Sunday Cover Scramble [88]

Let's have some fun! I am going to post covers on here every Sunday that are scrambled up graphically, making it hard to tell what cover it is. I would like your guesses on what cover you think I've posted. I won't answer you until I'm posting the next one to let you know if you are right, allowing others to guess as well. Some will be hard, and others may be easy. Let me know in the comments if you'd like some more hints and I'll offer some more if no one guesses it correctly.


I'm changing up the format a little bit! I am going to be pulling covers off the Most Popular Page on Goodreads.

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JC's Bulletin of the Week [4]

Welcome to my weekly Bulletin. This is a place where you will find what's going on at JC's Book Haven lately, what I've found around the blogger world, Book News, and any books that are releasing in the next week.

Crazy busy around here lately. We are working on Halloween costume details. Zane is going as Loki this year and I'm going to be Black Widow.

Zane is doing a science fair experiment on How to Keep Cut Flowers Fresh Longer so we gathered all the materials and he just got it started. Hopefully we are going to a Fall Festival this weekend to check out a bunch of pumpkins, hay ride, and play some games. What are you all up to?

The week on the blog:

Sunday Cover Scramble
I did a Re-Read Review for Dreamfever (Fever #4) by Karen Marie Moning
I posted a Cover Reveal for Gears of Brass: A Steampunk Anotholoy
Matt did a review of Knight of Light (Watchers #1) by Deirdra Eden
Harry Potter Moment of the Week this week was - Quibbler or Daily Prophet?
Melody did a Review of Platomic by LaRon Cruz along with an interview

My Shelf Confessions tells us why It Sucks When Bloggers Delete Posts

Cait from Notebook Sisters posted a hilarious telling of 10 Things I Will Do To Improve the World (When I've Dominated It)

The Literary Oracle does a post about Why We Love the Anti-hero

Harry Potter Jokes Even Muggles Will Love

Gallery Book signed Kim Harrison for a new series. Find out more about the trilogy slated for Fall 2015.

Marvel's Dealings With Spider-Man, X-Men, and Fantastic Four Are a Mess Right Now

      

      

Review: Platomic by LaRon Cruz

Published: June 24, 2014 by I Am Royalty Publishing
Genre: Erotica
Source: Provided for honest review

Goodreads Summary

Can a man and a woman be platonic friends without someone wanting them dead? Cameron and Taylor share a rare bond that very few people can appreciate. They're best-friends. Their interactions lead onlookers to assume that there's something way deeper than "friendship" happening between the two of them. So much so that it's driving both Cameron's & Taylor's romantic interests crazy. Literally.

When an associate is hit during a botched assassination attempt on Cameron's life, he has little time to figure out who's behind the madness before another attempt is made. Will he be able to get to them before they get to him or will Taylor's black dress be forever stained in mourning her beloved friend?

"A rapid release of emotions resembles an atomic bomb: explosive and deadly, destroying everything around it when those emotions are released. When the platonic meets the atomic it becomes... Platomic."

*Summary edited due to explicit language

“Can a man and a woman be platonic friends without someone wanting them dead?”

Let me preface this review with 2 very important disclaimers.  #1 This book is considered “erotica”.  That is not my genre, and I am not sure I have ever read a book in that genre before.  So I can’t compare it to others in this genre.   #2 the author is a near and dear friend of mine.    I wasn’t sure what to expect going into the book or the review.   I am kind of hard on books, and I was left wondering if I could deal with writing a review on a book I may or may not like.   This being his first self published book, I went in blind not know what to expect.  That being said, I read the book as if I was reading something from a complete stranger.  And well this is what I thought………

This book follows best friends Cameron and Taylor.   Their friendship is a bond that runs deeper than most.   Once Taylor decides to move to Dallas to start her life over and be closer to her best friend, things start to get a little crazy.    After an attempt on Cameron’s life, he is in a rush to find the want to be killer before they try to kill him…. AGAIN.

A BEST FRIEND IS THE GREATEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD

This book was a very quick and easy read.   I read it in a matter of a few hours.   When I started reading it, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it at first.   But by the end of the book it grabbed my curiosity and I needed to know where the story was going.    As far as it being “erotica” yes there are several “love” scenes, but it’s not the focal point of the book or the story.  There is a solid story line in the book.   The lead character Cameron is multidimensional.  Sometimes I thought he was a jerk and sometimes thought he was deep.  I agreed with some of his views, despised others.   But that is the makings of a good character.  I am usually really good at figuring out all the plot points and endings.  Well not this time.  I was pleasantly surprised at the ending.   I didn’t figure the killer at all.   And I am a sucker for a good murder mystery, especially one when I didn’t peg the killer in chapter 1.  I could see certain aspects of my relationship with my best friend in Cam and Taylor’s relationship.   It’s always nice being able to see a little of your life in the characters you are reading about.

FRIENDS CAN BECOME YOUR ENEMY

My only real complaint about the book is while the characters are interesting.   I don’t feel like I really knew them beyond just the surface.  And when the first attempt was made on Cameron’s life, I didn’t know him well enough to have a real feeling of terror or sadness over this.  I did find I cared more deeply for a few of the minor characters than I did the 2 main characters.   This being a first book, there is plenty of room for growth and depth of these characters.   That is the only major thing this book was missing to me.

EVERYONE COME TOGETHER  

Overall this book is a very short, fun read.  I was pleasantly surprised by the ending.  And really enjoyed trying to see where this journey ended for Cameron and Taylor.    Hope to see more from them in the future.   Hopefully the next installment that stars them will bring new depth to the characters.

What inspired you to begin writing?

I've always been lauded for for my ability to put words together in a way that makes a person think differently or entertains or whatever my goal is in general conversation. I figured that writing those words would give me more reach as well as more time to actually formulate thoughts and ideas to increase the depth of my delivery, so I began writing.

How did you come up with the concept for Platomic?

The title "Platomic" is a combination of the words "platonic" and "atomic". I was thinking on how people view male/female friendships and the taboo surrounding them. How friends sometimes get into situations where deeper feelings come into play and they hesitate to go into a relationship for fear of losing the friendship they share. The story itself is an embellished look into such a friendship, but not between who you'd first suspect. There are examples of both types in the book: the true friendship that isn't marred by misunderstood feelings or emotions, even though there is sex involved and the friendship where one of the friends loses control and acts out. 

How do you mange to straddle that thin line of keeping your character true to his nature but also keeping him likable to the female audience?

You know, when I wrote Cameron, I didn't bother with trying to keep or even make him likable. I just made him Cam. Like most people, he has his different moods and reasons for those moods. His thoughts are fairly deep. In his speech, he's very witty. In his actions, depending on the recipient, he's as most of us are. I know we'd like to think that we're all unbiased and treat everyone the same, but doing so is illogical and foolish, in my opinion. Some people we handle with angst, some we treat with aggression, some we handle with care. If the readership finds Cameron likable, it's simply because he's human. People can relate to him or know someone like him, which makes for a believable character. 

Why do you think Cam & Tay's relationship was able to stay intact, despite all the obstacles they faced?

Cameron and Taylor both have the misunderstanding that the world revolves around them individually, but when they come together, the world revolves around them as a pair. No one wants to be cold and disapproving all the time. They offer each other an escape and a chance to be warm and loving...that's their addiction to each other. They give each other balance. As far as the obstacles they face together, they are as any two loyal people are supposed to be. They may get frustrated or angry at each other, but they're brought even closer together when adversity strikes or when one of them is threatened. Their friendship is a true friendship. 

Tell us a little about your next project, "The Family".

I wouldn't consider "The Family" a sequel to Platomic, though both Cameron and Taylor are present. It's set after Platomic's ending. The Family is a growing group of swingers who come from a wide array of influential backgrounds: politicians, CEOs, lawyers...as well as a pair from a Spanish drug cartel. They enjoy the being able to live the swinger's lifestyle in a controlled environment. So much so that that they're willing to kill in order to protect the secrecy of the group, for if it ever gets out that politicians are in league with drug dealers, all hell will break loose. Alejandra and Wilson (from Platomic) were actually members of The Family years before the setting of "Platomic". In chapter 23 of Platomic though, one of the original members of The Family is introduced in a steamy scene exposing why Alejandra and Wilson are no longer members. I'm excited to write this one. The challenge will be in writing 5 to 6 couples. That's 12 personalities to keep in order and interesting along with maintaining Cameron and Taylor! There's also a surprise guest in "The Family" from Platomic. Can't wait for you all to read this one! Stay tuned!

Get Platomic Today From Amazon

Harry Potter Moment of the Week [35]

This is a meme hosted by Uncorked Thoughts.The aim of this meme is to share with fellow bloggers a character, spell, chapter, object or quote from the books/ films/ J. K. Rowling herself or anything Potter related! She is picking a topic within HP for us to focus on each week and then if anyone wants to take part feel free! All she asks is to link back to her blog :). There is now a full list of the topics to come here.

       Quibbler or Daily Prophet?

Hands-down the Quibbler

Lovegood posted the interview that Rita Skeeter did with Harry Potter about the night that Voldemort came back. For that alone, I would choose The Quibbler.

When the Quibbler is first introduced, we find out that it's a crazy tabloid paper published by Xenophilius Lovegood, Luna's dad. With stories that are hard for the normal person to accept, it at least brings humor to some with the outlandish stories.

Since the Daily Prophet, a traditional wizarding newspaper, slandered Dumbledore and Harry repeatedly, I'm not a fan. Later, they are controlled by the Death Eaters as well so no real news was coming out of it.


Ted: "The Prophet? You deserved to be lied to if you're still reading that muck, Dirk. You want the facts?, try The Quibbler."
Dirk: " The Quibbler? That lunatic rag of Xeno Lovegood's?"
Ted: "It's not so lunatic these days, you'll want to give it a look. Xeno is printing all the stuff the Prophet's ignoring, not a single mention of Crumple-Horned Snorkacks in the last issue. How long they'll let you get away with it, mind, I don't know. But Xeno says, front page of every issue, that any wizard who's against You-Know-Who ought to make helping Harry Potter their number-one priority."
— Ted Tonks and Dirk Cresswell discussing The Quibbler in 1997 (harrypotter.wikia.com)

Would you choose the Quibbler or the Daily Prophet?

Review: Knight of Light (Watchers #1) by Deirdra Eden

Published: September 1, 2014
Genre: Fantasy
Format: ebook
Source: provided for honest review

Goodreads Summary

“The Watchers” are supernatural beings in human form, charged with protecting mankind from the armies of darkness. Unfortunately, some of these Watchers go bad. 

Deirdra Eden’s The Watcher’s Series is written in a traditional fairytale style with a young girl’s discovery of incredible, but dangerous powers within herself, a cast of humorous side-kicks, a quest for greater self-discovery and purpose, and villains of epic proportions. 

Watch the amazing Knight of Light book trailer http://youtu.be/m-RxVN_FKL8 

In England, 1270 A.D., Auriella (pronounced yurr-ee-ella) flees her village after being accused of witchcraft. Pursued by nightmarish creatures, she struggles to accept the truth about her humanity. 

Filled with fairies, dwarves, pixies, dragons, and monsters, Knight of Light is an enthralling tale that will capture the imaginations of readers young and old.

"I know who you are," he hissed, sounding more serpentine than human.

Who did he think I was? I stumbled away from him, walking backward until my back pressed against a nearby cart. The corner of his his lips turned up in a dark smile, and his snake-like eyes went wild with hunger.

He turned to the crowd. "I tell you, she's a witch."

The Good

For the most part, I'm a fan of our heroine Auriella. She has some sweet abilities and knack for getting out of trouble (and getting into trouble but they do kind of go hand in hand). Plus, who doesn't like a wide assortment of mythical creatures to adventure with and run into as well as knights and a band of mercenaries. A wicked witch and her cabin in the woods being a terror for our heroine gives the story a Brothers Grimm feel for me in a good way.

The Bad

Remember I did say for the most part with Auriella? Well, if I have a complaint it's the fact that she embodies Charlie Brown so much for so long in this book. I found myself wish she would Woman up one too many times. I understood her being that way for a while, I just felt she embraced it a little too long is all.

The Romance

Auriella does find love and it's a key part to her growing as a hero. Can a Dwarf and a Pixie fall in love? Guess you'll have to read the book and see.

Conclusion

Amazing fantasy book really. Had plenty of magic, monsters and fights. It had feel good moments coupled with heart breaking events that made you feel for our hero. Plus, there's a dragon. What more do you need than a dragon (besides and the other stuff I mentioned)? I totally recommend this book.

Excerpts

"What sort of creature are you?" I knelt beside the cage to get a better look at her. The angelic being put her hands on her hips and shook her head. "Cassi be pixie, of course! Do not you know pixie when you see one?"


"What is so bad about this forest?" I asked.
Rubert put his finger to his lips, hushing me. He spoke again in a mute whisper, "The elves and fairies live here. It's heavily protected 'cause the elves don't like outsiders. The fairies also set traps for trespassers. We must be out of their territory by nightfall."

"I haven't been able to get all my work done during daylight hours." Rubert looked at cassi and scowled. "That pixie is always pulling me away from my duties and having me chase after squirrels and phantoms."

"Only a coward would use a sword to fight a woman armed with only a staff. If we're going to fight, it'll be on equal grounds." An effortless smile beamed across his face.
I narrowed my eyes and hoped this didn't mean he was going to go easy on me. If he did, I would hit him harder.

Cover Reveal: Gears of Brass - A Steampunk Anthology

Welcome the cover reveal for Gears of Grass - A Steampunk Anthology

Gear up for GEARS OF BRASS!  

Goodreads Summary

A world like ours, but filled with gears of brass, where the beating heart is fueled by steam and the simplest creation is a complex clockwork device. 

Within this tome, you’ll find steampunk fairy tale re-tellings, as well as original stories that will send your gears turning. 

Welcome to the steampunk realm, with eleven authors guiding your path. 

GEARS OF BRASS is a steampunk anthology published through Curiosity Quills. It will be available for purchase on November 10, 2014. Within the pages, you’ll come across clockwork inventions and steampunk-ified fairy tale retellings. Eleven authors will guide you through worlds filled with airships, top hats, and corsets.

Meet the authors:

Jordan Elizabeth writes young adult fantasy for Curiosity Quills, including ESCAPE FROM WITCHWOOD HOLLOW which was published in October and the upcoming TREASURE DARKLY; she’s represented by the Belcastro Agency.

J. Million is the author of Last of the Giants and can always be found reading or writing. 

Lorna MacDonald Czarnota is a professional storyteller and author of several books including, Medieval Tales That Kids Can Read and Tell, Breadline Blue, Legends Lore and Secrets of Western New York, Wicked Niagara, Native American and Pioneer Sites of Upstate New York, and Dancing at the Crossroads: Stories and Activities for At-Risk Youth Programming.

SA Larsen is represented by Paula Munier of Talcott Notch Literary and is the author of published short stories, community-interest stories, and magazine articles focused on children. 

Grant Eagar is an Engineer who would take the tales he told his children at bed time, and transform them into fantasy stories. 

Clare Weze is the author of The House of Ash (forthcoming) and the co-author and editor of Cloudscapes over the Lune.

Eliza Tilton: gamer, writer and lover of dark chocolate; author of the YA Fantasy, BROKEN FOREST, published by Curiosity Quills Press.

Heather Talty's stories have been featured in Enchanted Conversation, as well as her own fractured fairy tale site, Mythopoetical (www.Beatrixcottonpants.com).

W.K. Pomeroy is a third generation writer who has published more than 70 short stories/articles/poems across many genres and styles, which now includes Steampunk.

Christine Baker is the author of Lana's End, The Guild of Dagda, and many more. 

Natalia Darcy: a bookilicious reader, tea drinker and Zumba aficionado who enjoys playing cards against humanity and washing her hair with ice cold water. 

You can get your steampunk fix before GEARS OF BRASS is released in November.  To enter for your chance to win a copy of GEARS OF BRASS, you will need to share the cover.  This can be on your blog, Facebook, Twitter… Each time you share the cover image, log it into Rafflecopter to record it.  It will give you more chances to win.  The drawing for the winner will be held on October 27th. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Re-Read Review: Dreamfever (The Fever Series #4) by Karen Marie Moning

Published: August 18, 2009 Delacorte Press
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased

Goodreads Summary

MacKayla Lane lies naked on the cold stone floor of a church, at the mercy of the erotic Fae master she once swore to kill. Far from home, unable to control her sexual hungers, MacKayla is now fully under the Lord Master’s spell.…In New York Times bestselling author Karen Marie Moning’s stunning new novel, the walls between human and Fae worlds have come crashing down. And as Mac fights for survival on Dublin’s battle-scarred streets, she will embark on the darkest—and most erotically charged—adventure of her life.

He has stolen her past, but MacKayla will never allow her sister’s murderer to take her future. Yet even the uniquely gifted sidhe-seer is no match for the Lord Master, who has unleashed an insatiable sexual craving that consumes Mac’s every thought—and thrusts her into the seductive realm of two very dangerous men, both of whom she desires but dares not trust. 

As the enigmatic Jericho Barrons and the sensual Fae prince V’lane vie for her body and soul, as cryptic entries from her sister’s diary mysteriously appear and the power of the Dark Book weaves its annihilating path through the city, Mac’s greatest enemy delivers a final challenge.…

It’s an invitation Mac cannot refuse, one that sends her racing home to Georgia, where an even darker threat awaits. With her parents missing and the lives of her loved ones under siege, Mac is about to come face-to-face with a soul-shattering truth—about herself and her sister, about Jericho Barrons…and about the world she thought she knew.

"How much truth can you take, Ms. Lane?” 

The Good

After the end of Faefever, Mac is permanently altered. She's not herself at all in the beginning of the book and slowly comes back to herself. Only instead of Rainbow Mac, and Gray and Pink Mac, she is now Red and Black leather Mac. I appreciate that her transition in clothing catalogs the inner transitions that she's made as well. She is no longer naive. She's not the trusting, soft girl that anyone can knock over. She doesn't trust anyone anymore. She is on the scene now with guns blazing and everyone else better get out of the way.

I relish the different settings that I got to see in Dreamfever. I got to read about this new Dublin with the walls all the way down between the fae, as well as a trip into the Silvers into the Fae world. The environment was so different that it infused some umph into the storyline and kept the action well-paced.

The characters are simply amazing. Barrons is a hard tough shell, and seeing the funny side of him briefly in this one was brilliant. Christian pops up again with his lovely Scottish excellence. Dani saves Mac and is a hero. She's adorable when she's preening knowing she's done a job well done. V'lane is as mystifying as ever though Mac is no longer in thrall when he's around. Thank you, Moning! I love her strength etched up to this notch. Rowena sickens me. I love that this old, frail woman is actually one of the meanest and revolting characters that surrounds her.

The Bad

I lacked interest in the beginning chapters that were told from Dani's POV. They were hard for me to get into. Her voice is so different from Mac's and quite honestly hard for me to appreciate. She tends to repeat the same words over and over again. Dani is a character in this series that I adore, but I think I must love her more through Mac's POV because I skipped over the little sections that were her's in this one.

The Romance

Finally some action in the romance front! Steamy, hot, unrefined romance. Is she falling for the right person?

Conclusion

An absolutely thrilling way for this story to unfold. Mac is being honed into a steel edge through her trials and growing into a character that I can definitely stand behind. Barrons is as cantankerous as ever and I relish every saracastic exchange he and Mac share. The action is here in spades along with strange new landscapes. Recommended.

Excerpts

"Hope strengthens. Fear kills. It's how you go on that defines you."

“You're leaving me, Rainbow Girl.” 

“I have a black sense of humor. You try living my life, see what color yours turns.” 

“So how did he look at me?"
"Like it was his birthday and you were the cake.”