Review: Reckoning(Arotas Trilogy #2) by Amy Miles

**This review contains spoilers for book 1 so please do not read any further if you have not read it**

Reckoning starts off right were Forbidden ended. After the battle with Vladimir, the only way to save Gabriel's life was to turn him. In my opinion, that book ended in a cliffy because you didn't know if it actually saved him or what was in store for them next. Right off the bat Gabriel is taken from her. She enlists the help of an unlikely ally in order to find Gabriel. The book alternates between Rose's and Gabriel's POV's. I can totally hang with that but it crazy around the midway mark. I'd find myself waiting on bated breaths, hoping for a bone...anything to bring them back together.

All of the action that I loved in Forbidden is back in full force times 10. It was gorey and incredibly detailed. I could feel myself in the scenes, watching it unfold right before my eyes. Just when I thought I was getting what I wanted it was snatched away from me. I feel like Amy killed my puppy....not just killed it, but ripped it to shreds. My heart is broken after yet another CLIFFY! I can't even wrap my mind around the revelations that were thrown at me. Everything I believed was somehow twisted into this magnificent mind fuckery that was utterly fantastic. NO ONE IS SAFE!!! Just remember that. I hope book three is a bit kinder to my heart.

 

Amy Miles is the author of Forbidden, Reckoning and Defiance Rising. When she’s not writing, Amy can be found traveling, cuddled up with a good book or beating her husband at Scrabble.

Amy is currently working to release five more books in 2013.

Redemption (Book III of the Arotas Trilogy)
Immortal Rose (Prequel to the Arotas Trilogy)
Relinquish (Book II of the Rising Trilogy)
Netherworld (Book I of the Hallowed Realms Trilogy)
And an NA contemporary romance that is still to be named

Book Review & Giveaway- Deviltry Afoot by Carol Pritt

Genres: Paranormal, Occult

Blurb: Seeking justice for her daughters murder Tina must seek answers in the supernatural realm. Terror is spreading over Pendale. Love is pitted against a dreadful force.

         

 

 

 

 

This book is full of the supernatural creepy crawlies. Deviltry Afoot starts out with the story of Donald, who is a nasty human and beyond the grave presence readers will get a nice taste of throughout the book.  In short, Donald’s father passes, his mother falls off into a religious fervor, and his taste for murder is wetted by killing the school bully. Fast forward to many years later in the peaceful and small town of Pendale, and readers will meet Tina who is a single mother of a gorgeous, sweet, college aged Becky. Becky is one of many brutal, bizarre, and cruel serial murders that take place. All they have in common is a confusing mix of clues including a taxi cab, a dark/shadowed stranger, and elderly woman, creepy voices, and the town’s past history of murders. Tina becomes obsessed with finding Becky’s murder and is ensconced in an insane ride with the minions of the bad guy downstairs and their trickery. Though the murders and setting could have been overwhelming gruesome or overdone, the author weaves a nice tale of supernatural nastiness battled by a mother’s love and grief for her daughter. There is a definite theme of love overcoming darkness, the strength of a mother’s love, and the eternal battle of evil and good. But the author leaves the readers with an incredibly creepy, hairs standing on end ending that makes one really wonder about those shadows seen from the corner of the eye.

 

Deep into an uneasy dream Tina’s face was twisted in consternation. Dan hadn’t stayed over this evening. She’d told him she needed time to gather strength and come to grips with what lay ahead. He’d looked hurt. She knew he could not understand her need to be alone at such a time. He offered to sit up with her all night. She told him she was wrung out; she would be able to sleep a bit. She longed to fall into unconsciousness and to block all thought. Her bedroom felt airless. The little clock on her nightstand seemed to have a very loud tick tonight. The dials revealed it to be 1:00 pm. Still asleep Tina shifted her weight to lie on her back. Her heavy cotton nightgown became bunched up under the small of her back. Suddenly she brought up her hands folding them over her chest in the position that the dead are laid out. Beads of sweat broke out on her face, although the temperature in her room was a cool sixty-four degrees. She was carrying groceries to her car in a dark parking lot. Behind her there was a small convenience store. It was lit up. The buildings light stopped at the front of the building. Tina tossed her bag of groceries into the passenger side of the seat. Just as she lifted her leg to get in behind the wheel she thought of her mother. She’d yell up a storm if she could see her now. As a teen Tina was lectured countless times about getting into a car alone. First check out the back seat to make sure no one was lurking there, she could still her mom stress. Tina sat her leg back down on the pavement. She opened the back door. All clear. She slid into the front seat closing her door and rolling down her window most of the way. Glancing out her open window she began to shake all over. Two hands with long tapered fingers suddenly grasp the window! As if in slow motion a hooded figure raised itself! Her door was flung open wide. It pushed her backward sending her sprawling across the seat. She was immobile from fear. The thing lowered itself to her feet. It covered her with its form inch by inch. Its dark cloak was spread wide to enfold her completely. Her heart thumped so hard she felt ready to pass out praying she would. It was up to her head now. Tina was so cold it was as if she were entombed within a block of ice The smell of decay surrounding her was so rank she couldn’t catch a good breath. The hood slipped back a bit. She couldn’t decipher its features clearly. She could only make out black pinpoint eyes. Drool oozed from its mouth. A great gob of spittle plunked down on her forehead. She let out a scream. She thought she’d cried out, and awoken. It was actually only phase two. Still dreaming she thanked the Lord that it was only a nightmare. Lights flickered from the traffic through her drapes. Something in the room didn’t feel right. The sheet was shifting downward of its own accord. Two hands grasp the foot of the bed as a cloaked figure crawled up and over her! She surrendered herself up to it. She was entirely passive until sirens from a passing rescue unit brought her to an actual waking state ending her ordeal. Rest would elude her the remainder of the night. She sighed and got up from the bed. First light would signal the start of her greatest trial. She must commend her only offspring to eternal rest.

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Deviltry-Afoot-ebook/dp/B00ESLTDNW/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=

Infinity Publishing http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/product.aspx?ISBN=0-7414-8376-9

Barnes & Noble (Paperback) http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deviltry-afoot-carol-pritt/1115098698?ean=9780741483768

Alibris http://www.alibris.com/booksearch?browse=0&keyword=deviltryafoot+&mtype=B&hs.x=23&hs.y=18&hs=Submit

Abe Books http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?an=carol+Pritt&sts=t&tn=deviltry+afoot

Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/Search/Query?Query=%22Deviltry%20Afoot%22

Half . Com http://product.half.ebay.com/Deviltry-Afoot-by-Carol-Pritt-2013-Paperback/159848986&cpid=5000052062198

Book Depository http://www.bookdepository.com/Deviltry-Afoot-Carol-Pritt/9780741483768

Sony https://ebookstore.sony.com/search?keyword=deviltry+afoot

Carol Pritt lives in the northeast with her family. She has two Associate degrees, one in Liberal Arts, and the other in Journalism from the local community college. Ms. Pritt enjoys writing, reading, spending time with her family, and playing with her pets. This is her first novel. Author Links: Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17686561-carol-pritt Facebook https://www.facebook.com/carol.pritt.9 Twitter https://twitter.com/carolpritt Website http://deviltryafoot.com/ LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/pub/carol-pritt/6b/786/b21

Carol is giving away a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card, Winner's Choice! The giveaway will start 11/25/13 at 12 am eastern time and ends 12/24/13 at 12 am eastern time. Enter through Rafflecopter. a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Children’s Book Spotlight & Giveaway: The Money Tree by Ladonna N. Smith

I received this book for free from Smith Publicity Inc (SmithPublicity.com) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Children's Book Review: Captain Courage and the World’s Most Shocking Secret Book 2 by Stacey A. Marshall
Published by Guardian Angel Publishing on October 20, 2013
Genres: children's
Pages: 24
Format: Paperback
Source: Smith Publicity Inc (SmithPublicity.com)

Captain Courage and the World’s Most Shocking Secret

by Stacey A. Marshall, M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P.

Get Your Shine On!

NEW BOOK HELPS KIDS FACE THEIR GREATEST FEARS WITH THE HELP OF A SUPERHERO SCHOOL PRINCIPAL 

Debuting on Amazon’s Top 15 Children’s Books (http://www.amazon.com)

         “Words are magical,” says Stacey Marshall, “and one of the biggest influences on my writing has been a man I was fortunate enough to call a friend, Dr. Seuss.” Marshall believes instilling confidence in children through books that are fun and imaginative to read, is the key to helping them build a strong foundation for life.

        In the second book of her Captain Courage series, Captain Courage and the World’s Most Shocking Secret, Marshall helps children turn “stage fright” into “stage might” with simple, easy to remember tips. Based on the latest scientific research, Marshall sneaks in her message with colorful pictures, humor and a page-turning story sure to keep every early elementary child engaged through every page.

        Captain Courage and friends, in Captain Courage and The World’s Most Shocking Secret, are up to some crazy antics, as the beloved superhero/principal seeks to tackle his own top secret fear. During his unique journey involving a very unusual monster, Captain Courage demonstrates to everyone at Blythe Elementary School that facing one’s fear is the key to being courageous.

        With the perfect mix of fun, suspense and silliness, Captain Courage and the World’s Most Shocking Secret explores:

• Why life sometimes calls for sheer fun and dancing as if no one else is watching
• Putting down electronics and picking up face-to-face communication skills
• The value of projecting confidence and poise - even when you’re scared
• Finding heroes in everyday people who embrace who they are in fun and unique ways
• How to overcome even the most gigantic fears with simple tips the pros use

“Children can’t email show-and-tell, tweet a book report, or text a job interview,” Marshall emphasizes, “so now, more than ever before, they need to learn how to come out from behind their electronics and face others with confidence.”

    Mr. Magico is the Principal of Blythe Elementary School. When a child has a fear, is nervous, or unsure their typical principal transforms into the red-capped, sparkly-goggled, and rainbow-flashing shoe wearing Captain Courage! He swoops in, stomps on the child’s fear until it melts away, and sagely advices them to put on a bright smile, stand tall, look confident, and speak loudly! Mr. Magico has a secret. For the past few nights before he is suppose to perform in the school’s annual talent show he is nervous.  He’s been dreaming of tutu wearing monsters coming after him before his turn on stage, people booing, and people throwing tomatoes. Stressing out, he enlists the help of a previously shy Katie to be his side kick. He does his act for Mrs. Berrycastle for reassurance. He gets advice from Brent and Jessica. All these folks promise not to share his huge secret. Hilariously, all four of the people Mr. Magico asked for help were first afraid they were in trouble with him, the principal, for kooky mistakes they had made! Finally, the big night arrived. Captain Courage arrives and kicks, dances, and stomps away all the fears for the performers. When their big turn arrives, Captain Courage and his sidekick with a harmonica bring the house down with his amazing dance antics.
I wish Captain Courage and his magical rainbow shoes were present to stomp out the fears in the many uncertain and nervous moments when I was a kid. Being a kid is SCARY. As we get older, even more is expected of you in school, sports, friendships, and in life. Simple playtime suddenly blossoms into totally terrifying speeches and book reports that have to be presented in front of the WHOLE class. I’m 29 years old, married with a child, a successfully licensed social worker with over five years of experience under my belt, and I still get sweaty palms and a racing heart when I have to present in front of a group of people or when faced with a new, uncertain situation.
The fun story outlines a great way for kids and adults to find their courage. In the very back of the book, the author leaves an easy guide and acronym for times a quick reminder is needed. Highly recommend this book for your grade school kiddos who have a bit of a fear, shyness, or tremble when the spotlight is on them. Check it out! Jack the turtle’s antics throughout the book make it even more awesome.

 

Captain Courage and the World’s Most Shocking Secret is available on www.netgalley.com, www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.guardianangelpublishing.com and www.captaincourage.com

Stacey A. Marshall, M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P.
Stacey Marshall has been a public speaking coach and motivational speaker for over 15 years. Like Captain Courage, she enjoys teaching people of all ages how to be courageous and poised in any situation. Using her expertise, she has conducted training for various groups including: politicians, actors, litigators, business executives, broadcasters, students, as well as Division I, NFL, WNBA, and Olympic athletes. Marshall is also an expert resource for Parents Magazine
With a background in broadcasting, Marshall is also a winner of the Women Executives International Speak Out. She has written for numerous local and national publications, and often focuses her writing on how to demonstrate confidence and courage. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from Duke University and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She currently resides with her husband and children in North Carolina. Marshall is also the author of Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes, Book 1 of the Captain Courage Series, which was on Amazon’s top 10 bestseller’s list, and a personal friend of the late Dr. Seuss.
Websites: http://www.captaincourage.com/ and http://www.staceymarshall.com/
Twitter: @SMarshalauthor
Decline of Verbal Skills – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6PGMFuAvD4
Jack the Turtle Be Brave Rap Song – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ynFaYNJX84

 

One winner (sorry U.S.A. only!) will win a paperback copy of Captain Courage and the World’s Most Shocking Secret Book 2 by Stacey A. Marshall sent by SmithPublicity.com. To enter, leave a comment, your name, and email address below this post. A winner will be chosen December 19, 2013 and their information forwarded to SmithPublicity.com on December 20, 2013.

Ren's Top 13 of 2013

I know this is a tad bit early but there is no way I'm finishing any more books this year. It has been a crazy couple of months for me but I'm still committed to helping out the book community as much as I can.

 

Of course I have to cheat a little bit since it was hard to narrow down. I grouped together books that were by the same author. Fair enough, right?!

Here are my top 13 of 2013, in no particular order

Click on the cover to buy on Amazon

1. Shattered Promises by Jessica Sorensen

(Free on Amazon at time of posting. I think it may be perma free but don't hold me to it)

2. P.J. Stone Gates Trilogy, Feeling Death, and Kat Scratched Trilogy by D.T. Dyllin (this woman is a writing goddess!) Hot Redemption by K.D. Penn (Kenya Wright & D.T. Dyllin

The P.J. Stone Gates Trilogy will soon be a box set available for purchase.

Be on the lookout within the next month if you prefer to have the entire trilogy as Open Gates is not released yet.

 

3. Countermeasure & Ecstasy by the Sea by C. Almeida and C. Aubrey

 

4. In My Dreams by Cameo Renae

5. Sins & Needles by Karina Halle

6. Wallbanger by Alice Clayton

7. Welcome to Sugartown by Carmen Jenner

8. The Man Without Rules by Tyffani Clark Kemp

9. Fusion by Nicole Williams

10. Steel Lily by Megan Curd

11. Forbidden and Reckoning by Amy Miles

12. Halo (formally known as Raksha) by Frankie Rose

13. One Tiny Secret by Adam Kunz

Since I had a terrible time reducing my favorites to 13 I decided to have a few Honorable Mentions!

Wide Awake by Shelly Crane

Becoming by Raine Thomas

Charmed by Cambria Hebert

Children's Book Review: & Giveaway: Captain Courage and the World’s Most Shocking Secret Book 2 by Stacey A. Marshall

    Mr. Magico is the Principal of Blythe Elementary School. When a child has a fear, is nervous, or unsure their typical principal transforms into the red-capped, sparkly-goggled, and rainbow-flashing shoe wearing Captain Courage! He swoops in, stomps on the child's fear until it melts away, and sagely advices them to put on a bright smile, stand tall, look confident, and speak loudly! Mr. Magico has a secret. For the past few nights before he is suppose to perform in the school's annual talent show he is nervous.  He's been dreaming of tutu wearing monsters coming after him before his turn on stage, people booing, and people throwing tomatoes. Stressing out, he enlists the help of a previously shy Katie to be his side kick. He does his act for Mrs. Berrycastle for reassurance. He gets advice from Brent and Jessica. All these folks promise not to share his huge secret. Hilariously, all four of the people Mr. Magico asked for help were first afraid they were in trouble with him, the principal, for kooky mistakes they had made! Finally, the big night arrived. Captain Courage arrives and kicks, dances, and stomps away all the fears for the performers. When their big turn arrives, Captain Courage and his sidekick with a harmonica bring the house down with his amazing dance antics.

I wish Captain Courage and his magical rainbow shoes were present to stomp out the fears in the many uncertain and nervous moments when I was a kid. Being a kid is SCARY. As we get older, even more is expected of you in school, sports, friendships, and in life. Simple playtime suddenly blossoms into totally terrifying speeches and book reports that have to be presented in front of the WHOLE class. I'm 29 years old, married with a child, a successfully licensed social worker with over five years of experience under my belt, and I still get sweaty palms and a racing heart when I have to present in front of a group of people or when faced with a new, uncertain situation.

The fun story outlines a great way for kids and adults to find their courage. In the very back of the book, the author leaves an easy guide and acronym for times a quick reminder is needed. Highly recommend this book for your grade school kiddos who have a bit of a fear, shyness, or tremble when the spotlight is on them. Check it out! Jack the turtle's antics throughout the book make it even more awesome.

Captain Courage and the World’s Most Shocking Secret is available on www.netgalley.com, www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.guardianangelpublishing.com and www.captaincourage.com

Stacey A. Marshall, M.S., C.C.C.-S.L.P.

Stacey Marshall has been a public speaking coach and motivational speaker for over 15 years. Like Captain Courage, she enjoys teaching people of all ages how to be courageous and poised in any situation. Using her expertise, she has conducted training for various groups including: politicians, actors, litigators, business executives, broadcasters, students, as well as Division I, NFL, WNBA, and Olympic athletes. Marshall is also an expert resource for Parents Magazine

With a background in broadcasting, Marshall is also a winner of the Women Executives International Speak Out. She has written for numerous local and national publications, and often focuses her writing on how to demonstrate confidence and courage. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from Duke University and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She currently resides with her husband and children in North Carolina. Marshall is also the author of Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes, Book 1 of the Captain Courage Series, which was on Amazon’s top 10 bestseller’s list, and a personal friend of the late Dr. Seuss.

Websites: http://www.captaincourage.com/ and http://www.staceymarshall.com/
Twitter: @SMarshalauthor
Decline of Verbal Skills - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6PGMFuAvD4
Jack the Turtle Be Brave Rap Song - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ynFaYNJX84

One winner (sorry U.S.A. only!) will win a paperback copy of Captain Courage and the World’s Most Shocking Secret Book 2 by Stacey A. Marshall sent by SmithPublicity.com. To enter, leave a comment, your name, and email address below this post. A winner will be chosen December 19, 2013 and their information forwarded to SmithPublicity.com on December 20, 2013.