the “old ways.” “Breeds should stay within their breeds,” they say.
Adam Thomas is the deputy sheriff in Cedar River. His black puma shifter side got him released from the military and sent back home. His demons followed, but they are nothing compared to the ones within his pride.
Luna McIntyre is the only daughter and shaman to the McIntyre pack. She is tired of being smothered and told what to do in regards to her life. She’s opened a sweet shop and moved forward with her life. However, the love of her teen years is back in town and her family is trying to rein her in again.
Someone in this small town is so set in their beliefs that they can’t see how love is sometimes simply love. Cats and canines may be natural born enemies, but love may be enough to get past the differences.

My Review: Another sweet, exciting and romantic read by Gemma K. Murray that continues to pull me into the life and love of Cedar River and never want to leave. Even though Gemma did not go in the direction I thought she would have, I was very happy. Besides, I love surprises! This is a series that fans of the genre should really check out. It’s jammed packed full of paranormals and will satisfy any that enjoy a great HEA :)

Luna is a very independent woman that is packed full of delightful surprises. She’s on her own due to some family issues, but goes on with her life that best way she could. She has her own business her own place and is doing very well for herself. There’s only one thing, actually a person that’s missing from making her life complete and happy. But he’s off limits and a far distance away. He has been for some time now, at least that’s what she thought until she spots him right outside her sweet shop window…
Adam has had it very hard in life from a very young age. Besides being a ‘bad boy’. He had to leave his one true love, the love of his life, just to help bring about peace between two natural born enemies. But when he comes back, he finds his love is even stronger than he ever thought it could be and finds its virtually impossible to resist. This handsome bad boy goes through all sorts of turmoil just to make peace and be with the one he loves.
Even though this book is part of a series it can be read as a stand-alone. It takes place in the same area of the first and characters do appear, but you will not miss out on a build or any other instances if you read out of order.


Overall Rating





Sex Rating of 3 Dragon Flames

Avery Snow Book Blast/Giveaway with Christy Sloat

Summary: 
As Avery Snow settles into her life and relationships with those around her, she fights to forget her past lives. All of which she spent with Landon, who still has no recollection of who she really is. It seems better that way. Even though she still feels a draw to his soul, she chooses to ignore it.

For now everything is fine. Her boyfriend, Dallas, has opened a new restaurant. Her friends, Ianni and Kerri, are settling into their lives as well. But when news of a new Dark Guide is revealed, Avery is forced to start thinking about the life she truly leads. One that is very abnormal. One she is desperate to forget. This Dark Guide is determined to make Avery pay for the death of someone she held dear.

Now Avery’s life has gone from seemingly perfect to falling apart. What will be at stake next? Her life? Her love? And who will be there in the end to help her up off the ground?

Even the strongest love can unravel.

Will Avery be able to hold it all together, or will she just let go?


Buy Links:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/christy-sloat
http://www.amazon.com/Christy-Sloat/e/B0071MMCU6










Bio:
Christy Sloat is a SoCal born girl who resides in New Jersey currently with her husband, two daughters and Sophie her Chihuahua. Christy has embraced the love of reading and writing since her youth and was inspired by her grandmother's loving support. Christy passes that love of reading, writing, and creativity to her daughters, family, and friends. When you do not find Christy within the pages of a book you can find her being mommy, wife, crafter, and dear friend. She loves adventurous journeys with her friends and can be known to get lost inside a bookstore. Be sure to venture into her Past Lives Series, The Visitor's Series, and watch for many more exciting things to come.


How to find me and stalk me:
Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13412018-the-many-lives-of-avery-snow
Websites: www.christysloat.com
http://christysloat.blogspot.com/
http://Facebook.com/christysloatauthor
Twitter: @ChristySloat



Prizes: $25 Amazon Gift Card, Tote Bag, jewelry, postcard, and key ring
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Twitter Party: Tuesday March 26 10 am EST Hashtag #AverySnow