Thursday, March 31, 2016

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: The Urban Boys by K.N. Smith

Hi guys and gals!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're playing the part of devil's advocate and bringing you not one but TWO posts...aka potential titles to be added to your wish/reading list.  You're welcome.  *devilish grin*  Now, this post is the close out spotlight for a tour that's been circling the blogosphere all month long.  It stars a Young Adult Paranormal title that's sure to garner an audience both within the target range and beyond...after all, one is not limited by age to a certain genre, just the power of our imaginations.  Seeing how mine is rather active, I invite you in to take a peek at iRead Book Tours latest find...



The Urban Boys:
Discovery of the Five Senses
by
K.N. Smith

About the book...
...an action-adventure story about five teen boys who are mysteriously exposed to a foreign energy source that gives them extremely heightened senses. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell become hypersensitive gifts that forever change the world!

The story chronicles their effortless interrelations and later exposes the testing of their deep bonds, and introduces the reader to an array of supporting characters who alter the boys’ lives forever. The Urban Boys offers young and mature readers central themes of loyalty, responsibility, honesty, fear, and triumph, which become artfully integrated with cinematic-level action and high drama.

We wonder, will they pass the test of fate, and will each of us pass the test of our very own lives? Intriguing, intelligent, and full of action, The Urban Boys offers a memorable, emotion-packed, thrilling ride for traditional and digital readers of all ages! (first in a series)





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What people are saying....

"An energetic YA adventure debut with stellar action sequences. Smith's writing is intelligent and often lyrical. Her exuberant prose never fails to dazzle."- Kirkus Media
"Author K.N. Smith uses her mastery of the written word to weave an entrancing, yet powerful tale of adventure that keeps you turning pages in an unquenchable desire to find out what happens next. The author's matchless prose details cinematic fight sequences and fully developed characterizations especially in a final, stupendous scene that will take your breath away and leave you limp with spent emotions. Five stars for this imaginative and inspiring story, sure to be as appealing to general audiences as it will be to the YA crowd!" 5-stars - Publishers Daily Reviews
"I LOVE to read, but live a hugely busy life. It gets more complicated upon that rare occasion when a book is so captivating, so enthralling, that it is impossible to walk away. With only definitive hours in a day, something has to give. For me, that was sleep! And it was worth every sacrificed minute. “The Urban Boys” was the grand slam home run and exceeded my wildest expectations and I would bet, maybe yours, as well. Totally new concepts and a rich crew of characters – good, bad and ugly… and suspenseful twists that keep you guessing, and such beautiful, strong writing! A must read for fans of YA action/adventure/fantasy!!" 5-stars - Indie Book Reviewers





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About the author...



K.N. Smith is an American author and passionate advocate of childhood and family literacy programs throughout the world. She continues to inspire students of all ages to reach their highest potential in their literary and educational pursuits. Her creative, lyrical flair sweeps across pages that twist, turn, and grind through elements of paranormal and action-adventure in diverse, exciting, edge-of-your-seat narratives. She lives with her family in California.




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Special thanks to Laura at iRead Book Tours for the chance to bring this promotion to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!



BLOG TOUR: The History Major by Michael Phillip Cash + FLASH GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're playing host to The Children's Book Review blog tour starring an author we've featured here once before but with an entirely new angle. It's a work that will appeal to both Young Adult and Fiction audiences, though the reasons are going to be skewed.  Why?  Well, you'll see.  Ladies and gents, push your History books aside and make way for today's book of choice...



by
9781518893797

About the book....
After a vicious fight with her boyfriend followed by a night of heavy partying, college freshman Amanda Greene wakes up in her dorm room to find things are not the same as they were yesterday. She can't quite put her finger on it. She's sharing her room with a peculiar stranger. Amanda discovers she's registered for classes she would never choose with people that are oddly familiar. An ominous shadow is stalking her. Uncomfortable memories are bubbling dangerously close to her fracturing world, propelling her to an inevitable collision between fantasy and reality. Is this the mother of all hangovers or is something bigger happening?



Available online at AMAZON




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This was a hard one for me to pin down.  Even after turning the final page, we're presented with an 'Author's Note' that sets you reeling once again...did it really happen, was it all a dream, or is it something in between the two too hard to explain?  That my friends is INDEED the question.


Image result for creepy male shadow

We start out with a girl that has obviously had WAY too much to drink and is now feeling the after effects of that poor decision while experiencing flashes of self pity for how this situation came to pass.  At first, all we know is that she got in a fight with her boyfriend that boiled down to a "them or me" ultimatum, but then everything turns topsy turvy and we're following a path familiar yet not.  In this case, Amanda is attending a class she has no interest in, taught by a low-class version of god (okay, so it's actually suppose to be Plato but he comes off as the guiding force her in a much bigger way), surrounded by those that barely acknowledge her existence except for a Mr. Nick Fortune who seems to be slowly coming apart at the seams, and a shadow that is anything but friendly.  Confused?   Yeah...so was I, but hold on to your hat because the road gets bumpier before it rounds the corner to (mostly) full disclosure.

The bumps?  We're talking a lesson in association that knocks loose Amanda's past from her addled mind, a glimpse at history's "finest" (in both the actual and ironic senses), and a dance with death (again both literal and some formerly "human" versions that live in our histories).  It's  odd.  It's unusual.  It....has a point that you won't see coming as well as an actual start that you can't guess at no matter how hard you try.  Surprised?  Again, so was I.  The messages delivered along the way were also a bit cloak and dagger, but they got the job done in a memorable way while giving us a glimpse into actual history.

Image result for tiny devils

In the end, I'm afraid the length of this story (it being a novella and all) played both for and against it for me.  The for in this case was it ended my constant abrupt outbursts of "what", "how in the world", and "how is this connected"; the against would be because given additional page/story length, it might have left me with a better taste in my mouth.  I will definitely give credit to the author for a creative story, especially with his little add in at a potential version (fictitiously, of course) of what happens to those whose souls are pure evil after death, as well as his ability to keep you in the dark while he spins a surprise that ties both to the beginning and end.  For me however, it didn't add to my fandom love of his work, (I much preferred his other title, Monsterland), so for those just getting to know the author, it may not be the best choice to start with...but that doesn't mean you can't choose your own path...make your own history.




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About the author...


Michael Phillip Cash is an award-winning screenwriter and novelist. He’s written eleven books including the best-selling Brood X, Stillwell, The Flip, The After House, The Hanging Tree, Witches Protection Program, Pokergeist, and Battle for Darracia series. Michael resides on the North Shore of Long Island. He writes full-time with his screaming monsters in the background.


SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER



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The Childrens Book Review


Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or those tours on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be sure to pick up your copy today in print and ebook forms!  Need a lead?  Click on the cover pic on the top left hand column right here on my site.  Be sure to check out all the other AMAZING sites on this tour, the list of which can be found below...


The History Major Blog Tour Dates

Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Tour Kick-Off & Giveaway Launch

Wednesday, March 2, 2016
The History Major Featured in a Book Haul Video

Thursday, March 10, 2016
The History Major Book Review

Sunday, March 13, 2016
The History Major Book Review

Monday, March 14, 2016
The History Major Book Review

Tuesday, March 15, 2016
The History Major Book Review

Wednesday, March 16, 2016
The History Major Book Review

Thursday, March 17, 2016
The History Major Book Review

Friday, March 18, 2016
The History Major Excerpt

Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Five Facts About The History Major

Wednesday, March 23, 2016
The History Major Book Review

Friday, March 25, 2016
The History Major Book Review

Saturday, March 26, 2016
The History Major Book Review

Sunday, March 28, 2016
Interview with Michael Phillip Cash

Monday, March 29, 2016
Interview with Michael Phillip Cash

Thursday, March 31, 2016
The History Major Book Review





Now about that giveaway....
I mentioned it as a FLASH GIVEAWAY because it's here today and gone in a flash.  It's been running all month but as I'm the last stop on the tour, you get 24 hours to enter before you're left in the dust.  So, what are you waiting for?  Oh....my bad.  You want the details.  Consider is ancient history...  ^-^



Enter to win an autographed copy of The History Major, by Michael Phillip Cash; plus a Google Chromebook!

One (1) winner receives the grand prize:
  • A copy of The History Major autographed by Michael Phillip Cash.
  • An Asus Chromebook C201.

Value: $179.99

Three (3) winners receive:
  • A copy of The History Major autographed by Michael Phillip Cash.

Value: $10.99

Giveaway begins March 1, 2016, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends March 31, 2016, at 11:59 P.M. PST.

How to enter:
  • Fill out the required fields in the form below. It may take a moment to load.

This giveaway is sponsored by Michael Phillip Cash.




Until next time...happy reading!




Wednesday, March 30, 2016

BLOG TOUR: The Total Package by Stephanie Evanovich

HI there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the site that aims to please the reader in you with something new (or new-to-you), something different, something eye catching and altogether breath taking, every day of the week.

Today, we're playing host to a TLC Book Tours promotion starring the latest release from author Stephanie Evanovich.  Perhaps you've heard of her?  In order to avoid to much stress on the memory, she's the writing force behind Big Girl Panties and The Sweet Spot. ...both of which managed to scorch their way into readers hearts in the not so distant past.  This time around, she's taking us into familiar territory while fleshing out (pardon the pun..*ahem*) another potential couple to be and she's not afraid to play hard ball.  So, if whether you're mildly curious or perched on the edge of your seat, join me as we explore today's book of choice and blog tour guest...



by
Stephanie Evanovich
9780062234858
William Morrow

About the book...
Heartthrob star quarterback Tyson Palmer has it all: a million-dollar arm, a winning season and the promise of a Superbowl ring. But more importantly, football’s biggest star is the ultimate comeback kid. After an addiction to painkillers nearly derailed his career, Tyson got sober and went from zero to hero in the eyes of the public.

But one person remains unconvinced: Dani Carr, a sports commentator with high ratings and following of her own.

Dani can’t forgive Tyson’s transgressions or forget a single passionate night with him back in college. To make things worse, Tyson doesn’t realize that the bombshell with huge ratings is the cute co-ed whose heart he once broke.

But can a sports journalist trying to claw her way to the top and a quarterback who knows all about rock bottom make it to the Super Bowl without destroying each other? And what will happen when Tyson—riding high now that he’s revived his career—realizes he needs to make an even more important comeback with Dani? Can he use his million-dollar moves to get past her defenses—or will she sideline him for good?


 

Publisher

Amazon | B&N | GooglePlay | iTunes | Kobo




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Image result for football heart


Once upon a time, there was a girl and a boy.  She was nerdy in the most adorable way possible, he was a jock through and through but with undercurrents of humanity.  He wanted to conquer the world, one ball and lady at a time; she wanted to conquer the world through similar means, but her heart belonged to one boy and one boy alone.  Fevered flirting would not distract her from her mission and yet when the time came so many odd years later and the "prize" was hers for the claiming, it was definitely a case of one man's trash versus treasure; in this case, he was the "trash" that spoiled her...the treasure. Hearts were broken, dreams shattered, and yet something GOOD still came of all that transpired.  The question is will it be good enough to conquer all that passed between them in order for them to reach a happy ending?  Place your bets, but believe you me...the odds are NOT in your favor.

I gotta admit, I was surprised by this one.  Book one introduced us to the spicy writing style of this author with book two delving a bit deeply into an area I'd rather not, but book three...this one was a good balance.  It walked the line between proper and naughty allowing readers to enjoy the sizzle without getting burned...much.  (*wink*) Initially, Tyson was a complete a**.  Sorry but there's not other way to describe him.  He may have had his reasons but to the extent he allowed himself to be pulled down the dark and twisted roads of addiction, partying, drugs, and one night stands, I stick with my one word assessment.  Dani on the other hand was a diamond in the rough...not in the sense that SHE was rough around the edges (though she could definitely talk her way through a locker room with nary a stare), but that she had a good head on her shoulders and convictions to which she stuck.  Did she land herself in trouble when her heart completely lead the way?  Oh most definitely, but you can't blame a girl for trying and the unexpected rewards reaped were certainly worth the heartache.


Image result for stephanie evanovich books Image result for stephanie evanovich books


Along the way, we meet up with Holly and Logan (congratulations to them both!  You'll read why...), and Angela and Chase (still going strong...no additional comment necessary), the two couples from the start of the series.  The connection adds depth to the story for those faithful followers while inserting a streak of curiosity for those just discovering what they've been missing.  Much like the previous female leads, Dani is strong but with a past that she carries every day.  She cares for her family and friends, wants to reach her dreams, and won't let a simple man stand in her way (okay, so he's definitely not simple or JUST a man but I'll let you discover that more on your own).  In the same vein, Tyson is a bit locked in his own mind, getting in his own way time and again, but with the somewhat aggressive help of a particular high roller, he's about to have some sense knocked into him...quite literally.  No pain, no gain...right?  Yeah...he just has to keep telling himself that and he'll be just fine, though keeping his eyes on the prize (whomever or whatever they might be) will definitely go a long way.

In summary, it was a great addition to the unofficial series that will sweep readers away whether new or familiar to the territory.  It was wonderful to catch up with the couples from the previous books thus making our connections that much deeper, but I can definitely see a newbie just coming into the set on this release enjoying it just as much.  Dani and Tyson were certainly not a match made in heaven initially but by book's end, they were indeed "the total package". Recommended for adult readers of Women's Fiction, Fiction, and Contemporary Romance for some content - think sexy times and innuendos but not as much action as The Sweet Spot




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About the author..

Stephanie Evanovich

New York Times Bestselling Author, Stephanie Evanovich is a full-fledged Jersey girl from Asbury Park who began writing fiction while waiting for her cues during countless community theater projects. She attended New York’s School of Film and Television and acted in several improvisational troupes and a few small-budget movies, all in preparation for the greatest job she ever had, raising her two sons. Now a full-time writer, she’s an avid sports fan who holds a black belt in tae kwon do.


SITE  |  FACEBOOK



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Image result for tlc book tours logo

Special thanks to Trish at TLC Book Tours for the ARC for review and chance to bring this tour to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now via William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!