Friday, April 27, 2018

New Cover Reveal for About Time by B Cranford


It’s about time for this GORGEOUS new cover. . .

About Time might look different, but it's the same book on the inside—a book reviewers are calling a "must read", "perfect" and "worth the wait and the hype".

Title: About Time
Series: The Avenue #1
Author: B. Cranford
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 25, 2018


It’s all about timing . . .

Ten years. That’s how long Ashton Andrews spent wondering if she would ever have the family she craved, with a man who was apparently not the one.

Six weeks. Time spent patiently waiting, silently hoping and endlessly wondering if the decision she’d made to go it alone was the right one.

Nine months. Morning sickness, cravings and that constant need to pee are what Ashton has to look forward to, knowing that numbered are her days of being just one.

Fifteen years, eight days. An eternity ago were those unforgettable moments spent crushing on her brother’s best friend, yet her mind constantly turns to him—the one who got away.

The one who might yet be her one.

It’s probably about time she found out . . .

About Time is a contemporary romance featuring 30-something characters who know that life is short and know what they want.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38947575-about-time


• 99c for a Limited Time | Free with Kindle Unlimited •




B. Cranford is a proud Australian living in the USA, a lover of books, breadsticks and bed, and the mother of two children who are far too similar to their father for her liking. A lifelong reader, she dove into the romance genre on the recommendation of her best friend and hasn’t looked back since. Her debut novel, The Brightest Star, a second chance romance with (she hopes) heart and humor was released on July 13, 2017, which just so happened to be her birthday. Because if you release a book on your birthday, you get twice as much cake, and that can only be a good thing.





Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Am I wrong?

This will be probably one of my shorter posts. I am well known for rambling. To be honest, since this news piece aired, I've questioned it.

I went to reviewmeta.com and checked them out. I looked at how they 'analyzed' data.

And here's what is troubling...

Book Friends pay careful attention.

The criteria on ReviewMeta for grading a review as "Fail" or "Warn" can be influenced by the percentage of verified purchases.  Verified purchases being those items bought then reviewed.

In full disclosure, I do buy the majority of ARCs I receive, BUT NOT SOLELY ON AMAZON. There are other eRetailers I purchase from such as iBooks, Nook and Kobo. I'm am - or was - allowed to leave these editorial reviews on Amazon. Not now...

But Karen you say, Amazon according to Community Standards says:

"Book authors and publishers may continue to provide free or discounted copies of their books to readers, as long as the author or publisher does not require a review in exchange or attempt to influence the review."

Well, check my email and bank account. Because not ONCE has someone paid me or used any other influence to make my review what it is. I am a PICKY consumer and that includes Advanced Reader Copies. I know what I like, and sorry Amazon, I will be review what I like to read.

Based on Amazon's Community Standards, these 'free' copies of ARCs are allowed.

Now I bring into question Amazon's polices and policing that disallow or remove reviewers based on 'analytics' from companies such as ReviewMeta that CLEARLY do not account for this standard.

Am I wrong? Right now where I am standing, no.

Did I jump to conclusions? Possibly. But when Amazon REFUSES to support their reasons with clear transparency, I am allowed my jump.

Okay visit, read and form your opinion: GMA story on Fake Amazon Reviews




Time to take a stroll down The Avenue: About Time by B Cranford Release Day




Title: About Time
Series: The Avenue #1
Author: B. Cranford
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 25, 2018



Blurb

It’s all about timing . . .

Ten years. That’s how long Ashton Andrews spent wondering if she would ever have the family she craved, with a man who was apparently not the one.

Six weeks. Time spent patiently waiting, silently hoping and endlessly wondering if the decision she’d made to go it alone was the right one.

Nine months. Morning sickness, cravings and that constant need to pee are what Ashton has to look forward to, knowing that numbered are her days of being just one.

Fifteen years, eight days. An eternity ago were those unforgettable moments spent crushing on her brother’s best friend, yet her mind constantly turns to him—the one who got away.

The one who might yet be her one.

It’s probably about time she found out . . .

About Time is a contemporary romance featuring 30-something characters who know that life is short and know what they want.


ADD TO GOODREADS
My Review


Good god, y'all know I'm a sucker for second-chance. Add in one of my favorite #1click authors, and I'm there. This story delivered. I was charmed and entertained. 

What can I say about Ashton's story? She everything I want and imagine in strong female lead. She knows what she wants and doesn't allow social norms to dictate her journey. But then a delicious 'blast from the past' walks into her bar... and that friends -- all bets are off. 

B. Cranford once again gives us relatable characters that you cheer from your seats for a HEA. You understand Ashton's struggles, but not mired in unnecessary drama. Plus enter in main character, Mr X. Oh yeah, baby he is everything in an overprotective, alpha male you want. Or need. Or both - want and need. Okay, in short, you want to read this third full length novel from B. Cranford. She's reached her stride in storytelling, and I can't wait for more.

So - full disclosure - once you've read, and you SHOULD because this story is EVERYTHING in second-chance romance. I have a small, yet growing contingency of readers who want - no wait -demand we get an A&S story. Who is A&S ? HA! Like I'd be a spoiler and tell you! So pick up this book, devour it, and join the club. 5 out of 5 meet you at the Avenue stars




Purchase Links

99c for release day ONLY!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited






Author Bio


B. Cranford is a proud Australian living in the USA, a lover of books, breadsticks and bed, and the mother of two children who are far too similar to their father for her liking. A lifelong reader, she dove into the romance genre on the recommendation of her best friend and hasn’t looked back since. Her debut novel, The Brightest Star, a second chance romance with (she hopes) heart and humor was released on July 13, 2017, which just so happened to be her birthday. Because if you release a book on your birthday, you get twice as much cake, and that can only be a good thing.


Author Links

Monday, April 23, 2018


BID | GIVE | LIFT Wear | GIVEAWAY | List of Auction Items

The LIFT Auction is open for bidding!
Monday, April 23 - Friday, April, 27


It’s time! The LIFT 4 Autism auction is open for bidding until Friday, April 27, 5pm EST. A few bidding tips

1. You must register to bid. This connects any bids you make to an email address and alerts you if someone submits a higher bid, or ultimately if you have the highest bid when the auction closes and you win. Register, browse and bid here: http://bit.ly/LIFT2018Bid

2. US Only v. International. Before you bid on an item, please note if it is marked Domestic (US Only) or International. If you are outside the US, bid on and win an item marked US Only/domestic, the donor is not obligated to ship Internationally, and the bid will instead be awarded to the next highest eligible bid. 

3. There are about 350 items up for bid. For quick reference, you can view this rough list of items, or you can browse, scrolling from page to page, or you can use the search window to find a particular item.

4. When bidding closes, the person with the highest bid at that time is the winner and will be automatically alerted at the email address they used to register.

5. Pay for your bid when you receive the notification that you were the winning bidder. Failure to pay for the bid forfeits the item to the next highest bidder.

Don’t wanna bid? Here’s 2 other ways to give & be involved!

→Make a financial donation to Kulture City through the LIFT Campaign. (No amount is too small!) GIVE HERE: http://bit.ly/LIFT2018Give

 →Buy LIFT Wear (T-shirts, totes, mugs, etc…) All proceeds to Kulture City. http://bit.ly/LIFT2018Tee Just a few auction highlights:
All proceeds from the auction, TeeSpring campaign, and online donations go directly to Kulture City, our national charitable partner and the incredible work they do for ASD families. Learn more about their programs at kulturecity.org. Contact us at liftauction@gmail.com with questions.
Don’t miss a thing!
 

Monday, April 2, 2018

The Definition Of Breaking My Rules: Review of The Definition of Fflur by ES Carter

As of late, I have become a lazy and complacent blogger. Relying on the talents of others to hand over html so my blog posts are fancy. This book released without fanfare of blog tours and takeovers.  The author just hit publish and is hoping that readers will take a chance on her quirky character. This leaves me to my own devices, and you, my faithful followers, a review. 



Title: The Definition of Fflur
Author: ES Carter
Release Date: 3/30/2018
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2H7iWYE or
Free to Read with Kindle Unlimited



You can't choose your family.

Just like you can't stop the whispers of your heart.

When Fflur's parents' divorce, she has to find her place in not only her new family, but also the world. Her mother's deception and secret life cuts deep. Deep enough for Fflur to taste the bitterness of hate. But her connection to a boy that may or may not become her new stepbrother could well cause the deepest hurt of all. I'm Fflur - Flower to everyone who knows me - and this is the story of broken homes, shattered hearts, and stolen dreams.

It's the story of weeds and wishes , and the definition of a flower.


First, I will allow you to let that sink in what you read above. Because truly, if a blurb checks off all my no-no rules when selecting a book, it's right there in front of your eyes. 
  • It's a story of someone under the age of 25. YA and me are a no.
  • It's a story that is going to have some pretty heavy angst. No hearts and rainbow unicorns, and I'm out. 

But what if I get off the high horse of self imposed pickiness and actually gave the book a chance? Seriously, didn't I JUST complain about insta-love haters in a earlier blog post? Now, in full disclosure, I did beta read the story, and Ms. Carter gave me the opportunity to say no. Yet, I decided to take a chance on this awkward old soul who is the center of probably the most wonderful story that will grace your heart and mind. My earlier initial thoughts were radically changed:
  • It's a story of a girl trying to understand her world after it all comes apart. How it molds and shapes her as the reader experiences her life in coming of age. 
  • It's a story that will evoke a lot of feelings as you read: anger, shock, sympathy, loss, understanding and most of all great love. 


Many have asked and I have answered firmly: Yes, there is a HEA.  I know as a reader, Ms. Carter put me through hell - read that as yes she ACTUALLY made me cry - but there is a happily ever after in the end. I would never steer my fellow book friends into a non-HEA. 

But did you catch that? She made me cry. The person who watched Titanic and asked when the people drown. That piece of information should make you rethink any decision not to read this story. If someone's words can touch me so profoundly to move me to tears, it is well worth your time. 


ES Carter creates a world where your mind travels there. The characters play out their lives with vivid imagery. Her words are beautiful and brilliant. As a reader, you want to reach out to Fflur, counsel her in each misstep, hold her when she breaks, and praise her when she grows resilient. 


I think I'm done. Because honestly, there is nothing else that I can find that will tell you why you should read this story. It is something to be experienced, treasured, and most of all - shared with all your book friends. In short...



Here is where you can find ES Carter around social media to share how much you enjoyed her story. 


Facebook: ES Carter Author
Twitter: @escarterauthor
Amazon Author Page: ES Carter
BookBub: E.S. Carter
Website: ES Carter
Book+Main: Eli Carter