R.H. Ali's Blog, page 11

My Review: Choosing the Right Man by Violet Duke

While I loved the first two books in this Nice Girl To Love series written by Violet Duke, I absolutely-over-the-top-adored this third installment.

In this novel, Abby, a ‘nice’ girl falls in love with two brothers. Connor is a ‘bad boy’ who captivates Abby in ways she never knew existed. Brian, his brother, has been Abby’s best friend for most of their lives. He is the typical nice guy who says and does the right things at the right moment. Abby also loves and cherishes Brian’s daughter, Skylar, as her own and has taken care of her for her entire life since Skylar’s mom, Beth, was terminally ill. Problem is, Abby loves both men and she does not know which brother has her complete heart. Her journey to find her true love comes with her being able to also find herself. The trials they all face land each of them exactly where they are supposed to be.

Choosing the Right Man is the epitome of a great series which for me, probably had to do with the fact that I was on the edge, hanging on to all the ups and downs Abby had to go through before she got the ending that was right for her.

In all honesty I was thrilled with the guy Abby chose as he was the one I cheered on from the onset and I all but jumped for joy when it happened as though Abby was my best friend.

This third book was definitely the best written of all three in this series. It was captivating to the point where I realized that I was smiling and crying right along with the characters. That to me, is a great feat for an author and huge cudos goes out to Violet Duke for making that happen. She definitely involves the reader and takes us on an emotional journey that we are sure to love.

I’m giving this book a complete five star review – it was just THAT good. I recommend this novel to anyone who’s looking for a great novel to dive their nose into – but please, read books one and two before you do!

(I received a free e-copy of this book in return for an honest review, and this truly is my honest opinion.)

 

 

 

My Review: Falling for the Good Guy by Violet Duke

This book was eagerly devoured after I read the first one! It was a really great read.

It was awesome to see the relationships grow and see how Abby’s feelings developed for the best friend she always had.

The light playful relationship she shared with Brian turned into something that both of them cannot deny.

It’s interesting that Connor, Brian’s brother is giving him one chance to prove that he is what Abby wants… And needs before he takes her as his own once more.

All is fair in love and war, right?

Disclaimer: The author gave me a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.

King Hall is on sale!!

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/King-Hall-ebook/dp/B00DNMRWFI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372361308&sr=1-1&tag=vglnk-c1189-20
Amazon.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/King-Hall-ebook/dp/B00DNMRWFI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372361454&sr=8-1&keywords=KING%20HALL%20SCARLETT%20DAWN&tag=vglnk-uk-c53-21

Amazon.ca: http://www.amazon.ca/King-Hall-ebook/dp/B00DNMRWFI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373055101&sr=8-1&keywords=king+hall+scarlett+dawn

Amazon.de http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00DNMRWFI

Amazon.in http://www.amazon.in/King-Hall-ebook/dp/B00DNMRWFI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1374703698&sr=8-3&keywords=king+hall

Amazon.jp http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00DNMRWFI

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/king-hall-scarlett-dawn/1115951453?ean=9780857990679

iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/id667240958?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4&affId=2101225
eBooks: http://www.ebooks.com/1224593/king-hall/dawn-scarlett/?AID=10281551&PID=6148731&SID=7sop82r528cl
booktopia: http://www.booktopia.com.au/ebooks/king-hall-scarlett-dawn/prod9780857990679.html

Lybrary: http://www.lybrary.com/king-hall-p-314973.html

Diesel eBook: http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/9780857990679/Dawn-Scarlett-King-Hall/1.html

Manic Readers: http://www.manicreaders.com/index.cfm?disp=bookDetail&bookid=37964

JB HI-FI NOW Books: https://books.jbhifi.com.au/Book/307023

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-kinghall-1230463-237.html

Escape Publishing: http://www.escapepublishing.com.au/product/9780857990679#popup

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/King-Hall/book-mqtmU9VNz0i29J0QeCo_PQ/page1.htm

King Hall by Scarlett Dawn released finally!!

FINALLY!!!! Scarlett Dawn’s KING HALL is being released TOMORROW – 25th July 2013!!

Check out the awesome blurb: 

A fresh, meaty, sink-your-teeth-in-and-hold-on-tight new adult fantasy series kicks off with King Hall…

King Hall — where the Mysticals go to learn their craft, get their degrees, and transition into adulthood. And where four new Rulers will rise and meet their destinies.

Lily Ruckler is adept at one thing:  survival.  Born a Mystical hybrid, her mere existence is forbidden, but her nightmare is only about to start. Fluke, happenstance, and a deep personal loss finds Lily deeply entrenched with those who would destroy her simply for existing — The Mystical Kings.  Being named future Queen of the Shifters shoves Lily into the spotlight, making her one of the most visible Mysticals in the world. But with risk comes a certain solace — her burgeoning friendships with the other three Prodigies: a wicked Vampire, a wild-child Mage, and a playboy Elemental. Backed by their faith and trust, Lily begins to relax into her new life.

Then chaos erupts as the fragile peace between Commoners and Mysticals is broken, and suddenly Lily realises the greatest threat was never from within, and her fear takes on a new name: the Revolution.

Bio:

Scarlett Dawn is drawn to all things quirky and off-beat. She believes there are no boundaries for an imaginative soul. Her love of the written word started from at an early age, when her grandmother would take her to bookstores every weekend. Dreams came alive within the books she found there, and now, she is thrilled to share her stories with others who have fallen under the spell of taking fantastical journeys. Scarlett resides in the Midwest with her husband, three children, and two dogs.

Purchase links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/King-Hall-ebook/dp/B00DNMRWFI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372361308&sr=1-1&tag=vglnk-c1189-20
Amazon.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/King-Hall-ebook/dp/B00DNMRWFI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372361454&sr=8-1&keywords=KING%20HALL%20SCARLETT%20DAWN&tag=vglnk-uk-c53-21

Amazon.ca: http://www.amazon.ca/King-Hall-ebook/dp/B00DNMRWFI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373055101&sr=8-1&keywords=king+hall+scarlett+dawn

Amazon.de http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00DNMRWFI

Amazon.jp http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00DNMRWFI

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/king-hall-scarlett-dawn/1115951453?ean=9780857990679

iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/id667240958?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4&affId=2101225
eBooks: http://www.ebooks.com/1224593/king-hall/dawn-scarlett/?AID=10281551&PID=6148731&SID=7sop82r528cl
booktopia: http://www.booktopia.com.au/ebooks/king-hall-scarlett-dawn/prod9780857990679.html

Lybrary: http://www.lybrary.com/king-hall-p-314973.html

Diesel eBook: http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/9780857990679/Dawn-Scarlett-King-Hall/1.html

Manic Readers: http://www.manicreaders.com/index.cfm?disp=bookDetail&bookid=37964

JB HI-FI NOW Books: https://books.jbhifi.com.au/Book/307023

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-kinghall-1230463-237.html

Escape Publishing: http://www.escapepublishing.com.au/product/9780857990679#popup

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/King-Hall/book-mqtmU9VNz0i29J0QeCo_PQ/page1.html

Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYngB6EHiHk

Contact links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorScarlettDawn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScarlettDawnUSA
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/ScarlettDawn

 

My Review: Resisting the Bad Boy by Violet Duke

Resisting the Bad Guy was a very interesting read. It trails the story of a ‘good’ girl meeting and falling for a ‘bad’ guy.

Violet Duke creates these characters with real feelings and real needs. She is able to make her readers feel for Abby, Connor and even Brian.

Love, hurt, abandonment and death are some of the very real and relatable themes explored by Duke in this novel. This makes the reader able to sympathize and surely empathize with the characters.

I enjoyed this book and the cliffhanger at the end was enough for me to pick up book two as soon as I was finished with book one!!

I’ll definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in romances.

Disclaimer: This novel was given to me by the author for an honest review.

My Unexpected Forever Teaser #4 by Heidi McLaughlin

Here’s an EXCLUSIVE link to a song from My Unexpected Forever playlist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU8B4XDI3Uw

Interview with Scarlett Dawn author of King Hall

So as soon as I finished King Hall by Scarlett Dawn, I knew that I wanted more! As such, I asked Scarlett if she would mind doing an interview for my blog and she graciously agreed!! Yay me! So here goes…

~R.H.Ali

Interview with SCARLETT DAWN, author of KING HALL

What inspired you to write King Hall?

Would you believe this is the first time someone has asked me this specific question? *chuckles* It is. Too bad my answer is so boring.

My inspiration came from another story I had started writing. I knew I was on the verge of something wonderful, but that story just wasn’t good enough.

Blank page.  I started over, twisting the characters, the story…BAM!

King Hall was written.

Is there any character who you actually do not like?

The Head Administrator, Mrs. Jonas.

Do you believe that the theme of acceptance of differences is a large one, plaguing our society today? And did this influence you to develop Lily’s hybrid nature to demonstrate such?

Yes. I hope that one day our society will learn to accept that what might not be comfortable for one person…doesn’t mean that it’s wrong – as long as it’s not detrimental. Only different. And our differences are what make this world so damn interesting when it would be so boring if we all lived inside the same box.

And yes to the second question, though it goes much deeper into the story than just Lily. The struggles of their lives…there is so much going on in this series…so much…that it’s hard to explain without blurting spoilers. But at the core, it’s all about acceptance, and most importantly…love.

This is a hint: Even if you’re a fast reader, take it slow. Really read each line.

How long did you take to write King Hall?

Less than a month. And it was a lot longer than the ‘now’ 112,000 word count that it is. Originally it was around 143,000 words.

When is the second installment of King Hall going to be released?

I’m currently in the line editing stage for the next book. After that, it’ll go to my two trusted beta readers. When they’re through with it, I’ll review their notes, and make any changes I deem necessary. My publisher will get it following that. If they accept it as is, then it’ll be anywhere from – approx. – three to six months. In other words, I’m hoping to have it published before March 2014.

What will be the name of the second book?

I’m okay giving this information out. Its current name is: King Cave.

How many books will be in this series?

Lily’s story is a trilogy.

I’m keeping it a secret though as to how many are in The Forever Evermore Novels.

What could we look forward to in the development of Lily and Ezra’s relationship? Will they ever be a couple?

*slow blink* What about Jack?

My lips are sealed.

 

Without giving too much spoilers, will we be seeing more deaths in the future?

This – really – saddens me, but yes.

Does it bother you when you have to kill off your characters?

Of course. I’m one of those wacky writers who bawl like a baby when writing a death scene. If I’m not feeling it, writing/expressing the emotions properly of heartache and that gut retching sensation which can sit in the bottom of your stomach-make-you-want-to-hurl feeling, then I don’t believe the reader will feel it either. I want the reader to experience it just as much as the characters are.

How can one of your fans attain a signed copy of one of your books?

King Hall is being released digitally, so there will be no signed paperbacks. But I do plan to purchase some swag once King Hall is fully released in case anyone wants a signed bookmark and such. They only need to contact me via Twitter or Facebook after I send a public message that I have the product available (limited amount, I’m sure).

What other books have you published?

King Hall is my first published novel. I’m very proud. I still have that glow about me.

What words of advice or inspiration would you give to aspiring authors out there waiting to be published?

Easy. Blunt.

If it’s something you truly want…don’t quit. Really. It’s that simple. Keep your chin up, build more thick skin, and move forward.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

First, I would like to thank you for having me here. It’s a lovely place to be! Woot!

Second, to anyone pre-ordering King Hall… *bear hugs*. Thank you!

Third, I truly hope everyone enjoys the world I’ve built inside King Hall’s pages.

My final thoughts with a tiny secretive smile gracing my features, is this:

There are love stories…and then there’s The Forever Evermore Novels.

***

KING HALL BLURB:

A fresh, meaty, sink-your-teeth-in-and-hold-on-tight new adult fantasy series kicks off with King Hall…

King Hall — where the Mysticals go to learn their craft, get their degrees, and transition into adulthood. And where four new Rulers will rise and meet their destinies.

Lily Ruckler is adept at one thing:  survival.  Born a Mystical hybrid, her mere existence is forbidden, but her nightmare is only about to start. Fluke, happenstance, and a deep personal loss finds Lily deeply entrenched with those who would destroy her simply for existing — The Mystical Kings.  Being named future Queen of the Shifters shoves Lily into the spotlight, making her one of the most visible Mysticals in the world. But with risk comes a certain solace — her burgeoning friendships with the other three Prodigies: a wicked Vampire, a wild-child Mage, and a playboy Elemental. Backed by their faith and trust, Lily begins to relax into her new life.

Then chaos erupts as the fragile peace between Commoners and Mysticals is broken, and suddenly Lily realises the greatest threat was never from within, and her fear takes on a new name: the Revolution.

MORE ABOUT SARLETT DAWN:

Scarlett Dawn is drawn to all things quirky and off-beat. She believes there are no boundaries for an imaginative soul. Her love of the written word started from at an early age, when her grandmother would take her to bookstores every weekend. Dreams came alive within the books she found there, and now, she is thrilled to share her stories with others who have fallen under the spell of taking fantastical journeys. Scarlett resides in the Midwest with her husband, three children, and two dogs.

Other books: King Hall, A Forever Evermore Novel, is my debut book.

Sales links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/King-Hall-ebook/dp/B00DNMRWFI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372361308&sr=1-1&tag=vglnk-c1189-20
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/King-Hall-ebook/dp/B00DNMRWFI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372361454&sr=8-1&keywords=KING%20HALL%20SCARLETT%20DAWN&tag=vglnk-uk-c53-21
iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/id667240958?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4&affId=2101225
eBooks: http://www.ebooks.com/1224593/king-hall/dawn-scarlett/?AID=10281551&PID=6148731&SID=7sop82r528cl
booktopia: http://www.booktopia.com.au/ebooks/king-hall-scarlett-dawn/prod9780857990679.html
Lybrary: http://www.lybrary.com/king-hall-p-314973.html


Contact information:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorScarlettDawn

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/ScarlettDawn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScarlettDawnUSA

Kindle Giveaway by Clean Teen Publishing!

Go to the blog to enter the refflecopter to win a KINDLE from Clean Teen Publishing! 

http://cleanteenpublishing.blogspot.com/2013/07/christmas-in-july-kindle-fire-giveaway.html

My Review – King Hall by Scarlett Dawn

When Lily Ruckler’s life changes drastically, she is forced to become future leader of her people along with three other prodigies. The four of them form an epic bond of friendship, which, even when tested, proved to be stronger than any other bond they have ever formed. Being a hybrid, like Lily is, proves to be a danger to her life since hybrids are usually killed. However, with the help of her friends, she manages to pull through her biggest fear.

Scarlett Dawn enraptures her readers into life at King Hall. She fills her characters with such vigour and realness that her readers can believe. Throughout the entire story, we see all the characters grow as they pass through each new hurdle. Death, loss, self-pity, and terror all plague the four young minds we see developing into great and determined individuals.

I must admit that my favourite dynamic has to be between Lily and Ezra. Their relationship is playful and happy which makes the reader undoubtedly happy right along with them, even in the midst of hurt and pain.

This book was definitely an awesome read and I recommend it to anyone interested in being fascinated by the world Dawn creates. My only question now has to be, when is Book Two making its appearance?

Find Scarlett Dawn on;

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18102827-king-hall

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorScarlettDawn?fref=ts

Buy King Hall here:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/King-Hall-ebook/dp/B00DNMRWFI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1372786384&sr=1-1&keywords=King+hall

 

 

 

 

My Unexpected Forever Teaser #3 by Heidi McLaughlin

I turn off the water and pull the shower curtain back. I step out onto Quinn’s white mat that turns red when it’s wet. It makes it look like you’re bleeding. He likes it. Thinks it’s funny to scare people with. I put my towel over my head and rub my hands back and forth to dry my hair.

When the door swings open, I peek through the small opening of my towel. Katelyn is staring back at me, her mouth dropping open as her eyes travel down my very wet and naked body.

“Oh fuck,” she says covering her mouth, but not her eyes. She’s totally checking me out and I’d be an idiot to say it’s not turning me on. I take my time as I step into my sweatpants that no longer tie and hang low on my waist. Yeah, I know what I’m doing. It’s time to play dirty.

“Um…” I start laughing.

“I’m sorry…” Katelyn shakes her head, breaking eye contact with me. “I spilled my coffee and Quinn said you were in the shower– ”

“So you just had to come in and see for yourself?”

“No… um… the uh… upstairs.”

I step forward, pulling her slightly so I can shut the door and lock it. I turn up the volume on my mp3 player so the kids can’t hear us talk. “My shower is being remodeled so I had to use Quinn’s.”

“Makes sense.”

“Why didn’t you run out of here when you saw me?” I ask just loud enough for her to hear me.

“I don’t know,” she whispers, her eyes penetrating into mine. I can’t take it anymore. I lean back against the counter and pull her between my legs. 

 

–

 
Lost in You  - Out Now!

Forever My Girl - The Beaumont Series #1
My Everything - A Beaumont Series Novella
My Unexpected Forever - The Beaumont Series #2 – September 2, 2013

A USA Today Best Selling Author
An Amazon Best Seller
A Barnes and Noble Best Seller
 
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