Book Tour/Giveaway - Nick Bancroft Mystery Series by Bob Liter

Nick Bancroft Mystery Series by Bob Liter

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GENRE: Romantic Mystery/Suspense

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BLURB:

IN THIS "GRIPPING" MYSTERY THRILLER SOMEONE TRIES TO BURN NICK BANCROFT ALIVE, BEATS HIM SENSELESS, USES HIM FOR TARGET PRACTICE AND WORST OF ALL HIS BELOVED CHICAGO CUBS DISAPPOINT HIM AGAIN! SOMETIMES A PI JUST CAN'T CATCH A BREAK! BUT WHEN HIS CLIENT IS A SEXY NUDIST, NICK BANCROFT WILL PUT UP WITH JUST ABOUT ANYTHING!

When a sexy nudist hires him to protect her from whoever is threatening her life, Nick Bancroft becomes the target. Someone tries to burn him alive, beats the hell out of him and, since that didn't run him off, uses him for target practice. Meanwhile, two people are murdered, Nick's true love, Maggie Atley, is more than somewhat perturbed by his relationship with his client, and a mysterious club seems to hold the answer. Nick survives an exciting but still losing season by his beloved Chicago Cubs, a vicious attack by a couple of huge dogs and eventually puts the finger on the bad guys.


Nick Bancroft Mysteries, written by Bob Liter

I'm an ex-newspaper reporter who inherited a run-down, one-man detective agency. My name is Nick Bancroft. I used to do investigation work occasionally for a friend Jimmy Jackson, who left me the business and stuck me with an office on the top floor of an old building in the wrong end of town.

I would have refused the inheritance, but I was sick of working where news had been converted to entertainment. And, besides, Jimmy had paid six months’ rent in advance for the office with a small apartment attached. Since I inherited the business I have helped solve a murder and got some press as a result.

In a small town like Centrel City, you can find bribery, graft, kickbacks, political influence peddling, criminal cover-ups, and sometimes murder. Now when I get involved in a case, there usually is a story I can sell to the upstate Chicago Times. I didn't expect to make a living as a private investigator and freelance reporter, but I was wrong ... sort of. It beats making money for someone else and it leaves time for my almost favorite sport of bowling and my passion for the Chicago Cubs.

It’s all in a day’s work; I can be tough enough when I have to be. On the other hand, I can be soft for the ladies, especially for an on-again off-again lover, Maggie Atley. Nothing is ever as it seems and I don’t quit until I find the answers. My name is Nick Bancroft.

Blurb #1 – Book One

Murder by the Book, written by Bob Liter

Nick Bancroft inherits a rundown detective agency and embarks on a new career as a hard-boiled detective. When date rape drugs show up in Centrel City, so does reporter Nick Bancroft. The drugs are discovered at two different murders with sex etiquette books left at the scenes. Nick is hired by the first victim’s father, Ramsey Sinclair, to find the killer. A Chicago detective, Miss Faustine, is also hired by Mr. Sinclair to work “closely” with Bancroft. His focus is interrupted when he begins a love affair with receptionist, Maggie Atley, from a neighboring office.

Bancroft is banking on solving the murders and selling the story to the Chicago Times. As the case unfolds there is enough danger, drama, and deception to fill a book. Nick finds few things are as they seem and in his enthusiasm he becomes the target of a shooter and also the target of charming Maggie Atley’s affections.

Blurb #2 - Book 2


August is Murder, written by Bob Liter

A sexy nudist hires Nick Bancroft to defend her from threats on her life; Nick volunteers to provide 24-hour protection. Now, he is the target and August becomes even hotter when someone tries to burn him alive. Nick is not one to turn tail and run, especially now with two murders and Lady Godiva to protect. Nick's true love, second only to the Cubs and bowling, Maggie Atley, is more than somewhat perturbed by the arrangement with his beautiful client.
After weeks of investigation there are still unanswered questions. Who are the bad guys? What does a mysterious club have to do with the murders? Can Nick survive another losing season by his beloved Chicago Cubs? Is this the last inning for Nick and Maggie?

Blurb #3 – Book 3

Death Sting, written by Bob Liter

After an intimate breakfast together, while reading the paper to Maggie, Nick is baffled by a headline: Female Body Found Covered with Stings: The Sheriff Calls the Death an Accident. Free-lance reporter and private detective, Nick Bancroft, doesn’t believe it and is drawn to the case like a bee to honey. He learns the victim lived in a home for young unwed mothers who work as waitresses and hookers at a nightclub.

Murder suspects include an alcoholic handy man, the man and wife who operate the home, a nightclub operator and his henchman, and a sheriff's deputy. Everyone is trying to stop Nick’s investigation, including federal agents.

Even when he and his earthy lover Maggie survive being dumped in a deep lake with weights tied to their ankles, Bancroft is unwavering in his pursuit of the truth. Will Maggie and Nick’s romance sink or swim before the case is solved?

Blurb #4 – Book 4


Point of Murder, written by Bob Liter

Nick Bancroft, a former investigative reporter, enjoys a mundane existence in Centrel City operating a one-man detective agency. He supplements his pauper’s wages selling news stories to the Chicago Times. In a small apartment, Nick and his roommate Maggie, share frivolous romantic lovemaking and the responsibility of feeding a stray cat that adopted them. On the surface it seems picture-perfect.
The bed of roses ends abruptly when Nick’s destitute young friend, Bobby Scalf, is found murdered with a blunt six inch spike in his head. Nick becomes a suspect when the second murder victim is discovered in the abandoned building where the boy lived.

While Nick tries to find out who killed the boy, he uncovers a web of corruption involving the town council, the school board, the police chief and the local newspaper publisher. Nick survives several attempts on his life, and that of his stormy lover, before nailing the killer and exposing the town's secrets. Solving the town’s problems may not be enough to solve the problems festering between Maggie and Nick. Is it really over?

Blurb #5 – Book 5


And the Band Played On, written by Bob Liter

Freelance reporter and sometime private detective, Nick Bancroft, is tough enough when he has to be. On the other hand, he can be soft for the ladies. That's how he ends up at an outdoor band concert, with Maggie, a librarian, divorcee, and his very talented lover. Nick is front row center to witness the murder of a well-connected private secretary of an important political figure.

It doesn't earn him any points with the cops that he is on the scene before them, and it doesn't earn him any points with certain influential politicians that he won't get off the case. Not only is Nick drawn into the dirty details of the crime, someone is trying to kill him. During the investigation, Maggie and Nick come face to face with the events surrounding 9-11. Will the final case break their spirits and crumble their love, or will they emerge stronger and committed to life together?


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Excerpt:

August is Murder, A Nick Bancroft Mystery - Book 2

The first time they tried to kill me I was asleep. My office and apartment were on the third floor of a nearly abandoned building. My own coughing jarred me awake. I rolled to a sitting position from the sweat-wet bedding and continued choking on hot, acrid air. The sweat was no surprise. My air conditioner had quit. But this was more than August heat in Centrel City, Illinois.

A flip of the light switch near my bed did nothing to alleviate the darkness. I went to hands and knees and felt around until I found my pants and shoes, sat against the bed, squirmed into the jeans. Heat from the floor threatened to roast my rump.

"Don't panic, Nick," I said aloud. Should I try to save anything or just get the hell out? My files, I had to save my case files. I crawled into the office, stood, and pulled out the top drawer. I felt my way to the office door and opened it. A swish of even hotter air swept against my face.

What about Maggie? She might be in the office on the second floor. It was well past midnight. Why would she be there? I assured myself she was not. She was the reason why I now had a stray cat and a cracked heart. What about the cat? Any cat that came and went when the office door was locked wouldn't be trapped in that old building.




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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Robert T “Bob” Liter (1923-2008) was born in Hartley, IA to Charles and Hazel Liter and grew up in Des Moines, IA. His sisters June and JoAnn, joined the family before the decade was over. Bob was a U.S. Navy veteran, and was honorably discharged after two tours of duty, one tour in World War II and the other tour in the Korean War. A Graduate from Drake University in Des Moines, IA, he earned his degree in journalism, and married Lillian in 1950.

What Happened Next

I came along 9 months later; my name is Martie. I was soon followed by my sister Jeannie and two brothers, Jeff and Ron.

Later in Dad's journalism career he worked as a copy editor for the Peoria Journal Star, Peoria, IL until his retirement. Through the years he was also a writer. Early in his sideline career he was published in various True Confession magazines. When Dad retired to take care of Mom he continued to pursue his passion for writing. Much of his work has been available since 2002 in EBook format.

First Five Novels Available On Amazon NOW

It is my honor to introduce new readers to the Bancroft Mysteries where the character Nick Bancroft has an uncanny resemblance to my Dad, Bob Liter with his wit and bodacious gutsy approach to life. Then there is Nick’s on-again off-again lady, Maggie Atley, who is just like Mom, Lillian Liter, in the way she deals with a self-proclaimed “male chauvinist piggy.”

While Nick solves mysteries in the fictitious, but very real, community of Central City, IL he still finds time for his love-hate relationship with bowling, and his avid undying passion for the Chicago Cubs and Bears.

Website: http://www.BancroftMysteries.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BancroftMysteries
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BancroftMyster1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bancroftmysteries/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/BancroftMysteries/
Author Page on Amazon: http://www.bit.ly/BobLiter (This sends a reader to where all the Buy Links Are)

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One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review - A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest

On the evening of Sofia Claremont's seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake. A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood. She is kidnapped to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine. An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains. Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is the one selected out of hundreds of girls to join the harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal Prince.

Holy Cow I Loved It! (5/5 Stars Loved It!) I have not felt so moved and into a vampire story in so long but the emotion that flows between Derek and Sofia as they explore their feelings for each other was just so powerful I hung on every word. I think there may have even been an instance I swooned.

One of my favorite phrases was:

"He was about to sink his teeth into my bare neck and drink my blood. I had every right to feel violated, but I didn’t. What does that say about me?"

A Shade of Vampire available now from
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Review - A Chalice of Wind by Cate Tiernan

A Chalice of Wind by Cate Tiernan
Released: May 29, 2008
Publisher: Paw Prints
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 250 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: 3/5

After seventeen-year-old Thais Allard loses her widowed father in a tragic car accident, she is forced to leave the only home she’s ever known to live with a total stranger in New Orleans.New Orleans greets Thais with many secrets and mysteries.

Took me a bit to get into the story. It just wasn't appealing to me at first but once Thais moves to New Orleans and begins sharing opinions on her weird new guardian my interest peaked.

Things were hard enough on the poor girl as it was what with losing her father and being orphaned, to thinking she would be able to live with her elderly next door neighbor, and then being whisked off across the states with a guardian she had never heard of, but then once she tries to settle into her new home not only is her guardian and her friends creepy as all get out but she goes to school only to bump into somebody that was her mirror image right down to an identical birthmark!

Oh my gosh I would totally be freaking! Pass the Xanax I am about to flip out would be more like it! I could almost feel the sizzle when the two girls bumped into one another! The story just took off from there for me and had quite a few twists later that I enjoyed as Thais and Clio get to know one another and demand answers.

Review - A Trace of Moonlight by Allison Pang

A Trace of Moonlight by Allison Pang
Released: October 30, 2012
Publisher: Pocket Books
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 400 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5

Abby’s pact with a daemon—whether or not she remembers making it—is binding, so she’d better count herself lucky that (in the words of a daemon who knows better) there’s nearly always a loophole. But her friends’ reckless attempts to free her, well intentioned though they may be, set off a disastrous chain of events. In no time at all, Abby turns her incubus lover mortal, then gets herself killed, cursed, and married to an elven prince whose mother wants her dead. On top of everything else, she’s lost the Key to the CrossRoads to her mortal enemy, who promptly uses his restored power to wreak havoc on the OtherWorld and put its very existence in jeopardy. Only one person can make things right again, but to find her, Abby must place her trust in allies of mixed loyalties, and conquer her nightmares once and for all.

I really LOVE this series so much! Phineas is my hero! A Trace of Moonlight opens with Abby having no memories in Faerie but moves quickly and regains her memory and the action takes off from there. Without going into alot of detail an all out war breaks out when the Eildon Tree on the Crossroads is set on fire because it sort of kept peace amongst all the different creatures with it's hidden magic. Now sworn enemies must join forces to find the one person who they think may can save the tree and the future of the Crossroads but will they be in time? I'll never tell! LOL

The love triangle between Abby, Ion, and Talivar is a bit disturbing but I guess it's necassary to the story. I just dislike Abby having sex with both men and acting like it's supposed to be okay with everybody. Maybe she does really love both men even if in different ways and they obviously both love her even if they do have their own separate agendas but I still think she needs to choose one or the other and not keep stringing them both along. Heck I say dump um both! Who needs them when she has Phin for crying out loud? LOL

Review - Two Moons of Sera (Volume 1) by Pavarti K Tyler

In a world where water and earth teem with life, Serafay is an anomaly. The result of genetic experiments on her mother’s water-borne line Serafay will have to face the very people responsible to discover who she really is. But is she the only one?

All the Fun of YA written for Adults!

This was an interesting and excitingly different story for me and I am loving it so far! The story opens with Nilafay (a water species that can also live on the land) running from The Erdlanders (land dwellers) because they want to do experiments on her. Anyhow she cant flee them and ends up in their captivity where she becomes pregnant with a hybrid of the two races. It gets a bit sad from there because once she is able to break away, her own species rejects her because her daughter is a hybrid so they wind up alone because she refuses to give up her child.

I enjoyed how Two Moons of Sera is told in small installments because it gave me little stopping points to take breathers and just pick back up. The author's writing flows and provides quite the descriptive story but yet leaves the door open for your own imagination to roam free as well. I have always been fascinated with mermaids or mer people so I guess that is another reason I fell in love with Two Moons of Sera even though they are not really mer folk it was still a wonderful story and I am anxious to continue reading it.

Buy Now @ Amazon Kindle
Genre – Fantasy Romance
Rating – PG13 to R
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Review - Rocky Road Trip by Catherine Clark

Rocky Road Trip by Catherine Clark
Publisher: HarperTeen
Published: June 10, 2008
Pages: 336 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: 1/5
Author Site: Catherine Clark

It was a zoo the day I left.

All I remember is pulling out of the driveway. I thought I was going to crumble into a hundred pieces.

I looked at Grant. He looked at me.

I sadly really really disliked this book. The one star actually is for the cute cover. I hate that I didn't like it because the synopsis made it sound soooo good and the cover is really cute but hence this is why one does not supposed to judge a book by it's cover.

One of my biggest pet peeves is the book has NO chapters but instead is divided up into long diary entries...long boring whiny diary entries that I grew sick of before I got into the book 50 pages but still I trudged on and listened to Courtney moan and groan about going away to college, hating her roomate, and sulking because Grant her boyfriend was having a wonderful time at his college without her. Heck I bet he sang Hallelujah on the day she left!

Review - Blood Work by Kim Harrison

Blood Work by Kim Harrison
Released: July 12, 2011
Publisher: Del Rey
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 176 pages
Format: Hardback
Source: Bought
Rating: 3/5
Author Website: Kim Harrison

When Ivy met Rachel, the result wasn’t exactly love at first sight. Sparks flew as the living vampire and the stubborn witch learned what it meant to be partners.

This was one of the first graphic novels I have read and while I enjoyed the Hollows story I don't think I am going to be a big fan of graphic novels. I am not all that into comic strips or books either but I like to try new things is why I decided to read this and because I love The Hollows series!

As far as just zooming in on the actual story I loved it but in the graphic novels Rachel seems more dingy and Ivy appears far more sarcastic than in the actual books but again maybe it is just the difference from books versus graphics that I am not used to. I wont say I wont ever read another graphic novel but they surely are not at the top of my list!

Review - Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz
Released: April 25, 2006
Publisher: Hyperion
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 320 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: 2/5
Author Site: Melissa de la Cruz

The Blue Bloods vowed that their immortal status would remain a closely guarded secret. And they kept that secret for centuries. But now, in New York City, the secret is seeping out. Schuyler Van Alen is a sophomore at a prestigious private school. She prefers baggy, vintage clothes instead of the Prada and pearls worn by her classmates, and she lives with her reclusive grandmother in a dilapated mansion. Schuyler is a loner...and happy that way. Suddenly, when she turns fifteen, there is a visible mosaic of blue veins on her arm. She starts to crave raw food and she is having flashbacks to ancient times.

I almost put this book down several times because usually if I'm not into a book within at least the first 100 pages then I never will be but I have heard such great things about this series that I stayed with it and Blue Bloods redeemed itself in the last few chapters somewhat. I gave it two stars sadly just for laying the groundwork to hopefully a more meaningful adventure in the second book.

The characters never came to life for me and were just drab and boring. The only one with any finess at all was the evil minded Mimi who basically single-handedly kept the story alive with her jealousy and bad attitude. I kept waiting on Jack to break out of his shell and show me something but even though he had a few spurts of life and interest in Schuyler he always let his father and twin (Mimi) rule his world.

Bliss and Dylan was a relationship that I saw potential in and just when I was becoming involved (FINALLY) in the story, chaos and mystery break out and the book ends.

Schuyler who I would think should be a main character is just flat and at first I was hoping her and Jack would become a team/couple but Jack acts as though he has no mind of his own so then their is Oliver but one minute he is acting like a child and the next he is all knowing so I just easily got disgusted with the characters.

Another thing that just bugged me to no end was it was almost midways before any mention of vampires and angels ever came into play. The first half was merely high school kids on their day to day crisis

Review - The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

The Restorer by Amanda Stevens
Released: April 19, 2011
Publisher: Mira
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 384 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: Amanda Stevens

Amelia Gray has always been aware of ghosts, and now she travels all over the South cleaning up forgotten or abandoned graveyards. When an enigmatic yet haunted police detective asks for her help to trap a serial killer, their growing attraction constitutes the very gravest of threats.

The Restorer was way better than I thought it was going to be. I don't know why I felt so intimidated by this book or held back from reading it for so long because it was really really good! I actually bought the trilogy on a whim for the simple fact it was a story based in my state (SC) and of the paranormal genre.

Amelia can see and feel ghosts but has been warned by her father, who can also see and feel them, since childhood to never acknowledge them or else be haunted forever and up until now she has always followed the rules he gave her but while restoring an old cemetery she finds herself wrapped up in a murder mystery and has to help a haunted detective find a killer as the body count rises.

I could not put it down! It was a fresh spin on what I have always been told about dealing with ghosts which is to face them and demand to know what they want. I was guessing until the end on who the culprit was. I had an idea but every time I thought I had things figured out something new would arise or a new angle would be presented and the ending left me wanting to find out more of her father and what he is hiding so yes, I will totally be reading the next book in this series!

Review - Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Bumped by Megan McCafferty
Released: April 26, 2011
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 336 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: 2/5
Author Site: Megan McCafferty

Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Up to now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths. Melody has scored an enviable conception contract with a couple called the Jaydens. While they are searching for the perfect partner for Melody to bump with, she is fighting her attraction to her best friend, Zen, who is way too short for the job.

I found Bumped to be just a meh book....it wasn't bad it's just one of those I had gotten all excited about and found it to not live up to my expectations.

The story in itself I found interesting but I couldn't connect with any of the characters. Usually I can at least really hate the villain/bad person but there really isn't one nor one that is particularly that great. They just weren't very likable or easy to relate to.

The story felt rushed and alot of times I found I was sitting there thinking..what the heck? I didn't know who was the most mixed up me or the characters because one minute you got the church raised twin being all holier than thou and the next minute she is doing the very things she supposedly came to talk her twin out of doing.

The ending was no big cliff hanger for me and I am not sure at this point if the next book is in my near future if at all unless my local library happens to have it.

Review - Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Released: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 400 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5
Author Site: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Let me count the times I put this book down before reading it from cover to cover......ummmm I can't get past one!!! This is one of the first books in a long while that just freaking totally blew my mind it was just that doggone awesome and I can't wait for Onyx!

I really hated Daemon in the beginning (I heard a hush of gasps) because he was so obnoxious and mean to Katy but once I came to realize why, I fell in love and my heart would pitter patter at every mere mention of his name...Daemon (see there it went again!)

One of the biggest things that drew me into this book other than omg dare I breathe his sweet name...Daemon hummmmmmmm (daydream break) was the fact that Katy was a book blogger! I loved reading about one of "us"! I can't remember right off ever reading another story that involved a book blogger and it made me feel more involved somehow or maybe better connected is the better phrase? Anyhow it was a total plus!

I came away from Obsidian with the knowledge that they do exist and the truth is out there! (I have been dying to say that like forever!)

Review - Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Released: February 8, 2005
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 448 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: Scott Westerfeld

Everybody gets to be supermodel gorgeous. What could be wrong with that? Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license -- for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time.

Fantastic dystopian story that had me from the first chapter. I can't imagine living in a world such as Tally's where you get a pretty operation at 16 and and you get to go live with the pretties. I mean I would really hate living in that kind of world because what one perceives as pretty is not always anothers opinion and Tally soon comes to the conclusion that the dream she has had for so long of becoming a pretty may just be a nightmare instead. I rooted for her 100% when she rebels and takes off to find her friend Shay and to discover what is beyond.... Well actually she wasn't given much choice in the matter at first as she was given the choice of giving up her friends location or never being able to become pretty which at the time was what Tally thought she wanted...it was only later she came to see that things were not all as they appeared.

Review - Cold Light by Traci L. Slatton

Cold Light by Traci L. Slatton
Released: June 27, 2012
Publisher: Parvati Press
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 212 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: Traci L. Slatton

The end of the world brings chaos, madness, and psychic powers. For Emma and Arthur, separated by an ocean, it brings a love that demands everything.

I have long awaited this second book, Cold Light, after the way Fallen ended. I was NOT dissapointed! Emma's daughter has been kidnapped by a rogue group and she goes on a suicide mission to get her back. I was very excited to be reunited with a few of the cast from Fallen and am still in anxious need of book three now to see how this all wraps up.

Emma is one strong and determined woman but Arthur is just as determined. I am torn on which way I want Emma to go because with the one man her husband she has the strong history and children but she shares something with Arthur that I dont think she and her husband ever really had or ever will.

I can't say much more without a spoiler comment but I will say I didn't really like the way Cold Light ended. I would not want to be in Emma's shoes and have to make the choices she is being forced to but it's time.... there can be only one victor in this war.

Review - The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

The Restorer by Amanda Stevens
Released: February 21, 2012
Publisher: Mira
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 368 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: Amanda Stevens

Never acknowledge the dead.
Never stray far from hallowed ground.

Never get close to the haunted.

Never, ever tempt fate.

My name is Amelia Gray. I'm a cemetery restorer who sees ghosts. In order to protect myself from the parasitic nature of the dead, I've always held fast to these rules passed down from my father…until now.

The Restorer was way better than I thought it was going to be. I don't know why I felt so intimidated by this book or held back from reading it for so long because it was really really good! I actually bought the trilogy on a whim for the simple fact it was a story based in my state (SC) and of the paranormal genre.

Amelia can see and feel ghosts but has been warned by her father, who can also see and feel them, since childhood to never acknowledge them or else be haunted forever and up until now she has always followed the rules he gave her but while restoring an old cemetery she finds herself wrapped up in a murder mystery and has to help a haunted detective find a killer as the body count rises.

I could not put it down! It was a fresh spin on what I have always been told about dealing with ghosts which is to face them and demand to know what they want. I was guessing until the end on who the culprit was. I had an idea but every time I thought I had things figured out something new would arise or a new angle would be presented and the ending left me wanting to find out more of her father and what he is hiding so yes, I will totally be reading the next book in this series!

Review/Guest Post - Night School by Michelle Cornwell-Jordan

Night School:Vampire Hunter Bk.1(Angel) by Michelle Cornwell-Jordan
Released: March 18, 2012
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 56 pages
Format: Kindle
Source: Author
Rating: 4/5

Fifteen year old Dasheen Bellamy’s world is turned upside down, when she is accused of killing her father and godmother. Dasheen cannot remember the events of the night her world turns upside down, but she feels inside that she is innocent; due to lack of evidence against her and with no other family; Dasheen and her younger brother Jordan, are sent to the elusive and mysterious Ame’ Academy ; a residential school where all is not what it appears.

Kudos and my hats off to you Michelle! You have packed alot of punch and excitement into just a mere 56 pages and I could not stop reading for a minute! I am very excited to continue on with this series! The little girl that haunts Dash/Angel has me intrigued and I only wish I could have learned more about her as well as Rafael. I can't wait to find out what happened to Dash's parents and how she comes to have special powers.

I really enjoyed the technique that was used by writing the story in blog/journal type entries. It made the skipping around in the story more easier for me to follow along with and seemed to keep me wondering what was going to happen next.

I sort of figured out ahead one part that happened but I wont mention it because it's a spoiler but I am interested to see how that plays out because it's a really bad place for a couple of the characters to be in and how they will handle it.




********Guest post********

Character Interview: Dasheen Bellamy (Angel) Night School: Vampire Hunter.

Interview by Michelle Cornwell-Jordan

I have conducted interviews and now it’s my turn in the hot seat! I am to be interviewed now, that my book Night School: Vampire Hunter is on tour… I will say I am nervous by all of this! So to help me out, Angel, from Night School Vampire Hunter says she will show me how it’s done:) So, why don’t we go see what she has to say! Thanks all for joining us:)

Interview:





Me: Angel, I am so glad that you are joining me and helping me out today:)

Angel: Oh, no problem:)

Me: I wanted to first start with the question, how does it feel to have an entire book written about
you and your experiences? Now that the book’s going on tour, that will be even more eyes on
you?

Angel: It was weird at first, so many people talking about well… I don’t know my life. I mean…
I was just trying to keep myself and my brother alive, (you know…Vamps can be hazardous…);
trying to be a normal kid, when all of a sudden, I have an audience! But its okay, everyone has
been pretty cool, so I’m getting used to it.

Me: I can only imagine…wow...okay, next question…Have you always known that you were
this phenomenal, wicked, Vamp Hunter, and that with your special essence, it’s believed, you
are destined to change the human and supernatural world forever!..(Um, take your time with that
one:)

Angel: Okay, wow…you just put that one right out there huh? Um, no… I didn’t know that I was
to be the key in some type of apocalyptic, battle with mankind…thought I was just a normal kid
that had luck that sucks…But the perks are awesome!…now that I am trained, I’m getting faster
and stronger and learning more moves…I can even take on Ismet..

Me: For our readers, now who is Ismet again? And also how do you get along with the other
girls?

Angel: Ismet is one kick butt Jinn (Genie), she’s not from some bottle that crosses her arms
and blinks on command; She is from an old race of beings that evolved from Fire…they are the
protectors of the Divide…

Me: The Divide?

Angel: Yep, I just learned about all of this too…the Divide is the barrier between the
supernatural world (unseen to us) and ours. Ismet was one of the greatest warriors amongst her
people...

Me: How did she end up at Ame’ Academy? There must have been a great threat to warrant such
a fighter to be here???

Angel: It was. Me.

Me: Oh…okay…well, how about my second question, do you get along with the other girls? I
believe you all have made somewhat of a team, correct?

Angel: We’re a team now, but at first…I wasn’t sure… I’ve always liked Elin (she’s half
Vampire/half Human) the sweetest kid you’ll ever meet, unless you threatened someone she
loves…then wow, she’s scary…and I already told you about Ismet, I have much respect for her
mad skills:)

Me: And?

Angel: (Sigh)…and yep, there’s Belladonna, a stuck up Natural- Born Vamp that I am surprised
I haven’t staked yet!

Me: Is it the fact you’re a Hunter and she’s a Vampire? Even though, the Natural-Born Vamps
pose no threat to Humans?

Angel: No, it’s from the fact she’s a snob, and always trying to give me a makeover!

Me: Lol….well, I’m sure ALL of you make a great team, you are really cleaning up Kincaid
Texas:)…but aren’t you’re leaving out someone….Rafael? What IS your relationship with him?



Angel:O-o-o-kay…didn’t think you would bring HIM up! Well, he’s just RAF…he’s my
friend...He sort of just showed up at Ame, and well that’s when things got really weird! Then
things got really bad…dark, and when I didn’t think I had anyone, well Raf was there…

Me: Alright:) What is Rafael? His mad skills?:)

Angel: Um, I rather not say…he just is…:)

Me: Fair enough, thanks for the interview!

Angel: See, not so bad right? Even though, you threw in some tough questions!

Me: Lol, well, you’re a good sport! I guess will wrap this up…see you around Ame’ Academy:)

Angel: Yep, me and all the other creatures of the night!:) Lol!

Bio:
Michelle Cornwell-Jordan is a book lover, with YA paranormal adventures as her favorite genre, although she can be a glutton for any young adult title.

Michelle’s other love is writing, Michelle has been writing about as long as she has been a bibliophile! Losing herself in a fantasy world that she or others have created is how she loves spending her spare time...

One last thing about Michelle, she believes that she has her own secret powers:)

Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre - Young Adult
Rating - PG

Connect with Michelle Cornwell-Jordan
on Twitter & GoodReads
Blog
Check out where this author will be talking about her latest release!

Review - The Amazing Adventure of Paddy Platypus by Tom de Paolo

The Amazing Adventure of Paddy Platypus by Tom de Paolo
Released: March 27, 2012
Publisher: CreateSpace
Age Group: Childrens
Pages: 76 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Author
Rating: 5/5

This is a really cute story about a platypus who gains instant fame for being a ferociously fast swimmer. Paddy doesn't really welcome the fame though and would much rather stay home and swim in his "own" swimming spots over the hustle and bustle of the big swim competitions forced on him by Sir Hugh.

My kids and I enjoyed learning about the platypus which we didn't know anything about or how they lived and the book streamlines with our little girls reading level because it is a chapter book and she is just now getting on that school level where these are a must read. The cartoon illustrations kept our younger child interested in the story as well.

kudos to what Paddy did at the end of the story! I think that is exactly what I woud have done as well!

Review - Shaman, Healer, Heretic by M. Terry Green

Shaman, Healer, Heretic by M. Terry Green
Released: January 19, 2011
Publisher: M. Terry Green
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 336 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Author
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: M. Terry Green

Even for a techno-shaman, a kachina in the bedroom isn't exactly part of the drill. When Olivia Lawson wakes to find one towering over her, she panics. A Hopi god visiting the real world isn't just wrong; it's impossible. Or is it?

Shaman, Healer, Heretic was a new interesting concept to urban fantasy or for me at least because it was my first story about shamans and such. It actually opens with a visit from a kachina which I was like what the heck is that? I thought it was some kind of insect. (silly me) It was new to me but spooked me the more I read of it. I started this book at night and when I read about Livvy waking to having one in her room I put the book down until the next day. LOL

Livvy is of course a shaman and she helps people spiritually via a pair of "specialty" goggles by traveling to the spirit underworld but things are amiss and people are dying and getting sick and shamans are being blamed. Livvy must go against the rules and team up with other shamans to try to figure out what is going on and quick but obviously we know things are not gonna be that easy and that is all I am gonna say except I want a pair of those goggles and I enjoyed the story and really hope to see more authors exploring and venturing out into areas of ancient myths and legends like this. It was just a fresh experience and nice change of pace away from my vamps and otherwordly creatures of the night!

Review/Cover Reveal - Wander Dust by Michelle Warren

Wander Dust by Michelle Warren
Released: November 3rd 2011
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 241 pages
Format: Kindle
Source: Author
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: Michelle Warren

Ever since her sixteenth birthday, strange things keep happening to Seraphina Parrish.

The Lady in Black burns Sera’s memories.

Unexplainable Premonitions catapult her to other cities.

The Grungy Gang wants to kill her.

And a beautiful, mysterious boy stalks her.

A very addictive book. Didn't want to put it down! The story opens celebrating Seraphina's 16th birthday where the weird things first began happening and continued until her father was convinced he was not giving her the proper care or attention a teen girl needs so he shipped her off to live with her deceased mother's sister where the action really takes off even more!

Sera seems to be a lonely misunderstood teen which really in itself is quite typical of being a teen but once the mysterious things begin happening to her, she finds herself running from people/things she doesn't know of or even know if they are real, her aunt is acting a bit secretive towards her, and this boy keeps following her around like a stalker!

I really loved this book and I am not one who usually cares for time travel but I find it fairly easy for me to keep up here and actually looked forward to the leaps Sera began taking. There really wasn't much romance or anythng like that involved unless you count the sickening mushiness of her dad and his girlfriend at her birthday dinner. (Yucko) It tends to lean more towards Sera unveiling what's happening to her and why however towards the end there are some instances but dont want to get to involved because I dont wanna spoil anything...just know this is a wonderful story full of time travels, mystery, betrayal, and surprises! I am looking forward to book two which.....

ta da I am showing you the just revealed cover for!

Review - A Sliver of Shadow by Allison Pang

A Sliver of Shadow by Allison Pang
Released: February 28, 2012
Publisher: Pocket Books
Age Group: Adult
Pages: 400 pages
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5/5
Author Site: Allison Pang

Just when her new life as a TouchStone—a mortal bound to help OtherFolk cross between Faery and human worlds—seems to be settling down, Abby Sinclair is left in charge when the Protectorate, Moira, leaves for the Faery Court. And when the Protectorate’s away . . . let’s just say things spiral out of control when a spell on Abby backfires and the Faery Queen declares the Doors between their worlds officially closed.

Oh my freaking gosh! Book one (A Brush of Darkness) was wonderful but I enjoyed A Sliver of Shadow even more! We are introduced to Tresa who tries to trick Abby into becoming her touchstone and when she fails she casts a spell that backfires in a huge way causing the Faery Queen to think war had broken out and she closed the crossroads leaving many stranded and possibly dying.

So on top of taking care of Benjamin, keeping the peace amongst her suitors, running a business, and trying to make sense of being a touchstone Abby now has added this to her plate. But the fun doesn't stop here folks because Abby also begins to discover things about her past and family and let me tell you I was thrown for a loop!

I feel like A Brush of Darkness kinda just introduced us to a few of the key players in this awesome story but A Sliver of Shadow tossed us right into the action and doesn't give us a moment to catch our breath before tossing more upon us! I am practically bouncing off the walls in wait for A Trace of Moonlight which will be out in October. Oh boy oh boy oh boy that sounds like a long time away! More Phin please!

Review - The Weepers: The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker

The Weepers: The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker
Released: February 1st 2012
Publisher: Usborne
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 315 pages
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4/5
Author Site: Susanne Winnacker

Sherry has lived with her family in a bunker for more than three years. Her grandfather's body has been in the freezer for the last six months, her parents are at each other's throats and two minutes ago, they ran out of food. Sherry and her father must leave the safety of the bunker. What they find is an empty Los Angeles, destroyed by bombs and haunted by Weepers - savage humans infected with a rabies virus.

I am a zombie freak so this book grabbed me from the get go and I hated to put it down until I finished it! I was totally impressed with Sherry and how she stepped up to the plate when times got hard in the bunker and her mom just couldn't "take it". Sherry pretty much in my thoughts was the strongest member in her entire family. Even her father in some aspects.

Once it was decided to venture out of the bunker when they ran out of food it was Sherry who needed to go with her father to find food and see what was going on in the world above. It didn't take long for them to run into trouble and get separated. Luckily she was rescued by and later allied up with Joshua who taught her how to fight and protect herself and her family against The Weepers.

I can't imagine being holed up in a bunker for three hours with my family much less three years! Oh my gosh, we'd be done killed one another so no worries on the zombies! Can't imagine having to feed a family of six or seven on a single can of soup either. This story will really drive the nail home on the what ifs. I am here to tell you I am not ready or prepared for any Zombie Rising or Apocalypse.