Author Harper Lee in her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama in 1961. (Photo: Getty)
Harper Lee, the author of one of the most beloved classics, To Kill A Mockingbird has died today at the age of 89. The news was confirmed by the mayor’s office in Monroeville, Alabama.
Her only other book was just released last year entitled Go Set A Watchman – a follow up to her critically acclaimed debut, To Kill A Mockingbird.
Thank you Harper Lee! Your legacy will forever live on!
Author: Cari Z
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62649-405-3
eBook release: May 2, 2016
eBook Formats: pdf, mobi, html, epub
Print ISBN: 9781626494060
Print release: May 2, 2016
Word count: ~77,100
Page count: ~290
Type: Part of a Series
Cover by: L.C. Chase
Blurb: Being a Hero in Panopolis means living the high life: parties, money, influence, even reality television. And I’m one of the most powerful Heroes in the city. I have plenty of fans, a manager who looks out for me (after himself), and a job that pays the bills. I should be enjoying myself.
Unfortunately, the downside of my superpower means I can’t touch anyone, which tends to put a damper on things. I probably don’t deserve all those perks anyway, since I’m working in secret with two of Panopolis’s biggest Villains to undermine GenCorp—my main sponsor and the company that controls what gets through my force field.
I obviously don’t trust my corporate overseers, but they’ve hired a new scientist who actually seems interested in helping me. Dr. Mansourian might have the answers to all my questions—not to mention a starring role in most of my dreams—but he’s hiding something big. If I let him have what he wants, I might not live to regret it.
Then again, the way things are going in Panopolis these days, I might not live either way.
I’m a massive fan of this series so I’m super excited to inform you that the third installment entitled Where There’s a Will will be released on May 2, 2016 by Riptide Publishing! Based on the blurb, I believe it’s not going to be focused on Edward and Raul – the couple from the first and second book. This time, it’s going to be about one of the greatest heroes of Panopolis – Freight Train!
Check out my reviews of Where There’s Smoke (Panopolis, #1) and Where There’s Fire (Panopolis, #2)
Also, will you check out the wicked cool cover??!!!
About the Author
Cari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she’s put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.
Connect with Cari:
Website: http://cari-z.net/
Blog: http://carizerotica.blogspot.com/
Posted in Books
Tagged Cari Z, Panopolis Series, Riptide Publishing, Where There's a Will
Published February 5th 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Gay,Romance / Sci-Fi / Fantasy
Length: 2016 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Ebook ISBN: 9781634769099
Characters: Calvin Summers, Ethan Hobbs
I’m a massive fan of this series so it’s really fun to see the characters in it grow, following more of their adventures in each book. Now on it’s 6th installment, the focus is on Calvin and Ethan – both members of THIRDS’ Destructive Delta who’ve been best of friends since they were little and somewhere along the way developed something more than their friendship.
I have to tell you though that this isn’t stand-alone as it involves characters you’d get to meet once you start out with the first book in the series, Hell & High Water and so on…
I’ve got to say that I’ve enjoyed this better than the last book in the series. I find it more focused in terms of story development. It’s lovely to see how Calvin & Ethan are finally reaching a point in their friendship where they won’t have to hide (or be more open, I guess?) anymore. Prior to this, it’s a given that there’s nobody for them but each other. Here, we just see their inner dealings with their respective family, their feelings and their co-workers at THIRDS.
One thing that I find a bit incredulous was Ethan’s way of communicating with people. I mean, I get that he’s got this mutism and doesn’t really talk much (at all) save for a number of ‘em but I find it weird that the rest are able to decipher what he’s saying. It’s minor for me but it’s just brow-raising if I allow myself to really analyze it.
I also loved that we get some hints here on the future of the series especially about Dex and Sloane. I just loved their moments here along with Cael, Ash and the rest of the gang. At some point, the humor is almost slapstick but thinking back, it’s the way this series became so dear to me. It’s the humor first and foremost and the great world building and its characters.
This one is like a gift by the author to its loyal readers. It’s a prelude to what’s about to happen to THE main couple of this series – a development which I would want to stick for until the end of it.
Again, what a truly delightful offering from Charlie Cochet!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
About The Author
Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!
Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.
Website: http://www.charliecochet.com
THIRDS HQ: http://www.thirdshq.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet
Facebook Author Page: http://www.twitter.com/charliecochet
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/charliecochet/
tumblr:http://www.charliecochet.tumblr.com”
Email: charlie@charliecochet.com
Visit The Purple Rose Tea House hosted by Charlie Cochet. For M/M Romance guest authors, giveaways, and more!
Posted in Books
Tagged ARC, Book Review, Catch A Tiger By The Tail, Charlie Cochet, Dreamspinner Press, THIRDS Series
Published November 10th 2015
Format: Novel
Genre: Romance / Contemporary / New Adult
Length: 320 pages, ebook
Publisher: Atria Books
Ebook ASIN: B00UDCI1S8
Characters: Benton James Kessler, Fallon O’Neil
Summary: Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.
My Rantview: (After reading it last January 16, 2016)
I just finished reading this book right at this very moment.
Gawd! Why oh Why! Those stupid irrational decisions and lies – Ben’s lies [WHAT A BIG FAT MUDDAFCUKIN LIAR] is the one thing that stuck with me. HE LIED. Gawd, I’m such a vindictive bi@tch. IDC if he’s 16 or what. HE LIED.
I remember when Fallon was telling Ben about Cody – and his reaction… LOL. Ben, it was your own damn fault Fallon got those scars. I don’t care if his Dad should’ve known that she was in his house in the first place. You were the one who did it.
And then there’s Jordyn – Ugh. I think I swallowed my own puke reading that part / chapter. Gosh Ben you heartless, dumb sonofa….
It took four years for me to fall in love with him.
It only took four pages to stop.
I’m still upset and will collect my thoughts later on but my gawd. This made me feel terrible so I’m giving this a one star rating for now.
I cannot believe I’m giving a CoHo book a 1-star rating.omigod. I feel so bad. Arrrgghhhh
Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
About The Author
I love to write and I love to give away things that I write, so follow me on my Facebook author page at http://www.facebook.com/authorcolleenhoover
Twitter and Instagram: @colleenhoover
For information about The Bookworm Box, visit http://www.thebookwormbox.com
Published June 02, 2015
Format: Novel
Genre: Romance / Contemporary / New Adult
Length: 336 pages, ebook
Publisher: NAL
Ebook ASIN: B00Q5DLY42
Characters: Grace Farquhar, Logan MacLeod
I’ve read the first five books of the series last year and this is definitely my favorite in it! The solid story line with ample backstories for both MCs and that wonderful epilogue – it simply is perfection!
In this story, we meet Logan – ‘manHoor’ Logan. We met him back in the Echoes of Scotland’s Street. He was Shannon’s brother who put the guy who tried to rape her into a coma and subsequently served two years in prison for it. Poor, poor Logan. He’s trying his very best to bring his old self back [and tried to make up for the lost two years in the sex department. Uhm…okay.]
And then there’s Grace who escaped from her manipulative family by moving to a new city. Their path collided when they found themselves living next to each other. Will they ever have a chance at love when their past keeps getting in the way?
I love Grace! She’s super-fantastic and does not have all the super-filled angst characterization of the previous female characters in the first five books despite having a nasty family on the side (eerr like Logan – but at least the McLeod’s are “trying.”)
I thought Logan’s comment about fucking around with all those girls he brought home (who are exclusively blondes) was a bit misogynistic but yeah – boys will be boys – or NOT.
I also loved “Joss’s squad” / tribe (I started referring to them as Joss’s squad since she’s got the first story) and their meddling, as usual! This time, it’s not nearly as annoying as in the previous books!
And then there’s Maia! I loved her! What an absolute darling! This story is indeed a perfect way to end the series! Everything came full circle for all of the characters and it felt like their journey was my journey as well!
With this being the last in the series, I’d like to give few awards for the series as a whole.
Favorite Female MC : Grace
Favorite Male MC: Cole (since he was a wee lad.)
Story You Want To See In the Big Screen – Echoes Of Scotland Street
Most Annoying and Adorable Character [At The Same Time]: Ellie ❤
Most Annoying Female / Male MC: Nate / Shannon
Best Backstory: Grace
Best Cover: Echoes of Scotland Street
And finally…
To whom will you do the sausage swapping with? (lol! I forgot where I’ve read this one): Cole or Logan ^__^
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
About The Author
Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. She’s been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award 2012 for Best Author and Best Romance for her international bestseller ON DUBLIN STREET, Best Romance 2014 for BEFORE JAMAICA LANE, and Best Romance 2015 for HERO. ON DUBLIN STREET is Samantha’s first adult contemporary romance series and has sold in twenty-nine countries.
Visit http://authorsamanthayoung.com for more information.
Posted in Books
Tagged Book Review, Moonlight on Nightingale Way, On Dublin Street Series, Samantha Young
Published January 26th 2016
Format: Novel
Genre & Theme: Romance / Contemporary / Time Travel
Length: 400 pages, ebook
Publisher: Razorbill
Ebook ASIN: B015NTIXS8
Characters: Natalie Cleary, Beau Wilkes, Matthew Kincaid
First, can we all take a minute to admire that uber-gorgeous cover? I mean if I haven’t read the blurb and someone asked me to read this based on the cover, I’ll definitely give it a chance just for that.
As for the story – it’s basically a time travel-themed love story. Natalie Cleary is spending her last summer before heading to college in her small Kentucky hometown. Things have been the usual for her until things around town magically disappear and reappears, changing in appearances and just all sort of things that her mind couldn’t seem to put logic to.
And then her “friend” she used to call “Grandmother” who appeared to her when she was a young girl suddenly reappeared warning her that “she only have three months to save him.” Only, she’s clueless on who to save. Then she meets Beau Wilkes who may or may not have the answer to all of her questions.
I’ve to tell you this bluntly, this is one hell of a confusing story but it’s worth analyzing because it was such an enjoyable read! There are ‘First Nations’ stories here that were heavily featured and are in congruent to the fate of our main character Natalie. I thought that was genius! I loved how the author was able to use these stories to flesh out a unique interconnecting plot points that made the whole thing super exciting!
There’s also a bit of a guessing game I created in my mind while reading this. Who’s Grandmother? I’ve two guesses and halfway through it, I’ve already figured her identity but I was still a bit shaken when I guessed it right. I’m like, dang! I knew it! I knew it! The anticipation on what’s about to happen to Natalie is almost palpable in each succeeding page.
The only reason I’m giving this one star short of a perfect is the too abrupt ending which I didn’t expect at all. It kind of raises several questions about the fate of not only Natalie and Beau but most of the characters. I wanted to know what happen to Megan, Rachel, to Matt, to Natalie’s siblings etc… It’s a minor thing though, or I’m just being too anal about it.
Overall, it was truly an impressive debut from Emily Henry! I’ll be looking forward to more books from her!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
About The Author
Emily Henry is full-time writer, proofreader, and donut connoisseur. She studied creative writing at Hope College and the New York Center for Art & Media Studies, and now spends most of her time in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the part of Kentucky just beneath it. She tweets @EmilyHenryWrite.
Published January 20th 2016
Format: Novel
Genre: Romance / Contemporary / Sports
Length: 171 pages, ebook
Publisher: Foxtales Publications
Ebook ASIN: B01AWVK8QC
Characters: Jason Hawkins, Derek Griffin
Summary: Two college football players who slowly succumb into their growing attraction between them while trying to manage their hectic lives.
I liked this book because it’s very easy to read. Everything’s smooth-sailing about it from the meeting of the two main characters, the development of their feelings up to that sappy happy ending. I would’ve liked a much broader story development though in terms of their backgrounds.
Derek has a great story to tell and it was reduced to a couple of scenes where he just explained everything to Jason – it went far too easy in my opinion. I was looking for more tension and won’t mind a longer explanation or even a confrontational scene involving someone from Derek’s past.
Jason was the god of football in their campus but I find his character a bit on the bland side. He’s just super focused, super nice and just perfect altogether. Even his Dad isn’t that much of an a-hole as it turned out. Really, I’d like to say that aspect is kind of refreshing however it became a bit unrealistic and far too convenient for the story.
It sounds like I’m tearing the book to pieces no? Lol. I don’t mean to sound like that. There is really so much potential in this book for the upcoming installments. I just hope to read stronger conflicts in the future or say, a way for the characters to be more vibrant the next time. Overall, this isn’t half bad for a debut book!
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
About The Author
Alison Hendricks is devoted to creating contemporary M/M romances that are sexy and emotionally satisfying. She loves making her boys work for their Happily Ever After and believes love stories are better with just a little angst thrown in.
Born and raised in Florida, Alison has always had a passion for writing, and romance novels of all kinds are her number one escape when life gets a little too hectic.
She’s currently working on her first series, Eastshore Tigers. Each book in the series is a standalone that throws together two hot college athletes who always “play for the same team,” even if they don’t know it yet.
If you want to be notified of Ali’s newest books, join her mailing list below:
http://eepurl.com/bNr7vX
Or connect with her on Facebook:
http://on.fb.me/1t8RPh3
Posted in Books
Tagged Alison Hendricks, Book Review, Eastshore Tigers Series, Strong Side
RELEASE DATE: Feb 10, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre: Young Adult
Length: 180 pages, ebook
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
Cover Artist: Bree Archer
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-63476-338-7
Characters: Dillon Smith
I thought the book has a pretty diverse plot points that were scattered throughout the story. There’s gangs, interracial relationship, homosexuality, terrorism and wildlife. It centers, though, on sixteen-year-old Dillon Smith who has been getting harassed by a gang trying to recruit him. An implication in the gang robbing a convenient store made his mom decide to send him away to his Uncle Bryan for the summer. On their way to the country, Dillon and Bryan rescued a hawk and took it to a wildlife rehabilitation center. There, Dillon meets Scott, the son of the two gay rehabbers and from then on – Dillon eyes were open to a lot of possibilities which includes falling in love. Little did he know that the gang is not planning to let him go that easy.
In general, I liked this book. It’s very neat and very quick-paced. I liked Dillon’s character. He’s only sixteen so I appreciate that his mindset and his attitude is very apt to his age. I wished that he wasn’t that prim and proper though. Actually, thinking back – I thought the dialogues were a bit too polished – almost unrealistic at times. It didn’t bother me at all. I mean, it worked in the story so that’s a win for the author.
I also loved the romance between the two teenagers. Scott is an equally great character. Perhaps a bit too perfect? Not that I’m complaining tho. Can I also say (I dunno, maybe it’s just me) that there’s this rippling sexual tension between Dillon’s uncle and Scott’s Dads? I mean, if the author wanted to explore that idea – I thought it’d be wonderful or maybe a book for Bryan as well with a different guy?
That solution to Dillon’s predicament was almost too convenient but I’m totally buying it. I loved how everything turned out, although, not as realistic as some people would see it but at the end of the day, it made me feel really good. This is a really good young adult read – not too angsty and not too light – just the right amount of zing.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
About The Author
A.M. Burns lives in the Colorado Rockies with his partner, several dogs, cats, horses, and birds. When he’s not writing, he’s often fixing fences, splitting wood, hiking in the mountains, or flying his hawks. He’s enjoyed writing since he was in high school, but it wasn’t until the past few years that he’s begun truly honing his craft. He is the president of the Colorado Springs Fiction Writers Group: http://www.csfwg.org. Having lived both in Colorado and Texas, rugged frontier types and independent attitudes often show up in his work.
Posted in Books
Tagged A.M. Burns, ARC, Book Review, Finding The Sky, Harmony Ink Press, Netgalley
Published January 5th 2016
Format: Novel
Genre: Young Adult / Coming of Age
Length: 198 pages, ebook
Publisher: Alwick Press
Cover Artist: ebooklaunch.com
Ebook ISBN: 9780983638766
Characters: Nicandro Stellan Colby, Sydney Walker
[please be advised that this review contain spoilers.]
This coming of age story started out really well. We have Nick Colby who’s funny, awkward and on the quirky side of things. He’s on his senior year when he finally found the courage to ask his long time crush Sydney Walker for a date. They hit it off right away and things are going smoothly until Nick started feeling the pressure of everything around him.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book. I loved all of the characters that were introduced, each with varying characterization. Somewhere along 70% it just stopped being awesome.
I honestly didn’t get it when Nick freaked out in front of Carmen. So all along he felt that Sydney’s controlling him? I didn’t think that it’s the case. I think he’s overthinking everything. He’s got all these monsters in his head thinking that he’s not good enough for Sydney. He created those monsters and not the other way around. (and then things were explained)
After his freak out at Carmen’s and seeking advice from Connor, the author suddenly decided to have that conversation between Nick and Sydney where Sydney sort of sound like a wee bit controlling, insensitive and all when prior to his freakout – Sydney’s all patient and understanding. It felt a bit forced IMO. I didn’t like how somehow, it was down to Sydney how he became a “freak-er.” Even his dad was all like, you weren’t like this pre-Sydney. Uhm, it was hella weird. (and then things were explained)
I’m giving this a three star rating because the whole thing felt too convenient for Nick’s character. I’m trying to recall my teen years or even college years when I was clueless about everything. Perhaps, we react differently with different scenarios but it seems to me that Nick does have some sort of anxiety disorder. I’m not a psychiatrist or something but his behavior was a bit unsettling for me. [for me]
One, his condition (?) was never properly addressed. Two, he doesn’t have any problems with his family. For some reason, he feels all alone, chained and just going with the flow. Maybe that’s a phase we go through but based on the story, everything around him was some sort of somebody’s dream life. Why? Oh, Why? Three, given that it was him who’s making a big deal of everything – I don’t understand why he developed such behavior. Was it all the teasing about his name? What is it? I DON’T GET HIM. Then to make it more incredulous, everything went fine and dandy in his life at the end. I mean, I’m all for happy ending, realizing everything, capping things up and becoming a better version of yourself but seriously, it was like a personality switch!
Overall, I thought the author’s writing style was quite awesome and even if the way the story developed halfway didn’t work for me, I think I’ll be willing to read more from him. I reckon, the younger generations will get a kick out of this novel. For $2.99, it’s more than worth it!
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
About The Author
A.J.J. Bourque began writing his first book in 2004 at the age of sixteen, and spent the next eleven years developing and refining the series. He is currently pursuing a B.A. in English from Texas A&M University Commerce. He lives in a small Texas town with his family, five cats, two chickens, and four donkeys.
To learn more about A.J.J. Bourque and his books, visit http://www.facebook.com/ajjbourque
Posted in Books
Tagged A.J.J. Bourque, Book Review, That One Kid Who Freaked Out Or Whatever
Published September 1st 2009
Format: Novel
Genre: Fiction /Family/Contemporary/YA
Length: 250 pages, ebook
Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press
Cover Artist: Antonio Castro H.
Ebook ISBN: 1933693797
Characters: Zach Gonzalez
Eighteen-year-old Zach does not remember why he’s in a rehabilitation center for alcoholics. Still, with therapy and group sessions, he soon finds out that he can deal with his past and work on his recovery.
I decided to pick this up when I found out that the author is working on his multi-awarded novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. I just wanted to get a feel again of how this author lured me the way he did with Ari and Dante’s story, and this one gave me those feelings again! And this came out three years before Ari and Dante]
What an incredible novel! The quality of his writing is impeccable. His characterization is rich, and the realism behind each character masked through his beautiful prose is fucking genius! Seriously, I cannot even begin to tell you how much I laughed with Zach, cried with him, and all those crazy mixed-up emotions that it felt like I was living his life.
I believe this story. I devoured everything in it, although Zach may have excessively used a few expressions–I thought these were part of his personality where he could not fully articulate himself, mainly depending on his private conversations with himself.
While reading it, I was Zach in the story – not that I’m an alcoholic, an addict, or something, but there’s something about his character that resonates with me. The ‘lost me,’ the ‘little boy’ me that may have been looking for some happiness. I dunno, it’s almost depressing to think about those times while I’m writing this review, but yeah, I guess the book is depressing but not in an “I will wallow in this shit and cry myself to sleep” kind of way. I guess what I’m trying to say is that you have a choice to read this book and get all weepy about it or read this, wallow in it but expect that there’s some happy ending waiting for you. I liked that in this book. It’s dark in a way that it shows the reality of people suffering from addiction. There was no sugarcoating the fact that it’s not just about destroying themselves. Still, it’s also about destroying everything around them, but most importantly – something I’ve gathered from experience that it’s a cry for help.
Last Night I Sang to the Monster is evocative prose of a novel that will leave you enthralled with Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s artistry! What a genuinely delightful masterpiece!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Published September 1st 2009 by Cinco Puntos Press
About the Author
Benjamin Alire Sáenz is an author of poetry and prose for adults and teens. He was the first Hispanic winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award and a recipient of the American Book Award for his books for adults. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was a Printz Honor Book, the Stonewall Award winner, the Pura Belpré Award winner, the Lambda Literary Award winner, and a finalist for the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award. His first novel for teens, Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood, was an ALA Top Ten Book for Young Adults and a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His second book for teens, He Forgot to Say Goodbye, won the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award, the Southwest Book Award, and was named a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age. He lives in El Paso, Texas.
PADDYLAST INC. 