Cover Reveal - Diary of a Teenage Zombie

Well hello guys!
I must say I'm super excited to show you the cover for my brand new novel 'Diary of a Teenage Zombie'. This book is going to be a ripper - violence, sex and lots and lots of gory humour. I'm like a proud mama with this one, and thus, I've selected a cover to aptly represent poor old Katie Palmer and her Zombie-fied state.

Get it into you, get excited and get ready for an awesome literary adventure!

Synopsis:

Dear Diary. Today I ate the mailman. My bad.

Being seventeen is hard―Katie Palmer has to deal with school, pimples, hormonal boys, and malicious cheerleaders. After the Zombie Apocalypse, though, she no longer sweats the usual teenage drama.

Athletics star by day and flesh-eater by night, Katie’s done well to hide her transformation from friends and Zone-sanctioned security, but now someone or something’s onto her secret and if she doesn’t feed soon she’ll start falling apart.

Dead bodies are piling up and all the evidence points to Katie’s blood-stained hands. Will she end up killing the competition before security discovers she’s rotten underneath?

Book Review: Body Jump by K.C. Webb

Imagine this; a world where certain individuals have the ability to jump inside your mind, wander through your thoughts, feel what you feel - literally become you.
Body Jump explores such a notion with endless possibilities. Naturally, in the hands of a seedy low-life this 'gift' teeters on the edge of sexual depravity, but when Walker jumps inside the mind of a woman at the point of her own murder, he's never to be the same again. With each bloody slash of steel, the pain is unfathomable and the fear all encompassing. He's witnessed a murder, but who would believe him?
Susan Claw, all round seductive, hard-ass cop, has a hard time believing Walker's story. But after a little show-and-tell, and a quick rummage through the dangerous compartments of her mind, Walker makes a believer out of her.
The trick now is using this gift to her advantage. How can a sexual deviant like Walker be serious long enough to help them catch this killer? And what happens when the killer discovers their methods and tries to beat them at their own game, hunting them down like animals?
Needless to say this interesting concept is heavily explored and brilliantly executed. I even enjoyed Walker's perverted nature and incessant rambling. With one action-packed scene after the other and explosive moments of true terror, I had trouble putting the book down.
Characters were imaginative, underhanded and decidedly consistent in their roles. The imagery was descriptive and when combined with the no nonsense approach of the detectives involved in the case, the facts were clearly delivered and hard-hitting. With an unexpected twist at the end, I will happily be rating this novel four and a half fangs out of five.

Synopsis:
Susan Claw is a no nonsense, straight-talking homicide detective with a dark side and a penchant for licentious sex. But when a serial killer starts murdering his victims in the bedroom, Susan’s carnal cravings take a nose dive. She has witnessed horrific murder scenes before, but nothing compares to these gruesome killings. The killer has an unparalleled lust for blood and flesh, and will do anything to satisfy his unnatural appetite. Their only suspect, Walker, is a smart-mouthed sleaze who possesses the unique ability to body jump. He has seen the killer’s face but the truth is something the police won’t believe. As Susan and her partner continue their investigation they’re unaware that they’re being stalked by the serial killer they have dubbed “the butcher,” who has his own special plans for Susan. What will happen when Susan comes face to face with the butcher?

Book Review: The Shadow Of Tiamat by Sean Poindexter

Let me start this review with my laugh-out-loud moment. Picture this, a dark, stormy night and two dragons battling it out for supremacy - one trying to kill an innocent woman, the other in love with her. The sky is filled with the shadow of their menace and the surrounding scrub is littered with their spilt blood. While the human - Megan - watches on, the dragons fight using everything in their surroundings to inflict carnage.
Now, during this intense moment, a spined tail flicks out, secures Megan's car in it's grip and hoists it into the air, spinning it with impossible force and strength at its opponent. A semi-serious moment and Megan yells out, 'Hey! My purse was in there!'
I was seriously in stitches for about twenty minutes.
The Shadow Of Tiamat is a surprising novel, best described as a Paranormal Romance that puts Sean Poindexter right up there with some of the best - Kerri Arthur and Sherrilyn Kenyon.
I was surprised how easy the novel read, despite that I was originally prejudiced about a man writing romance from a woman's perspective. Granted Megan did like to touch herself a little more than a confused teenage boy, but the ever evolving emotions explored between characters, interlaced with the telling of what I believe will evolve into an interesting plot, sells the author's intent.
The Shadow Of Tiamat follows multiple person perspective so you are never shy of the action or any necessary information, though it does mostly follow the story of Megan - a human (or is she?) and Garrett - a dragon.
Pulled together by a twist in fate, Megan has already found herself entangled unknowingly in the world of supernatural element. Discovering Garrett's secret and opening her mind to the possibilities of his existence also invites the acceptance of other creatures and their agendas.
Mostly a novel wrapped in the heady scent of sex and romance, there are some strong foundations for a an easy continuation in the series. With the introduction of vampiric elements and a seriously twisted agenda from higher ranking dragons, Sean Poindexter has crafted a novel with enduring possibilities.
Although I did cringe at some of the character interactions - jarred by the sometimes inconsistent use of language and often confusing switch between demure female lead, and dirty porn-mouth sex kitten, I still rather enjoyed the intensity of the romance, the solidarity of Garrett and his character consistency, as well as the off-hand commentary that regularly made me laugh or smile.
I happily rate this novel three out of five fangs.

Synopsis:

On a dark Ozark highway, two souls meet in tragedy and find their lives are connected to things bigger than them both. Megan Crunk, a social worker from Joplin, uncovers vampires preying on a small community. That same day, she meets Garrett, a fascinating stranger who is clearly more than he seems. But, as Meg slowly learns, so is she...
Garrett Terago is an ancient dragon, and until now, content with the secluded Ozark mountains. Disguised as a human, but rarely paying them heed, until he meets Megan. He offers her love and protection from the vampires but can he keep her safe from his own kind? 
War looms between the dragons. Some long for a time lost to prehistory, when they were worshiped as gods, masters of the world. Somehow, Garrett is instrumental to their plans and Megan is in their way.

Book Review: Fifty Shades Darker by EL James

Fifty Shades of Grey was an eyeopener for me. I'd never read a book so sexually forward, exploratory and psychologically twisted in so many ways. I found it fascinating to read about an obsessive control freak and an uptight virgin who both find common ground, but Fifty Shades Darker explores new terrain, a twist in the path of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey I never expected.
(Read Fifty Shades Of Grey Review Here)
Fifty Shades Darker picks up right from where book one ends - Anastasia a sobbing mess, wallowing in self-pity and pining after the mercurial Mr Grey, regret somehow resurfacing in her recent decision to end the madness of their whirlwind, confusing and somewhat sinister affair.
Not surprisingly they find their way back to each other, Christian still overwhelmingly overbearing and controlling, though resolved to the prospect of change - a fairy-tale expectation for a man seriously haunted by the darkness of his past. Ana of course is dancing on the precipice of once again losing her identity to Christian's possession, blinded by her love and essentially coerced into every decision making process with mind blowing and often kinky sex.
Oh my ... if only we were all so lucky. (insert sarcasm here)
Although I did enjoy the continuation in this series, I was surprised that the author felt compelled to change the most complex and interesting character within the story. Christian Grey is fifty shades of f@#ked up, thus the basis of his appeal, and really, the only evolving story within an otherwise pretty simple and underwhelming plot. However, we see Christian start to shrug some of his domineering ways in exchange for warm and fuzzy sentiments released via Anastasia's earlier exit from the relationship. Suddenly this very complex and unpredictable man starts to morph into the expectations of romance readers everywhere - heartfelt, sentimental and sensitive.
Bring back the traits we love to hate!
The overall writing style is polished though not exactly littered with descriptive content or creative flair. The characters and ongoing drama somehow reel you back in for more, and as I've said, I did enjoy it, just not necessarily the direction the story took. I rate this book three out of five fangs, a good book, but not necessarily as great, surprising or dramatic as the first.

Synopsis:
Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades. While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront her anger and envy of the women who came before her and make the most important decision of her life. Erotic, sparkling and suspenseful, Fifty Shades Darker is the irresistibly addictive second part of the Fifty Shades trilogy.

Book Review: Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James

Where do I even start? Fifty Shades of Grey is like nothing I have ever read before. Yes, I have heard that this is Twilight fan fiction (though I don't know how anyone can really draw parallels between the two), and that it's soft-core porn and in some instances, vulgar and badly written. The only thing I can respond to those statements with is that you didn't read the same book that I did.

Yes, I cannot deny that Fifty Shades of Grey is littered with sexual content. No, I will not deny that some of the acts performed are seriously confronting and outside most comfort zones. But what I will say, is that the writing is the all important vehicle for a platform of choices between a somewhat damaged man and a seemingly innocent woman.

Confused? Let me start at the beginning.

Fifty Shades of Grey is a very cleverly written book focusing solely on the power play between Christian Grey,a self-made multi millionaire with a troubled past, and Anastasia Steele, a doe-eyed college graduate with aspirations in the publishing industry.

As directly scribed by EL James herself, Mr Grey if fifty shades of fucked up. He is possessive, emotionally withdrawn and used to getting exactly what he wants, and what he wants in this instance, is the virginal Anastasia - a conquest not quite ready to submit to the whims of his extensive dark side and the punishment that lack of submission rallies.

At first I hated the character of Christian Grey. I believed him to be depraved and overwhelmingly suffocating. I even abhorred Anastasia's lack of strength in her own resolve, flawed that a pretty face had weakened her own moral code and persuaded her to be treated in such a manner. But then something happened as I continued to read. It occurred to me that the real story was not the need for sexual dominance or submissive behaviour as long drawn out chapters of hasty and often overwhelming confronting acts would have you believe. It wasn't even about winning small victories in word play and contractural arrangements. This book was about two people drawn together by an all consuming passion and a mutual loneliness destined to self-destruct when the wanting of something they so desperately sought in the other, remained unattainable via their own admission of unrealistic expectations.

Yes, I saw something in each of these characters I had not expected the writer to show me - strength in Anastasia and a blossoming of self-awareness that may ultimately make her even more dangerous than Christian Grey. In the dominant, Christian Grey - ultimate submission, that aching desperation for acceptance to be consumed entirely by the love of someone without an agenda.

Fifty Shades of Grey is a novel about self-worth and self-awareness. I found myself opening to it like a flower, drinking in the fifty shades of its undertones and somehow floored by the level of enjoyment I received. I will be picking up the next two novels in this series, though diabolically different from my typical read, I feel I must know how this story ends, and I must understand why I could not book the book down.

I rate this story five fangs purely based on the shock factor, constant revelations, and the surprising undertone of such simple, yet surprisingly complex characters. I was intrigued, appalled and yet ...

Let me know what you think.

Synopsis:

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine,she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time.

The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realise she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance, it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana's quiet beauty, wit , and independent spirit, Grey admits that he wants her - but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success - his multinational business, his vast wealth, his loving adopted family - Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embark on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.

Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent master? And if she does, will she love what she finds?

Kristy :)

Book Review: The Seven Steps to Closure by Donna Joy Usher

Let me just start off by saying that I don't usually do Chick-Lit. I've never been really interested in girly dramas, boy bantering, and the inevitable over-discussed shopping sprees. I'm a supernatural fiction fan all the way - horror, suspense, a smattering of romance, and of course, vampires! So, when the Seven Steps to Closure was recommended to me by a friend, I thought to myself. Come on, woman, be brave, try something new, particularly in light of the good press it's so far receiving.
Alas, I downloaded this little bargain from kindle for $2.99 and sat back with a dubious expression undoubtedly planted across my face. But, as I was slowly woven into the world of Tara Babcock and her endearing friends, I found myself, shall we say ... hooked.
Yes, imagine my surprise as I laughed continuously at this seemingly disastrous protagonist, her psychologically deranged pets, and her saddened yet eternally optimistic view of her less than perfect dating experiences.
Let me lay it out for you quickly. Tara Babcock has had a rough year. Her philandering husband is out of the picture but her heart persists on dragging its ventricles, unable to obtain closure. Cue three very different, yet well-meaning friends and you have Tara with a new mission - obtaining the seven steps to closure thanks to an elaborate article in a gossip magazine. Get a new haircut, get a new wardrobe, start a new hobby, have meaningless sex (yes, you heard me), travel to an exotic destination, have meaningful sex (yes, you heard me twice), and obtain closure.
It all sounds pretty straight forward, doesn't it? Not with Tara at the helm.
Needless to say the author cleverly explores Tara's progress through each chapter, shaping the character into the disastrous but endearing creature that makes you smile at every witty one-liner and inevitable upset. Flanked by a smartly interwoven sub-plot pertaining to each individual friend and you have more than just a story surrounding one desperate woman's journey to leave the past behind. Throw in a trip to India and all the idiosyncrasies that come with stolen shoes, crazy bandits, Dehli Belly, and ... meaningful sex - you have yourself a very entertaining little novel.
My only criticism is that sometimes the protagonist does highlight a little too much background information on elements that do not necessarily add to the story, simply slow it down. There was also a small lack of interchanging expressions and emotions from character interaction, but this in no way dimmed my enjoyment of this novel. From a self-published author I am extremely impressed by the attention to detail and the clear passion shown in research and character development. Overall, I can honestly say that I loved this book and will probably read more from this author in the future.
I will happily give it five fangs for surprising the hell out of me and proving me wrong about chick-lit!


Synopsis:
Tara Babcock awakes the morning after her thirtieth birthday with a hangover that could kill an elephant, and the knowledge she is still no closer to achieving closure on her marriage break up. Things go from bad to worse when she discovers that, not only is her ex-husband engaged to her cousin - Tash, the woman her left her for - but that Jake is also running for the Lord Mayor of Sydney.
Desperate to leave the destructive relationship behind and with nothing else to lose, she decides, with the encouragement of her three best friends, to follow the dubious advice from a magazine article - closure in seven easy steps.


Kristy :)