Submissions

All submissions in these formats please: .pdf , Kindle, or print copy. If in print copy, I would appreciate it if the book was autographed by the author. I am not doing books that have a deadline at this time, unless the author wants to use my review to appear on the book itself. Please send all requests to: norachipleybarteau@att.net . If sending through snail mail, email me for my home address. Thank you!

September 6, 2011

Triton Rising - A New Novella by Sonnet O'Dell

My Review:

Triton Rising
by
Sonnet O'Dell

I have become very familiar with Sonnet's writings and have enjoyed each and every one. However, this one takes it to a whole new height! Triton Rising IS NOT for children or teenagers, it is clearly for ADULTS ONLY. I advise you adults to not read it alone, but to wait for a night when you have a partner nearby, within reach, for once you read
Triton Rising, you will understand the need to not be alone. But this is not to say you cannot 'enjoy' it if you are alone also. *smile*

I applaude the imagination and creativity Sonnet has shown in her newest work. It is a book that will take you away to a world that will push your own imagination to the depths of your soul. It will test your need for that ultimate release in your own love life, allowing you to be lost in the character's world of passion, love, change and sexual pleasure and release. Always remember, it is a love story between two very unusual characters Karsh and Anna, who will leave the reader asking themselves what if?
I give Sonnet's Triton Rising, without hesitation, and a MUST read,
five stars *****

Reviewed by
Nora Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/
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About The Author:

Sonnet was born at the John Radcliffe in Oxford and spent the first six years of her life living in the town of Abingdon close to both her grandparents and most of the rest of her family.
She moved after that to Cornwall for three years and then to Devon for another three before moving to where she has lived for the last fourteen or so years.
Sonnet now lives in Worcester, Worcestershire, famous for Lea & Perrin’s Sauce and as the site for the last battle of the Civil War.
Sonnet has had a passion for the written word from a very young age and enjoys nothing more than to read a good book. The world created by words.
Some of her favourite authors include Laurell. K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, Jim Butcher, Molly Harper and Rick Riordan.
Her own work tends to be worlds of Urban Fantasy, alternate reality and contains a heavy amount of magic, mystery and mythology.
Sonnet is a Leo, which is a creative Fire sign and often influences her in her works.
Sonnet likes:
Books, movies, comedy, music, anime, animals and anything that is so unbearably cute is make her want to squeal   >_<
Sonnet dislikes:
Bullies, broccoli, haters, criminals and people who talk at the theatre.
*About Author Taken From Sonnet's Website*
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You can reach Sonnet and see other great works by her at her Home Website.
 
 

August 30, 2011

RHA Presents Ami Blackwelder's debut of 'The Invasion 2020'

Paranormal and SciFi Author Ami Blackwelder will have two new books out soon! 
Find out more about her and her books at http://amiblackwelder.blogspot.com 
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The Invasion of 2020, the first book in the Shifter Evolutions series is scheduled to be released Sept 1st 2011, (Books 1-5 are out now)
The Invasion of 2020 is the prequel to Shifters of 2040. The Shifter Evolutions begins with the middle book, The Shifters of 2040, and gives the reader the choice for the past or future. This release of the first book in the series, The Invasion of 2020, will allow readers to engage the series chronologically also. 
Readers will enjoying finding out more about Uri Petrov and Dr. Samantha Croon as they discover what exactly brought the shifters to Earth and what sparked human fears. Who was the young Marn and young Raul and what molded them into who they became? 
 **********
About Ami:
Ami Blackwelder is a forbidden romance writer in the paranormal and historical romance genre. Growing up in Florida, she went to UCf and in 1997 received her BA in English and teaching credentials. She travelled overseas to teach in Thailand, Nepal, Tibet, China and Korea. Thailand is considered her second home now. She has always loved writing and wrote poems and short stores since childhood; however, her novels began when she was in Thailand.
Having won the Best Fiction Award from the University of Central Florida (Yes, The Blair Witch Project University;), her fiction From Joy We Come, Unto Joy We Return was published in the on campus literary magazine: Cypress Dome and remains to this day in University libraries around the country. Later, she achieved the Semi-Finals in a Laurel Hemingway contest and published a few poems in the Thailand’s Expat magazine, and an article in the Thailand’s People newspaper. Additionally, she has published poetry in the Korea’s AIM magazine, the American Poetic Monthly magazine and Twisted Dreams Magazine.
                                          http://amiblackwelder.blogspot.com 
**********

My Interview With Ami

RHA: Where are you from? I was born in Illinois, and raised in California and Florida. But I spent eight years of my YA life in Asia. 
RHA: Tell us your latest news? Latest release is Invasion of 2020 and Oct 1st will be The MERs, a futuristic Mermaid Dystopian
RHA: When and why did you begin writing? Since I had a pencil in my hands ….
RHA: When did you first consider yourself a writer? Since I had a pencil in my hands ;)
RHA: What inspired you to write your first book? Honestly, Stephanie Meyer, the eBook revolution, and self-publishing. I used to write only short stories and poetry and then I now had the power in my hands. 
RHA: Do you have a specific writing style? I like details and poetic narrative. But mostly, I love great fleshed out characters, unpredictable plots, and genuine dialogue. 
RHA: How did you come up with the title? Titles are usually first for me. The seed of the story forms in my mind and the title is born. 
RHA: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? Usually my message is about prejudice and oppression and the negative effects they have. 
RHA: How much of the book is realistic? I incorporate realistic science in all my scifi and futuristic novels. I don't like to be too way out there that it doesn't seem real. 
RHA: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? Partly on peep I know and experiences and partly on my imagination. 
RHA: What books have most influenced your life most? Pride and Prejudice, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings. 
RHA: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? Amanda Hocking;) 
RHA: What book are you reading now? Divergent 
RHA: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? Imogen rose, Amanda Hocking, Jim Bernhiemer, Katie Salidas, Michael Sullivan, and me! 
RHA: What are your current projects? The MERs, and Midnight (a Vampire Dystopian)
RHA: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. God. 
RHA: Do you see writing as a career? Yes. 
RHA: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? No.  

RHA: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? In my blood;) 

RHA: Can you share a little of your current work with us?  
Straddling Lane, Frenier’s knees dug into the soft porch sofa and his arms braced on each side of her neck. He dangled a fresh strawberry above her wet lips and teased. The resolute glint in her eyes stayed fixed on the moist fruit as it oscillated.
“Let me have it!” she demanded, her long tongue showing.
“Come and get it,” he whispered, his breath blowing over her porcelain like face. With only his beige trousers on, the beads of water from the shower earlier slid over his defined muscles and dropped one by one over Lane’s naked leg. In only lace panties and a pink bra, her blonde hair sprawled over the sofa, underneath and behind her. Like the indents in desert sand made by slithering snakes, her hair appeared soft and perfectly patterned.
“Give it to me, Frank!” She batted her lashes, her chin angling upward as her lips fought to secure the strawberry. Like getting a fish to charge at bait, Frenier had become an expert fisherman when it came to her, when it came to most women. Both players at love, they understood the game. 
Nibbling on his fingers, the fruit dangled too far away for her mouth to savor, and yet too close for her to give up. Another bead of water dropped from Frenier’s chest and landed on her toned thigh. A twenty-year-old flirt, Lane grew comfortable with such romantic antics and rarely cared who she hurt. Focused on the highest rank in the military, she had ambition and decided early on she would do anything to get ahead.
Not thinking twice about how Frenier’s wife would feel if she ever found out, Lane enjoyed living on the edge; dangerous liaisons spiced up her otherwise dull military life.
When he lowered the fruit closer to her lips, Lane finally gripped it between her teeth like a shark and chomped each bit until only his fingers remained. Meeting them, she kissed once and then threw her head to the pillow underneath her.
“I am dreadfully bored,” she muttered, sometimes sounding like a car that wouldn’t start. But Frenier didn’t care how much maintenance went into Lane as long as she kept her form in pristine shape and was willing to share.
Flipping off the sofa, she pushed Frenier and he fell over on his naked back. 

RHA: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? I love writing, but finding time to promote is challenging.
RHA: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? Jane Austen, just love her. 
RHA: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? No, but I do have to research a lot. 
RHA: Who designed the covers? Me
RHA: What was the hardest part of writing your book? Sometimes finding the time. 
RHA: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? That people are complicated. 
RHA: Do you have any advice for other writers? Do what you love, write what you love. 
RHA: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? My Shifter Evolution saga is unique and holding onto 4 1/2 stars at GoodReads with 40 reviews! Paranormal and sicfi fans will like or love it. Begin with Shifters of 2040, then Hybrids of 2050 and then choose the past or future!:)  
********** 
I had the great opportunity to read and review Ami's book The Shifters of 2040 and I rated it with five stars.  I am going to have the privilege of reading and reviewing all five in the Shifter Evolutions series and will post my reviews on this blog along with Good Reads, Amazon, Barnes and Nobel and wherever else Ami's books are available. If you have not had the chance to start reading this series, I urge and recommend you get started on them, you will not regret it! Ami's has great creativity and imagination and you will find yourself transported and lost in the wonder of her writing. Visit her Web Site, to get all the information on this series and more. I am sure we see a lot more of what Ami has to offer in her future writings. If you have read her work, please let her know by leaving a comment here or on her personal site.Authors are always happy to hear the feedback from their fans and readers.
**********


July 31, 2011

Night Walker by Lisa Kessler

Night Walker
by
Lisa Kessler

Night Walker was a pleasant roller coaster of emotions and anticipations for me. I found from the very first page I could not put the book down. Lisa as an author showed her talent as a writer keeping the reader in suspense, not knowing which direction her characters were going in. I felt she portrayed her character well, and they felt very real to me. I felt the tension, passion, and terror they experienced throughout the book.

I was pleased to find my favorite type of character 'the vampire' portrayed in a different light with Night Walker. Calisto didn't consider himself the a vampire the way society view them today. I really couldn't see a lot of difference but it was nice seeing Calisto reference himself in a different category and put a different light on it. I felt when he had to tell his eternal love Kate what he was, she took the news easier the way he described it because she felt also that he was  the 'A typical' vampire.

Take a ride on an emotional roller coaster with Kate and Calisto, a love that has expanded over the centuries, for Calisto who by not wanting to let his eternal love of his beloved Tala go so easily with her death. He sought out the 'Old One' for answers to his broken heart. Was Calisto, then Gregorio, prepared for what the Old One was about to do in order for him to be with Tala once again even if it were centuries away? Find out how Gregorio became Calisto and why. How he found Tala once again in his beloved Kate. What terror out there threatens the very existence of his beloved Kate/Tala once again? Will fate repeat itself?

I give Night Walker by Lisa Kessler five stars *****

Reviewed
by
Nora Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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Title: Night Walker
Author: Lisa Kessler
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: August 2011
ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-12-1
Mobi ISBN: Coming soon!
Print ISBN: 978-1-937044-13-8
http://www.entangledpublishing.com/night-walker/
View the book trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OTD8VdDCOc
Books 2, 2 1/2, and 3 coming December 2011, January 2012, and June 2012!
 
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Book Description:
He gave up his soul for a second chance to love her…

Two and a half centuries ago, Calisto Terana lost everything when a zealous priest murdered the woman he loved. Now, desperate for another chance to love her, he wants redemption for the mistake that cost her life.

She’s haunted by dreams of her own death…

After catching her fiance with another woman, Kate Bradley returns to San Diego to clear her head. The last thing she needs is romance, but after meeting Calisto she’s drawn to him in ways she doesn’t understand.

They’ve waited in the shadows for centuries…

Calisto has no doubt Kate is the reincarnation of his lost love, but the Fraternidad Del Fuego Santo has a new watcher with dark ambitions of his own. As old enemies reemerge and a new threat arises, the betrayal that enslaved Calisto to the night might destroy the only woman he’s ever loved again.




**************
About the Author: Lisa Kessler

Lisa Kessler is an avid reader and writer of dark fiction. Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.
Lisa recently signed a 4 book deal with Entangled Publishing to release her Night Series.  The first book, Night Walker, is scheduled to be released August 5th.
When she's not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist, performing with the San Diego Opera as well as other musical theater companies in San Diego. You can learn more at http://Lisa-Kessler.com
 Lisa lives in southern California with her incredibly fun husband and two amazing kids.
http://lisaslair.com/
http://lisakessler.wordpress.com
http://twitter.com/LdyDisney
http://facebook.com/LisaKesslerWriter
 
 
 
 

June 21, 2011

Power of the Moon by Tina Carreiro




Dark. Sexy. Thrilling. When Miakoda Starr tries to help a homeless man whose aura has him marked for death, she throws herself in the middle of an unknown world and is in more trouble than she knows. Soon she meets Detective Cole Barnett. A man that shatters her world in more ways than one, and shows her a life of fear as well as desire.







*****************
My Review:

Power of the Moon
by
Tina Carreiro

All I can say is wow! I have not had the honor in reading work by author Tina Carreiro before Power of the Moon. I found this book to be one of the best books I have read in the vampire genre in a very long time.  Yes I consider the 'vampire' as a genre as far as I am concerned because it deserves to stand on itself even though it is paranormal.

I found that I could not tear myself away from Power of the Moon from the very first page. I found myself experiencing many emotions and frustrations with the characters Cole and Mia. Just when I thought their 'relationship' if you want to call it that, was going in a certain direction FINALLY, something happened and it went the opposite. I found this happened due to Mia's past experiences with relationships and the way she was betrayed and mistreated. And as if that was not enough, Mia had a special secret she tried to keep covered up when it came to an ability she never talked about because she was afraid people would look at her a freak. Little did she know this secret would turn into a life saving and life altering ability that would change the way she looked at not only life, but herself.

This book had me on the edge of my seat right up till the end, and I mean to the very end, not knowing if love would prevail or not. And that dear reader is where I am going to leave it because I want you to be as engrossed and addicted to this book as I was . I cannot wait for the next book in the series. Tina Carreiro shows wonderful imagination and creativity and to all of you Vampire/Paranomal lovers out there, it is a MUST for your collection. I do not have a problem giving this juicy, saucy, seductive book five stars! And yes it is seductive, and it is not  for kids!  So, get your copy asap!!!!!

I give Power of the Moon fiver stars *****

Reviewed by
Nora Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

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About Tina:

Tina currently resides in the south with her two adorable kids, which are her best creations. Along with her loving husband who is her greatest adventure.
She began her love for storytelling at a young age. When she was in fifth grade, she wrote a short story about the adventure of a piece of sand on the beach which won the class competition. She loves to write, it is an extension of her and passion flows from her fingers when she is working on a project. Once a story embeds itself in her mind, weeks of sleepless nights will follow until the story is typed and ready for editing.
She never imagined having her stories, her creations out for the world to read and enjoy. Now that they are, she can’t stop writing. Years of stories lay dormant, waiting to be consumed, loved and with hope – cherished. Her stories are like her children and she has poured much love into them.
She loves the paranormal and horror genre and what fascinates her most is the darkness within people. For every bit of darkness, there is a light and she combines those forces together to create powerful characters for your entertainment. As fantasy comes to life with vampires, shifters, ghost and more you will get a charge from the love that is forged between the characters.
CONTACT:
tincarr13@gmail.com

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*All personal content was taken from Tina's site at: http://tinacarreiro.com/

June 11, 2011

My Fearful Symmetry
By
Denise Verrico

The third installment in the series  The Immortyl Revolution

Cedric was one of the many 'lost boys' on the streets who, in order to survive had to do things, anything to survive. It was a life of heartache and shame, but he did not have to do it alone because he had a friend who stood with him, until something astronomical changed Cedric's life forever. This 'miracle' if that is what you want to call it, could not have come at a better time because Cedric had some very bad news about his health and he knew he had very little time to live. Then, out of the shadows appeared , what he thought was his 'savior'.

The one who had been watching Cedric and stepped out of the dark to offer him 'salvation', would turn out to be the worst nightmare of Cedric's life. His life would never be the same and his journey will be like no other, something out of a fairytale, but realization is, it's real, all too real.

Take this journey with Cedric. Denise Verrico has taken me to a place where my favorite creature has not been before. She has put a total new twist on it, and I have found it very refreshing along with her wonderful and colorful imagination. She has put great detail and work into My Fearful Symmetry and I found a nice surprise in each and every chapter. I would recommend this book to all of you out there who love the paranormal and yes, I will now tell you the "VAMPIRE". It will captivate you and take you on a journey full of different emotions with each character.

I give it five stars          *****

Reviewed by
Nora Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

May 10, 2011



Blindsided
by
Gemma Rice

I found the newest work of Gemma aka Poppet, Blindsided, a nice change to your typical love story. Blindsided kept me wondering from chapter to chapter what was going to happen and if Andy and Lee's love was going to survive the next tragedy or twist of fate. I found it to be a very fast paced read because it was a great page turner.

I found myself in awe with the situations Lee found herself in mainly due to a man she loved unconditionally and thought he felt the same towards her. But she finds her world shattered to pieces after coming home from a long Canadian trip that lasted months, to find her perfect mate had been keeping a terrible secret, which turned out to be several secrets. She handles the first one she is faced with great poise and restraint. I could not understand how she could be so calm, but soon it is revealed why she cannot confront her 'true love' like a normal woman would when their man is found in a web of betrayal and lies. I found this part of the story shocking and compelling and became a very important part of the entire story.

I felt the story ended too quickly. I felt that the healing process between Lee and Andy should have been drawn out a tad more. I had mixed emotions about the ending of the book because there is a third party in the mix, and frankly, I was rooting for him because I felt he was a far more stable, loving, kind man than Andy was towards Lee. Goes to show you some loves are meant to be no matter the heartaches, hurdles and tragedies it has to endure.

I recommend this book like I have Poppet's other great works. Hats off to you again my friend.

I give Blindsided five stars *****

Reviewed by
Nora Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/

April 26, 2011

Skin Thief
by
Sonnet O'Dell

I was not familiar with Auhor Sonnet O'Dell's work when a request was made for me to read and give a review of Skin Thief. From chapter one, the story captured and kept my attention. When that happens, I know I am going to understand and enjoy the rest of the book. I found that it had already revealed a nice surprise in the very first few chapters, and I looked forward to what followed.

Cassandra Fairbanks works as a Paranormal Investigator. The case that showed itself in the first few chapters, she was investigating how two people could switch bodies. One was a guard and the other a prisoner. While trying to find out how this was possible, she discovers that an amulet is what is responsible for what seemed impossible. She must find this amulet before more trouble is created.

 Cassandra definitely has a life that is by no means boring. When she is not investigating the paranormal, she is getting the personal attention of a half-elf man named Magnus and a vampire named Arum. I was very excited when I found out a vampire was in the midst of things! And a bit surprised when the other character was a human who was half elf. A nice twist I have not come across before in a story.

I totally enjoyed this book and I hear this is the beginning of a series of adventures for Cassandra Fairbanks, and I intend on reading each and every one of them! Sonnet has put her own twist on this paranormal series that sets it aside as different from most of them that are out there. I found it to be well written and she makes sure she keeps the reader's attention with every turn of the page. I put it way up there with other paranormal reads I have reviewed over time.

I give Skin Thief by Sonnet O'Dell give stars. *****

Reviewed by
Nora Barteau
http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/