Roses are Red. . . Violet is Dead by Monica-Marie Vincent

Violet Sumner has a stalker.

Between her largely dysfunctional family of two and the friends she doesn’t feel particularly close to, Violet thinks he’s the least of her problems. What she fails to understand is that the guy is no prankster and soon people turn up dead or missing. Because of her.

Things change when Violet’s best friend disappears and realization sinks in that the stalker means business. Denial put aside, Violet has no other option but to accept the help of police Sergeant Willard Kelley and his rather sweet protégé, to come to terms with the seriousness of the situation.
Yet nothing could’ve prepared her for her close up with the psycho.

Who will survive in this tale of obsession and misplaced devotion?

Monica-Marie Vincent writes Young Adult novels about troubled teens and even more troubled parents. She currently lives in Sacramento, CA although she would rather be in her home town of San Francisco. Thanks to her very put upon husband Monica-Marie is always well stocked with coffee, Diet Coke, and Cheddar Jalapeno Cheetos, so she wouldn't have to move away from her writerly lair to do mundane things like shopping.

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Andy McBean 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Dale Kutzera

ANDY MCBEAN

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

The Amazing Adventures of 

Andy McBean Book 2

by Dale Kutzera

Salmon Bay Books

Science Fiction

Ages 9+

308 pages

        Andy McBean is not a wizard, a demigod, a vampire, or an agent for the CIA. He’s just a kid, but when aliens invade he’s a kid on the run! Andy is an unlikely hero, a survivor of leukemia still treated by his parents and teachers like a piece of breakable china. Through this amazing adventure, Andy shows everyone how strong he really is, and learns there’s more to living than merely surviving. Join Andy in this modern retelling of the science fiction classic as he rescues his friends, meets an alien, finds his family, and saves the world.

MY TIDBITS

After surviving his first amazing adventure against the aliens in book 1, Andy is thrown into another thrilling situation. I am thrilled by these books. Author Dale Kutzera does a fantastic job, not only bringing these well known tales back to life but masterfully guides younger readers into these fantastical worlds.

Andy, as in book 1 (Andy McBean and the War of the Worlds) is an easy kid easy to become pals with. He's already had more than his share of problems in life, which makes him an unlikely hero - something kids will love. But he doesn't need super powers or awesome strength to do what might seem impossible. Through Andy, kids know that they can be heroes themselves.

But my favorite part of this story is honestly that it brings this fantastic novel back to life - dust free. The wording and situations are perfect for the age group. It's packed full of adventure, fast-paced action, vivid scenes and simply everything needed to draw a reader in and not let go.

This gets a huge two thumbs up from me!



You can find this series at:

           

AMAZON / NOOK / KOBO / SMASHWORDS / BARNES&NOBEL / iTunes

ANDY MCBEAN AND THE WAR OF THE WORLDS

Andy McBean is struggling to survive Middle School in the soggy hills of the Pacific Northwest. He’s messy, fearful of bullies, and hates the rain. And spending much of the last year in the hospital battling leukemia hasn't helped.
Then one night a meteor storm devastates the county, cutting off power and communications. One giant boulder skids to a halt right on Andy’s front lawn. The glowing meteor draws the attention of neighbors, the media, the army, and even the new girl from Andy’s art class. He is thrilled at the notoriety, but everything changes when the meteor cracks opens and a towering machine steps out.
Separated from his family, Andy must fend for himself and rescue his friends. Join Andy on this thrilling adventure as he meets an alien, learns what they want on planet earth, and devises a bold plan to stop them.

Flirting with Love by Clara Stone

TITLE: Flirting With Love

AUTHOR : Clara Stone

GENRE : Romance , Young Adult

Hudson and Blake Lovelly lead a charmed life—successful careers,loving family, beautiful home. Now, on the eve of their daughter’s birth, they’re counting their blessings. Life wasn’t always so generous . . .

Fifteen years ago, seventeen-year-old Blake Voss walked into Cranbrook Preparatory High to participate in the school year’s most-prestigious debate competition. She never expected to fall for the pretentious, golden-haired boy on the opposing debate team, and he never expected to be ensnared by the quick-witted prankster with a heart of gold.

Their mutual love for joking pretense soon leads them to pull their biggest prank yet--pretending to be in love. But when danger threatens, Hudson can’t conceal his growing affection. He’ll do anything to be with Blake, even if it means risking his heart to protect her.

They didn’t plan for their friendship to grow into a love story. But sometimes, all it takes is a little Hope.

This powerful companion to Forever Kinda Love tells the history of Hudson and Blake’s relationship. Laced with haunting emotion and beautiful sentiment, this is a tale about overcoming even the darkest moments, reminding us all to love more. Give more. Without regrets.

“You.” I point at the guy that always seems to cling to Blake like a pet octopus. Weasley, or Possum, or something equally asinine.

He turns, eyebrows raised, and crosses his arms in defiance. The group around him pauses, their curious eyes on us. I ignore it.

“Where is she, Weasel?”

“My name is not Weas—”

“Weasel, Wormhole, whatever. I don’t care. Where. Is. She.”

He grinds his teeth. “I don’t know who you’re talking about.”

“Oh, really?” I take a threatening step toward him, cracking my knuckles. I’m not above bruising a chump to get justice for my Jags.

“What’s going on?” A voice, filled with authority, comes from behind me. Something stirs in the pit of my stomach . . . irritation, anger, or . . . ?

I take a deep breath and pivot. “Blake.”

She looks unimpressed, her eyes boring into mine. I notice the crowd around us is still hovering, interested to see where this is going. But once again, I ignore them.

I step toward Blake, searching the chocolate depths of her eyes for any sign of guilt. There isn’t any, but the fire that seems to crackle just beneath their surface leaves me suspicious. And slightly mesmerized.

A small smile appears on her lips, but quickly vanishes.

“Golden Boy here is looking for you,” Willy Wonkers says, shouldering past me to stand next to Blake.

I growl. “Who the hell are you calling—”

“Golden Boy.” Blake cuts me off.

I grunt, annoyed.. “Don’t call me that.”

She raises an eyebrow and takes a step toward me, away from Wes the Pet. “So . . . ?”

“So . . .” I prod.

She bites down on her lower lip, waiting for me to say something. And I don’t. Because there is no way I’m asking if she messed up my Jags. I want her to confess.

She clears her throat. “You were looking for me?”

Un-freaking-believable. Really, Blake? Really? Her confession be damned. I need answers. Now.  “How could you do this to my baby?”

BOOK 1:  FOREVER KINDA LOVE 

PURCHASE 

AMAZON  KOBO  GOOGLE PLAY  B&N  IBOOKS 

Life’s. Little. Surprises. 

The last thing seven-year-old Carrigan "Ace" Casper foresaw was an eight-year-old Heath Lovelly walking into her life the day her mother died. From that moment on, Heath sticks by her side, slowly becoming her strength, her confidant, and her entire world. What she doesn’t know is, she's his saving grace, too. 

Ten years later, Ace is handed another crippling challenge that threatens everything in her almost perfect life. Only, this time, she doesn't turn to Heath, hiding the truth instead. But Heath knows Ace too well and won't back down easily. He's ready to do whatever it takes and will stay by her side until she accepts that their love is the kinda love worth fighting for. 

Will he be her forever triumph or her unexpected downfall? 

Two lives. 

One story. 

And an unexpected journey to falling in love.

Clara Stone lives in the beautiful city of Boise, ID. Unlike what most believe about Idaho, it’s more than a sack full of potatoes. When she’s not writing, you’ll catch Clara reading YA and NA books, mostly romance, and enjoying time with her family. She is a proud CW TV addict.

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The Secret Path of Ned the Ninja by Melissa Mertz and Kea Alwang

RELUCTANT HERO

The Secret Path of Ned the Ninja Book 1

by Melissa Mertz and Kea Alwang

Middle Grade Contemporary

102 pages

Hey ... I'm Ned Herts. But you can call me Ned the Nerd. No, really ... I don't mind. My hobbies include: video games, comic books, creating superhero characters, bringing home awesome grades, tumbling into school lockers, and handing over my lunch money. Talents? Well, I have mastered the art of duck-and-cover while steering clear of Beck the Bonebreaker, my personal bully. Unfortunately, a super-bad school day involving a paper cut causes my parents to flip: They drag me to a karate class to toughen up. Let me tell you something: When a guy like me lines up next to a cute girl to face his very first workout at the mercy of a weapons-happy martial arts teacher, it's not pretty. But when a guy like me gets hauled into the woods in the middle of the night for another lesson, he's going to wonder if superheroes can really exist and if his uncoordinated feet have just been placed on a very strange path.

MY TIDBITS

Ned is a nerd and a wonderful one at that. He'd be happy in his nerdom (or so he thinks) if it wasn't for the bully at school and his parents, who insist he become stronger. And so Ned steps pretty unwillingly into a new phase of life.

Ned has a wonderful sense of humor and is very easy to sympathize with. Like so many kids, he's trying to figure out who he is and runs into several sticky situations as he learns to accept himself and properly handle those around him. Readers this age will have no problem understanding him and possibly seeing a little of themselves in Ned.

The story is nicely paced, never leaving a moment for boredom. The scenes are vivid without  being overly described and I especially enjoyed Ned's interaction with his parents and friends.

Of course, there are many issues addressed in this book. Bullying, self-esteem, dealing with others and daring to step a little out of the comfort zone. And I found the authors did a great job bringing over their messages in a way kids will understand and can identify with. Plus, I'm betting that by the end of this book, the reader will want to become a ninja themselves.

The Secret Path of Ned the Ninja: Reluctant Hero (Book One):

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/The-Secret-Path-Ned-Ninja/dp/1496133315 

BN.com:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secret-path-of-ned-the-ninja-kea-alwang/1119061943 

HEAD IN THE GAME

The Secret Path of Ned the Ninja Volume 2

by Melissa Mertz and Kea Alwang

Middle Grade

102 Pages

Ned Herts is back! "I know. You have questions: Did Ned the Nerd wind up in Witness Protection for standing by as Beck the Bonebreaker kissed the concrete? Did Beck make good on his threat to tackle Ned another day? Did Ned set his coordination-impaired tootsies back on the mats at Tora Khan Martial Arts? Did the Tiger King drag our hero out for another night of pushing him beyond his limited limits? Did Ned Herts become the most notable name in superhero comic book history? Did he get the girl?"

MY TIDBITS

Ned's life as a ninja continues there where it left off. Although he's honing his skills and better coping with life, new things pop up. Nope, a ninja's work is never done.

Again, Ned's sense of humor and golden heart make the reader wish they could accompany Ned on his adventures. The scenes are well written and again, kids will have no trouble sympathizing with Ned. The story runs along at a nice pace, keeping one locked on the pages with just the right amount of fun and adventure. 

It's an enjoyable story for kids 8+, especially boys and reluctant readers.Plus, I'm always a fan of shorter tales, which won't scare kids away with their size. Oh, and as was with the first book - beware! Kids will probably be wanting to learn some of Ned's skills themselves. (Yes, I think this is a good thing.)

The Secret Path of Ned the Ninja: Head in the Game (Book Two):

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Path-Ned-Ninja-Head/dp/1500845396 

BN.com:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secret-path-of-ned-the-ninja-kea-alwang/1120455349 

Kea Alwang lives in New Jersey with her podcasting husband, film-obsessed son, and book-munching daughter. Apart from writing and world building, she teaches Isshin-ryu karate, is passionate about bullying issues, searches for the perfect chocolate bar (Green & Black comes close!), and immerses herself in multiple fan girl obsessions. Her other works include the Young Adult Speculative Fiction series, Based on a Dream.

Melissa Mertz owns and operates The Dojo Paramus in Paramus, NJ, where, as a 5th level Black Belt in Isshin-ryu, she has taught for over ten years. She is forever grateful for the opportunity and privilege of teaching martial arts to those who have trained with her. She thanks her students and their parents for their trust and for following her path to Black Belt. Melissa lives in New Jersey with her star-throwing son and the sweetest dog the world over.

To find out more about their work, visit:

www.nedtheninja.com

www.keaalwang.com

Broken City by D.D. Chant

Broken City

Broken City #1

Genre/Age Group- 16+

By- D.D. Chant

A girl with no future

A man with no past

A little lost boy

And those who seek to find him....

....Welcome to Deeta's world.

Deeta Richards has never seen the outside world. Before she was born a banking crisis brought civilization to an end and now no one leaves the safety of the compounds unless they need to, but Deeta still dreams of seeing more than the building she was born in.

Tom is in the guard, this group are the only people that the tribal elders allow to leave the compound and Tom knows only too well that Deeta could never survive the harshness that exists outside. Then tragedy strikes and Deeta and her Sister Jan find themselves captured by a hostile tribe. Why does Tom know so much about these people? And why do they know so much about him? As this mystery draws to a climax, they discover that their friend Tom is not quite what he seems...

EXCERPT

I’m not sure how it happens, but the next thing I’m aware of is the faintly groggy feeling you get when you’ve been woken from sleep quickly. A glance at the clock tells me that forty minutes have gone by, yet the room is still silent, with no noise to rouse me from what had obviously been a deep sleep. I stand up and meet my own eyes in the mirror above the fire place. I’m staring at myself in a dazed kind of way, when I realise that mine is not the only figure reflected in its polished surface.

I suppose it must have been the second time he walked through this room and the first time he didn’t notice me curled up in the depths of the large arm chair. He seems quite as shocked as I am to find he’s not alone.

A full second elapses before I utter a strangled scream and leg it through the door and into the passage way. The first thing I come across is another camouflaged figure and my panic ratchets up a notch. I think of the children, who in about fifteen minute’s time, will joyfully be free of the shackles of their lessons.

The two soldiers are behind me, so only way to go is up the stairs. The knowledge that I am leading the intruders towards the children, rings in my head. With the sound of pursuit hideously loud in the stairwell, coherent thought is proving difficult. I’m half way up the forth flight when I hear Dec’s jubilant voice proclaiming himself the winner of some unseen race.

“Dec, run!” My voice cracks and my throat, already sore, tightens.

Dec’s voice exclaiming above my head is cut short as he sees my pursuers. I hear the door onto the stairwell open and close above me and a moment later something hit the floor behind me with a dull thud. A cheer reverberates around the walls.

Dec, bless him, hadn’t run away when I told him to, instead he’d brought a large book from the school room above and hurled it at one of my attackers. As that soldier was at this very moment out cold on the steps, I guess his aim must have been pretty accurate.

The last of the men is felled by some sort of encyclopaedia, this time lobbed by Roydon. I reach the landing they are standing on, completely out of breath. Roydon and Dec seize a hand each and drag me after Ricky who is holding Tarri in his arms and has Carris’s hand tucked in his.

From the direction in which they are going, I think their destination is Ralph’s house. But we keep running into the strangers that have breached the building and our efforts bring us almost full circle. We come to a standstill in one of the rooms with a connecting door and pause breathlessly.

“Who are they?” whispers Roydon.

“I don’t know, but they have some pretty neat kit,” answers Ricky. He relinquishes Tarri into Carris’s arms and places an ear to the door. “Ssh — someone’s coming!”

Ricky steps back a little from the door and we all wait expectantly. Sure enough it begins to open, Ricky waits until it is almost half way before he kicks it shut with all his might. We turn and run though the connecting door in to the room on the other side and out on to the corridor beyond. We are tantalisingly close to Ralph’s house.

How it happens I hardly know, but as Dec passes the open door of the school room, he is dragged kicking and screaming through the door by unseen hands. I scream and pull as hard as I can on the handle, but it won’t move. I realise they must have locked it behind them. Ralph’s door is just a little further on and I grab Ricky’s arm.

“Ricky, take the children to Ralph and stay there.”

“But…”

I don’t know what he had been going to say, but he stops abruptly and nods.

As I turn and run down the hallway I hear them banging on the Clark’s door.

There is no sign of Dec when I enter the school room, but from the knocked over chairs it is obvious that there has been some struggling. I run through the next two rooms desperately and hear, in the distance, Dec’s voice raised in protest. I burst into the corridor to find him struggling madly with one of the camouflaged soldiers. Picking up a stool from the room I have just come through, I use it to hit the man around the head. He sinks to the floor moaning and I taking Dec’s hand. We run down the passage, around the corner and up the steps, slap bang into more of the soldiers.

Instinctively I push Dec behind me, below their visors I see derision in the soldier’s faces and when they step forwards, they pull us apart easily. Trying to tear away from the vice like grip on my arm, I pull my knee up into the soldier’s stomach. His smirk changes quickly to a snarl of pain and my struggles become more desperate. I manage to free an arm long enough to punch him in the face. I must admit to a feeling of gratification as blood begins to trickle from his nose.

There is blinding pain as his fist connects with my face, slapping it sharply sideways and causing me to lurch backwards. I fall to the floor and it’s only Dec screaming my name that brings me groggily to my feet. I am rewarded by a merciless grip on my arm, forcing it behind me and well up my back as the soldier drives me heavily into the wall. I slip to the floor weakly, again hearing Dec’s voice calling to me. The sound grows gradually fainter, until my eyes close and I hear nothing.

MY TIDBITS

The world is dreary after the end of civilization as we know it, and unlike many types of these stories, this time it ends thanks to over greedy money minds - the banks. The main character, Deeta, lives in a high-rise with the rest of her 'tribe'. They have everything they need to survive but to save them from all the horrors in the world around them, are not allowed to leave the building. Only the guard may do that.

The world is well described and it was easy to immediately sympathize with Deeta. She's sweet, naive, caring and simply a wonderful person. It was nice to see a harmonious life (in many ways) with loving parents, a supporting family, true friends and a life, which is not really lacking. We learn to get to know Deeta and how she sees her world well.

The story itself moves along at a nice place, never boring. There is an array of characters with different personalities, all realistic and believable. The interactions were wonderful to follow and I often felt as if I were sitting right there in the room. The daily gossip and interactions were deliciously portrayed, so similar to the world as we know it. The author did a masterful job in weaving the familiar with the unknown, making the world tangible enough to accept the new.

I especially loved having a heroine who is soft and brave without turning warrior princess. Deeta is not a super ninja, and she cannot hold up against trained army men, but that doesn't mean she breaks down either. She is a true to life young woman who does what she has to do, despite having no edge on her enemies.

The only complaint I have is the toss between characters telling the story toward the end. The flip-flop between heads was not only irritating at times but pulled me out of the story as much as Deeta's occasional habit of addressing the reader directly.

But this is a wonderful story, which I read in one setting until all hours of the morning (made for a groggy next day.) I love Deeta's world and can't wait to meet her and her wonderful, caring beyond belief hero, Tommy, in book 2.

**Broken City is FREE right now! **