Monday Suggestions 1/06

This is me about this week's Monday Suggestions!

Confession: I read a lot and I'm kind of a snob about it.

But, man, I just love books. I used to throw down with two books a week but lately I've been writing so I've reduced that to finishing one book a week. (I'm actually working on a post about how to find your future favorite books!)

Why am I telling you this?

Because only my favorites make the Monday Suggestion posts! I pick books that (in my opinon) are baller and that stand a good chance of you thinking so too!

So, without anymore babbling, here's this week's Monday Suggestions!

 

Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews (who just happen to be an awesome writing duo/married couple) has me all pumped! After falling through Amazon trying to find the next book to hook me, I saw Clean Sweep and said "meh." I'm not the biggest fan of book covers with women obviously being supernatural in some way on them. I don't know why. However, I try to embrace the old adage of not judging a book by its cover so I read the sample.
Bought.
Hooked.
Loved.

Now, what makes Clean Sweep so darn amazing? Let me briefly break it down for you.

1. The world, the supernatural "rules," the explanation of things in this book are so different from anything I've ever read (a HUGE feat, I'll tell you) and it's all in a good way. I will NOT ruin anything for you, but just take it from me that this will take your vision of modern day werewolves, vampires, and OTHER THINGS to a whole different, wonderful direction.

2. Dina. This book is first person so you get to listen to her thoughts and they are just entertaining. She's also strong but, really, what does that mean? It means she's not a damsel in distress. Sure, she ends up teaming up with a few other people, but she's by no means weak. What I paralytically love is that, unlike a lot of books I read, Dina knows it too.

3. The book is written beautifully. The plot, the meat (what I mentioned in #1), and everything in between is explained in such a fantastic way that I didn't for once reject any of it. The pacing of explanations just work.

4. THE IMAGERY IS AMAZING! There are two scenes in particular that were painted so damn brilliantly that I felt like I was watching a movie! My goodness, I can't even.

There are actually a few more reasons that I love Clean Sweep and you should too, but then I'd border on spoilers so I'll save it for a book review post! Just trust me and get this book!

Synopsis from Amazon:

On the outside, Dina Demille is the epitome of normal. She runs a quaint Victorian Bed and Breakfast in a small Texas town, owns a Shih Tzu named Beast, and is a perfect neighbor, whose biggest problem should be what to serve her guests for breakfast. But Dina is...different: Her broom is a deadly weapon; her Inn is magic and thinks for itself. Meant to be a lodging for otherworldly visitors, the only permanent guest is a retired Galactic aristocrat who can’t leave the grounds because she’s responsible for the deaths of millions and someone might shoot her on sight. Under the circumstances, "normal" is a bit of a stretch for Dina.

And now, something with wicked claws and deepwater teeth has begun to hunt at night....Feeling responsible for her neighbors, Dina decides to get involved. Before long, she has to juggle dealing with the annoyingly attractive, ex-military, new neighbor, Sean Evans—an alpha-strain werewolf—and the equally arresting cosmic vampire soldier, Arland, while trying to keep her inn and its guests safe. But the enemy she’s facing is unlike anything she’s ever encountered before. It’s smart, vicious, and lethal, and putting herself between this creature and her neighbors might just cost her everything. 

Links you need to check out: Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Goodreads // Ilona Andrews website

 

Occasionally, I like to browse Charlaine Harris' website. Why? Well because I'm a huge Harris fan, and not just a True Blood groupie. I'm talking every book she's written groupie. After watching season one of True Blood, I read the first book and realized it was so different and SO MUCH BETTER than the show (book snob, remember?). Then, within the span of 11 days I read the 11 Sookie Stackhouse books that were out. I loved them (and her writing style) so much that I went to the bookstore and bought Shakespeare's Landlord, A Lily Bard book. Loved it. Read the entire series. THEN I picked up Real Murders and, well, you get the picture. That book and its series became an all time favorite and Aurora Teagarden (the main character) even made my Top 5 favorite protagonists' list! I also picked up the Harper Connelly books because, man, I was on a roll!

SO, when I saw that Ms. Harris was coming out with a NEW SERIES, I about died in excitement. 

Midnight Crossroad (A Novel of Midnight, Texas) will be released on May 6, 2014 and it set to be the first in a trilogy. I mean, I can't even control myself with this one! Just the synopsis has me beyond pumped! YOU BET I PRE-ORDERED IT!

Here it is: 

Welcome to Midnight, Texas, a town with many boarded-up windows and few full-time inhabitants, located at the crossing of Witch Light Road and Davy Road. It’s a pretty standard dried-up western town.

There’s a pawnshop (someone lives in the basement and is seen only at night). There’s a diner (people who are just passing through tend not to linger). And there’s new resident Manfred Bernardo, who thinks he’s found the perfect place to work in private (and who has secrets of his own).

Stop at the one traffic light in town, and everything looks normal. Stay awhile, and learn the truth...

Links you should check out: Amazon // Barnes & Noble // Goodreads // Charlaine Harris Website

What are YOU reading?

-Tyler Anne (aka Chick Tyler)
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Book Review: KING CAVE by Scarlett Dawn

It's the weekend! So that means YOU NEED TO WEEKEND READ! My last Monday Suggestion was all about the book KING HALL by Scarlett Dawn and how you needed to buy it immediately. Today, I will be trying to entice you to pre-order/buy KING CAVE, Book 2 in the Forever Evermore series!

First, let me do a little recap of my thoughts on KING HALL: 

King Hall was filled with endearing characters and infused with a wonderfully exciting story line. It also contained a world so magical and intricate that I couldn't wait to get to the next page. Scarlett Dawn teleported me from my room and right into a story that had me laughing, crying, and everything in between while sitting on the edge of my seat. I fell in love with all of the characters and will gladly follow them to King Cave!

Now, LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT KING CAVE!

Summed up in an honest first reaction: Holy crapsticks. 

King Hall was an exciting romp through a fun, creative world of paranormals but King Cave was an insanely thrilling roller coaster ride that had me on the edge of my seat with my heart was in my throat! 

What I think I love most about King Cave is how many layers it has. There was the emotional side that rocked me at times. (One scene around the first half--you people who read it know what I mean--had me grabbing for the tissues for real!) There was the action level that had me moving around while I was reading, readying myself with Lily and riding along for the excitement! And then there was the sexual level.

Let me just say, if you like Fifty Shades of Grey then you'll LOVE King Cave.

If you DON'T love Fifty Shades of Grey, then don't worry--King Cave is WAY better!

The sex scenes were fantastic if I do say so myself--wonderfully detailed and with a paranormal twist that made my intrigue level go through the roof. Whereas the sexual tension in King Hall was so thick you could cut it with a knife, King Cave not only cut it with a knife but served it on a golden platter of electrified scenes that will make you tingle in all the right ways.

Overall, King Cave in no way disappointed me. In fact, it exceeded my expectations! The exciting world that Dawn created continued to keep my interest high and my love for the characters only grew, especially with the fun addition of many new characters. The story itself was great and the ending...well, I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW, KTHANKS! If you enjoy a book that you can't stop reading, I highly suggest KING CAVE!

Pre-order now!

Release date set for January 1! That's one hell of a great way to start the New Year!

KING CAVE
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/184OsTg
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/InQ0Mt
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/IVgzIH
Amazon DE: http://amzn.to/1dzgft0
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1fsUFs7
iBookstore: http://bit.ly/1c2ymup
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/18AlKoc
Kobo: http://bit.ly/18HWfRO

KING HALL
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1gjf7vH
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1gvvntA
Barnes&Noble: http://bit.ly/1cUqCH8
Kobo: http://bit.ly/JinsEj
iBookstore: http://bit.ly/19IXBfw

-Tyler Anne (aka Chick Tyler)

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Scarlett Dawn is drawn to all things quirky and off-beat. She believes there are no boundaries for an imaginative soul. Her love of the written word started from at an early age, when her grandmother would take her to bookstores every weekend. Dreams came alive within the books she found there, and now, she is thrilled to share her stories with others who have fallen under the spell of taking fantastical journeys. Scarlett resides in the Midwest with her husband, three children, and two dogs.      Links: Website, Facebook, Twitter

Monday Suggestions 11/18

Oh, HEY! I'm back with a post about books you should read (AND I WANT YOU TO READ)!

I was SUPPOSED to back off from reading until I finished editing my manuscript but I mean, man, that was hard. I found a link to King Hall by Scarlett Dawn on Amazon and read the sample...then bought the book. So, let me try to convince you to do the same.

Book Blurb from King Hall's Goodreads' page:

King Hall — where the Mysticals go to learn their craft, get their degrees, and transition into adulthood. And where four new Rulers will rise and meet their destinies.

Lily Ruckler is adept at one thing: survival. Born a Mystical hybrid, her mere existence is forbidden, but her nightmare is only about to start. Fluke, happenstance, and a deep personal loss finds Lily deeply entrenched with those who would destroy her simply for existing — The Mystical Kings. Being named future Queen of the Shifters shoves Lily into the spotlight, making her one of the most visible Mysticals in the world. But with risk comes a certain solace — her burgeoning friendships with the other three Rulers: a wicked Vampire, a wild-child Mage, and a playboy Elemental. Backed by their faith and trust, Lily begins to relax into her new life.

Then chaos erupts as the fragile peace between Commoners and Mysticals is broken, and suddenly Lily realises the greatest threat was never from within, and her fear takes on a new name: the Revolution.

My quick little review that will hopefully sway you to purchase this (now on sale) book: King Hall not only was filled with endearing characters and infused with a wonderfully exciting story line, but it also contained a world so magical and intricate that I couldn't wait to get to the next page. Scarlett Dawn teleported me from my room and right into a story that had me laughing, crying, and everything in between while sitting on the edge of my seat. I fell in love with all of the characters and will gladly follow them to King Cave!

Links you need to check out: Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Website, Twitter

This book has humor, steam, excitement, and ALL THE FEELS! Read it and let me know what you think!

Well, since I did a spotlight for King Hall, I feel like I should tell you about King Cave (Book 2) that's coming out on Jan. 1! (For the cover reveal post go here.) With how King Hall ended, I just can't wait for the sequel! 

Here's the book blurb right from its Goodreads' page but I suggest you read Book 1 before diving into it so no spoilers happen!

The safe, comfortable world of Lily Ruckler and her fellow Mystical Kings and Queens is rocked to the core by the attacks at King Hall. Not only does Lily have to kill the Commoners attacking her people, she also has to assume the mantle of leadership, and bring the surviving Mysticals to King Cave. 

It should have been too much, but she is not alone. Ezra becomes her rock, her best friend, the one person who understands. As Pearl and Jack struggle with inconsolable loss, Ezra and Lily work to keep the Mys community safe in their new home, and plan a deadly retaliation. 

Their friendship saves them both...but it also draws attention. Whispers. Judgment. It's not normal for Shifters and Vampires to be friends, and when a horrifying truth is revealed, their relationship morphs from unusual to unspeakable. Lily is good at keeping secrets that could get her killed. Is she willing to risk Ezra's life as well?

You can pre-order King Cave starting Dec. 1! GET EXCITED! GET ON MY LEVEL!

--Tyler Anne (aka Chick Tyler) - Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Currently Digging: Elegantly Wasted

Fun fact: Before I created Almost There I was going to create a book review website. Why? Well, if you know me then you know I'm obsessed with reading and writing. I have so many books it's ridiculous (and wonderful)! Reading is simply the thing I love to do the most. I have hundreds of books, a Nook (I call her Nookina), and a Kindle (though, my father has kidnapped her for traveling).

So, to summarize: I LOVE READING!

I'm always on the search for a new book to captivate me--a book that has a plot that's interesting, characters that are original, and writing that is smooth. Now, so far I've stayed away from doing book reviews/recommendations on Almost There but I'm breaking that rule today.

Today I want to convince you that you need to read Elegantly Wasted. Not only read it but fall in delicious, naughty love with it like I did.




Elegantly Wasted is written by C. Elizabeth Vescio, a woman who literally made me laugh out loud and yell "Oh shit!" while reading her book in bed. Her site's About page would have been enough to make me buy her book on spot had I not already found it. This woman is a "Jack of all trades and stereotypical black sheep" who uses phrases like "huge douche canoe." If that wasn't enough to grab my interest, the fact that takes her life inspirations from Neil Gaiman, Julia Child and Paul Simon certainly did. I'm big on Neil Gaiman. (Neverwhere made me fall for him.) I could babble some more about this woman I've never met but I'll direct you here to read more about her.

Now, I want to make one thing very clear here: if you don't have a sense of humor, if you flinch at profanity, if the idea of killing people as a profession makes you get down on your knees and immediately start praying, then perhaps you should stay away from this written gold. However, if you like strong women, exciting plots, mental instability and families that are most likely more messed up than your's, buy this book.

If you think this book is too much for you but you have a love for 50 Shades then SHAME. This book has layers. This book has feeling (and lack thereof). This book has family values, even if they are a little off.

Here's the overview that can be found here on Vescio's site:

“Just because I kill people, doesn’t mean I’m a bad person...” 

On the eve of her high school graduation, proper socialite Francesca “Frankie” Fairholm rebelled against her elitist and controlling family to pursue the dark lifestyle of a contract killer for the enigmatic Osiris Corporation. Years later, with her training complete, she believes she's doomed to the life of a sociopathic lone gun until a botched hit brings two unlikely allies, her cousins Addison and Katharine. 

Using Katharine’s etiquette school, Elegance, Inc., as a front, the trio weave through Frankie’s dark underworld, carrying out contracts, drinking too much wine, and trying not to get each other killed. 

Trouble follows the team home when the death of the cruel Fairholm matriarch reveals more than they ever wanted to know about their family. As the funeral preparations play out, the trio begin to realize there is much more to their employer than meets the eye and their family connections run deeper than they ever imagined. 

To read the first chapter go here.

Let me go ahead and stop those of you who think that it may sound cheesy. Read the first chapter and realize that it's fun and intriguing. Hell, buy the book on Nook or Kindle. It's only $3.99.

Elegantly Wasted is a wild, drunk, medicated, murderous, fun ride and I can't wait for the second one. It showed me a family that I could relate to and made me realize that I may have just a hint of a darker side in me. 

You want to read a great book with an unconventional yet great leading lady? Elegantly Wasted is right up your alley.

-Tyler Anne (aka Chick Tyler)