Book Review of Solstice High

Book Review of Solstice High

Sponsored by Premier Virtual Author Book Tours

Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.

Publisher: Strategic Book Group  (October 22, 2012)
Category: Urban Fantasy/Sci Fi/Young Adult
Tour Date: July- Early August, 2013
Available in: eBook and Print,  360  Pages

Blurb: 

Matt, Rochelle, Daphne and Jonas are four students starting their senior year of high school, but suffer a freak-accident the very first day and start to realize that they are developing superhuman abilities. They quickly realize that the school principal, Mr. Devlin, has in fact more than just education on his agenda, and is using the school for his own purposes.

Not only must the four friends try to figure out what Devlin's plans are, but when he will strike, and seeing as how they cannot turn to grown-ups for help without exposing themselves, must themselves grow-up in order to stop him. As well as learning to cope with these developing powers, the four teenagers must deal with the day-to-day muddles of being a teenager, such as volatile emotions, infatuations and family issues.

Praise for Solstice High:

"This novel is a mix of teenage drama and fantasy. I was surprised that Mr. Vartparonian combined them so seamlessly. Each chapter changes between the four main character's perspectives. It is fairly easy to tell who's eyes you are viewing the world of Solstice High through once you get to know the characters. I loved this aspect of Solstice High because I didn't have to ponder what each character was feeling. I was never bored because all four characters have such different and interesting personalities. The character development is fabulous! 

  The author really pulls the reader into Matt's mind. I traveled with Matt up and down his emotional rollercoaster. Out of all the characters, I sympathized the most with Matt because he has the most volatile power.  

  There is TONS of humour in this book along with the more serious feelings of depression, anger, vengeance, and grief.  Solstice High is an amazing novel where I groaned about homework (which I already do), battled evil principals, and squealed in delight about being a "superhero" with the characters. It's so easy to live through each character in this novel. 

  All together, Solstice High is a very good book. What made me love this book is the character development. Each character's personality is so unique and complex. As a teenager, I especially enjoyed it because I could relate to the trials and tribulations of being a high schooler. Even if you're not a teenager, I think that you will enjoy this novel because you will time travel back to when you were a teenager! And maybe you adults will sympathize with us teenagers more when we complain about our lives."- Dani, A Walk On Words

  

"I suppose what I enjoyed most about this book was that it reminded me of what being in school was like. It's clearly tongue-in-cheek humour completely self-aware of its own narrative, but that just gives the novel a refreshing attitude since it doesn't take itself too seriously. I liked the fact that every chapter was narrated by one of the four main characters; it showed you how unreliable narrators can be, since mostly you have to judge them by what they do instead of what they say.  All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a casual yet highly entertaining read."-Adrienne, Amazon.com Reviewer

"An imaginative and captivating first novel by talented young writer, Ardash Vartparonian. Very hard (if not impossible!) to put down and I look forward with great anticipation to reading his future works."- H. Sarian, Amazon.com Reviewer

"It is extremely catchy, can't put it down!!  I love how it is written, it has multiple narrators and that makes it interesting. Great narrative, you never know what is going to happen next.  I highly recommend this book if you are looking to read something entertaining. If you are not much of a reader, I can assure you this book is definitely going to grab your attention."-Maria, Amazon.com

Author Information: 

Ardash Vartparonian was born in London but raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At the age of 18 he began his debut novel, Solstice High, and continued writing throughout his last year of school and first year of university, where he moved back to the UK to study English Literature at Edinburgh University. Now a fourth year student, Ardash enjoys going out with his friends, watching horror movies and reading fantasy book while trying to keep up with his university work. Find out more at http://sbpra.com/ardashvartparonian/

Contacts:

http://sbpra.com/ardashvartparonian/

Other Tour Dates: 

Solstice High Web Friendly Tour Schedule

So Many Precious Books July 3 Review & Giveaway

Shelf Addiction          July 5 Review, Interview        , & Giveaway             

Heck of a Bunch July 8 Review                                            

Jessabella Reads July 8 Guest Post  &  Giveaway

Saving for 6 July 9 Review & Giveaway

Romance Bookie July 15 Review                                          

Cmfg! Books July 16 Review                                    

Cmfg! Books July 17 Guest Post  & Giveaway

Ordinary Girlz July 18 Review                                              
A Walk on Words July 19 Interview 

Little Lovely Books July 23 Review                                     
Little Lovely Books July 24 Guest Post

Ja čitam, a ti? Jul 25 Review & Giveaway

In This of World of Books July 26 Review                                       

Sammy the Bookworm July 29 Review                                            

JC's Book Haven July 29 Review                                          

Teen Blurb July 30 Review                                        

Teen Blurb July 31 Guest Post  & Giveaway

Cozie Corner Aug 1 Review                                      

Kate Policani Writing Reviews Aug 2 Review                                             

Every Free Chance Aug 5 Review & Giveway

Dab of Darkness  Aug 6 Review                                           

Little Book Star          Aug  7             Review                                   

Laurie's Paranormal  Aug 8 Interview

Haunting of Orchid Forsythia Aug 9 Review                                               

Between the Lines  Aug 12 Review                                      

Sweeps4Bloggers Aug 13 Review & Giveaway

Synchronised Reading  Aug 15 Review & Guest Post                                             

Book Mark Belles Aug 19 Review                            

Book Mark Belles Aug 20 Interview

 Serendipity  Aug 20 Review                                    

 Serendipity Aug 21 Interview

Networking Witches Aug 21 Review & Giveaway

Manic Mama of 2 Aug 22 Review                                        

Books, Books & More Books Aug 23 Review                                              

Moonlight, Lace, & Mayhem Aug 23 Guest Post

Up In the Bibliosphere Aug 26 Review                                            

Up In the Bibliosphere Aug 27 Guest Post  & Giveaway

Icy Cold Reads Aug 28 Review

Review:

OMG! I wish I could come up with ideas like this on my own.  Fabulous book.  I was drawn in immediately and couldn’t stop reading.  I fell asleep with my kindle on because I was sooo tired but couldn’t wait to see what happened next.  The only thing I found initially distracting is that the perspective changes from person to person between the four main characters and sometimes it’s difficult to tell whose point of view the story is being told from.  Unlike some books, the author of that chapter isn’t identified and you have to figure it out as you read.  That was difficult at times and distracting.  However other than that one issue (which could easily be fixed by putting a name under the Chapter title….just saying..) the book was wonderful.

I would strongly recommend.  I give this book 4.5 out of 5 clouds.

This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Book Review of Sweet Proposal

Book Review of Sweet Proposal

Sponsored by Writermarketing

Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.

Celia J Anderson – Sweet Proposal

Piatkus Entice

August 1^st  2013

Blurb: 

Books, chocolate and a Jacuzzi: could there be a better combination? Gorgeous Geordie Leo arrives in Clayton-on-the-Bream with a mission to make his mark. When he reveals his ideas for a bespoke bookshop and chocolate-themed cafe, struggling writer Mab can't resist his plea for help.

However, Leo's timing is disastrous. Engaged to flighty, super-thin Sophie and knowing that Mab is up to her neck in a mysterious scheme of her own, Leo fights hard to ignore the warm, sensual friendship that is growing between them. When their eclectic mix of family and friends weigh in to help, the dream seems almost possible, but can Leo ignore Mab's shady past? As they battle with sabotage, jealousy, vindictive neighbours and unpredictable relationships, Mab and Leo find that even chocolate can't always make miracles happen . . .

Author Information: 

When she’s not marking children’s work, or writing stories involving pants, Celia spends far too much time on Facebook (Celia Joy Anderson) and does a lot of walking to counteract the cooking, eating and drinking which form another of her hobbies. She blogs as part of the Romaniacs online writers’ group - http://theromaniacgroup.wordpress.com and tweets as @CeliaAnderson1. Her own website was recently launched thanks to Lucy Felthouse – http://celiajanderson.co.uk and she has an author page on Facebook (Celia J Anderson)

Her ultimate dream is to have her children’s books published too. Usually sea-starved in the depths of the Midlands, she can often be found wandering happily around Brighton visiting her two daughters and pretending to collect ideas for her next book.

Contacts:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00DRI0N2C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B00DRI0N2C&linkCode=as2&tag=lucyfelthouse-21

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DRI0N2C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00DRI0N2C&linkCode=as2&tag=lucyfelt-20

http://celiajanderson.co.uk

http://theromaniacgroup.wordpress.com

Excerpt: 

When I started writing Sweet Proposal its working title was The Chocolate Project, and it featured a very hung over and slightly seedy (if very gorgeous) hero and his dream of opening a bookshop where people can completely relax. There will be a wide range of chocolate-based snacks available in the cafe – Leo has a very sweet tooth – and a writing room, a Jacuzzi, a Victorian-themed creche and huge comfy sofas. Gallons of strong black coffee will be on tap for that morning after feeling and Leo (who started life as Laurie) will be around to meet, greet and generally assist.

Over the months of editing, which were sometimes a bit painful, Laurie the hungover hunk morphed into Leo, equally fanciable but not quite so battered. My heroine, Mab, was always going to have that name. Christened Mabel by parents who didn’t foresee the bullying/teasing issues, she would love to binge on chocolate but knows that her extra stone makes this a bad idea. She writes voraciously, and meeting Leo changes her life in many ways. Sweet Proposal is about ambition, guilt, delicious food and, of course, love. But love can often be unpredictable.

The story starts here...

Leo swerved to avoid a dead badger. The A1 was still so quiet that groups of starlings rose in disgruntled crowds as he disturbed their breakfast, and the café where he had once eaten the best bacon sandwich of his life was firmly shuttered.

He gave in to the violent rumblings of his stomach and reached into the glove box, tearing the emergency chocolate bar open with his teeth and chewing until the bitter sweetness melted on his tongue, soothing and sensual. Chocolate and the future – they were closely linked in Leo’s mind. He sighed deeply. It was a pity that Sophie didn’t share his enthusiasm, but he supposed it was hard to get enthusiastic about a chocolate-based dream when all you ate was lettuce. Sophie was only twenty-five after all, ten years younger than Leo, stunningly beautiful and harder to amuse than a teenager on a family holiday. Maybe after they were married she would realise what a brilliant opportunity this move was going to be, and would be ready to leave Newcastle and her weird friends behind.

Stretching his legs, Leo decided that this cab must have been designed for a much smaller man. He yawned, felt his eyelids droop and blinked furiously, thinking of hot baths and strong coffee. He’d had no sleep for almost twenty-four hours. Celebrating was fine, but work would have to come first from now on. It was time for the Chocolate Project. The excitement that had been building up in waves washed over Leo again, and he gave the middle-aged lady driving towards him the full benefit of his flashing grin and dimples. He saw her jaw drop and laughed for the sheer joy of living – at last, Leo was about to make his mark, and no one was going to stop him.

This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Book Review of Special Offers

Book Review of Special Offers

Sponsored by Paranormal Book Tours

Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.

Special Offers by M.L. Ryan

Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy

Pages: 217

Isbn: 978-0615672762 

Blurb: 

Meet Hailey - possessed by an otherworldly being who was trapped in her Kindle.

Hailey Parrish was quick-witted, irreverent, and hadn’t had a date in three years. She only wanted an eBook reader because her collection of paperbacks threatened to take over her small living space. Little did she know that the "special offers" that prompted the purchase included much more than a reduced price in exchange for a few ads. The device came pre-loaded with the essence of Sebastian Kess, an erudite womanizer with magical abilities from a parallel dimension. When she inadvertently releases him and he inhabits her body, she finally has a man inside her, just not in the way she imagined. And soon her predicament introduces her to yet another supernatural, the handsome could-be-the-man-of-her-dreams Alex Sunderland. Can Alex and Hailey find a way to return Sebastian to his own body, stay one step ahead of the criminals who want to keep him where he is, and not lose their sense of humor?

Special Offers, the first book of the Coursodon Dimension Series, combines paranormal romance, urban fantasy, a bit of science fiction and a healthy dose of quirky humor.

Author Information: 

M.L. Ryan is a profes­sional woman — not that she gave up her amateur status, but rather that she is over-educated with a job in which she spends a lot of time writing dry science non-Fiction. In an effort to strength­en the less logi­cal side of her brain, she decided to write some of the many stories rolling around in her head.  She lives in Tucson, AZ with her husband, son, four cats, two dogs and an adopt­ed desert tortoise.

Contacts:

Links: 

eBook Formats

Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0077ZJNRW

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/special-offers-ml-ryan/1109231583?ean=2940033051014

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/131930

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/special-offers/id507809667?mt=11

Kobo:  http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=special+offers

Sony:  https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/m-l-ryan/special-offers/_/R-400000000000000704596

Trade Paperback

Amazon:   http://www.amazon.com/Special-Offers-Coursodon-Dimension-Series/dp/0615672760

Create Space:   https://www.createspace.com/3940235

Website: http://www.CoursodonDimension.com

Blog: http://CoursodonDimension.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CoursodonDimension

Twitter: @MLRyan1

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3384189.M_L_Ryan

Excerpt: 

As I lay in the darkness, it occurred to me that I must be the most boring single 30 year-old ever. I didn’t go out much, I ate crappy food. I couldn’t even remember the score of the games I just watched.

This was not how I had imagined myself at this point in my life. Had my marriage not crashed and burned, we probably would have a baby by now. Yeah, and I would still be married to an asstard. He probably would have spawned asstardlets. I just wanted to feel like my life was going somewhere, like I was accomplishing something. Rolling over on my side, I vowed to try to get myself together and move forward.

When I finally fell asleep, I dreamt I went on my first post-divorce date. The guy took me to a fancy restaurant, ordered lots of food and expensive wine and then ditched me for the voluptuous hostess. I was presented with the check but lacked any means of paying it. After negotiating a payment plan with the restaurant owner, which involved allowing him to indulge his foot fetish with my pinkie toes and some flavored whipped cream, I left the place and got into my car, which was really weird, because my date drove.

There in the parking lot were dine-and-dash and the hostess, groping each other with utter abandon. I revved up the engine, threw the car into drive and peeled out towards them. The headlights illuminated their stunned faces as I spun the car sharply, rolled down the window and chucked a lit Molotov cocktail - made from the empty wine bottle from dinner - at them and sped off humming the theme to “The Lion King.”

I woke up thinking I must be making progress. Usually in my dreams I ran them over after I set them on fire.

Review: 

            The first part of this book was touch and go for me.  I wasn’t sure I was going to like it.  The heroine just accepted all the weirdness that happened to her way to easily and, except for her acidic wit, which I enjoyed, she was kind of boring.  But the more I read the better it got.  I even got a little teary at places (and I loved her employment…I really need to get a job like that just so I can tell people what I do for a living).

            Overall, I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the next one and seeing what happens….especially since it ended just as it was getting interesting.

I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds and a chili pepper rating of 3 (mild, but not for kids).

This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.