The Cuckoos of Batch Magna by Peter Maughan

Type: Novel

Genre: Humour

Price: $4.69

Where to Get It:

Amazon   

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The Cuckoos of Batch Magna

When Sir Humphrey Miles Pinkerton Strange, 8th baronet and huntin’ shooting’ and fishin’ squire of the village of Batch Magna in the Welsh Marches, departs this world for the Upper House (as he had long vaguely thought of it, where God no doubt presides in ermine over a Heaven as reassuringly familiar as White’s or Boodle’s), what’s left of his decaying estate passes, through the ancient law of entailment, to distant relative Humph, an amiable, overweight short-order cook from the Bronx.

Sir Humphrey Franklin T Strange, 9th baronet and squire of Batch Magna, as Humph now most remarkably finds himself to be, is persuaded by his Uncle Frank, a small time Wall Street broker with an eye on the big time, to make a killing by turning the sleepy backwater into a theme-park image of rural England – a vacation paradise for free-spending US millionaires.

But while the village pub and shop, with the lure of the dollar in their eyes, put out the Stars and Stripes in welcome, the tenants of the estate’s dilapidated houseboats are above any consideration of filthy lucre and stand their ground for tradition’s sake … and because they consider eviction notices not to be cricket.

Each disgruntled faction sees the other as the unwelcome cuckoo in the family nest.

So, led by randy pulp-crime writer Phineas Cook, and Lt-Commander James Cunningham DSO, DSC and Bar, RN (ret) – a man with a glass eye for each day of the week, painted with scenes from famous British naval victories and landscapes that speak of England – the motley crew run up the Union Jack and battle ensign and prepare to engage.

But this is Batch Magna, a place where anything might happen. And does …

Quotes from what the reviewers had to say:

‘A lovely British story …
THE CUCKOO’S OF BATCH MAGNA by Peter Maughan is going to become one of the most beloved books of the decade …This is a story that will restore your weary soul.’ Customer reviewer jwillis

‘…You will never forget how it made you feel.’ Customer reviewer Mark V Williams.

‘A masterpiece that is breathtaking in its scope …’ Customer reviewer Orian J. Harman

It Began With Ashes by D. E. M. Emrys

Type: Novella

Genre: Fantasy

Price: $2.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon  

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Peace in Wroge came at a price.
The cost?
War.

Wroge was divided by the Saive War. The Arneuton kingdom enslaved the Keltir clans into their invasion, and swept across the territory, converting and culling conscripting the weak, culling the strong. Five Years of war, the blood of four races, millions of deaths. The Arneut conquered. The Keltir were released from their imprisonment, but the Vikir and Narz were forever banished from Wroge’s borders.

Draven fought for peace. He fought another man’s war and paid for his freedom in blood. But even peace comes with its price. Taxes to another man’s king. Draven’s fight might have ended with the Saive War, but the struggle to afford safety for his family is far from over.

When the Vikir threaten Wroge’s northern border they come with a debt of their own. And it’s not taxes they’re after. They come because of the Keltir’s betrayal in the Saive War. They come from blood.

But Wroge’s fate won’t be decided by ageing warriors and old grudges. The lives of four young men, divided by peace, united by conflict, will shape the future of the war torn land.

‘It Began With Ashes’ is the story of how life’s greatest struggle is to accept who you are – a tale of broken promises, bitter grudges, and brotherhoods bound in blood.

What they’re saying about it:

“The book is a fantastic escape from the dullness of every day life and I can’t wait for the next instalment. ”–BrennaRaven

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“The characters are fun and unique, and the imagery is excellent. ”–ATA

Killing Nazis by Nikos Kalpakis

Type:  Short story

Genre: Thriller

Price: 0.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon       Smashwords    

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Themis is a burnout painter who stumbles on a crime scene. Ali, one of his black neighbours, is brutally stabbed to death in an alley in Thessaloniki. Themis spots two Neo-Nazis lurking nearby and then it hits him: inspiration courses through him and he creates a masterpiece. Themis craves inspiration as much as the truth though…. But is inspiration worth dying for?

What they’re saying about it:

I was pulled into the story and in the end I wished to have more. The action in this book was so good and just enough for me to have a small adrenaline rush.

I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars because although it was very well written and the depth of development was good, I personally am not a massive fan of violence in books. However, I would recommend this read and believe that it is a brilliant look into the human psyche and also a fast paced, action packed story.

Blood and Groom by Jill Edmondson

Genre: Mystery
Blurb:
Where to Get It:

Amazon 

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“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something dead!” And: “Always a bridesmaid, never a suspect.”

This is the first in a series.  Books 2 and 3 have been published.  Book 4 is on the way.

The books have been optioned for development as a TV series.

Love Me For Me by Kate Laurens
Genre: Contemporary Romance/ New Adult
Price: $2.99
Where to Get It:

Amazon

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Blurb: A fresh start…

It’s been three years since Serena King  learned to say no–no to the boys that were a desperate cry for help, no to the  extra weight she put on in self defense, and most of all no to the abuse that  has haunted her since she was fifteen. Now a sophomore in college, all she wants  is to be normal. The last thing she expects is a guy who can make her want,  well, everything.

A new  guy…

Alex Blackthorn is a bundle of contradictions,  a sexy dark haired badass who goes slow… deliciously slow. And despite the  iron will that has gotten her through the last few years, Serena finds herself  unable to ignore the heat that sizzles between them whenever they’re  together.

A dark  past…

Serena never thought she could be involved in  a relationship, but Alex makes her long for things she thought were out of her  reach forever. When he finds out her secret… when he finds out what she did to  keep herself sane… will he still want her, or he will treat her just like  everyone else?

And Alex has secrets of his own.

What they’re saying about it:

“I stayed up until 3am to finish this book—it’s that good! If you want  something that will pull at your heartstrings and make you root for the main  characters–this is it. Love! Love! Love! Kate Laurens has a bright future in  the New Adult Genre! I’m eagerly waiting her next book and can’t wait to see how  far she will go!”
Rachel Van Dyken, New York Times and USA Today  Bestselling Author of The Bet and the Devil Duke takes A Bride

“If I  ever did a New Adult romance novel, I hope to do as well as Kate Laurens’  debut!”
New York Times, USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author Sara  Fawkes

The Inadvertent Thief by Leti Del Mar

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Price: $2.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon   Barnes & Noble     Smashwords     Kobo

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As a security specialist, Vivien Flowers is a perfectionist. So when two very important paintings she had been hired to protect are stolen, her  highly structured world is turned upside down and she must get them  back. It’s too bad art theft is not very high on the Los Angeles Police  Department’s list of priorities. So when Vivien is joined by a handsome  insurance agent eager to prevent the multi-million dollar claim from  being paid, they use any means necessary to track down the location of  the stolen paintings. But is Vivien willing to become a thief herself to get the paintings back? The answer leads her on a journey of intrigue,  deceit, crime and even love as she travels from Los Angeles to Paris and discovers the true brilliance she is capable of.

What they’re saying about it:

I totally loved it! defiantly not my usual type of read. I was a bit  skeptical at first but intrigued by the storyline. Leti Del Mar tells a  story that captures you and then doesn’t let go, I couldn’t put the  story down! Vivian is an amazing character who is so determined, witty,  hardheaded, but at the same time easily hurt. She blends well into the  world of art and security, and when she meets Walt/Nathan the book  couldn’t get any better!

Black Forest by David Thayer
Genre: Thriller
Price: $2.99
Where to get it:

Amazon  *

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In post war Europe Arthur Murray hunted Nazis. In post war America  Arthur is home from the war, working as an insurance investigator in  Manhattan. It’s the era of the space program and rockets that will one  day carry us to the moon.  The scientists working on the Redstone  project include Germans who worked on the V2 program at places like  Peenemunde; one of them is targeted for abduction by the Israelis and  Arthur finds himself caught between opposing forces. For him it’s a  journey back in time, but now it seems the Nazis are hunting him.
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“BLACK FOREST accomplishes what you hope every historical thriller will do. The pages flying by, you’re drawn in by its serpentine plot–but before long you’ve been seduced, willingly, into a world that is as exhilarating as it is deeply haunting. A bravura achievement.”–Megan Abbott, Edgar-winning author of Queenpin
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“My test with debut novels lies in assessing the confidence of the writer, and David Thayer shows that in spades with BLACK FOREST. This is a fascinating historical thriller, driven forward with terse, hardboiled narration, but capturing time and place and the haunting power of the past with ease. BLACK FOREST is an original piece of work by a writer with talent, poise, and that great key, confidence. David Thayer has every right to be confident. He’s written a damned fine novel.” Michael Koryta, author of The Prophet.

Awake in the Mad World by Damon Ferrell Marbut

Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Coming of Age

Price: .99

Where to get it:

Amazon  

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Pete Rattigan is a frustrated young newspaper journalist caught up in uncertainty of the post-graduate “real world”. One night, one seemingly minor encounter sparks a philosophical journey which leads him to discover that in the most beautiful or even cruel moments of life, the power of friendship explains the power of the universe. And that perhaps there is no such thing as chance. With force, humor and sensitivity Damon Ferrell Marbut presents his debut, Awake in the Mad World, which frees its audience to believe again in the wildness of the young American heart, how it beats just to prove that it will always survive and succeed on its own terms.

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What they’re saying about it:

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“The book is rich with the complexities of the human experience.”

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“Marbut’s novel is a beautiful, thoughtful read.”

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“It’s not often that a book touches me as much as ‘Awake in the Mad World’ has.”

Carpe DiEmily (Part 1): A Free Romantic Comedy Chick Lit Adventure by Riley J. Ford

Genre: romance, chick lit, comedy

Price: Free

Where to Get It:

Amazon     Barnes and Noble     Kobo    iTunes  

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Emily Keane has her life all planned out. She’s played by the rules and never stepped outside her box, and now she will finally be rewarded with everything she always dreamed of: a job promotion, a fiance, and a future she can count on.
But when her perfectly planned world falls apart, Emily is plunged into the wildest year of her life.

From the beaches of California to Jamaica, New  York, and Europe, Emily finds herself on a madcap race against time, running from an unscrupulous organ broker who wants her dead, all the while checking items off her unusual bucket list. On top of it all, she’s falling in love with the most unlikely person, a man who can never return her feelings . . . but will
his friendship be enough?

Confronting one hilarious misadventure after another, Emily finally learns who she really is and how to seize the day . .

What they’re saying:

“Smart, fast, and hilarious, with characters Hollywood A-listers would kill to play, I would highly recommend this book to anyone with a sense of humor.” –Pamela Winslow Kashani, Tony-Award winning producer and Broadway actress

“Wacky comedic adventure with the same feel as Bridget Jones’s Diary. Buckle your seat belts and prepare for a fun ride!” –Julie Peters, avid reader and book lover

“Fast paced, beautifully written & so jam-packed with twists, turns & witty dialogue – this is an “un-putdownable read” –Mari-Clare, Amazon reviewer

The Seals of Abgal by Woelf Dietrich

Type: Novella

Genre: Paranormal/urban fantasy

Price: $1.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon

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Bookstore owner and novice antiquarian, Sebastian Kaine is proud of his new profession and even prouder still of the collection of antique books on the occult that he keeps locked away in the basement of his bookstore. But his little utopia implodes when he wakes up in that same basement, bound and bloodied, and his prized collection all but destroyed. Making matters worse are the two strange men responsible for the carnage. They want The Seals of Abgal and insist Sebastian has it. Though he denies having any knowledge of the book, Sebastian soon finds himself at the receiving end of a violent interrogation–one, he fears, he may not survive. As he fights to stay alive, Sebastian will learn that The Seals of Abgal is no ordinary grimoire, and these men are no ordinary thugs.

What they’re saying:

“This book is brilliantly written and the author has a true talent of painting a picture with his words….I was in the book with the characters and every sight, sound and smell was vivid and real to me.” – Beverley Hollow, 5 star review

“… What a cool, engrossing story… The writer made me feel like I was right there in the basement with him” – Tania, 5 star review

“[The Seals of Abgal] is so well written and compelling that it draws the reader in and becomes impossible to put down.” ~Scott Wieczorek, Wieczorek Fiction Blog