Are you an avid reader looking for your next "fix"? Can't bear to be without some form of reading material in your spare time? Welcome to my world! Whether you are seeking a new book to "feed your need", or you are an author seeking an unbiased point of view on your own recent masterpiece, this is the place to be. With life as with books, you never know where the next step might take you...

Sunday, August 23, 2015

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Ghost on the Lake by Alex Alexander + GIVEAWAY!

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

Today, we're shining the BOOK SPOTLIGHT on a title courtesy of Author Marketing Experts, Inc.  It's a Mystery/Suspense story with a BIG dose of supernatural and otherworldly forces thrown in that's sure to leave Fantasy fans craving more.  Ready, set, here we go!  Today's featured title is...




by
9781511789073
CreateSpace

About the book...
Imagine dying very suddenly. Only to realize you may still be alive, but lost in another dimension

And imagine the terror of knowing the only way back to your body and the love of your life is to overcome the darkest of evils, ancient tribesmen, and the sinister deception of someone you trusted. 

Ghost on the Lake pits the power of love and evil in a battle between Earthly and supernatural forces that have the power to change life as we know it. 

As students at the University of Chicago, Mike and Laura are soulmates, preparing to spend their lives together. Until unthinkable tragedy strikes. While swimming, Mike mysteriously vanishes. But Laura isn't convinced he has drowned. She suspects other shadowy forces are at work. 

She's joined in her quest for the truth by Ron, a close friend from Mike's past. However, things become heated and frightening when Laura and Ron become entangled in a worldwide criminal plot to control a secret substance that makes it possible to leave your body and visit other dimensions

Can Mike escape the clutches of evil and return to his life? Will he be cut off from his body forever by the criminal syndicate tormenting Laura and Ron? Or is his biggest challenge an unsuspecting clan that holds the key to themystery of the secret substance

The answers will shock you.

And your perception of life, love and death will never be the same.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Well, now.
I'm not even sure where to begin!


First the whole...SUDDEN DEATH.
Then there's the....MAYBE THEY AREN'T DEAD!
Now what about the...SOULMATES.
Don't forget the...WORLDWIDE CRIMINALS aspect too.

We've got tragedy, plot twists, love, and secret agendas just in the first few lines!  One can only guess what's in store for those that pursue the story from start to finish.  My most pressing question?  Where did Laura get the inkling that SHADOWY FORCES were at work and her beloved wasn't really dead.  I mean, I can understand point blank not wanting to believe something like that, it's part of the natural stages of grieving (aka DABDA) but to think someone or rather something else is behind it all, that's a leap of faith...or maybe there's more too it.  Hmm.  Only one way to find out.




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About the author...



Alex Alexander is an experienced physicist and engineer with an extensive international background. Having worked in numerous countries, his exposure to scientific and cultural diversity provides a rich source of insight for Ghost on the Lake, a supernatural thriller that deftly blends science, spirituality, passion and suspense. 

Alex's professional and personal experiences came together in a highly unique fashion to fuel the writing of Ghost on the Lake. After graduating from college with a degree in Experimental Particle Physics, he began his global travels as he shuttled between various European countries. His professional and academic experience during this time included working in particle accelerator complex and earning his Ph.D.

In 2000, Alex was recruited by a leading global management consultancy where he spent more than four years excelling in a number of capacities that included consulting management positions. Since 2005, he has worked with an industrial company where he is able to utilize his broad range of experience within multiple Company divisions.

While vacationing one summer with his wife and children in Europe, Alex and his wife had a life-changing encounter with a "spirit presence" that occupied the home in which they were staying. This made an indelible impression on Alex. 

These fascinating mystical experiences combined with Alex's extensive scientific background, provide a compelling juxtaposition that serves as the inspiration for his enthralling novel, Ghost on the Lake



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Special thanks to Penny at Author Marketing Experts, Inc for the chance to bring this title to the forefront for all of you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or those promotions 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.


FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN 1 OF 20 AMAZON E-CARDS COURTESY OF THE AUTHOR, CLICK HERE AND FILL OUT THE RAFFLECOPTER!


Until next time...happy reading!


Saturday, August 22, 2015

The Amazing Adventures of Ellie the Elephant: Ellie Goes Back to School

Hi guys!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Well, it's that time of year again.  All over the USA, kids are going back to school, whether they like it or not.  Some are returning to familiar halls and friendly faces, others are just starting out in their academic careers and find things a tad more overwhelming.  Never fear, Ellie the Elephant is HERE and she's about to turn your little one's school year nightmares into dreams waiting to come true.  Ladies and gents, children of all ages, shapes, sizes, and polyester cotton blends (that'll make more senses in a moment), please join me in welcoming today's book of choice...



by
Co-Author and Assistant Photographer
Elle Fair
Co-Author and Photographer
9780996363501
Pacochel Press


It's a unique storybook to say the least starring two stuffed friends as they make their way through the hallowed halls.  Alone, it's big, and scary, but together they can conquer the world!  They get a helping hand from their teacher making them feel right at home.  They tackle learning their numbers, letters, and shapes, take a trip to the library to find some great reads, spend some quality time with the classroom pets, and get their daily exercise in during gym class.  If their day could get any more fun, next comes lunch, recess, and ART class!  Man, elementary school was awesome.  ^-^  I remember making these little pictures with squares of tissue paper that you'd put on the end of your pencil (eraser side, of course), tip in glue and stick to the page...such fluffy, colorful creations!  Anywho...




Ellie the Elephant and Pudgy the Penguin are an adorable duo.  I'll tell you, if I had them to lead the way through those double doors of education, I know I'd have felt a bit calmer on the first day of school.  I mean, how can you not?  Story wise, it's all about the fun that can be had while obtaining higher education, but as with any story book, the real love is in the images.  Here, we've got photography as the chosen medium and it serves them well.  A well placed elephant here, a precariously perched penguin there and TADA!  Instant camera magic depicting our stuffed furry friends having the time of their lives.  My biggest question is where will their next adventure take them because the sky is truly the limit.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



About the author...


Marci Fair is a business owner and a mother of four who has worked in real estate for over twenty years. She and her husband own several real estate businesses, some which are ranked in the US.

In addition to her professional career, Marci is the founder of Kares 4 Kids, a nonprofit organization that has served more than 20,000 children in need since 2005. She is also the author of the award-winning book TILT: 7 Solutions to Be a Guilt-Free Working Mom, liberating other women with her hard-won wisdom—“Balance is impossible; memories are better.”


SITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER



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Review copy received courtesy of the authors and Bostick Communications.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title or the author, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Pacochel Press LLC, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.  Be sure to check out the other books available in this growing series including Ellie Makes a New Friend and Ellie's First Plane Ride.  

Until next time...happy reading!

Friday, August 21, 2015

Going Viral by Dustin Stevens

Hi guys!
Welcome back to the Friday edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're jumping into a Fiction title that will resonate with the adult crowd as well as the tech savvy generation (what are we on now, X, Y, Z?).  It'll makes you really think about the impact of social media on our day to day lives and how those "five minutes of fame" can really mess with our minds.  Put down your smartphones (but only if you're not reading this review on one of course), and get ready because today's ebook of choice is...

  

by
Dustin Stevens
9781511835374
CreateSpace Independent Publishing

About the book...
Three years ago, Charles Doyle was an average American millennial. At twenty-eight years old he was content to still live in the bedroom he grew up in, working as a manager at the fast food chain he first joined in high school. Upon the death of his father, Charles realizes there might be something more for him out there and decides to try his hand at the potential of social media for introducing himself to the masses. 

Starting as a web series of self-exploration, Charles soon finds himself seduced by the allure of faceless followers. What began as a first cigar or shot of whiskey soon escalates much faster, an entire new persona developing. 

Told after the fact, Going Viral follows first-person insight into the mind of a man that in just six short months manages to go from an anonymous face in suburban America to internet novelty to ultimately death row inmate Chaz D. 




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




This is a story that really brings to light the darker side of social media.
 What's that?
 You don't agree?
Well now, let's see...

You've got a relatively unknown every day Joe uber pissed off at his lot in life when his Dad passes away and pretty much no one notices.  He tries his hand at memorializing him and pretty much gets told you suck in not so many words.  But wait...what's this?  Enter a random series of videos of him doing pretty much the dumbest things ever (okay, not the dumbest but close to it sometimes) and TADA!  All of a sudden he's got fans, fame, and notoriety.  Now do you see?

I was actually contemplating something earlier today that ties right into this theory, in a purely non-homicidal way of course.  I enjoying reading immensely and blogging about the titles I venture through gives me a way to share that love with others around the world, BUT one part I've always struggled with is getting interaction.  You know, comments that spark conversations and turn viewers into participants.  It's a stumbling block I fall on now and then, but this time I even reached out on Twitter to get some feedback.  My goal was to see perhaps what works for other bloggers, get suggestions, or simply some votes that agreed going the way of just-not-caring was the right path.  Truth be told?  I got nary a tweet in response.  Now if I let that dictate my self worth, I'd be bottoming out under the sea somewhere, but then again....I have a better grip on reality than our dear friend Chaz here.  The point is with the instant access we have to the masses, anyone can make themselves a household name in a matter of moments, and those virtual likes can really feed into our sense of self, for better or worse.  




The story and characters presented here are fictitious but read as though they breathe.  I love how although it starts as a recollection of events we keep getting drawn back to the present to gauge reactions, shuffle thoughts, and remember where everything truly led to.  We get to meet some players that are absent today due to Chaz's current living arrangement or you know, the ability to take a breath no longer being an option.  Some you feel sorry for, others...not so much.  Our journalist friend plays her part perfectly; judgmental enough without forcing her preconceived views on the situation.  By book's end, her mind was blown with all that was revealed and she never even saw it coming, nor could anyone really.  You see despite the fact that all their escapades were view-able to millions, they were still cut versions of reality...all except that last LIVE streaming event.  Emphasis on last and live because that's the last time those words would be strung together for at least TWO of our key players.  

In conclusion, a much heavier hitting read than I at first perceived and definitely something that the youth of today can relate to.  A cautionary tale of what could be for those that lose themselves in the ether, letting it drive them instead of them driving it.  Book wise, it reminded me of Press Play by Eric DeVine (an AWESOME read by the way) while movie wise, it brought to mind Law Abiding Citizen (hello Gerard Butler!), adding up to a winning combination of grit and truth.  Oh and no, I don't normally make movie to book comparisons but hey, it seemed appropriate considering the story.  Recommended read for older teens through adults...not so much due to content but a need for maturity so as not to get any "bright" ideas.


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About author Dustin Stevens....


I originally hail from the midwest, growing up in the heart of farm country, and still consider it, along with West Tennessee, my co-home. Between the two, I have a firm belief that football is the greatest of all past-times, sweet tea is really the only acceptable beverage for any occasion, there is not an event on earth that either gym shorts or boots can't be worn to, and that Dairy Queen is the best restaurant on the planet. Further, southern accents are a highly likeable feature on most everybody, English bulldogs sit atop the critter hierarchy, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a Saturday night spent catfishing at the lake.

Since leaving the midwest I've been to college in New England, grad school in the Rockies, and lived in over a dozen different cities ranging from DC to Honolulu along the way. Each and every one of these experiences has shaped who I am at this point, a fact I hope is expressed in my writing. I have developed enormous affinity for locales and people of every size and shape, and even if I never figure out a way to properly convey them on paper, I am very much grateful for their presence in my life.

To sum it up, I asked a very good friend recently how they would describe me for something like this. Their response: "Plagued by realism and trained by experiences/education to be a pessimist, you somehow remain above all else an active dreamer." While I can't say those are the exact words I would choose, I can't say they're wrong. I travel, live in different places, try new foods, meet all kinds of different people, and above all else stay curious to a fault. 

Here's hoping it continues to provide us all with some pretty good stories...


SITE   |   TWITTER



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Special thanks to author Dustin Stevens for the ebook for review and to Kathy at I Am A Reader for helping to make the connection with her Blogger Directory. (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or his other works, please feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now via CreateSpace Independent Publishing, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.


Until next time....happy reading!


Thursday, August 20, 2015

Pulled by Love by Amy Manemann

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

Yesterday's posting break is over and I'm back with another review.  It's a Contemporary Romance short story from an author whose work I've featured once before.  I enjoyed my first trip through the epages, but what about the second...you're about to find out.  Ladies and gents, though mostly the ladies, get ready for your next must read title and my book of choice today...



(Kindle Worlds Novella)
by
Amy Manemann

About the book...
After years of paying her dues, Ava Sweet finally owns the taffy shop of her dreams. Her grandmother's signature recipes are beginning to make a statement in Soho, NY, and with the help of her friend, Leanna Remington, she has her eyes set on the upcoming Big Apple Sweets Convention to put her shop on the map. The only problem, she's been accused of stealing a recipe by the hunky Boy Scout from the fudge and candy shop next door.
Hudson James is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand, especially at his family's fudge and candy shop. They're looking to showcase some new recipes at the upcoming sweets convention in the hopes of regaining the notoriety their shop has always been known for. Until the owner of the taffy shop next door creates a recipe so similar to theirs that Hudson doesn't hesitate to call her out on it.

In a world of sugary creations and high pressure candy making, adding a dash of romance isn't part of the recipe. With the sweets convention only a week away, Ava and Hudson will need to try and keep their eye on the prize, even while their hearts are being pulled by love.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Okay so pretty much EVERY description I came up with for this book ended up sounding cheesy.  Don't believe me?  Watch...or rather read....




Sweet!
Delightful Treat!
Tasty!
Hits the spot!
Eye candy...literally!


See what I mean?
But I suppose that is one of the stumbling blocks with a story filled with sweets.

The story is about two candymakers from somewhat opposing teams (fudge versus taffy) who have a meet cute that is other than ideal (accused of recipe theft...good grief!) that turns into potentially something more and then not and then maybe and then...who knows?!  Trust me though you'll be glued to the page...if not fanning yourself a bit from the steamier moments.  What's that saying?  If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen?  Very fitting here.  *wink wink*  Anywho, let's dig a little deeper....




Ava Sweet is a great leading lady.  She's as sweet as her name, a smart business woman, a good friend, and just a tad gun shy of putting her heart out there to potentially be stomped.  Does she have good reasons behind that?  Not certain (that's the downside of short stories, you usually end up wanting more), but with her current goal in mind (growing her taffy shop), she's got her eyes on the prize.  That prize shifts just a smidge when local Boy Scout aka Hudson James steps through her door.  He's a recovering womanizer, okay that was a bit harsh, but he was no stranger to the ladies, who has bigger things on his mind right now thanks to dear old Mom and Dad.  He has a business to run and a reputation to uphold and...was not expecting to seriously crush on the "girl next door".  I suppose one can't really guide the hand of fate; just gotta take it as it comes.  These two apart is one thing, but together...let's just say there are definitely fireworks.  

To say I fell in love from the start would be accurate, though not descriptive enough to express all my feelings.  I love the way the author writes her characters, balances their positives and negatives out to create realistic personas.  The romantic aspects are flirty and fun, keeping the up-close-and-personal moments between the sheets to a minimum...there to fan the flames but not cross the line.  Overall, it was a gem of a read and I can't wait to see what's next from this author.  Recommended for adult readers of Contemporary Romance.




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About the author...


Amy Manemann is an International Best Selling Author. She writes sexy and intriguing romantic suspense, contemporary romance (NEW), young adult paranormal romance, and dabbles in children's books. She resides in her hometown along the Mississippi river with her husband and their two children. When she isn't plotting her next book, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and diving into a good book. 

Amy is also a site administrator for the World Literary Café, an online literary community for authors and readers. www.worldliterarycafe.com

You can connect with Amy at www.amymanemann.blogspot.com



BLOG   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER




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Special thanks to author Amy Manemann for the ebook for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or her growing body of works, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a virtual shelf of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!


Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Mid-week FUN Break

So this was going to be a review but I moved it to tomorrow. Yup. Sure did. No regrets either. I've been reading a book a day since Sunday and working so yeah, I'm good with this. Feel free to check out posts earlier this week (or further back even), otherwise, hope to see you tomorrow!

Happy reading guys!

^-^

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Texas Summer by Leslie Hachtel

Hi guys!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're turning up the heat as we jump into a blistering read from the Contemporary Romance genre.  It's from a new to me author that definitely likes to keep things between the sheets, or should I say characters, making this an ADULTS ONLY recommendation straight out the gate.  Ready or not, here comes today's featured title...


by
9781631055454
About the book...
What if your car broke down on a deserted highway in the middle of Texas? Would you think it was fate and that it would change your life? When Wylie Nichols walked toward the nearest town, his future was forever altered. Waiting was earthy, sexy, enigmatic Kennedy. With a convoluted family history and the power to make his dreams come true. The problem when you’re a stranger in a small town is you never know what you might discover. In this particular town, there is murder, greed, lust. And passionate romance.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




Every once in a while, I read a title that doesn't quite become my best friend.  In fact, there are some cases where that despite me having followed the story from cover to cover avoiding the dreaded DNF category, if it were a person I could literally pass it by on the street without a second glance.  Sound harsh?  I suppose in some ways it is, but I did finish it and that counts for something.

I'm breaking this one down into pro's and con's, at least as far as this reader is concerned.



PRO'S

1.)  The cover and title are appealing.
No one can say that the couple pictured lack a spark nor the scenery be void of beauty.  The way the sun lights them up with a halo effect (thought they are both lacking the angelic streak intensely) is definitely well planned.  The title leads me to believe that the story obviously takes place in Texas, and possible features an end of summer romance.

2.)  The lead characters are really good at heart.
It may be hard to see but Wylie and Kennedy are cut from the same cloth.  He gets himself in trouble defending the honor of others; she by defending herself from those that should be standing for her.  It seems destined that they found each other and yet you wish neither one had to go through the things they both did in order to get there.

3.)  The supporting characters are full of surprises.
In this case, I'm mainly referring to Norma.  First off, Norma is a MAN (just in case you were wondering) and while he definitely has a past, he didn't let it keep him down.  He built himself a business with a good reputation and wasn't about to take anything from the likes of anyone, especially when those he cared about were in jeopardy.  He may have missed out on his own kid's life, but he was a wonderful stand in for Ms. Kennedy.






CON'S

1.)  They fall into bed more times than a bedbug on holiday.
No lie.  The book is just under 200 pages and I lost track of how many times they were lost between the sheets, when they even made it there.  The number of encounters and the amount of detail with which they were described found me wondering why it might not have been better to classify it as Erotica.

2.)  I felt mislead by the title.
No.  You can't get the whole story (nay even half of it) from just the title, but even with the synopsis taken into account, I still wasn't prepared for THIS story.  We're talking child molestation that carried on into adulthood, twisted sibling rivalry, bartering in sex acts, murder...and the list goes on.  The topics covered are much darker and grittier than you would expect.




Overall, I can't say it was a win for my own experience, for the very reasons listed above, but it wasn't a complete loss, again for the reasons listed above.  Would I have reacted differently had I been more prepared for what was to come?  Probably not...as I might not have embarked on the journey at all.  Does that mean I recommend this book any less to all of you?  Nope.  It means that while I won't be singing its praises from the mountains high, I'll let you make your own decision.  After all, one person's reading low can be another person's high.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


About author Leslie Hachtel...


Heart…Soul…Words
I am a writer who is constantly in search. My journey is fascinating and leads to…love.
The best thing about my writing buddy, Jakita, is that whenever I read my work to her, she listens attentively and wags her tail with approval. Unconditional love. I wish that for everyone.


SITE   |   TWITTER   |   FACEBOOK



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Special thanks to Penny at Author Marketing Experts, Inc for the review copy.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or those promotions forthcoming, 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!


Monday, August 17, 2015

BLOG TOUR: Christa's Luck by Jennifer Grais and Michael Grais

Hi guys!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Well, I had a busy weekend; how about you?  Between reading, the BIG COVER REVEAL yesterday, checking out the TCM Grease Sing-A-Long event at a local theater, and blogging, it's been a marathon to say the least.  Today, we're jumping between the pages of my most recent read courtesy of TLC Book Tours.  It stars a Young Adult title that was inspired by a true story and is filled with enough emotion that you'll be on the edge of your seat for many reasons.  So grab your cowboy or cowgirl hat and get ready to ride!  Today's blog tour guest and book of choice is...



Christa's Luck
by
Jennifer Grais and Michael Grais
9780990605300
Ingram Sparks

About the book...
Christa Cassidy is a teen cowgirl who loves horses more than anything. She is willing to risk everything in order to keep the wild mustang herds near her home in Nevada free from capture… especially a legendary band of mustangs known as the Lost Herd. Christa inspires her sister, her best friend, and her best friend’s brother (her first crush) to join in her quest. When a tragic accident breaks Christa’s heart and her spirit, only the Lost Herd can bring her back to life. But then a storm traps the mustangs in a flooded canyon and Christa will need more than luck to save them.
Inspired by a real horse rescue, this story is about Christa’s fascination with an endangered herd of wild horses and how her special connection with them inspires her to look beyond her own unforgivable mistakes and try again. She rises up to become a horse advocate at fourteen, whose passion and heart move an entire town to take action. In the vein of Wild Horse Annie, The Horse Whisperer, and the Black Stallion, Christa’s Luck is an epic adventure story of courage, friendship and freedom.






~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~




When I found out that this was inspired by a true story, my heart both sank and jumped for joy.  Why?  Well for the simple reason that so much happened to both shock and celebrate, you'll have to catch your breath and process it all upon turning the final page.

The amount of emotion that comes through the writing, the good and bad times, the dangers and celebrations, the friendships and bonds for life formed; all of it comes alive, right off the page. Christa is a passionate young lady, yet real.  She's a "pony girl" through and through, but she's human and makes mistakes.  Those mistakes might have tilted her fate and the fate of one she loved in the wrong direction (still not completely convinced it was her fault alone) but despite the heart shattering event that followed (and it did shatter hearts, my own included), she never gave up.  Sure, she delved down and wallowed a bit in self doubt, pity, and utter leave-me-alone-ness, but there's not a soul that could blame her.  I myself left several tears on the page when it all went down.  When things got really dark and it looked like all hope was lost, she still never gave up.  She was that determined, that dedicated to be the voice for those that wouldn't/couldn't speak.  Taking a note from those that came before her (and the wisdom of one smart Grandma), she was the change she wanted to see in the world and that effort on her part, make people stand up, take notice, and follow her example.




I love the way the author portrays the characters as well as the bigger issues.  We get a chance to bond with her sister Sara (who actually is much more caring than she seems), find strength in numbers with the likes of Kim and Amy, share in the bonds of family (her Grandma is my favorite there!), and get a taste of young love with the cowboy-whisperer next door (*tips hat at Cisco*).  There's also the horse love with Lucky, Jenner, and the Lost Herd (so magical!).  We also see just what happens when greed clouds the mind with dollar signs versus life, nature, and beauty...as well as what happens when that spell is broken.  As far as the issues, the facts represented are much more shocking than you might think and definitely eye opening.  Talk about a call to arms...

Overall, a captivating experience from cover to cover.  A story about more than simply a girl and her horse, but about what being passionate and caring with all our hearts is all about.  It's about noticing those things around us that need changing and actually DOING something about it, despite how impossible it might seem.  There's heart and hardship, laughter and tears, young love and love of animals, all wrapped up with the harsh reality that faces wildlife, or in this case wild horses, today.  Brava to the author and high recommendations from me to you on this title.





~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


About the authors...


Jennifer Grais is a singer-songwriter who recorded several albums in Los Angeles and Nashville and toured as Jackson Browne’s background singer.  When she met Michael and they moved to the rural area of Topanga Canyon, CA, her childhood passion for horses was rekindled. She completed a year-long program of study with Linda Kohanov, best-selling author of “The Tao of Equus”, and “Riding Between the Worlds,” and began exploring a deeper relationship with horses. In December 2006, she was captivated by footage of a horse rescue that took place during a flood in the Netherlands at the hands of women riders. The drama of the rescue inspired the novel, “Christa’s Luck,” a young adult novel co-authored by Michael Grais. Research for the novel exposed Jennifer to the unfolding drama of the wild mustangs in the western United States and became the primary plot of the book. Read more about Jennifer and the inspirations behind Christa’s Luck.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Michael Grais has written and produced movies of domestic and international acclaim including Death Hunt, Poltergeist, Poltergeist II, Marked for Death and Cool World and more.

Michael has also contributed to the book Why We Write and has taught film-making at University of New Mexico and in various workshops abroad. After attending New York University’s Film School and Emerson College, he earned his MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Oregon. Read more about Michael Grais.


Michael and Jennifer currently live in Northern California with their horse, Solo and two cats Francesca and Finnegan.


SITE   |   TWITTER   |   FACEBOOK



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Special thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours for the chance to bring this tour to you and the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on THIS TOUR, the authors, the publisher, or those tours 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.  To learn more about the wild horse issues presented here, check out  Return to Freedom and Love Wild Horses.

Until next time...happy reading!





Sunday, August 16, 2015

COVER REVEAL: Neon Dreams: Missing Dixie by Caisey Quinn + GIVEAWAY!

Hi guys and gals!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
 
Today, we're helping to spread the word throughout the blogosphere about a soon to be released title coming to a bookstore shelf near you!  It's the THIRD and FINAL addition to the Neon Dreams trilogy from author Caisey Quinn and if you've been following along so far, you know things get PRETTY DARN STEAMY.  *ahem*  Yes, this is not one for the kiddos; no siree. 
 
 
Nope...that's not the cover!
 
Now the book is scheduled for release this OCTOBER but what would a book be without its cover?  Well okay, it'd still be a BOOK just coverless and therefore probably spending its days alone on the shelf until someone happened upon it.  ~tear~  Don't worry readers, there's no chance of that happening with what they've selected.  BUT...before we get to the actual reveal, let's take a look back at the first two releases....
 
 
Book 1
 
 
In the introduction to the series, we get up close and personal with Dixie Lark and Gavin Garrison.  She's the "little sister" and fiddle wiz that was untouchable; he's the bad boy drummer with a past and a promise to keep his hands off no matter what.  Let's just say that boundaries are definitely tested.  To read my complete review, just click HERE.
Now, on to book two...
 
 
 
Book 2
 
The second installment finds us following Dallas Lark as he strikes out on his own.  Why?  You'll have to read the first book to find out but along the way his identity gets lost, choices are questioned, and pasts crop up that he would rather not forget regardless of what he might say.  While the story line was enjoyable, I had a hard time with the crassness of the story, but it didn't keep me from getting to book's end for the BIG SURPRISE.  Check out my full review, right HERE.
Now, let's talk about book three...
 
 
 
Nope...still not the cover you are looking for! ^-^
 
 
by
9780062366870
William Morrow Paperbacks
 
About the book...
 
Fighting for redemption…
I’ve lived most of my life in darkness, beneath the shadows of secrets and addictions. The
last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt the only girl I’d ever loved—the one who brought
me into the light. In my entire life I’d made one promise—a promise I’d intended to keep.
I’ve broken that promise and now I have to live with the fallout. Dixie Lark hates me, and I
have to tell her that I love her. I also have to tell her a truth that might destroy us forever.
Can she love me even if she can’t forgive me?
 
Learning to move on…
Gavin Garrison broke his promise to my brother and he broke my heart in the process. I
may never love anyone the way I’ve loved him, but at least I won’t spend my life wondering
what if. We had our one night and he walked away. I’m finally beginning to move on when
my brother’s wedding and a battle of the bands brings us back together.
Our band is getting a second chance, but I don’t know if I can give him one. How do you
hand your heart back to the person who set it on fire once already?
 
 
 
AMAZON   |   B&N
 
 
 
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Sounds good, right?
I know I can't wait to see what happens.
Well, that's it for today then.
Thanks for stopping by!
 
 
 
 
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Oh wait a second...you wanted to see the cover now didn't you?
Hehe...just seeing if you were paying attention.
Drumroll for the big COVER REVEAL if you please....
 
 
 
 
Yes, THIS is the actual cover for book 3!
 
Is it all you were hoping for?
Personally, I'm pro-ing and con-ing.
 
Pros:  consistency in font, catchy title choice, and imagery...it's great to see the same cover model portraying Dixie.
Cons:  don't get me wrong, the male pictured is definitely easy on the eyes, but he didn't fit my mind's eye image of Gavin.  I was thinking scruffier, more of an edge....he looks like he just got done working at a swanky office or finishing his serving shift. 
 
The real question is though, WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Does it make you even more excited for the upcoming release?
Are you pinning it as we speak to your cover love board on Pinterest?
Share your thoughts and comments below...
...AND BEFORE YOU REALLY GO...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Special thanks to Dianna and the team at HarperCollins Publishers for the chance to bring this promotion to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on the title, the author, the series, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links included above.
 
Until next time...happy reading!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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