Landry in Like – Spotlight & Review

Things seem to be going well in Landry Albright’s world—she’s getting invited to be on local talk shows to talk about her modeling career, her best friends have her back, and her boyfriend Vladi has becoming someone she can truly count on…and then everything changes.

Suddenly it seems like most of the girls in school are into hanging out at a new teen dance club, while Landry just wants to spend her weekends playing video games and baking cup-cakes at sleepovers. Then, Yasmin McCarty, the most popular girl in school, starts to come between Landry’s friendship with her best friend Ashanti. Things take a turn when Yasmin tells Vladi that Landry is interested in another boy. Can Landry get her relationships with Ashanti and Vladi back or will she be left behind?

From the moment I saw the cover of the book, the title “Landry in Like” stuck with me. It’s a straightforward title that has a flair about it that you remember long after reading it.

As I started reading, the same applied to the narrative and the story itself. Vivid characters, strong storytelling and an interesting premise. All factors that took me deeper and deeper into the book up to the very end.

“Landry in Like” is book 3 of Landry’s True Colors Series and in it we follow Landry Albright as she is settling into her modeling career. All is going well for her with her friends and relationship until the ties with her best friend are put to test as Yasmin McCarty, the most popular girl in school, comes between them. To make matters worse, she also feeds Landry’s boyfriend, Vladi, information that will put that relationship to the test as well.

From then on, Landry has to struggle with many of the issues that teens face, not only now but also in the past, where simple rumors, jealousy and power struggles can make anyone’s life miserable. Ultimately, it is a great insight into fighting for what you believe in.

Krysten Lindsay Hager is a book addict who has worked as a journalist and humor essayist. She is the author of the LANDRY’s TRUE COLORS SERIES and the STAR SERIES.

TRUE COLORS was her debut novel and the first book in the LANDRY’S TRUE COLORS series. BEST FRIENDS…FOREVER? (Book 2) was #1 in Amazon’s hot new releases in teen & young adult values and virtues fiction and #1 in Amazon’s hot new release in children’s books on values.

Landry in Like (Book 3) was #3 in Amazon’s Hot New Releases for Girls & Women. Her work has been featured in USA Today, The Flint Journal, the Grand Haven Tribune, the Bellbrook Times, and on the talk show Living Dayton.

Check out her YA novel, NEXT DOOR TO A STAR (book 1 in the STAR SERIES) and COMPETING WITH THE STAR: Book 2 in the STAR SERIES.

FOR3VER by M. Dauphin & H.Q.Frost – Relaunch Tour

Synopsis:

When it came to her lifelong friendship to the Porter boys, Ryley Reynolds knew one thing to be true: The 3 of them would be friends forever. Friends ’till the end.

When life got in the way of their plans, one decision changed the course of all of their lives.
Five years later, friends are brought back together, secrets are unveiled, and love is found again.

Has too much damage been done to erase the past?

**18+ due to language and explicit material**

Snippet:

Riley

“Hey, Gage, why don’t you go grab us a few beers from the house,” he said, his eyes not leaving mine.

“Good idea, I thought something was missing,” Gage mumbled as he left Liam and I in the garage. Alone.

“What’s wrong, Ryley?” Liam’s voice was so low, he knew.

“I’m… sorry. I’m so sorry, Liam,” I said, willing myself not to cry.

Liam rushed over to me and held me, staring into my eyes with so much love I almost said ‘screw it’. All I really wanted was to spend the rest of my life with him, raise a family together, grow old together. He made it perfectly clear, though, that he wouldn’t do that to Gage. So there we were.

“What’s going on, Ry?” His voice was worried, frantic almost.

“I’m pregnant, Liam,” I whispered, and then broke down in his arms. His arms came around me tight and he hugged me tighter than ever. Holding me there, letting me cry.

“Shh. It’ll be okay. We will figure this out, Ry. I love you, we can do this. I can get a job, we can work this out.” He kept talking about a future together, but I knew that wasn’t what he wanted. He and Gage finally had a good relationship again, that would ruin Gage.

“No, Liam. Stop. I… I’m not keeping it.”

His body tensed.

“What do you mean, Ryley?”

“I mean… we both have college to attend. I’m in no shape to raise a baby, and Gage would flip. Things are just starting to be okay between us again. I can’t… we can’t. Just, no.” It was the right decision, right? I was eighteen, practically a kid myself still. I couldn’t raise a baby!

Liam pulled away from me and started pacing the floor, running his hands through his hair in pure frustration. Almost like he truly meant it, like he truly wouldn’t mind starting a family at eighteen years old.

“No, Ry. Not happening. You can’t fucking do that to me!” he yelled. It scared me, Liam never yelled at me. The last time he yelled at me was when we were sixteen, and I didn’t want to relive that again.

“Stop, please listen. I can’t have a baby right now. This has to happen, you know it.”

“No, please, Ryley. We can work it out, please promise me. At least think about it. You have time, there’s time, right? There’s still time to think about it? Please, Ryley! That’s just as much mine as it is yours. Please! Don’t do this.” He was pleading now, on his knees in front of me, hugging my stomach. Hugging our baby.

“What’s going on you two?” Gage stood in the doorway, frozen in place. We didn’t answer. Liam was breaking down in front of me and I couldn’t stop crying hard enough to get a full sentence out.

“Oh, Gage,” I whispered. “Oh GOD, Gage, I’m so sorry.”

“Say it,” he ground out.

Check out the Book Trailer for FOR3VER

Add to your TBR on Goodreads

 

This was a heartbreaking story, from the beginning I couldn’t think of a way for Ryley and Liam to work it out, they were made for each other, but a lot of stuff happened between them, mostly involving other people, and their lives took different paths.

This kind of love stories are the saddest, when you know they love each other most than anything but their environment destroy them and separate them.

This is the first book I read from M.Dauphin and H.Q.Frost, but it surely won’t be the last, they are writing soul mates and together created this beautiful, sad but also hopeful story. I can’t wait to put my hands on more books by them.

Buy Links:

Amazon US / Amazon UK

Free on Kindle Unlimited

Meet the Authors:

M. Dauphin

An avid, self-proclaimed closet book nerd by the age of nine, Dauphin didn’t take her love of fictional worlds public until she self-published her first book almost 20 years later. Since putting to paper the voices in her head, she’s fallen in love with a career of building, ruining, and rebuilding fictional character’s lives. Currently, she has self-published two series, two full length novels, and two full length co-authored books she’s written with her other half HQ Frost, as well as been involved with two anthology sets. Her love will always reside with the romance genre, but she does enjoy going off the grid every now and then with non-fiction.

From Southern Illinois, born and raised, she now resides with her husband, two small boys, and two very busy dogs.

Facebook / Twitter / Amazon / Goodreads / Instagra

H.Q. Frost

H.Q. Frost is a fiction dictator of contemporary romance, but not limited to. After writing for nineteen years, Destructive Gods is her first published release.

“The improbable is very probable in my worlds.” -H.Q.-

Facebook / Twitter / Amazon / Goodreads / Website

 

Breeder: Arrow’s Flight Book #1 – Spotlight & Review

Nestled within the folds of a war-torn and ruined world, there lies a village. It has no name; it is full of secrets.

Its women survive because they seem to have found a remedy for war; its men survive because the women let them. They all survive because Fate allows it.

Kate never thought much about Fate until she decided not to believe in it anymore. Destined to become a breeder, she wakes up on her sixteenth birthday determined to defy this duty at all cost. It is a heavy price. For her open rebellion, Mona, the Village counsel leader, drags her to the Pit and forces her to confront her mate for the first time.

He is not what Kate expected.

Despite Mona’s fierce punishments for Kate’s disobedience, the tug of her heart grows stronger; it beckons her away from this life and lures her toward the truth about herself, about her village, and about the boy assigned to be her mate.

The questions bring her hope… but the answers?

They terrify her.

This is a very different post-apocalyptic story. My best friend recommend it to me and I had it sitting in my Kindle for months not knowing what to expect. I started reading blindly, I had no clue what it was about, but soon after I started I couldn’t stop reading (and crying).

The story takes place in a village ruled by women, 100 years after The Fall, which is how they call the great war that destroyed most of the world and left only a few people alive. Those that survived created a small community that, in hopes to avoid all kind of war and disasters, decided that men wouldn’t be a part of it, since they are the source of the brutal actions that led the word to its end.

To keep things under control and assure the surveillance of the species, they keep women and men separated from the age of 5, women live in the village and men are taken to the Pit at the age of 16. The villagers rely on Fate, which, through the council and the leader, dictates everyone’s destiny. Women are separated according to their duties, some are gardeners, jailers, hunters, and some are breeders…

I really don’t know how to express all the emotions that this book made me feel. Being a woman and a mother, I can’t conceive the way things were done at the village, how almost no one before Kate thought it was wrong, that they were more than what they were told, that they deserved more, how they could blindly follow someone´s rules and accept her decisions. It made me mad and sad at the same time.

This was a great read, despite the tears; it opened the way to what I expect to be an even greater book, The Archer, which I can’t wait to start. It was beautifully written and very well thought. With detailed descriptions, a high amount of emotion and action, and a very deep message, this is a book to read, re-read, treasure and recommend.

Casey Hays is a long time resident of Clovis, New Mexico, The Land of Enchantment, where she continues to reside with her husband of 23 years and her two children. A former high school English teacher, she took up writing in 2008, due to her love of the young adult genre.

Her debut novel,The Cadence, a YA supernatural romance, made its appearance in November 2012. Breeder, her first Dystopian Science Fiction novel with underlying Christian elements, and the first in the Arrow’s Flight Series, released January 15, 2014, and features her 15 year-old son as the cover artist. The sequel in the Arrow’s Flight Series, The Archer published in November 2014, is now available. She is currently working on Book 3.

Her favorite authors include Sarah Dessen, Suzanne Collins, Lauren Oliver, historical fiction author Anya Seton and Christian author Francine Rivers.

Jaylen and The Green Book Reloaded

One summer is life changing for eleven-year-old Jaylen. During a vacation to visit family, he finds a mysterious book in his grandmother’s closet. This book opens Jaylen’s eyes to a part of African-American history that he was not aware of. In his quest to gain answers, Jaylen’s actions cause a firestorm of events that will change his life forever.

Jaylen and The Green Book Reloaded: The Comic Book Edition, tackles the issues of racism and prejudice, while also addressing cyber-bullying. Even though the subject matter is serious, the comic book edition beautifully illustrates the theme of this story with a cartoon-like flair.

Thought provoking discussion questions at the end of the book also provide a guide for parents and educators to begin important discussions with children.

“Jaylen and The Green Book Reloaded” is a beautiful story about how Jaylen, an 11 year-old boy finds out about the Green Book, when he finds an old copy in his grandmother basement.

He learns that this book was a safe travel guide that African Americans used a long time ago to find friendly restaurants and hotels while they traveled. His family explained that, despite the changes and recent laws, there are racist people now that would want to harm or bully them.

Jaylen then comes with the idea of creating an updated version of the Green Book and has to experience the racism and bullying himself when he does that.

This book is another great tool written by Deidra A Sorrel, to teach children of all ages and races about the history of black people and their struggles against racism and bullying.

A definitely must-read for children, parents and teachers.

Dr. Deidra A. Sorrell is the founder and lead therapist at Synergy Wellness Therapeutic Services. Dr. Sorrell has over fifteen years of experience providing psychological assessments and therapeutic/counseling services to children with learning difficulties. Dr. Sorrell also has experience providing adult and family therapy. Based on her research interest in school bullying, Dr. Sorrell has published articles on the experiences of abused teachers and bullying in schools. As an author, Dr. Sorrell has written about racism and cyberbullying in her children’s books titled “The Germ: How to Talk to Kids about Racism and Diversity” and “Jaylen and the Green Book Reloaded”.

My Hair is Art: Her-story and Diaspora Told through Hair – Spotlight & Review

My Hair is Art: Her-story and Diaspora told through Hair is a fictitious tale of ancestry told through the magnificent hairstyles of black women. The lineage of young women in this book documents their travels from the ancient land of Judah, to West Africa, and ultimately to the Americas. This book will help instill pride of the diverse and artistic capabilities of black hair while providing a unique and refreshing perspective of black history that does not begin on a slave ship.

“My hair is art” by Deidra A Sorrel shows the development of hair styles through time, told from the point of view of girls from different cultures and places. Every page shows a new girl with the year when they lived and explains a little of how they used to wear their hair and how their community worked.

It’s a gorgeous book to show girls of all races that curly hair is beautiful and that every girl should be able to wear it naturally with pride.

It also teaches young generations about the lineage and ancestors of African American before slavery, which isn’t often taught in schools.

It has beautiful illustrations and some thought provoking questions at the end to help children embrace what they’ve learned. I want to personally recommend this book to parents and teachers, it’s a great learning tool for both, children and adults.

Dr. Deidra A. Sorrell is the founder and lead therapist at Synergy Wellness Therapeutic Services. Dr. Sorrell has over fifteen years of experience providing psychological assessments and therapeutic/counseling services to children with learning difficulties. Dr. Sorrell also has experience providing adult and family therapy. Based on her research interest in school bullying, Dr. Sorrell has published articles on the experiences of abused teachers and bullying in schools. As an author, Dr. Sorrell has written about racism and cyberbullying in her children’s books titled “The Germ: How to Talk to Kids about Racism and Diversity” and “Jaylen and the Green Book Reloaded”.

Stephen Curry: The Incredible Story of One of Basketball’s Sharpest Shooters

Learn the Incredible Story of the Golden State Warriors’ Basketball Superstar Stephen Curry!

Read on your PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or Kindle device!

An Amazon Best Seller, Stephen Curry: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball’s Sharpest Shooters, outlines the inspirational story of one of basketball’s premier point guards, Stephen Curry. Stephen Curry has had an electrifying basketball career playing in the National Basketball Association. In this short Stephen Curry biography, we will learn about how Steph became the star point guard that he is today. Starting first with his childhood and early life, we’ll learn about Steph Curry prior to entering the NBA, his time in the NBA, along with his impact on the communities of Davidson College and Golden State. Steph Curry’s success is not an accident.

It is hard to believe that a player who once was overlooked at every point in his career has made himself such an impactful and influential player to the game of basketball today.

Steph Curry has transformed the Golden State Warriors franchise from a lottery-bound team to a perennial contender, spearheading the Warriors to a 2015 NBA Championship over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Following an MVP season with extraordinary numbers early into the 2015-2016 NBA season, the future is bright for young Curry as he works to lead the Warriors to a back-to-back championship this year alongside his supporting cast of Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Andrew Bogut.

An excerpt from the book

We were all taught that children inherit the genes of their parents. Their physical appearance and sometimes even their disease history becomes part of who we are. Most of the time, we also copy their attitudes and mannerisms. In the case of Wardell “Steph” Curry, one couldn’t help but wonder if he also inherited his NBA father Dell Curry’s shooting touch. An NBA pundit said that great shooters are not made, they are born.

Fans of the league have been very privileged to watch some of the greatest shooters that ever played the game. From the likes of Pete Maravich, Larry Bird, former three-point record holder Reggie Miller, and the one who unseated him, Ray Allen, we have witnessed the greatest shooting displays on the planet. However, some scribes rate Steph Curry, even in the early stages of his career, as the greatest shooter in history. Although this is still debatable, some of Curry’s performances have backed up this somewhat outrageous statement, especially to loyal Miller or Allen fans. On February 27, 2013, Curry lit up Madison Square Garden, scoring a career-best 54 points, including 11 of 13 from deep. He also owns the league record for three-pointers made in a single season with 272, set during the 2012-13 season, breaking Allen’s record.

Golden State Warriors player Stephen Curry is considered by many to be the greatest shooter in NBA history. And this is not just opinion, as he holds the NBA regular season record for made three-pointers (304), NBA record for most consecutive games with a made three-pointer (133), and ties the NBA record with Kobe Bryant and Donyell Marshall for most three-pointers made in a game (12).

In his Amazon Best Seller “Stephen Curry: The Incredible Story of One of Basketball’s Sharpest Shooters”, Clayton Geoffreys delves deep into Curry’s inspiring personal and professional life. From when he was playing College Basketball up to his record-breaking feats, there are many moments that are truly an example of success obtained through hard work and overcoming obstacles. His will to overcome even the hardest challenges, like a season plagued with injuries, has inspired many, both in and out of the court.

As with Geoffreys’ other biographical sports books, this one will not let you down if you are a fan both of the sport and of Curry.

Clayton Geoffreys was born and raised in Norwalk, Connecticut. Growing up, Clayton could often be found spending many nights watching basketball, soccer, and football matches with his father in the family living room. Clayton love sports and everything that sports can embody. He believes that sports are one of most genuine forms of competition, heart, and determination. Clayton writes his works to learn more about influential athletes in the hopes that from his writing, you the reader can walk away inspired to put in an equal if not greater amount of hard work and perseverance to pursue your goals. If you enjoyed Stephen Curry: The Incredible Story of One of Basketball’s Sharpest Shooters, please leave a review! Also, you can read more of Clayton Geoffrey’s works including Steve Nash: The Inspiring Story of One of Basketball’s Greatest Point Guards in the Kindle Store.

The Island by Clarissa Johal – Book Tour, Review & Giveaway

Book Details: 

Title: THE ISLAND
Genre: Paranormal Horror
Author: Clarissa Johal
Editor: Marisa Chenery
Booktrope, Forsaken Imprint (2015)
ISBN-13: 978-1-5137-0161-5
ASIN: B010TE7W1G
Number of Pages: 210

About THE ISLAND:

Exploring a remote island can sometimes get you into trouble.
Especially when you stumble upon a cave and awaken two demons.

Rumors and superstition.

That’s what Emma thinks about local gossip concerning her grandmother’s “cursed” private island. Emma journeys to the island to ready it for sale. While out exploring, she unearths a hidden cave–a cave which holds answers to the island’s dark past.
There may be more to the rumors than she thought.

Excerpt from THE ISLAND:

She was jarred awake by a cry. The vestiges of her nightmare dissipated as she orientated herself. Nightmare. Emma let out a sigh of relief. The cry sounded again. A distant sound, high and wailing. A baby’s cry. Her heart quickened. Good god, surely that can’t be a baby?

The fire in the stove had burned down, its embers lending a glow to the living room. Emma looked out the front window. The yard was still. She unlocked the door and opened it a crack. The cry drifted in with the breeze, faint but unmistakable. She ran through her mind what possible bird or animal could make the sound and came up with nothing. Characteristically, the island was blanketed with silence, almost like a vacuum. She stood, uncertain. After several minutes, the sound started again—the unmistakable high wail of a baby. She slipped on her boots and parka.

Fog trailed like cobwebs in her wake. The mournful cry threaded through the trees and came from the direction of the house ruins. In spite of a growing anxiety at what she’d find, she quickened her pace. If that is a baby, it’s still alive, and I need to get to it. If it’s not a baby… She blocked out the possibilities of what else it could be.

She approached the ruins and the sound stopped. Her heart raced. I know it was coming from here. The area held an unnatural heaviness. A branch cracked behind her and she turned with a start. Something dark darted through the trees.

“Hello?” Her voice sounded muffled in the fog. Emma’s attention snapped to the left. The dark figure ducked out of sight. She took one step backward, and fled.

Heavy footsteps echoed from behind as she plunged through the trees. They were catching up with her. Emma pushed herself to run faster, terrified she’d lose her footing on the uneven ground. The cabin loomed large, a haven in the thick fog. Stumbling across the cabin’s porch, she hurdled through the door and slammed it shut, locking it.

Emma rooted her feet to keep from running around in circles. Straining to hear, she was greeted with eerie silence. Several moments passed before the baby’s cry started again. And this time, it sounded from right outside the door.

***

THE ISLAND Buy Links:

During the book tour, “The Island” will only cost $0.99!!!

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/pxq99em
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/nwbq3oz
Amazon CA: http://tinyurl.com/q36rel8
Barnes and Noble: http://tinyurl.com/zhe7cej

Follow the Book Tour

When I heard about “The Island”, I immediately thought that it was a book that I would definitely not read at night. And that I did, which was fortunate, as there are several moments that would have made me sleep with the lights on.

The story is centered, as the title indicates, on an island that is believed to be cursed and Emma, whose grandmother Fae is the owner of the island. However, Emma’s grandmother has been missing for several years and is believed to be dead, so Emma sets out towards the island to prepare it for sale.

As soon as she arrives on the island, to clean up Fae’s cabin, strange things start to happen, but Emma disregards them and provides her own explanations to the events. As she explores the island, she stumbles upon a cave, and after she falls into it, she discovers that there is something lurking in the shadows. What happens next will have you guessing until the last page, wondering not only what this thing is, but if Emma will eventually make it out alive.

I would say that this is truly a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with much suspense and some scary moments to go along.

About the Author:

Clarissa Johal is the author of paranormal novels, THE ISLAND, VOICES, STRUCK, and BETWEEN. When she’s not listening to the ghosts in her head, she’s dancing, taking pictures of gargoyles, or swinging from a trapeze. She shares her life with her husband, two daughters, and every stray animal that darkens their doorstep.

Find Clarissa Online:

Author Website: http://www.clarissajohal.com/
Blog: http://clarissajohal.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarissa.johal.9
Twitter: @ClarissaJohal
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4502113.Clarissa_Johal
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Clarissa-Johal/e/B003KVTMPK/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/clarissajohal/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/101586327494596967316/posts

WIN an ecopy of THE ISLAND by Clarissa Johal

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The Howling Heart by April Bostic – Book Tour, Review & Giveaway

Paige Donovan is an ambitious college graduate who aspires to reach the top of the corporate ladder. She’s climbing fast when given the promotion of a lifetime at a prestigious fashion magazine in New York City. Her bright future comes to an unexpected halt after news of her father’s death. She inherits his old cabin in the Colorado Rockies, and just when she thinks her luck couldn’t get any worse, she has a car accident in the mountains and awakens in the small, remote community of Black River.

Soon, she’s engulfed in the mystical world of Varulv—wolves descended from 13th century Scandinavia and blessed by Norse gods with the ability to appear human. Paige is desperate to return home, but never expects to fall for her rescuer, Riley Gray, a charming young werewolf from England who offers her an alternate future with his pack. Now, she must choose between the career she’s always wanted and the love she’s always dreamed.

Book available to buy from….
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble

“As far as paranormal stories go this makes it to the top of my lists. I loved how Alpha-males were involved.”

“I love the interaction between these two characters and how and where the author takes us.”

“The chemistry between Riley and Paige is blistering hot. I loved how this was a new take on werewolf’s and their lifestyle.”
above reviews from Amazon.com

About the author

April Bostic is a New Jersey-based, Adult Romance author who enjoys unleashing her creativity and letting her imagination run wild. Her love of romance books inspired her to become not just a reader, but also a writer. In December 2008, she self-published her first novel, a contemporary romance with a supernatural twist entitled A Rose to the Fallen.

Her first short story, Right Here, Right Now, released in January 2012, is an erotic romance with a dash of S&M. The following year, she released two more short stories–a romantic urban fantasy inspired by the Greek myth of Eros and Psyche entitled Eros, My Love, and a sexy romantic comedy entitled Love Addiction.

After five years, she released her second novel, The Howling Heart, a paranormal romance that delves into the mystical world of werewolves and Norse gods. To end her busiest year in publishing, April also released her fourth short story in December 2013, a historical paranormal romance entitled A Dark Scandal.

Find the author on the following sites…
Goodreads   Amazon Author Page

Follow the book tour

This book was so different from other paranormal books I’ve read. First of all, the werewolves are not humans that turn into wolves, but rather wolves that look like humans. That is a very clever way to describe the species and it was a unique twist on the genre that I really liked.

Paige Donovan, the main character is also a powerful protagonist. She is a city girl, looking to achieve success in her career at a fashion magazine, when her life is turned upside down. After her father dies, she inherits his cabin in the Rockies and as she is traveling there, she has an accident and wakes up in the town of Black River. There she learns about the Varulv, an ancient Scandinavian race of wolves that, through the power of the Norse gods, were given the ability to appear human.

Although she wants to return home, she soon meets Riley Gray, a werewolf from England who will make her question not only her beliefs, but also her heart’s desires.

A great combination of paranormal and romance that will please many readers.

I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY

Win $25 Amazon.com / Paypal Cash (winners choice)

Open Worldwide Ending on Saturday 26th March at 11.59pm EST

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Worlds Apart: A Spaceface Odyssey

He had saved hundreds of lives. He had vanquished mythical demons, slayed dragons, defeated hordes of invaders, creatures of untold horror. As a gamer, he had brought peace to Earth many times. But this day was different. Nothing he had done before had prepared him for the mess in which he found himself. This was real life.

It was Thanksgiving, the one this twenty-two year old would never forget. It dwarfed Armageddon.

That’s what LMU junior Clayton Gaines realized as he hid from his relatives and other dinner guests at his parents’ home. The truth was he didn’t want to see or talk to anyone until the Xanax he stole from his mother’s medicine cabinet kicked in.

Under the best of circumstances Clayt hated being trapped with relatives. Mercifully, like the flu, he only endured this gut-retching once a year.

“Hey Clayt. How’s it going?”

Clayt was caught between his mother’s shabby chic credenza and his father’s oft’ confused brother, Uncle Earl. He replied with a unique smile, somewhere between absent and a deer in the headlights.

“Uncle Earl.”

“Damn, Clayton, you’re almost as tall as your dad. College obviously agrees with you. What are you studying?”

“Majoring in height with a minor in genetics.”

Clayt couldn’t help himself. It was true that in the last 18 months he had changed quite a bit. Sort of a late bloomer. Since high school he went from a rather rotund 5’8” chunker to his current 6’1” and a very solid 182 pounds foundation. His metamorphosis was certainly a welcomed, if not astonishing transformation.

Gone was the smooth baby face, replaced with a manly, trendy scruff. The only change he hadn’t experienced was in his eyes. They were still sultry, as tropical blue as Caribbean waters. When he smiled they illuminated through his long, dark eyelashes. It was as if they were powered by two ‘D’ batteries. To Clayton’s own acknowledgement, practically overnight he went from an also-ran nag to a champion thoroughbred. Whether he could emotionally handle that sudden change was still TBD.

I must admit that I am both a sci-fi fan and a gamer, so this was the perfect combo for me.

When I first read the title Worlds Apart: A SpaceFace Odyssey, I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but it took me just a page or two to get caught in the story.

As soon as you start reading, you are even enticed by the easter egg that the author says lies waiting for us, so that was an unexpected welcome in itself.

The story starts off quite innocently at a family Thanksgiving dinner, introducing Clayton, the lead character and we immediately understand him. However, just a short while later it speeds off into the thick of the story, throwing him into an adventure beyond his imagination, having to help the inhabitants of SpaceFace from a Serpentia Invasion. As soon as his disbelief is over, the action begins and takes you along for the ride.

This novella has all the flair of a great sci-fi story, and it made me remember “The Last Starfighter” both due to its storytelling and fun adventure. A great read to enjoy.

For the past 25 years, David Garber has been serving as the show runner and or writer on some of televisions biggest hits… His work includes stints on such diverse shows as The Power Rangers, The Simpsons, Magnum P.I., The Love Boat, Alien Nation, Saved By the Bell, 227, The Fall Guy and the live action Disney film, Dennis The Menace.

As well as his extensive stints on these series, David spent two years under contract to Eddie Murphy, writing and producing his stand-up concerts as well as his television development slate at Paramount Pictures.

His writing and producing have also netted David two very prestigious awards:

The PRISM AWARD – Outstanding writing achievement in the accurate depiction of drug, alcohol and tobacco use and addiction for the High Hoops episode, HANG TIME, NBC.

TV CRITICS AWARD – TV SPECIAL OF THE YEAR. “What’s Alan Watching?” CBS. Eddie Murphy Productions.

When not spending numerous hours writing and producing, David’s passions are his family and his Boston Red Sox… “I’m not a fan – I’m a fanatic.”

When I Grow Up – Book Tour & Review

Name: When I Grow Up

Author: Matt Williams

Illustrator: Elizabeth Collyer

Publisher: Vivid Publishing

 

When I grow up there’s lots of things I’d like to be:

But how am I supposed to know which job is right for me?

This delightful story will encourage children to use their imagination and dream about what their future holds.

The book comes with access to a worksheet for young readers to complete to reinforce the ideas raised in the story.

Buy now @ Amazon | Vivid Publishing

 EXCERPT

“When I grow up” is a very cute book for children that shows all the jobs options they will have when they grow up. It has beautiful illustrations and it’s the kind of book that you can read to your child and talk about what you see on each page, ask which jobs your child liked most and have fun seeing how their answers change each time you read the book.

It also has a nice message at the end, reminding children that even when there are so many options for their future, they need to focus on their present and have fun while growing up. An absolutely lovely book that every parent should add to their children’s shelves.

 

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Author Matt Williams resides in Newcastle, NSW and is the proud father of two gorgeous kids, Mikayla and Harry. He’s an Early Childhood educator with 15 years experience in the industry. Matt has a passion for encouraging children to read books as he’s seen firsthand the benefits it brings to a child’s development. Matt’s vision for this book is to create a story that provokes discussion and encourages children to dream about their possible future profession. The book comes with access to a worksheet available online to print and complete after reading the story. This worksheet is designed to be an engaging and productive way to reinforce the ideas from the book.