Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Killmore Release Day!!!

Title: Killmore
Series: Killmore #1
Author: Martha Sweeney
Release Date: Nov 15, 2016
You know how they say the enemy of your enemy is your friend? Well, I'm still determining if there's any truth to that statement.
I was used by the Feds to report on the dealings of Antonio Herrera - the major Mexican crime lord since his uncle passed, leaving everything to Antonio. I knew everything about Antonio's business. How, you ask? I was the only woman he kept close, really close - he claimed he loved me. You get to see and hear a lot of interesting things when you hold that kind of status.
Now, the Feds have me in what they claim is witness protection. However, I never feel safe knowing he's out there. My family thinks I'm dead. All the while, I keep to myself, avoid most people in my new hometown and train rigorously everyday—waiting for the time when the devil comes calling for his debt to be paid.
***This is the first book in a two book series. This book should be read prior to the second book.
    
”Let’s get one thing fucking clear,” I spit through gritted teeth as my body trembles.  “I don’t care what you people have to say.  If you abandon me and I’m left to where it’s either him or me…he will be the one who ends up dead!  Got it!”
“Mrs. Turner.…”
“Don’t you fucking call me that,” I snap with venom coursing through my veins.  The chair I was sitting in shoots back when I bolt upright.  “Don’t any of you fucking call me that.  Got it!”
“Leia…we need him alive,” Tweddledum-ass agent reminds for the umpteenth time.
I never bothered to learn their real names.  Why waste my time when they all say the same bullshit about getting the bad guys and saving the world, let alone the fact that they all wear the same bland colored clothes?  I wonder how many of them may be in on it too.
“Well, I don’t,” I counter with a sneer.  “I don’t care…I don’t fucking care anymore.  Do you really think he’ll hesitate to kill me if he has the chance?  Seriously!”
“Mrs. Turner…Leia,” Tweddledumer-ass agent coaxes.
“I’ll do what you ask,” I remind.  “But, if that fucker comes after me in any way…and none of you are there to protect me…I will fucking kill him.  I will not willingly die by his hands.  I will fight with every last breath I have to make sure he’s dead before I die.”
“It won’t come to that,” Tweddledumer-ass comments.
I snicker in disbelief.
“We have everything we need to move forward with tonight,” Tweddledum-ass states.
“Yeah, like I haven’t heard that before,” I spit.
“We’ll be there,” Tweddledum-ass repeats.
“You better,” I scoff.  “Not like it matters anyway.”
“We will,” Tweddledumer-ass confirms.
“So,” I say, shrugging my shoulders.  “I wouldn’t be surprised if I have to do your jobs…but this time will be different.”
“Different?” Tweddledum-ass checks.
“At least I know what needs to be taken care of and not afraid to fucking do it,” I challenge.
“Are you saying that you’re going to take matters into your own hands tonight …regardless if we show up?” Tweddledum-ass checks.
“Does that get me out of going?” I probe.
“No, Leia,” Tweddledumer-ass confirms.  “It doesn’t.”
“Then, yes,” I state rather calmly.
Tweddledum-ass and Tweddledumer-ass shake their heads in objection, but don’t comment any further.  Hopefully my threat will guarantee their presence tonight.
“Can I go now?” I ask, getting up and heading toward the door, not waiting for an answer.
“Agent Thompson will need to see you on your way out to check the device,” Tweddledum-ass states.
“Yeah, yeah,” I acknowledge before the door slams behind me.
Thirty minutes later, I finally leave their creepy meet-up point located at a crusty-ass, pay by the hour brothel.  My body is oddly calm and relaxed as I head to the house I used to call home.  In the past, I was terrified of Jack when he got home from work and dinner wasn’t ready.  Four years into our marriage, I was running five minutes late, not like it was the first time or anything, and I ended up with a black eye and a kitchen covered in food from his tirade.   He apologized profusely after it happened, claiming that it would never happen again and that he’s just overwhelmed with the crap that’s occurring at work.  The next few months, he was the sweetest thing ever: buying me flowers, taking me out on dates more often and even buying me a little puppy, Shepard.
I was twenty-eight the first time Jack hit me.  It happened again not long after the old Jack, the good Jack, returned for that short period.  I honestly did believe Jack when he said it was the first and last time.
When Shepard got big enough, he bit Jack on the hand when Jack went to hit me.  Jack almost killed Shepard, but I begged him not to; Shepard was my only friend.  I told Jack that I would do whatever he wanted, so long as he didn’t kill Shepard — stupid me.  After that, the majority of the physical abuse stopped, but the verbal abuse continued as Jack forced me to do some of his dirty work, which is why I know so much about Antonio Herrera and the drug and human trafficking businesses that Antonio inherited.  Aside from Jack forcing me to help him with his side job, I met Antonio, which turned out to be a blessing and a curse.
When Antonio met me, he didn’t like how Jack was using me as bait to lure men who owed Antonio money.  Antonio took a quick liking to me the day we met.  The next day, Jack brought me back to one of Antonio’s clubs, having me dress up for the guy.  The dirty work I had to do for Antonio changed—some of it became letting Antonio touch me.
Antonio had a gentler touch than my husband which made it more bearable to endure since my own husband literally pimped me out to his boss — the boss of Miami.  Antonio liked rough sex, but he never beat me like my husband did.  He never raped me like Jack did.  If I wasn’t in the mood, Antonio at least respected my wishes and would fuck one of his other mistresses.  We didn’t have sex at all the first few times we met.  Antonio was a perfect gentleman.  When I realized what giving him my body could mean for my safety, I willingly complied.
When I first learned about my husband and his other line of work, I had the doctors give me the birth control shot and asked them to test me regularly.  The funny, sadistic thing was that Jack wanted children and objected to us using any form of birth control.  When the doctor began to inquire the reason for the regular shots and tests, I just told him and his staff that my husband and I were sexually experimental, which included multiple partners.  Part of that was true.  I slept mostly with Antonio, unless Jack forced me, which Antonio put a stop to as soon as he found out.  Jack was sleeping with some of the girls who were regularly on hand for the goons aside from the ones the business brought in, claiming that it was part of his job to help break them in before they were sold.
With only ten minutes to spare, I get to the house with two large pizzas in hand.  Jack won’t suspect anything since it’s Friday, and Fridays are our usual pizza night before leaving for business.  I shove the boxes into the oven and turn it on to keep the food warm.  Then, I dart upstairs and change into a more appropriate outfit that both Jack and Antonio expect me to wear even though it gets cold once the sun is down, especially by the docks where the new shipment is arriving tonight.
Shepard follows my every move and whines while I pace the bedroom as I get ready.  He knows what’s coming since Shepard always comes with me.  I convinced Antonio to let me bring Shepard along after our fifth time being together, saying that I’ve trained Shepard for protection and when we’re together, Shepard will protect him too.
With a black low-cut, v-neck blouse that is sleeveless and a matching, form-fitting pencil skirt, black fishnet stockings and the black designer heels Antonio bought me, I hurry downstairs to the kitchen.  I pour a glass of wine for myself and start pouring a beer into the frozen glass mug I remove from the freezer when I hear the garage door opening.
“Hi, honey,” I greet Jack in a monotone voice when he walks through the door that leads from the garage into the kitchen.
Jack nods, but doesn’t reply.  This is our usual greeting when he’s flanked by three men who are a part of Antonio’s protection detail.
“I got your favorite,” I mention.  “And, extra for the boys.”
The three henchmen perk up at the mention of extra food for them.  One of them takes the pies from the oven and the four of them start eating instantly without a single word uttered.
I wait patiently, knowing that when we have this kind of company, Jack won’t let me start eating until they’ve had their first round.  It’s kind of like Jack’s way of establishing dominance in his home since I’ve got more control when Antonio and his lackeys are present.
Jorge offers me a slice before he takes his second and I take it with a smile and nod.  Other than Antonio, Jorge’s always been the nicest to me, not caring who is around.  The henchmen are all supposed to be nice and protect me since I’m Antonio’s main woman.  I would almost speculate that Jorge has a little crush on me.  If I was younger and the circumstances were different, I think I would have gone out on a date with him.
When the men are done eating, I scoop out some ice cream and offer it to all four of them as Jack turns on the television, finding the sports channels.  While their attention stays fixed in the opposite direction, I clean up the mess in the kitchen, feed Shepard, and let him out in the backyard.  Once my wifely duties are complete and a commercial comes on for the game, Jack heads upstairs to change into his black on black outfit I laid out for him.  Jorge, Alberto, and Jesus turn the television off and join me at the kitchen table where I sit reading, waiting for the night to begin.
By ten, the five of us and Shepard take two different black Escalades that have tinted, bulletproof windows and make our way over to Antonio.  Twenty minutes later, we arrive at Antonio’s main home in Miami.  Two of Antonio’s men lead me up to Antonio’s bedroom, leaving my four companions with the rest of the crew.
It’s about time the Feds get something right when it comes to microphones and listening in on conversations.  They’ve finally adopted the use of actual high-tech gear that goes completely unnoticed while providing optimal visual and audio feedback.  They managed to duplicate the earrings I’m wearing which were given to me by Antonio.  No more getting caught with a wire being strapped to your stomach or through an ugly brooch or a thing sticking in your ear that are way too obvious.  Knowing what the night will entail, I remove my earrings, leaving them on the jewelry dish Antonio bought me that rests on the counter in the bathroom — no need to let the Feds who are watching get any more of a glimpse of what they really don’t need to see.
As part of Antonio’s pre-game or pre-deal regimen, he likes to become completely relaxed — that entails having sex.  Two other women, Genevieve and Maribelle, join us in the bedroom, but Antonio pays more attention to me as he always does.  He claims that I always give him the best head he’s ever had in his life — and that he loves me.  My nonchalant attitude towards him sleeping with other women when I’m not around drives him crazy.  He wants me to be possessive and jealous.  I cater to his game on occasion, teasing him to giving him what he wants just enough to keep him interested.  It also helps maintain my status and rank within his organization.  The teasing only makes him more aroused too.  It drives Jack fucking crazy that I’ve got a higher position than he does, even though Antonio did promote him after Antonio and I were introduced.  I’ve got more in with the boss than Jack will ever have, which is why the Feds need me and why I need them to get me out of this fucking hellhole.
Does Antonio treat me good?  Yes.  Far better than Jack ever has, but I don’t want to be known as the mistress or wife of anyone associated with a cartel — especially the boss.
Genevieve, Maribelle, and I freshen up in the bathroom after our frolic with Antonio under the sheets.  Even though the two of them are jealous of me for having Antonio’s eye more than any other woman, they’ve always been nice and offer to help me finish getting ready.  I get why they’re mad.  They want the security that I have.  If there was ever a challenge with one of the other girls in the past, in any sense, Antonio would add them to the collection of women being sold — or he’d kill them.
You may ask how I can be so casual and nonchalant about everything that is happening around me?  I can only relate it to the fact that I have to be.  I have to be numb.  I have to not care in order to maintain my status and the little bit of control that I do have over myself and my situation.  I’ve watched Antonio, and a number of his goons, point a gun and fire it into someone’s head.  I puked only the first time.  It’s not easy seeing a person’s face when the bullet hits, let alone how their body flops to the ground immediately afterward — some of them still move.  The second and third time I saw someone being killed, I cried only because they were women.  I’m grateful for the fact that I’ve only had to watch or be near when someone’s been shot.  There have been some stories that trickle around about how people’s fingers, hands, or toes are chopped off, bodies being torturing in all sorts of ways, including burnings, and other things I don’t dare repeat.
Antonio apologized profusely the first three times to me when I witnessed people being killed, claiming that it’s only a part of the business and it must occur .  His actions are how he needs to establish fear in all of them in order to maintain his leadership.  He professed that he would never have me killed because he loves me as much as he tells me on a regular basis.  He professed his feelings for me the first night we had sex.
His attitude changed toward me when I saw the fourth person killed.  I think I earned Antonio’s respect at a whole new level after that.  I’m not sure why and I honestly don’t want to know, but I think it’s because I didn’t flinch when it happened.
I think Antonio is a coward.  Actually, I think they’re all cowards.  Anyone who uses fear to gain and obtain power is a coward.  They’re just insecure bullies who do it to validate themselves.  Jack was my first real bully outside of the stupid shit you deal with as a kid in school, and I think he hates me because he can’t bully me anymore.  Antonio won’t have it.  I won’t have it.
Martha Sweeney is an Amazon Best-Selling author and plans on writing in a variety of genres other than just romance, some of which will overlap into mystery, suspense, and science fiction.  She’s the author of the “Just Breathe” series, a contributing author to the “Because Beards” anthology, and has released a book themed coloring book entitled “Bookish,” for book lovers who are thirteen years of age and older.
Martha has been creative since she was little, always drawing, coloring or making crafts. When her adult life kicked in, her creative outlet disappeared until she discover Adobe Creative Suite products. Now, Martha is a self-taught graphic and website designer, works with her husband on their business, and writes into the wee hours of the night.
She lives in sunny California and has recently begun to enjoy reading in the past few years, unlike in high school or college which has sparked her new creative avenue of writing.
   

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Go Indie Now Book Box Review!

Subscription Box Review!


 




I have received two of these boxes and I absolutely loved them! The books I received sound great, have wonderful reviews on goodreads and I can't wait to dive into them. One Thing I absolutely adore about this subscription box is that it celebrates indie authors and I’m all about helping indie authors, so each month I would receive a wonderful book that I most likely hadn’t heard of in the book world. I love expanding my reading to new authors and books and this box caters just to that and it is perfect for people looking for new and fresh reads. Another thing I loved is the time and thought the owner puts into each box, its wrapped and packaged so beautifully, you can see the care that goes into each box in each item you receive  and I absolutely loved that. I highly recommend this book box. Thank you Go Indie Now for helping indie authors and books. 


-SandraTheBookWorm



The Crown's Dog Cover Reveal

Cover Reveal

I'm so excited to share the cover of The Crown's Dog by the amazing Elise Kova. Its Jax guys!!!!!!! Gah, I can get over this cover! I can't wait to see the rest of the covers for the rest of the Golden Guard novellas. If you have yet to pick up the Air Awakens series, I highly recommend it! It is one of my all time favorite series! Right now the Air Awakens ebook is on sale for 0.99 cents, to celebrate the release of The Crown's Dog and the whole Air Awakens series in free on kindle unlimited. 



crowns-dog-cover-sm

Title: The Crown's Dog (Golden Guard #1)
Author: Elise Kova
Release Date: November 22, 2016
Genre: YA High Fantasy
Add on Goodreads
Preorder On:

| AMAZON | KOBO | BARNES & NOBLE | iTUNES | GOOGLE PLAY |

(more preorder locations to come)


Synopsis:

A coastal summer is turned upside down by a violent murder, and a quest for lost pirate treasure turns into a hunt for the killer.
Jax Wendyll is the crown’s dog. As punishment for the unspeakable crimes that tourment him to this day, his life has been conscripted to the Empire Solaris. However, in an Empire afflicted by peace, his duties are relegated to unquestioningly aiding the antics of the youngest prince, Baldair.
Erion Le’Dan, a nobleman’s son, expects a quiet summer visit to the Imperial Palace, his only agenda to visit with his unlikely friends. But Jax’s discovery the legendary pirate Adela Lagmir’s old workroom inspires a hunt for her long lost treasure.
The pursuit of Adela’s truth takes the three men to the Imperial summer manor, built along the old pirate mainstays. When Adela’s trident is branded into a murdered servant, Prince Baldair’s summer amusement of treasure-hunting becomes a hunt to find the killer. But, as mysteries compound, the ghosts of Jax’s past may not be the only things haunting them.
The Crown’s Dog is a prequel story about the founding of The Golden Guard. It features characters from Air Awakens and takes place in the Air Awakens world. While it is not required to read Air Awakens first, readers may get more enjoyment from doing so. For those interested, the Air Awakens is available for free on Kindle Unlimited, ebooks for purchase through Amazon, as well as physical copies through The Book Depository.
Meet The Author

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Elise Kova has always had a profound love of fantastical worlds. Somehow, she managed to focus on the real world long enough to graduate with a Master’s in Business Administration before crawling back under her favorite writing blanket to conceptualize her next magic system. She currently lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, and when she is not writing can be found playing video games, watching anime, or talking with readers on social media. She is the USA Today bestselling author of the Air Awakens Series as well as the upcoming Loom Saga (Keymaster, 2017).


Thursday, October 27, 2016

Beyond the Neon Shore Cover Reveal

Cover Reveal

Today is The 52nd two year anniversary and to celebrate Dela decided to share with all of us the cover of her new novel and the sequel to The 52nd series "Beyond the Neon Shore" I'm beyond excited to share it with all of y'all! And to keep celebrating The 52nd anniversary the awesome Dela has The 52nd on sale until midnight Halloween night! So, if you have yet to read it take advantage of this sale and go one click it! Okay, Okay I will quit stalling below is the beautiful cover!!


Release Date: June 3, 2017

Synopsis:
For Zara Moss life was an escape. 

But breaking an ancient Aztec tradition and denying the Underworld god, Mictlan, the very life he is owed is forbidden . . . and punishment will be two-fold. 

With no rules left to follow, and the Celestial gods unquestioning Mictlan’s ability to conjure history’s worst human massacre, Executioners find a way to deliver the key to his success—Zara—to Mictlan. The Castillo family has saved Zara once but this time she must save herself beyond the neon shore. 

As she faces her undead future she discovers that her guard, Tototl, is doing something Mictlan wouldn’t approve of. And that she, too, has the choice to choose her own fate—should she be brave enough to follow.

Yet, in the midst of the bloody games of Tlatchi, a ghastly menagerie, and deadly layers of the Underworld, true friendship thrives with the most unlikely pair of friends.



Meet The Author:


Dela is the debut author of THE 52ND saga, a multicultural paranormal for young adults. Before tracing the minds of Aztec gods, Dela worked as a paralegal and could be found snowboarding at Brianhead, Utah. She currently lives in Las Vegas with her husband, three kids, and exceptionally fat Chihuahua. Her website is www.delaauthor.com.



-SandraTheBookWorm


Monday, October 17, 2016

The Deadbringer


 Book Review


The Deadbringer (The Ellderet Series, #1)


Title: The Deadbringer
Author: E. M. Markoff
Rating: 
Date Published: May, 2016
Publisher: Tomes & Coffee Publishing
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Page Count: 298
Buy Me! AmazonB&N
Stalk the Author: WebsiteTwitterInstagramFB




Synopsis:

In the aftermath of the Purging, the Deadbringers are no more. The Ascendancy has positioned itself as the land’s dominant power by exploiting the people’s fear of the Deadbringers’ innate abilities to summon souls and reanimate the dead. Yet its hold is not complete, for in the North the Bastion stands in the way of the Ascendancy and its iron-willed elite soldiers, the Sanctifiers.

But, somehow, a single Deadbringer has managed to survive. Kira Vidal, a boy of fifteen, has remained hidden, living peacefully with his uncle in the northern city of Opulancae under the Bastion’s protection. But it seems their luck is at an end when rumors begin to spread, and a strange man shows up at their door, seeking the forbidden services of a Deadbringer.

Aware of the dangers should word of his nature reach the Ascendancy, Kira makes a promise to himself to protect his beloved uncle at all costs, even if it means pursuing the limits of his powers … and learning painful truths.

My Thoughts:

I was sent a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book had me hooked from chapter one! I loved the creepy factor and the way our main character Kira can bring the dead back to life. The author did so much character building in this book and I loved it, we get to know Kira and the other characters so well throughout the book; I also really liked that she gave us information on the characters slowly throughout the chapters and didn't just dump a lot of info all at once that we would later forget. Markoff did an amazing job at world building that at times I felt like I was there with the character myself. I really enjoyed that this book was told from multiple POV and I loved every single one of them, but I really became intrigued with one character in particular and that was E'Sinea! Gah, I just couldn't get enough of him. Markoff hit me with some twists at the end that I just did not see coming and that left me begging for more! I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel and see where the author will take us! The only reason I didn't give this novel five stars was because towards the middle it got a little slow, but it quickly picked right up again and Markoff gave me the gory scenes I was looking for. If you have yet to pick this novel, I highly recommend it! It's the perfect read for this month or if you're just in the mood for a dark fantasy. 

-SandraTheBookWorm

Monday, October 10, 2016

Hello! I'm Back!

I'm Back!!!!



Hello Everyone!!! I want to start this post by apologizing for being gone for most of this year, but I have a very good reason for being MIA and her name is Jazmin Athena, she was born September 20th, 2016 and she is one healthy baby girl. With that said Miss. Athena put me in a horrible reading slump and I really didn't feel like doing much for most of the pregnancy, but now that she has made her arrival I have gotten back to reading and reviewing! I might not be as fast at posting my reviews as before, but I will try my best to get through all the copies I've been sent by authors as quickly as possible; thank you so much for sticking with me and not un-following me because of my absence. Below is a pic of my princess! 

Picture was taken by Abba Color Potography!

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Crystal Crowned ( Air Awakens #5)

Book Review


Crystal Crowned (Air Awakens, #5)

Title: Crystal Crowned
Author: Elise Kova
Rating: 
Date Published: July 12th, 2016
Publisher: Silver Wing Press
Genre: YA Fantasy
Stalk the Author: WebsiteTwitterInstagramFacebook
Buy Me! AmazonB&NBook Depository



Synopsis: 

Long live Solaris. 

One bloodthirsty ruler has been overthrown by another, casting the shadow of death over the Solaris Empire. Vhalla Yarl stands upon the stage of fate, prepared to do battle one final time. Fragile alliances will be tested and new bonds will be formed as the world is reshaped. She fights as the champion of peace, but when the night is darkest will she be able to pay the price of a new dawn? 



My Thoughts:

I was sent a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I was so nervous going into this book since is the last book in the Air Awakens series and I didn't want to say goodbye to the characters that I have grown to love or the world that Elise has created, but now that I'm done reading Crystal Crowned I have to say that Elise ended this series magnificently; I'm sad that I won’t read any more books with the amazing characters, but I'm more than satisfied with how the series came to an end. 



I loved seeing Vhalla go from a shy library apprentice to the fearless Windwalker, her character development even in this book was very well written and I'm definitely going to miss her. Another character that I loved to see grow and become a great leader was Aldrik; gosh I’m going to miss that man! I loved every single little thing about him and absolutely adored him in this book, he went from the feared Fire Lord to the True Emperor his people needed. I have one more character that I absolutely fell in love with and need to mention and that will be Jax, that man kept me laughing when everything seemed lost and I loved his character for that, I also really liked that we go to know more about him and I wouldn't mind getting a novella in his perspective.


This book was so different from the previous ones it was brutal and hit me in the feels over and over again, but I didn’t mind one single bit. I loved the way Elise described Victor’s magic and how she made me loathe him even more than I already did. The action in this book was just what I wanted and nothing less and that epilogue was absolute perfection!!! Elise nailed it! I’m so sad to say goodbye to this amazing series, I’m going to miss all the characters and they will always have a special place in my heart. If you have yet to pick this series up I HIGHLY recommend it! It's amazing and each book just gets better and better. Thank you so much Elise! You have become one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to read more of your work. 

-SandraTheBookWorm




Monday, August 1, 2016

Evading The Dark

Book Review

Evading The Dark

Title: Evading the Dark
Author: E.M. Rinaldi
Rating: 
Date Published: April 11, 2016
Publisher: Anchor Group Publishing
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Stalk the Author: TwitterWebsiteFBInstagram
Buy Me! Amazon 



Synopsis:

High school sucks. It doesn’t matter who you ask; jock, cheerleader, computer nerd, or band geek, they will all say the same thing: It’s a nightmare. But Casey is still wondering how she got the short end of the stick. Just a Sophomore at the prestigious Luthos Academy for Magical Beings, Casey already knows more about heartache and fear than any almost-sixteen-year-old should. Orphaned and left to be raised by the Academy, she spends her days training to become a Guardian, but that dream is looking dimmer with every day that passes.Unlike the wand-waving heroines in all her favorite books, Witches in her world don’t cast spells, they are born wielding the power of nature: water, fire, earth, or air; powers Casey never developed. She’ll be lucky if they even allow her to take her final exams.

She is top of her training class, but that doesn’t keep her from being looked down upon by every other being at her school. All Casey wants is to be given a chance, instead she finds the only life she’s ever known targeted by an unfathomable evil. Thrust into the center of an age-old prophecy, a war is coming with Casey at the reins.

Will relying on her hard earned training be enough for her to make it out alive?


My Thoughts:

I was sent an Ecopy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

When E.M. Rinaldi contacted me to ask me if I wanted to review her book, after reading the synopsis I just couldn't reply fast enough. I love fantasy books especially if they have witches in them and this book did not disappoint, I was hooked from the first page all the way to the end; I just can't believe this is a debut novel it was so well written. 


I loved that the Witches in this book don't cast spells, but control water, fire, earth, or air instead it’s a breather from your typical witch. Casey was such an amazing and strong character I loved everything about her. She kicked ass and didn't take crap from anyone and I love that in a female character. This book is really well paced and I loved it wasn't too slow or too fast and just kept you interested and turning the pages. One thing that was very well done was the romance there is just enough, it doesn’t take over the story at all and I loved that the author took the time to build the relationship and did not make it insta-love.  I absolutely loved everything about this book and can't wait to get my hands on the next one, especially after the ending and twist Rinaldi hit me with; I NEED to know what happens next! If you're in the mood of witches, faes, vampires and tons of action, look no further this book is it and I highly recommend it. 

-SandraTheBookWorm


Friday, July 22, 2016

Caught In Flames Cover Reveal!


Cover Reveal for Caught in the Flames by Kacey Shea

Release Day: August 23



Model: Shane Williams
Photographer: Eric Battershell
Designer: Perfect Pear Creative Covers
Preorder price of $2.99 only available through release week!
iBooks: Coming soon
Add to Goodreads: https://goo.gl/00CrKu



Synopsis:


Callie Gordon is more than a little obsessed…
I love firemen.
Heroic. Selfless. Brave.
Not to mention the uniform with those damn sexy pants…I can’t get enough.
Imagine my surprise when local fire captain, Chase Matthews, wanders into my yard on moving day. I’ve hit real estate gold. Hot as sin with that all-knowing smirk creates an instant spark. Welcome to the neighborhood never looked so good.
But dating a firefighter isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Chase keeps me at distance even when I attempt to break down his walls. A friendship with the nosy eccentric woman down the street reveals there’s more to Chase than he’s willing to share. I’m playing with fire and bound to get burned.
Secrets unfold.
Truths are brought to light.
Can I handle the heat? Or will my love for this man prove that sometimes even good girls have to burn down the house?

Excerpt:


I hate coffee.
Okay, that’s a lie. I just hate the way it’s impossible to jog and drink coffee at the same time. After tossing and turning alone last night when I should have been tangled up with Chase, I woke early and decided if I’m not getting lucky I might as well get in better shape. Besides, what else do I have to do on a Sunday morning?
I lace up my sneakers and hit the pavement with purpose. But that energy fades with each advancing step. My abstinent morning exercise plan messes with my normally caffeine infused routine. So when I turn the corner about a half mile into my jog and Kiki flags me down with a cup of java in her hands, I have to stop.
The cool morning air hits the hot brew and causes a swirl of steam to rise over the mug. She observes my infatuation and invites me inside to join her in a cup. I can’t not say yes. Not saying yes to coffee is like refusing Jesus. Okay, bad example. Lots of people refuse Jesus. I can still be friends with those people. But people who refuse coffee? I don’t trust those fuckers.
So, instead of running to stay in shape for my hot ass fireman boyfriend, I’m having coffee with Kiki at her kitchen table. Enjoying every second. I inhale the roasted brew before cooling it with my exhale to take a long sip.
Kiki’s interior décor is a mix between eclectic grandma and boho chic. Really, I wouldn’t expect normal from Kiki, so it fits her perfectly.
“So, what is it you do for a job, Callie?”
“I’m a graphic designer.”
“Oh, that’s lovely, dear. Do you make T-shirts?” She furrows her brows and sips from her mug.
I grin in response. “I actually do design for a firm that specializes in website development and company re-branding. Sometimes I get to design logos that go on T-shirts.”
“A creative mind. I knew we were kindred spirits.” She pats my arm. “Plus, you’re a coffee addict like me.”
“How did you know?” I sigh as I take another sip. She laughs, a throaty chuckle with a knowing look on her wrinkled face.
“It’s written all over your face. I’m what I like to call seasoned. I’ve been on this earth a while. I can tell these things.”
I bite my lip. She does seem to exceptionally intuitive. Maybe she can help me out. “What else can you tell about me?”
“You love yourself one of those fire boys,” she answers with a glint in her eyes.
“How do you know that?” I almost gasp. Maybe she’s psychic or a fortune teller. Oh, maybe she can read my aura.
“I just know.” She shrugs as Silas jumps onto the table. Kiki shoos him down and he complies with an irritated meow. “That, and the ladies at tai chi told me you’ve been dating the captain.” She smirks. When she raises her mug to salute mine I have to let loose a little laugh of my own. No special mind reading powers, just good old fashion neighborhood gossip at its finest.
“Yes, I’ve been dating Chase for a few weeks now.” Remembering the disappointment of yesterday and our missed date I have to resist the urge to pull out my phone to see if he’s called or texted. I’m sure he hasn’t. He won’t get off until nine and with this being his third shift in a row I don’t expect he’ll want to come over.
“Trouble in paradise already? That’s not good! You’re a beautiful woman. He’s hot as sin. What’s the problem?”
“No trouble. Really.” My lips pull into a frown as I remember the Evil Grocery woman. Maybe there’s more trouble than I’m aware of.
“I’m not convinced. Tell Kiki about it and I’m sure I can help. Besides, I know everything about everyone.”
I grin and consider her offer. I’m sure she does know everything. But I wonder how good she is with sharing secrets. I don’t have the time or energy to be involved in neighborhood politics. She scratches at her neck and it reveals a little of her weathered skin. I’m surprised at the colorful ink scrolled across her shoulder. This woman is full of surprises and there’s something in the way she smiles at me that makes me want to be her friend.
“Okay. I’ll tell you my problems on one condition.”
“Shoot.”
“You tell me the stories behind all your tattoos.” I smirk and she does that throaty chuckle again.
“You sure about that? That could take days. I have lots of ’em.”
“Stories or tattoos?”
“Both.”
“Yeah. I’m sure. What’s that one on your shoulder?”
“Oh, this ol’ thing? This is one of my favorites.” She pulls down the neck of her blouse and her bra strap so I can see better. It’s a bouquet of flowers. I recognize the violets, periwinkle, and lilies, but it’s the foreign words scrolling through the center in script lettering that captures my focus. It’s beautiful.
“What does it say?”
Il dolce far niente.” The words roll off her tongue in a soft caress.
“Is that Spanish?”
“Italian. It means, it is sweet doing nothing. This was my first tattoo. I got it the summer I turned eighteen. My friend and I took our life’s savings and flew to Europe.” She chuckles that rough laughter. “You can imagine our parents weren’t too thrilled. We had been raised to grow up and find a spouse. Maybe spend a few years in college first, but then find a mate. Instead, Bets and I took off for an adventure. My parents tried to keep me from going. Insisted I was doing nothing with my life.”
“So you got a tattoo about doing nothing?” I grin.
“Yes. Though it was far from the truth. I ended up doing my fair share of Italian men that summer.” She waggles her almost translucent brow and I lean forward over the table. This woman is fascinating. Her fingers stroke the rim of her mug, and light bounces off the diamond on her left ring finger.
“Did you marry one of those Italians?” Her eyes follow mine to her ring and she just grins.
            “My turn is up. Tell me about the captain.”
I can’t help the way my face pulls into a smile just thinking about Chase. I take a gulp of coffee and try to put my feelings for him into words. “He’s the most attractive man I’ve ever dated. And I’ve always been a bit infatuated with his profession. But I didn’t pursue him. He asked me out, and, well, it’s only been a few weeks but I’m a goner. He really is the most perfect man.” I know I’m gushing and sound more like an infatuated teen than a grown ass woman but I can’t seem to stop. Kiki smiles warmly and then pats my arm before standing to move to the counter. She brings back the coffee pot and motions to my cup. I nod with a grin.
“Beautiful men. They were always my downfall, too. And a man in uniform is difficult to resist. I’d warn you to be careful, but sounds as though you’ve already crashed and burned for this one.”
“Is there any reason I should be careful with Chase?” I ask because something tells me if there is, this woman would know.
“Oh, honey, there’s always a reason to be careful in love. Doesn’t mean the heart listens.” She smiles and I return it. I should excuse myself to leave now. It’d be polite after taking up so much of her morning, but I don’t want to take off just yet. I want to know more about Kiki—her tattoos, her stories, her life.
“Will you tell me about another tattoo?”
“If you have the time, dear. I’m sure you have other places to be than spending your day with an old woman.”
“I have time.” At my answer her grin pulls into a smile that fills her entire face. Her eyes crinkle so much they almost close.
“Well, how about this rose here . . .”
I get so wrapped up in Kiki’s tales that it’s hours before I finally jog home. The afternoon sun beats down on my skin and the humid air makes it difficult to breathe, but there’s a lightless on my soul and even in my steps as I trot the familiar path home. I’m glad fate crossed my path with Kiki today. Rather than spending the entire day obsessing about Chase I gained a new friend, one whose wisdom and life adventures fascinate me beyond measure. I can tell she’s a little lonely, and who wouldn’t be, living in that house alone with no career and no family. But today I think I needed her company as much as she needed mine. 




About the Author


Kacey Shea is a mom of three, wife, and indie author who resides in sunny Arizona. She enjoys reading and writing romance novels as much as her son loves unicorns, which is a lot.

When she's not writing you will find her playing taxi cab to her children while belting out her favorite tunes, meeting friends or family for food and to share some laughs, or sweating it out in the gym. Kacey finds that picking up heavy weights repeatedly is good for her mental health as much as it is for the physical.

She has an unhealthy obsession with firefighters. It could be the pants. It could be the fire. It's just hot. On occasion she has been known to include them, without their knowledge, in her selfies outside the grocery store.

Kacey one day aspires to be a woman hand model in a sexy photo shoot. You know, the woman's hand raking across the muscular back or six pack stomach of the male fitness model. Yep, that hand.

Until that day comes she will continue writing sexy, flirty romance novels in hopes to bring others joy!

Kacey enjoys interacting with her fans so please feel free to stalk her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.