Monday, February 15, 2016

Book Review - Frenzy

Happy Monday, everyone! As you all know, this week will be filled with book reviews. On my list this week (in the order they shall be seen):

Frenzy (Frenzy series volume I) - Because I beta-read (and re-read after release)
The Bedwife Chronicles (the complete triology) - From my 12 Days RR Event
Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles book 2) - Because I'm reading the series
Have You Seen This Girl? (Flocksdale Files Volume I) - It was an accident
Untamed (Splintered companion novella) - Because I read the series

This title will be added to the Time 4 Books 2016 Review Team pool. Check out those reviews here!





As you can see, today is all about Frenzy. This book just released last week, but I had the very amazing pleasure of being one of the beta-readers. Anywho, grab your cup of Jo and let's get going!


As always, we'll start with a little about the book:

Title: Frenzy (The Frenzy Series Volume I)
Author: Casey L. Bond
Genre: Dystopian
Length (print): 174 pages
Buy Links: Amazon Kindle $0.99  ~  Paperback $9.99

Blurb:
After the world was ravaged by a viral apocalypse, Blackwater is one of the only colonies that remains. The survivors came together to create this safe haven. Nestled between a fierce river and a city’s flood wall, the well-being of its residents hangs on a long-established treaty with the night-walkers. Sounds simple enough, but lately, the people of Blackwater have been dying, and the humans believe the night-walkers are to blame.

Porschia Grant starves for more than her parents’ affection. Forced to enter the rotation, she will be given extra food rations in exchange for becoming a vampire’s breakfast and dinner for a week. The rotation has an extra responsibility as well: leave the colony and enter the dangerous forest to hunt for food. A night-walker will protect the hunters from the infected that roam the woods. But with the treaty hanging in the balance and tension between the humans and vampires rising, anything could happen in the darkness.

What would you do if your only chance at survival might kill you?

Now, on to my review!

I'm a long-time fan of Casey L. Bond, and when I heard she had a zombie/vampire mashup novel, I was intrigued as hell. I knew that if anyone could pull off something of this magnitude, it would be Casey. Not only did I get to beta-read this book, I also bought it when it hit the shelves so I could read it after it was edited. Enough of my gabbing. Let's get to the good stuff.

From a Reader's Perspective:
I liked the sassy main character, Porschia. She made me feel like there was hope when I was pretty sure none existed. There she sits with no technology, a broken world, and people surrounding her she can't trust. Yet, she's driven, sees the silver lining around the storm cloud, and loves unconditionally. I'd like to know her in real life. World building was amazing. I could picture the small village with its simple inhabitants who've been forced back to the ways of the pilgrims. There was never a dull moment, and I often found myself gripping the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen next. Pacing was perfect. This is a shorter story that you should be able to read in one sitting. Did I see the end coming? No. No I didn't. I was left with my jaw on the floor. I can't wait to read Frantic.

From an Editor's Perspective:
There are several tense jumps, comma splices, and run-on sentences, but nothing that threw me out of the story, and they were scattered out enough that I could ignore them. Most readers probably wouldn't even notice. Story line is consistent throughout.

Rating:
1 Star for giving me a truly unique story.
1 Star for keeping me guessing.
1 Star for awesome world building.
1 Star for pacing and that amazing ending.
.5 Star for consistency.
-.5 Star for tense jumps and grammar issues.
Overall, 4.5 out of 5 stars. I always round up, not down, so this book gets a 5. Recommended for those looking for a new twist on a couple of old genres.

What do you think? Will you pick it up?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Friday, February 12, 2016

New Release - Frenzy

Happy Friday! *squeals* I hope you all had a fan-frikkin-tastic week! I'm here to tell you all a little about an awesome zombie and vampire crossover novel that hit the shelves yesterday. I beta-read this book, and MAN, the story! You'll lose your mind! Anyway, get comfy, grab a cup of Jo, and let's get going!

First, I'm gonna start you out with an awesome teaser, and I'm gonna tell you this book is only NINETY-NINE CENTS! I don't know how long that'll last, so I suggest you get it while the getting is good.


Now, more about the book.

Title: Frenzy (The Frenzy Series Volume I)
Author: Casey L. Bond
Genre: Dystopian
Length (print): 174 pages
Buy Links: Amazon Kindle $0.99  ~  Paperback $9.99

Blurb:
After the world was ravaged by a viral apocalypse, Blackwater is one of the only colonies that remains. The survivors came together to create this safe haven. Nestled between a fierce river and a city’s flood wall, the well-being of its residents hangs on a long-established treaty with the night-walkers. Sounds simple enough, but lately, the people of Blackwater have been dying, and the humans believe the night-walkers are to blame.

Porschia Grant starves for more than her parents’ affection. Forced to enter the rotation, she will be given extra food rations in exchange for becoming a vampire’s breakfast and dinner for a week. The rotation has an extra responsibility as well: leave the colony and enter the dangerous forest to hunt for food. A night-walker will protect the hunters from the infected that roam the woods. But with the treaty hanging in the balance and tension between the humans and vampires rising, anything could happen in the darkness.

What would you do if your only chance at survival might kill you?

~~~~~~~

It's such a unique twist on your typical vampire OR zombie novel. Man... I can't tell you more than that. Go read it!

I bought it so I'd have a copy forever (paperback - which isn't here yet - UGH, and Kindle - because I couldn't wait). Ha!


Next week will be book review week here on the blog. I've read a ton this year, I just haven't written any reviews (bad Jo). Great news: One of the authors I'm reviewing has offered up a prize pack for me to give away! How amazing is that?

So, go pick up Frenzy and be ready when my review comes next week!

Oh, you want to know the books that are coming? Sure!

The Bedwife Chronicles (the complete triology) - From my 12 Days RR Event
Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles book 2) - Because I'm reading the series
Have You Seen This Girl? (Flocksdale Files Volume I) - It was an accident
Untamed (Splintered companion novella) - Because I read the series
Frenzy (Frenzy series volume I) - Because I beta-read (and re-read after release)

Yep, that's FIVE reviews headed your way. Let's see if I have the strength to pull it off.

Did you snag Frenzy? What are you most excited about?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Quick Poll - Reader Survey

Happy Thursday, everyone! *dances around the room* It's allllmost the weeeeeekend! So! Yesterday, I was having a discussion about the general reader audience. We want all the information! As you all know, I'll share the results here on the blog once everything is said and done. I just need you to click buttons, if you don't mind. *grin*

I'm thinking I'll keep this totally anonymous poll open for one week.

Let's find out some stuff about your reading habits, shall we?


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Are you eager to see the results? I know I am!

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Thunderclap Me - Emancipation

Happy Wednesday, everyone!! I don't know about you, but my week has been kinda crazy. Do this here, do that there... I'm so happy it's hump day! Today, I have a wee little request for a smidgen of help. Get your clicking fingers ready, and let's get going!

As you all may know, Emancipation goes live March 22, 2016. We're doing a Thunderclap to help spread the word.

If you'd be so kind as to help support it, I'd be ever so grateful.

Just click here. Then, enjoy a teaser! *grin*


For a little fun, I'm giving away an awesome wall clock in the event on Facebook. You can check it out and enter here.

I'm also giving away an advance hardcover copy of Emancipation on my Facebook page here. That link will take you directly to the post.

Don't forget to enter the Goodreads giveaway, too! Two signed copies up for grabs!


Goodreads Book Giveaway

Emancipation by Jo Michaels

Emancipation

by Jo Michaels

Giveaway ends March 22, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter Giveaway

Thank you ahead of time for all the things you do to help a sister out!

How excited are you for this book?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

The Heatstroke Line by Edward Rubin

Happy Tuesday! Today, I have a new author for you all to check out. I got an email from Mr. Rubin's PA, and I agreed to share with my lovely subscribers all the details about this new novel. So, grab your cup of Jo and let's get rocking and rolling!

About Edward Rubin:
Edward Rubin is University Professor of Law and Political Science at Vanderbilt University. He’s been a science fiction fan since fifth grade and currently teaches a course at Vanderbilt entitled “Visions of the Future in Science Fiction.” In addition, he was one of the organizers of a science fiction reading group at the Law School. Rubin has spoken about administrative law and legal theory at numerous academic conferences and workshops and has served as a consultant on administrative law to the People’s Republic of China.

Visit his website here.

Now, a little about Mr. Rubin's latest book.

Title: The Heatstroke Line
Author: Edward Rubin
Genre: Dystopian/Sci-Fi
Length (print): 229 pages
Buy Links: Paperback $14.95 Kindle $2.99
 

Blurb:
Edward Rubin explores an America ravaged by the disastrous effects of climate change. Coastal cities have become uninhabitable, sweltering heat devastates the interior and an ensuing civil war has broken the nation into smaller successor states and dozens of tiny principalities. Canada, where the climate remains tolerable, dominates the fractured remnants of the former United States.

Amid the chaos, scientist Daniel Danten ventures into the region below the Heatstroke Line (the former Southern states) to investigate the source of flesh-eating insects that afflict the remaining population there and threaten to invade the remainder of the country. The bizarre and brutal people he encounters when he is taken prisoner reveal the real horror that this environmental disaster has produced.

“We need to realize that climate change will have catastrophic effects on our own country,” said Rubin. “It’s not a remote problem, in either space or time.”

“The Heatstroke Line” stands apart from other global warming “cli-fi” novels by depicting an imaginable future, where modern homes, governments, schools and political conflicts still exist. The intent is to avoid the usual tropes of post-apocalyptic fiction, and confront the reality of climate change in a manner that will motivate believers to action and persuade climate change deniers to rethink their position.

Rubin was inspired to write the novel after a conversation with a colleague who shared his frustration with the apathy and opposition regarding climate change. The goal of his new book is to provide an engaging and entertaining story that induces people to think seriously about the impending disaster.

This is a novel that shows what climate change will do to the United States. It is intended as a warning. Many Americans are willing to deny the reality of climate change because they think that it will only affect tropical countries and oceanic islands that are far away from us. The Heatstroke Line depicts a United States that with its coastal cities flooded and its remaining land sweltering under debilitating heat. It has broken into smaller units that are in conflict with each other and it is dominated by more northerly nations, such as Canada, that now have temperate climates.

What do you think? Gonna check it out?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Monday, February 8, 2016

Cover Reveal - Bitter Bonds by Heather Osborne

Happy Monday! Hope you all got excellent rest over the weekend and are ready to kill it this week. I know I am. Today, I have another cover reveal for you all. So sit back, relax, grab a cup of Jo, and let's get to looking at the pretty.


First, some details about le book.

Title: Bitter Bonds
Author: Heather Osborne
Genre: Historical Romance
Expected publication: April 2016
Cover Design by: Christian Havran

From bestselling and award-winning author, Heather Osborne, comes a new historical romance of unrequited love and devious plots.

Blurb:
Brutally torn between duty and his heart, Henri Du Cormier never expected to be completely enraptured with Adrienne Beaumont, the sister of his betrothed. As the new owner of St. Esprit, Henri knows he must work his way into a tight-knit society, and spurning his fiancée will do the complete opposite. However, there are hidden secrets, black magic, and voodoo entwined like poisonous vines into the Louisiana plantation. Will Henri end up cursing himself in life and love?

Adrienne Beaumont is anything but ordinary in a world of demure, Southern belles. Desiring little more than to be rid of a vengeful older sister, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to the mysterious Henri Du Cormier. As their lives grow increasingly entangled, will Adrienne give in to the burgeoning attraction, or will fate play another card?


Visit Heather's Facebook page, and find the book on Goodreads.

Ready for that cover? Me, too! Here ya go:


What do you think? Like it? Love it? Other? Tell me!

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Friday, February 5, 2016

Cover Reveal - Unsocial by Nicole Dykes

Happy Friday! Wow, what a CRAZY week, huh? Where the hell did it go? I'm pretty sure yesterday was Monday. Anywhooooo!! Today, we have a cover reveal. Yeahhhhhh!! Here are the deets:


Title: Unsocial
Author: Nicole Dykes
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Blurb:
Dylan
I’m living the dream. A successful business owner of a custom car and motorcycle shop in Oklahoma and master of my own destiny. Other than my best friend and business partner my life is my own, and I answer to no one. Then my life changes with a single phone call and I’m back in Kansas fighting for guardianship of my four younger siblings. Now I answer to her, Brooke Porter.

Brooke
I’ve devoted myself for the past six years to my dream of being a social worker. My very first case are the Monroes, and professional and personal boundaries blur as I become closer to them. Now my dreams are of Dylan. The attraction Dylan and I have is heading us straight to unsocial behavior.

What will we be risking if we give in?

*Unsocial is a contemporary romance novel that contains mature content and is not suitable for anyone under 18.

You ready for that cover? I bet you are. Okay, okay. Here you go!


What do you think? Like? Love? Don't like? Gimmie the deets!

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo