Category Archives: Book Review

Book Review: Game of Hearts: A Geek Girl Rom Com (Fandom Hearts Series) by Cathy Yardley

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Cathy Yardley has provided priceless and highly appreciated advice to many of the FVP Featured Authors over the past few years. Her writing craft is exemplary and her books are fabulously fun to read. Here’s a review of her latest release by Rachel Barnard, FVP Featured Author.

Rachel Author Barnard

Game of Hearts: A Geek Girl Rom Com (Fandom Hearts Series) by Cathy Yardley

A Romantic Comedy published by RYW Publishing (01/30/18)

Summary:

Kyla runs a mechanic shop with her brother Billy, one they inherited from their now retired parents. Billy is happy to let Kyla do the paperwork and work out in the shop as well as take over all operations when he needs to take a vacation. After he breaks his arm, though, all responsibilities fall to Kyla. She had other plans. She wanted to submit costumes for a contest that’s coming up in a few weeks. This is her dream, so she calls the only person she knows to help. Jericho Salomon hasn’t been in town for years, for good reason, but he can’t ignore his childhood best friend’s little sister.

Keywords:

Mechanic, Snoqualmie, Bookstore, Geeks, Convention, Contest, Family, Friendship, Romance, Sex, Auto-Repair, Motorcycle, Family Friend, Biker…

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I HEART Books – Author Event

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CaptureTwo of our FVP Featured Authors, Victoria Bastedo and Jeffrey Cook  are going to be signing and selling books at the I HEART BOOKS event in Renton, WA on Saturday, Feb. 13th from 3-10pm. They’ll be at DOG AND PONY ALEHOUSE 351 Park Ave N, Renton, along with several other authors.

Biker Chicks coverThe event will double as a launch party for Biker Chicks! An anthology of hot MC romance where woman are in charge. Author A.J. Downey is host of the party. All proceeds from the anthology go directly in support of the Lake Washington Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse in support of their mission to help the littlest victims. B.A.C.A. is a non-profit organization that provides victim support and services to children who have been the victim of abuse, be it in a domestic capacity or otherwise.

Sunrise Meets the Star coverVictoria Bastedo had a recent review of her book SUNRISE MEETS THE STAR. CLICK HERE  to read more about it. She’ll have this book and others at the event to sign for you. It’s also available on Amazon

 

 

 

 

streetFair coverJeffrey Cook will have his newest release, written with Katherine Perkins, along with his other titles to sign as well. You can see more about STREET  FAIR, the second book in The Fair Folk Chronicles, and read an excerpt below:

School is out for the summer, which will give Megan O’Reilly’s friends time to see that she really starts learning something useful. When music is magic and magic is sometimes medicine, it’s easy for a menehune BFF, a satyr rock star, and a disabled pixie with a service crow to give a girl information overload. The weekend of the Fremont Solstice Fair is also the weekend of the Goblin Market. Megan’s adjusted enough to this Unseelie Princess thing to see some use in all this colorful shopping potential, both real-world and magical, even if she can get ahead of herself sometimes. But someone wants to use the Market for his own destructive purposes. And he knows a guy who’s great at ruining other people’s Midsummer nights.
Excerpt:

Cassia handed her a tan-and-green laminated slip of paper, bearing the words BACKSTAGE PASS. “These will get you through the gate, and over to the Market. Finn here will be keeping an eye on the passage a little.” As Megan got used to the big man’s presence and started to associate him with Faerie things like knowing where the gate was, the massive figure began to resemble the other trolls Megan had seen in Faerie.

“Finn?” Megan asked, extending a hand. “So, you’re the bouncer?”

The troll grinned, displaying questionable dentistry and some jagged teeth. “Nah, just filling in. Mostly a roadie for Cass and Nell. And a model.” He shifted the meat-ladened sticks held in his hand to the other to free a hand, wiped it on his jeans, and shook her hand carefully.

“A model?” Megan blinked, looking confused.

Cassia filled in. “Finn is very proud of having helped to inspire the sculpture under the Aurora Bridge.”

“Ah. That makes …sense.” Megan looked at Finn. “So you’re an under-the-bridge-type troll?”

“Once upon a time,” Finn said, smiling wryly. “Nowadays, I’ve got a great apartment. The upstairs neighbors are just as noisy, but I like the place.” He then glanced at his snack, shifting one of the sticks back and offering it to Megan. “Goat kebab?”

Copywright for Excerpt,  Jeffrey Cook & Katherine Perkins, All Rights Reserved.

 

Rachel Barnard Hosting Contest – Buy, Read, Review, and Win!

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Hello Blog Readers!

This is Rachel Barnard. You may recognize me as one of FreeValley Publishing’s featured authors here.

I really appreciate being a part of FreeValley Publishing and the Indie Author community. I wanted to give back to both fellow Indie authors and fellow Indie readers. I’ve come up with contests I’m running on my blog here

My first type of contest runs new monthly; with one in June, July, August, September, October, and November. All you have to do is purchase a book! Not just any book, though, one from my reviews list that I’ve rated 4.5 stars or higher. There are even a few from FVP authors, such as:

Anthology 2014 final cover front Mina_Cortez conspiracy mind space book 2 BookCover-Conspiracy-TheMartyrs dear20miklos20cover  roots entwine kansas connection

 

I have books in multiple genres to choose from and I’ll be adding new books to choose from every week. You have until the end of the month to provide proof of purchase and you’ll be entered to win a $5 Amazon gift card. Sweet, yeah?

I’m also hosting a $50 Amazon gift card contest! All you have to do is write a review of three stars or higher for one of the books you purchased from my list.

Here’s the $50 contest entry link:

 $50 Amazon Gift Card Drawing: Entries Open June Now Until December 31, 2015

Leave a review of 3 stars or higher of any of those 4.5 rated or higher books now until the end of the year to get entered into a drawing to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Help support Indie authors!

If you don’t know what book to choose, I’ll even match you! Just fill in the following form:

email address provided will only be used to send possible book matches and I will not use it for any other purpose.

Be sure to check out my Contest Page on my blog for more details and throughout the year to enter the new contest every month!

An Itchy Hand, Short Stories – Book Review

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This review is shared with us by Bronwyn Elsmore of Flaxroots Productions who features books of New Zealand – that is, written by Kiwi Authors. Thanks!

Flaxroots

An Itchy Hand, Short Stories by Jean McDavitt as reviewed by Jemma Richardson

Itchy Hand Review

SEE MORE…

You can purchase this book HERE.

If you’d like to share a review or spotlight your book on FVP’s home page, please send a request to Sheri J Kennedy at freevalleypublishing@gmail.com.

RAVEN HEIGHTS MANOR – Book Review -Upcoming Release!

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RAVEN HEIGHTS MANOR by Sharol Louise will be released in January 2015. This is the first published mystery by this established historical romance favorite. This is based on an ARC given to us to be reviewed–A sweet sneak peek!

ravenheightsmanor413x638RAVEN HEIGHTS MANOR as reviewed by Sheri J. Kennedy aka Kennedy J. Quinn

I don’t usually read mysteries. It’s because many modern mysteries come across as contrived puzzles on which the author drapes words willy-nilly to get to the next clue. They’re as formulated as the order of the letters of the alphabet.  As a reader I feel pushed along, rushed through with as much intensity as the author can dish. In such mysteries there is plenty of plot but little sense of story.

RAVEN HEIGHTS MANOR is NOT that kind of mystery. It’s refreshing! I had the privilege as a fan of Sharol Louise’s other writings (notably ROSEHILL MANOR) to receive an ARC and be one of the first to discover this captivating read. RAVEN HEIGHTS MANOR begins with story. The mystery rises subtly out of the growing relationships between our sensitive young heroine, Claire and the quirky folk she encounters in her new and uncertain home. Rather than being rushed from point to point, I was pulled into Claire’s fascination with uncovering what happened to Zillah through compelling conversations and interactions. Soon I was pushing my own pace from page to page wondering what would happen next.

The fearful heroine turns fearless as she is driven to the edge by her curiosity. The reader teeters to the brink at her side and descends with her as she delves more deeply into the mystery. Just when the lonely orphan is finding solace in the tenderness of new friends, she’s thrown over the precipice into fear for her life. We feel with her, adding warmth in chill places and sending chills to our depths as more is revealed of characters we have come to care about.

Author, Sharol Louise brings her trademark independent women and colorful characters out of the dreamy world of historical romance and into the changing winds and precarious paths of mystery with style and verve. This fuller character development doesn’t mean the plot is thin. It’s just richly adorned.  Rather than a pretentious plot in verbose clothing, this story is woven word by well-crafted word, engulfing the reader in a cloak of gripping suspense. The mystery is classic but doesn’t feel formulaic. It seems to emerge from the inside out—starting at the heart and creeping onto the cold ledges beneath Raven Heights Manor, where I couldn’t wait to follow.

The Ruby Brooch – Book Review

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This much acclaimed Time Travel Romance is a fun read…

THE RUBY BROOCH by Katherine Lowry Logan – Review by Sheri J. Kennedy aka  Kennedy J. Quinn

Ruby BroochThe writing quality and overall story deserve a five-star rating, but I gave it a four. The deduction of a star is due to a personal preference that might cause others to add a star. The author, Katherine Lowry Logan chooses to take every thread of the story to its bitter (or beautiful) end. This reader prefers a place of understanding showing the direction of conclusion rather than full explanation on some plot points, so I thought the book somewhat outlasted the story.

That being said, it was a rich journey well illustrated in words. Kit McKlenna’s character is complex enough to be captivating and raw enough to be a fully romantic woman. She’s inspiring and vulnerable, heroic and needy in just the right measures. Cullen Montgomery starts with the perfect name and continues to woo the reader with an excellent balance of masculine strength, educated tastes, wild passions and gentle understanding. The relationship between them rides the path of the west like a spirited stallion, taking great leaps and requiring meticulous care to thrive.

The time travel aspect of the plot has a well-traveled approach using a talisman as a vehicle, but there are some fun twists regarding its origin and purpose. Their slow revelations throughout the book add to the mystery and depth of the relationships.  This isn’t the type of time travel that should be inspected by science. There are some changes to history and the whole thing could unravel like a loose lasso if scrutinized too harshly. But the treatment has integrity enough to carry the romance and the beautifully conceived circle of time and march of MacKlenna generations.

The only serious dent in the time travel machine for this reader was the readiness of the 19th century characters to accept Kit and her technology as coming from the 21st century. Since romances are about relationships, this psychological stretch was harder to run with than the scientific issues. I recently read a statistic that in our present time we process more information in a week than 19th century minds did in a lifetime. Even Cullen who was educated would’ve had very little new information to adjust to and live with. To have such a drastic change in paradigms would have bucked them out of their psychological saddles.  The author does address it through Kit fearing they’ll think her a witch, but I think it would derail their journey together. I believe any acceptance would come hard, especially given my experience with the stubbornness of the progeny of those that survived covered wagon crossings that I have the pleasure to spring from. They were exceptionally slow to change, even in the 20th century when change was the norm.

I do understand that stopping to solve this acceptance issue would’ve made it a completely different story. So let’s set technicalities aside and enjoy the ride. It’s a good one. I was entertained and looked forward to reading the next part of the saga each night. I can heartily recommend it as a fiery romance and a great escape.

You can purchase THE RUBY BROOCH here

Find out more about Katherine Lowry Logan.

RoseHill Manor – Book Review

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You may remember a delightful excerpt shared with FVP readers recently by author, Sharol Louise HERE.  I have since had the pleasure of meeting her and of reading this Historical Romance that is bursting with humor and fun. Here’s my review…

ROSEHILL MANOR   -reviewed by Sheri J. Kennedy aka Kennedy J Quinn

RoseHill Manor - front cover 1650 x 2550At long last I have found a new Jane Austen novel! While not literally written by that English master of ironic humor and social commentary, ROSEHILL MANOR’S witty dialogue, snappy strong women and diabolically clever predicaments bring the immense pleasure of Austen’s writing back to the page.

The charade orchestrated by the earl’s young sister is so absurd that one can only give it credibility due to author, Sharol Louise’s masterful persuasion of the depth ‘Miss Violet’s’ loyal devotion to her friend, and the fullness of the reality bestowed upon RoseHill, which gives room to believe the story’s truth is stranger than fiction.  This is a novel where the characters rise from the action and the action rises from the characters in perfect measure. The scene is set, the zany, stubborn and lovable characters emerge and the plot twists out of well-crafted words painted on the reader’s canvas in luscious clear color rich with emotion and fun.

The tension between affection and abhorrence, vulnerability and pride is an excellent driver for the relationship between the protective pompous earl and the indefatigable Miss Violet. Theirs is the best romance I’ve read for many years, and is an instant classic. With range of emotion from devastation to triumph ala PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, it again begs to be compared to the best of the best.

I guess it’s obvious I loved it. I enjoyed it from beginning to end, and I hope I forget some of the unforgettable details soon so I can read it again! This is a must read for Historical Romance fans and anyone who enjoys a good bout of laughter.

You can purchase the ebook HERE or the hardcover HERE

You can find out more about Sharol Louise and her other charming books at sharollouise.com HERE

Release Party You Won’t Want to Miss! Dawn of Steam: Gods of the Sun

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Dawn of Steam Gods of the Sun coverThe second book in the Dawn of Steam series, DAWN OF STEAM: GODS OF THE SUN will be out soon, and the RELEASE PARTY is SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th, at the AFK E&E in Renton, starting about 4 PM. This will also be Author, Jeffrey Cook’s 40th birthday, so we’re hoping some of you lovely people can come out and help him celebrate!

You may remember the photos from the party for the first book, DAWN OF STEAM: FIRST LIGHT. (see one below). CLICK HERE to see all the fun. And don’t miss out on your chance to attend this next one on Sept 27th! Steampunk attire encouraged.

Authors, Jeffrey Cook and Kennedy J Quinn

Authors, Jeffrey Cook and Kennedy J Quinn

A note from the Author:

Gifts are neither required nor expected, just looking forward to some time among friends, fans and family amidst book stuff– and to turning a nice, round number’s worth of old, or something.

Hope to see you there!

Jeff

 

 

And here’s a new rave review of the first book in the series:

DAWN OF STEAM:  FIRST LIGHT

This step back into an alternate reality is a delight from beginning to end. The vivid characters and captivating adventure tempted me to rush through the book, but the well-rendered regency/steampunk hybrid style was so delicious that I meted out small portions to savor every word.

As if crossing the wild west of America via dirigible is not enough excitement, the author has added entanglements in the Spanish threats to New Orleans and dabblings in other historical events with researched accuracy and madcap twists.

I especially liked the unquenchable Sam Bowe, but each character was dear and bigger than life. I found myself missing them when, alas, I reached the last page. I’m thrilled that the sequel is soon on the way, and I will definitely hitch a ride on this continuing expedition!

Top hats off to author Jeffrey Cook and to Sarah Symonds. This is a new favorite, and I find myself recommending it to anyone who will listen.

-Sheri J. Kennedy

Roots Entwine – Now Available!

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FVP Featured Author, Victoria Bastedo‘s new YA Fantasy novel ROOTS ENTWINE is available for advance purchase and on Kindle. The official release date is August 21st 2014.

Congrats to Victoria! I can’t wait to read it… You can get your copy HERE!

READ MORE ABOUT IT in this review by Blogspot’s READ AROUND SUE. Click HERE or on the image for more….

Read Around Sue Review-Roots Entwine