VBT - Lady of the Drake by J.V. Altharas - Review

Warning:  Don't let the hot sex in this book make you lose sight of the fantastic story! 

Author J.V. Altaras has woven a wonderful tale of fantasy and passion.  It would have been so easy to have one or the other lacking but the author has done an incredible job of making sure both aspects remain prominent in the novel.  The world of lore and dragons create a wonderful paranormal tale.  Lana, the healer for her village, finds her whole life changed when drawn into passion and romance when she meets Alaron, an mysterious alchemist who finds himself as attracted to Lana as she is to him.  What ensures next is hot, steamy passion.

This story is filled with paranormal and fantasy but does not lose its erotic edge.  This is definitely for adults as it features some spanking, a little BDSM and several forms of menage.  This story is so hot and fans will be transported into the story by the great descriptions used by the author.  It was so easy to become lost in this world of paranormal romance and believe me, the reader will thoroughly enjoy every second of it!  For fans of paranormal romance, this is a can't miss! 

For other stops on the tour, just click the links below!  

1/1: Words of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess 

1/2: Harlie's Books 

1/3: theJeepDiva 

1/4: Bookin' It Reviews

CBLS Virtual Book Tour - Farsighted by Emlyn Chand - Giveaway and Review

Release Notes is happy to feature Farsighted by Emlyn Chand.  Along with the review, Emlyn is also giving away a FREE copy of her award winning novel "Farsighted"  First, the review then read further for details on how you can win your very own copy of this great book!

 

*Winner of the Alternative Booker Award, 2011

*Winner of the WritersType First Chapter Competition, September 2011

*You Tube Book Trailer - Click Here 

As a debut YA novel, Emlyn Chand has created a hard act to follow with herself!  This novel starts off with a blind lead character in Alex.  He has a hard life, not only because of his blindness.  He is bullied in school and his parents are going through financial difficulties and are overprotective of him.  Because of his blindness, Alex's other senses are super sensitive and he has an hyper awareness of his surroundings.  Alex also has another blessing - or curse.  He discovers he is gifted with "second sight" and has the ability to see the future.   As he makes a friend in a new student, Alex is faced with the challenge of using his gift to possibly change the future.

Ms. Chand did a great job of working around the fact that Alex is blind.  The reader really become immersed in Alex's world.  You can feel his "teen angst" at times and it helps to make him a realistic character.  Alex doesent' inspire pity; instead, the reader gets a good view of how he lives his life as a blind teenager who just wants to fit in. 

The story was great although the ending was quick.  I'm hoping there are going to be more in the series because this was truly enjoyable and a highly recommended read!

If you are interested in purchasing this novel, you can find it here:

BUY LINKS:

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Farsighted-Emlyn-Chand/dp/0983930805/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

B&N - www.barnesandnoble.com/w/farsighted-emlyn-chand/1106607652

Smashwords - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/91611

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she's not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb. 

Visit www.emlynchand.com for more info. Don’t forget to say “hi” to her sun conure Ducky!

The Giveaway!

Emlyn Chand is providing a copy of Farsighted to one lucky winner here at Release Notes.  To enter just comment below, making sure you leave your name and email address!  The winner will receive a e-book copy of Farsighted.  Giveaway sign ups end on Jan. 1, 2012. For more chances to win, visit other stops on the tour!

 12/19: Sapphyria's Book Reviews (Giveaway/Interview)
12/20: Lindsay's Scribblings (Giveaway/Review)
12/21: Hardcover Feedback (Giveaway/Review)
12/22: Book Talk (Giveaway/Review)
12/23: Simple Clockwork (Giveaway/Review)
12/24: From the TBR Pile (Giveaway/Review)
12/25: Guilty Indulgence (Giveaway/Review)
12/26: Release Notes (Giveaway/Review)
12/27: Moonlight, Lace and Mayhem (Giveaway/Review)
12/28: My Un-Entitled Life (Giveaway/Interview)
12/29: BookBreather (Giveaway/Interview)
12/30: Cocktails and Books (Giveaway/Interview)
12/31: Lindsay's Scribblings (Giveaway/Review)
1/1: Dawn's Reading Nook (Giveaway/Interview)

There is also an End-Of-Tour Giveaway at Coffee Beans and Love Scenes, the host of the tour!  Visit here to enter for a chance to win one of THREE copies of Farsighted!

New Review - The Evil Within (Horror Anthology) - Various Authors

This horror anthology was a total unexpected thrill ride!  From one story to the next, the reader is thrilled, chilled and thoroughly terrified.  From Amber Scott's foray into betrayal and deadly consequences to Cristyn West's bone chilling and horrifying saga of a family gone so very wrong, you can expect the feel the terror to the marrow of your bones. 

Every story has it's own merits and all of them carry the chill factor.  I was thrilled by the return of Cristyn's Kent Harbinger in her second offering in the book.  Matt Posner's chilling tale of science goes wrong brings to mind the obsession science has with genetic experiments and the horrifying results.  From ghosts to monsters to just plain crazies, this anthology has something for everyone.  Believe me when I say, you want the lights on when you are reading and may need them after you have finished!

Bestseller For A Day - Featured Book - Soul Search By Amber Scott #IBC

Release Notes is thrilled to help promote the next "Bestseller For A Day" Soul Search by Amber Scott.  For more details, see below, then head to Amazon and buy the book!

Three years ago, one horrific night changed his life forever. And now the wolf soul that was invoked to save him is taking over his body, day by day.

Can he master his animal instincts in time to discover who is stealing children's souls before the delicate balance we all depend upon is shattered?

Or will he reject the one woman who can help heal his body and his soul?

What are reviewers saying about Amber Scott's Soul Search?  See for yourself:

"I couldn't put it down. The only thing that got between this book and me was work. I could only read a few pages a night. This is the best book I've read this year." -Jacqueline Ortiz, "@jackiebkworm" Book Reviewer

"The twists and turns in Soul Search had me gasping out loud. Once again, Amber Scott delivers a delicious read." -Your Need to Read 5/5 Stars, Reviewer

"From the start, Soul Search grips you and won't let go. Two endangered souls forced to join together in the search for a missing child--a journey filled conflict and complications. Sizzling romance, heart-pounding suspense, and a touch of mystery make for an exciting, riveting read. Amber Scott has me hooked!"
-Ann Charles,  Award-Winning Author of the Deadwood Mystery Series

This November, it’s your turn to grab Soul Search for the incredibly low price of 99 cents and see for yourself why it makes readers sigh with appreciation.

Just purchase Soul Search at the promotional price, send a friend who you know would love finding a fun, fast-paced read at an awesome price, and grab the 3 Bonus Buys that are the perfect companion reads to this supernatural suspense.

Buy to Win!!!

Enter to win a Kindle!!!

By helping us drive Soul Search by Amber Scott to the top of the Kindle Lists on November 30th, YOU can win, too!

Because Amber is giving away a brand new Kindle!

Simply purchase Soul Search on November 30th, then head back here (http://bit.ly/fDrPsN) and fill out the entry form (located at the top of the right hand column).

You will only need to enter your email address and the first five numbers from your Amazon purchase confirmation code.

And tah-dah! You just gained 5 entries to win a Kindle!

New Review - The Hero Always Win - By Robert Eaton

Robert Eaton’s first dip into the writing world has come up aces!  The Hero Always Wins is a wonderful fantasy tale that brings to mind many of the epic tales that we have seen on the shelves with a major difference.  Eaton’s story deftly weaves magic, horror and fantasy into a outstanding story that immediately pulls the reader in and holds you until the very last word.  There are so many twists and turns that help to keep the story engaging and keeps the reader on their mental toes!

Our hero, Darcy, is a new knight and longs to save his lands and people.  The frustration he feels at being able to help everyone is palpitate and his struggles as he adjusts to his role as The Hero.  The mystery intertwined within the story only serves to make the reading more enjoyable.  I was completely hooked and I eagerly await the next installment in the series.  This novel is a great first book from an up and coming author.  I highly recommend it for anyone who is a fan of great fantasy.

New Review - Hide'N Go Seek by Dale Mayer

As the second installment of the “Psychic Visions” series, Dale Mayer does not disappoint.  Kali Jordan, famed search and rescue worker, has been hiding her psychic abilities from everyone as long as she could remember.  Lately, the abilities have been getting stronger and unbeknownst to Kali, her success has caught the eye of a deranged soul. Suddenly, Kali and Shiloh, her rescue dog is in serious danger.

After receiving chilling letters from the serial killer, Kali has to work with FBI Special agent Grant Summers, a man who feels a strong bond with Kali even though they have only met once.  As the chemistry flows between them, Kali and Grant race to stop the lunatic.  Grant is determined to protect Kali and Shiloh at all costs.

This was a wonderful second installment!  From the beginning to the end, Ms. Mayer takes the reader on a thrill ride.  Until the end, the identity of the killer is a guessing game.  The development of the story and the characters is great and the drama is top notch.  I highly recommend this book if you a fan of thrillers, mystery and romance because this has it all!

New Review - The Ninth District by Douglas Dorow

The Ninth District by Douglas Dorow is an outstanding crime thriller.  Starting with the main character, FBI Special Agent Jack Miller, we are treated to a cast of well-developed and real-life characters.  Agent Miller is a star in the FBI, chosen to mentor a new agent with a high-profile case.  Jack's personal life, on the other hand, is unraveling.  His wife, tired of taking the backseat to his job, has decided to leave with the kids.  Jack wants nothing more than to solve this case quickly and convince his wife to come home.  The "Governor", as the criminal is known in the press, is cunning and ruthless.  He has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to achieve his goals, even if that means eliminating the agents who are hot on his trail.  He is a worthy adversary for the seasoned agent and provides so much depth to the story.

Dorow does an excellent job of drawing the reader into the world of both the agents and the criminal.  As the reader, you can't help but want Jack's family reunited and for him to catch this criminal.  All the characters, from the rookie Ross Fruen, the flirty news reporter and the "Geek Squad" Jack uses to deal with the techie issues, are well written and are integral parts of the story.  Everyone was well developed and you never felt any character served as a "filler".

If you are a fan of procedurals and thrillers, this is definitely the book for you.  My only issue with the novel is the ending was rather abrupt.  Since there is going to be a second book, I'm excited to see what is going on in the world of FBI Special Agent Jack Miller and if the "Governor" is truly gone.