Hi, everyone! Thanks for stopping by to have a look at the
books we from The Novel Approach have selected as our top picks for the month of October. Once again we’ve
each selected our favorite reads of the past thirty-one days, which means an
even dozen recommendations—all treats, no tricks.
And now for something completely different... Because it’s
Halloween, which happens to be one of my two favorite holidays, The Novel
Approach is offering the chance for one lucky reader to win two of the e-books
we’re featuring this month.
To enter the drawing,
just leave a comment right here by Midnight Pacific Time on Tuesday, November
4, 2014. One winner will be selected at random on Wednesday, the 5th,
and notified via email for prize delivery. **Be sure to leave your email
address in your comment**
Good luck, and here they are, October’s Books of the Month!
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Chris – Embracing His Syn by A.E. Via: “This
is a very solid, very strong story in this loosely connected series. I’ll admit
that this isn’t as high of a rating for me as Nothing Special was,
but I had an instant connection with both God and Day in that story. Syn and
Furi took a little more for me to snuggle up with than the others because of
their personalities. There were fantastic moments in this story, though, and
the characters are really well written. Really the story for Syn and Furi has a
lot more humorous moments and literally sets fire to the pages with the sex
between these two. The story overall is very good, different than the previous
two, which is what makes me return again and again to this series.”
Full Review and Buy
Link HERE
Lynn – Vanished by Carter Quinn: “There
isn’t too much I can say without giving away the plot, but I will say this, I
can read the darkest of the dark stories out there and be fine with it. They
don’t affect me like they do other people. Maybe it’s because I don’t have any
triggers and don’t usually associate myself with many characters. I feel for
them, surely, but I can separate myself from the story. The closest exception
to that habit is when a long established couple is threatened in some way. Vanished just
hits home for me. I can totally identify with Henry, that kicked-in-the-gut
feeling of maybe losing your significant other forever. You’re living a
nightmare, and that’s exactly what Henry is going through while he’s searching
and wondering where his husband could be.”
Full Review and Buy
Link HERE
Lana – Campus Cravings – Anthology: “College
brings many freedoms, and sex is just the tip of the iceberg. Some of the
characters come to college to come out and explore, and a couple of the stories
dealt with the first times. I loved those because the first time theme is my
favorite, but most of all they are the sweetest, and what’s better than reading
about a perfect first time?
The stories run the gamut from unrequited love turning into
real love, to a virginal teacher only wanting sex ed lessons but getting love
in return. All the stories had the balance of angst, lust, sex and love. All
these stories had a good dose of humor that just made me laugh out load. In
other words, perfection.
I usually pick one story and review it, but this time I just
couldn’t pick a favorite because I truly enjoyed them all. But I will mentionWinning
Bracket by Annabeth Albert, because there’s a reference to another book
with an Asian lead character, No Souvenirs. I love this book, and it’s my
go to book when I need something funny and hot. If you haven’t read it, you
must!”
Full Review and Buy
Link HERE
Taz – All Fired Up by Morticia Knight: “There
were many things about this story which I really enjoyed. The heat index is
truly scalding. The sex is frequent and detailed. Unlike some books where the
characters heat up to a boil and then explode in a few paragraphs, these love
scenes go on for pages. They’re creative, explicit, and sexy as hell. The
emotional development of each character is sweet. Each has growing to do and
they progress through their personal issues individually and together. And this
author clearly did her research, the professional actions and decisions made by
all characters true to life and accurate.”
Full Review and Buy
Link HERE
Tina – Beneath the Stain by Amy Lane: “Amy
Lane has done what she does best here. These characters are people you want to
know. I mean, really know. I felt like if I could crawl inside the book and
interact with them, I’d do it in a New York minute. The layers Ms. Lane uses to
build these young men from the ground up gives them such a strong foundation
that before we realize it, we are completely sucked into their world, and they
feel real to us. This is the magic that she uses as effortlessly as the rest of
us breathe.
This isn’t just a series of short pieces which make up a
novel that Amy Lane has written. There are songs too, original songs that
Mackey, as the lead singer and sex appeal of the band, writes and keeps in a
pile of notebooks that travel everywhere with them. Once I finally figured out
that he wasn’t real, it dawned on me that Amy had written those lyrics. They
ripped my fucking heart out.”
Buy Link HERE
Sammy – Then the Stars Fall by Brandon Witt: “Every
chapter in this book produced more to love about these men. Every page revealed
just a bit more about the unique relationship Travis had shared with his
Shannon, and by novel’s end you were grieving her loss, even though without it
there would be no second chapter for Travis and no Wesley for him to love. Time
after time, Brandon Witt exposed both the love and hate that the town felt
toward Wesley and Travis. This was no happy fairy tale where everyone accepted
and got along, yet there was such a subtle move toward acceptance from a town
that had never liked change and refused to consider it. I must fully admit, I
fell in love with this book. My heart bled for Travis and my stomach burned at
some of the slurs, and more, that Wesley endured, but overall, I felt the
author offset all the potential hate with one soothing layer of compassion and
healing after another for this sleepy town and the Bennett family.”
Full Review and Buy
Link HERE
Kathie – Love and the Real Boy by J.K. Hogan: “Why
did I give this book a 5 star recommended read? The research, the storyline and
the natural flow of the book. Instead of just going back and forth in time by
inserting chapters, Rich would be sparked by a something that would make him
remember . I liked the natural flow of that. The twist of the story was
unexpected, and I liked that it wasn’t resolved in just a few pages but twined
throughout the book. It kept the book a lot more interesting.
This book and I Survived Seattle, the first book in the
series, is worth your time. You will read a great romance book and learn
something on the way. Patrick O’Dowd’s accent is worth the price alone.”
Full Review and Buy
Link HERE
Rena – Flight of the Magpies by KJ Charles: “Flight
of Magpies is another brilliant addition to KJ Charles’ magnificent A
Charm of Magpies series. Reading the book was one of those instances where I
was so deeply immersed in Lucien and Stephen’s world that I actually got upset
when I realized how far I’d gone and how little I had left to read. It’s an
experience that’s not new to me; it began with The Magpie Lord,and it had
yet to show signs of fading or slowing down. That said, I don’t want it to
happen, considering how much I adore this series.
Though each book in the series is partially episodic in
approach, there’s still a good deal of continuity from the first book to this
one. Stephen’s insane devotion to his work at the expense of his fledgling
relationship with Lord Crane, as well as Crane’s rapidly fraying patience,
serve as the main thread linking these books together. The effects of both come
to a head in Flight of Magpies, the simmering tension bubbling over
till the inevitable blow up happens. And it’s something that never catches you
off-guard; in fact, as far as I was concerned, I was wondering why in heck it
didn’t happen sooner. Then again, that’s also the appeal of Charles’ writing.
Even with all of the nutty unpredictability of magic, she still manages to
sustain a superb balancing act by juggling the personal with the greater,
larger picture. And that means a lot of time and especially care devoted to
every aspect of the plot and character development.”
Full Review and Buy
Link HERE
Kim – Family Unit by Z.A. Maxfield: “All I
can say about the audio version of Family Unit is that I still love
it! JP Handler did an excellent job of bringing this story to life! It was a
perfect way to re-experience the story and to give it a new perspective.
Also I would like to add a big thank you to Z.A. for
updating the book cover. The original cover had a picture of two men who looked
more in their sixties than their forties, so big thumbs up for the change!
Family Unit is still a happy 5 Star rating, and I’m
hoping for more audible by this author, especially Drawn Together and Crossing
Borders ::hint hint::”
Full Review and Buy
Link HERE
Jackie – The Brick
Yard by Carol Lynne: “Carol Lynne worked her magic with words yet again in
this story. I found myself drawn in immediately, and I didn’t stop reading
until the book was finished. Dray and Lucky were both damaged in their own
ways, but they weren’t broken. Their healing came from more than one place, and
that made it so much more believable for me. Lucky began to find his path by
helping a young man who sought help at The Brick Yard, and Dray found his
purpose through Lucky. There was no quick fix, no magical cupcake, or any of the
other easy peasy things that we see so much of in books. These two men had to
put in some blood, sweat, and tears to get to their happy ending, and it was a
journey that I would take with them anytime.”
Full Review and Buy
Link HERE
Jules – Patchwork Heaven by Jamie Samms: “I
do have to say that Patchwork Heaven took me a few chapters to really
get into it – it didn’t immediately grab me like some of Samms’ other books
have – but once things starting cranking for me, I really enjoyed it! The story
itself was fast paced and had lots of different nuances. The main storyline revolves
around the stalker, but there are several very intriguing threads throughout
the main story. There is the twin phenomena, the BDSM bits, some twists and
really good mystery surrounding the stalker, and also Coby’s ever-present
color-music-swirl. I loved the parts where we get to see a piece of music come
to life in Coby’s mind. The couple of scenes where he plays for Gregor – one
where he is literally composing on the spot – are amazing.
The supporting cast is also wonderful. I completely fell for
Kip, who plays a very important part throughout, and also really liked Cade,
who we met very briefly but seemed such a solid character. I totally adored
Jake and Lewis, Patchwork Heavenbandmates, new lovers, and occasional
comic relief. And, finally, the villain. I won’t tell you who it is, of
course…but suffice it to say that he will creep you out!”
Full Review and Buy
Link HERE
Lisa – Wave Goodbye to Charlie by Eric Arvin: “Wave
Goodbye to Charlie is a story that will make you question your own
beliefs, perhaps fear the unknown just a little, but then, in one glorious
moment, will make you believe that Death is not merely life’s final bow but its
Second Act, that Death is not an end but a new beginning, not a tragedy but a
miracle that comes for us not as a hooded and sickle-bearing horror but as the
last someone who showed us love, compassion, affection, or a simple kindness.
With originality, imagination, and a subtle grace, Wave
Goodbye to Charlie earns its place front and center among Eric Arvin’s
best. It is a love story at its heart, in all the forms love can take,
spiritual and uplifting in only the way a novel that explores the true
ever-after can be. There is a message of joy among the sorrow, a sense of order
to the chaos that is the unexpected and unknown. Charlie is a must
read—to love him is to know him.”
Full Review and Buy
Link HERE
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And that does it for
the month of October. Until November, happy reading!
A lot of good books on the list and quite a few are on my wishlist! I've read both Beneath the Stain and the Brickyard and they were great reads.
ReplyDeletedebdeege (at) optonline (dot) net
I like free books. Count me in!
ReplyDeleteThey all sound pretty good. I'm waiting for Blue Days, by a certain author you may know. ;) kjpattersonrn@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteSome of these recommendations I have been seriously considering, some I have just checked out. You have made me want to read them all now!!
ReplyDeletelincat56(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for the chance to win All the books sound great.
ReplyDeleteredmd@juno.com
Love the recommendations. Thanks for the chance to win. Waxapplelover (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteWow lots of great books please count me in for the Giveaway. Thank you
ReplyDeleteShirleyAnn(at)speakman40(dot)freeserve(dot)co(dot)uk
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAll great choices! I've read Embracing His Syn, All Fired Up and Campus Cravings and I ranked them a 5, 5 and 4.5 respectively. Would love to read several more of these. Thanks for a chance in the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteSorry. The 'prove you aren't a computer' screen kept saying I had entered an incorrect match and kept repeating itself. Once it said I had completed it correctly, I had numerous comments. flutterfli01 (at) yahoo (dot) com
DeleteGreat list! I have a few of them and read Flight of Magpies when it was released. It was fantastic! Thanks for the post and contest.
ReplyDeletejen.f {at} mac {dot} com
Great choices this month. I would like to read Eric's new book. ardent(dot)ereader(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteGreat set of books to choose from. I already have several of them, but it will still be hard to choose if I win. Thanks for the chance. :-)
ReplyDeleteaelnova@aol.com
Love this posting each month.
ReplyDeleteetbhsb@gmail.com
Lots of good reads there so please put my name into the hat as well. Thanks
ReplyDeletediannakayATgmailDOTcom
all of these books are just as interesting as the other
ReplyDeleteI really loved CAMPUS CRAVINGS, and everything else looks really intriguing!
ReplyDeletevitajex(at)Aol(Dot)com
I've read 1 and have a couple on my kindle, the rest are on my wish list :)
ReplyDeleteleetee2007(at)hotmail(dot)com
A lot of great books this round. Been eager to read all of them especially Beneath the Stain. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletefsteph55(at)yahoo(dot)com
Great choices. I've read one of them and have several of the others in my reading queue. Most of the others are on my wishlist.
ReplyDeletejczlapin(at)gmail(dot)com
Please count me in too. So many wonderful books.
ReplyDeletestrive4bst(AT) yahoo(dot)com
Oh my, this is a really great list of books. Please count me in for the giveaway! They sound so good.
ReplyDeletehumhumbum AT yahoo DOT com
I have read a couple of these books, but so many of them I really can't wait to read! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteaegger.echo(at)yahoo(dot)com
So many great books! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletelkbherring64(at)gmail(dot)com
Wow You ladies have chosen some amazing sounding books. Nice list! I haven't read any of them as of yet. Hope to start soon, though. After I move ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
taina1959@yahoo.com
This is a great selection of books - thanks for a shot at winning a few.
ReplyDeletelgrant1@san.rr.com
I've several of these books but still some are missing on my Kindle. Thank you for the cool giveaway!!
ReplyDeletebabybarlow78@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWow! I've three books from this list. Thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeletedreamerbookslover@gmail.com
Nice selection ;)
ReplyDeleteDevony31@gmail.com
Really good selection of really good books. Thank you, Mary for this.
ReplyDeleteteacontu@gmail.com
I'm in love! THank youuuuuuuuu!!
ReplyDeletekejara1303@gmail.com
Nice choice of books, a couple I have read but the rest are on my wish list :) Thank you. slholland22 {at} hotmail {dot} com
ReplyDeletePS I am also looking forward to Tere Michaels Love & Loyalty re-edit version
Love the great selection of books, thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletetiger-chick-1(at)hotmail(dot)com
BOOYAH! I have about half of these already, which is great since I know I'm going to get some awesome reading in. Thanks, TNA, to and Mary for hosting!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
caroaz [at] ymail [dot] com
Many thanks to all of you for your enthusiasm and participation in our first ever Booyah Books giveaway! I'm thinking we should just make this a monthly thing, so be sure to check back at the end of the month for our November picks and another chance to win.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, October's giveaway winner is mark mcadam. Congratulations, mark! Be sure to check your email because I've already dropped you a note and will be waiting to hear back from you. :)
Warmest regards,
Lisa