Saturday, August 16, 2014

Ashley Beckem


Q&A

1.       Do you call yourself a writer or and author? Why?

I really don’t label myself. For me, this is about the art and I have a lot to learn. I’m hopeful that with ever new book I will learn something about writing and storytelling. If a label must be assigned, then I would have to go with writer as Author is more literary. I ain’t no Hemmingway, but I do like to provide readers with a mental escape. 


2.       At what ages did you realize you wanted to be an author?

When I was a senior in high school, I was reading something and everything in the chapter became super sexy. Well, the chapter ended leaving me wanting more, so I started to pen my thoughts into fictional words.


3.       Top 5 shows you watch on TV? 

Anything on Home or Food tv channels, The Walking dead
4.       Any playlists you like to listen too when you write? Varies on my day, from Adele to Butcher Babies


5.       Pet’s? Names? 

I have two ‘saved’ Pugs (Fred and Freddy)


6.       Most embarrassing moment?

Typically happens at the beach, thankfully with friends and they are drinking so they forget about the accidental exposure.


7.       If you could have any hobby, what would it be?  

 People watching, golf, tennis


8.       Any WIP’s? 

About 50% way through with the rough draft of a high tech thriller. Pam goes into the office to discover that her head technology person has left in the middle of the night. Worse yet is the fact that he stole two hard drives with data and who knows what else. Being the CIO it’s Pam’s job to track down the data, code, and anything else missing. Thankfully, her loving husband best friend is a rogue hacker doing projects for the NSA.


9.       Favorite writing time snack? 

Coffee or coffee and chocolate!


10.   Plotter of squatter? 

Plotter


Why?

I always have a chubby in my hand ;) taking notes and adding what if thoughts.




Connect with the Author



Link to Facebook Author Page:

Link to Amazon Author Page:

Link to Goodreads Page:



About the Author

  Ashley Beckem grew up in the fridge northern part of Chicago. At the tender age of eighteen moved to South West Florida for college. Presently chasing after an elusive MBA. Current hobbies include spending reckless amount of time on the beach, boating with friends, and loves being active (biking, golf, running, or tennis). Never far from the trusted Galaxy to keep in touch.


Books

5.0 out of 5 stars Hot! Very Good Intro to This Genre!, July 11, 2014


This was my first ever menage book. I know. I've been living under a rock. After reading this number, I'm definitely open to reading more of this genre and from this author. Wow! It was HOT!

So I thought that when it came to threesomes, someone always got hurt. In this book, you see just how beneficial it can be to all parties. There was no "cheating" involved, just a married couple looking to fulfill their deepest desires. It was nice to see Holly go from this insecure woman to a freak in the bed. Jim and Holly's relationship is one of trust an openness. I never once thought that what they were doing was wrong. They were satisfying a mutual need by bringing Jake into the bedroom, though it was actually a hotel room. I really liked Jake as well as the two main characters. Jake was smart and observant, not to mention good looking. It's no wonder why Holly and Jim chose him to be their third. Like one of the other reviewers, I would love to see more. What does happen next? Do they make it a regular thing? Does she ever get her six man fantasy. Judging by how smoothly the first round went, I bet she does.

I liked the fact that the author built up the final escapade, instead of throwing it at the reader. There wasn't an extreme amount of character development, but there was just the right amount on their road to menage. The title is a brilliant match for the content of this book. The book was funny, especially with the kindle reading it to me and mispronouncing "cum". This book could easily be a comedy. I suggest using text to speech while sipping on a Frappachino at Starbucks. Eh, maybe not the best idea. There may be kids around! If you are a modest person, don't read this is public. I would suggest reading this with your spouse! It'll get you both in the mood and maybe convince you to try out what this couple did.

I think the set up was nice and the reactions, especially from Holly, where convincing. She knew what she wanted, but she was always concerned that going for it may ruin her marriage, even though Jim was the one so turned on by the thought of her with another man. This was a quick read and one that I would enjoy picking up from time to time. If your libido is in a slump, pick up this book and start reading; it'll bring you right out of it.
 

Spearwood Academy: Episode 11 & 12

5.0 out of 5 stars Avvi, I have a feeling we're not in Spearwood anymore., August 10, 2014

These episodes were awesome as usual. What's different?

Avvi, I have a feeling we're not in Spearwood anymore. Well, the mountains of Tibet to be exact, but you get the point. Much like Dorothy was taken out of her element, this new Avvi finds herself in the abandoned underground tunnels of New York.The real Avvi could only take control for so long, and Dante is too weak from the shrapnel that was in his side to bring her out again. Looks like the boys will have to put up with imposter Avvi for a little while longer, but at least Bullock has a way to keep her from running away.

Face Avvi is in for a shock when the voices inside her head grow louder. Can she continue to deny the voice and what everyone has been telling her, or will she start to believe everything? The truth may lie in her dreams, but the ultimate truth may only lead to a deeper search for what is and is not true. Who is Avvi, the real one? Is there a real Avvi?

This is NOT one of those episodes where you can guess what's coming. Don't even try; it'll just be a waste of your time. You WILL be taken by surprise. I think this is one of those cases where the author hits a streak of genius.

For those of you waiting for a little more romance, you are going to get it in these episodes. I can almost guarantee you will slap your knee a few times. You may even shed a tear.

This set of episodes introduces a few more characters and questions. What is the Vox? What is this other girl's curse that Bullock is supposed to find a curse for? What will Avvi and the boy's do when they find out this imposter version of Avvi will be around for longer than they expected? What lengths will they go to in order to get THEIR Avvi back? Will it ever be possible? Will they lose more of the Avvi they know in their quest for truth? How will Avvi respond to the news she receives? We get a little taste in these episodes, but how long will her chill demeanor last? I, for onr, would be freaking out at the sea witch's news.

This is a MUST-READ. I can't wait to read more!

Friday, July 11, 2014

Shattered Reality by Brenda Perlin

$3.99
5.0 out of 5 stars A Nice Journey With Brooklyn, July 11, 2014
This review is from: Shattered Reality (Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
Shattered Reality was new to me. I've never been a fan of autobiographies or nonfiction. In general, I avoid them like the plague. In order for this to be a fair and honest review, I had to separate preference from quality.

Ratings
Quality Rating: 4.75 stars
Preference Rating: 4 stars

I'll start with the negative and finish with the positive.

Negative:
I didn't care for the tense. There was dialogue, but so little of it. I still pictured everything just fine, and I understood Brooklyn. It was just that it was like trying to write a journal years after the events happened. The author wanted to show all of Brooklyn's life from start to finish, and I kept thinking, this is okay, but when are we going to get to the present. I was hoping to be really brought into the story, but I rarely was in the sense of being in the character's body. Because of the summary style writing, I was in the room, but I wasn't in the character. With that being said, considering the amount of ground the author had to cover, I don't think it could have been written much better. The negatives where purely preference based.

Positives:
The writing was exceptional, and the fact that the whole character's life unfolded in less than 400 pages amazes me. Everything in the book was so believable that I have to wonder if it is actually based on the author's life. I really want to know! I want to go search and see if her husband's name is Bo. 5 stars for making the story convincing.

From the blurb, we already know that Brooklyn cheats on her husband and winds up with Bo. Some would automatically judge Brooklyn as a "homewrecker", but reading the story lets you see through the eyes of someone who cheated, and it's hard to judge Brooklyn as being bad. She's had a crap deal with her parent's deaths, mooching sisters, (I want to beat the crap out of her brother-in-law), loose boyfriends, illnesses, and so forth.

Being married to her husband is more of an obligation than anything. To her, it fills like what I would imagine to be a successful arranged marriage. I got married at 19 and my parents made sure to let me know not to settle and that I was still very young and me and my husband would do a lot of changing throughout the years. They were right; we did do a lot of changing, mostly me. He's basically the same.

In Brooklyn's case, she settled, and her husband was the one to change. I really liked Gerard in the beginning. Brooklyn had been in some iffy relationships, and Gerard was stable. I was part of his cheering section, and I thought that Brooklyn could really come to love him, but she didn't. It was so sad to see Gerard become this depressing person with no "spark". I can't imagine feeling as alone as Brooklyn felt. They moved away, and she had to find new friends. Eventually, she meets Bo. I didn't get enough of Bo in this book, and I'm really hoping I get to see more of him and their relationship in book 2. It was really nice to see Bo and Brooklyn together.

I loved the last 20% of this book the most. Brooklyn started to revert to her 20-year-old self. She was spunky and strong. I hated Bo's wife as much as she did, and I didn't feel sorry for the woman - not one bit. Oh my, the gym scene between the two of them was epic. During the scene, I was in Brooklyn's body, and I was furious. I probably would have cracked my phone, if I had been reading on it. I wanted to hit that woman so bad! I want to get in my car right now and head to the gym. I want to stick in my headphones and step on an elliptical machine. I want to see the woman walk in and beat the daylights out of her. She's a sad individual. I'm glad Bo cheated on her!

*Sighs* The last part of this book was sooooooo good. The first part was very good too, but it really ended with a bang. I don't want spoil you with the details. If you enjoy books where you can walk in someone else's shoes and learn all about them and their thoughts and dreams, this a book for you. You will love Brooklyn and stand by her side like a best friend, even when she does things society doesn't condone. You will love her so much that it doesn't matter what everyone else thinks. You will want her to be happy no matter what. Everybody deserves a happy ever after. Brooklyn wasted over 50 years of her life trying to find happiness. Now that she's found the one that can turn that all around, things are looking up. Or are they? Happy ever afters aren't effortlessly handed out, and Brooklyn and Bo learn that the heart way. Will they make it through the journey to happiness, or will they settle for their old lives? Find out in "Shattered Reality".

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Q&A with Brian Zuckerberg






Q1. Do you call yourself a writer or an author? Why? 

A: Well, I am both but I lean more towards authoring. I love creating stuff but I also like stats and reports. 

Q2. At what ages did you realize you wanted to be an author?

A: At age 12. I received my first audio book called the umpaloompa and I loved it. I would sit for hours repeating chapter one and day dreaming of me becoming an author too. 

Q3. Top 5 shows you watch on TV? 

A: Chris Rock, Ellen DeGeneres. I dont watch my TV. I am more into movies and music. Reggae music! 

Q4. Any playlists you like to listen to when you write? 

A: When writing, I play "Never Dis" by Sanchez. I play it on repeat and sometimes I go for 5 hours in one sitting. 

Q5. Pet’s? Names? 

A: Sammy. The cutest cat on the planet! 

Q6. Most embarrassing moment? 

A: You know what; for some reason I never get embarrassed. I am really worried about this. 

Q7. If you could have any hobby, what would it be? 

A: Well, bunji  jumping and crocodile skipping. I jump into the crocodile pen and walk towards them. When they chase me, I race them to the durawall. 

Q8. Any WIP’s? 

A: Yes, With The Love Poem Series, I am working on publishing the longest poem ever so I have my head in there. 

Q9. Favorite writing time snack? 

A: It has been chocolate and ice-cream but I am currently cutting down on sugar. My best friends are: Vanilla Ice-cream and white chocolate! 

Q10. Are you a plotter or Splatter? 

A: Well, I think I like planning things but I process in circles. 

Q11. Who was your childhood hero? 

A: Voltron, the defender of the universe.



Books by Brian

Poetry books:

$0.99

5 out of 5 stars
It's One Word That's It!
It's one word!! That's it. This review is longer!!! I won't give it a one star because simply because it was stated in the blurb that it was only one word. But I won't give it above a two because it was one word. I didn't hate it. If I had paid .99c I'd be hitting myself for not thoroughly reading the blurb. I'm a cheap scape.

Okay, so here's why I don't hate it. It evoked some freaking emotions. I was like you have got to be freaking kidding me. That's it? People can get away with that? One word!!!!! Then I laughed, the purpose of the poem had been achieved, it made me feel something. The lack of words and the word used made me feel. The word used could evoke so many emotions. Why was it chosen? Did the person writing it want to be left alone? Did they feel empty and alone, like air in a jar? Why?

In the end I laughed and laughed and laughed.

Now I'm going to go against my better judgement and change it to a 5 star. It couldn't have done anything better to evoke the emotion. It really shows what you can do with one little word, just beware that that's all you're going to get.












 $0.99

5.0 out of 5 stars Swoon 

Brian has done it again! Ah, this poem is swoon worthy. The language is like syrup dripping down the bark of a tree, slow and sweet. I can't wait to taste more! :) Seriously, I'm really loving this series, the tone of the poems, the pace, everything, and I've never cared for poetry, but I make an exception for Brian's work. It's so easy to understand though there are hidden layers of depth that I know lie beneath the surface. How could there not be after reading the first poem in this series? If you haven't picked up a copy yet, I'd do so now. You're depriving yourself of something great.



 $0.99


5.0 out of 5 stars  
Whew! July 3, 2014

My oh my. With the title I wasn't sure what I was going to get, but after reading this, it fits perfectly and you find out exactly what it means to be Matchless! And whew. I'll tell you what; it's something. Before you begin reading this poem, I suggest crawling in bed with your spouse in mid-afternoon with curtains blowing in the breeze and instead of you reading it, have them read it to you. I doubt you'll let your partner finish before well, if you read it, you'll see. I'm just saying turn off your phones before hand and get a sitter if you have kids, because you won't be leaving that bed for a while.




















Marriage books:
Please note: this is the same book with two versions.

Unbreak Your Marriage: Reconnect Your Marriage In 31 Days – Workbook (Bonus Proverbs Edition) 
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GUDHBZS/

 Unbreak Your Marriage: Reconnect Your Marriage In 31 Days – Workbook:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JYKH2G2/