Book Review: Worlds Apart by Stephen Pearl

Title: Worlds Apart
Author: Stephen Pearl
Publication: July 2013
Publisher: Dark Dragon Publishing
Rating: 5/5
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SYNOPSIS: Markus a wizard from a parallel Earth travels to our world in a bid to stop a blight that is destroying his own. Here he meets Alcina, a Wiccan Priestess, who is in a custody battle over her son, Tim, against Carl, the boy’s sire, who abandoned her when she was pregnant eight years before. Carl has the backing of a dangerous religious cult in his bid to take custody.

Can Alcina save Tim, even with the help of her bizarre, intriguing visitor? Can Markus save his world with the aid of this alien enchantress and what of the bond that grows between them? Can even love triumph when you are Worlds Apart?

REVIEW: True love can overcome all obstacles, but does that still ring true when you are literally from two different worlds? 

Markus, a wizard from a parallel Earth is in search of a answer to stop what is destroying his world. Alcina, a Wiccan Priestess, is in a fight to keep custody of her son from his evil father. Fates collide to bring Markus and Alcina together but can they stay together? 

Markus has traveled all the way from a parallel Earth in order to save his world only to meet and fall in love with Alcina, a Wiccan Priestess from another Earth. Markus helps Alcina save her son, Carl, from his father, who abandoned both Alcina and Carl while she was still pregnant with him only to be trapped on her Earth feeling guilty over not saving his people, while knowing in his heart he would still do everything all over again if given a chance. Finding a way to go back to his own parallel Earth and save his friends, Markus takes the chance not knowing if he will live or die. Will he ever make it back to his family: Alcina and Carl? 

Pearl's book shows that true love can overcome all obstacles and span time, distance, and space. World's Apart is a very well written and touching love story. I could not put this book down. I wasn't sure if this would be a book that I would enjoy, but within the first few pages I was hooked. I loved both Markus and Alcina dearly and Carl is such a special boy. This is a book that can be read over and over again and loved more each time.

World's Apart was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Crazy About You by Randy Attwood

Title:  Crazy About You 
Author: Randy Attwood 
Publication: July 2011
Rating: 4/5
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SYNOPSIS: Service brats grow up on military bases. Asylum brats grow up on the grounds of mental hospitals where their parents work. Both juveniles and adults will be riveted by the story of high school asylum brat Brad's week in 1964 that tests his sanity and grows him up faster than he ever wished.

The potential for bizarre at the Larned State Hospital is coalesced into one week of Brad's life. He thinks he's in love with the schizophrenic teen, Suzanne, who has to be tied up to keep from picking her palms until they bleed. Only Brad believes her story that she is trying to cleanse her palms of her father's semen. And only Brad believes he has the plan to save her when her father wants her released back into his care.

But it is the brutal murder of a townswoman and the missing status of her daughter, a nurse at the mental hospital that rivets the town's attention. Brad becomes a hero when he leads campus police to the hiding place of an AWOL patient/suspect, who believes he's John F. Kennedy. Brad knows he's not the culprit and gets further enmeshed in the mystery when, while working in the mental hospital's cafeteria's dish washing room finds a finger stuck in the mashed potatoes.

A group of employees who run a theft ring believe Brad is ratting on them so they take him to see Alex Krout, mass murderer and the most dangerous of the criminally insane, and threaten to throw Brad to the caged madman. And it's prom week at school. The desire for normalcy finds Brad with a dream date who's crazy about him.

The lit fuses hit the dynamite on prom night when a group of patients in the building for the criminally insane hold guards hostage and Alex Krout, squealing in his cell, waits for his chance to run amok.

REVIEW: 
 'A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are the others crazy?' Albert Einstein 

Crazy about you, set in 1964, is a coming age story that mixes fact with fiction to reveal one brilliant book. 

Brad, a teenage asylum brat, lives and works on the grounds of Larned State Hospital. His father, the asylum's dentist, is the reason why Brad's family is given housing on the grounds of the hospital growing up alongside the other children of asylum workers. These children are referred to as the asylum brats. 

While living on the grounds and working in the hospital cafeteria, Brad befriends a female patient, Suzanne, who he believes he is in love with. As a typical teenage boy with hormones though, he begins to date a fellow student, while still confessing his love for Suzanne and promising to help her battle her demons and save her from her father's molestation.

While dealing with his raging hormones, Brad also has to contend with his sanity, brutal staff workers, and death.

In the span of a week Brad has to do a lot of growing up and the events that happen that week forever remain with him and impact his life. 

Atwood, has written yet another original and fascinating book with well defined characters and a great story line. Thoughtfully written, Crazy About You is touching and funny, while also opening up your mind to the truth behind mental hospitals in the 60's and earlier. 

I highly recommend all of Atwood's work. There really is a story for everyone. 

Note: Right now Randy is running a special promotion where he is offering to buy you one of his short stories. You can find out more about this special promotion here: http://randyattwood.blogspot.com/2013/09/im-offering-to-buy-you-one-of-my-short.html

Book Release Blast: Coven by K.A. Young

Coven

Elise Michaels Series # 1

By- K.A. Young

Publication Date- October 4th, 2013
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Book Trailer | iTunes 

Elise Michaels' motto has always been: no guts, no glory. She is a thrill seeker, continually craving excitement and adventure. The idea of being tied down to a place or man never interested her, even though a betrothal spell was cast linking her and the Head of Council’s son when they were mere infants.

Being a distant third in succession to assume the Head Mistress role, she felt confidant that her secret would remain in her past along with Coven life. Unfortunately, nothing in our fun loving heroine’s future is anything she or anyone from the supernatural realm is prepared for.

Now, she’s forced to return to the place and the Sorcerer she so desperately sought to forget.

Elise has no idea the power and gifts that await her. Can she let go of her own desires and embrace her new role? Or will she surrender to the faceless evil coming for them all?

Book one in the tantalizing Elise Michaels Series a spinoff of The Nephilim Warrior Series.

 

Book Blitz: Because of Lucy by Lisa Swallow

Title: Because of Lucy

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

Release Date: August 2013

Cover Design: Eden Crane Designs
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Synopsis:

"In life, there are some people you have to lose in order to find yourself."

Ness’s parents are shocked when she turns down her place at Leeds University and takes on a full-time job in a call center. Determined to begin her adult life the way she wants, Ness moves to Leeds to live with her best friend Abby.

One night she meets Evan, who is everything she hates about guys. He may be hot but he’s also drunken, arrogant, and on top of that, he apparently has sex with girls and forgets about it. But Evan isn't what he seems and Ness soon discovers they have more in common than she thought.

Evan is struggling to escape from his past too, and when Lucy appears she threatens his new relationship with Ness. Unsure if she can deal with the effect Lucy has on Evan, Ness makes a decision about her future which pulls them apart. 

When their new lives don't go as planned, Ness and Evan are both faced with difficult choices. All because of Lucy. 

*Recommended 17+ due to strong language and sexual content*

Because of Lucy - Extract

(When Ness meets Evan)

I side step the sink and turn. A guy leans against the doorframe, trying to appear nonchalant but his slackened stance indicates he’s attempting to keep himself upright. His brown hair is longer at the front and spills into his face, and unfocused brown eyes appear to be looking in my direction. He’s one of the regulars. I don’t pay a lot of attention, but he’s a good-looking guy and they never go unnoticed. 

“Yes?” I snap. I’m so not in the mood.

His eyes sweep my figure. Unbelievable... I straighten my sleeves and look at him with an eyebrow raised.

“Are you Abby’s housemate?”

“Who are you?”

“Evan.” He rubs his nose. “You’re not a student?”

“Correct, I am the one not lying in a drunken haze on the floor contemplating my navel.”

Evan takes a step forward, steadying himself with one hand as my witty repartee sails over his head. “Why?”

“Why am I not on the floor pissed?”

“Why aren’t you a student?”

“Because I work instead.”

“Hmm.” He pauses and grasps onto the sink, searching for a glass. I pass him the spare one. “Did you fail?”

 “Fail what?”

Evan fills the glass. “Or are you just not smart enough for uni? What is it you do?” He gulps the water in three mouthfuls then wipes his mouth with his hand.

Arrogant wanker.

“That’s right, I’m not smart enough. I’m living with Abby until I can find a nice man to marry then I can have 2.4 kids and a house in the suburbs. Because, as I’m not a student, I have no future.”

Evan leans against the sink. “Fair enough.”

Oh my god he believes me. How pissed is he exactly? “So, you think anyone who doesn’t go to university is inferior to you?” I demand.

I’ve seen her friends looking down their noses at me. Inverted snobbery. On top of that, the locals hate students and the students hate locals. I’m neither. I can’t win.

We’re close now and he stinks of alcohol and pot, a faint hint of deodorant lingering on his clothes. Evan’s T-shirt has come untucked and rides up as he leans against the sink. He’s toned, evidently works out. I can’t help myself, I check him out. Beneath his curls he has deep brown eyes. Incoherent eyes. I hate to admit, but something about him is seriously sexy.

Even if he is a dick. 

“Well, if you’ll excuse me,” I say. 

He sniggers. 

“What’s funny?” 

“You sound like the Queen.”

Not this again. I get enough crap at work. I move from Cheltenham to Yorkshire and suddenly I’m ‘stuck up home counties girl’. 

I don’t dignify his comment with an answer and turn away from him, and walk out of the kitchen.

“Want me to get the guy out of your bed?” he calls after me.

I stop and look round. “You know him?”

“I could replace him.”

My mouth drops open at his arrogance. An attempt at a flirtatious smile plays around his lips but the unfocused eyes kill the effect he’s trying to achieve. He’s serious. I imagine he has a ready supply of eager girls. No surprise with a body and looks like his, such a shame he needs a personality transplant. 

I step towards him. “Evan. I am not pissed. Nor are you getting into my bed. Good night.”

Feeling happy with my retort, I saunter towards the stairs. Behind me, Evan impersonates my sentence with an exaggerated posh accent.

It’s a good thing that I’m sober otherwise I’d go back there and punch him.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Where did you grow up? 

I was born in the UK and I grew up in Europe, travelling around with my military family. Most of the time I lived in the UK and Germany.

Where do you live now? 

Perth, Western Australia.

If you could live anywhere, where would you choose? 

Perth! 

How long have you been writing? 

Since I was 8 years old when I had a poem published in the local newspaper. Last year, I decided it was time I tried to find a publisher! 

Where did you get the inspiration for ‘Because of Lucy’?

I love the new adult genre - being able to write about the time of self-discovery that comes  from moving away from family influences and into adulthood. I wanted to show the struggle that people often have at this age when trying to forge an identity outside of the one that they may have unwillingly been molded into. 

I love hidden secrets in books, but only ones which keep the reader guessing. When I was half way through the first draft, I tested the story on a friend. If she’d guessed who Lucy was before she was revealed, I would have scrapped the book!

Do you have any pets?

A Weimaraner named Tilly who is not the brightest of dogs. She does a great impression of a Weeping Angel (geek reference!). We also have a cat called Twinkle but, as all cat owners know, we’re her pets. 

Something about you not many people know?

Until I moved to Australia, I had never lived in one house longer than two years or one city longer than three. Eight years later, I don’t want to move again!

Who would you cast as actors if a movie was made of your book?

I always find this question tricky because every reader has their own pictures in their heads of who the characters look like. When I started writing Because of Lucy I was watching Supernatural a lot and Evan looked a little like a younger Jared Padalecki in my mind. But not as tall! Ness is more difficult - maybe I don’t pay enough attention to female actresses lol. 

If you were a cartoon character who would you be and why?

Lisa Simpson. Because I was a little like her when I was younger (and we share a first name and initials!)

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl.

What is your next project?

I’m currently finishing the third book in my paranormal romance series, Soul Ties. I have also started writing a second book featuring Ness and Evan. Because of Lucy was going to be a standalone as it has no cliffhanger and a happy ending, but readers have asked to follow more of Ness and Evan’s story. And I’m happy to do that because...more time with Evan!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa was born in the UK and she moved around Europe with her military family before completing a BA (Hons) in English at the University of Leeds. Her home is now in Perth, Australia with her husband and three children. 

In between running her home based craft supplies business, looking after her family, and writing, Lisa sometimes finds spare time to do other things. This often involves swapping her book worlds for gaming worlds. She even leaves the house occasionally, enjoying walks with her dog and time with her family. She loves all things from the Whedonverse and preferred vampires before they sparkled.

           Facebook| Goodreads | Twitter| Lisa's website 

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Blog Tour: Life For Rent by Emmie Lou Kates

Title: Life For Rent

Author: Emmie Lou Kates

Published: May 13th, 2013

Genre: New Adult Romance
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Beth is always running from love, life and relationships and yet another disastrous break up finds her in a little village in Cornwall. She just wants to be left alone to enjoy the quiet country life and continue her work as a freelance artist.

Liam was young free and single, enjoying the sun, surf and sex life to be found living in Cornwall, until tragedy strikes his family and he is left on his own trying to keep the family farm going.

Two lost souls not wanting to be saved until fate and a little Cornish magic steps in.

EXCERPT: Liam woke the next morning with Beth still fast asleep on top of him. To his dismay he was sporting a major hard on and cursed his anatomy under his breath. He tried to shift position to ease the tightness of his jeans, but Beth squirmed on top of him, which just made matters worse. “Shit!” He muttered as he took as sharp intake of breath.

He attempted to take his mind off the beautiful redhead draped over him, by going over what jobs he needed to get done that day….speak to Joe about the top field, call the farm supplies to order fertiliser….. Beth sighed in her sleep and her warm breath tickled his neck. Nope that wasn’t going to work.

He cringed at the thought of Beths reaction to waking up on top of him in his present condition, so tried counting in his head.

Beth groaned as she started to wake up, she didn’t remember her mattress being this uncomfortable, perhaps her duvet had got caught underneath her. She pushed up with her hands and wiggled her hips trying to dislodge the lump, and was startled by a small yelp by her ear. She opened one eye and found herself staring into those deep blue eyes of….. “Liam?” She gasped trying to push herself up further.

“Don’t move!” Growled Liam.

“Wh.. what? Why?” She asked opening both eyes.

As she focussed on Liam’s face she noticed that he seemed to be in pain, his face was contorted and his cheeks flushed.

He watched as she stared at him in confusion, and saw the flush creep up her cheeks as realisation dawned and leapt off him.

Groaning in pain he grabbed her hand before she could storm off. “Hey! Don’t get the wrong idea. I woke up like this, it doesn’t mean anything.”

She glared at him whilst trying to pull her hand out of his strong grip.

“Well that’s reassuring.” She snapped.

He took in her indignant scowl and made what could be a rash decision, but hey, he was damned whatever he did or said. Using his superior strength, he pulled her back on top of him a locked his lips on hers.

PLAYLISTS:

Life For Rent (Writing) Playlist:

Can you share the playlist you listened to while writing ‘Life For Rent’ with us?

Emmie Lou Kates: It’s a bit of a weird mixture, but here goes.

The only exception - Paramore

My happy ending - Avril Lavigne

Kingdom of Rust - Doves

Midnight city - M83

The Kill - 30 Seconds to Mars

Clown - Emile Sande

The Reason - Hoobastank

Quiet Mind - Blue October

Out of reach - Gabrielle

Black - Pearl Jam

18th floor balcony - Blue October

Waiting all night - Rudimental

Sand in my shoes - Dido

A beautiful lie - 30 Seconds to Mars

Stay - Blue October

Angel - within Temptation

Going under - Evanescence

Just Breathe - Pearl Jam

Bubble - Biffy Clyro

Hurricane - Dustin Lynch

Retrograde - James Blake

Cowboys and Angels - Dustin Lynch

Come away with me - Norah Jones

Strong - London Grammar

Wasting my young years - London Grammar

Broken - Jake Bugg

Martha’s Harbour - All about Eve

When it hurts so bad - Lauryn Hill

Ordinary people - John Legend

Stay - Rihanna

Follow the cops back home - Placebo

Little wonders - Rob Thomas

Little Dreams - Ellie Goulding

Salt Skin - Ellie Goulding

Drumming song - Florence and the machine

Swimming - Florence and the machine

She cries your name - Beth Orton

Love is on it’s way - Corinne Bailey Rae

Lady Luck - Jamie Woon

Breakaway - Kelly Clarkson

Sex on fire - Kings of Leon

Angel - Massive Attack

Blurry - Puddle of Mudd

I don’t need a man - Pussycat Dolls

Hesitate - Stone Sour

Another love - Tom Odell

I don’t want a lover - Texas

Turning tables - Adele

Feel my love - Adele

Life for Rent - Dido

In praise of the vulnerable man - Alanis Morissette

Too  close - Alex Clare

Cold - Annie Lennox

Skinny love - Birdy

Unravel - Bjork

Ain’t nobody - Chaka Khan

Hurt - Christina Aguilera

Landslide - Fleetwood Mac

Life For Rent Book Soundtrack:

Can you share your idea of the perfect soundtrack to ‘Life for Rent’ with us?

Life for Rent - Dido  This sort of gave me inspiration for the story.

Dakota - Stereophonics

This one’s gonna bruise - Beth Orton

I don’t need a man - Pussycat Dolls

Hurricane - Dustin Lynch

Independent Women - Destiny’s Child

Days before you came - Placebo

I need air - Magnetic Man feat Katy B

A Quiet Mind - Blue October

A beautiful Lie - Thirty Seconds to Mars

Little Dreams - Ellie Goulding

Angel - Massive Attack

Heartbeats - Ellie Goulding

The only exception - Paramore

Make you feel my love - Adele

About The Author-

Self confessed hopeless romantic, still looking for my happy ever after. Until then I write about them instead.You can find me at

Emmie Lou's website| Goodreads | Facebook| Twitter

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