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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Book Review: Liv's Existence






First of a two part series. 

Olivia 
Ten years. 
Countless miles. 
I thought I had run far enough away that he’d never find me. The man who destroyed my sense of safety and introduced me to the evils of the world came back looking for forgiveness. How can I forgive him when I haven’t forgiven myself? I look at his fiancĂ©e and wonder how she could love a man so cruel. However, the closer I look at her, the more I realize that maybe she doesn’t love him after all. What has he done to her? I have to find out. 

Abigail 
Many tears. 
Countless men. 
I thought I’d found the one man who wouldn't break my heart. Two weeks before our wedding day, he came clean with his dirty past and shattered our future. He’s asking me to still love him, but how can I love a man so cruel? I look at the woman he destroyed, and I feel compelled to do everything I can to help her. I know what it’s like to be broken by this man. Can I help her to live life again instead of just existing? I have to find out. 

Ages 18+ due to adult situations and violence. Some situations may be difficult for some readers.



***I received a copy of the book in exchange for a review.***

When I first started reading Liv's Existence I didn't know what to think or the direction the book was going. As I continued reading and getting to know the central characters, Liv and Abigail, I couldn't help but invest myself in their stories. 

B.L. Mooney gave these characters life, substance and a reason to have their story heard. At first, I wanted to reject the idea that I could somehow relate to these incredible women, especially Liv. I didn't feel worthy to hear Liv's story and empathize with her. However, as I read Liv's story, I began to understand the pain, suffering and struggles that she's had to endure.  While in Liv's existence we only read of Liv's story, we still get a glimpse into what Abigail's life has been like.  Each of their story were different yet bound forever by one human being. 

These women were forever linked and through that bond they were able to help each other survive and overcome unimaginable acts committed against them.

Towards the end, I couldn't tear myself away from the story. I needed to know that everything was going to be okay. My heart ached for Liv and I so desperately wanted to see her become the strong woman she could be. I cried like I would if a friend of mines endured what Liv has endured. I cried for Liv and for her will to live. 

I will say that Liv's Existence is not for the faint of heart. It deals with real, everyday topics that some women struggle with and are sometimes afraid to speak out against.

Do I recommend this book? Oh, I do. I really do. My only suggestion is to make sure there is a box of tissues available near you. 

Book Review: Small Town Trouble and Giveaway





Meet Kim Claypoole, restaurateur, reluctant heroine and amateur sleuth with moxie galore. "I'd had a feeling all along that this wasn't going to be my day. But I hadn't been prepared for things to go this badly..."

In Small Town Trouble, the first in a series from mystery writer Jean Erhardt, we get acquainted with Kim Claypoole's irreverent and witty ways of dealing with the peculiar characters and events that she finds in her life.

Claypoole's adventure begins as she leaves her home in the Smoky Mountains to help save her kooky mother Evelyn from financial disaster. Setting off to assist Evelyn (i.e., "the other Scarlett O'Hara") with her newest personal crisis, Claypoole leaves in her wake her Gatlinburg doublewide, her restaurant, The Little Pigeon and her restaurant partner and sometimes best friend Mad Ted Weber as well as a budding secret love affair that's hotter than an Eskimo in July.

Claypoole's savior complex leads to more trouble when she bumps into an old flame in her hometown who asks for her help clearing her hapless brother of murder charges. In true Claypoole fashion, she gets more than she bargained for when she gets dragged into a complicated quest to find the true killer complete with topless tavern dancers, small town cops, a stream of backwater characters-even a meeting with the Grim Reaper. Can Claypoole muddle her way through the murky depths of this bizarre murder mystery before it's too late?

With biting humor and wit, Small Town Trouble will leave you guessing what's around the next corner in the quirky life of Kim Claypoole. 

Buy Links: AmazonBarnes & Noble

GIVEAWAY LINK AT THE BOTTOM



***I received a copy in exchange for a review as part of Dark Scream Book Tours.***

Small Town Trouble is a quirky and humorous novel about a murder mystery in a small town

It's a great story to read while vacationing on the beach or just lounging for the afternoon. While it is a murder mystery, it's a great story to read to just relax your mind. There's not much thought that needs to be put into the story while reading. It's witty and funny enough to keep you interested.

We get to see the interesting life that the heroine, Kim Claypoole, leads and the antics she gets into with her long time friend. Although, it wasn't a romance story, I found myself rooting for Kim to find love somewhere, with someone. She's a likable enough character that you want to see her win the end.

Do I recommend Small Town Trouble? I do... It's a great book to entertain your mind and give you some chuckle out loud moments.

~~~





To learn more about the author, Jean Erhardt, visit her website or FB page. 

www.jeanerhardt.com
https://www.facebook.com/JeanErhardtAuthor https://www.facebook.com/KimClaypooleFanClub

Joyce Thompson https://www.facebook.com/joycethompsonwriter 












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Monday, March 3, 2014

Giveaway, Guest Post, and Book Review of See How She Falls



I'm so excited to be a part of the a blog tour for the Chronicles of Izzy. This series is by far one of my favorite paranormal series in the indie world. I love Izzy and who she represents, who she is and what she is willing to do for humanity.








Thank you for stopping my today and be sure to follow along the blog tour to learn more about See How She Falls. OH, and the best part, there's a giveaway!!! The rafflecopter link will be at the end of the post. 

Let's continue with the blog tour!






So, today I have Ian with me to answer some questions about Kennan and Izzy, who also happen to be here.  Although, I really want to find out just what Ian thinks about everything, so all of the questions will be posed to him.
MG:  Thanks for being here today Ian!
Ian:  Anytime I can talk about these two, I am there!  Bring on the questions!
MG:  Alright, was your first impression of Izzy?
Ian:  I thought she was short, and feisty.  I wasn't exactly sure how someone that small was going to take on the Corporation.
Izzy:  "I am not that short!"
MG:  No interrupting, Izzy!  Did she remind you of her mom at all, Ian?
Ian:  At first.  The more I got to know her, the more she reminded me of her dad.  She is caring like her mom, but she has her dad's strength.  She is one tough little cookie.
MG:  What about Kennan?  How long have you known each other?
Ian:  Kennan, how long has it been?
Kennan:  Too long!
Ian:  It has been a while.  Hundreds of years maybe?  I lose track of time.
MG:  Well, what did you think of him when you first met?
Ian:  Now that, I remember!  I thought he was a stuffy pain in the buttocks.  He was so serious.  All "this is serious business, stop making fun."
Kennan:  Have you met yourself?  You could benefit from a bit more seriousness. 
MG:  Ehem, no interrupting or I am going to kick you and Izzy out!
Kennan & Izzy:  Fine.  *grumbles*
MG:  As you got to know him, did you feel any differently?
Ian:  I did.  Kennan became like a brother to me.  He took me in when I had nowhere else to go.  Though we may be vastly different, we are still the same at the core.  We both want to protect the people we love, we both want to stand up and fulfill our callings, ultimately we have the same values.
MG:  What about the two of them together?  Did that shock you?
Ian:  It makes a strange sort of sense.  The two of them.  I mean, do you see them together?  It is kind of sickening!    They are all smoochy-smoochy.  Barf!
Kennan:  You're just jealous.
Izzy:  Truth, if it were Molly here you would be singing a different tune!
MG:  That is a good point.  What is going on with you and Molly?
Ian:  I thought this interview was about those two. 
Izzy:  Stop avoiding the question.  Inquiring minds want to know. 
Ian:  It is no one's business.
Kennan:  Is she still giving you the brush off man?  It's tough to be tough, I tell you.
Ian:  Alright, that's it.  Interview over.  I'm out of here.  *Gets up and leaves in a huff*
MG:  Well, I guess that concludes this interview then.  Unless the two of you have anything to add.
Izzy:  I want to go on record saying that I place my money on Molly and Ian getting together before the end of the year!  Mark my words, it is gonna happen.  I am a Seer after all!
Well, Thanks for stopping by to spend some time with us today.  If you want to find out more about the inner workings of Ian, Kennan, Izzy, and Molly be sure to check out The Chronicles of Izzy!
xoxo,
Michelle Graves


Okay, now those Guardians and Seer are a riot! I love Ian and his "not so serious" personality. And what can I say about Kennan *swoon*. Of course, Izzy, is on a pedestal to me. She is one kick ass, beautiful, intelligent and cool woman.

Now on to my review of See How She Falls.



***DISCLAIMER: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.***

See How She Falls is the story of Izzy making one of the toughest decisions she's had to since learning she was a Seer.  In See How She Falls, we see Izzy step up to her duties that were bestowed upon her from her last adventure in See How She Fights. So, it picks up right were the last book left off.

I could gush over how fan-freaking-tastic this book is. But I can't do so without giving away spoilers. However, I will try because this book needs to be read. This is certainly one review that I will NOT be giving spoilers away because yo
u need to read it and enjoy the awesome goodness it is.

Ms. Graves writes a captivating story in See How She Falls. We continue to see and follow Izzy in her quest to save the world from evil and utter destruction. However, it is at the cost of grand and selfless act on Izzy's part.

We are also introduced to new characters who are so vital to the story and aren't there to just fill in any gaps. I love it when new characters have a purpose to the story rather than just some other character for the sake of having new characters. We get to learn more about Izzy's past in this story, which answers some questions about her (whether or not we had them).

The world of Seers and Guardians is a complex one and Ms. Graves does a fantastic job at giving us some background information on them.

The way how Ms. Graves goes back and forth between the past, present and future is flawless. There was not one moment were I felt confused about what I was reading. She weaves in all these tales together and ties them together in manner that makes you want to continue reading. I, literally, could not put down this book. I spent the entire day reading it because I wanted, no NEEDED, to know what was going to happen to Izzy and her friends.

My one and only warning is: You Must Have a Box of Tissues!!!!

Do I recommend See How She Falls: Oh, heck yea I do!!! You must read the other two books first to know what is happening but YES! YES! YES! I do recommend this book.



See How She Runs
One delivery changed her whole life. 

Izzy was a normal girl living in Chicago as a bike messenger before that fateful day. She delivered one package and set into action a chain of events she never could have expected.

Now she is running for her life from the Corporation, her best friend is not at all who he seemed, and to top it all off she keeps having visions.

Will she survive to navigate the waters as a Seer? Will her feelings for Kennan be her very downfall? Find out in See How She Runs. 
Available on Amazon:  http://amzn.com/B00DWJ6BBS
Coming Mid-March to all other retailers!





See How She Fights
She thought it was over. 
She thought her life was finally her own.
She was wrong.

Izzy is thrust back into the world of Seers and Guardians. With a summons from the Council she can't ignore, Izzy heads back into the fray. Now, it is up to her to figure out why Seers are being sacrificed, carved up, and left for ruin. If she doesn't find the person orchestrating the deaths, she may well be next.

If that wasn't enough, her powers have started to expand exponentially. Kennan is keeping secrets. Moreover, a strangely familiar Symbol-smith starts wreaking havoc on her precariously balanced world.

Will Izzy survive this latest crisis? Will she stop fighting destiny and accept her fate? Find out in See How She Fights. 
Available on Amazon: 
Coming Mid-March to all other ebook stores.


About Michelle Graves: 



Michelle Graves is a self-proclaimed nomad, moving every two to three years with her husband the Army man, her beautiful daughter, and a fat tailless cat named Torri. When she is not writing away trying to purge her mind of yapping characters she can be found entertaining her daughter, attempting to craft (whilst trying not to injure herself with the glue gun), baking yummy treats, or reading. She admits to having a restless spirit and forces her family to go out on adventures whenever possible. They lovingly play along.



Giveaway Time!!!


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