Review – Spell Checked by C.G. Powell

 

spell-checked

Spell Checked (No Uncertain Logic #1)
by C.G. Powell
✩✩✩✩

I really enjoyed the premise of this book, and the unique view of witches, vampires, and aliens. I found myself turning the pages to see what happened next. How would the Beck, Mae, Helen triangle work? How could Mae bond with Beck if she were a witch? As some questions were answered more problems or puzzles presented themselves, which kept me hooked.

I liked the characters, yet had a problem with the ease in which the secondary characters viewed their sexual relations with one of the characters. But that is my views, and I just couldn’t understand how there was no signs of jealousy. But then Mae didn’t either, so I guess I wasn’t alone.

I wasn’t a fan of the writing style at times. The way the two main characters would think “their thoughts”. It just threw me off. But not enough to keep me from enjoying the book. I also had no sense of being in Ireland. If the characters had not mentioned it a few time, I would have guessed the English countryside, or America. But that’s me, and sometimes I tend to nitpick.

Overall it was a fun, interesting read, and I would recommend it to others. I know I will be reading more of the books in this series to find out what happens next.


SYNOPSIS

Broken relationships were a constant in Mae’s life, causing her to swear off men forever. Unwittingly lured to Ireland, Mae finds herself knee-deep in a hidden world she never knew existed and head over heels for the very man that tricked her to coming there. His deception is complicated by his own feelings for the one person that holds the key to merging the ancient races that once ruled the ancient word.

Mae finds herself in an underground world of witches, and vampires, which are half-breeds of aliens long gone. She learns about her own unique parentage and powers, which she must study in order to control, before they consume her.

Beck and Helen’s love for one another spans across a millennium, her human soul reincarnated to match Beck’s own immortality. This time however the body she occupies is of a being that cannot be eclipsed by her return. After waiting two hundred years, Beck finds himself tormented by Helen’s inability to return and his growing love for her new host.

Some of the underworld creatures welcome her with open arms as a savior, while others seek to destroy the abomination they believe her to be. Will the knowledge of her existence cause a race war when the true power of her blood is discovered? Or will love become her ultimate downfall?

This book is 80K words 305 pages long in print.

Free at time of posting.

AMAZON          B&N          KOBO


BIO

As a teen C.G. Powell was selected as a member of her school’s newspaper staff. After her first article the editor decided the darkroom was a more suitable place for her skills…or lack of. Since then, she has traveled everywhere—thanks to her innate curiosity about the world and the Navy. In her life time, she has learned: aviation electronics, CCNA networking, Gemology and how to get bloodstains out of the carpet (you never know when you might need that). But her latest, all-consuming, endeavor is storytelling. When asked why, her response was “I live to challenge myself; I like to be pushed outside of my comfort zone and writing is one of those things that pushes my boundaries. Besides it was the only way to share all of the crap bouncing around in my head!” C.G. Powell lives in Virginia with her husband and children. When she is not writing, you might find her watching hot guys jog past her front window, ordering the cabana boy to fix her another drink or abusing the local authorities…but that’s just hearsay.


C.G. Powell and I will both be attending #IBF2016 next month.  Please make sure to come by and say “Hi” if you attend.  There are still tickets available for those who haven’t purchased theirs.  Also, if I get enough comments, I’ll hold a drawing for a “Reader’s Ticket”.  So don’t be shy in letting me know if you’re interested.   You can check it out here.

C.G. Powell is a #IBF2016 Featured Author.

Indie Bookfest

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
INDIE BOOKFEST 2016

  • 4th Annual Author/Reader Event     Indie Bookfest LoogOrlando/Altamonte Springs, FL
  • October 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
  • FREE BOOK SIGNING
  • October 8th, 2016
  • 3:00-6:00 PM

Review – Secrets of a Wolf by Kelly Abell

secrets-of-a-wolfSecrets of a Wolf (Guardians of Spirit Rock Book 1)

by Kelly Abell
✩✩✩✩1/2

For all the suspense, mystery, and bad things happening in the town of Spirit Rock. I found the book to be light-hearted. Possibly because while all the horrid things are happening, the characters survive without any traumatic scars. Yes, there are moments of freight, but there are also moments of hilarity, and the characters are fairly positive attitude. They’re fun. Cameron is sexy, and Daphne really gets herself into some interesting predicaments.

The only downside, or things that bothered me with the story, were minor and didn’t keep me from thoroughly enjoying the book. Although I do wonder at the main culprits motives. They didn’t make sense to me, nor that the results expected, would be the ones obtained. Needless-to-say, we can put it down to the poacher being a bit crazy, and leave it at that. Plus I was never sure what happened to the second culprit. At least not for sure. Who knows, that might have been on purpose. A villain for another day.

Overall the book was very well written and keep me happily reading. The characters were great, and I look forward to reading about the other brothers and their women. It should be a very exciting series.


SYNOPSIS

A tragic event ruins Daphne Valentine’s career as a K-9 cop and department veterinarian in Seattle. Devastated, she escapes to Spirit Rock, South Dakota, to start over as the vet for an animal wildlife rescue park. When she arrives, nothing goes quite as planned—especially when she meets her new boss for the first time and she’s almost stark naked. Not the greatest first impression…or is it?

A confirmed bachelor, Cameron Gray is shocked at his instant attraction to his new employee. He soon learns she carries quite a bit of extra baggage, but even so, his desire to possess the sexy vet ignites him with a need he and his wolf can’t ignore. But all is not what it seems…. What exactly drove Daphne to leave her successful career and move to Seattle?

When dangerous poachers bring the two together in the line of duty, Daphne discovers Cameron’s secret, forcing her to question every decision she’s made since arriving in Spirit Rock. Will the tender new love they’ve found be enough to hold them together or drive them apart forever?

Join the Gray brothers in Spirit Rock, South Dakota. Gifted with the power to shift into their own unique spirit animal, they have been bestowed with the enormous responsibility of watching over their ancestral canyon. Their strength and conviction will be tested…as will the depth and breadth of their heart and soul.

AMAZON          B&N          KOBO          


Kelly Abell and I will both be attending #IBF2016 next month.  Please make sure to come by and say “Hi” if you attend.  There are still tickets available for those who haven’t purchased theirs.  Also, if I get enough comments, I’ll hold a drawing for a “Reader’s Ticket”.  So don’t be shy in letting me know if you’re interested.   You can check it out here.

Kelly Abell is a #IBF2016 Featured Author.

Indie Bookfest

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
INDIE BOOKFEST 2016

  • 4th Annual Author/Reader Event     Indie Bookfest LoogOrlando/Altamonte Springs, FL
  • October 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
  • FREE BOOK SIGNING
  • October 8th, 2016
  • 3:00-6:00 PM

Ink: A Mermaid Romance by Melanie Karsak

 

ink-a-mermaid-romance
Ink: A Mermaid Romance
by Melanie Karsak
✩✩✩✩✩

Ink: A romantic mermaid adventure. She kicks butt when needed.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. It most definitely won’t be the last. I was surprised by the ability the author had to create a full, well balanced story in a novella. The world building was astounding, and the pace and tension great. I couldn’t put it down. If I had a complaint, I would say it was the lack of depth to the romance between the two main characters, Ink and Hal. Mainly I would have liked to see it more developed. A longer version of the book would have allowed this. (Hint, hint to author). But all in all, I loved it.

From page one, Ice shows us her strong character, and confident sense of self. She can make the hard decisions, yet doesn’t allow the hardships in her life to make her less than a loving, giving person. She just isn’t going to stand for injustice. She does what she has to, no matter that her heart isn’t in it. Duty comes first. But when things start to fall apart, or things start exploding, or the shooting starts. She doesn’t sit around weeping, she takes action.

I would love to see more of this series. I loved or hated (if they deserved it) the characters, and I can’t stop myself from laughing every time I think of a gator shifter named Hal. Great book!


SYNOPSIS

A mermaid princess destined to wed a handsome king…

It sounds like a fairy tale, but the reality is far murkier.

Ink, Princess of the Florida Atlantic mers, is slated to wed the ancient enemy of her tribe, the King of the Gulfs. After years of war that led to countless mer deaths, as well as the genocide of aquatic shapeshifters and the freshwater mers of Florida, Ink’s marriage will bring lasting peace.

Or so it seems.

Mere hours before she’s supposed to leave the ocean for her customary year as a drywalker, Ink meets Hal, an alligator shifter who warns her that a storm is brewing. There is malicious intent behind Ink’s marriage—and worse, meeting Hal has also caused a storm to rage in Ink’s heart. Nevertheless, loyal to her tribe, Ink will put aside her feelings and journey to Miami to marry the decadent King Manx.

Ink soon learns that her only hope of surviving the crashing force swelling around her is to tap into a power deep inside—a forbidden power that might destroy them all.

Available on Amazon – Free with a Kindle Unlimited Subscription


Melanie Karsak and I will both be attending #IBF2016 next month.  Please make sure to come by and say “Hi” if you attend.  There are still tickets available for those who haven’t purchased theirs.  Also, if I get enough comments, I’ll hold a drawing for a “Reader’s Ticket”.  So don’t be shy in letting me know if you’re interested.   You can check it out here.

Melanie Karsak is a #IBF2016 Featured Author.

Indie Bookfest

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
INDIE BOOKFEST 2016

  • 4th Annual Author/Reader Event     Indie Bookfest LoogOrlando/Altamonte Springs, FL
  • October 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
  • FREE BOOK SIGNING
  • October 8th, 2016
  • 3:00-6:00 PM

 

Review – Dark Hope by HD Smith

dark-hope
Dark Hope by HD Smith
by HD Smith
✩✩✩✩

Dark Hope is an engrossing book, with incredible world building. I couldn’t put it down, but found myself confused at times by the sheer amount of things happening. I kept reading because I needed to know how Claire got stuck working as the Devil’s assistant and what her real place and purpose there was.

The book is very fast paced, with enough tension, that you won’t want to put it down for a second. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to see what happens. While most things were tied up at the end. You are still left with the need to find out what happens in the next chapter of Claire’s life, or unlife.

As for Dental. There are always the exceptions, but for the most part. No one gets Dental!

I recommend this to other Urban Fantasy lovers, but not “romance only” readers. This is an adventure, one hell of an adventure, but definitely not a love story.

SYNOPSIS

After five years of working for the Devil, Claire Cooper believes she lives an otherwise normal life. Until she finds herself in jeopardy for a murder she did not commit. Desperate to save her life and soul, she enters Purgatory, but runs afoul of the Devil’s sister, Pagan Queen Mab. Mab has her own agenda and uses Claire to get even with the Devil. Claire learns each ruler is in a race to discover “the girl” in the prophecy to fix time. As Claire peels away clues to the real killer, she realizes she must outwit the Devil’s children or end up a prisoner in Purgatory forever.

Available on Amazon – Free with Kindle Unlimited Subscription


HD Smith and I will both be attending #IBF2016 next month.  Please make sure to come by and say “Hi” if you attend.  There are still tickets available for those who haven’t purchased theirs.  Also, if I get enough comments, I’ll hold a drawing for a “Reader’s Ticket”.  So don’t be shy in letting me know if you’re interested.   You can check it out here.

HD Smith is a #IBF2016 Featured Author.

Indie Bookfest

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
INDIE BOOKFEST 2016

  • 4th Annual Author/Reader Event     Indie Bookfest LoogOrlando/Altamonte Springs, FL
  • October 7, 8 & 9 – 2016
  • FREE BOOK SIGNING
  • October 8th, 2016
  • 3:00-6:00 PM

INDIE BOOKFEST 2016, October 7-9th

 

I’m so excited to be attending this event. This is my first time, and only my second actual book event, but I have heard wonderful things, and gotten lots of recommendations.  Plus I’m looking forward to all the workshops and panels.  I’m attending as a blogger, reader, and aspiring writer.  So this event has a little bit of everything for me.  If you haven’t already, hurry and grab your tickets. It’s going to be a blast. A super fun and enriching experience.  

 

Indie BookFest 2016–the one event you can’t miss!

This year’s Indie BookFest will take place October 7-9, 2016, in beautiful Altamonte Springs, Florida.

Indie BookFest is central Florida’s premier author-reader event, featuring an amazing Industry Day, with reps from book vendors, promotion sites and other professionals presenting information all authors need to grow their business.

But that’s just the beginning. In addtion to Industry Day workshops and panels, IBF also includes the best reader panels, FanFare Author/Reader Party (the theme this year is A Night In Paris), a special Young Adult Session, Meet and Greets, perks for our All-Star Readers, a fun Zombie party and a huge, FREE book signing.

AND our special keynote speaker, the awesome Cristin Harber!

A very few VIP tickets are still available. These include unlimited access to the Green Room and special meet and greets for VIPs only. Our general admission, Industry Day and YA session tickets are still available, too.

Jump on this now! Tickets won’t last long.

Get yours here!

 

What: Indie BookFest 2016

When: October 7-9, 2016

Where: Indie BookFest 2016 will take place at Hilton Hotel and Resort in Altamonte Springs, Florida.

Make yourself at home in our hotel in Altamonte Springs, FL, Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs. Whether you’re getting comfortable in a spacious guest room – designed with your business hotel needs in mind with high-speed internet access, a dual-line phone and oversized, ergonomically-designed work area – or enjoying a plunge in the outdoor heated pool, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect way to relax. Curl up in front of a movie on the 37-inch flat-screen TV or meet your deadlines at the dedicated business center, offering printing, photocopying and express mail to assist corporate guests.Reward yourself with an invigorating workout in the fully equipped fitness center, explore the nearby shops of Altamonte Springs Mall or enjoy a romantic dinner at the vibrant U Restaurant, serving up delicious options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Book your room

Who: Over 90 authors of every genre, industry reps and professoinals, the BEST readers in the world . . . and YOU.

 

Why? So many reasons:

Unparalleled access to best-selling and award-winning authors

More panels and workshops

READER PANEL SCHEDULE

 
Friday

 

  • 3:00 – 3:45 PM
  • Capital 2: Hotel Paranormal – Check in to talk about this spooky multi-author serial!

 

  • 4:00 – 4:45 PM 
  • Capital 1: Ad Lib Panel – Romance
  • Capital 2: Whodunnit? Keeping mysteries, thrillers and suspense relevant in the digital age

 

Saturday

 

  • 9:45 – 10:30 AM
  • Capital 1: Alpha male, bad boy, billionaire, country boy: How do you like your book boyfriend?
  • Capital 2: Tell me your fantasy – World building, characterization and magic in urban/dark fantasy and sci fi

 

  • 10:45 – 11:30 AM
  • Capital 1: What’s Your Fancy? The many faces of erotica
  • Capital 2: Angels, Demons, Kitsune, Shifters and Wizards – What’s the new wave in paranormal?

 

  • 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM 
  • Amphitheater: Mix It Up – How do you like your love stories? Historical, New Adult, erotica, paranormal

 

  • 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Capital 1: Just Add Wine – How to Build A Better Book Club
  • Capital 2: Seen It All In A Small Town – Romances set in… small towns

 

Industry Day–if you want to be an author, are an author, hope to be an author–you need to be here.

**Tentative Industry Day Schedule**
(SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

AUTHOR Panels/Workshops 

Friday, October 7th

 

9-9:45AM 
Capital 1: PANEL: I’m published: now what? Advice on how to survive your first few years as an author, including dos and don’ts from those who have been there.
Capital 2: PANEL: Paid promo: what’s working now, how to maximize your chance of getting in. Think: BookBub, Ereaders News Today, Robin Reads, etc.

 

10-10:45 AM 
 Capital 1: WORKSHOP: Getting Noticed: Ads on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon: Do they work, what are the best practices? Led by Cristin Harber and HD Smith
Capital 2: PANEL: Branding: how do you find your branding, how do you exploit your branding?

 

11-11:45AM 
 Capital 1: WORKSHOP: It Takes Two: Author Business Accountability Partnerships We’re not talking co-writers; this is business accountability and idea sparking, an informal relationship that doubles the brain power and reach of each author. We’ll talk about the benefits: sharing new venues for promotion, offering critical review of blurbs, covers, release plans and schedules, encouragement and support, supplementing talents (trading editing for graphics!) and sharing a support team. We’ll also explore how you can find the right business accountability partner to enhance your career. Led by Olivia Hardin and Tawdra Kandle
Capital 2: PANEL: Covers, formatting, blurbs: what makes the biggest difference? How much do you play with it?

 

 12-12:45PM
 Capital 1 AND 2: WORKSHOP: Hitting the Reboot Button: How to (Re) Launch Your Career by Jana Oliver Sometimes even veteran authors need to push the “reboot” button. It might be to launch a pseudonym or establish a presence in a different genre. Or maybe you wish to reset reader expectations. Regardless of why, how do you build a new author brand with zero fan base? This presentation will take a peek inside a real-world example. You’ll learn how to create a new author platform, lay out a media campaign, and solutions to the “But I’ve never heard of you” issue. By the end of the presentation, you’ll know how to find your “influencers”, which social media platforms are your best bet based on your “target market”, and the real cost of that career reboot. And of course, if you’re just starting out, rebooting strategies can be adapted for new authors as well.

 

** LUNCH 1-2 PM**


2-2:45PM
Capital 1: Reader Panel
Capital 2: AUTHOR PANEL: Pricing: what’s the best pricing on books? Loss leader still working? How often do you change your price?
 
3-3:45PM
Capital 1: Reader Panel
Capital 2: AUTHOR PANEL: The Care and Feeding of An Author: healthy lifestyle choices and how to make them work for you

Young Adult Session–perfect for aspiring young authors as well as those younger readers!

TWO huge parties

FanFare at Indie BookFest16 will take place Friday night (October 7th) from 7:30-11 PM.

The theme is . . .
A Night In Paris

Paris . . . the perfect city to combine mystery, suspense, literature, erotica, paranormal and of course . . . romance!

You are invited to dress however you like:
be inspired by Paris in the Belle Époque (Flaubert, Renoir, la Ballets Russes . . .)
or Paris in the Roaring 20’s (think Hemingway, the Fitzgeralds, Picasso . . .)
or Paris in the Swinging 60’s (fashion and art combine!) or Paris 2016.

  

 Saturday, October 8th from 7PM to 11PM at Indie Bookfest 2016!”

On Saturday night of Indie BookFest16, a group of wonderful authors will be hosting this party.

“After months of uncertainty, the CDC has finally released the general quarantine. The virus has stabilized (or so we think), and people are finally able to start coming out of their hiding places.

Society’s new motto: Zombies Are People, Too

Join authors Ceci Giltenan, HD Smith, Violet Howe, and SE Smith for a night of Zombie Fun! Come as you are (and be zombified at the party) or dress as your favorite zombified character.

We’ll have a Zombie DJ, refreshments, and cash bar!

 

FREE parking

FREE signing
 *October 8th, 2016 3:00-
6:00PM*

Giveaways Galore–you won’t believe how big some of them are!

VIP tickets

Amazing value for your money, no matter which ticket you buy

Goody bags for everyone!

How? Get your tickets here!   <—-There

DON’T WAIT TICKETS ARE ALMOST GONE!!

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL THERE ! COME FIND ME (Tamye Whitener) during the event, say “Hi” and get a picture taken with me.  With your permission I would love to add them to the blog during or after #IBF2016.