Review of - Shimmerspell: A Faerie Tale Girl

Okay, I finally finished reading "Shimmerspell: A Faerie Tale Girl" by Kimberly Spencer. First I'll promote the book then I'll give my review.

"Shimmerspell: A Faerie Tale Girl" by Kimberly Spencer

Here is the book's description:

When sixteen-year-old Jensen Meadows finds herself caught in the middle of an ancient faerie war, she soon learns that faeries aren't made of sparkly goodness. They're vicious. And worse, they're after her. With the help of Liam Casey, she delves into their world to find her missing sister and begins to suspect that her whole life has been nothing more than a faerie tale. But what if the truth is worse?

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My review:

I had a few personal issues holding me back from finishing this book in a timely manner so I apologize.

I honestly have to say that I throughly enjoyed this book. I found the main character very likable and her sense of humor especially cute. The descriptions were well detailed to set the scenes. It was a delightful story line, this book was a pleasant change from your typical fantasy with a very original plot.

On another note, I felt as though a couple of things weren't explained that needed explanation and a few parts were a little confusing. That said I think all in all this was a fantastic book and perfect for young audiences.

I will be reading Ms. Spencer's next book "Limerick: A Faerie Tale Girl" with great expectations. I think she did a wonderful job on her first novel and I am looking forward to reading her second. I feel this author will only impress us further with each book she writes. Keep up the excellent work Ms. Spencer you have a winner on your hands. Thank you for allowing me to read your work.

Pinky

Menage a Blog Finals

Well, we're coming down to the wire now.  We have three wonderful authors that made it to the finals.  Make sure you stop by to show your support for your favorite author!  Here are the three authors that made it to the finals and a little bit about their books.

First up we have:

"Of Witches and Warlocks: The Trouble with Spells" by Lacey Weatherford

Here is the book's description:

Portia Mullins had always lived the life of a normal teenager, up until her sixteenth birthday. She is then informed by her grandma that she is actually a witch who is a descendant of a long line of witches and warlocks. After overcoming her disbelief she finds that being a member of the coven comes with one great perk in the form of the school’s handsome bad boy, Vance Mangum. Vance and Portia have an immediate connection as a budding romance begins, only to be threatened by turbulent skies on the horizon as Vance’s checkered past rears its ugly head to haunt them. Portia is forced to use her untried powers in defense of everything she loves in a desperate attempt to hold on to the one thing that really matters in her life. 

Click here to get to Lacey's page (I hope she win the blog tour). 

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Next up we have:

"Tracking Shadows" by Regan Black

Here is the book's description:

In 2096, the American government has gone above and beyond to 'protect its citizens', even regulating sugar and coffee. Every new legislative measure opens up a black market for an enterprising person willing to seize the opportunity. 

In Chicago, Slick Micky is the king of smuggling. Known to deliver anything, anytime, anywhere, he specializes in caffeine and sugar and works in the anonymity of shadows. But recently an old enemy is tired of waiting for Micky's empire to crumble and has called in the best assassin in the business to take him out. 

Trina Durham is an assassin with a sterling reputation, thanks to her unique ability to induce deadly hallucinations. When Slick Micky killed her best friend, she left Chicago - forever. She's back now, unable to resist the perfect opportunity for vengeance. But no one warned her Slick Micky might as well be a shadow. Or that shedding light on the man and his secrets would put both her heart and reputation at risk. 

Click here to get to Regan's page. 

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And last, but not least we have:

"Much Ado About Marshals" by Jacquie Rogers

Here is the book's description:

Daisy Gardner wants to be a detective, just like her dime novel heroine, Honey Beaulieu. She does not want to be a farm wife, but that’s what her parents want. So what better solution to her dilemma than to marry the new marshal? 

Cole Richards is honest, forthright, and stuck in a situation where he must lie and deceive or he and Bosco might end up as honored guests at a necktie party. That’s why he plays along with being the town marshal. He didn’t count going toe to toe with a lady detective who has marriage on her mind.

Click here to get to Jacquie's page. 

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So stop by these wonderful author's sites and show your support.  Now don't forget, these ladies also are giving away gift baskets, make sure you enter for your chance to win!  Don't forget that by commenting on these pages you will automatically be entered for a chance to win a Kindle!

Here is the list of pages again, clicking on their names will take you directly to their pages with further information:

Lacey Weatherford -- "Of Witches and Warlocks: The Trouble with Spells"

Regan Black -- "Tracking Shadows"

Jacquie Rogers -- "Much Ado About Marshals"

Good luck to all of our authors (personally I hope Lacey wins) and good luck to everyone that enters any or all of these great contests!

On a personal note, I am hoping to win a copy of Lacey's series from The Bookish Snob's blog.  Here is a note to The Bookish Snob: Plz RT I agree w/ @thebookishsnob - Kiss Me, Seduce Me, Bite Me Vance Mangum http://bit.ly/mYZI3L @LMWeatherford Queen of #MenageABlog FLIRT!  I hope I win!!

Pinky

Day 4 of Menage a Blog

Day 4 of Menage a Blog. Are we having fun yet?  Today I'm featuring "Finding Kate Huntley" by Theresa Ragan.  We take a turn from fantasy now to a romance suspense thriller, and this really sounds like a great read.  I don't know about you, but I love a great thriller!  And again, you can get this ebook totally FREE just for leaving a commet on her page (here).

"Finding Kate Huntley" by Theresa Ragan

Here is the book's description:

During a vacation in the Caribbean, fifteen-year old Kate Huntley’s father, a prominent U.S. scientist, is murdered before her eyes. Kate’s attempt to save her father’s life proves futile. She is not brave and strong like her father said…she is a weakling. For the next ten years Kate grows up alone in Haiti, one of the most dangerous and poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. Not a day goes by that she doesn’t think of her father. Kate pushes herself to become stronger, mentally and physically. Every day is a struggle for survival. And yet she lives for only one reason…revenge. 

While looking for a drug lord via satellite in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, Jack Coffey, rookie FBI agent, spots Kate Huntley. Jack is sent by the agency to find Ms. Huntley and bring her back to the States. They have many unanswered questions about her father’s death. A professional and responsible man, Jack is confused by Kate’s lack of cooperation. He wants to help her return to the States where he believes she’ll be safe, but she treats him like the enemy and refused to go. Everything about her is a contradiction. She looks fragile and innocent, but every time he turns around she’s putting another thug in his place. In the beginning Jack wonders if Kate’s distrust of his superiors is warranted or just simple paranoia. In the end, Jack realizes nothing is as it seems.

Now doesn't that sound like a great thrill ride?  And of course the fun doesn't end there, Ms. Ragan is also giving away a "survival kit".  Her survival kit includes:

A PRINT copy of "Return of the Rose"

(it’s a PROOF copy--the only book I have available in print!)

Assortment of Chocolates

A pink water bottle

Tiny lantern so you can read at night

Gift card for Starbucks

(every jungle has a Starbucks, I swear!)

Camouflage Bandaids

And a surprise gift, too!

If you leave a comment with the phrase "I found Kate Huntley" on her reviewer sites you get extra entries.  Not only that, but if you comment with the phrase on all 7 of her reviewer site you will get 7 extra entries for her "survival kit" & a chance to win a $20 Starbucks gift card!  How's that for fantastic!  So get moving and head on over to her site (here) to get started.

Enjoy and Happy Reading,

Pinky

Day 3 of Menage a Blog

Today is day 3 of Menage a Blog.  Today I'm featuring author Regan Black and her book "Tracking Shadows".  This sounds like a great read!  To get your FREE copy just head over to Regan's site and leave a comment, yup it's that easy! Let's tell you a little bit about her book.

"Tracking Shadows" by Regan Black

Here is the book's description:

In 2096, the American government has gone above and beyond to 'protect its citizens', even regulating sugar and coffee. Every new legislative measure opens up a black market for an enterprising person willing to seize the opportunity. 

In Chicago, Slick Micky is the king of smuggling. Known to deliver anything, anytime, anywhere, he specializes in caffeine and sugar and works in the anonymity of shadows. But recently an old enemy is tired of waiting for Micky's empire to crumble and has called in the best assassin in the business to take him out. 

Trina Durham is an assassin with a sterling reputation, thanks to her unique ability to induce deadly hallucinations. When Slick Micky killed her best friend, she left Chicago - forever. She's back now, unable to resist the perfect opportunity for vengeance. But no one warned her Slick Micky might as well be a shadow. Or that shedding light on the man and his secrets would put both her heart and reputation at risk.

Doesn't that sound like a thrill ride?  I can't wait to read it.  When you leave a comment on Regan's page you will automatically get a FREE copy of her book, but the goodies don't end there.  You can also enter to win her "Smuggler's Stash" prize package (click here for more information). That includes:  "all the ‘contraband’ you need for a good reading escape: a Tracking Shadows tote bag stuffed with a t-shirt, coffee mug, gourmet coffee, chocolate covered espresso beans, bubble gum cigars and a surprise or two."  Doesn't that sound terrific!  Just what you need to curl up with a good read.  Go check her out and enjoy your FREE book!

Pinky

Menage a Blog

Menage a Blog is kicking off to a great start, today is day 2 of the tour.  Starting the tour today we have Lacey Weatherford with her book "The Trouble with Spells" from her "Of Witches and Warlocks" series.  To get this great book all you have to do is comment on her page (here).  But the goodies don't stop there, by leaving a comment you will be automatically entered for a chance to win a Kindle!

"Of Witches and Warlocks - The Trouble with Spells" by Lacey Weatherford

Here is the book's description:

Portia Mullins had always lived the life of a normal teenager, up until her sixteenth birthday. She is then informed by her grandma that she is actually a witch who is a descendant of a long line of witches and warlocks. After overcoming her disbelief she finds that being a member of the coven comes with one great perk in the form of the school’s handsome bad boy, Vance Mangum. Vance and Portia have an immediate connection as a budding romance begins, only to be threatened by turbulent skies on the horizon as Vance’s checkered past rears its ugly head to haunt them. Portia is forced to use her untried powers in defense of everything she loves in a desperate attempt to hold on to the one thing that really matters in her life.

The goodies just keep on coming, if you Blog, post on Facebook or Tweet this phrase "NOW! FREE EBOOK #TheTroublewithSpells + a chance 4 a personalized pic from @MattLanter #MattLanterMuse #MenageABlog http://bit.ly/pxd08f" you will earn additional entries to win her grand prize, a wonderful gift basket.

Here is the description for her gift basket:

Theme: “A Night IN with Vance Mangum!” Pamper yourself with bath/spa products, candlelight, and relaxing music!  Then slip into your comfy "Vance Kiss" t-shirt and cuddle up with ebooks 1-4 in the Of Witches and Warlocks series while devouring decadent hand dipped chocolates. Oh ... and did I mention that comes with a personalized, signed picture from the ever-so-hot actor, Matt Lanter, who is the muse for Vance Mangum? Yep, it's true! The photo will be delivered straight from Matt to you!

Doesn't that sound fabulous!  So get off your butt and hop on over to her site and join in on the fun!  Once you get to Lacey's page it will have directions on how to get through the tour and the other two stops for today.

Enjoy and Happy Reading,

Pinky

Dragonbards Trilogy by Shirley Rousseau Murphy

Okay, back on the fantasy trail we have the "Dragonbards Trilogy" by Shirley Rousseau Murphy.  I couldn't wait to promote this one, it is another Y&A fantasy title about singing dragons, dark raiders, magic and more.  This series seems to have a totally different spin on your typical fantasy.  The first in the series is called "Nightpool", It really looks like a good read whether or not you are young or young at heart.  As I said before, I'm a sucker for a fantasy book.

Here are the 3 books in this series:

Nightpool

Here is the book's description:

Dragonbards Trilogy, Book 1. As dark raiders invade the world of Tirror, a singing dragon awakens from her long slumber, searching for the human who can vanquish the forces of evil—Tebriel, son of the murdered king. Teb has found refuge in Nightpool, a colony of talking otters. But a creature of the Dark is also seeking him, and the battle to which he is drawn will decide Tirror’s future.

The Ivory Lyre

Here is the book's description:

Dragonbards Trilogy, Book 2. The bard Tebriel and his singing dragon Seastrider together can weave powerful spells. With other dragons searching for their own bards, they have been inciting revolts throughout the enslaved land of Tirror. Only if they can contact underground resistance fighters and find the talisman hidden in Dacia will they have a chance to break the Dark’s hold on the world.

The Dragonbards

Here is the book's description:

Dragonbards Trilogy, Book 3. Only the dragonbards and their singing dragons have the power to unite the people and animals of Tirror into an army that can break the Dark’s hypnotic hold over the world. Before their leader Tebriel can challenge the hordes gathering for the final battle, he must confront the dark lord Quazelzeg face to face in the Castle of Doors, a warp of time and space.

Right now you can get these at Smashwords for 50% off until the end of July, just click on one of the books above and that will take you to that title's page.  I'm going to have to squeeze this one in the list somewhere.  Enjoy and happy reading!

Pinky

Monster in the Mirror - With Bonus Short Stories by MJA Ware

Today we are going to feature "Monster in the Mirror" by MJA Ware.  Right now you can get it FREE at Smashwords.  Not only do you get the title "Monster in the Mirror" by this fabulous writer, but you also get two of his short stories.

"Monster in the Mirror - With Bonus Short Stories" By MJA Ware

Here is the book's description:

For a limited time, includes two free additional short stories.  That's three great short stories for the price of one (which right now is FREE). 

Monster in the Mirror:  Could there be a hidden room somewhere in your house? And just what would you find lurking there?  Nate, his little sister, and best buddy Dan, stumble upon a hidden room during a sleep-over. What they find inside is anything but friendly.

Includes the bonus short story:   Steven, Space Stowaway (originally published in the June issue of Spaceports & Spidersilk) -- When Steven's Mom leaves for a mission to Mars, he's determined to come along. Even if he has to sneak onboard.  Just one problem: he gets caught. And the Captain has a particularly unpleasant way of dealing with stowaways. 

Includes the bonus short story: Bloody Marcy -- When a game of Bloody Mary goes terribly wrong, someone might just die.

Don't forget Smashwords sale is still going on, there are a lot of great titles for FREE or discounted!

Pinky

One Hundred Eighty Two Days In Afghanistan by Ryan John Manganiello

On a more serious note we have a book about a gentleman from the U.S. Marine Corps who has written a book about his experiences in Afghanistan. This book will give you insight to the physical and mental challenges our men and women in service face.

One Hundred Eighty Two Days In Afghanistan
By Ryan John Manganiello

Here is the book's description:

A personal journal written by a United States Marine, which was updated during all one hundred and eighty two days of his deployment to Afghanistan. This is the first time in history a book has been written that covers an entire combat deployment, from the day he landed unto the day he left.

On sale now at Smashwords at 50% off!  Download it today (click here for the direct link) and have a better understanding of the difficult task people in the military undergo.

Warning: This book contains combat related deaths, and some explicit language.

Pinky

The Last Elf of Lanis by K. J. Hargan

I know, usually I try to only list FREE books on here, but I thought this ebook was worth mentioning.  Staying with the Fantasy theme, we have a new book by K. J. Hargan called "The Last Elf of Lanis".  If you are into Fantasy books, this one should be right up your alley, it has everything from Magic to Elves to Battles for Power.  If you look at the cover closely you can see a lot of the story line.  It's a very busy cover, but it works!  You can find his book at Smashwords (click here) for only $0.99.

The Last Elf of Lanis by K. J. Hargan

Here is the book's description:

Wealdland is being overrun by troops of vicious garonds, led by the 900 year old, evil lord of magic, Deifol Hroth. Iounelle, last of the elves, embarks on a dark journey of revenge for the extinction of her race by the garond army. But, one of the humans she rescues, with the help of the mysterious Archer, knows how to find the sword of power, the Mattear Gram, the edge in the coming battle.

There are several books in this series, the ones that are unpublished you can only get from his blog.  Find out more by visiting his blog at "K. J. Hargan's Blog".

Pinky

Shimmerspell: A Faerie Tale Girl Novella

Alright, today we have a book that is right up my alley.  I have to say, I'm a sucker for Fairy Tales.  I had my eye on this one and low and behold it went FREE for the Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale.  I have to admit, I couldn't hit that download button fast enough.  Click here to get your copy.

Shimmerspell - A Faerie Tale Girl Novella

by Kimberly Spencer

Here is the book's description:

When sixteen-year-old Jensen Meadows finds herself caught in the middle of an ancient faerie war, she soon learns that faeries aren't made of sparkly goodness. They're vicious. And worse, they're after her.

With the help of Liam Casey, she delves into their world to find her missing sister and begins to suspect that her whole life has been nothing more than a faerie tale. But what if the truth is worse?

I can't wait to read this one, I have a sneaky suspicion that it's going to get "bumped" to the top of the "Next To Be Read" list.  Right now you can get it FREE until the end of July.  Kimberly Spencer also just released the second book in her series called "Limerick", you can grab this one for only $0.99.  So you can get both books for a total of $0.99, sounds like a great deal to me.  Aren't her book covers beautiful?

"Limerick: A Faerie Tale Girl Novella"

by Kimberly Spencer

Here is the book's description:

Jensen hoped she’d never need Shimmerspell again. But now someone is stalking her, someone who claims to be the Lady of the Lake. And to make matters worse, witches and dragons have come out to play. And Jensen must figure out how to harness her power and accept her destiny before she ends up losing everyone she loves.

Flitter on over to Smashwords and lose yourself in her Fairytale

Pinky

Dawning of Power Giveaway

Hello gang,

If you are here to sign up to get your free copy of "The Dawning of Power" by Brian Rathbone, please make sure you follow the directions posted.

Thanks!

Pinky

The Eyes that See - A Prelude to the Balancer Chronicles by Chris Adonn

Okay, I have to say I am not a writer, my writing skills and grammar are atrocious! If I can find errors in your writing then it has to be bad.

I am a real stickler for typos, there is no excuse for a book to be FULL of stupid mistakes. I can understand that a few errors might slip through the cracks, but when a book is full of them it really takes away from the story for me. I mean come on, how hard is it to hit F7? Or to just proof-read for that matter. 

Even if you are self publishing, have a friend or someone look it over before you actually publish it. To me there is nothing more frustrating than to try to read a book that is full of typos, formatting issues and bad grammar. To me it shows that the author probably, for one, rushed to get their book published and/or two, didn't care enough to double check their work. Show pride in your work, check, check and check it again. 

I was given "Legacy - The Balancer Chronicles" by Chris Adonn to read and review, but I decided to read his prelude "The Eyes that See - Prelude to the Balancer Chronicles" first. Due to the amount of errors and poor writing skills I will NOT be waisting my time on the "Balancer Chronicles". 

And to Mr. Adonn, the word "ORGANIZATION" is spelled with a Z, not an S! You misspelled this word 9 times in the first two chapters! What's up with that? You did finally start spelling it correctly late in chapter 2, but made no effort to correct the first 9 errors, why? I really feel that there is no excuse for this. Your book was so full of typos and errors that it really made the writing seem childish. You had a good story in mind, but the writing made it fall apart!

Your reference to certain points didn't match up with the original statement, words were missing where words should have been, words were in places that they shouldn't have been, typos were endless... I could go on and on, but I won't. Until this book has been properly "re-worked" it will go on the "Did Not Like Pile".

Josie's Torn by Lisa Vandiver was the same way. I just don't understand how an author can work so hard to put a story together and then have it fall apart because of spelling, formatting, grammar errors and just stupid mistakes.

So please, again, if you have a story you want me to read -- PROOF-READ IT -- or I won't be reading it. There is a lot of good work out there waiting for recognition and I feel they deserve the spot-light, not writings like this.

Pinky

The Dawning of Power Giveaway!

I am having my 1st Giveaway!

Anyone who joins my blog within the next two weeks will get a FREE copy of 

Brian Rathbone's "The Dawning of Power"

Brian Rathbone has been kind enough to allow me to give away copies of his book to lucky persons of my choosing. So join my blog by clicking "Follow with Google Friends Connect" over to the right and enter your email address at the bottom of this page to follow. After you have done that come back here and leave a comment (click  "here" to get to the comment window) with the email address you would like for me to send the special "coupon code". Then hop on over to Smashwords to get your FREE copy of this fabulous book! 

The Dawning of Power is a trilogy, which includes Call of the Herald, Inherited Danger, and Dragon Ore.

The Dawning of Power

(I found this review on Amazon and thought it was a great description)

Follow Catrin on her journey to becoming the powerful "Herald of Istra". 

Legend says that a Herald will be born who will save the land of Godfist from invaders. This Herald will fight for their freedom. To some it is only a legend but to others it is a prophecy, waiting to be fulfilled. The Zjhon are ancient enemies and are planning an attack but no one takes heed of these warnings until it is too late. Now it is up to the Herald to save them. The question is... will the Herald realize her destiny in time to save Godfist? 

But that's not all...the Zjhon believe in the prophecy and have given the order to search for the Herald and do away with her.

I can't say enough good things about this book, I didn't want the story to end!  I thought the author's descriptive writing was perfect to give you the feeling of the story and the surroundings along and throughout their journey. You will fall in love with the characters and root for them as they do battle in more ways than one.

So sign up now to get your FREE copy!

Pinky

The Trouble With Green by Liv James

Okay, the next book on the list is "The Trouble with Green" by Liv James.  This young lady gave me this book quite some time ago for review and has been very patiently waiting her turn.  

The Trouble with Green by Liv James

Here is the book's description:

When Josie’s earth-friendly inns get national press the good news doesn't last long. Her husband gets a new gig … on the other side of the country. The owners of her best inn disappear. And an old acquaintance at her door can only mean danger. Josie is about to discover why going green can be deadly. 

I really do like mystery/detective stories. I have to say, I really did enjoy this book. I thought the main character was delightful and very likable. The plot was great and it flowed nicely throughout the book, I was intrigued until the end. The story was original and nicely thought out. I do have to say though, I really liked the original cover better than this one. Ms. James, you did a wonderful job, keep up the great work and I look forward to reading more of your writings.

You can pick up her book for FREE right now during Smashwords Summer/Winter sale, click here to grab your copy!

Pinky 

The Fourth Dimension by Kevin Domenic

 Today I would like to tell you about a series called "The Fourth Dimension" by Kevin Domenic. This is a fantasy series targeted towards Young Adults & Teens, but hey, don't we all have a little bit of kid in us.

Description:

A noble man is a dead man.

That was the philosophy of Kindel Thorus. It was an ideology ingrained into every fiber of his being. Men who followed the antiquated notions of chivalry and honor were relics of history, legends long since faded from a universe that no longer respected nor needed them. The rules had changed. Society had changed. Men had changed.

Life had changed.  

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The Fourth Dimension is a sci-fi/fantasy book series that follows the journeys of a young man named Arus whose tragic disfigurement leads him to discover that even the harshest storms can be weathered by courage of the heart.

You can pick up the first in the series "Keys to the Stars" for FREE at Smashwords.  And he is running a special for 4th of July, you can get the second in his series "Alliance of Serpents" for FREE too!  Visit his blog to learn how!  Click here to find out more and to find out how to also get his third book in the series "Eye of the Tornado" for FREE!

So yes, you can get this fantastic collection totally FREE!

  

    Key to the Stars    Alliance of Serpents   Eye of the Tornado

Happy Reading!

Pinky