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Support Four Debut Authors Promo and Contest

11/28/2011

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Support Four Debut Authors and Snag $125!

Four books

Two Days

Great Prizes

With this contest, there is something for everyone and it’s SO simple to be in on the winning!

On November 28 and/or 29, purchase 1 or all 4 of the debut author’s books listed here. Then forward proof of purchase (the receipt Amazon sends you will do just fine) to : motionsrider@yahoo.ca and get up to 4 entries into a draw for a $100 Amazon gift card!

It’s that easy, no reviews, no hoops to jump through. Just a great .99 book or two. Or three or four. AND, if the person who wins the $100 Amazon Gift Card has purchased all 4 books, an additional $25 Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to the winner!

On top of that, 2 random commenter’s picked from 2 of our participating blogs will receive $5 gift Amazon gift cards . So, be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think of the promo, the books, or the authors.

Winners will be chosen randomly, one entry per person, per book.

All winners will be announced on December 7th on Wringing Out Words (http://shannonmayer.blogspot.com)

“Between” by Cyndi Tefft

It just figures that the love of Lindsey Water's life isn't alive at all, but the grim reaper, complete with a dimpled smile, and Scottish accent.

After transporting souls to heaven for the last 300 years, Aiden MacRae has all but given up on finding the one whose love will redeem him and allow him entry through the pearly gates.

Torn between her growing attraction to Aiden and heaven's siren song, Lindsey must learn the hard way whether love really can transcend all boundaries.

Link: http://www.amazon.com/Between-ebook/dp/B004XZUMBA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1322190792&sr=1-1

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“Until Dawn: Last Light” by Jennifer Simas

When darkness falls, whose side will you be on?

For the past six years, Zoë has been anything but “normal.” Struggling to accept her immortality and thrown into a war that’s been waging in the shadows for over a thousand years, Zoë must now become who she was meant to be, joining the other Chosen to save what’s left of humanity. When the endless night falls over the Earth, will she be able to save the one man who reminds her of what it is to be human, or will it be too late?

Until Dawn: Last Light is a story of death and despair, love and longing, hope and hopelessness, and the ability to survive and keep going even when it seems impossible – when you want nothing more than to give up.

Link- http://www.amazon.com/Until-Dawn-Last-Light-ebook/dp/B005QUIXJY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1322190717&sr=1-1

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“The Kayson Cycle” by Jonathan D. Allen

A stranger enters a dying town and makes a desperate plea…

The Kayson Cycle introduces the Kayson Brothers, a pair of faith healers who once wowed crowds in a traveling show but went their separate ways after a night in which a healing took a dark turn. Jeffrey Kayson disappeared into the wilderness and William Kayson, wracked by guilt, moved to the failing mining town of Calico Hills to build a nice, quiet life – one that has lasted for over ten years.

His quiet, predictable life crumbles when a mysterious stranger walks into his tavern bearing a proposal to find his long-lost brother and do the one thing that William has sworn to never do again - have his brother heal a woman. William soon learns that he can’t escape his family – or his destiny.

Includes an exclusive sample chapter of The Corridors of the Dead. Please note that this is a Kindle Single, and around 6,000 words in length.

Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Kayson-Cycle-ebook/dp/B0061FDUA0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1322190892&sr=1-1

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“Sundered” by Shannon Mayer

A miracle drug, Nevermore, spreads like wildfire throughout the world allowing people to eat what they want, and still lose weight. It is everything the human population has ever dreamed of and Mara is no different. Only a simple twist of fate stops her from taking Nevermore.

As the weeks roll by, it becomes apparent that Nevermore is not the miracle it claimed. A true to life nightmare, the drug steals the very essence that makes up humanity and unleashes a new and deadly species on the world that is bent on filling its belly. Locked down within their small farm home, Mara and her husband Sebastian struggle against increasingly bad odds, fighting off marauders and monsters alike.

But Sebastian carries a dark secret, one that more than threatens to tear them apart, it threatens to destroy them both and the love they have for each other.

Now Mara must make the ultimate choice. Will she live for love, or will she live to survive?

Link: http://www.amazon.com/Sundered-Nevermore-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B005KOIVH0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1315021535&sr=8-3

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1 Comment

Book Review - The Gift of Joy by Valerie Maarten

11/23/2011

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I literally just finished this book about thirty seconds ago and, usually I sleep on a book for a day before reviewing it, but I didn't want to do that this time.

The Gift of Joy by Valerie Maarten, in it's short 107 pages, packs a powerful punch and touches a wide range of emotions.

I'm a sucker for a good romance story and this, like I Loved You First by Reena Jacobs, is one of those. The story revolves around a girl named Joy who, when she's 6 years old, has three things - one of which is great and the other two very un-great - happen to her and they both have a profound effect on the rest of her life.

Domestic violence is a major issue in this book and one that is handled very well and realistically and shows you what can happen to some of the biggest victims of domestic violence, the children that see/experience it. The theme of domestic violence is married with a simple and wonderful love story that has to be read to be believed.

I LOVED this book! Highly recommended.

5 stars!

Find more about Valerie Maarten by visiting http://vmaarten.blogspot.com/ 

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Book Review - Committed by John W. Mefford

11/22/2011

2 Comments

 
Hello everyone.

Today's book review of Committed: The Michael Doyle Chronicles Book One by John W. Mefford is an outstanding book.

What starts off as a mystery involving a young woman's death leads to some most interesting plot developments that will keep you hooked from the initial prologue until the very last page.

The main focus of the story is Michael Doyle who, through incidents I won't dare spoil here, makes it a mission to uncover what really happened to the murdered woman. I personally liked Michael's character (as well as most all of the characters in the book) as he was written as a real person and I could relate to all of his actions in the book.

The pacing of the book is wonderful and the twists and turns that pop up are very welcomed. I highly recommend this book.

5 Stars.

Read more about John W. Mefford and find out how to get your copy of Committed by visiting http://www.johnwmefford.com/
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2 Comments

Book Review - Dark Edge by Dmytry Karpov

11/17/2011

3 Comments

 
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Welcome. Today's book selection is a collection of short stories by author Dmytry Karpov entitled Dark Edge. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I initially started reading but I am happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised with what I found.

The book starts off perfectly with what ended up being my favorite story of the book, a story about a man about to commit suicide entitled "Dark Edge". I won't ruin the "why" he's decided to commit suicide but I will say that the ending was EXCEPTIONAL and completely threw me for a loop.

The unexpected is a good theme of the book as very few of the stories end like you think they will. You'll have it in your mind that one thing is going to happen and then you're completely hit over the head with something else. Even at the few times where something does end up like you thought it would, as it did in another one of my faves, a story named "Heart Shaped Gift," it's still an enjoyable ride.

All in all the book is a very solid piece of work and definitely will be worth your time. While reading the stories reminded me of something you would see on "The Twilight Zone" so, if you liked that show, you will love this book.

Find more on the author (and where to purchase the book) by visiting http://dmytrykarpov.blogspot.com/ 

4 out of 5 stars!

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Poetry Challenge #5 - Love

11/17/2011

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Artist: Demetrice Prince
Title:
Love Lost

I wake up thinking of you
I fall asleep
thinking of you...
The space in between
is filled with emptiness
and unspoken
broken promises
that were never made
shall never come to pass

My heart calls for you
but hears not a sound
except for the breaking
of itself
The tearing of its soul

As it once was...
alone
It is again...
half of a whole

Artist: Benjamin Jones
Title: Untitled

So beautiful but capable of so much pain
We all go through it again and again
We rack our brains, sometimes in vain
Trying to catch lightning in a bottle can be a strain
It's a cruel game, driving one insane
For one peek at the sun we stand in the rain
The one thing I have of real value that remains
I want to give to her, my last name
I don't know how to explain
 
She doesn't believe it but we were made for each other
For me there can never be another
I said the wrong things and my words they cut her
She got so angry that when she tried to talk she began to stutter
Tears ran down her cheeks and out loud she wondered
How could you love me with the words that you just uttered?
 
I said nothing. Stunned silence. I had no words to say
Before I knew it she was out the door, my love had ran away
I called and left  her messages every night and every day
Saying that it couldn't be over, with me she had to stay
Now I have no other options, there's nothing left to do but pray
For one more face to face opportunity to say....
 
I love you.

Artist: Varrsity
Title: Untitled

Love is profitable, lucrative, and commercial
damaging my wallet
even more damaging to my optics
Beauty shouldn't cost money
But every time I stare at you,
My orbs
would explore with fascination
with no explanation
I applied for the job
now wishing you would have ignored my application.


Why should I have to splurge on these Man Made Holidays?
First, its the Hallmark cards: Those aren't my words
but you cherish them and claim that my poetry is boring
every time I recite, I peep you yawning.
Then its the box of chocolates that sit idle in a box that's heart shaped
wait,
I thought you were allergic?
Third, a dinner and a movie,
taking overpriced pictures in the booth
with hopes that they come out perfect
while the entire time I'm hoping that you notice that I'm perfect
not literally, but figuratively
I wish you knew the old me.
I'm not saying that I was a dog and all
but never before had i allowed a woman
to stress me out to the point where I'm constantly popping Tylenol.
You pick fights, and like a dummy, I try to make up
By buying you more bullshit
that will eventually end up in the back of the closet
collecting dust
I've had enough.
Call me AFTER the holiday
and most definitely not on my payday.
Love is profitable.
Love spelled backwards is EVOL (Evil)
and it can leave you miserable.

Artist: Julie Harris
Title: Untitled

Sitting in a room,
Someone says the word
"love."
Inevitably,
Some will blush,
Some only think of mush.
That's what being "in love"
Should be
Or at least
By Fairy Tale Standards.
But let's start showing love for real,
Not only on good days,
But when we feel
Like sayin
"I can't stand you
Or the things you do,
You chew too
Freakin loud!"
Sometimes love is being
Curled up in the bed
Surrounded by tissues
Coughing, sick, all kinds of other issues,
But they're bringing you
Chicken noodle soup,
Keeping Maury in the loop
On your DVR.
Maybe love tells you
Exactly what you need to hear,
Even if you don't like it.
Love wipes your tears,
Calms your fears,
Love is being comfortable.
True love makes you better.
It helps you weather the storms.
And there will be storms...
Maybe she does make you mad.
But, does she make you laugh?
Do you want to tell her whenever
Anything happens,
Good or bad?
Do you want to be 75,
Still always seeing her smile?
Can you imagine aruging with anyone else?
Love isn't that fairy tale.
Not always mushy stuff.
Just both of you,
Curled up on separate ends of the couch with pens and paper
With a glass of wine
On a Saturday night
Writing your respective genres
Watching the fight.
*that's love*



0 Comments

Book Review - Married 2 Struggle by Varrsity

11/8/2011

2 Comments

 
Married 2 Struggle, the debut novel from writer (and, I must add, friend of mine - I did purchase my copy of the book to support) Varrsity is a thoroughly enjoyable read! I'm not the biggest fan of "urban fiction" but I was very surprised by what Varrsity has crafted.

Filled with very relatable characters and circumstances the story weaves several threads together, all culminating in an ending that is entirely believable; one thing I found quite remarkable is that all the actions that the characters make have repercussions and the ending is not tied up in a nice little bow for the reader (I'll let you find out what I mean when you read it  - no spoilers here, folks!).

Married 2 Struggle is a wonderful piece of work that you will enjoy. I look forward to reading what Varrsity has coming up next (rumors of a sequel) and you should as well.

5 Stars! Highly recommended.

Get your copy via Smashwords by visiting http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/25568 
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2 Comments

Press Release - DMX to be on Dr. Drew 11.9.11

11/4/2011

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I'm working on a book on hip-hop music (more info coming soon) and, as such, I was asked to post this press release and of course I said yes.

DMX, undeniable rap ICON, has just kicked his cocaine habit and is helping fans so that they don't repeat his mistakes. I think I can speak for all hip-hop fans by saying that we want/need DMX back in the hip-hop game.

Check out the press release and be sure to catch the show.

Ben.
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Poetry Challenge #4 - Haiku

11/3/2011

2 Comments

 
Let's Rekindle by Varrsity

Once sworn to secrecy
years later, and I'm still in love
Can we repeat past history?

Untitled by Demetrice Prince

Waiting for a sign
I can't wait any longer
Running out of time

Missed Opportunity by Benjamin Jones

Fly across the sky
Sending love over the miles
One That Got Away

Untitled by  Julie Harris

Seeing what could be...
Holding on to a small dream...
Hoping I move you.
2 Comments

Poetry Challenge #3 - Music

11/3/2011

0 Comments

 
Untitled by  Julie Harris

I feel this love affair
Has always been there,
Waiting for me as long as I remember.
This beautiful relationship
Is perfectly tailored to fit.
Sometimes, it wraps me
In beautiful symphonies,
Leaving behind flowing melodies,
Giving me peace,
Letting me breathe.
After moments pass, it lets me groove to its rhythm,
Move to its beat.
Rising my body heat,
Igniting my fire,
Providing desire,
Surrounding me
With sensuality
And passion.
Then, when I need to release my tears,
it takes me in its loving embrace,
Giving me solace,
Relieving my fears,
Holding me near,
Then giving me strength
To carry on.
Its saved my life,
Almost literally prying the knife
From my hand,
Making me promise not to try again.
You find it difficult to believe
The depth of this love is true
It won't leave or deceive,
this romance
Has only enhanced
My soul.
One button...
One push...
My flow...
The drums...
The lines...
The rhymes...
I don't just listen.
I don't just play.
This is more real...
Because it makes me FEEL.
It's my love.
It's my music.

Untitled by Demetrice Prince

Music helps me unwind.
It brings sanity to my otherwise insane mind.
Taking me away from this wretched place.
And putting a smile on my once sullen face.
It's always been like that since day one.
And 29 years later me and music are still on one hell of a run.
I started out listening to music on the block.
The very first song I ever heard was Run-DMC's King of Rock.
"I'm the king of rock there is none higher,
Sucka MC's should call me sire,
To burn my kingdom you must use fire,
I won't stop rockin' til I retire!"
From that point on I was like a fish on a hook.
Those simple words put together changed my whole outlook.
 
Music has and always will be apart of my life.
It's my refuge, my getaway from strife.
It's been there when I've needed it most
That in itself is a claim few people could ever boast.
Unlike some music has never turned its back and walked away,
Nor has anything caused its opinion of me to ever sway.
You will never seperate me and music
To see that it doesnt take a whiz
Because it's like that and that's the way it is!

Music by Varrsity

No Radio, No T.V
No Ipod, No CD.
Give me a head nod if you agree
Our bodies can be the drums
Our panting can be the background singers.
The sound of belt buckles hitting the floor
Zippers unzipped
I'm pitching a tent
Let me easily slide inside of your body
house my utensil without me paying rent.
I'll admit, I never paid for sex
and I'd be damn if I were to start now.
We can become vowels
Choice (A)
(I)
can (E)at
before (U) preview my (O) face
or Choice (B)
we can become consonants and imagine we're on different continents
making love while the ocean sings the chorus
kisses so passionate it will sound like the audience is clapping
giving us a standing ovation
My performance should win an award
Thrusting deeper, flesh against flesh
music at its best
Headboard slamming against the wall
Music
Your whispers turned moans of passion, asking me to give you my all
Music
The sound of my flesh colliding against your skin
Music
The sound of your wetness as I swim to the deep end
Music
We can make our own soundtrack
and overplay it
each track being our favorite
Live in the moment, so savor it
Your song inspired this poem
I love when we're making Music
We don't need technology
All we need
Is you and Me!

Symphony in K Minor by Benjamin Jones

My favorite piece of music
Created eleven years ago with a little help from me
Was a wonderful little girl, a gem
The name we decided to call you was Kennedy
 
From the day of your birth
I have listened to your song
Knowing that as your mind and body grew
So, too, your symphony would continue to grow strong
 
I never know that I could craft such a wonderful instrument
The best parts of me giving life to you
I am such a big fan of your music
It's always honest, never tainted, beautiful, always true.
 
Even when you're not in my sight
Your music stays on my mind
I know that one day your melody will change the world
    like it continues to change me
    all in due time.



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    For those who like it DARK!
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    For the vampire in all of us!
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    The site for the upcoming book co-written by Benjamin Jones and Debbie Cunningham.
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    Click button to email us. Rates for all budgets!

    Benjamin Jones

    Author, wanna-be ninja, lover of hip hop music, the written word and monkeys.

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