Bean Counting for Authors - Helping Writers and Creative Business Owners Grasp Accounting and Taxes

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Today, I have an awesome takeover post by the lovely Christina Mercer. YOU WANT TO READ THIS! Get it here on Amazon.

Here's an extra tidbit! If you're coming to Utopia con this year, Christina will be discussing this very topic in a panel! Title: The War Chest. Date: Thursday, June 23, 2016. Time: 3PM CST. See it on the sched app here!

Description:
For those who want to make a living as an author, it’s imperative to know the accounting side of the career path you’ve chosen. You gotta keep track of it all – the cost of swag, the travel, the conferences, the paperbacks, the promotions and advertising, and on and on.

This session will help keep you sane and your budget balanced (hopefully). Get tips from accountants and authors on how to keep track and manage your money, reveal the goods on what you can write off come tax time, and how to report it to Uncle Sam without losing an arm and a leg.

If you're not planning to attend the conference, change your mind now. There are tons of great panels, just like this one, for you to learn from! Get your tickets HERE.

Authoring books is amazingly fun and creative and never, EVER dull. . . However, along with all that imaginative wonderment, Authors come closer to becoming mini-accountants than they realize. Why? Because once anyone becomes an official business owner, he/she crosses into the realm of accounting and taxes.  

Oh, the horrors of it, right? But never fear! 

When Authors Mean Business, they have propelled themselves from merely writing for “fun” to reaping well-earned monetary rewards. AND THAT IS A GOOD THING, RIGHT? Authors are not only wand-waving story weavers, but also real-world professionals running businesses that earn money. And, yes, along with that comes accounting and taxes. If that causes some of you Authors out there to squirm, just remind yourselves that it’s a sign of monetary success if your books are earning ENOUGH profits to generate said taxes. And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own!

In order to help fellow creatives with all of this business and accounting stuff, I offer a handy little guide with some important must-knows of accounting, taxation, budgeting, and planning for the future. Learn the differences between a hobby and a business; get a handle on different business structures; learn about proper bookkeeping, sales tax, common and complex tax deductions, retirement options and more! 

BEAN COUNTING FOR AUTHORS-Helping Writers & Creative Business Owners Grasp Accounting & Taxes

 

NOW AVAILABLE!!

GET IT HERE!

Counting each and every “Bean” earned may not be the idea of fun and adventure for most, but having lots of beans in the bank is a pretty great way for Authors to keep on doing what they do love most—WRITING BOOKS! And understanding some important business and financial basics is a big step toward making that happen.

Once-upon-a-time, Christina Mercer worked as a CPA. Though she retired that formal hat, you can still find numbers buzzing around her head. She is also an award-winning author of fiction for children and young adults. She currently resides in Northern California enjoying life with her husband, sons, pack of large dogs, and about 100,000 honeybees.

WebSite | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest 

What do you think? Plan to check it out?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Book Review - Ride the Wind

Happy Monday! Yeah, I've been a busy reader this year already, and I'm almost done with Cress, book three of the Lunar Chronicles, so that review will be coming this week, too. But that's another story (see what I did there?). Today, we're talking about Starla! My daughter got three of Starla Huchton's books for Christmas: Shadows on Snow, Stillness of the Sky, and Ride the Wind. Needless to say, I stole one and read it (because I love Starla's books). Once I'd read Lex Talionis, her new adult book, I was hooked. Now that you know what a die-hard fan I am, let's get going!

About the book up for review today:

Title: Ride the Wind: A Flipped Fairy Tale
Author: Starla Huchton
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy/Fairy Tale
Length (print): 226 pages
Buy Link: Amazon Kindle $2.99

Blurb:
Once upon a time, I made a promise to a stranger. Though I'd never seen her face, I cared for her above all others.

Once upon a time, I broke my vow. In trying to save the one I loved, I condemned her to a cursed life and stripped her of all freedom in a single, misguided step.

Once upon a time, I set out on a journey. Though it might never earn me forgiveness, I would set her free or die trying.

I bought a set of the entire Flipped Fairy Tale collection in paperback from Starla Huchton for my ten-year-old daughter's Christmas gift. Of course, being a fan of Shadows on Snow, I knew I'd likely sneak and read all the stories behind her trusting little back. I managed to make it through one of two before she caught me, and you all have a review as a prize for my dastardly ways. Now that you know where I got the book, let's dive into the review.

From a Reader's Perspective:
I'm a fairy tale nut. From The Princess and the Pea to Hans and the Little Iron Man, I've read hundreds. Huchton's retellings always leave me with that same sense of child-like awe the originals did. I dive in, getting lost in the carefully crafted stories, hoping against hope the guy ends up with the girl. Well, this novel didn't disappoint me. Ride the Wind is such an intricate story of faithfulness, I was sitting on the edge of my seat, shaking the main character, Lukas, when I can see the detrimental mistake he's about to make. I was talking to the book in my hands as though he could hear me. Then, he goes and does it anyway. No, I can't tell you what "it" is, but I can tell you from that moment on, he fights with everything in himself to make it right. A perfectly flawed hero. I loved it. Why? Because he felt so real to me. Huchton never leaves you bored, and her pacing was spot on. World building was perfect. I could see it all, but she didn't go on and on with bog-you-down description.

One of the things I enjoyed most was finding characters from Shadows on Snow making their appearance. I didn't put it together right away, and was pleasantly surprised when I unraveled the clues. Brilliantly done.

From an Editor's Perspective:
Nothing noteworthy. I didn't stumble, shake my head, or get annoyed with errors. Gorgeous editing.

Rating:
1 Star for twisting yet another fairy tale so beautifully and keeping me engaged
1 Star for world building without overwhelming me
1 Star for pacing
1 Star for intertwining the books together so seamlessly
1 Star for editing
Overall: 5 out of 5 stars. Solid. Highly, highly recommended for anyone looking for an excellent escape, a great read, or a new twist on an old tale.

Have you guys read it? What did you think?

Be SURE and come back tomorrow, because I have a book being featured you won't want to miss.

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Book Review - Untamed

Happy Friday, good people of the blogosphere! Well, I did a boo boo. I actually read Ride the Wind by Starla Huchton this year, too. I'll be writing that review Monday. How fun is this week? Anywho, today I have the novella from the Splintered series by A. G. Howard, Untamed. I wrote reviews for both the second and third books in the series, but not the first (I don't know why). You can find Unhinged here and Ensnared here, if you wish to check them out.

Let's get to it, shall we?

As with every time, we'll start with the details!

Title: Untamed (Splintered Companion Novella)
Author: A. G. Howard
Genre: Young Adult Dark Fantasy/Fairy Tale Retelling
Length (print): 288 pages
Buy Links: Hardcover $10.41

Blurb:
Alyssa Gardner went down the rabbit hole and took control of her destiny. She survived the battle for Wonderland and the battle for her heart. In this collection of three novellas, join Alyssa and her family as they look back at their memories of Wonderland. In Six Impossible Things, Alyssa recalls the most precious moments of her life after Ensnared, and the role magic plays in preserving the happiness of those she loves. Alyssa’s mother reminisces about her own time in Wonderland and giving up the crown to rescue the man who would become her husband in The Boy in the Web. And Morpheus delves into Jeb’s memories of the events of Splintered in The Moth in the Mirror, available in print for the first time.


You guys. When I saw there was another book in this series I almost lost my mind. Not only are the covers some of the most beautiful I've seen, but the stories inside continue to take me on wild rides. I grabbed this puppy on Amazon and gobbled it up in just a couple of days. Since I'm positive you don't give two shakes about where I got it or why, I'm moving on to the meat of my review.

From a Reader's Perspective:
Wow. I loved seeing how Alyssa is managing both worlds in this story. Watching everything unfold, and learning some of the backstory, was an escape like no other. How beautiful the love was between Alyssa and Jeb, and what a gentleman Morpheus turned out to be! I found myself lost in the beautiful, chaotic Wonderland that Howard built (but didn't go overboard on), and when I had to put the book down to adult, I was torn asunder. Alyssa continued to grow as a character in this novella. I could see myself being friends with her in the real world. What blew me away the most were the stories from Alyssa's mother. I always wondered how, when, and why everything came to be, and this book answered all my questions. There was never a dull moment, the action moving from one thing to the next constantly. So glad I read this one. Splintered fans will be dancing in the streets.

From an Editor's Perspective:
While there was a typesetting boo boo near the back of the book, there were no grammatical errors or anything like that. Wonderfully done.

Rating:
1 Star for giving me all that backstory I was craving
1 Star for showing how Alyssa grew since Ensnared ended
1 Star for glorious world building without bogging me down in details
1 Star for excellent pacing
1 Star for stellar editing
Overall, 5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommend reading this book (whole series) if you're a fan of dark fantasy. Loved. It.

Have you read it? What did you think?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Book Review - Have You Seen This Girl?

Well, it's Thursday and time for yet another book review. As always, this one will go into the 2016 Time for Books Review Team's pool of reviews. If you haven't checked those out, you simply must. There are already over thirty reviews on the list, and they're piling up fast! Check them out here.

Anyway, today I have a book I read on accident. Yep, that's right. I didn't mean to read this book. Can I just say how glad I am that I picked it up and started it? It's captivating, touchy, and dark on so many levels. Before I go off on a tangent, let me give you information about the title.

Title: Have You Seen This Girl? (Flocksdale Files #1)
Author: Carissa Ann Lynch
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Thriller
Length (print): 224 pages
Buy Link: Amazon Kindle FREE

Blurb:
Wendi Wise is a troubled young woman who snorts her breakfast through a straw and spends more time in rehab than in the real world…

Her life is seemingly out of control.

But now she has a plan.

That plan involves a sharp set of butcher knives.

She's going back to where all of her troubles began…

Flocksdale.

Wendi was lured away from a local skating rink, at the age of thirteen, and held captive in a place she calls 'The House of Horrors.' Dumped off blindfolded on the side of a dirt road, Wendi soon discovered that she was addicted to the drugs they fed her while she was captive.

Too scared to go home, and having a new habit to deal with, she hopped on a bus, vanishing from the family she loved.

Vanishing from Flocksdale…

The town of Flocksdale is littered with fliers with a grainy image of young Wendi, and the words 'Have You Seen This Girl?' written below.

Now, eight years later, she's on a mission—a mission to find the mysterious house from her youth and the monsters who dwell inside it.

“This is the end, beautiful friend, the end…”

Now, ON to my review!

I picked up this book on Amazon via the recommendation of a friend of mine, and I only intended to read part of it and put it down. Needless to say, that didn't happen. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the pages. Lynch has such an easy writing style, I got caught up in wanting to know what happened to the main character by page one. Yes, that's right, page one. There are sorrowful tales, and there are tales of weak women who let life beat them down as they cry out, "Poor me!" This is not that book. It tackles a touchy, scary subject, and it does it well. Before I get lost, let me give you the juicy part of my review.

From a Reader's Perspective:
Intrigue, kick ass women, and a story that will keep me on the edge of my seat are some of my favorite go-to books of all time. I despise anyone who sits down and "takes it" without a fight. Dear Wendi Wise was not that girl. She has the crap kicked out of her, is scared to death, and endures an experience that would leave most people crying in their cornflakes, but she drags herself up, cleans herself off, and taps into her inner snark to find some justice. I loved her. As damaged as she is, I absolutely love Wendi Wise. Not for her damaged parts, oh no, but for the person inside she held on to through it all. Win! Pacing was beautiful, and I never found myself bored while reading. Flocksdale was well painted in my mind, but the author didn't over-describe the setting. It was just enough. I like being able to use my imagination, and Lynch let me do that over and over again.

There were times I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room, but that just means I was being moved on a deep level. How deeply the corruption ran blew me away, and I never saw the twist in the end coming. It hit me like a runaway train splintering a car, and my mind exploded with the revelation.

From an Editor's Perspective:
Whoever worked on this book: Well done! I wasn't moved to mark much. One thing that bugged me was a weird inconsistency I found, and the other was something not many people would catch. 1) In chapter fifty-three, our heroine does not clean the blood off her person before leaving the house with our hero, but she talks about having the blood all over her later on. 2) In chapter sixty-one, our hero uses the zoom feature on his camera--which is supposed to be a Polariod. That was it. Not even sure most readers would've picked up on it, but I'm a stickler for the details.

Rating:
1 Star for addressing a touchy subject without fear
1 Star for pacing like a lady boss
1 Star for that twist I never saw coming
1 Star for making Wendi a tough, snarky, kick ass woman
.5 Star for editing
-.5 Star for the flubs in the storyline
Overall, 4.5 out of 5 stars! You'll see five clicked in my review because I round up, not down. Recommended for those who love a great thriller with invisible twists.

What do you think? Plan to pick it up?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Book Review - Scarlet

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today, I have another book review for you all. As you know, I've been reading the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. Amazing young lady. Love this series so far, and I'm only two books in. I can't wait to see what's coming in Cress. I own it, now I just gotta read it! My tangible books get read alongside my digital ones, and I usually read more than one at a time (as evidenced by the long list I'm now writing reviews for). Anyway! Enough of my goings on and on.

How about we get to the fun stuff, eh? Starting, as always, with details about the book on the chopping block for today:

Title: Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Genre: YA Fairy tale Adaptations - Sci-Fi
Length (print): 512 pages
Buy Link: Amazon Paperback $5.72

Blurb:
Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

Now for the review!

Okay, so I read Cinder and loved the new twist on an old tale (what can I say, I'm a sucker for anything having to do with a fairy tale). I couldn't wait to dive into Scarlet. I ran out to BAM and bought it. Really wanted the hardcover, but they didn't have any in stock, so the paperback is what I ended up with. Someone, somewhere, told me these were going to be a movie (hell yeah!), and I truly hope that's the case. I'm in literary love with these characters and the stories going on. Anyway, now that you know where and why I picked up Scarlet, let's get on to the review!

From a Reader's Perspective:
I was completely entranced by the twist on the classic Little Red Riding Hood. Scarlet is my kind of chick. She grew up on a farm, can work on cars, and believes in the people she loves even when the whole world is telling her otherwise. Win. I loved Cinder in this story, too. She's becoming one of my favorite literary characters of all time. These young ladies are tough, emotional, and willing to do whatever they have to in order to set things right in the world. Interconnection between the storylines is what really intrigues me. I love finding little bits and pieces of how one character's tale impacts another. It's almost as though Meyer sat down with a huge drawing board and sketched out how many different ways she could throw the reader for a loop. Fascinating. World building is well done, and seeing Earth so far in the future is mesmerizing. I could picture everything happening with perfect clarity. Pacing was a little slow at times, but never dragged on for more than a chapter.

From an Editor's Perspective:
This being a trad published book, I expected fewer run-on sentences, comma splices, and dialogue/action tag mix-ups than my usual reads (Indie). I was shocked at the number of oopsies I found. However, there were no storyline snags. See below for rating impact.

Rating:
1 Star for bringing a whole new level of awesome to RRH
1 Star for connecting Scarlet and Cinder so well
1 Star for world building
1 Star for pacing and imagination run amok
.5 Star for no plotline holes
-.5 Star for grammatical errors
Overall 4.5 out of 5 stars. I round up, not down, so you'll see 5 stars on my review. Recommended if you're a fan of fairy tale twists!

Have you read the series? What did you think?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Book Review - The Bed Wife Chronicles

Happy Tuesday! Today, I have a review for you all from my 12 Days RR event back in December. Before I get to the review, I'll recap all the winners thus far and remove the ones I did reviews for last year. Ready? Let's get going! As a surprise, the author also wanted to do a giveaway for my readers/followers. It'll be at the bottom of the post.

This review will go into the 2016 Time 4 Books Review Team pool as well.

Suzanna Lynn - The Bed Wife Chronicles - Collector's Edition - REVIEW BELOW

Sahara Foley - The Secret of Excalibur 2.99

Morgan Reeves - Free to Fly (Never Ever After Book 1) 2.99

Mary J. Williams - If I Loved You (Harper Falls Book 1) 0.99

Andi O'Connor - Awakening (The Dragonath Chronicles Book 2) 5.99

Heidi Angell - Elements of a Broken Mind (The Clear Angel Chronicles Book 1) 4.99
Sylvia Stein - Chasing Clarity 2.99

Marissa Campbell - Avelynn: A Novel 9.99

Danielle Mathieson Pederson - Lasera: Book One of the Mer Archives $4.99

Martina Mcatee - Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things 2.99

A.B. Funkhauser - Heuer Lost And Found 3.99

Christina Benjamin - The Geneva Project - Truth FREE

Bound by Duty - Stormy Smith - Amazon Kindle $2.99
Siren - Jennifer Melzer - Amazon Kindle $2.99
Queen of Someday - Sherry Ficklin - Amazon Kindle $5.99
Unseen - Stephanie Erickson - Amazon Kindle $2.99
Kindling Flames-Gathering Tinder - Julie Wetzel - Amazon Kindle FREE
To Get Me to You - Kait Nolan - Amazon Kindle $2.99
 Sticks and Stones - Shawn McGuire - Amazon Kindle $0.99
The Last Guardian Rises - Rebecca Trogner - Amazon Kindle $0.99 

Now, about the book I'm gonna review:

Title: The Bed Wife Chronicles - Collector's Edition
Author: Suzanna Lynn
Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance
Length (print): 396 pages
Buy Link: Amazon Kindle $4.99 (as of the date of this review)

Blurb:
PLEASE NOTE: This story contains mature themes and sexual situations. It is intended for adult readers.

The Bed Wife Chronicles: Love brought them together. Would tradition tear them apart?

Once inseparable childhood friends, Luana and Baylin are now grown and living in two separate worlds. Luana, the daughter of the town drunk, cares for her family’s goat farm to make ends meet. Baylin, Prince and future King of Grasmere, is off combating the evils that lurk in the Kingdom.

However, Fate intercedes with a time-honored tradition that has been custom for the past five hundred years. Luana’s life is now forced into the hands of her long-lost childhood friend.

In the midst of it all, Baylin is forced to choose between his love for Luana and his fealty to his father and the Kingdom – knowing that his decision could potentially set the Keld Kingdoms against each other during a savage war.

All the couple wishes for is to be safe and happy together. However, constant struggles make it seem as though contentment is impossible. Trials and tribulations strain the delicate core of their relationship.

Will Luana and Baylin be able to overcome the demands of the Kingdom and find happiness? Or will resentment, hurt and duty consume them?

Now, on to my review. Please keep in mind this is a whole trilogy, so the review will be constructed a bit differently.

I grabbed this book during my 12 Days of Review Requests event on my blog at the end of last year. Authors pitch their books, I grab samples, and I choose a handful of them to review over the next twelve months. Well, The Bed Wife Chronicles got me from the sample, and I ran right over to Amazon and bought it. I usually don't buy a whole trilogy at once, but since the omnibus is what was pitched, that's what I ended up snagging. Since I'm reviewing three books at once, I'm going to do this a bit differently. Stay with me. Let's get into the meat of the review, shall we?

From a Reader's Perspective:
The Bed Wife - Part one grabbed me with the flowing writing style and setup of the story from the start. I loved Luana. She was painted as a gentle soul who cares about labels, right from wrong, and the people around her, but she was also tough as nails (and I adore strong women). World building was done exceptionally well, and I found myself in the setting of the Keld kingdoms. There was never a boring moment. It was either Luana getting attacked, or Baylin running to her side every second. I have to admit, there were a few times I wanted to smack some of the characters because of their behavior, but that just tells me I got hold of a great read. Only thing that bugged me in part one was the repetitive nature of some of the dialogue. But it was easy to file away and forget about.

The Heir - Part two starts off about three months after part one comes to a close. I liked the second part because it really gets the action going. Grasmere goes to war with a neighboring kingdom, and Luana starts to get an inkling of what it's like to be with a king. Oh, there were characters that were absolutely despicable in this part, and as tough as Luana is, I was surprised she didn't do more. Flashbacks take a more central roll in this part, and you see more about how Baylin and Luana got to know one another when they were children. Oh yeah, there are twists and turns that will keep you wondering what the heck and dying to find out. By the end of this part, I saw the reveal in the third part coming. World-building continues, but there's not a lot of action outside the palace. I fell in friend love with Meg. I'd want her on my side in a tough time. Several of the situations being "resolved" were a bit too convenient for my taste, but I'm a fan of strife, so it may not bother many folks.

The Queen - Part three picks up right where two left off. There was no time gap there. This is the part where all the questions raised in the previous two are answered. I have to admit, there was one big reveal that I didn't see coming. No way was I given any inkling in the previous two books to tell me that was going on. People I despised got what was coming to them (how else would a romance novel end?), and people I liked were justly rewarded. Oh, and Ferric! Be still my beating heart. I may like him more than I do Prince Baylin. Ferric was one of those characters that pops up and refuses to be ignored. He was the true hero, in my opinion. I mean, by this point, you'd think Baylin had learned to stick to his values and ideas. Nope. But dear Ferric is there to handle things (thank goodness). I enjoyed the conclusion, and the HEA, even though I was secretly hoping otherwise. I did tire of hearing, for the billionth time, how Luana's hair was silvery, but again, description is something I'm not a fan of where others are.

From an Editor's Perspective:
The Bed Wife - Not a lot of grammar issues in this part. I think I only found six glaring errors, and none of them were storyline.
The Heir - This part is where it starts to go a little downhill. Storyline glitch around chapter four. One of the characters is supposed to be gone, but he suddenly reappears and is having a conversation with no inkling of when he returned. And the author seems to have a bit of trouble with shone and shown.
The Queen - Several errors, repetition runs amok, and another storyline oops in chapter seven concerning how one of the characters (who is already supposed to be on their way) is requested to travel. Is it something a typical reader would notice? Probably not, but it deserves a mention.

Rating:
The Bed Wife
1 Star for giving me a main character I could root for and not making her a simpering, whining little snot
1 Star for excellent world building
1 Star for setup of the situation and giving me hints of what's coming
1 Star for excellent pacing
1 Star for editing
The Heir
1 Star for giving me new characters I loved to hate
1 Star for action and deepening the plot well
1 Star for discovery tactics
.5 Star for writing Meg with such tenacity
- .5 Star for missing strife and an obstacle overcome a bit too easily
- 1 Star for editing
The Queen
1 Star for Ferric (really, enough said)
1 Star for a most excellent battle scene
1 Star for that one twist that surprised and excited me
.5 Star for tying up all loose ends
- .5 Star for not giving the Prince that backbone I so wished he'd gain
- 1 Star for editing
Calculation of overall rating: 5+3.5+3.5=12/3=4
Overall, 4 out of 5 stars. Recommended to those who enjoy a good fantasy romance with excellent world building.

Now, you can enter the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What do you think? Want to read?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo 

Book Review - Frenzy

Happy Monday, everyone! As you all know, this week will be filled with book reviews. On my list this week (in the order they shall be seen):

Frenzy (Frenzy series volume I) - Because I beta-read (and re-read after release)
The Bedwife Chronicles (the complete triology) - From my 12 Days RR Event
Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles book 2) - Because I'm reading the series
Have You Seen This Girl? (Flocksdale Files Volume I) - It was an accident
Untamed (Splintered companion novella) - Because I read the series

This title will be added to the Time 4 Books 2016 Review Team pool. Check out those reviews here!

As you can see, today is all about Frenzy. This book just released last week, but I had the very amazing pleasure of being one of the beta-readers. Anywho, grab your cup of Jo and let's get going!


As always, we'll start with a little about the book:

Title: Frenzy (The Frenzy Series Volume I)
Author: Casey L. Bond
Genre: Dystopian
Length (print): 174 pages
Buy Links: Amazon Kindle $0.99  ~  Paperback $9.99

Blurb:
After the world was ravaged by a viral apocalypse, Blackwater is one of the only colonies that remains. The survivors came together to create this safe haven. Nestled between a fierce river and a city’s flood wall, the well-being of its residents hangs on a long-established treaty with the night-walkers. Sounds simple enough, but lately, the people of Blackwater have been dying, and the humans believe the night-walkers are to blame.

Porschia Grant starves for more than her parents’ affection. Forced to enter the rotation, she will be given extra food rations in exchange for becoming a vampire’s breakfast and dinner for a week. The rotation has an extra responsibility as well: leave the colony and enter the dangerous forest to hunt for food. A night-walker will protect the hunters from the infected that roam the woods. But with the treaty hanging in the balance and tension between the humans and vampires rising, anything could happen in the darkness.

What would you do if your only chance at survival might kill you?

Now, on to my review!

I'm a long-time fan of Casey L. Bond, and when I heard she had a zombie/vampire mashup novel, I was intrigued as hell. I knew that if anyone could pull off something of this magnitude, it would be Casey. Not only did I get to beta-read this book, I also bought it when it hit the shelves so I could read it after it was edited. Enough of my gabbing. Let's get to the good stuff.

From a Reader's Perspective:
I liked the sassy main character, Porschia. She made me feel like there was hope when I was pretty sure none existed. There she sits with no technology, a broken world, and people surrounding her she can't trust. Yet, she's driven, sees the silver lining around the storm cloud, and loves unconditionally. I'd like to know her in real life. World building was amazing. I could picture the small village with its simple inhabitants who've been forced back to the ways of the pilgrims. There was never a dull moment, and I often found myself gripping the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen next. Pacing was perfect. This is a shorter story that you should be able to read in one sitting. Did I see the end coming? No. No I didn't. I was left with my jaw on the floor. I can't wait to read Frantic.

From an Editor's Perspective:
There are several tense jumps, comma splices, and run-on sentences, but nothing that threw me out of the story, and they were scattered out enough that I could ignore them. Most readers probably wouldn't even notice. Story line is consistent throughout.

Rating:
1 Star for giving me a truly unique story.
1 Star for keeping me guessing.
1 Star for awesome world building.
1 Star for pacing and that amazing ending.
.5 Star for consistency.
-.5 Star for tense jumps and grammar issues.
Overall, 4.5 out of 5 stars. I always round up, not down, so this book gets a 5. Recommended for those looking for a new twist on a couple of old genres.

What do you think? Will you pick it up?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

New Release - Frenzy

Happy Friday! *squeals* I hope you all had a fan-frikkin-tastic week! I'm here to tell you all a little about an awesome zombie and vampire crossover novel that hit the shelves yesterday. I beta-read this book, and MAN, the story! You'll lose your mind! Anyway, get comfy, grab a cup of Jo, and let's get going!

First, I'm gonna start you out with an awesome teaser, and I'm gonna tell you this book is only NINETY-NINE CENTS! I don't know how long that'll last, so I suggest you get it while the getting is good.

Now, more about the book.

Title: Frenzy (The Frenzy Series Volume I)
Author: Casey L. Bond
Genre: Dystopian
Length (print): 174 pages
Buy Links: Amazon Kindle $0.99  ~  Paperback $9.99

Blurb:
After the world was ravaged by a viral apocalypse, Blackwater is one of the only colonies that remains. The survivors came together to create this safe haven. Nestled between a fierce river and a city’s flood wall, the well-being of its residents hangs on a long-established treaty with the night-walkers. Sounds simple enough, but lately, the people of Blackwater have been dying, and the humans believe the night-walkers are to blame.

Porschia Grant starves for more than her parents’ affection. Forced to enter the rotation, she will be given extra food rations in exchange for becoming a vampire’s breakfast and dinner for a week. The rotation has an extra responsibility as well: leave the colony and enter the dangerous forest to hunt for food. A night-walker will protect the hunters from the infected that roam the woods. But with the treaty hanging in the balance and tension between the humans and vampires rising, anything could happen in the darkness.

What would you do if your only chance at survival might kill you?

~~~~~~~

It's such a unique twist on your typical vampire OR zombie novel. Man... I can't tell you more than that. Go read it!

I bought it so I'd have a copy forever (paperback - which isn't here yet - UGH, and Kindle - because I couldn't wait). Ha!

Next week will be book review week here on the blog. I've read a ton this year, I just haven't written any reviews (bad Jo). Great news: One of the authors I'm reviewing has offered up a prize pack for me to give away! How amazing is that?

So, go pick up Frenzy and be ready when my review comes next week!

Oh, you want to know the books that are coming? Sure!

The Bedwife Chronicles (the complete triology) - From my 12 Days RR Event
Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles book 2) - Because I'm reading the series
Have You Seen This Girl? (Flocksdale Files Volume I) - It was an accident
Untamed (Splintered companion novella) - Because I read the series
Frenzy (Frenzy series volume I) - Because I beta-read (and re-read after release)

Yep, that's FIVE reviews headed your way. Let's see if I have the strength to pull it off.

Did you snag Frenzy? What are you most excited about?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Quick Poll - Reader Survey

Happy Thursday, everyone! *dances around the room* It's allllmost the weeeeeekend! So! Yesterday, I was having a discussion about the general reader audience. We want all the information! As you all know, I'll share the results here on the blog once everything is said and done. I just need you to click buttons, if you don't mind. *grin*

I'm thinking I'll keep this totally anonymous poll open for one week.

Let's find out some stuff about your reading habits, shall we?


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Are you eager to see the results? I know I am!

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Thunderclap Me - Emancipation

Happy Wednesday, everyone!! I don't know about you, but my week has been kinda crazy. Do this here, do that there... I'm so happy it's hump day! Today, I have a wee little request for a smidgen of help. Get your clicking fingers ready, and let's get going!

As you all may know, Emancipation goes live March 22, 2016. We're doing a Thunderclap to help spread the word.

If you'd be so kind as to help support it, I'd be ever so grateful.

Just click here. Then, enjoy a teaser! *grin*

For a little fun, I'm giving away an awesome wall clock in the event on Facebook. You can check it out and enter here.

I'm also giving away an advance hardcover copy of Emancipation on my Facebook page here. That link will take you directly to the post.

Don't forget to enter the Goodreads giveaway, too! Two signed copies up for grabs!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Emancipation

by Jo Michaels

Giveaway ends March 22, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Thank you ahead of time for all the things you do to help a sister out!

How excited are you for this book?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

The Heatstroke Line by Edward Rubin

Happy Tuesday! Today, I have a new author for you all to check out. I got an email from Mr. Rubin's PA, and I agreed to share with my lovely subscribers all the details about this new novel. So, grab your cup of Jo and let's get rocking and rolling!

About Edward Rubin:
Edward Rubin is University Professor of Law and Political Science at Vanderbilt University. He’s been a science fiction fan since fifth grade and currently teaches a course at Vanderbilt entitled “Visions of the Future in Science Fiction.” In addition, he was one of the organizers of a science fiction reading group at the Law School. Rubin has spoken about administrative law and legal theory at numerous academic conferences and workshops and has served as a consultant on administrative law to the People’s Republic of China.

Visit his website here.

Now, a little about Mr. Rubin's latest book.

Title: The Heatstroke Line
Author: Edward Rubin
Genre: Dystopian/Sci-Fi
Length (print): 229 pages
Buy Links: Paperback $14.95 Kindle $2.99
 

Blurb:
Edward Rubin explores an America ravaged by the disastrous effects of climate change. Coastal cities have become uninhabitable, sweltering heat devastates the interior and an ensuing civil war has broken the nation into smaller successor states and dozens of tiny principalities. Canada, where the climate remains tolerable, dominates the fractured remnants of the former United States.

Amid the chaos, scientist Daniel Danten ventures into the region below the Heatstroke Line (the former Southern states) to investigate the source of flesh-eating insects that afflict the remaining population there and threaten to invade the remainder of the country. The bizarre and brutal people he encounters when he is taken prisoner reveal the real horror that this environmental disaster has produced.

“We need to realize that climate change will have catastrophic effects on our own country,” said Rubin. “It’s not a remote problem, in either space or time.”

“The Heatstroke Line” stands apart from other global warming “cli-fi” novels by depicting an imaginable future, where modern homes, governments, schools and political conflicts still exist. The intent is to avoid the usual tropes of post-apocalyptic fiction, and confront the reality of climate change in a manner that will motivate believers to action and persuade climate change deniers to rethink their position.

Rubin was inspired to write the novel after a conversation with a colleague who shared his frustration with the apathy and opposition regarding climate change. The goal of his new book is to provide an engaging and entertaining story that induces people to think seriously about the impending disaster.

This is a novel that shows what climate change will do to the United States. It is intended as a warning. Many Americans are willing to deny the reality of climate change because they think that it will only affect tropical countries and oceanic islands that are far away from us. The Heatstroke Line depicts a United States that with its coastal cities flooded and its remaining land sweltering under debilitating heat. It has broken into smaller units that are in conflict with each other and it is dominated by more northerly nations, such as Canada, that now have temperate climates.

What do you think? Gonna check it out?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Cover Reveal - Bitter Bonds by Heather Osborne

Happy Monday! Hope you all got excellent rest over the weekend and are ready to kill it this week. I know I am. Today, I have another cover reveal for you all. So sit back, relax, grab a cup of Jo, and let's get to looking at the pretty.

First, some details about le book.

Title: Bitter Bonds
Author: Heather Osborne
Genre: Historical Romance
Expected publication: April 2016
Cover Design by: Christian Havran

From bestselling and award-winning author, Heather Osborne, comes a new historical romance of unrequited love and devious plots.

Blurb:
Brutally torn between duty and his heart, Henri Du Cormier never expected to be completely enraptured with Adrienne Beaumont, the sister of his betrothed. As the new owner of St. Esprit, Henri knows he must work his way into a tight-knit society, and spurning his fiancée will do the complete opposite. However, there are hidden secrets, black magic, and voodoo entwined like poisonous vines into the Louisiana plantation. Will Henri end up cursing himself in life and love?

Adrienne Beaumont is anything but ordinary in a world of demure, Southern belles. Desiring little more than to be rid of a vengeful older sister, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to the mysterious Henri Du Cormier. As their lives grow increasingly entangled, will Adrienne give in to the burgeoning attraction, or will fate play another card?


Visit Heather's Facebook page, and find the book on Goodreads.

Ready for that cover? Me, too! Here ya go:

What do you think? Like it? Love it? Other? Tell me!

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Cover Reveal - Unsocial by Nicole Dykes

Happy Friday! Wow, what a CRAZY week, huh? Where the hell did it go? I'm pretty sure yesterday was Monday. Anywhooooo!! Today, we have a cover reveal. Yeahhhhhh!! Here are the deets:

Title: Unsocial
Author: Nicole Dykes
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Blurb:
Dylan
I’m living the dream. A successful business owner of a custom car and motorcycle shop in Oklahoma and master of my own destiny. Other than my best friend and business partner my life is my own, and I answer to no one. Then my life changes with a single phone call and I’m back in Kansas fighting for guardianship of my four younger siblings. Now I answer to her, Brooke Porter.

Brooke
I’ve devoted myself for the past six years to my dream of being a social worker. My very first case are the Monroes, and professional and personal boundaries blur as I become closer to them. Now my dreams are of Dylan. The attraction Dylan and I have is heading us straight to unsocial behavior.

What will we be risking if we give in?

*Unsocial is a contemporary romance novel that contains mature content and is not suitable for anyone under 18.

You ready for that cover? I bet you are. Okay, okay. Here you go!

What do you think? Like? Love? Don't like? Gimmie the deets!

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo