Forbes Arnone's Blog, page 2
May 18, 2016
Review ~ A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ove was already a serious man and learned from his father how to be an upstanding man. He’s suffered lots of loss in his life, but when he met the woman of his dreams, he snatched her up.
The story is started in the present, and we get flashbacks of his life from the past off and on. It explains a lot and shows us how he got where he was (or more, why he was the way he was).
I found his gruffness hilarious and his lack of keeping up with the growing world very funny, even though he didn’t mean it to be. But throughout the whole story, we find he just wants to be with his wife. She’s dead and he misses her greatly. He’s closed himself off from everyone he knows until his new neighbors move in and invade his life, and that’s really when Ove’s story begins.
Seriously, this story was so endearing and funny and touching and lovely. I laughed and sobbed and even got mad a few times. But to watch Ove change without even realizing was so beautiful. He became alive and had purpose again. All the side characters were amazingly done and such a huge part of the story.
It’s really a must read!!!
Summary:
A grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door.
Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon, the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him the bitter neighbor from hell, but must Ove be bitter just because he doesn’t walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?
Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents’ association to their very foundations.
Filed under: books, Favorite Things., Reviews
May 14, 2016
My Mr. Manny
After getting swept up in nostalgia and losing herself in a quickly progressing romance, her fantasy falls apart. She is left to raise her precious little girl, Lucia, on her own. The demands of Mia’s work schedule and Lucia’s needs increase, and their lives become increasingly hectic. It is soon clear to Mia that she needs help. Luckily, her life-saving cousin saves the day and brings the mother and daughter a male nanny – their new “manny.”
After losing his high-pressure job on Wall Street, Dominic Roberts wants to follow his dreams to have a family. He’s already one fiancée down, and there are no likely prospects for another. In order to find the family he so desperately wants, he finds himself getting into the manny business. Since he is fully qualified to provide childcare and is eager to leave New York City behind, his sister-in-law is able to land…
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Filed under: Writing
May 4, 2016
Review ~ Unwrapping Noel by Jennifer Theriot
Unwrapping Noel by Jennifer Theriot
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Unwrapping Noel was a short story jam-packed with a lot of feeling. One of them was anger, I seriously wanted to knock Noel’s ex-husband out. He was so selfish, taking advantage of Noel’s kindness. I saw her kindness, in the beginning, as weakness because I wished she would have had more self-value to be someone else’s doormat.
But it’s when she meets a gorgeous silver fox of a man that she starts to see how much she’s worth and she grows a backbone. Yes!!
Noel and Leon (look, their names are the same just spelled backward) started off strong and had a blip, because Leon had a past that scarred him as well. Of course, the ending was sweet and the beginning of their second chance.
I’d love to read more about them. Overall, it was a great story and the audio narrator was pretty good too.
Summary:
Noel Calabrese hates Christmas as much as she hates her life. While in the Silicon Valley on a business trip, she meets Leon Hallas. Could this sexy, silver fox be her ticket to happiness? Can she learn to trust again?
Unwrap this steamy little romance read, complete with a palindrome and look for more from Noel and Leon.
Filed under: books, Reviews
May 3, 2016
New Release ~ Rise of Alpha by Lorenz Font
Click here to see my Review of Rise of Alpha!
RISE OF ALPHA – THE PRODIAN JOURNEY
by
Lorenz Font
Official genre of book: Young Adult/Urban Fantasy/Coming-of-age
All Brian Morrison wants is to be an ordinary teenager with normal teenage problems, but his uncontrollable twitching and phonic tics make that impossible. The butt of jokes in school, he is nothing but a laughing-stock until a visit to a local tarot shop turns his life upside-down.
The psychic’s strange prediction thrusts him into a mysterious world of ghastly creatures and bizarre events, and he must come to terms with the abrupt changes if he is going to survive. One mother’s plea for help presents him with an impossible challenge, but it also brings him closer to the most popular girl in school. Brian must overcome threats from all sides to honor his promise, and he is determined to succeed. His heart won’t let him turn his back on someone in need, especially when he’s fallen in love with her.
Protecting Shannon McKesson soon becomes the greatest purpose of his life. Brian discovers many things on this new journey, but the biggest one might be the truth about who he is. If only he and Shannon can stay alive long enough to unlock the mystery.
“Bro, you’re acting weird today—weirder than usual, anyway. I know you well enough to know something’s up, so spill the fava beans!” Mark made that Hannibal Lecter hissing sound from one of our favorite movies.
“Yeah, you ran out of that psychic shop like you’d seen a ghost.” Darryl seconded. “Then you got sick and wouldn’t answer our calls until this morning. Spill, dude.”
I wavered between the truth or a lie about what had happened over the past few days. Telling them would also mean I had to tell them about Shannon. For some selfish reason, I wanted to keep her all to myself. My own little secret.
“We’re your best friends, in case you’ve forgotten. We’ve shared dirty secrets since middle school,” Mark reminded me.
As long as I could remember, these two had been watching my back.
I still hesitated, but the overwhelming need to share my fears with them overcame the urge to keep Shannon to myself.
“Fine. It’s weird, and I expect you to keep this on the down-low, aʼight?”
They nodded.
“That night at Madame Elizabeth’s, she said something that scared the crap out of me. I know it was bogus, but it freaked me out bad.”
“What did she say?” they asked in unison.
I mimicked Shannon’s mom. “With your curse comes a blessing.”
“Really?” Mark narrowed his eyes. “That scared the shit out of you?”
“Yeah.” I was sure they’d start making fun of me, but when neither of them said anything, I continued. “She’s creepy, bro.”
Again, there was silence except for the crunching sound of their chewing, and the music of the forgotten video game’s menu screen.
After a moment, Darryl began picking at his ear piercings, a nervous habit of his. “Okay, fine. Madame Elizabeth confused the hell out of me with my reading. I got the man hanging upside down. She said that it symbolized self-sacrifice and adapting to changes. Like there’s going to be a pause in my life until I give up something for the greater good. So I asked what it really meant, because my creep-o-meter shot through the roof. She said that my friend would be going through a transition and I needed to be there for him.”
Mark and I looked at each other while Darryl resumed his assault on the chips.
“Who is transitioning?” I asked, not sure what it meant.
Mark raised both hands and shook his head with a grin. “Don’t look at me. My voice doesn’t squeak. I’m circumcised, and all cylinders are a go.”
I socked Mark in the arm. “You’re stupid.”
“What did Madame E tell you?” Darryl asked him.
He was thoughtful for a moment. “Well, mine was kinda freaky, too. She had me pick a card, and I got temperance. She said it meant I had self-control and was able to handle tough situations, but that I had to deal with impatience and conflict. It could also mean angels and guardian spirits were around, but in my case, she said I was it.” He sighed and looked over at me. “Go figure what that means. Anyway, now you can tell us whatever it is you’re holding back.”
Cornered, I knew it was time to tell them about the dreams. I turned my desk chair around and straddled it. “That night, I started having weird dreams. First, this creature was chasing after Shannon McKesson. It was all a blur. I went back to sleep and dreamed something different. This random woman was being bitten by a rattlesnake. It was like I was there watching it happen. Then the next day, there she was in the news.”
I stopped to take a deep breath, and my friends stared at me like I’d lost my marbles. “See, I told you it’s weird. But that’s not all. I dreamed about Shannon and the weird creature again. It woke me up. I went back to sleep, I had another dream. This time, there was a girl running away from a man, and he was holding a bat. I could see everything around them, but I had no idea where they were. The next day, Shannon came over, and she and my mom were watching the—”
“Hold it right there! Shannon was here?” Disbelief was all over Mark’s face. Darryl stopped chewing, mirroring Mark’s surprise.
My secret was out. “Yeah, she came over when I didn’t show up for class yesterday.” I tried to make it sound like it wasn’t a big deal.
Amazon ✯ iTunes ✯ B&N ✯ Kobo ✯ Scribd ✯ Goodreads
A professional daydreamer, Lorenz Font discovered her love of writing after reading a celebrated novel that inspired one idea after another. Since being published in 2013, she has been conspiring, butting heads, and enjoying her spare time with vampires, angels, samurais, and other creatures she has created in her head.
Her perfect day consists of writing and lounging on her garage couch (a.k.a. the office) with a glass of her favorite cabernet while listening to her ever-growing music collection. She finds writing urban fantasy exhilarating and places an intense focus on angst and the redemption of flawed characters. Her fascination with romantic twists is a mainstay in all her stories.
Lorenz lives in Southern California with her supportive family and three demanding dogs.
Amazon ✯ FaceBook-Author Page ✯ Facebook ✯ Twitter ✯ Goodreads ✯ Website ✯ Blog ✯ Independent Authors Network ✯ Linkedin ✯ About Me ✯ Pinterest
Enter the Goodreads giveaway for a chance of an autographed copy of Rise of Alpha.
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Filed under: Blog Tours, books, Reviews
April 22, 2016
Blog Tour ~ Rise of the Alpha by Lorenz Font
Please click HERE to read my review of Rise of Alpha!!
RISE OF ALPHA – THE PRODIAN JOURNEY
by
Lorenz Font
Official genre of book: Young Adult/Urban Fantasy/Coming-of-age
All Brian Morrison wants is to be an ordinary teenager with normal teenage problems, but his uncontrollable twitching and phonic tics make that impossible. The butt of jokes in school, he is nothing but a laughing-stock until a visit to a local tarot shop turns his life upside-down.
The psychic’s strange prediction thrusts him into a mysterious world of ghastly creatures and bizarre events, and he must come to terms with the abrupt changes if he is going to survive. One mother’s plea for help presents him with an impossible challenge, but it also brings him closer to the most popular girl in school. Brian must overcome threats from all sides to honor his promise, and he is determined to succeed. His heart won’t let him turn his back on someone in need, especially when he’s fallen in love with her.
Protecting Shannon McKesson soon becomes the greatest purpose of his life. Brian discovers many things on this new journey, but the biggest one might be the truth about who he is. If only he and Shannon can stay alive long enough to unlock the mystery.
VOYANT’s purple neon sign welcomed us when we walked into the dark, rather dingy room. The scent of burning incense was heavy, and I faltered, not digging the eerie atmosphere. The black walls were lined with wall hangings of different tarot card characters, which seemed to be smirking at anyone dumb enough to buy their bogus predictions. Mark glanced over his shoulder at me with an unspoken challenge, leaving me no choice but to follow him to the counter.
The girl behind the counter looked up, her expression one of boredom. I recognized her immediately and stopped in my tracks, my mouth gaping open.
Shannon McKesson?
Whoa! Shannon was the epitome of popularity. She was pretty in that girl-next-door type of way. Her blond hair bounced on her shoulders like girls’ did in television commercials. Her eyes were bluer than my mother’s, and she had that mature persona most teenagers would die for. I had been watching her all these years, unable to take my eyes off her whenever she drove her yellow Beetle into the school parking lot or walked through the campus with the sure kind of grace only confident people possessed.
Darryl shifted next to me and pushed my chin up, closing my mouth. I coughed, realizing I’d already made my first blunder of the night. And it didn’t even have anything to do with my tics.
“Hi, Shannon. We’re here for a tarot reading. I called earlier to make an appointment,” Mark said, sounding like a real tarot junkie.
“Oh, yeah. Larry, Curly, and Moe.” She hopped off the barstool and checked off our names in the appointment book.
Mark and Darryl quickly pointed at me. “He’s Curly!”
Of all the things these bastards could do, they had to put me in the spotlight. They knew I hated the attention. I felt my face burning from embarrassment but decided to play along, shuffling my feet for maximum effect. What came next was a reward for my efforts. Shannon laughed, the sound a sweet mix of tolling bells.
Amazon ✯ iTunes ✯ B&N ✯ Kobo ✯ Scribd ✯ Goodreads
A professional daydreamer, Lorenz Font discovered her love of writing after reading a celebrated novel that inspired one idea after another. Since being published in 2013, she has been conspiring, butting heads, and enjoying her spare time with vampires, angels, samurais, and other creatures she has created in her head.
Her perfect day consists of writing and lounging on her garage couch (a.k.a. the office) with a glass of her favorite cabernet while listening to her ever-growing music collection. She finds writing urban fantasy exhilarating and places an intense focus on angst and the redemption of flawed characters. Her fascination with romantic twists is a mainstay in all her stories.
Lorenz lives in Southern California with her supportive family and three demanding dogs.
Amazon ✯ FaceBook-Author Page ✯ Facebook ✯ Twitter ✯ Goodreads ✯ Website ✯ Blog ✯ Independent Authors Network ✯ Linkedin ✯ About Me ✯ Pinterest
magicofbookspromo@gmail.com
Filed under: Blog Tours, books, Reviews
Review ~ Rise of Alpha by Lorenz Font
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh, how I enjoyed this book!! The story was so engaging from the get-go and soon became a huge mystery to me. I love it when I think I have the whole story figured out and find out I was completely wrong, because I love the surprise. The story flowed and had me on the edge of my seat so many times. It’s one of those … root for the underdog … type of books. And, I did … and then the story just got better and better.
The story of Brian and Shannon was intriguing and interesting and amazing and something I’d love my 15 year old to read, as I truly believe it would be something he’d like as well. The paranormal, the mystery, the friendships, the bad guys, the secrets, and then the truths as they come to light little by little just make this such a fantastic ride.
Font captured me with this tale with her imagination. The world and characters she created are so original and captivating. I’m not surprised by this, because Font writes everything amazingly well, but this is the first YA book I’ve read of hers. It’s a must read for those paranormal lovers out there.
I honestly can’t wait for the next book. Oh, don’t worry… this one didn’t end on a huge cliff-hanger or anything, it ended in a good place, but one that also makes you need more. Just my kind of ending to an installment of a series.
Summary:
Release Date: May 3, 2016
With every curse comes a blessing…
All Brian Morrison wants is to be an ordinary teenager with normal teenage problems, but his uncontrollable twitching and phonic tics make that impossible. The butt of jokes in school, he is nothing but a laughing-stock until a visit to a local tarot shop turns his life upside-down.
The psychic’s strange prediction thrusts him into a mysterious world of ghastly creatures and bizarre events, and he must come to terms with the abrupt changes if he is going to survive. One mother’s plea for help presents him with an impossible challenge, but it also brings him closer to the most popular girl in school. Brian must overcome threats from all sides to honor his promise, and he is determined to succeed. His heart won’t let him turn his back on someone in need, especially when he’s fallen in love with her.
Protecting Shannon McKesson soon becomes the greatest purpose of his life. Brian discovers many things on this new journey, but the biggest one might be the truth about who he is. If only he and Shannon can stay alive long enough to unlock the mystery.
Filed under: Blog Tours, books, Reviews
April 7, 2016
Review ~ Breathe by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Every book of KA’s is amazing, but there are a few that stand out more for me and touch me that much more. This book, Breathe, was one of those books. It had everything… soul-touching characters and scenes, the luscious alpha male, the perfect for her alpha, heroine, incredible side characters that you fall in love with, characters that pop in from other novels and series, and an excellent epilogue!!!
The epilogues are almost always amazing… she goes forward, backwards, ties up, shows us what happens with the other characters from the other books from the series and just gives us the big HEA we all want and love. This book was one I did not want to end at all… it’ll stay with me and touch me for a long time.
Loved… I recommend all her books, starting with the Rock Chick series. I’m still working my way through most of the other series and hope her words never stop!
Summary:
In Carnal, Colorado, Faye Goodknight is the town’s quiet, shy librarian. She may also be Carnal’s last remaining virgin. For years, Faye has had a crush on Chace Keaton, but the gorgeous cop has always been unattainable. She’s resigned to live contentedly with only her books for company-until Faye suddenly meets Chace alone in the woods . . .
Chace doesn’t think he’s the good guy everyone believes him to be. He’s made a lot of choices he regrets, including denying his feelings for Faye. Through his choices, he’s come to believe the pretty librarian is too good for him, but after their time in the woods, Chace realizes that she may be his last chance for redemption. Soon, their long simmering desires grow to a burning passion. Yet always casting a shadow over their happiness is Chace’s dark past . . .
Filed under: Blog Tours, books, Reviews
April 1, 2016
Review ~ Toccata Obbilato by Jennifer Theriot
Toccata Obbligato ~ Serenading Kyra by Jennifer Theriot
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a super short story, quick read, that gave us an inside look at someone that showed up in another series, Out of the Box. I didn’t know that when I read it. And, because I hadn’t read that series before I read this, I felt like it was too much of a quick telling. The story was just that… a lot of telling and not a lot of showing, BUT when it did get to the showing parts, those were really good. The whole things seemed fast, the love, the dating, the proposal, and I’m not sure if I felt like everything was resolved. But again, I think it’s supposed to be that way. I need to read the other series so I can appreciate this more, because this rocker, Todd, was seriously hot!! I was rooting for him the whole time!
Besides the story itself and the writing, I’d like to speak about the narration, since I listened to this in audio format. I listen to a lot of audiobooks, most of the books I “read” are audiobooks. I even have favorite narrators. I thought the writing of Todd’s (the MC) thoughts and the way he spoke were very fitting, but the narrator did not translate that. I honestly did not like the narrator very much at all. ( I hate saying anything negative at all, but if you’re an audiobook connoisseur like I am, you’ll appreciate the honesty) He sounded robotic, slightly monotone, no inflection for emotion or anything that the computerized feature on a Kindle couldn’t do. It was a bit disappointing, because Todd had swagger, a certain way of speaking, and a lot of emotion. I just didnt get that from listening to it. If I didn’t just force myself to concentrate on the words and the actual story, and not the way it was “read” to me, I would have given this 2 stars. However, I put aside the narration and pictured how Todd would have said what he said, while listening and it made it so much better.
This was the first book of Theriot I’ve read, and I will read more of hers. I think, if you’re going to read this story, you should read the Out of the Box series first.
Summary:
Todd O’Malley has been called many things, from filthy mouthed jerk to legendary Rock God. With his outlandish cocky demeanor – tatted up and pierced, to his constant use of the F-bomb, and the seductive gyrations he performs for the ladies on stage, he is a man every woman craves. But there is only one woman who is able to capture his heart, Kyra Edwards.
That chance meeting at a little coffee shop in Evanston began their journey of compromise, pain, dedication and love.
From the night he took her virginity to Todd’s past sex-capades and consequences threatening their relationship, will Kyra be able to deal with it? With Todd and his band Avenue touring on the road, can he prove to Kyra that he is a changed man? Can he be faithful and avoid temptation?
Jennifer Theriot brings us yet another love story that will capture our hearts. This is truly a story of Beauty and the Beast, where we admire the beauty that is Kyra and adore the beast known as Todd.
You loved him in the Out of the Box series….see what makes him tick within the pages of Toccata Obbligato ~ Serenading Kyra and meet the woman who won his heart.
Filed under: Blog Tours, books, Reviews
March 29, 2016
Teaser Tuesday ~ Dominant Persuasions
For years readers have asked for a book about Domination and submission that doesn’t turn the lifestyle into a joke. This is that book. From the minds of 12 Best Selling Authors, Dominant Persuasions combines real life with fantasy, and highlights the positive side of BDSM. Escape into a world of powerplays and safewords with Dominant Persuasions.
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12 Scintillating tales of Dominance and submission as told by your favorite Amazon, NYT & USA Today Bestselling Authors.
In a world of power plays, and safewords, only the strongest can find pleasure in submission. From strangers passing in the night, to lifetime loves that spark with new life; join us in the intriguing world of BDSM. No is not a safeword, and this deal is only available for a limited time!
Download the first 3 chapters of Submission Dance by Lori King now!
Webpage: http://DominantPersuasions.wordpress.com
Amazon: http://goo.gl/sfKnNu
Amazon UK: http://goo.gl/1tvvQl
Amazon CA: http://goo.gl/9DFjlm
Amazon AU: http://goo.gl/PJ0INF
B&N: http://goo.gl/CRmMDB
Kobo: https://goo.gl/AB0vbD
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1084734101
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Filed under: Teaser Tuesday, Writing 
March 22, 2016
Teaser Tuesday ~ Rise of Alpha by Lorenz Font
COMING SOON!
COVER REVEAL–April 5, 2016
NEW RELEASE–May 3, 2016
Genre: YA~Coming of Age~Urban Fantasy
With every curse comes a blessing…
All Brian Morrison wants is to be an ordinary teenager with normal teenage problems, but his uncontrollable twitching and phonic tics make that impossible. The butt of jokes in school, he is nothing but a laughing-stock until a visit to a local tarot shop turns his life upside-down.
The psychic’s strange prediction thrusts him into a mysterious world of ghastly creatures and bizarre events, and he must come to terms with the abrupt changes if he is going to survive. One mother’s plea for help presents him with an impossible challenge, but it also brings him closer to the most popular girl in school. Brian must overcome threats from all sides to honor his promise, and he is determined to succeed. His heart won’t let him turn his back on someone in need, especially when he’s fallen in love with her.
Protecting Shannon McKesson soon becomes the greatest purpose of his life. Brian discovers many things on this new journey, but the biggest one might be the truth about who he is. If only he and Shannon can stay alive long enough to unlock the mystery.
We walked toward the building together. The corridor was filled with loitering students, waiting for the bell to ring. When we got to our photography class, we both sat in the back of the room.
“Should we schedule something this weekend?” Shannon asked.
“Schedule what?” I had no clue what she was talking about.
“Our photo session.” She showed a hint of a smile.
I remembered now. She wanted me to pose for her. Eager to please, I nodded, even if I hated the whole idea. “Where do you want to do it?”
She thought for a moment. “I want a nice background.”
How about my bedroom? I wanted to say, but that wouldn’t go over well, so I tried to come up with something else. “Um . . . you want nature as the background?”
“Yeah.”
“What about the Huntington Library? They have pretty flowers and plants there.” I couldn’t believe I was talking about this stuff with a girl. I’d come a long way.
Her eyes lit up. “Oh yes! That’ll be perfect. I want to see the Corpse Flower.”
Great! She’d be taking my picture next to the Amorphophallus titanium, an unattractive plant that smelled like . . . well, it lived up to its name. What a way to boost my ego. I tried to smile anyway.
Lorenz FontTwitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website
A professional daydreamer, Lorenz Font discovered her love of writing after reading a celebrated novel that inspired one idea after another. Since being published in 2013, she has been conspiring, butting heads, and enjoying her spare time with vampires, angels, samurais, and other creatures she has created in her head.
Her perfect day consists of writing and lounging on her garage couch (a.k.a. the office) with a glass of her favorite cabernet while listening to her ever-growing music collection. She finds writing urban fantasy exhilarating and places an intense focus on angst and the redemption of flawed characters. Her fascination with romantic twists is a mainstay in all her stories.
Lorenz lives in Southern California with her supportive family and three demanding dogs.
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Filed under: Blog Hops, Sneak Peek Sundays, Teaser Tuesday, Weekly Snippets, Writing
