Hopelessly Devoted 2 Books

Monday, 3 November 2014

Assured by KA Hobbs SPOILER FREE REVIEW

Assured

(The Connected Series Book 2)

KA Hobbs

Release Day

November 3^rd, 2014

Blurb

Life was changing for Sophie and Doug. Their relationship has been tried and tested in ways they never would have imagined. Adapting to how their life was now takes time and patience - a lot of patience. Are Sophie’s dreams of a happily ever after realistic? Could she be the person Doug needed her to be? And can Doug balance life in his new role and maintain his old one? Does love really conquer all? Find out where life takes Doug and Sophie in book two of The Connected Series.

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23259805-assured?ac=1

Buy Links

Amazon UK

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Assured-Connected-Book-KA-Hobbs-ebook/dp/B00O3FRZZQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413445016&sr=8-1&keywords=Assured+KA+Hobbs

Amazon US

http://www.amazon.com/Assured-Connected-Book-KA-Hobbs-ebook/dp/B00O3FRZZQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413445083&sr=8-1&keywords=Assured+KA+Hobbs

Excerpt

I wrap my arms around her, pulling her to me as I begin to move us to the music.

“Are you trying to seduce me, Mr Roberts?” she smiles.

“Is it working?” I grin.

“Always, you don’t need to try though, you had me months ago.” she tells me, resting her head on my chest.

We continue to move to the music, dancing our way around the lounge, over to the window and back again. If I could take a snapshot of key moments in our relationship, right now would be one of those moments. As the song comes to an end and another starts up, I step back, looking down into her beautiful face.

“You are so incredibly beautiful, Sophie.” I tell her.

“Thank you.” she blushes.

About the Author

KA Hobbs lives with her husband in Essex. When she isn’t lost in a book or creating one, she loves to cook, swim and shop. Her happiest times are always when she is surrounded by family and friends. She is a little obsessed with the Tudors and would love to go back to that period in time.

One day, while watching TV, a scene came to her, completely out of the blue. She could see the scene unfolding, could picture the characters so clearly. She couldn't get to her laptop quick enough and spent hours writing not only that scene, but lots of others too. She will happily admit to being grumpy when she doesn’t get to write, she loves her characters and spending time listening to what they have to say. KA Hobbs is currently working on other books in The Connected Series. Keep up to date with new releases from the connection series on Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KAHobbsAuthor

Twitter - https://twitter.com/KAHobbsauthor

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8433237.K_A_Hobbs

Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/authorkahobbs/

Website/Blog - http://authorkahobbs.com

Review(Assured)

I thought I loved Doug and Sophie as much as possible in Doubt and well I was wrong! The amount that they develop and grow in Assured is astounding, and I can honestly say that given the obstacles that they have had to overcome all the changes in the characters are very realistic. Their story really is a beautiful one, of course they have ups and downs and to be honest that is the best part of these books! They are real issues that normal everyday people and couples go through and it is one of the reasons why I just couldn't put this book down. If you love a book with an addictive story-line that is unpredictable and characters that hook you in and leave you wanting more then this is the series for you. You won't just fall in love with the main characters but all the secondary characters as well!!

Doubt

(The Connected Series Book 1)

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22929913-doubt?from_search=true

Buy Links

UK Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doubt-The-Connected-Series-Book-ebook/dp/B00MR11I5G/ref=pd_sim_kinc_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1QFR2SD8ZC549R1QH6HK

Amazon US:

http://www.amazon.com/Doubt-The-Connected-Series-Book-ebook/dp/B00MR11I5G/ref=pd_sim_sbs_kstore_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=06V31SS68CB620KTW7DN

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Fatal Abduction by Julia Crane RELEASE DAY BLITZ

Fatal Abduction

Release Day Blitz

November 3, 2014

There’s a serial killer at large. His victims just happen to resemble Kaitlyn—dark haired, pale skin and athletic build. Kaitlyn goes undercover, attending a prestigious high school to try to lure the killer into a trap and save the lives of other potential victims. Will she be able to catch the killer before his body count rises? Or will she become the next victim?

My Review

There’s a serial killer at large. His victims just happen to resemble Kaitlyn—dark haired, pale skin and athletic build. Kaitlyn goes undercover, attending a prestigious high school to try to lure the killer into a trap and save the lives of other potential victims. Will she be able to catch the killer before his body count rises? Or will she become the next victim?

In the beginning the reader is made aware of Kaitlyn's transformation into a cyborg and to be entirely honest at that point i sort of rolled my eyes and went -oh dear...- but actually that says more about my inate prejudism of sci fi literature than it does this book! Crane doesnt treat this as a focal point! In fact Kaitlyns abilities are in no way rubbed in the readers face and instead, by the end, I found them charming. In a lot of ways she was present...but not really able to process emotions like she was locked inside of herself. Any way I digress.

Kailtlyn and the team are determined to find and capture the 'dolls house murderer!

The scenes where Crane described the murderer's state of mind were chilling and yet very inciteful, while you werent left pitying him, you were left wondering more and more about why he was, the way he was and that, in my opinion, is a triumph! i've been a fan of James Patterson for years and Fatal abduction reminds me a little of a cross between Stephen King and Patterson! it has the unconventional edge of King and yet the psycological profiling of Patterson.

In my opinion this book is easily a 4-4.5 star read!

Interview with Julia!

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Hmm, I honestly don’t think of this while I write, but I think it’s inevitable that little messages slip in. For Fatal Abduction, I would have to say its the fact that we all take life for granted when it really could end at any moment.

What were the challenges in bringing IFICS to life?

No more than usual. When I write, the story unfolds before me. I never really know what’s going to happen. And usually my ideas come to me at the strangest times, when I’m not thinking about the book at all, such as while on a walk, washing dishes or driving in the car. I think when my mind is relaxed creativity is at its best.

What genre do you consider fatal abduction to be? (crime? sci fi? thriller?)

I think this one would fall under Sci-Fi thriller. But each book in the series is different. Book 1 I would say was Sci-Fi romance, book 2 was much darker. The subject of human trafficking can be hard to read.

If you were to go back is there anything you'd change?

Oh there are always things to change. But you have to trust your editors and the story. If you keep tweaking, it would never be released.

Did you find it difficult to balance Kaitlyn's human and cyborg side?

It is a strange balance. In my mind I think of Kaitlyn as someone that has Asperger’s when I write her story. Because she does have human elements but she often has a hard time relating to people. And she’s so logical.

I found Fatal Abduction to be an enthralling read, even though i hadn't read the previous books in the series, would you say that i'm missing a lot of background and would understand the character development more if i read the other two and then fatal abduction again?

Freak of Nature is more of a prequel. It’s where we find out how Kaitlyn became a cyborg and what she had to go through to accept her role. But after that, the books are individual missions, so I believe each subsequent book can be read alone without missing out.

Elliott's character had some serious mental issues, did you research any particular psychological conditions to help with his character? (absolutely loved the way he was written)

I know this sounds strange but I’ve always had a slight obsession with serial killers. Even as a teenager I would check out tons of books on serial killers, both fiction and non-fiction, from the library. I just find the subject so interesting. Were they born this way or did society make them? I think it’s a bit of both.

What is the toughest criticism you've faced since becoming you first began writing and how has it effected you?

I’ve had some pretty bad reviews. And at first it cut pretty deep and caused self-doubt. However, when the positive reviews by far out way the negative, you learn to grow thicker skin. It’s ridiculous to think that everyone will love your book. People are too varied in taste.

Do you have a specific writing method? ie a daily word count etc?

I set aside from 10-2, six days a week to write. I don’t have a specific word count, but I like to at least get 1,000-1500 words, or I know I’m slacking.

What books have most influenced your life?

This question is so tough. Nancy Drew began my reading obsession and sparked the dream of becoming a writer. But I truly believe that every single book we pick up to read has at least one sentence in it that we were meant to read. So in that sense they have all influenced me. And I’ve read A LOT of books.

Who is your favourite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Gah. Another tough question. I’d have to say Ayn Rand. Her books really make you think about human nature. I also love Ken Follett, he can weave a story like no ones business. I’ve never seen anyone else handle so many characters so flawlessly. And he makes you care about every single one of them. That’s true talent.

There's a rather controversial story circulating about an author who -for want of a better word- ''stalked'' a blogger after a particularly nasty review, what're your views on the authors reaction and the group of bloggers that have decided to ''black out'' all existing authors/new releases for 14days in ''protest''? (clearly my sister and I have refused to take part!!)

I try to avoid drama at all cost. I just let it roll off my back and don’t take part in it.

Are you writing anything right now? would you share a teaser line with us? -cheeky request-

I’m working on a NA witch novel. I haven’t picked a title yet, but I’m really exited... I’ve missed working with paranormal elements.

The stranger moved with a loose, easy confidence that bordered on arrogance. It was the gait of someone who knew he was capable of handling anything thrown his way.

Faint voices floated around her, but all she could focus on was him.

To her dismay Kalista felt her heartbeat ratchet up a few notches. By the gods, sex literally oozed out of his pores.

~~ABOUT JULIA CRANE~~

Julia crane is the author of the Keegan’s Chronicles, IFICS. She has a bachelors degree in criminal justice. Julia has believed in magical creatures since the day her grandmother first told her an Irish tale. Growing up her mother greatly encouraged reading and using your imagination.

Saturday, 1 November 2014

Stories and Scripts: an Anthology by Zack Love SPOILER FREE REVIEW

Stories and Scripts: an Anthology by Zack Love

Thought-provoking, dreamy, sad, and hilarious, this collection of works by Zack Love takes the reader on a diverse and unforgettable literary journey through a variety of topics, themes, and emotions. The anthology totals about 73,000 words and contains a novelette, four short stories, a theater play, and a screenplay.

These seven spellbinding stories spanning several styles and genres include a dramatic romance, a satire of the mega-rich, a somber and soulful reflection on the problem of evil, humorous dating adventures, and stories driven by philosophical musings.

1) THE DOORMAN – A NOVELETTE

Alex seems to have it all: a great penthouse apartment, a lovely girlfriend, and a prestigious Wall Street job. But below the surface he is sure of nothing but his angst-ridden doubts. And when he realizes that his doorman may be God, or sent by God, he will question things like never before.

This novelette is a story of New York doormen, tormented love, empty office life, and the theological questions that arise in response to the horrors of evil.

My Review

After reading Sex in the Title I wanted to read more of Zack's work and I was surprised by his diversity as an author! I found The Doorman to be an enthralling, thought provoking read that had me questioning my friends and family all day about their beliefs and whereabouts during the September 11 attacks. It has to be said I love the way Zack writes! For me he has found the perfect balance between keeping my mind active and alert enough that I'm not mentally bored and keeping me relaxed enough to still enjoy reading it! I thought the characters were like your normal everyday people, people that you could easily walk past on the street. The story, though short, is packed full of events that kept me thinking well after I had finished it! I love how he has combined what some will see as controversial topics to create a flawless intellectual, thought provoking masterpiece! The only thing I will say is that I would have liked it to be longer, but that is purely because I loved the way I reacted to it not because it actually needs to be longer! For me this book didn't lack in any aspect. Another amazing read from Mr. Love!!

2) CENTRAL PARK SONG – A SCREENPLAY (ROMANCE)

Can love really conquer all? Rodney is a passionate black man with brilliant talents but a mental illness that leaves him homeless. Melinda is a white Manhattan law partner with an artistic soul, trapped by the pressures of corporate law, her wealthy father, and her three-year boyfriend. A charming, chance encounter leads to a magical courtship and life-changing choices that make an unlikely New York romance possible.

My Review

4.5*

I'm going to start by saying that the only screenplays I have ever read, I read in school and I hated them (to be fair it was probably more because I hated being told what to read than the actual screenplay!) and I didn't think that I would ever see how any one would enjoy reading them! This is the first screenplay I have read voluntarily and I was pleasantly surprised, I actually found I enjoyed reading it and was able to form an amazing mental picture! Now having said that it could be all down to the fact that Zack writes in a unique way as I have also found that I am able to make an astoundingly clear mental pictures when reading his other works as well! I really liked the story and found myself doing something I rarely do.... Cheering for a HEA. I loved the characters and how there is such a varied selection of them, you have quite literally every personality type known to man in this screenplay and they all compliment each other! I found this to be a very addictive read and actually finished it in one sitting! Congratulations Zack you have officially obliterated all of my preconceptions about screenplays!!

3) THE GRAND UNIFIED STORY – A SHORT STORY

What happens when a man and a woman meet in a way that magically involves the entire universe? When both are so keenly aware of their place in the cosmos that their connection seems to transcend their union and capture the very essence of life. This story shows how each person is a world to be discovered and how sometimes, when two worlds collide, the universe seems that much closer.

My Review

4.5*

I feel the need to start this by saying that I am a HUGE science geek so this probably contributed to my love of this short story! I rarely read short stories but this one was intriguing and intellectual and had my attention throughout. I loved the scientific contribution to this story but even if I wasn't a science minded person I still would have been able to follow it as it is all explained in amazing detail. Being that its a short story there isn't a lot of room for character growth and development but the characters have an amazing back story considering the length! I was surprised at the amount of detail Zack managed to fit into this story without it being overly jam packed. Another gem of a story!

4) CITY SOLIPSISM – A SHORT STORY

Have you ever been on a train, bus, metro/subway – or any other shared space with strangers – and started to wonder what that person right next to you is thinking? This story takes you on a journey into the mind of a man in a suit and tie on a New York City subway car, as he thinks about the woman standing awkwardly close to him. They are total strangers but their proximity is almost intimate as their hands share the same metal subway pole.

My Review

4.5*

I often wonder what is going through peoples minds and so this short story amused me to no end! It was interesting seeing what conclusions another person's thought process would lead them to in this scenario and how much they would differ from mine. Having a small insight into a male's mind was very enlightening and very funny too! Being its a short story there isn't really much to comment on other than that it is well written, Zack is no doubt a talented writer and I can honestly say I would and have recommended his work to many readers and will continue to do so until they give in and one-click!!!

5) WAITING FOR 2000 – AN ABSURDIST COMEDY OF BILLIONAIRE PROPORTIONS

Inspired by and reminiscent of Samuel Beckett’s absurdist stage play “Waiting for Godot,” this Y2K theater comedy satirizes the frivolous extravagance of the mega-rich.

Bob’s Billionaire Boat boasts the world’s 2,000 richest people on it, and will enable them to celebrate the arrival of the year 2000 twice in a row by crossing the International Dateline on New Year's Eve 1999. The co-captains of the boat — two regular guys — keep themselves amused with endlessly silly banter while occasionally debating whether the whole thing is just a fictional stage play.

Meanwhile, two Wall Street traders who are bitter about missing the wealth cutoff for the billionaire cruise are determined to blow up the boat and thereby become the two richest people on earth.

In this satire, the zaniest billionaires ever to gather on a single vessel prove that there's still plenty to complain about at the top.

My Review

I'm going to start this by saying I have always had a love hate relationship with theatre so for me reading this was either going to be a huge hit or an epic failure and I can honestly say that I loved it! It had me laughing all the way through and the dialogue between Sam & Al had me in absolute pieces! I loved the wide range of characters and all of their quirks, it made them seem more human! I'm actually a little ashamed to admit that I would have loved to be on that cruise!! I never though in a million years that I would actually enjoy reading this so I was pleasantly surprised by just how much I did in fact enjoy it. If this was made into a play I would go and see it and drag all my family and friends along as well, it is just that funny! It has everything I want in a play and more! Zack has a knack of throwing everything needed into whatever he is writing and then that extra something that you never knew it needed!

6) MY BEST VALENTINE'S DAY. EVER. – A SHORT STORY

Sammy Laffowitz is legendary for his dating disasters and sex mishaps. This time, misfortune strikes on Valentine's Day – but with a fun twist that makes Sammy seem studly for a change.

My Review

I was SO excited to read this after Sex in The Title, I loved Heeb and the guys and I was so desperate for more of their crazy antics! I couldn't help but laugh at Sammy's misfortunes and even though that seems really evil I just couldn't help it! Reading this I was so glad that for once it was like I was laughing WITH him at his misfortunes rather than AT him! If you read this and haven't read Sex in The Title then you need to rectify that IMMEDIATELY! ;)

7) MY WORST VALENTINE'S DAY. EVER. – A SHORT STORY

Yi Wang is a NY bad boy who plans to make history on Valentine's Day with his female exploits. The handsome, alpha-male, Chinese-American is a corporate lawyer who usually gets his way with women, but this time he makes one stupid mistake that leaves everyone but him laughing hysterically at his epic fail.

My Review

Narc was one of my favourite characters in Sex in The Title and so I was so pleased I got to read a bit more of him! Although he was one of my favourites I still thought he needed to be taken down a peg or two, seriously the guy has a god complex! This has got to be one of the funniest short stories I've ever read, I was actually doubled over where I was laughing so hard! I loved how the story unfolded and it was not what I was expecting at all! It is laugh out loud funny from start to finish and I challenge anyone to read it and keep a straight face!

Overall Anthology Review

4.5*

Overall this is an amazing Anthology and I'm not going to lie I was surprised at how diverse Zack is as a writer, you just wouldn't expect anyone to able to successfully write so many different genres! Honestly no one has a right to be as talented as Zack is, but don't tell him I said that, we don't need his head to get any bigger ;). I enjoyed every part of this anthology and I can rarely say that, It has such a mishmash and it shouldn't work but it really does! It is almost like each piece compliments the next! Well worth a read!

Here are a few places where you can find Zack on the web! :)

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