First to Fall by Carys Jones (Avalon #1) ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis: 

Aiden Connelly’s first case will be one he’ll never forget.

Lawyer Aiden Connelly has traded the frenzy of Chicago for a slower pace in sleepy Avalon – and his first case appears to be as open-and-shut as he could hope for. Hired to defend a local ex-beauty queen accused of murdering her husband, he’s confident that he’ll have the case closed in record time. But below the surface lurks a darker truth…

Suddenly, a quiet backwater has transformed into a dangerous pressure cooker. In a town where everyone knows everyone, gathering evidence should be easy… but the harder Aiden searches, the more he appreciates how tangled this net of loyalties is. And as he digs deeper, Aiden begins to realize that his very first case in Avalon could be the beginning of his undoing…

Purchase a copy on Amazon. It released on August 28th! Next book is due out September 8th,2014.

About the Author:

Carys Jones loves nothing more than to write and create stories which ignite the reader's imagination. Based in Shropshire, England, Carys lives with her husband, two guinea pigs and her adored canine companion Rollo.

When she's not writing, Carys likes to indulge her inner geek by watching science- fiction films or playing video games.

She lists John Green, Jodi Picoult and Virginia Andrews as her favorite authors and draws inspiration for her own work from anything and everything.

To Carys, there is no greater feeling then when you lose yourself in a great story and it is that feeling of ultimate escapism which she tries to bring to her books.

Connect: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook |

Review:

This is the first book I have read of Carys and I look forward to reading more especially in the Avalon series. I have started to get back into mystery novels and this was a welcomed book to get me back into them. This story flows well and I found the author does a great job with the character development. I truly loved Aiden! Not so much his wife Isla but it does make for an interesting couple for sure. Avalon is one of those small towns where everyone knows everyone and their business. I just knew Aiden would get attached too much to the first case in his new job and I really enjoyed the character Brandy, I do hope she shows up in the next book.

This book was a fast read I read almost half of it in my first sitting, I am sure I would have finished faster if the kids were not on summer vacation. The ending came way to fast but I didn't really see it coming. I was totally surprised with the end twist and look forward to Aiden's new case.

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars! If you enjoy a light mystery you really should check out this series.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Author Spotlight Saturday ~ Meet Primula Bond

Today on Author Spotlight Saturday I am pleased to welcome one of my favorite erotica authors Primula Bond. She is the author of The Unbreakable Trilogy which you can check out my reviews.  Please Welcome Primula Bond to Genuine Jenn!

Tell us a little bit about your books and yourself. 

I am an English, forty something, Oxford-educated erotica writer masquerading as the respectable wife of a solicitor and mother of three sons and a stepdaughter. As well as writing in every spare minute I have, I work part time for some criminal defence solicitors in my home town as a legal secretary. I have lived in London, Venice and Cairo and love travelling and writing about the various places I have visited and include these experiences in my novels. I also love films, fashion, eating out, cooking, singing and photography.

I write newspaper features and short stories under my real name, but as Primula Bond I write erotic romance short stories and novels, my most recent series being the well reviewed Unbreakable Trilogy, The Silver Chain, The Golden Locket and The Diamond Ring, charting the stormy romance between Gustav Levi and Serena Folkes. I also work for the online writers' service, Writers' Workshop, offering critiques and advice for aspiring erotic and romantic writers, which has led to my running erotica and short story workshops at one or two writing festivals and finally meeting my readers face to face.

When was your first book published?

My first short story was published back in 1994. I had been rejected by the romantic publishers Mills and Boon for my over-explicit sex scenes, and one day when I was bored at work, fantasising as usual about my unavailable, handsome boss Ted, and I decided to turn one of the scenes into a short story. I submitted it to a magazine and they accepted it and paid me £150, which struck me as good money for something that I enjoyed doing and only took an hour or so to write. Ted joked that he should take the cut of the fee as it was in his time and on his computer that the breakthrough story was written.

Are you currently working on anything?

I am taking a few months out to work on a semi-autobiographic novel under my own name, which has been burning in the back of my mind for several years. After that I am sketching out a sequel or spin off from my Unbreakable Trilogy, too. I have also self published a collection of short stories on Amazon.

Why did you decide to become an Author?

I have been writing stories, mostly romantic, since I was a little girl and wrote my first love story in an old exercise book. I have a very vivid imagination and often live in a dream world, always spinning stories about people I've seen, places I've been, and what I want for my own life. My ambition, other than to meet the man of my dreams and have a family, was to see a book written by me displayed in a book shop. So I started submitting to magazines and publishers and trying not to get down from the rejection slips. And once the first story was accepted my confidence increased. More stories were published and editors started to take me more seriously. At long last I could call myself a professional writer. I saw my books on the shelves in Tesco and Smiths. And in the end I married the man of my dreams – my old boss, Ted!

When you are writing to you like to listen to music? What is on your playlist?

I have mostly jazz playing when I'm writing: Stan Getz or Miles Davies, or singers such as Melody Gardot or even the sex god himself, Barry White. Sometimes I have classical, like Bach piano concertos, Mozart, or Mahler. It has to be quiet music. Michael Jackson or Pharrell Williams do the job when I have finished an assignment and want to celebrate by dancing round the kitchen with my sons.

Who is your favorite character in your books?

I am unashamedly in love and lust with Gustav Lev, the hero of my Unbreakable Trilogy. He came from my darkest dreams and has the body, charisma and success to die for!

Do you ever take characteristics or nuances from close friends or family when working on character development and if so has that friend or family member noticed and what was their response to it?

My heroine Serena is what I call my 'Berocca' heroine, in that, like those vitamin supplement adverts, she's like me, but on a really good day. Several people have commented that they can hear my voice through hers, but she does and says things that I wasn't brave enough to do when I was her age.

The character of Margot, the dangerous ex wife, is blatantly based on, and an exagerated version of, the ex wife of my husband and also someone I used to know. Much of what she does and says is based on the actual truth of what these people were actually capable of, and as neither of them are with us any longer they can't sue me, so I can create their characters however I like.

The slightly oafish ex boyfriend of Margot is based, if I'm honest, on one or two disastrous teenage boyfriends, amalgamated into one, so they would never recognise themselves...

What is your favorite book of all time?

The Magus by John Fowles. It is is set on the island of Spetses and I read it whilst on holiday there as a student. I was very much in love with the guy I was on holiday with at the time and the mystery of the book and the heat of the sun added to the magic of the holiday.

Tell us in one sentence why we should read your books.

All my books are well written, emotional, energetic and sexy, but with my Unbreakable Trilogy I have really let rip with language, characaterisation, locations, and of course creating an intense, passionate, hot love story that has already transported my lovely readers to a fantasy world of drama, danger, sexual adventure and ultimate happiness.

List your books that are available

Country Pleasures – Black Lace Club Crème – Black Lace Random Acts of Lust – Xcite Books (solo collection of short stories) 
Out of Focus – Xcite Books (novella) 
Sisters in Sin – Avon Books (novella) 
The Silver Chain – Avon Books 
The Golden Locket – Avon Books 
The Diamond Ring – Avon Books

Where can Genuine Jenn readers find you? 

Dip into my blog, find me on Facebook and follow me for chats, gossip and shameless self promotion on Twitter @primulabond

Thanks for taking your time to answer some questions for my readers at Genuine Jenn.

Giveaway Time! Primula would like to offer a signed paperback of The Golden Locket or The Diamond Ring. This giveaway is open Worldwide! 

Please fill in the rafflecopter form below. 

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~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Crossing the Ice by Jennifer Comeaux ~ Book Tour | Review | Giveaway!

Book Synopsis:

Falling hard never felt so good.

Pair skaters Courtney and Mark have one shot left at their Olympic dream. They vow not to let anything get in their way, especially not Josh and Stephanie, the wealthy and talented brother and sister team.

The heart doesn’t always listen to reason, though...

The more time Courtney spends with sweet, shy Josh, the harder she falls for him. But they are on opposite sides of the competition, and their futures are headed in opposite directions. Will their friendship blossom into more or are their paths too different to cross?

Purchase a copy on Amazon.

About the Author:

Jennifer Comeaux is a tax accountant by day, writer by night. There aren’t any ice rinks near her home in south Louisiana, but she’s a diehard figure skating fan and loves to write stories of romance set in the world of competitive skating. One of her favorite pastimes is traveling to competitions, where she can experience all the glitz and drama that inspire her writing.  

Connect: Website| Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |

Review:

Another fabulous figure skating novel by Jennifer Comeaux. I have read the Edge series and love them so much. This story follows Courtney who pairs skates with Mark. Courtney is grown up since we first met her in the previous series. Court and Mark are in the last year of figure skating competitions and working towards getting a place on the Olympic team. Jennifer Comeaux has a great style of writing that makes me feel part of the story. I can always picture the skaters on the ice and feel for what the characters are going through. Court is faced with a very hard decision when Josh and Stephanie the rival team arrives to train in the Cape with Court and Mark's coaches. Josh shows interest in Court right away. This is a huge problem when you are trying to stay focused on your skating to compete at these huge competitions. I love how this story played out even though close to the end I was in tears from saddens and then in tear because I was so happy things turned out well in the end, even though it wasn't the original dream that Court had. 

If you love sweet romances, YA novels and figure skating you will love this book! It is a really quick read but I hope there will be another book in the future!

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars!

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This post in part of a book tour with Itching for Books. You can follow the rest of the tour by visiting Itching for Books.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Always Rayne Book Review

Would you spend ten days traveling the country with someone you despised if he promised to pay off your student loans?
Recent college graduate, Harper Leigh, can barely make ends meet working as the books editor for a new online entertainment magazine, Chatter. With $85,000 of student loan debt about to go into repayment, she has no idea how she’ll get by.
Just when she thinks things couldn’t get worse, Harper’s boss decides to embed her in the North American tour for the hot rock band, Always Rayne. Ten days on the road with the band for her to get an exclusive story. But Harper’s a homebody and the last thing she wants to do is go on the road with a rock band. And she definitely doesn’t want to spend ten days with the notorious bad boy and band front man, Nic Rayne.
When Nic proves to be too much for Harper to handle and she threatens to quit the assignment, Nic decides to sweeten the pot. If she stays with the tour for all ten days, he’ll pay off all of her student loan debt….but there’s one small catch.

Harper also has to sleep in his bed every night.

About the author:

Karen Mueller Bryson writes contemporary New Adult and Adult romance novels under the pen names Dakota Madison, Savannah Young, Sierra Avalon and Ren Monterrey.


You can follow Karen on her website, facebook, and twitter.


You can buy Always Rayne on Amazon, and smashwords.





My review:

I thought that Always Rayne was a really sweet story, and the characters were very well written. 
About Harper Leigh a young girl trying to make a name for herself as a writer for the small start-up entertainment website 'chatter'. She tags along with her best friend and roommate to a concert for the ever popular boy band 'Always Rayne', she meets Nic Rayne, and her only impression is that his status has gone straight to his head, and with an ego that inflated she doesn't waste much time entertaining his advances, she will not be another name to his ever growing list of one night stands. 
What she doesn't expect is a call from her boss the next morning saying she is to tour with the band for an exclusive story no other reporter would be granted access to. Being on tour with a rock band is the last place she wants to be, but Nic has said only she can be his reporter, her boss says she goes or she's fired. With $85,000 of student loans left to pay she doesn't have much choice.
The relationship Harper develops with Nic is adorable, and it's cute to read as they learn they have far more in common, once Harper sees Nic is a much more than a pretty face, and a rock star, she starts to fall for him and might finally admit to herself that he's sexy.

I'm choosing to give this book a 3.5/5 as there were some parts that just caught me as a little unrealistic. One was Harper coming home for a family emergency to find that her recovering alcoholic roommate Brooke has fallen off the wagon, and her state in which her appearance was described, she sounded like Harper was going to help her get herself together, but her 'situation' was quickly brushed to the side as they gushed over how in love Harper was with Nic.

The secondary characters are well introduced, and there is a second a third book in the 'Always Sometimes Never' series that are written in continuation but evolve around the these other characters; Sometimes Brooke and Never Raven. I look forward to reading more from you Karen.

Enter below for a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card!!

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~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Cheryl. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Camp Carnage (Night Terrors) by Elliot Arthur Cross & Joshua Winning ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis:

In the summer of 1986, Billy Collins is sent to his own personal Hell - summer camp. The remote Camp Genesis offers desperate parents a place to "straighten" out their gay teenagers with the help of the puritanical Katherine Creevey.

Besides the typical horsing around, campfire tales and summer games, the Genesis program forces gay and questioning teens into humiliating gender-based lessons. While Billy wants nothing more than to escape Camp Genesis, he can't help worrying that something even more sinister is hiding just out of sight.

Unknown to Billy, two campers were murdered three years ago. Just days after Billy and the new campers arrive, people start to go missing, and it's up to Billy and his new friend Jem to find out what's really going on. Is a maniac on the loose? Is history repeating itself? One thing's for sure - at Camp Genesis, you have to fight to survive...

Purchase a copy on Amazon or Smashwords

About the Authors:

Elliot Arthur Cross: Hailing from New England, Elliot has always been a horror fan, be it film, books, or campfire tales. Some favorites include Scream, Sleepaway Camp and any cheesy horror anthology (why is it that some of the most fun stories are the shortest?). When he’s not writing horror (or watching Netflix), Elliot works in other genres like mystery, adult, and the supernatural.

Joshua Winning: Based in London, UK, Joshua spent his teenage years watching films he probably shouldn’t have and reading things his parents would deeply disapprove of. He often stayed up watching scare flicks on late-night TV and was transfixed by some of the best horror films of the 1980s (The Howling, Night Of The Creeps) as well as some of the worst (Howling II… What was that all about?). Joshua’s debut novel, dark fantasy Sentinel, was published by Peridot Press in 2014.


Connect: Night Terrors Website | Elliot's Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Joshua's Website | Goodreads | Twitter |

Review: 

This was a great read! It was actually too quick that it left me wanting more or at least the next book in the series. This is the first book I have read by Elliot Arthur Cross and Joshua Winning but it wont be the last that is for sure! This book jumps right into the action in the first chapter. It reminded me of an 80's/early 90's horror flick, like Jason. It was a little different with the kids going to a "gay" camp to be "cured". One by one campers start to disappear and then they are found dead. It was scary, not too gruesome but definitely had me on the edge of my seat. Makes me wonder why I steered away from reading horror books lately. It was well written and the character development was great. I found you started to get to know a character or like them and than bam they are gone. I really never would have guessed the ending.

I give this a book a 5 out of 5 stars for being a edge of the seat, 80's horror film type read! 


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Yay for Chapter Books!

Images courtesy of Dailyclipart.net

I am a huge reader as I am sure you can see! My husband also loves to read. Both the kids have always loved looking at books or having books read to them. Around Christmas time I was reading a book and my son asked me how many pages are in the book. If I remember right I think there was almost 300. Of course no pictures. P said "wow, that is a lot of pages. I would never be able to read a book with that many pages."

Skip a few months and P comes home from school and tells me about this "chapter" book he is reading about this puppy named Max (I believe that was the name). He told me it has 80 pages and no pictures. He was super excited and told me all about the story and that there are more books just like it.

I picked up a few of these Puppy Place books for P's birthday and he finished them in no time at all. The first one he read in 24 hours! I then stopped into a second hand shop looking for some of the older ones in the series only to pick up a few other "chapter" books I thought he may enjoy. 

This summer P and A both had a reading club they attended once a week and read lots of books. P has read about 15+ chapter books over the summer! I couldn't be happier for his love of reading.

All I have to say is YAY for chapter books!!

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Identity Crisis: Book Two in the B.K. Investigations Series by Jean Hackensmith ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis:

Little Angela Patten is kidnapped by a madman-a man who's convinced she's his dead daughter. When rumors of how Dan Hamilton actually died reach the Cheyenne Chief of Police, Brian Koski is forced to resign his position as captain of the Sixth Precinct and go into business for himself as a private detective. His partner? A mahogany-colored Belgian Malinois named Sinbad. A former NYPD police dog, Sinbad is vicious when need be and reliable to a fault-unless a train goes by or there's a thunderstorm, then chances are he will turn tail and run. Brian's first clients are Jeff and Melody Patten. He's an explosives expert for a local demolitions company; she's a stay-at-home mom. Both are devoted parents to their young daughter, Angela. The problem comes in the form of one Collin Lanaski, an unstable ex-Air Force lieutenant and Angela's second grade teacher, who suddenly starts insisting that Angela is his daughter-the same daughter who died in a tragic car accident four years earlier. What does Collin base this incredible revelation on? Dog tags and car seats. Brian is convinced the man has suffered a psychotic break. He's delusional and dangerous, and it becomes the P.I.'s job to protect Angela from a madman.

Purchase a copy on Amazon

About the Author: 

I have been writing since the age of twenty. (That's 37 years and, yes, I'm disclosing my age.) I am the proud mother of three, stepmother of two, and grandmother to twelve wonderful children. I lost the love of my life, my husband Ron, in November of 2011 when he died in an accident at work. He took my heart with him and, for a time, my desire to write. Time, as they say, heals all wounds, and I have again discovered my passion for the written word. In fact, I find it strangely comforting to delve into the intricate webs that are my character's lives and immerse myself in their existence instead of dwelling on my own.

Next to writing, my second passion is live theater. I founded a local community theater group back in 1992 and directed upwards of 40 shows, including three that I authored. I also appeared on stage a few times, portraying Anna in The King and I and Miss Hannigan in Annie. I am sad to say that the theater group closed its final curtain in 2008, but those 16 years will always hold some of my fondest memories.

My husband and I moved from Superior five years ago, seeking the serenity of country living. We also wanted to get away from the natural air conditioning provided by Lake Superior. We moved only 50 miles south, but the temperature can vary by 20-30 degrees. I guess I'm a country girl at heart. I simply love this area, even though I must now enjoy its beauty alone. I love the solitude, the picturesque beauty of the sun rising over the water, the strangely calming effect of watching a deer graze outside your kitchen window. Never again, will I live in the city. I am an author, after all, and what better place to be inspired than in God's own back yard.

Connect: Website | Goodreads

Review: 

I was a little nervous in the beginning as this is Book Two and I have not read Book One in the Series.  No need to worry this book is well written and can easily be read without having read the first book.  The author provides enough detail to guide you into the interesting characters lives and left me wanting to learn and keep reading more. I thoroughly enjoyed the constant mystery and pieces being put together as the story unfolded. At no point did I have a chance to guess or figure out what may happen next as there were lots of curves. This to me is a great part of the story.

I am very excited about reading Book One next.

Overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.  I would definitely recommend this book to those interested in a very well written mystery.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Allgoodcanadian - Chris G. I received a copy of this book for review purposes.  All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Jaded by Michelle Bellon ~ Book Tour|Review|Giveaway

To what lengths will a man go for the woman he loves? Reed Dartmouth will learn the answer to those questions time and time again throughout his relationship with Jade Montgomery. When he first meets her as a young, gentle boy the heartache from losing his mother only a year before is still fresh and painful. Jade is different from anyone else he’s ever met; tough, sassy, and even a bit cruel. But she’s also the same as he is: she knows what it’s like to lose a parent. Their friendship begins and a bond like no other is formed. Time passes and Reed learns that not only are Jade’s parents dead, they were murdered and she’s made an oath to one day bring them justice. No matter the price. As they grow older their love evolves but for Jade, old habits die hard and she can’t stop hurting those she loves the most. Even in the midst of searching for her parents’ killers, passion ignites and jealousy burns as Jade tests Reed’s devotion for her. Will she push him too far?

Buy on Amazon

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About the author:

Michelle Bellon lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their four children. She drinks ungodly amounts of coffee and has an addiction to chapstick. She works at a surgery center as a registered nurse and in her spare time writes novels. She writes in the genres of romance suspense, young adult, women’s fiction, and literary fiction. She has won three literary awards.

Website | Facebook | Facebook Author Page | LinkedIn

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Check out Michelle's Other Books

Review:  

This has been one heck of a book! Have you ever read a book that you just wanted to throw across the room because of the characters and story? Yep, I was all over the place with this one. The emotional roller coaster was crazy, trying not to be mad a Jade or Reed, happy one minute, angry or upset another. It was a great read. The storyline had me so tense at one point I wasn't sure I would be able to continue the torment. Both of the main characters are troubled, they both lost their parent(s) and became friends that had a very different relationship. Right from the beginning you knew they would be meant for each other but they just have a crazy, torturous relationship because of Jade and her angry for losing her parents when she was so young.  At times I was silently yelling at Reed to not get involved with Justine or any other girl or just get over Jade.

The author did a great job developing the storyline and characters. This story flows well and grabs you with tons of emotion.

A great book! I give this a 4.5 stars out of 5 because of the torment that Jade & Reed put me through. It was a love to hate or a hate to love. In the end a great book. I am excited to read more by Michelle Bellon. 

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~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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HEXBUG Aquabot with Fishbowl ~ Review

HEXBUG Aquabots are these amazing little fish that move around in water. They "swim" around and turn directions when they bump into a side of the fishbowl. My son received a blue Shark that he just loves! He is already waiting to pick up a couple more to have "friends" for his Shark. I will give you for warning if you have pets, watch the kitty very carefully around a fishbowl of water! Our kitty was going to go fishing! 

The robotic fish comes with its on fishbowl that is portable for kids to take it with them wherever they go. It is easy to fill and empty. The HEXBUG Aquabot comes in two styles, the Shark or the Clownfish and ten translucent colors. You can purchase them separately to add to your fishbowl.

The HEXBUG Aquabot is powered by electro-magnetic propulsion. It swims around along with diving up and down. I  really like that it is equpped with an automatic on and off sensor that activates when you submerge your fish/shark in the water. After awhile (I believe 5 minutes) it will shut off unless you tap the fishbowl side. They take two button cell batteries AG13 (LR44) which are included but you can also purchase separately when you need them. 


Check out HEXBUG website for more information and connect on Twitter @HEXBUG and Facebook.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above product for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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The Reflection of Queen Snow White by David Meredith ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis: 

What happens when "happily ever after" has come and gone?

On the eve of her only daughter, Princess Raven's wedding, an aging Snow White finds it impossible to share in the joyous spirit of the occasion. The ceremony itself promises to be the most glamorous social event of the decade. Snow White’s castle has been meticulously scrubbed, polished and opulently decorated for the celebration. It is already nearly bursting with jubilant guests and merry well-wishers. Prince Edel, Raven's fiancé, is a fine man from a neighboring kingdom and Snow White's own domain is prosperous and at peace. Things could not be better, in fact, except for one thing:

The king is dead.

The queen has been in a moribund state of hopeless depression for over a year with no end in sight. It is only when, in a fit of bitter despair, she seeks solitude in the vastness of her own sprawling castle and climbs a long disused and forgotten tower stair that she comes face to face with herself in the very same magic mirror used by her stepmother of old.

It promises her respite in its shimmering depths, but can Snow White trust a device that was so precious to a woman who sought to cause her such irreparable harm? Can she confront the demons of her own difficult past to discover a better future for herself and her family? And finally, can she release her soul-crushing grief and suffocating loneliness to once again discover what "happily ever after" really means?

Only time will tell as she wrestles with her past and is forced to confront The Reflections of Queen Snow White.

Purchase a copy on Amazon Kindle.

About the Author:

David Meredith is a writer and educator originally from Knoxville, Tennessee. He received both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from East Tennessee State University, in Johnson City, Tennessee as well as a Tennessee State Teaching license. On and off, he spent nearly a decade, from 1999-2010 teaching English in Northern Japan, but currently lives with his wife and three children in the Nashville Area where he continues to write and teach English.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter |

Review: 

This is the first novel I have read that a mainstream fairytale story. I love watching the adult Disney/fairytale movies and I was excited to read this novel for that reason. This story takes place long after Snow White becomes Queen and has married Prince Charming. Queen Snow white is going through some major emotional times and finds herself in her stepmother's old chamber, where Queen Snow White discovers the mirror. During the novel we take a look through the years that Snow White lived through horrible pair from her childhood and then her life with Charming. Snow White is a troubled soul for sure and has many obstacles to overcome to live a happier life now that Charming has passed away and Raven her daughter is planning her wedding. 

The author does a great job of working the fairytale of Snow White into a dark tale of behind the scene that one doesn't see in the children's version. At one point I was thinking to myself poor Snow White if she had lived in this day and age she would have been battling what we now know as depression. Sad Snow White but with the mirror helping Snow White see what was she already knew inside of herself she was able to overcome or at least work on overcoming her emotions and spend the time with her daughter and then grandchildren. 

For a debut novel of David Meredith's I really enjoyed the writing style and look forward to seeing what else Meredith will write about.  

I give this novel a 4 out of 5 stars

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Author Spotlight Saturday ~ Meet Michael W. Garza

Please welcome Michael W. Garza to Author Spotlight this week! Michael is the author of a  creepy zombie book about a parents love for their child called The Hand That Feeds. Welcome to Genuine Jenn!

Tell us a little bit about your book(s) and yourself. 

I’m a part time writer who’s had a few good breaks and I’m a full time husband and father of three from Orange County California. I write Horror, Fantasy, and Science Fiction and have had the good fortune to have my first book, That Hand That Feeds published by Severed Press. I’ve recently signed a four book contract with Permuted Press to publish my first YA Fantasy series and a standalone Science Fiction novel.

When was your first book published?

The Hand That Feeds was published by Severed Press in August of 2013

Are you currently working on anything?

I recently signed a three book deal with Permuted Press for The Last Shadow Gate series. The first book is done and turned in and I’m neck deep in writing the second book in the series. This is my first YA series and it’s been a great experience. I really think I’m getting my best work down on paper.

Why did you decide to become an Author?

It’s really just a hobby for me. I’ve written stories since I was a teenager but only recently considered trying to publish. I enjoy sharing my work, but if it all ended tomorrow, I’d be fine with that too.

Who and what inspired you to write?

My love of reading. I assume that’s why most authors get the bug. I’ve been a reader since I was old enough to pick up books and I’ve always drifted towards fantasy and science fiction. I added horror a little later in life.

When you are writing to you like to listen to music? What is on your playlist?

I have a wide range but it never strays far from, Led Zepplin, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and the Beatles.

Who is your favorite character in your books?

Angela from The Hand That Feeds. She’s two shades of crazy and the principle driver of the story. I’ve never written a character quite like her. There’s something about taking an emotion like a mother’s love for a child and pushing far beyond the limits of acceptable behavior. There’s times when I read her dialog and I actually squirm because it makes me feel uncomfortable. To me, that’s a good character.

Do you ever take characteristics or nuances from close friends or family when working on character development and if so has that friend or family member noticed and what was their response to it?

I used my oldest son and daughter as the primary inspiration for my upcoming YA Fantasy series, The Last Shadow Gate. My daughter gets the biggest kick out of it. She’s a big reader and the book is right in her wheel house. When I told her it got picked up to be published she was so excited. My son took it in stride. He’s more interested in football.

What is your favorite book of all time?

The Lord of the Rings, although it’s close between that and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Tell us in one sentence why we should read your books.

Uniquely written with characters you’ll love or love to hate.

List your books that are available

The Hand That Feeds
The Elder Unearthed

Where can people connect with you?

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Website | 

Thanks for taking your time to answer some questions for my readers at Genuine Jenn. 


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Where Bluebirds Fly (Synesthesia-Shift #1) by Brynn Chapman ~ Audio Book Review

This review was originally posted on AudioBookReviewer.com

Enter to win a copy click the link above!

Book Synopsis: 

Verity Montague is a servant in 1692 Salem. Her flaming red hair and mismatched eyes make her a prime target for accusation of witchcraft. Orphaned during the Indian raids, she and her brother with Asperger's Syndrome come to live with the key historical figures of the trials-The Putnams. They keep their synesthesia secret- that days, months and years appear as color in Verity's mind, and for John, that symphonies play in a Fantasia-style performance of colors and geometric patterns.

Truman Johnstone 's ability to discern people's expressions, and decipher if they were lying- made him an outspoken child. Being different kept him from being adopted till he was fourteen. He now runs an orphanage for problem youths, and is a feeding therapist in his desire to help children deal with their peculiarities. To give them the childhood he never had.

The harvest festival corn maze Truman creates every year has an unwelcome visitor. Children hear disembodied voices skipping through the corn maze amid the backdrop of eerie orchestral music. In every year of the calendar, intermittent doors of time swing open and closed, so long as the cornfield stands.

In societies set on sameness-all are outsiders.

They learn the traits that make us outcasts, may be the very ones that make us great, and that true love may heal all, and even transcend time.

Purchase a copy on Audible or Amazon

About the Author:

Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love—not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger’s syndrome. Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society’s downtrodden. In fiction, she’s a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. She also writes non-fiction and lectures on the subjects of autism and sensory integration and is a medical contributor to online journal The Age of Autism.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |

Review:

This is my very first time listening to an audio book, well okay I know I listened to some when I was a child. This is the first adult book. I was super excited to get a chance to review Where Bluebirds Fly for a couple reasons. First I love reading about the Salem witch trials and witchcraft type stories. Second I work with people with Autism and my son has some Asperger's type habits or traits. I was interested to see how well the author would portray these subjects. 

After I was half way through this book I checked out the authors website and realized she has a background in pediatric therapy and has hands on experience with individuals with Asperger's syndrome. The author also did a great job of researching the times in Salem during the witch trials.

Chapman did a wonderful job of moving back and forth between characters and time making the story flow together nicely even when switching within the same chapter. I did find this book to be a bit more scientific or I guess you one could say medical/technical. I didn't have a hard time following it through as I already have a good understanding on Asperger's. I did learn more about Synesthesia, which the author explained through the characters. Truman and Verity both were strong characters and I really enjoyed them. It was like a match made in heaven but between different times. I found both to be very technical in personality which reminds me of my own son. I am not sure how one without a knowledge of Autism would do understanding this story, it may be a bit too much for some.

For this being the first audio book I have listened to, I found the narrator to be good at changing her voice for each character. At first I was lost with the accents for Truman and his co-worker, Rom at the orphanage but once I kept listening it became very easy to know who was who. I found myself at the beginning needing to pay close attention to the narrator to learn each characters accent and which place the story was talking about but it did become easier as the story went on. My attention was held well with the narrator, she has a soothing voice. The storyline hooked me right from the beginning so I wanted to know more and find out how this story would end. One of my favorite parts is when Verity and Truman communicate through Truman's journal. I was very happy that this book wasn't left with a huge cliffhanger. I look forward to book 2 and see what is in store for Verity and Truman within the cornfield portal. 

Rating ~ Story - 4, Performance - 4 , Production Quality - 4, Attention Holding - 4, 

Overall rating 4 out of 5 stars. I would recommend this series to anyone who has interest in Autism and the Salem Witch trials.


~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Kiss Me Organics Matcha Green Tea Powder ~ Review

Kiss Me Organics recently reached out to me to see if I would be interested in trying out their Matcha Green Tea Powder. I will admit I am a sucker for anything that may help with sleep or giving me extra energy during the day. I used to use Green Tea tablets before it was really even popular and if you use them as directed, workout and watch what you eat they really do help with weightloss/management. When I used the green tea tablets regularly I felt fantastic, I had more energy and just felt overall more active and alert.

When Kiss Me Organics sent me the Matcha Green Tea Powder recently I wondered how I would like the taste and if it would give me a better and longer boost then Green Tea tablets.

Here is a bit of information on Kiss Me Organics Matcha Green Tea Powder:

• ALL DAY ENERGY & FOCUS: Lift your vitality and concentration with the slow release natural energy from Organic Matcha
• CALORIE BURNING BOOSTER: Support your weight loss goals with an all-natural way to increase your body's metabolism
• LATTES | SMOOTHIES | BAKING: Kiss Me Organics Matcha Green Tea Powder arrives in an easy-to-use airtight health grade packaging allowing for as much or as little use as you need for any occasion. Enjoy a relaxing latte in the morning, bake a dozen cupcakes or simply add a small boost to your morning smoothie
• 137x ANTIOXIDANTS OF BREWED GREEN TEA: Matcha Green Tea can only be used in a powdered form because, unlike brewed green tea, it contains the entire tea leaf which dramatically increases the nutritional content.

I really like how once you place an order on Amazon for a bag of Matcha Green Tea powder Kiss Me Organics will send you a recipe booklet with 50+ recipes to use the power in. The recipes are for all kinds of great meals, drinks and baked goods.

I haven't used this product daily but I have used it a lot over the last couple weeks and can say I do find I have a good energy boost each time I use it. I find I am more alert and not sluggish. I really like my morning coffee but I find when I am heading for that second coffee I will make a smoothie with some berries, banana, yogurt and a 1/2 tsp of Matcha Green Tea powder or a cold bottle of water and a 1/2 tsp of the powder and I am good to go. I like the taste of green tea but I know some people don't so I would suggest using it in a smoothie or other drink to hide the taste or do it in little bits water down to get used to it. I love the bag this product comes in as it is a resealable bag and is really easy to open, grab your 1/2 to 1 tsp and close it back up.

For more information please visit Kiss Me Organics website. You can purchase a bag on Amazon Canada.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above product for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Mayim's Vegan Table ~ Cookbook Review

While she's an actress with a PhD in neuroscience, at the end of the day Mayim Bialik is a mom, one who knows what it's like to be a busy parent with little time to spend in the kitchen. She shares the concerns of parents everywhere: when it comes to nutrition and feeding your family, you want healthy meals, but also food that everyone—kids and parents—can enjoy, and a balanced lifestyle that's inexpensive and fuss-free. Not only does Mayim's Vegan Table share more than 100 easy plant-based recipes for dishes that are as good to eat as they are good for you, but Mayim has also teamed up with pediatrician Jay Gordon to offer:

• Basic nutritional information about a plant-based diet
• The real deal on raising kids on a plant-based diet (myths and misperceptions, debunked)
• Vegan family essentials (including a list of what to always keep in the pantry)
• Tips and strategies for easy meal planning and healthy eating out

And, of course, the food: you'll find recipes for Mayim's favorite breakfasts, snacks, lunches, dinners, and desserts, including kid-approved meals like build-your-own tacos and mac n cheez, Mediterranean and Asian-inspired salads that parents will love, comfort-food classics like kugel and matzoh ball soup, and many more.

Purchase on Amazon.

About the Authors: 

Mayim Bialik, PhD, CLEC, is an Emmy-nominated actress, trained neuroscientist, author, and the
mother of two sons who have been raised entirely vegan. Currently starring on CBS’s The Big Bang
Theory, Mayim is a contributing editor at Kveller.com. Mayim's Website & Twitter @missmayim

Jay Gordon, MD, FAAP, is a prominent pediatrician practicing in Santa Monica, California, and the
author of numerous books and magazine columns. he is a long-time member of the attending staff of
UCLA’s Medical School. Website | Twitter @drjaygordonmdfaap

Review: 

This is a great book for vegetarians and people who would like to become a vegetarian or just add extra veggies to your diet. I love that this cookbook has easy to make recipes along with most ingredients that can be found easily in your grocery store. No need to head to a specialty shop to make most of these. I found I had a lot of the ingredients in my house already and I am not a vegetarian. I also love that Mayim shares her Jewish roots in this cookbook with some fabulous Jewish recipes. I work in a Jewish group home and cook most of the meals so this will come in handy for sure and I can hardly wait to share all these great recipes with my family. The book also has a nice beginning with nutrition and info on the basics. I love the kitchen tip at the end of the recipes. There was one recipe I was wondering what an ingredient was and it was in the kitchen tip. 

Want to learn how to make cheese from nuts? It is in this book! I am excited to try a couple tofu recipes with my family even though hubby said "let me know how it goes" when I told him about the recipe. I also love that this book isn't all about tofu. There are more recipes with veggies, beans and nuts.

I reviewed the Kindle version of this cookbook and find it really hard to enjoy it as much as I know I would if it was a paperback. I think I will get the paperback edition to add to my cookbook collection and it will make it easier to drool over the recipes. 

I give this recipe book a 5 out of 5 stars! I highly recommend it. 



~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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Panic by Ryan Ringbloom ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis:

Robin fell in love with Kent, the boy next door, a long time ago. Once their romance is rekindled, getting married and starting a family seems like the obvious next step. But fate throws a wrench in that plan. Now Robin is tempted to walk away from their relationship rather than settle for anything less than perfect with the man she loves. Bailey is certainly not the boy next door, yet Shayna fell for his well-played act. But real love only exists in the movies. When a chance encounter binds them together, Shayna finds herself relying on Bailey more than she could ever have expected. And while their resources are slim and their circumstances are far from perfect, she and Bailey slowly discover that they do have something special to give…. When things don’t go exactly as planned, it’s hard not to PANIC. MATURE CONTENT Strong Language/Sexual situations

Buy on Amazon | Amazon UK 

About the Author

Ryan Ringbloom lives for anything Romance. The passion, love, angst, awkwardness... she loves all of it. When Ryan needs a break from reality she sneaks off to read a romantic story or write one of her own. Drinking coffee, reading Tweets and hugs from her five year old are the best part of her day. You can follow her on Twitter: @RyanRingbloom or visit her website at www.RyanRingbloom.com. You can also find her on Goodreads and Facebook Feel free to contact her, she would love it!

Review:

This is the first story I have read by this Author. While I was little confused in the beginning with the back and forth, and maybe reading the other books in the series would have helped me, it was still an interesting read that didn’t disappoint on raw emotions. Robin and Kent get a little annoying with the back and forth where you just want to scream at them to make up their mind!!

Once the author introduces Bailey and Shayna things take a slightly different direction, this second half of the book was a bit easier to read, and I found the story flowed a lot nicer, and was easier to follow. Still heartbreaking in it’s own way, partially because I can relate with the characters somewhat.

Over all a good read, which isn’t my typical go to story line, but it was nice for a change. I give this book and 3 ½ star, the Happy ending is what saved it for me.
 

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~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Amanda. I received the above book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

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