Friday, August 30, 2013

The Acid King Review

Four long-estranged friends from London’s turbulent Sixties scene of sex, drugs and rock and roll are thrown together after seventeen years when one of them accidentally discovers the secret identity of their betrayer; a man they knew only as The Acid King, a charismatic figure who orchestrated a weekend of alluring drugs ending with a bust, jail time and death.
  • What the friends don’t know is that a New York FBI Agent, another old enemy of the Acid King, has been on a long frustrating manhunt of his own, driven by the same rage for revenge.  Until, by coincidence, he discovers the mystery man’s hidden Los Angeles location and tracks him to his lair. Resulting in a dangerous confrontation that puts lives, both guilty and innocent, on the line.
  • The Acid King is the thinly veiled story of the famous Redlands drug bust of 1967; an event that put Mick Jagger and Keith Richards behind bars and nearly destroyed the world’s most famous rock band. All orchestrated by an unidentified man who set them up and then disappeared.
  • By a strange twist of fate the Author (former film agent for Mick Jagger) met the Acid King in Los Angeles and became involved with him for several years, never knowing who he really was, until her friend Marianne Faithfull (former lover of Jagger) surprisingly identified him.
Review:  

I was quite intrigued by the cover. I couldn't decide if I wanted to read it or not but the description of the story finally won me over. I've also found all things 60's kind of cool even though it's a bit before my time and I love true crime stories.

This story was based on a true story about a drug bust that involved the Rolling Stones in the 60’s but the author created a fictional band to add in with it. In the story the band breaks up because of the bust and are all reunited 17 years later in the 80's and are all at different points of their lives.
This was a trippy, fun, and action packed read!



Buy on Amazon | Kobo | B&N | Escargot Books 

About Maggie:

The Acid King tells the fictionalized story of what she imagined could have happened afterwards.
Maggie Abbott started writing novels when she moved to Palm Springs after a long, successful show business career in Los Angeles, London, Rome, and New York.
A casual job as a secretary at the William Morris Agency in Rome introduced her to the exciting scene of Cleopatra, Fellini’s  and The Pink Panther, with the city’s influx of big stars calling by the office every day, and triggered her lifelong love affair with movies.
Over the years, Maggie has enjoyed being in the most interesting places at the best of their times, while working as the movie agent for some exciting stars:  Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Charlotte Rampling, Jacqueline Bisset, Martin Sheen, Raquel Welch, Christopher Plummer, Robert Redford, Mia Farrow, Peter Sellers, Richard Chamberlain, Peter O’Toole, Britt Ekland, Ken Russell, John Boorman, and many more.
Somewhere in between, Maggie was the production assistant on three Broadway plays, and a producer and studio executive at Columbia Pictures where she developed and got production credits on two movies.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Imperfection tour~ Guest post from Phaedra


Imperfection (Pure Blood)

At the center of a war brewing between two packs: her son
Meara Falk always followed her parents' rules, until one night in March when the temptation to let loose changed her life forever. Nine months later, disowned and with a baby on her hip, she discovers werewolves exist after being on the wrong end of some teeth and claws. During her first change, werewolves attack, stealing her son and driving her out of her home. Now she’s looking for the man who kidnapped her baby and turned her life upside down. Meara's son is in the middle of a threatened war between two powerful packs. Getting him back will jeopardize the lives of everyone she loves.

Available on Amazon

Phaedra stopped by to talk to us a bit about Randolph

Randolph Erikson’s Beginning

When your father is a werewolf, you grow up expecting to be as strong and scary as he is, especially when your mother really didn’t have any impact on raising you. My mother had been around for the first few years of my life, but met an untimely death when I was about four. I remember her though. She called me Randy which was short for my full name Randolph. Her hair was a dark brown that went all the way down to her waist. I can remember playing with her long braid as she walked away from her. She had brown eyes, unlike my icy blue ones. I was happy with her in my life. I probably will never know what actually happened to her.

My father wasn’t around until I lost my mother. Aren Erikson showed up the day after she died to claim me and take me to my new home. I remember thinking that he was a huge man. His hair was shoulder length and a little lighter than mine, but I definitely had his eyes. I had no choice but to go with Aren since the neighbors that were watching me had no intention of keeping me around. They were very happy he came to take me away.

This was how I came to live with a werewolf pack. My father was one of the most dominant ones in the pack and appeared to be in charge most of the time. I felt no love when it came to my childhood as a result. I was surrounded by grown men that knew nothing about raising a child. My toys were their battle swords and anything I found in the surrounding woods of our territory. A few other children eventually came to live with us, but many disappeared into the woods never to return. All of us had lost our mothers at an early age winding up with our fathers here.

We were expected to fend for ourselves mostly. If there were any scraps left of our fathers’ meals, they would make us fight over them. Even though we were all human, they treated us like wolf cubs were on the strongest survive. I fought for my meals only when I was starving. The rest of the time, I foraged through the woods eating anything that looked edible. I was not the strongest among the children and had no interest in fighting with them. If it weren’t for how far we were from civilization, I would have left. I clothed myself in whatever rags I could find and the foliage surrounding us instead of competing for my basic needs. My smarts were what kept me alive when the pack called for my blood.

We moved fairly frequently, especially after a full moon. I learned that when it was close to the full moon, it was best just to disappear. I would make forts in the treetops and stay there for three or four days until I was certain that the change had come and gone. Once these men turned into their wolf form, they didn’t care what meat they feasted on. It was a world where the toughest and smartest survive. I liked to think that I was one of the smart ones, but over the years I think I was just lucky.

When I was sixteen, my father approached me and asked if I wanted to be like him. I had no idea what this meant other than thinking of wanting to be in charge. I wanted to be important and strong like him. I said yes. Seconds after the word left my mouth I was catapulted forward from the impact of one of his wolves. He ripped and tore into me like I was a bag of flour. The pain was so intense that it left me speechless. The world went dark long before the wolf stopped tearing me apart.

Weeks later, I awoke on a straw pallet. Every inch of my body hurt from lack of use, but otherwise I appeared to be whole. I stood up, leaving the makeshift tent in search of food. That’s when I smelled it; the rich metallic tang of iron reached my nose long before I saw the pack of wolves feasting on a herd of deer. The smell called to me and I unconsciously pushed myself into the mass of wolves to dive face first into the deer’s flesh. The raw meat satisfied something deep within my soul. That was when I realized that I was no longer a man, but a werewolf.


Follow the author on Goodreads / Literary Addicts / Amazon / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / Google + / Website About the Phaedra Seabolt Phaedra Seabolt is the youngest of four and the only girl. She spent her childhood trying to be the best she could be at everything she did which drove her to attend college long enough to attain her master's degree. Now she is a stay at home mom and happily married.   On Sale for Only $0.99 for the Tour! Follow the Book Tour Hayson Publishing is giving away 3 swag packs (Water bottle, bookmark from swag shop, and $10 Amazon GC) for the tour. Fill out the form below to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Learning to Trust reviews

banner Learn to Trust Learning to Trust

 
When Garrett Andrews finds something that catches his eye, he goes after it, letting nothing stand in the way of what he wants to possess. The first woman to arouse his heart could be the one person who helps him to finally open up and feel again.
 
Laurel Hart was a swimming champion until a frightful event and unknown health issues derailed her career. With a recent degree from MIT in Bio-Medical Engineering and an offer to join one of the leading innovators of medical equipment in the world, she plans on making a new life for herself; letting nightmares from her past stay in the past, or so she thinks.
 
Neither of them wants to date, but she finds herself drawn to him and Garrett uses every excuse to be near her. Laurel’s afraid to let anyone get close, but finds solace in his arms. Garrett is finally able to be himself around someone. Together, they discover a connection that manages to soothe both their souls and starts opening them up to new possibilities.
Once Garrett finds out about Laurel’s past, all rules in regards to "relationships" are changed, because one false move could drive her away. He attempts to calm her nightmares and gain her trust so he can show her who he really is and the relationship he desires from her.
Will they be able to overcome the damage their hearts have encountered? Can they find happiness? Can they trust their minds or will life throw each of them another curveball? Only time will tell if they can learn to trust.

 Our thoughts:

Left hanging with so many questions......that is EXACTLY how I feel right now.
I loved this story. The omitted truth and the weird possessiveness....perfectly complimented themselves. Bring in the painful backstories of both lead characters and some pretty hot scenes and BAM....you've got yourself a hit.
Garrett really took me by surprise. For a moment, I thought he would be a bad guy in this story but he is quite the opposite. He is such a caring person and holds those he cares about uber close.
Laurel's character is a minx! She is a great character that grows in this story and slowly lowers her guard.
But Cynthia....I have so many unanswered questions! Please tell me there is a sequel in the works for Learning to Trust...I need closure! =)
~Crystal


This book was steaming! Better hot scenes than Shades of Gray. This is definitely an 18 and over read!

That being said, I liked the way the characters evolved and how this book made them fill out. Obviously from the ending there is to be a sequal, however I feel it drug on a bit setting up for the ending. It follows the standard great romance sequence. Boy meets girl, undenieable connection, and then a relationship. Something comes about to break the relationship. One gets hurt or something occurs which brings them back together. However, I think that this could have been just one book, based on that format and the ending that occurred.

At the same time...based on the authors writing, and the ending, I think they are trying to break that "standard sequence." And I give props for that. I admire someone who is thinking out of the box and tries to be different.

She has a great writing style, and if this is "the background book" (you know, the one that sets the stage) then it is the best I have ever seen. Excellent expression, and honestly, I felt that I could relate to all in the book.

I also liked her having done research on what she is writing about. That gave her points. So now to give her points.

I give you 4 1/2 stars on this book. And let's just say you missed 1/2 a star, cause I didn't want it to end there. Looking forward to the next though! Whew!
~Carrie



Laurel is just graduating from MIT with honors when her whole world is turned upside down. A new job offer and a sexy Garret Andrews have her reeling, but in a good way. Garrett is hell bent on showing her that love and relationships don't hurt you, but make life better. That is if Laurel can escape the demon from her past and put it behind her.
Garrett is pulled to Laurel like no other woman he has ever known. She is smart, sexy, and fits him perfectly. Everything should be perfect, but its not. Garrett has his own demons from the past. If he can't learn to let Laurel in he will lose her forever. In fact, he may never get the chance to tell her. 
This book oozes sexy. The romance is sleek and sensual without being trashy. I could feel the heat between the characters while I was reading. I love the mix of medicine blended into this story. I have to say much of it waas accurate as well. 
I think Garrett is one sexy hunk of man. It's the mystery about him that is driving me nuts. I want to know all of his story like now. He beats the Heck out of Christian Grey hands down. 
This is one of those that once you pick it up, you just can't put it down. I was floored at the ending. I hope there isn't too long of a wait before the next one comes, so I can see how the story ends I think the author has a winner with this one, its a sort of new adult/erotomance if u will. 
A definite must read for any mature romance lover over the age of 18. I can't wait to see what this book has in store for book two because the first one has it all

~Michelle



  About the Author

: cynthiaponeill head shotCynthia P. O’Neill grew up in a small town, called Clewiston, in South Florida. She moved to the Central Florida area to attend college and has never left. She met her friend, love, soul mate and married him. Together they have an amazing son, a feisty four-legged little boy, and a happy life together. During the course of schooling, she read works by great literary artists, from Shakespeare, to Hemingway, and all the authors in between. She had never considered a field in writing until she stumbled across some Young Adult literature and discovered a love for forbidden romances of all genres. Her background is focused in healthcare, science and business, while her husband’s is engineering. So you may find references to those areas in some of her books. Several years after she got married, she started dreaming about her first book, I Remember. Eight years later the story was still strong and the urge to write it down developed. It wasn’t until a few friends asked if she had ever considered writing a Young Adult novel, plus having fallen in love with several new authors who wrote in the first person, that the idea took new light. The story played itself out in her dreams, until one day she talked with her family, told them the idea and finally set down to write, with their encouragement. Cynthia’s first book is geared towards the Young Adult, Historical and Paranormal Romance fans. She does hope to grow as a writer and write in multiple genres. She tries to make her writing very personal and close to her heart. Regular life is the inspiration for her books, but her imagination takes them to new heights, opening up possibilities that would normally not exist. Follow Cynthia: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest / Blog

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Becoming Invisible

Becoming Invisible is the third book The Alaskan Heart Saga, a Contemporary New Adult Series about finding unexpected love and a woman’s fight for survival.
Passion. ..Obsession. ..Love…Loss.


When fire consumes the Carlisle’s home and an obsessed serial killer continues to hunt Nicole and her family, Dylan and Bradley realize the only way to keep them alive is to help them become… invisible.





Have you read the first two books in the series?  

The Impostor, A Love Story 
http://tinyurl.com/l3ttupn Amazon Link
Obsession and Sacrifice http://tinyurl.com/l2gce7o Amazon Link 
The Impostor, A Love Story First book in series http://tinyurl.com/dyvxlfk B&N
Obsession and Sacrifice http://tinyurl.com/aj9mx92 Barnes and Noble







Book Trailer The Impostor, A Love Story~ The first book in The Alaskan Heart Saga

Book Trailer of Obsession and Sacrifice~ The second book in The Alaskan Heart Saga
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28GnnFPMh3c         


Best Selling Author Tiffany Carmouche has been given the title, The Queen of The Cliffhanger and Best Unknown Author You Need to Discover. When Tiffany Carmouché is not writing suspenseful romance novels, you can find her sculpting, traveling, teaching, singing, dancing, escaping in music or enjoying her family.

From skydiving in Alaska to scuba diving in Hawaii, Carmouché has traveled the world seeking adventure and it is apparent in the books she writes. Her adventures include riding camels in Africa, swimming under the stars in Puerto Rico, dancing salsa in Ecuador, and walking the cobblestone roads of Assisi, Italy. She has also found fulfillment working with the disabled and orphans in Argentina and Mexico. Her most cherished moments, however, have been watching her two beautiful daughters grow and strive to accomplish their own dreams.

Despite all of these amazing experiences, she has survived many struggles. There was a time she felt defeated, but now she is recommitted to savoring experiences both in the novels she writes and in the life she lives each day. Her secret hope is that anyone who is struggling will realize there is a light at the end of the tunnel and no matter how hard the fight, no matter how many times they have been knocked down, it is always worth staggering up to their feet and learning to breathe again. Please visit my author page at https://www.facebook.com/TiffanyCarmoucheAuthor





Where to stalk me in…in a good way.
http://tinyurl.com/cf2vvbt   Paperback  The Impostor, A Love Story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOaIExYG5YQ Fan made trailer  The Impostor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28GnnFPMh3c  Fan made trailer Obsession and Sacrifice
http://tinyurl.com/kttn9lt  Facebook Obsession fan page
http://www.tiffanycarmouche.com/#!buy-now/c1j7z  Where to buy the books info link
http://tinyurl.com/mspxu9u  Amazon Author Page

Friday, August 23, 2013

Imperfection Book Tour


Imperfection (Pure Blood)

At the center of a war brewing between two packs: her son
Meara Falk always followed her parents' rules, until one night in March when the temptation to let loose changed her life forever. Nine months later, disowned and with a baby on her hip, she discovers werewolves exist after being on the wrong end of some teeth and claws. During her first change, werewolves attack, stealing her son and driving her out of her home. Now she’s looking for the man who kidnapped her baby and turned her life upside down. Meara's son is in the middle of a threatened war between two powerful packs. Getting him back will jeopardize the lives of everyone she loves.

Available on Amazon

Follow the author on Goodreads / Literary Addicts / Amazon / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / Google + / Website About the Phaedra Seabolt Phaedra Seabolt is the youngest of four and the only girl. She spent her childhood trying to be the best she could be at everything she did which drove her to attend college long enough to attain her master's degree. Now she is a stay at home mom and happily married.   On Sale for Only $0.99 for the Tour! Follow the Book Tour Hayson Publishing is giving away 3 swag packs (Water bottle, bookmark from swag shop, and $10 Amazon GC) for the tour. Fill out the form below to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, August 16, 2013

When Garrett Andrews finds something that catches his eye, he goes after it, letting nothing stand in the way of what he wants to possess. The first woman to arouse his heart could be the one person who helps him to finally open up and feel again.
Laurel Hart was a swimming champion until a frightful event and unknown health issues derailed her career.  With a recent degree from MIT in Bio-Medical Engineering and an offer to join one of the leading innovators of medical equipment in the world, she plans on making a new life for herself; letting nightmares from her past stay in the past, or so she thinks.  
Neither of them wants to date, but she finds herself drawn to him and Garrett uses every excuse to be near her. Laurel’s afraid to let anyone get close, but finds solace in his arms. Garrett is finally able to be himself around someone. Together, they discover a connection that manages to soothe both their souls and starts opening them up to new possibilities.
Once Garrett finds out about Laurel’s past, all rules in regards to "relationships" are changed, because one false move could drive her away. He attempts to calm her nightmares and gain her trust so he can show her who he really is and the relationship he desires from her.
Will they be able to overcome the damage their hearts have encountered?  Can they find happiness? Can they trust their minds or will life throw each of them another curveball? Only time will tell if they can learn to trust.


About the Author:
Cynthia P. O’Neill grew up in Clewiston, Florida and moved to Central Florida to attend college.  There, she married her friend, love, and soul mate and still resides there with their amazing son, and a feisty, four-legged little boy.
In her books, Cynthia draws on her background in healthcare and business, along with her husband’s engineering knowledge.   
Several years after she got married, she started dreaming about the characters in I Remember.  It took eight years before she decided that it needed to be told.  With the encouragement of family and friends, she decided to bring Jordan and Gregory to life in a series of Young Adult, Paranormal Romances with a Historical bent.  I Remember is the first book in the Remembrance series.
Cynthia’s first book is geared towards the Young Adult, Historical and Paranormal Romance fans. She does hope to grow as a writer and write in multiple genres.  Her second series; is a steamy romance called Learning to Trust, part of the Learning Series, coming out in August.
She tries to make her writing very personal and close to her heart. Regular life is the inspiration for her books, but her imagination takes them to new heights, opening up possibilities that would normally not exist.  

To learn more about the author, please visit Cynthia’s website at:


Cynthia P. O’Neill Links:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/cynthiaponeill  or @cynthiaponeill

Learning to Trust Buy Links:


Excerpt:


He pulled his phone from his pants pocket, typed some words rather quickly, and then returned it to his pocket.  
“What are you doing?” I wondered aloud. I sincerely hoped that wasn’t about me.
“Nothing you need to concern yourself with.  Just had a thought that I’d like to run by someone and wanted to jot it down before I lost it.”
”Just so you know, I don’t like it when people are secretive around me.  It makes me nervous and I tend to push people away.”  I don’t know why I was being so upfront with him, but, this phone messaging had me on edge.  I can’t stand secrets.
He walked towards me with a wry smile and backed me slowly against the wall.  He leaned into me, tracing his nose up my neck, and I heard the closet door close.  “I like that you’re feisty, Laurel, makes life more interesting.”  His hands came to rest on the wall along each side of my head, caging me in, as he continued to trace his nose up to my face, across my chin, and down the other side of my neck.  His tone in his voice became sultry. “Do you still trust me?”
The electricity between us hung heavy in the air.  It was so palpable you could taste it. My skin was on fire from his touch.  Every synapse of every nerve ending was firing off rapidly and my breathing continued to accelerate.  Something felt dark and dangerous about Garrett, but at the same time, I’d never desired anyone more.  No one had ever managed to elicit the kind of reactions he was driving from my body.  
He leaned in closer, his body molding up against mine. “Are you going to answer me?” he whispered in my ear, his voice becoming a little more commanding.
 My eyes closed, trying to make sense of what I was feeling.  Just his voice and soft touch made my head spin; I was thankful that I had the wall to lean into for support.  I finally found the strength to answer. “Yes,” I murmured.
His lips began to nibble on my left earlobe. “Yes, you’ll answer, or yes, you trust me?”
“Yes, I trust you.”
His hand began to caress my face as his lips continued their assault on my earlobe and neck.  “Do you have any idea how breathtakingly beautiful you are tonight?  You’re driving me crazy.”
My head began to spin as his lips moved up across the side of my cheek to my chin at an achingly slow pace.  At the same time, his right hand started to travel down my neck, where his fingers traced the low neckline of my dress.  
My heart raced as the palm of his hand brushed gently across one of my breasts.  I was surprised by how heavy my breasts felt.  I could feel my nipples harden, straining against the fabric of my bra.  Soon his lips were pressed hard on my mouth, tugging at my bottom lip.  “Ahh,” I moaned as his tongue plunged deeply into my mouth, sending my mind scattering to the heated overload of sensation my body was feeling.  Our mouths began to move in perfect unison with one another.
My conscience screamed at me. Tell him to slow down.  You know this is moving too quickly.  What are you thinking?!
I tried to move away, ever so slightly put some distance between our bodies, but his hips pressed harder, grinding into mine.  His erection felt huge, bulging out hard from his slacks and pressing up against my belly.  I couldn’t believe how much this man wanted me and was surprised that my body was responding with unheeded desire for him.
Garrett finally pulled back long enough for us to take in deprived lungs full of air.  After a few more breaths, I asked, in a rather shaky and exhaustive tone, “Can we please slow things down a bit?”  
Both of his hands rose up the wall to rest on either side of my head.  He took a few more deep breaths and kissed me chastely on the lips before resting his forehead against mine.
“My apologies, Laurel, I don’t know what came over me.  There’s something about you that makes my body respond so intensely.  I’m like an alcoholic drawn to your intoxicating beauty and scent; I just can’t seem to get enough.  I’ve never had this kind of reaction to anyone before.”  He paused for a moment, taking in a deep breath to clear his mind. “I agree, though, we need to take things slower.”
He lifted one of my hands towards his lips and kissed it gently before placing it atop his shoulder.  He repeated the same thing with my other hand, indicating he wanted me encircling his shoulders.  Then he cupped my face with his own hands and leaned in for a gentle kiss.
The tenderness of this new kiss made me feel more secure in his arms.  We continued this way for what seemed like an eternity, until I heard the door open and Hannah walk in calling, “Laurel?  Are you here?”
We both pulled away from the wall.  He had a quizzical look on his face, as if he’d forgotten we were in the closet in my dorm room. “Roommate?” he whispered.  
I nodded in response. What are we supposed to do now? Wait her out?
We waited to hear what she was doing.  As soon as we thought the coast was clear, we tried leaving the closet, only to find her standing there with her arms crossed and smiling up a storm, knowing she’d caught us.
She didn’t wait for an introduction, but stuck out her hand to Garrett. “Hi, Handsome, I’m Hannah, Laurel’s roommate.  And you are?”