Thursday, August 1, 2013

Review Day: Script Kiddie (Book 2)

It's Review Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Title: Script Kiddie (Assured Destruction Series Book 2)
Author: Michael F. Stewart
My Rating: 5 stars

Book Blurb:
Jan Rose no longer steals data from the old computers she recycles. She doesn't need to. As the newest member of the police department’s High Tech Crime Unit, the laptop of a murderer has landed on her desk. Her job: to profile and expose a killer.
 
But that’s not all.
 
A creep lurks in the shadows, stalking a friend, and Jan must stop him before the hunt turns deadly. The clock counts down for Jan to save her friend, her job, her boyfriend—maybe even her life.

My Review:
Another incredible book in the Assured Destruction series - possibly even better than the first!  I enjoyed the first book, but definitely enjoyed this one more.  Janus is developed as a character much more (of course) in this book.  We get to see more of her Twitter personalities, but also find out those personalities are becoming part of her in a very real way.  When Janus joins the police task force for her community service hours, she isn't exactly accepted by everyone at the precinct.  I loved reading how the relationships between the officers and Janus changed throughout the book.  Janus and Peter still don't get along very well, but their relationship changes drastically when she figures out who he really is.

The second book in the series and yet it's even better than the first.  I highly recommend this series to everyone!  This is a quick, witty and techy series that even people who don't like technology will love. Try it out, you won't be disappointed!

Pick up a copy of Script Kiddie (book 2) and Assured Destruction (book 1) on Amazon.  Happy Review Day!

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

It's the FINAL countdown!

do do dooo... do do do do! (singing)

IT'S THE FINAL COUTDOWN.... to the big switch!  Don't forget that as of August 2nd, 2012... I will no longer be posting anything on Novel d'Tales.  All posts will now be on Hily's Beehive!  Check it out -->  HilyBeeHive.blogspot.com  

Share, Tweet and Facebook the new page (check the Contact Me tab for links)!  Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and Facebook as well.  I still post there!

Hily's Beehive - the home of HilyBee, the mini-Bees (Ella, Zach and Jason), Yosuke (the dachshund!), books, food, animals and more.  We have a blast over there already.  Join in the fun! :D  Happy relaunch day!

Monday, July 29, 2013

Cher'ley Grogg: The Secret in Grandma's Trunk


I’m so glad to have this opportunity to share a little about myself and my children’s novel “The Secret in Grandma’s Trunk”, which is free to download from Amazon for a limited time.   The inspiration for the book came from my grandsons. I have three grandsons and a granddaughter. My granddaughter loves to read, but the boys do not, so I decided to write a book they would love to read. I knew it’d have to have strong kids in it, strong physically and head strong too.  The characters would all have to be realistic with problems and scuffles among themselves, it would have to be fast paced and full of adventure.  Plus my grandsons like sports and girls so I needed to put that in there as well. I couldn’t leave my granddaughter without someone to relate to so I gave the brothers in the story a female cousin who could keep up with them in most things and top them in other things. In addition to the children, there are some strong, funny and interesting adult characters. This book appeals to people of all ages.
The main character in “The Secret in Grandma’s Trunk”, Brandon is not quiet. He’s very outgoing and loud. He’s a leader and his outgoing boisterous personality works well for him, but not listening also gets him into a lot of trouble. Jordan his cousin is a female version of Brandon, but Jacob his brother is the opposite. He’s a quiet listener, a thinker. The 13 year olds get in a passel of trouble because of not listening, and Jacob quietly follows them.
Here’s the Blurb: A teen's life disrupts when his Great-Grandmother, a stranger comes to live with him and his family. She upsets his life so much that he stoops pretty low to get rid of her, including trying to find a way to get into the oversized trunk she has stored in his garage. Spunky Grandma keeps the key in a special place.
The kids expect treasure, but discover a terrible secret instead, which puts Grandma in danger’s way. Will she turn to her grandchildren for help or to a young ghost?
This is an excerpt from Chapter Fourteen:
Jacob looked astounded. "How in the world did you pull that off?"    
            "A girl has to have stuff." She grinned. "You know girl's stuff."      
              "No, we don't know, and we don't want to know. The important thing is you got the card." Brandon reached for the credit card.  
              "I want to know," Jacob said.    
              "Believe me, you don't want to know," Jordan laughed as she handed the card to Brandon.     
              "Hurry up. I need to get Dad's card back to him before Mom's out of the shower."
In the next chapter the kids went to play soccer. Grandma went with them. Here’s an excerpt from Chapter 15:
    Lilly turned to Grandma. "It doesn't matter what she thinks, she's not on our team. I don't know why the coach favors Jordan. Maybe he feels sorry for her. She's so big and clunky."        
              Grandma's eyes flashed, and her little fist doubled up.  Brandon hoped she wouldn't spit. He put his hand on Grandma's shoulder. "Let's go."                          
"I'll go, but I want her to know that Jordan sure is big.   She has a big heart, and a big personality, and she's twice the lady that girl is. She would never put someone else down to try to make herself look better."    
  "I don't need to put her down to make myself look better. I always look good."    
  Grandma turned her head and spit.
“The Secret in Grandma’s Trunk” is currently free on Amazon!
Cher'ley's Books are all available on Amazon or at your local bookstore.
Join Cher'ley on her Facebook Fanpage, managed by one of my most faithful fans: Cindy Ferrell.  Don't forget to check out her website as well!  Happy Reading!

Friday, July 26, 2013

Review Day: Fire (The Hand of Kali Series Book 1)

It's Review Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Title: Fire (The Hand of Kali Series Book 1)
Author: Tee Ayer
My Rating: 5 stars!

Book Blurb:
Normal people sneak out to a party and have fun. Maya Rao ends the evening by incinerating the guy who attacks her.
Nik Lucas, sexy, new in town and totally forbidden, happens to walk in on her. Normal guys would run for the hills. Nik knows a whole lot more than he's telling.
Maya doesn't believe the gods are real, doesn't waste her time with mere mythology. But when gods, demons and hellhound's become the new normal and wielding fire becomes her new skill, she must decide what it is she really believes.
Can Maya accept that normal is something she will never be because it isn't normal to be
...the Hand of Kali.

My Review:
Another absolutely stunning novel by Tee Ayer!  Maya Rao is a reincarnated Goddess who is must use her fire skills to battle the very demons that are trying to kill her.  She can barely keep herself alive, let alone have a normal teen life.  A new mythological/paranormal, YA series I am in-love with!  This series reminds me so much of the Soul Screams series by Rachel Vincent (one of my all time fav paranormal, YA series).  With the mix of teen life, mythology, and the fight to survive, this series has something for everyone - even you guys!  I absolutely LOVE it!

Maya and Nik are perfect main characters.  Maya has the perfect amount of sass, strength and teen issues for the plot.  Nik is exactly what Maya needs, a non-Indian male that wants to protect her and be with her at all times.  I can not wait to read more of this series!  I will be counting down the days until the remaining books come out.  Definitely adding this to my fav series list!

Excerpt:
Fear spun Maya around on stricken feet. To defend her back perhaps. She just felt less vulnerable facing her attacker, where she could see his next move. He barreled straight at her. And for all her training in martial arts, she did the one thing her dad always said never to do. She ducked her head and hid her face with her hands. Hands out, as if she could fend off this vicious attacker merely with the soft skin of her palms.
Maya felt the heat before she saw it.
Byron was on fire. A living column of shimmering orange flames. She couldn't breathe. Was afraid to breathe. How did that happen? She glanced around the bathroom as panic filled her veins, her fear taking on a whole new level of hysteria. She had to put the fire out.
She turned to the faucet to fill her hands with water. And froze. In the mirror she saw the burning reflection of Byron disappear. Byron was there one moment and gone the next. Only a few burnt shards of fabric left to say he was ever there. But she remembered the last thing she'd seen before Byron became nothing: brilliant blue eyes turning a frighteningly blood-red.
And Nik, holding the doorknob, staring at the empty space on the floor behind her. 

(end of excerpt)

Pick up a copy of Fire (The Hand of Kali Series Book 1) on Amazon! I also highly recommend all of Tee Ayer's other novels as well.  She is just an incredible author all around!  Happy Review Day!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Updates: From Novel d'Tales to Beehive

Hey guys! Quick update on how things are going.  If you haven't read it yet... Novel d'Tales will soon be shutting down.  Instead, we will be switching over to Hily's Beehive.  My fun new blog that will incoporate a little bit of everything - everything from Novel d'Tales, food, my pets, reviews, and the all new MiniBees!  Read the full details here.

The big switch will *officially* happen on August 2nd.

If you haven't been over to the Beehive yet... head over there now!  It has been up and running for two weeks.  I have been writing posts for the site that do not get up on this one.  Definitely check it out and tell me what you think.  There's a whole new look, MiniBees and so much more.  Grab the new button for your blog or just to share. :)  I hope you like it as much as I do!  Happy Update Day!

Friday, July 19, 2013

Review Day: In Stone

It's Review Day!!!!

Title: In Stone
Author: Louise D. Gornall
My Rating: 4 stars

Book Blurb:
Beau Bailey is suffering from a post-break-up meltdown when she happens across a knife in her local park and takes it home. Less than a week later, the new boy in school has her trapped in an alley; he’s sprouted horns and is going to kill Beau unless she hands over the knife. Until Eighteenth-century gargoyle, Jack, shows up to save her.

Jack has woken from a century-long slumber to tell Beau that she’s unwittingly been drafted into a power struggle between two immortal races: Demons and Gargoyles. The knife is the only one in existence capable of killing immortals and they’ll tear the world apart to get it back. To draw the warring immortals away from her home, Beau goes with Jack in search of the mind-bending realm known as the Underworld, a place where they’ll hopefully be able to destroy the knife and prevent all hell from breaking loose. That is, provided they can outrun the demons chasing them.

My Review:
A fascinating YA novel about Gargoyles, Demons, the Underworld, Purgatory, high school and more.  I was hooked from the first page and loved reading this one.  With under 200 pages, this is a great summer/beach book - just long enough to get a great story but not super long.  I loved Beau - a strong, independent, courageous, female character that many young women would be inspired by.  She was very intelligent and quick thinking, yet she was also down-to-Earth.  I also liked Jack - the "main" Gargoyle that helped Beau throughout the story.  He was a perfect fit for miss Beau.

After a while, I was able to predict what was going to happen.  I'm not sure if this is because I read a ton from the YA/paranormal/romance type of genre or if it was apparent to everyone else.  I also felt like the ending was just okay.  I liked it for the most part, but was really hoping for a few more answers to my questions as well.  Overall, this novel was very good!  I definitely recommend it to those readers (age 13+) who like the paranormal, light romance, YA series.  I hope there is a sequel!

Pick up a copy of In Stone on Amazon!  Happy Review Day!!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Release Party: Take Me Now

** This book is intended for adult readers only.**

Title: Take Me Now (Take Me Now, #1)
Author: Faith Sullivan
Expected release date: July 16, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Ebook available at: Kindle | Nook ($2.99) 




Book Blurb:
How do you survive the internship from hell?

Don't fall in love.

Ivy thought being a reporter-in-training at the Independent Gazette would be her dream summer job. Little did she know, interviewing Eric, a landscaper with a heart of gold, would derail her plans. It turns out Ivy's boss, Lauren, has been eying his chiseled physique for quite some time.

But at twenty-four, Eric already has a tragic past, one that he is still reeling from. Even though his ordeal turned him into some sort of local celebrity, it's been a while since he's shared his bed with anyone. When he comes to Ivy's rescue out of the blue, it's not long before the two of them start seeing each other behind Lauren's back. When they get caught, Ivy's journey toward a college degree is jeopardized and her relationship with Eric is severely put to the test.

Career versus love? In the end, a shocking turn of events provides Ivy with a revelation she never saw coming.

Excerpt:
If only I were open to the possibility of romance, but I’m not. There’s no way I can be. There are circumstances that can’t be wished away or ignored. My heart’s not ready—not yet. And while this absolutely gorgeous girl has wandered into my life, I’m not going to act on it. It’s too soon.

I stride into my shop, gently placing her on the counter. Her feet are bleeding and she looks like she could use a drink of water. She’s covered in dust from the road but she looks adorable sitting there. I don’t know what it’s like to be in a scenario like this with a girl. I’m used to things being straightforward and laid out before me. This looks like something I could get easily lost in if I’m not careful.

We still haven’t said a word to each other, and I hate to break the silence but it can’t be avoided. “Rest here a minute. I’ll be right back.”

Her hand lingers on my upper arm, her thumb massaging by bicep. I exhale heavily, trying desperately to clear my head. Her touch is stirring things inside me I haven’t experienced in quite some time. Emotions I never thought I’d feel again. “Thank you,” she whispers, her eyes never leaving mine.

“No problem,” I try to say as casually as possible. She’s looking at me like I’m her knight in shining armor and I don’t want her to get the wrong idea. I can’t go down that road again. I just can’t. My soul still isn’t fully healed from the last time. I can’t trust myself in these kinds of situations. I need to back away as gracefully as I can.


Other New Adult contemporary romances by Faith Sullivan! 
Click covers to purchase.

    


Author Links: Blog | Amazon | Twitter | Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Release Day!! 

Friday, July 12, 2013

Review Day: Hello Hot Lunch, Hello Cool Lunch!

It's Review Day!!!!!!!!!!!!

Title: Hello Hot Lunch, Hello Cool Lunch
Author: Lisa LeConte
Rating: 3 stars

Book Blurb:
Hello Hot Lunch, Hello Cool Lunch is now serving 2 books in one. One side is full of fun and über cute hot lunch ideas, tips, and recipes. The flip side serves up fun cold lunch ideas with more tips and recipes. Your family and friends will crown you Royal Lady of Lunches after enjoying your new-found creative foodie genius!

My Review:
A fun, creative way to make lunch - especially for the picky eaters out there!  This is a great little book for babysitters, parents and beginning food artists.  Anyone, yes I mean even the worst of cooks, will be able to use this handy little book to make something cute and appetizing at the same time.  The book is choked full of pictures of the recipes, stencils, ideas and lists to help get the most out of it.  These recipes are great for parties or treats for your kids on special occasions.

The only down side - the recipes are bland.  They are definitely meant for children or people who don't like sauces, spices, strong seasoning, etc.  I was going to make several of the recipes myself, until I read them.  Many of the recipes call for a vegetable, cheese or fruit, some type of noodle for hot, bread or salad for cold and maybe a meat (hot dogs, lunch meat...).  These aren't exactly the types of meals that sound that great to me.  The recipes are very simple, easy and quick - very handy when taking care of children.  Keep in mind, you may want to use the recipes as more of a snack or side than a full lunch.  They are not very well rounded and may not fill you up depending on how much you eat.  Also, plan on spending a bit of time "sculpting" the dish if you want it to be cute.

Pick up a copy of Hello Hot Lunch, Hello Cool Lunch on Amazon!  Happy Review Day!

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Trilogy Alert!

Your favorite preacher and serial killer is back! Charlie is still trying to recover from his first encounter with a member of The Three. He has a new job and a potential girlfriend, but before he can get too comfortable, an even darker, more powerful member of The Three has come for him. If they have their way, Charlie will suffer for interfering with their plans. As if that isn’t enough, the FBI is investigating him and a drug cartel has mistaken him for a rival. Despite the odds, Charlie will stay in the fight for his sake, and the rest of humanity.
Pick up your copy on Amazon!  Happy Release Day!

Friday, July 5, 2013

Review Day: Ghostly Summons



It's Review Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Title: Ghostly Summons
Author: John A. Karr
My Rating: 3 stars

Book Blurb:
Lars Kelsen doesn’t believe in psychic phenomenon. To him, visions of murder victims are a form of mental illness. Once they begin, options are limited; he can try to ignore them or deal with them by exposing a killer. Only the latter provides any semblance of peace. Temporarily, anyway. Five years into his new life as a programmer, Kelsen—ex-crime beat reporter with a penance he can never fully satisfy—sees a victim.

In person. Upright. Staring.

Typical of such past "Visits" as he calls them, he doesn’t welcome this one. The nude form of a beautiful millionairess in his cubicle means murder has come to the vacation haven known as North Carolina’s Outer Banks. It means he’ll have to go places he'd rather avoid. See things he'll wish he hadn’t. Do things that don't come naturally, like in-your-face confrontation and bending the law. Actually, breaking the law ... but with good intent. It also means dealing with one very attractive county coroner, who pushes his buttons in a not entirely unwelcome way.

So begins Kelsen's return to investigative reporting—complete with attempts on his life, fights, deception, and all the technological tricks, such as GPS and computer hacking, at his disposal. And maybe even finding a new love interest.

My Review:
Such an intriguing story line!  The characters were entertaining, especially Lars.  I liked getting to know his background in writing, why his visions where occurring and what he planned to do/not do about it.  I was looking forward to a paranormal/psychological thriller type of novel, and got a bit of that plus a little bit of romance thrown in (bonus!).

I enjoyed the story overall, but felt like it was a bit forced.  There were several parts that were over explained and didn't need to be.  The book was over 500 pages, and could easily have been cut down to 300 pages.  The chapters were also very very long.   If the book sounds good to you, download the first chapter for free first.

About the Author, John A Karr:
John A. Karr believes fiction writing each day helps keep the demons at bay. Ghostly Summons is hisfirst full-length novel for Dark Continents Publishing. DCP has also published his Weird West novella, Ujahwek. He is the author of a handful of other novels: Death Clause, Hippocrates Shattered (scheduled for reprint by World Castle Publications as Shattered), Rhone, and Van Gogh, Encore. His short stories have appeared on webzines Allegory, The Absent Willow Review, and Danse Macabre. More works are in progress and in the marketing queue.

Karr is an ardent believer in the quote by Carl Van Doren (1885-1950), U.S. man of letters: Yes, it's hard to write, but it's harder not to.


Ghostly Summons can be purchased on Kindle, Kobo and Nook.  Happy Reading!

Thursday, July 4, 2013

In Stone Blog Tour + Giveaway!

WELCOME to the In Stone blog tour!  Today I have quite a treat for you... Beau Bailey, the main character from In Stone, is here to introduce herself and a bit about the book.  Check it out!

Beau Bailey is an interesting and strong name - Does it mean anything?
Beau - It doesn't. At least as far as I know. It might...If it does I would undoubtedly be the last to know.
When you're not chasing down Gargoyles and Demons, what are you doing in your spare time?
Beau - Drawing or listening to music. Sometimes I read comics or man reception at the funeral parlor. My best friend, Leah, likes to hang out at this place called The Rock 'n' Rave. She's into this band, Buckets of Blood, they play there sometimes. Their music is sweet, but the Rock 'n' Rave smells like sour cheese and swamp water. I try to avoid it if I can. I guess these days, I spend way too much of my spare time trying not to think about kissing Jack.
If you could have any pet, real or mystical, what kind would it be and why?
Beau - I have a cat, Fish. She threw up on my bed last night. I'd trade her in for an Ewok. Nah! I wouldn't. Fish is the bomb.

What's it like dealing with an 18th century Gargoyle in the 21st century?
Beau - Terrifying. Everything he knows he's learnt from a manual. Last week he showed up at my house in a car, which, you know, looked like a fricking Transformer, and get this, there's an idiots guide to driving thrown on the front seat. Seriously? Just buy a bike.

What is your favorite food of all time?
Beau - Anything that my mom hasn't cooked. I know that sounds mean, but she'll tell you herself that she can't cook. We once spent an entire Sunday trying to scrape exploded egg off the ceiling. Just chew around the burnt bits is a philosophy at Chez Bailey.

What went through your mind when you found the knife?
Beau - The dying guy that gave it to me, Nicholas, freaked me out massively. The only thing I was really thinking was run. I wanted to drop it, but I couldn't. It was the strangest thing. Like my fingers were magnets and the knife was made of metal...I couldn't let it go.

Thank you Beau for being here and letting us get to know you!  Now, on to some more stuff about the book and the girl behind it!

About the Author, Louise D. Gornall:
Louise is a graduate of Garstang Community Academy. She is currently studying for a BA (Hons) in English language and literature with special emphasis on creative writing. YA aficionado. Brit bird. Film nerd. Identical twin. Junk food enthusiast. Rumored pink Power Ranger. Zombie apocalypse 2012 survivor. She is also an avid collector of book boyfriends.
Book Blurb:
Beau Bailey is suffering from a post-break-up meltdown when she happens across a knife in her local park and takes it home. Less than a week later, the new boy in school has her trapped in an alley; he’s sprouted horns and is going to kill Beau unless she hands over the knife.

Until Eighteenth-century gargoyle, Jack, shows up to save her.

Jack has woken from a century-long slumber to tell Beau that she’s unwittingly been drafted into a power struggle between two immortal races: Demons and Gargoyles. The knife is the only one in existence capable of killing immortals and they’ll tear the world apart to get it back. To draw the warring immortals away from her home, Beau goes with Jack in search of the mind-bending realm known as the Underworld, a place where they’ll hopefully be able to destroy the knife and prevent all hell from breaking loose. That is, provided they can outrun the demons chasing them.

Louise runs the popular book website called Bookish Blurb.  She also can be found on Twitter and Facebook.  Enter the giveaway below!  Keep in mind the giveaway is only open to residents in the US, UK, Australia and Canada.  Happy Reading!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, June 28, 2013

Bittersweet News

Sit back, grab some tissues (or a teddy bear) and get ready for some shocking news.

Novel d'Tales will be shutting down officially on August 2, 2013.

Hilary!? WHAT!!!!!? WHY!?

For the last six months (the whole of 2013 so far) I feel as if I have severely neglected my lovely little site.  The main reason?  I have written (almost) everything I can about books, ebooks and ereaders in the last 1.5 years.  The content has become a little redundant and just boring.  Not sure if you have noticed or not, but the posts have become few and far between.  If it wasn't a book review or a blog tour, it was hard for me to create posts.  I had soooo many things I wanted to talk to my readers about (and did on social media) that wasn't just book related.  So....

I would like to introduce my next adventure.

Here is a sneak peek of the site. :)
Hily's Beehive.  See the "HilyBee" there?  On this new blog, I plan to talk about a little bit of everything - books, movies, television shows, shoes, animals (mostly mine...heh), food, fun adventures, art, and other geeky/girly stuff.  This will be my blog for a little bit of anything you could say.  I hope to have weekly and monthly theme days still like the *Hive Five*, Wordless Wednesdays, Black and White Sundays, ANSA, monthly art and jewelry find round ups, etc.  My hope is be to even a 1/100th as good as Epbot.com by Jen Yates.  I love her site!!

The official launch day of the Hily's Beehive will be on August 2, 2013.  We'll have a launch party to help kick it off and there will be a "GoodBye" party as well.  Lets continue this year with a huge success and something new!

So... will everyone partake on this adventure with me?  Happy Surprise Day!

**Keep this in mind...**
If we have any scheduled commitments - they will still continue to be on Novel d'Tales on their scheduled dates (all are before August 2nd).  If you would prefer for them to be moved onto the Beehive once the switch occurs, I will be more than happy to do so.  Novel d'Tales is not getting deleted or 100% shut down.  I just will not continue writing content for it or change the content on it.  The site will continue to be accessible by both readers and myself.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Sneaky Mom!

So my amazing and sneaky Mom decided to enter my (very old) poem into a contest - Poetry Nation's contest.  This contest is for anyone whether you're an amateur like me or a real poet, you can submit an entry.  Well guys, my lovely little poem/story is now a SEMI-FINALIST in the contest!  I never thought it would even get that far.  When my Mom called and shyly told me she entered me into a national contest for poems, just for fun, I laughed and said I doubt anything will happen.  About 60-70% of poems make it into the semi-finals, so I can't get too excited yet.  I'm part of a huge percentage right now.  I should find out in a few weeks if anything else comes of it.  BUT I do get a pretty certificate for even making it this far. :)

I've never really said more than one sentence about my poetry.  Confession time:  The poem that has been submitted is already published.  In high school (when I wrote the poem), it was an assignment that I was determined to finish and not hate.  After I wrote the poem, my teacher submitted it for a contest - and I won.  It was published in a book full of poems written by high school and middle school students.  Crazy right?  I felt a little special.

So now that it is in this contest, I guess I'll have to get a copy again to share with everyone.  Once I get it, I'll share it. :)  The only copy I've kept over the years is at my parent's house in a pretty frame.  We'll see if they let me have a copy.  heh.  Happy Writing!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Blog Day!!

Hey Guys!  I haven't had a ton of time to read books lately, so I've been stalking reading blogs lately.  Not all are book related, just amazing blogs I have been reading.  Most are dog related... heh.

Yosuke (yo-skay) my longhaired dachshund
Dachshund Nola - an adorable, hilarious and witty blog about a dachshund and the person she owns.  Nola and DM (Dachshund Mom) are a great pair.  They feature all kinds of reviews on dog collars, leashes, accessories, toys, treats, food, etc.  Nola and DM test them out and tell you whether they are worth your time or not.  Nola is a gorgeous little dachshund and has a personality very similar to my dachshund (did you know I have a mini dachshund puppy? He's 7 mo. old!).  I love to read more ways to help him grow, train, and live a healthy/happy life.

Kol's Notes - another fun dog themed website/blog.  I found this one when searching for homemade treat recipes for my little guy.  He loves treats but gets bored with flavors easily.  I love baking, so why not make my own?  (Plus it's cheaper, has no preservatives and all natural ingredients.)  Kol and his owners have oodles of great recipes.  We have tried out a handful of the frozen treat recipes.

Words with Wieners - another fun one for pets (last one, I promise!).  This one is written by the amazing owners of two dachshund rescues and their fun life.  We have really been enjoying this one because the pictures are hilarious (a freakin' toad?!) and all the stories are too cute.  It always makes me smile.  I also learn stuff from them in the process.  Win-win right?

Epbot - a fun geeky blog written by the creator/author/owner of CakeWrecks, Jen Yates.  I love this one!  As if you guys didn't already know, I'm a geek.  I like cute geeky things, and books... and shoes.. and animals.  Anyways, check it out.  I know you'll love it.

Thoughts from a Yodeling Goatherder - 'nuff said.  The title says it all.  The adorable and funny tales of life on a farm written by Vicki, one of my author friends.  Also, I think she might read my blog too.

Those are the blogs I have been obsessively following reading as often as I had time to.  What have you been reading?  Anything good I need to check out?  Happy Blog Day!

I'm bbbaaccckkk!!!

yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kermit Flail with me!!


I'm back, so lets kick things off and get it going again.  Thank you everyone so so so so much for being patient, not leaving AND for enjoying my posts by Mini-Bee Jason!  If you would like to continue to see posts by Mini-Bee(s) OR if you too would like to be a Mini-Bee leave a comment!  Happy Flailing!

Friday, June 7, 2013

Review Day: Running Into the Darkness

It's Review Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Title: Running Into the Darkness
Author: D.A. Bale
My Rating: 4 stars

**This novel is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.  Some mature content is involved.  All content is purely fictional and not based on true events.**

Book Blurb:
Death follows Dr. Samantha Bartlett throughout her life until it claims everyone close to her. There's one powerful man responsible on whom Samantha sets her sights for revenge. The price is her soul. For centuries, sex has been the weapon of men...now it's her turn.

“I never intended to kill the President. As a doctor, I swore an oath to protect life – not take it. But that was before...”

Second year resident, Dr. Samantha Bartlett, is swept from the frigid New York winter to once again confront the sting of death back home – and face those she left behind. But she’s not alone. A strange man she dubs Shades haunts her every step as she seeks answers to the inferno which claimed her grandmother, an eerie reminder of her parents’ deaths. The secrets Samantha uncovers forever changes her image of those she only thought she knew.

Confronted by Shades, Samantha joins a secret underworld known only as the Elite, where a web of power and control is woven deep within governments worldwide. Their sights are set on the power structure of the United States, and Samantha becomes the unlikely key to infiltrating the White House at its most intimate levels.

The quest for blood threatens to destroy Samantha. From the darkness there is no escape.

About the Author, D.A. Bale:
Sometimes life emulates fiction.

Life is filled with tragedy and Ms. Bale's writing reflects this reality. However, there is always a silver lining...even if one must spend their entire life searching for it.

In her previous career, Ms. Bale traveled the United States as a Government Relations Liaison, working closely with Congressional offices and various government agencies. This experience afforded her a glimpse into the sometimes "not so pretty" reality of the political sphere. Much of this reality and various locations throughout her travels make it into her writing.

She dreams of the day she can return to visit Alaska.

My Review:
I enjoyed reading the story of miss Samantha's adventures in New York and Kansas.  What a wild ride indeed!  After finding out that her Gramm was actually killed by The Elite, not in just a hit-and-run accident, Samantha's world is turned upside down.  She becomes the "key" to fixing the problems occurring at the White House (the President accepts bribes that involve sexual favors) and her own deep rooted anger problems at the same time.

When she goes back to her hometown in Kansas for her Gramm's funeral to sort everything out, she isn't sure if she should leave or stay.  D.A. Bale did a great job of keeping the reader intrigued and creating a story that feels real, or could be based on realistic events but is completely fictional.  I enjoyed reading the story to see what would happen next and how each character's story would fit together in the end.  The chapters didn't always seem to fit together, but in the long run they did!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!

Happy Review Day!
~HilyBee~

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Release Party - Come What May!

Title: Come What May (Heartbeat #2)
Author: Faith Sullivan
Expected release date: June 4, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Ebook available at: Kindle ($2.99)
Paperback available at: Amazon ($6.99)





Book Blurb:

Adam is through with love.

He unravels blaming himself for what happened with Katie.

His final moments with her echo through his nightmares.

She owns him body and soul.

To dull the pain, Adam invites a string of women into his bed. Fueled by alcohol and desperation, his meaningless hook-ups provide little comfort. When he closes his eyes, it's Katie he sees.

The only one who helps to ease his guilt somewhat is Jada. But as his new ambulance partner, Adam considers her off limits. He doesn't want to get seriously involved with anyone, much less her. Yet he can't stop fantasizing about the feel of her caramel skin against his.

Despite his intentions, Adam's bond with Jada deepens as they respond to a series of emotional calls. Their mutual attraction becomes undeniable. But how can he give his heart to Jada when it still belongs to Katie?

Excerpt:

But I’m unsure of where this is going. Is he trying to open up or just making idle conversation? Whatever it is, it’s not enough for me. I crouch, hanging my legs over the side. A cool breeze issues from the waterfall. Its hypnotic rhythm is so relaxing. I can stretch out right here and fall asleep. I lean back on my elbows and close my eyes against the sun. So I’m startled when something smacks me in the face.

It’s Adam’s t-shirt. He’s standing before me in nothing but his jeans. “Care for a swim, Jada?” Laughing, he peers over the edge. All I see are the broad lines of his back. It doesn’t get any sexier than that.

“You’re going to jump into that tiny little pool of water?” My pulse is racing, but somehow I keep my voice steady.

“No, we’re going to climb down together. But you’re going to have to lose some of that clothing first.” His gaze runs across the length of my body, and I’m on fire.

“If you think I’m going to strip down…”

I shut up when I realize he’s bending over me. “Well, you can rid yourself of these muddy shoes for starters.” He undoes the laces and gently slips them off. My breathing gets heavy when his fingers slide up to remove my sock. He doesn’t stop there. On his knees before me, his touch glides up my leg as he rolls the cuff of my pants.

“That takes care of the bottom half. Now what about the top?” I ask brazenly. I’m fighting to regain control of the situation, but it’s a lost cause.

He pulls me up with him, and our bodies are so close together. He grips my waist and I start to get dizzy. Drawing me in, I’m surprised when he tugs at the fabric of my shirt, untucking it in a series of quick motions. His actions cause my chest to rub against his. My legs get shaky and I think I’m going to have to grab onto him for support. But I resist and somehow keep my hands to myself. Slowly, he unfastens the last two buttons and ties the shirt at my waist. His fingertips linger over the exposed skin of my midriff. His touch is driving me wild. I can’t take much more of this.

Stepping back, I feel so exposed even though I’m not showing that much skin. He’s practically naked in front of me and he doesn’t seem embarrassed at all. It’s like he wanted to bring me to some secluded spot in order to seduce me. Was this his plan all along? I’m so confused. Nothing is ever clear with him. It’s impossible to figure out what’s going through his mind and why he’s practically taking off my clothes in the middle of the woods.

And that’s the problem. I kind of like it. His unpredictability keeps me guessing, and I’ve never been so turned on. I’m practically panting before him, wishing his hands would explore every inch of me. But for some reason, it seems like there’s an invisible barrier separating us. He teases me but doesn’t take it further. And all that does is make me want him more. I’m not the type to pursue a guy, but I’d put myself out there for him if I knew that was what he was after. But what if it’s not? We do have to work together, and things can get really awkward between us if I’m wrong.

A shadow of a frown crosses his face when he sees me back away from him. Whatever was happening in that moment is over—I can’t tell if he’s disappointed or relieved. His chest rises and falls as he clenches his fists. The sheer masculine beauty of his sculpted torso is right in front of me. Yet he appears so fragile. Like one hasty word from me will break him. We’re so close. If only I knew his true intentions. Is he just playing with me or is he after something more?

“C’mon, let’s cool off.” But I can’t allow myself to get that close to him again. My thoughts scatter just picturing him against me in the water. With my inhibitions lowered, I’ll be too tempted. If I let down my guard and give into him, I’ll only regret it later when he acts like nothing’s changed between us.

“Nah, you go ahead. I’m just going to stick my feet in.” The creases in his brow deepen, but I don’t stop. “If I have any hope of salvaging this uniform, I don’t think it’ll take any more wear and tear.” It’s the lamest excuse ever, but it’s all I have to go with.

“Suit yourself.” He’s pissed as he makes his way down the rocky incline. He doesn’t even wait for me. What girl wouldn’t want to fool around with him in the water after all that? Who would ever turn him down?

Only me.


The first book of the HEARTBEAT series is only 99 cents on Amazon! 
Click cover to purchase.



Random Things about Author, Faith Sullivan:

- She was so much smarter as a teenager.

- She's a slow reader.

- She tends to like a book more for its characters rather than its plot.

- She appreciates people who are genuinely kind and come through when you need them.

- As a creative person, she's not always fun to live with, but she keeps things interesting.

- She misses the days when all she had was a rotary phone that didn't even have an answering machine.

- She's a child of the 1980s, and a teenager of the 1990s.

- She loves her dog.

- She likes to travel and see new places - when her limited budget allows.

- She thinks in another lifetime she lived in the UK somewhere by the coast.

- When she feels an emotion, she feels it deeply. It's a curse.

- She has an overactive imagination. Writing helps alleviate that problem.

- Nine times out of ten, she believes a good book trumps reality.

Author Links: Blog | Amazon | Twitter | Goodreads

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Happy Release Day!!
~HilyBee~