BLOG TOUR BOOK SPOTLIGHT: “THE UNDESIRABLE” by S. Celi

Title: “The Undesirable”

Series: (Undesirable, #1)

Author: S. Celi

Publisher: Self-published

Publication Date: January 28, 2013

Genre: New Adult

SUMMARY

What if everything you knew turned out to be a lie?

Charlotte Walker knows how to live under the rule of The Party. She has managed for 18 years. She helps out her drunken mother and keeps life going at a familiar, steady pace. She doesn’t ask questions, even though she has many of them in her heart.

Fostino Sanchez knows how to live under the rule of The Party, too. For 19 years, he’s worked to be the perfect Party member. He knows what must be done to keep Maxwell Cooper in power, and how find the The Undesirables that threaten to take away everything that matters.

As the months go by, what matters most to Fostino is Charlotte Walker.

While their love blooms, danger comes to Charlotte and Fostino’s small hometown of Harrison Corners, OH. Threats they never knew existed could take away all that they care about. And just when these two teens think they know what will come next, Charlotte learns the truth about a secret she has long suspected.

What Charlotte finds out changes everything. 

EVERYTHING. 

THE UNDESIRABLE is Charlotte Walker’s story, from her point of view. It is a thrilling, suspenseful tale of love, curiosity, adversity, and maturity against the backdrop of a futuristic war.

Should Charlotte trust Fostino with what she knows? Can she trust anyone? Will she find it in herself to rise up against terrible odds? What if the ultimate Undesirable is her?

 

READ more REVIEWS

The Undesirable by S. Celi has 16 reviews on Goodreads. Read it here.

The Undesirable by S. Celi – Book Trailer

  

ABOUT the AUTHOR

New Orleans born Sara Celi has lived all over the United States. She calls the Greater Cincinnati area and the Queen City home. 

She's currently a TV reporter and anchor in Oklahoma City, and has spent more than a decade working in journalism. She graduated cum laude from Western Kentucky University in 2004. 

Celi is also a contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Positive.

The Undesirable is her debut novel. 

In her spare time, she likes to read, shop, write, travel, run long distances, volunteer with the Junior League, and fundraise for Cooperative for Education, a non-profit providing educational opportunities for Guatemalan kids. 

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon

AUTHOR LINKS

Website     *     Facebook     *     Twitter     *     Goodreads     *     Amazon

CURRENT GIVEAWAYS ON THE BOOKS4TOMORROW BLOG

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REVIEW: "OPERATION BLACKHEART" - by Jonathan Brett

Title: “Operation Blackheart”

Author: Jonathan Brett

Publisher: Self-published

Publication Date: February 20, 2012

Genre: Horror

Reviewed by: Books4Tomorrow

Source: Free download

My star rating: 5/5

SUMMARY

During World War II, Captain Daniel Ryder is recruited for a secret mission behind enemy lines. All he knows is that a plane went down carrying a secret Nazi weapon and OSS wants it, and that he doesn’t trust the OSS operative who recruited him. He recruits a small team to go with him, close to Germany itself, and piggybacks on an Allied mission to get to his objective. That’s the last time everything goes to plan. Lost behind enemy lines, Ryder and his men realize that they’re facing something worse than they could have imagined – and a force of nature that the Nazis shouldn’t have been messing with. 

REVIEW

Most of you who follow my reviews know by now that I purchase a book based on its cover and I almost never read the blurb. This book was the exception. The cover didn’t sell it to me, but the blurb and title sure did. I should also mention that I’m not one for historical fiction either, so the attraction to this book for me was more the mystery element as to what relic these soldiers would discover and of course my suspicion that it might have something to do with the occult as it is rumored that Hitler took an interest in it.

The story starts on a mysterious note with an old priest giving Captain Daniel Ryder - an all-American farm boy GI - a strange cross hanging from a chain, on the day before Daniel is shipped out to fight Hitler. Along with this strange cross, he also gives Daniel a sinister warning: “You’re the one…There is death over there. Death that stalks many. Stalks you.” By this point in the chapter I was already hooked and had a couple of questions in desperate need of answers, so I soldiered on. While the priest were giving Daniel the cross and these warnings, he was also interrupting Daniel’s last date with his girlfriend, Genevieve, with whom he was breaking up before going to Germany to fight in the second world war. The moment the cross was pushed into his hand, Daniel instantly had a feeling that he wasn’t going to return from this war.

There are so many things I enjoyed about this book. It’s not solely focused on the main character, but also tells the story of each of Captain Daniel Ryder’s team mates while they’re out on their secret mission to recover the Nazis’ lost relic, which they have no idea what it is. They only know that it has the shape of a coffin and every recovery team sent to the crash site by the Germans, don’t return. Throughout the story I felt part of Ryder’s team and I felt the same fear they did each night they were chased through dark forests by mysterious, terrifying wolves with glowing eyes. I experienced their terror and felt like jumping out of my seat and shouting at them to watch out when they spent a night or two in deserted ghost towns in the middle of nowhere, far from civilization; not to mention the small village with the freaky people who buried their…well, you’ll have to find out for yourself. A gazillion weird things happen to the soldiers while they make a few bizarre discoveries in this village. By the time they came across an abandoned house in the middle of the woods which had close to a hundred crosses carved into its stone walls and a dead Nazi with a petrified expression on his face in the backyard, I was so twisted up in this plot with all its intrigue and suspense, I couldn’t read fast enough to get to the conclusion. It was that or risk heart failure from all the adrenaline pumping through me. Not only did I feel what they did, but I also got to know each of these eight men thanks to excellent character development meticulously done by the author. The suspense ate away at me as this group of GI’s discovered a traitor in their midst, and even more so the night they spent in the bell tower of an abandoned church in the middle of a thunderstorm, being hunted by a killer who also stalks them in their dreams. So much happens in this book that all the things I mention here is only the tip of the iceberg!

I suppose some would classify this as a horror, but as a huge fan of horror I’d still recommend it to readers who aren’t fans of the horror genre. Don’t get me wrong. This story is downright scary, but I think fans of historical fiction and paranormal addicts will enjoy this book immensely. If you’re a gamer (like me) who finished both Wolfenstein games, you’ll have a pretty good idea what you’re letting yourself in for reading Operation Blackheart. This story is not predictable and it doesn’t have a happy ending for some of the characters, but it does come to a superb, feel-good conclusion. It’s the first book I’ve read written by this author and I’m looking forward to reading many more of his books. Thrills and chills, and a read with a macabre twist that will take you back in time and place you in the center of World War II; this splendid novel by Jonathan Brett will without a doubt keep you awake for hours!

 

   

PURCHASE LINK

This book is FREE on SmashWords! Get it HERE.

AUTHOR LINK

Smashwords author page

REVIEW+SHORT EXCERPT: "PURSUING THE TIMES" - by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Title: “Pursuing the Times”

Author: Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Publisher: TKA Distribution

Publication Date: August 24, 2012

Genre: Literature, Humor

Reviewed by: Ellen Fritz

Source: Received from author for review

Ellen’s star rating: 5/5

SUMMARY

All that popular Chick-Lit author Mercury Lauren wants is to have one of her books reviewed by the New York Times Book Review - just one - and she'll do almost anything to get it. In this contemporary romantic comedy, with a nod toward Pride and Prejudice she crosses swords and hearts with the Editor-in-Chief of the NYTBR in a madcap adventure that takes her from her home in Westport to a yoga retreat to a golf course in Florida. Will she get what she wants and will she finally be happy if she does? Only one thing's for certain: nothing will stop her from Pursuing the Times.

REVIEW

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Pursuing the Times. When I wasn't laughing out loud, I was sitting with a permanent smile fixed to my face. Mercury Lauren will do anything to get her books reviewed by the New York Times. When she meets Frank D’Arcangelo, editor-in-chief of the New York Times Book Review, she targets him to review her next book. Such a pity then that the man wants nothing to do with chick-lit. From gate-crashing a yoga retreat to discuss Frank with her editor, Angel, to attempting to play golf at an exclusive golf course in order to make an impression on Frank, she will stop at nothing to get the desired review. One just wonders, is it the review or the reviewer being pursued?

The clever, witty and most of the time downright hilarious way in which the book is written captivated me from the start. Mercury, the main character, with her mercurial impulsiveness and sometimes sweet gullibility, endeared herself to me from the word go. Her amusing and often wise thoughts and inner dialogue is what makes this book such an outstanding read. Along her way to getting that much-desired review, she meets new people; some who become friends for life and some whose code of ethics prove to be extremely sick and twisted.

Mercury's family is also not exactly your run of the mill type and her disagreements with her brother, Ralph - no not the designer, is extremely funny. To make this book absolutely perfect, there is a bit of tastefully written romance to warm your heart.

Full of interesting facts about the publishing world and the ongoing dispute between literary and commercial fiction, Pursuing the Times is a fascinating read fully deserving of the five stars I give it. 

 

EXERPT

Literary and commercial fiction had been throwing spitballs at one another ever since man first got the idea into his head to tell made-up stories. The spitball dialogue went something like this:

Commercial: “I get no respect.”

Literary: “I get no sales.”

Commercial: “I’d really like some respect.”

Literary: “Then try writing something with deeper meaning.”

Commercial: “My books do have meaning!”

Literary: “I’d really like some money.”

Commercial: “Then try paying attention to plot for once.”

Literary: “No wonder you get no respect.”

Both sides of the debate of course ignored the fact that most books don’t fall neatly into one category or the other. Most books fall somewhere in the middle and the only reason a lot of books fall into literary rather than commercial is because they’re non-genre – meaning they’re not romance, horror, mystery etc – so nobody knows what the hell else to call them.

READ more REVIEWS

Pursuing the Times by Lauren Baratz-Logsted has 24 reviews on Goodreads. Read it here.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

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ABOUT the AUTHOR

Lauren grew up in Monroe, CT, where her father owned a drugstore at which her mother was the pharmacist. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut at Storrs, where she majored in psychology. She also has what she calls her “half-Masters” in English from Western Connecticut State University (five courses down, another five to go…someday!).

Throughout college, she worked semester breaks as a doughnut salesperson, a job that she swears gave her white lung disease from all the powdered sugar she breathed.

Upon graduation, she began work at the venerable independent spacebookseller, now sadly defunct as such, Klein’s of Westport. There, she bought and sold for the better part of 11 years.

In November 1994, Lauren left the bookstore to finally take a chance on herself as a writer. Success did not happen over night. Between 1994 and May 2002 – when Red Dress Ink called with an offer to buy THE THIN PINK LINE – Lauren worked as a book reviewer, a freelance editor and writer, and a window washer, making her arguably the only woman in the world who has ever both hosted a book signing party and washed the windows of the late best-selling novelist Robert Ludlum.

Since Red Dress Ink’s call in 2002, Lauren has been kept very busy with writing more novels and checking her Amazon ranking on a daily basis. She still lives in Danbury, with her husband and daughter, where she has lived since 1991.

In addition to writing, Lauren’s daughter keeps her busy, accounting for the rest of her time.

Lauren’s favorite color is green.

Lauren’s favorite non-cat animals are penguins.

Lauren wants you to know that, however you are pronouncing her last name, you are probably pronouncing it wrong.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website      *      Twitter      *      Goodreads      *      Amazon

BOOK BLAST & $50 GIVEAWAY: “MATT ARCHER: BLADE’S EDGE” – by Kendra C. Highley

Matt Archer: Blade's Edge

When Matt Archer was fourteen, he discovered monsters are real. As if that wasn’t enough to go on for a few decades, Matt also found out that he’d been chosen to hunt those monsters--with a sentient, supernatural knife. Now fifteen, Matt has spent the last year working with a clandestine military unit, trying to rid the world of monsters, demons and other vicious creatures, all while keeping it a secret from nearly everyone he knows back home in Billings.

Including his mom.

Add in a new girlfriend, family secrets, sibling drama and enough homework to sink an aircraft carrier, and Matt’s life has become more complicated than he ever imagined. Worse, the knife has developed some very definite opinions about Matt’s personal life and it interferes in his business whenever it wants. More and more, Matt’s coming to realize that sharing brain-space with a spirit kind of sucks.

When stories of decimated towns and hordes of zombies start pouring into the Pentagon from Afghanistan, Matt knows he’ll be called up soon. Between the new mission and the knife’s increasing control over his mind, Matt wonders if he’ll survive long enough to take his driver’s exam.

Review Quotes for Matt Archer: Blade’s Edge

“Blade's Edge is an exciting continuation of the Matt Archer series. Kendra Highley did not fall victim to the sophomore funk. She has written an emotional and power story about Matt's horrific journey to rid the world of monsters.” –Kinx’s Book Nook (Amazon)

“I enjoyed Matt Archer: Monster Hunter to the point I was picking it up every time I had spare moments (which are few in my home), but MA: Blade's Edge has blown me away! Ms. Highley has crafted a story that comes to life with vivid images, exciting adventures, and thrilling mishaps that add a touch of humor (driving test, anyone?)” –Kelly C. (Amazon)

“"Matt Archer Blade's Edge" more than delivers what a reader wants from a sequel. The tension and action are taken up a level, as are the mysteries and plot developments.

Best of all, you feel the time passing from book to book and see the characters really grow and change.” –Picky Reviewer (Amazon)

“The Matt Archer books are the best young adult books I've read since I was a young adult! Think Supernatural for a younger audience, but better. I'll be ordering paper copies for my Favorites shelf. Not to be missed!” Sarah G. (Amazon)

Buy Links for Blade’s Edge:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Smashwords * iTunes

Matt Archer: Monster Hunter

Fourteen-year-old Matt Archer spends his days studying Algebra, hanging out with his best friend and crushing on the Goddess of Greenhill High, Ella Mitchell. To be honest, he thinks his life is pretty lame until he discovers something terrifying on a weekend camping trip at the local state park.

Monsters are real. And living in his backyard.

But that's not the half of it. After Matt is forced to kill a strange creature to save his uncle, he finds out that the weird knife he took from his uncle's bag has a secret, one that will change Matt's life. The knife was designed with one purpose: to hunt monsters. And it's chosen Matt as its wielder.

Now Matt's part of a world he didn't know existed, working with a covert military unit dedicated to eliminating walking nightmares. Faced with a prophecy about a looming dark war, Matt soon realizes his upcoming Algebra test is the least of his worries.

His new double life leaves Matt wondering which is tougher: hunting monsters or asking Ella Mitchell for a date?

Review quotes for Matt Archer: Monster Hunter:

“Terrific page turner; I stayed up half the night reading it, and now I can't wait for the next installment.”  --Amelia Anne (Goodreads)

“The action is quick-paced, abundant and so much fun!!! I can't get over just how awesome of a read this book is; I can't wait for more!!!” --Danielle S. (Goodreads)

“I can't remember the last time I had this much fun reading a book. The eponymous narrator is a very likable and believable hero, the world is rich and detailed….

It has been a long time since I was a teenager, but I'm pretty sure that this book would appeal to an audience of all ages.” -- Misha B. (Goodreads)

“The action doesn't stop. Seriously! I was up until after 1am because I couldn't put it down!” --Riamachia (Amazon)

“It's funny - I thought I was too old for YA stories, and then I realised that I was just looking for the right kind of stories to hold my interest. This is one of those. If you're looking for vampires or angels or similar things that tend to make up YA novels at the moment, you won't find that here - you will, however, find something a bit more awesome.” –Sweartoad (Amazon)

Buy Links for Matt Archer: Monster Hunter:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Smashwords * iTunes

Author Kendra C. Highley

Kendra C. Highley lives in north Texas with her husband and two children. She also serves as staff to two self-important and high-powered cats. This, according to the cats, is her most important job. She believes chocolate is a basic human right, running a 10k is harder than it sounds, and that everyone should learn to drive a stick-shift. She loves monsters, vacations, baking and listening to bad electronica.

Twitter * Facebook 

Pinterest * Goodreads * Website

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 3/2413

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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BOOK BLAST & $50 GIVEAWAY: “STARSEED” – by Liz Gruder

Starseed

Author: Liz Gruder

ISBN: 978-1937178291

Publisher: WiDo Publishing

Published: February 2013

SUMMARY

Kaila Guidry has always known she is different. When she meets Jordyn Stryker at school, she finds out just how different.

Jordyn was born and raised far from Earth, a starseed, one of six new students sent to Louisiana's Bush High to learn human ways. But Jordyn didn't count on meeting someone like Kaila.

When Kaila is pushed to her limit by high school bullying and cruelty, Jordyn awakens her to a new reality—and to love. But to prove herself, Kaila must look the other way as the real purposes of the starseeds unfold.

As the horrific plan behind the starseed visit to Earth moves inexorably forward, Kaila and Jordan, caught in an impossible love, must determine where their true loyalties lie.

Praise

"You know from the opening paragraph that something very strange is going on… We see Kaila try to live the life of a normal teen, and we see her "otherness" pull her back into an increasingly tangled web of questions, deceit, and hidden intentions. Liz really shines as a writer, lining the closets and drawers of everyday life with spine-chilling suspense that springs out at you when you least expect it. Starseed is an entertaining read. I highly recommend."
--Patricia B. Smith. Author “What the Animals Tell Me” and “Fifty Shades of Santa” (clean romance fiction)

"Liz Gruder’s characters come alive through youthful, spunky narrative, and her headstrong heroine, Kaila Guidry, elicits a reader’s encouragement from the first page. Fans of Amanda Hocking will find themselves similarly transported into Gruder’s exploration of the dark sides of faith, love, higher dimensions, and, of course, high school." --Jadie Jones, young-adult fantasy author

Purchase

Publisher * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Amazon Kindle

Author Liz Gruder

As a youth, Liz Gruder saw a series of UFOs with her best friend while riding bikes. Ever since, she’s held a fascination for the stars. An avid reader, she used to hide under her covers and read with a flashlight. She has degrees in English and Psychology from Tulane University, a nursing license and a yoga certification. After going through Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Liz realized how short life is and is now slowly fulfilling her bucket list: she’s been to the Egyptian pyramids (totally awesome and thought provoking) and is now teaching yoga and writing speculative fiction. Starseed is her debut novel.

Goodreads * Twitter * Website * Blog * Facebook

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 4/7/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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MARCH BLOGGERS KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY

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Kindle Fire HD 7" + $50 Amazon Gift Card

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Last day to enter - 3/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Prize will be delivered in the form of the winners choice of either an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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