Book Review (with GIveaway link): Reaching Angelica: Book #2 in the Tag Series by Peter Riva

Another wonderful sci fi adventure from Peter Riva, with engaging plot and characters.
Reaching Angelica: Book #2 in the Tag Series
by Peter Riva

File Size: 1678 KB
Print Length: 340 pages
Publisher: Yucca Publishing (February 2, 2016)
Publication Date: February 2, 2016
ASIN: B01AFE9UVU
Genre: Sci Fi, Cyberpunk
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

In a massive spaceship destined for Alpha Centauri B, with a genesis crew including Zip the telepathic dog, his old friendly nemesis Cramer, and a computer being name Ra (now inhabiting a human form and calling herself Aten), Simon Bank emerges from a hundred-year coma and is hailed as an awakened hero. Stuck with unwanted responsibility, he is forced to try and solve the entire enigma of the universe—a small undertaking—before the spaceship, his friends, and all life on Earth are swatted out of existence by super beings he has accidentally awakened.

Simon’s only hope is to plunge into other dimensions with his mind—into the secrets of the universe’s pan-dimensions—as only he knows how. The fate of all life hangs in the balance as he struggles to prove himself worthy of the Path and the absolute trust his friends place in him. Simon knows all too well that if he fails there is no hope—none at all—for anyone and that includes his best friend, an artificial intelligence computer called Apollo, which he sadly left behind. Besides, Zip would not be pleased, either.

For fans of cyberpunk and classic science fiction, Reaching Angelica is the second book in Peter Riva’s Tag series, the comic, thrilling, and continuing saga of Simon Bank—ex–master system computer wrangler and very unlikely savior of the universe.

Review:
This continues with the characters that I came to enjoy in The Path, with a few twists. It also continues with the dedication to the principals the lead characters chose for their adopted path.

The story is still narrated by Simon Banks, the brilliant codifier who helped parent, if not birth, Apollo (aka Peter) and Ra (nka Aten), two sentient computers. These computers friends helped Simon, with a few select humans like Simon’s oppositional friend, detective Cramer, to spread peace to all of earth creating Simon’s image as a hero.

The mind thoughts are the mature Simon although now he resides in a 10-year-old SynthKid body after waking from a hundred-year coma. Ra has been reborn (downloaded/transferred) and is now a maturing teenage girl known as Aten. Cramer unexpectedly has joined the community on the ship traveling to colonize a new world. There was some concern about Cramer’s comatose state but Simon knows just how to jar him awake resulting in the mature (mostly), cunning of the former detective brimming in his seven-year-old body. Added to these characters is Zip, a telepathic dog on board who attaches himself to the group of heroes.

I enjoy the expanded universe exploration even if some of the scientific theory again passes over my head. It doesn’t hurt my appreciation of the perceived danger and concerted efforts needed to save mankind from extinction. Everyone works their part of the puzzle but, once again, it is Simon who must enter the world of virtual code. He is in a time pressure to locate and either hide from, negotiate with or outwit a superior, universe-controlling entity. It is feared that the entity may view humans as a virus to be wiped out rather than beings who can contribute to the entity’s plan or purpose… if only Simon can figure out what that might be.

The rapport among the characters continues to be fun and invigorating. The sci fi, cyperpunk adventure is fast paced with danger, excitement and a natural humor. This is the second book in the series and I do recommend reading The Path first to get a proper foundation for the characters and the path they are on. I highly recommend both books.

I received this through iRead Tours for an honest review. This qualifies for R in my Alphabet Soup Challenge. See my review of The Path and the Giveaway link*** HERE.***

Praise for Reaching Angelica
“Thrilling moments keep the suspense high in space. . . . The way Riva describes the mysteries of the universe is intriguing. . . . This cyberpunk world has its own laws of stretching brains wide with its mind-bending concepts.”
—Jake Vyper, Fantascize.com

Buy the book:  Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Book Depository   Chapters/Indigo

Full tour schedule can be found at the author tour page at iRead Book Tours.

​

Guest Post and Offer Coutersy of Next Century Publishing and iRead Book Tours: Literary Must-Haves for Book Lovers

[This is part of an article provided by iRead Book Tours and Next Century Publishing because iRead LOVES supporting literacy programs. I liked the items but the full article was a very long and wouldn't copy and paste well so I have only set up a part of it. Sorry.
*** Note the *** Offer framed in purple.]

Literary Must-Haves for Book Lovers

Do you read past your bed time?

Find yourself begging, “Just one more chapter!”?

Have an emotional break down when your favorite character dies?

Then say it loud and say it proud: I LIKE BIG BOOKS AND I CANNOT LIE!
Here is a list of must-have pieces for every literature lover.
1. Harry Potter

Represent your Potter pride with this tank.

Cozy up with your favorite Quidditch player. Pillows here.

Just in case Hogwarts starts delivering their acceptance letters via text. Here.

***Attention Harry Potter Lovers: In honor of J.K. Rowling being named the Top Followed Author on Reader’s Legacy in 2015 we’re holding a 1 week sale on ALL of her books. From April 25th-30th, 2016 any Rowling book is 20% off AND double the LitCoins will be loaded into your account just for purchasing. Click the link to check out this limited time offer! ReadersLegacy.com/JKRowling***

2. The Hunger Games

If you get a set of these bracelets you’ll know it’s real. See what I did there? Click here.

Let’s be honest, Seneca Crane’s beard is the real winner of the Hunger Games. Mug here.

But what do we do about the tracker jackers? Tank here.

3. Lord of the Rings

The one fire pit to rule them all here.

4. Alice in Wonderland

Now you can go to Wonderland every night. Bedspread here.

“I’m not crazy. My reality is just different from yours.” -Cheshire Cat Here.


5. To Kill a Mockingbird

…and stick it in my awesome tote, thanks.

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Path by Peter Riva

This is a remarkably smart sci fi with mystery and surprising twists. Quite a ride!
The Path
by Peter Riva

File Size: 1849 KB
Print Length: 224 pages
Publisher: Yucca Publishing (January 6, 2015)
ASIN: B00PSSEMJ4
Genre: Sci Fi, Techno-thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

All life on earth is about to be terminated by an entity as old as the galaxy itself. To make matters worse, Simon has broken everything already.
In a future world that is run by computer systems and that is without want, how can a man find his role? Then, if the very computers he works on to try to make them more human suddenly try to kill him, revealing a secret so vast that it affects every living soul on the planet, can that man be a hero?
These are the questions that face the stumbling, comic, and certainly flawed Simon Bank. His job is to work with the System’s artificial intelligence, making it fit more perfectly into human society so that it can keep the country running smoothly. But when the System threatens the peaceful world he knows, Simon suddenly must rush to save his own life, as well as the life of everyone on earth. Forced to reassess everything that he thought he knew, he is caught within circumstances way beyond his control.
Simon’s only hope is to rely on intellect and instincts he didn’t know he had, and on new friends, not all of them human, to change himself and all humanity. And he doesn’t have much time.

Review:
The New Republic of America is controlled by a supercomputer. The System controls the country defense shields, the weather, the power, farms providing food, communication, travel and delivery systems. Everyone is happy with their basic needs met and the freedom to choose a job they love. Simon Banks is a brilliant codifier. His job is to enter a virtual world duplicate of the computer system and insert programming glitches. The changes are monitored by a Control Committee who continually fixes them. The described goal is to continually train the computer to behave in a more human fashion; to humanize it for the continued and improved well being of the people.

Suddenly there are glitches to the real System. When a tornado breaks through the weather dome in front of Simon, he knows something is seriously wrong. Simon figures it is the work of other codifiers or maybe errors made by the Committee. Chief Detective Cramer accosts Simon and insists that he is tampering with the System. Simon agrees to enter the System with Cramer to see if they can uncover the problem. What Simon discovers, in addition to a history built on lies, is an emerging sentience in the computer. This could pose a threat not only to the American New Way, but to all of mankind on earth.

Simon and a few friends, as well as the pushy Cramer, are in a race against the System (computer within and government without) to try to save humanity. It will take a lot of scheming to determine the right path to get things back on track and hopefully save the world from destruction.

I admit that the beginning of the story is difficult to follow. I have studied computer language but the details as Simon enters and navigates the computer stream are confusing. However, it is well worth getting beyond that to enjoy the rest of the mystery.

The story is told in first person by Simon, who is a likeable character whose thoughts drift from the complex computer language to very human matters. I enjoyed Cramer’s brusque detective nature as the two tried to outguess each other. There is a thread of mystery from the beginning that kept me on my toes trying to determine who is in control and who are the good guys and bad guys. I learned some interesting true experiments that formed a platform idea for the story.

I really enjoyed following the developments and exchanging discussions on ‘the path, the way and the truth’. Along the way, horrible aspects of politics and man’s insistence on power are revealed. In the last third of the book the twists, or at least surprises, come in rapid succession. The ending is humorous if a bit anti-climactic. I highly recommend this to readers who enjoy science fiction especially as it relates to artificial intelligence.

I received this title through iRead Book Tours for an honest review.
I am looking forward to reading the second book, Reaching Angelica, for review on May 3.

Buy the book:  Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Book Depository   Chapters/Indigo

​
Author's Bio:
Peter Riva has worked for more than thirty years with the leaders in aerospace and space exploration. His daytime job for more than forty years has been as a literary agent. He resides in New York City.

Connect with the author:   Website  Twitter   Facebook

TOUR GIVEAWAY:

Prizes: ​
Win 1 of 5 sets of books (The Path Book 1 and Reaching Angelica Book 2) + 1 of 2 $25 Amazon gift cards
(open internationally)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Ethical Coach Leader by Dwight Johnson

This book presents important life lessons in an engaging story and provides a useful tool to apply in making ethical decisions.
The Ethical Coach Leader
by Dwight Johnson

Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Next Century Publishing (April 5, 2016)
ISBN-13: 978-1681020709
Genre: Philosophy, Personal Growth
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Ethics are a growing concern in all sectors of American culture. From businesses to all levels of schooling, as well as nonprofit companies, the values that guide business and teaching criteria are under scrutiny. But, does it take a scholarly textbook to understand how to create an ethical culture? No, Dwight Johnson has delved into the problems and presents practical solutions in his easy to read book, The Ethical Coach Leader: Developing Honor and Integrity.

A fiction book that has universal application, Johnson creates an intriguing story about a college coach who finds out that his star athlete failed a steroid test, putting the coach in the cross hairs of an ethical dilemma. During a couple of restless nights of sleep, Coach is visited by five ghosts: the Ghost of Example, the Ghost of Education, the Ghost of Experience, the Ghost of E-information, and the Ghost of Environment. Each has different advice for Coach on how to resolve his ethical dilemma. With the dreams haunting his every waking moment, Coach also seeks advice from two of his former mentors. The lessons Coach learns can be applied to any industry, business, school or individual life.

The Ethical Coach Leader challenges cultural mindsets and introduces new ideas on how to apply desperately needed teachings in ethics, integrity, honor and good character. This is a must read book for anyone who has influence on others or is in a leadership role. (Dwight Johnson)

Review:
Mr. Johnson’s goal in this book is to encourage ethics as a lifestyle that extends to everyday encounters, including but not limited to all aspects of school, sports, business and politics. Mr. Johnson provides an engaging fictional tale with a variation of the Ghosts from A Christmas Carol. Instead of three ghosts, there are five direct ghosts who visit Coach and a sixth who stays in the wings and observes. The story presents a real-to-life situation as Coach has to deal with a popular, star athlete who is testing positive for use of steroids. The "E" Ghosts (Example, Education, Experience, E-information and Environment) argue for their individual strengths but Coach discovers a model that incorporates all of these aspects in the process of making an ethical decision.

I greatly appreciate the analysis and the model for decision making. I believe in ethics and integrity but never had such a clear cut tool to use.  Sadly, we have too many leaders in sports, politics, and business who put worldly success above ethics and integrity. The larger problem is that society has accepted lower standards so, really, how do we retrain society to expect better?  Mr. Johnson has a wonderful goal to train Ethical Coach Leaders and to hopefully spread the principles of ethics from one generation to the next.

This is a very quick read and the lessons are wonderful. The tools presented in this book can help anyone sort through the different priorities that have to be considered when facing an ethical dilemma. I recommend this to anyone who cares about ethics or may be in a difficult situation where they need help making an ethical decision. That should cover just about everyone!

I received this title through iRead Book Tours for an honest review.

​Buy the book:  Amazon   Barnes & Noble

Click here for full Tour Participation Link.

Author's Bio:

Dwight Johnson resides in Colorado Springs where he works at the United States Air Force Academy. He is a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel who was a Squadron Commander three times and a Division Chief twice. He also served as the Department Head of Services at the Air Force Institute of Technology, where he taught Customer Service and Total Quality Service.

​In 2012, Dwight was awarded the General Billy J Boles Mentorship Award for the Air Force Academy for mentoring cadets.

Connect with the author:   Website   Twitter   Facebook

TOUR GIVEAWAY

Prizes: ​
Win 1 of 5 print copies of The Ethical Coach Leader
(USA & Canada); Ends 4/7/16

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette (The Suffragette Nation Book 1) by L Davis Munro

This is thought provoking, eye opening and a wonderful read!

Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette (The Suffragette Nation Book 1)
by L Davis Munro

File Size: 2613 KB
Print Length: 336 pages
Publication Date: November 29, 2015
ASIN: B018RBXQ9U
Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

A fascinating glimpse into often-overlooked aspects of women’s history, Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette follows a young typewriter girl as she struggles to survive on her own in 1913 London.
Emmy’s wages are far from sufficient to feed and clothe her properly, so when she’s offered a better-paying job with Scotland Yard she doesn’t hesitate to accept—even though it means spying on the seemingly harmless Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU). She soon meets Edith, a wealthy suffragette, who promises to show Emmy the ropes.
When a man from her past takes over the Scotland Yard task force and questions her loyalty, Emmy accepts a risky mission from the WSPU to prove her value to both sides, only to wind up endangering herself and Edith and wondering for what or whom she’s actually fighting.
Honest, yet hopeful, about the hardships facing women in the early twentieth century, this story honors the human struggle for equality and serves as an ongoing reminder of the importance of standing up for your beliefs.

Review:
Emmy is a young woman who makes a desperate choice to leave her home and set up life on her on in London. In 1913 jobs for women are scarce but, after learning how to type, Emmy secures a position at Scotland Yard, typing police reports. She struggles to eat each day and still save money for new boots.

Emmy is offered an increase in pay (and clothes!) to infiltrate the Women’s Social Political Union (WSPU). She is to report the names of the agitators and warn the department of any destructive and embarrassing activities so they can be nipped in the bud. Emmy meets a wealthy suffragette, Edith, who takes Emmy under her wings and shows her how to help in the movement. Slowly Emmy gains recognition and becomes closer to the leaders, learning more valuable information.  Meanwhile, Emmy develops a friendship with her “body guard”, Colin, who watches over her and helps her when she faces difficulties with her sweet landlady.

Emmy is surprised when a man from her past is appointed her new boss. He challenges her loyalty, accusing her of being 'one of those suffragette women' seeking independence. To show her commitment to get the important information, Emmy volunteers for a risky mission. She and Edith face serious danger and have to determine how much the movement means to them.

I found this to be a wonderful bit of history that made me think about, and appreciate, what the suffragettes did to help the cause of women everywhere! I enjoyed watching Emmy’s character grow. Even as a sweet young woman she isn’t afraid to take a stand when she sets her mind to a decision. However, her motives change as she gains a better understanding of her past and present choices. I liked the gentle, growing friendship with Colin and the fact that their friendship faces challenges that have to be sorted out.

The writing is in present tense from Emmy’s view which is interesting. There is good description and detail, even in some difficult situations. The story moved along well and kept me eager to find out what happened next. Now I have to wait for the next book to discover where Emmy goes with her new found courage and decisions.

Although this is a book for those who like historical fiction, I highly recommend this as a wonderful read for all women -- and men too; anyone who might be interested in the struggles women faced gaining the right to vote and be heard as more than just dutiful wives. Grab this book up at only $.99 and enjoy while learning history!

I received this for an honest review as part of iRead Book Tour. This qualifies for E on my Alphabet Soup Challenge and TBR Triple Dog Dare as I received this at the end of 2015. 

SEE GUEST POST AND GIVEAWAY NEXT POST!
 

Buy the book:  Amazon   Book Depository

Author's Bio:
L. Davis Munro holds a master’s degree with a focus on women’s suffrage theatre and works in theatre and dance. She currently lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with her husband and her dog.

Connect with the author:   Website   Twitter   Facebook

See the video trailer:

Tour Schedule:

Feb 15 - Working Mommy Journal - review / author interview / giveaway

Feb 15 - Amie's Book Reviews - review / guest post / giveaway

Feb 16 - Jorie Loves a Story - review / author interview

Feb 16 - Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine - review

Feb 17 - Laura Fabiani - Top 500 Amazon.ca Reviewer - review

Feb 17 - Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine - guest post

Feb 18 - Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf - review / guest post / giveaway

Feb 19 - #redhead.with.book - review / giveaway

Feb 22 - Book Reviews Nature Photos and Everything in Between - review

Feb 22 - History from a Woman's Perspective - review

Feb 23 - A Mama's Corner of the World - review / giveaway

Feb 23 - Bound 4 Escape - review / giveaway

Feb 24 - Sahar's Blog - review

Feb 25 - Laura's Interests - review / guest post / giveaway

Feb 26 - Library of Clean Reads - review / giveaway

Audio Book Tour Review with Giveaway: Murder on Safari: A Thriller by Peter Riva

This is a well plotted, engaging mystery thriller with a fascinating setting. 
Murder on Safari: A Thriller
Written by: Peter Riva
Narrated by: R. D. Watson

Length: 11 hrs and 58 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:05-19-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genre: Mystery Thriller

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Only a reality TV producer and an expert safari guide can stop a terrorist attack.
Every adventure starts at the fringes of civilization. For expert safari guide Mbuno and wildlife television producer Pero Baltazar, filming in the wild of East Africa should have been a return to the adventure they always loved. This time they'd be filming soaring vultures in Northern Kenya and giant sea crocodiles in Tanzania with Mary, the daughter of the world's top television evangelist, the very reverend Jimmy Threte. But when a terrorist cell places them in the crosshairs, there is suddenly no escape, and they must put their filming aside and combine all their talents to thwart an all-out al-Shabaab terrorist attack on Jimmy Threte's Christian gathering of hundreds of thousands in Nairobi, Kenya. The problem is Pero has a secret - he's been working as a clandestine courier for the US State Department for years. If anyone finds out, it may get them all killed.
Exciting and expertly plotted, Murder on Safari is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller set in the great wide-open plains of East Africa.
©2015 Peter Riva (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Review:
Pero Baltazar is a wildlife producer accustomed to working with a close knit TV crew. Mbuno is a long time friend and an expert Safari guide. This trip the crew starts by filming the star, Simon, hang-gliding under the curious gaze of soaring vultures. The filming is good until Simon suffers an ‘accident’. Pero and Mbuno realize that the scene shows more than expected. The two crew land rovers end up fleeing an armed caravan that Pero believes is terrorist related. Pero, who has, for years, quietly and secretly worked with an old college friend at the US State Department, calls in his suspicions.

Pero is determined to find Simon's killer but he keeps the show moving along. The crew picks up Mary, the daughter of a top, highly respected and loved, televangelist, Jimmy Threte. Mary specializes in crocodiles and the team has a program to film her with giant sea crocs in Tanzania. As they move along in their program they dodge a bombing and other threats causing Pero to think fast and keep changing travel plans. Bit by bit clues are revealed that indicate a major terrorist attack is in the works and that Pero's crew has been targeted for getting in the way. Pero is promoted to the position of a field agent out of necessity – there being no other asset near enough to help control the investigation. Pero is distressed at bringing danger to his friends who have a surprising reaction to discovering his secret connections.

Parts of the setting in the story are amazingly beautiful and exotic. Other scenes portray the harsh reality of poverty, divided classes and distinct cultural differences. It took me a little bit to get into the story and the narrator, but after the first hour or so, the mystery and danger really pulled me in. The story is told from Pero's view and he shares background of the country and his friends that adds depth to the story. The second half of the book is amazing as Pero and his friends share clues and work out the details of a multi-tiered attack with a few surprising conspirators. Pero and another friend are the only ones on hand to face down the main threat in an exciting and dangerous aerial fight! Pero and Mbuno are especially wonderful characters, supported by a handful of interesting side characters.

This is a really well plotted thriller and the wildlife details are a wonderful background. I would like to read more suspense by Mr. Riva and wouldn't mind revisiting some of these characters. I highly recommend this book to readers who love a mystery with strong characters and lots of danger and clues to work through.

Audio Notes: I have to admit it took me just under an hour to get accustomed to the narration by R. D. Watson. Once I became more engaged in the story I appreciated the narration. Watson does a good job with most of the accents although the females and American accents are a bit exaggerated. Still, the narration brought the main characters alive, adding to the intensity and intrigue as well as the emotional elements of the story. I recommend the audio to those who like to listen instead of reading – just make sure you push through the first hour or so and then buckle up and enjoy the ride.

I received this for review through I Read Book Tours. It adds to my Audio Challenge.

Buy the book:     Amazon    Barnes & Noble     Chapters/Indigo

Author's Bio:

Peter Riva spent many months over thirty years in Africa, many of them with the legendary guides

for East African white hunters and adventurers. He created a TV series (seventy-eight 1-hour episodes) in 1995 called WildThings for Paramount TV. Passing on the fables, true tales and insider knowledge of these last reserves of true wildlife is a passion.

Connect with the author:
    Website  ~   Twitter  ~   Facebook

The tour schedule can be found at the author's iRead home page.

GIVEAWAY

Win 1 of 10 copies of Murder on Safari (print or audiobook)

& 1 of 2 $25 Amazon gift cards (international)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

World's Best Story 2015 Contest for Writers [Entry due by November 8!]

2015
CONTEST!
Writers submit your Story
Enter for a chance to join
the House of transmedia stories company

What is World's Best Story?

"This is not just a literary contest, we're looking for stories that will be consumed in multiple media formats – from books to the big screen and beyond," says Vincent Salera, founder of World's Best Story. "Our goal is to revolutionize the traditional literary contest and identify a story with blockbuster appeal. We're looking for a story that audiences will love and help authors turn that story into trans-media franchises, which is why we're empowering readers to judge the contest."


How does it work?

Readers will vote for stories and awarded judges will declare the final Top 10 winners.

2015 Judges: Warren Adler, Victor Malarek, Tamarra Kennelly, Brooke Burgess, Samreen Ashan, Alistair Cross, Rhonda Hayter


Timeline:

Entry Period Closes/Public Voting ends. (November 8)

Top 10 Winners Announced! (November 8)

Professional Review/Voting (November 8 - December 8)

Winner and Top 10 Ranking Announced (December 8)


What are the prizes?

The top 3 winners will receive a full publishing package by FriesenPress, trademark protection in the U.S. and Canada by IP agency Benoit & Cote, a virtual book tour by Laura Fabiani of iRead Book Tours as well as consulting/marketing services with book expert Anne Chaconas of BadAss Marketing. Busbud and YoDough will be providing lots of goodies for both writers and readers.

How do I submit my story?

To learn more about World's Best Story, including how to enter, please visit World's Best Story.

World’s Best Story : info@worldsbeststory.com

See what's buzzing at World's Best Story:

How to Get Readers Buzzing About Your Book: Secrets from the World of Book Blogging

Viral campaign with famous characters:

What if Oscar Wilde wrote Sex and the City? (series of posts)

What if Lady Gaga wrote Gone With the Wind? (series of posts)

The Current Top 10 Most Voted Stories

Connect with World's Best Story:

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Pinterest

Enter your story today!

Book Review, Guest Post and Giveaway: Two Hearts: When I Said I Do, I Meant Forever by James Richey

This is an easy read dealing with marriage, mining and a dash of danger.
Two Hearts: When I Said I Do, I Meant Forever
by James Richey

• File Size: 3068 KB
• Print Length: 435 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0990918106
• Publisher: JER Books; 1 edition (December 23, 2014)
• Publication Date: December 23, 2014
• ASIN: B00REM92NS
• Genre: Contemporary Romance
• My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Jaxon Tagget is a cattle-rancher's son, born and raised on the Double T, just outside of Dillon, Montana. In love with his high-school sweetheart, Annie, Jaxon proposes on graduation night, presenting her with a wedding ring made from gold he mined himself. Annie accepts immediately, to the horror of her bitter, man-hating mother.
Jaxon's a wonderful husband, but the warnings of Annie's mother linger in the young bride's ears. And it doesn't help that women continue to fall all over the markedly handsome Jaxon.
Unaware of his wife's persistent doubts, Jaxon is struggling with his own troubles when he finds out his dad is sorely in need of money to save the ranch. But hope glimmers gold when he rediscovers the old mine on the Double T.
While Jaxon travels to verify the mine's productivity, Annie grows increasingly suspicious. Is Jaxon's absence what it seems, or does he have another, less faithful reason for his travels? When Annie sees a picture of the beautiful laboratory owner whom Jaxon is visiting, she's sure the only gold he's interested in is long, blond hair. Is Annie right, or will it be her doubts that forever sever their Two Hearts?

Review:
Annie was a beautiful and popular high school student when Jaxon approached her. They became an “item” from that night on. Jaxon is handsome man and his farming work has built attractive muscles any woman would admire. Annie is thrilled when Jaxon proposes the night of graduation and presents her with a handmade double heart pendant as well as a handmade ring. Annie’s mother has a different reaction. Annie was ten years old when her mother found her father with another woman. Annie’s mother is bitter and reminds Annie consistently not to trust any man, especially one as handsome as Jax.

Annie and Jax marry a few years later. After college he secures a job with a mining company in South America. Jax is a rising star and all is going well until the boss’s younger wife takes an interest in him. Jax tries to avoid the ‘viper’ woman but one night she corners him. Events erupt causing Jax to be fired and Annie to suspect her husband in spite of his reasonable explanation.

Jax and Annie arrive back at his ranch to discover his father suffering with cancer and the ranch suffering financial difficulties. As Jax tries to find ways to save the ranch Annie takes every rumor as evidence that he has been unfaithful. Will she be able to overcome her distrust or will she forever regret her attitude when danger strikes?

There are women who could relate to Annie’s insecurities and jealousies, especially when fueled by having witnessed her father’s infidelity and neglect. I, however, had trouble with her distrust which could be a surefire way to kill her relationship with Jax. Even though I found Annie’s attitude difficult, I enjoyed the story which the author built around the trust issues in marriage and poisonous influences outside a marriage. Jax is a great guy and I found all of the mining details very interesting. His four friends also add interest to the story as did the excitement of a plane crash and hired killers. One of the friends brings not only rumors but danger to Jax and Annie.

The story is well written and makes for a quick read. I recommend this to readers who enjoy sweet contemporary romance with conflict and a dash of danger.

I received this title from iReads for an honest review.

Where to buy the book:

Amazon

Meet the Author:

James Eric Richey was born and raised in California. He attended Brigham Young University, studying English with an emphasis in Literature. After graduating from BYU he returned home to California to further his education by attending law school. After passing the bar, James practiced in California for several years, but he quickly learned that he did not have a passion for the law.

In 1998 James obtained his real estate appraiser license, which has given him a flexible work schedule and allowed him to pursue his true passion, writing books. Besides his writing, he also enjoys reading, running, and sailing. James currently lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming, with his wife, Heather, and their two daughters.

Connect with the author:   Website  ~   Twitter  ~    Facebook

AUTHOR"S GUEST POST:
Facing Life’s Challenges:
     Life is full of trials. No one is exempt. It is not a matter of if, but rather, when we will face them. Life’s trials can be small or large, and no matter the size, success in our trials depends upon our attitude as we face them and our ability to persevere through them to the end. Will we and can we endure to the end?
     We live in a disposable society—if something is broken we throw it away. This same philosophy is applied to marriage—divorce is the first answer for any little problem that comes up.
     At the beginning of Two Hearts Jaxon digs for months to find enough gold to make Annie a wedding ring. He could have purchased a ring for her, but that was the easy way. Jaxon wanted to work for it, to show to Annie what kind of man he was. Jaxon was willing to do anything for her. He knew of her past and knew the challenges she carried with her, and yet, he still wanted to marry her. For Jaxon, they could work together and solve any problem that came their way. No matter the size of the trial, Jaxon wanted to work together side by side with Annie to face life’s challenges.
     Reading a story about facing trials maybe boring and mundane, but adding a bear attack, finding a gold mine, suspected infidelity, hired killers, and plane crashes adds spice to the story to keep readers turning the page. I think with all of the things that Jaxon and Annie faced, their undying love for each other helped to propel the story forward.
     Jaxon never faltered. Annie struggled with trust due to her being raised by a mother who hated men. Annie struggled, but in the end she stayed true to Jaxon and the vows she made at marriage. Ultimately their love grew stronger because of the trials they suffered together. They battled the storms and survived. Reading stories about other peoples’ struggles and successes gives us each hope and strength to endure our own trials.

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Book Review: Outlaw Trigger (Epic Book 2) by Lee Stephen

This is an emotionally charged sequel propelling the series toward combustion!

Outlaw Trigger (Epic Book 2)
by Lee Stephen

• File Size: 2369 KB
• Print Length: 300 pages
• Publisher: Stone Aside Publishing, L.L.C.; 2 edition (September 25, 2007)
• ASIN: B0044UHVUY
• Genre: Military Sci Fi
• My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: September 25, 2007
They say every man has a breaking point-every man can be pushed off the edge. Scott Remington entered EDEN with the heart of a lion. He forged glory in the furnace of war. But on the heels of dawn, darkness awaits. Only when stretched to the limit will a man truly learn who he is. That limit is about to be breached. Lines will be crossed. Sides will be chosen. And faith will be put to the test. Will the righteous prevail?

Review:
Scott has told all of his friends about his fiancée, Nicole. They are all excited (him most of all) when she arrives at Novosibirsk, the Russian base, to visit. Everyone finds her as lovely as Scott proclaimed, but at least one person isn’t interested in her beauty and kindness.

The events that occur send Scott into a spiral and cause consternation for all the members of Unit 14. Scott's foundation of faith is challenged as he feels abandoned and turns his anger on God, along with everyone else around him. Initially I wasn't sure why the author spent such time and detail on the sweet romance between Scott and Nicole. However, the reason becomes clear as the book progresses. Emotions run fast with love as a high but despair and horror hot on its heels. There is love, joy, despair, danger, betrayal, conspiracy, sorrow and –maybe– a small spark of hope.

The soldiers deal with upheaval and an expansion of Nightmen troops at Novosibirsk. Meanwhile, Benjamin Archer, the newest member to the Eden Command Council, brings fresh eyes and new ideas to the ruling Judges. Archer has never fought in war but he proclaims himself to be a tactician. He quickly charms many of the Judges with his astute assessment of trouble in the form of General Thoor and the Nightmen. Archer sets out to prove his worth to the remaining skeptic on the Council by introducing a plan to challenge, and ultimately get control of, Thoor.

There are still battles with the puzzling aliens but this book has more relationship time and less action than book one. Still, I was completely caught up in the story, running the gamut of those emotions, and wrenching my heart along the way. I wasn’t happy with what was happening, but I believe I clearly saw the author’s intended message: the best of us become weak and can be manipulated by evil if we lose focus on the right way.

Mr. Stephen has done an excellent job of creating full characters and a gripping, twisting, plot. (I was also challenged to look up the precise meaning of a word that was new to me. I liked that.)  This was a good sequel to book one even though it was more difficult to read because of the intense emotions. Now I am more than anxious to get the next books and learn what happens to the men and women of Unit 14 and to see the implementation of Archer’s plans to rein in Thoor's Machine.

I received this book from iReads for an honest review during blog tour. Please see my review of Book One, Dawn of Destiny, and the GIVEAWAY linked there.

Where to buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Author's Bio:

Born and raised in Cajun country, Lee Stephen spent his childhood paddling pirogues through the marshes of South Louisiana. When he wasn’t catching bullfrogs or playing with alligators in the bathtub (both true), he was escaping to the world of the imagination, creating worlds in his mind filled with strange creatures and epic journeys. This hasn’t stopped.

Now a resident of Luling, Louisiana, Lee spends time every day delving into the world of Epic, the science-fiction series that has come to define him as a writer and producer. Alongside his wife, Lindsey, their sons, Levi and Lawson, and their dog, Jake, Lee has made it a mission to create a series that is unique in its genre—one unafraid to address the human condition while staying grounded in elements of faith.
Connect with Lee:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook