Misfortune: a twist of Rapunzel

14 May 2020 1 Comment

by C.O. Bonham in book tours, Dive In Review Tags: , , , ,

Blog Tour Banner

What happens when two authors release Rapunzel retellings on the same day? An awesome Rapunzel themed blog tour! That’s what.

In fact I’m doing two posts for this tour, one dive in review for each book. Today I’m featuring Misfortune: a twist of Rapunzel.  Book four in the Twist of Adventure series.

Misfortune

Misfortune Is the safety of a country worth the sacrifice of one girl – even if she is the daughter of blood and misfortune?

Book Description:

A Twist of Adventure #4
The day she was born, her kingdom fell, and so she was branded the daughter of blood and misfortune and locked away. Now a dragon plagues the land and her curse may be the only thing that stops it.

But is she really cursed?

Order Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0872QTZ4N/

Add Book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50512526-misfortune

Explore the rest of the series! Amazon || Goodreads

Author Bio:

Kendra E. Ardnek (1)Kendra E. Ardnek is the self-proclaimed Arista of Fairy Tales. She lives in the Piney Woods of East Texas with her dragon babies and massive herd of mini-giraffes, and she is still waiting for one of of her fifty nutcrackers to come to life and marry her. When not writing, you can usually find her sitting in a random box, and she’s frequently known to act before she thinks.


Find her online at:  Website || Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Twitter || YouTube || Newsletter || Instagram || Amazon 

Dive in review: Misfortune

This was such a good twist on the Rapunzel story.

What if Rapunzel had been locked up to protect others from herself? It’s a question that rings close to home for us in this time of quarantine. 

But it’s not a pandemic they are trying to prevent.

The princess has been raised to believe that she is full of ill luck, a daughter of blood and misfortune. Forbidden from even cutting her hair for fear the misfortune will escape from her. She has no idea of her own worth. Until a prince comes along and takes her from her tower.

mock-00164

An ancient Rapunzel with a biblical twist.

I love the message of this story, that everyone is worthy of love and grace. That we are not guilty for the sins of others. That there is a way out of the tower.

I loved the biblical elements that were included. The story takes place in an ancient times setting, and the apocryphal story of Daniel (yes the lion den guy) and the dragon (the story isn’t actually in the Bible. It’s basically a legend.) plays a large role.

And the tower. Rapunzel’s Tower. It’s the Tower of Babel! Sorry, I don’t know if that was a spoiler. Maybe file it under things to look forward to,

 *I was given a copy of this story by the author for the purpose of review. The opinions expressed are my own and were reached honestly.*

I’ll be back on the 18th with a dive in review of the second Rapunzel retelling, Diamond.

Today’s Tour Stops:

May 14
Kendra E. Ardnek – Five Reasons to Read Diamond
Interviews:
Live. Love. Read – Diamond
Reviews:
Tangled Up in Writing – Misfortune
C.O. Bonham – Misfortune

See this page for the full schedule: https://kendrasgiraffecrafts.blogspot.com/p/a-twist-of-rapunzel.html



The Luck Child: Cover Reveal

08 May 2020 1 Comment

by C.O. Bonham in Cover Reveal Tags: , , , ,

I love and follow certain publishers almost the same way I follow authors. One of those publishers is Uncommon Universe Press, or UUP for short.

UUP logo

 

Uncommon Universes Press is a traditional publishing house creating books that celebrate wonder, adventure, and sacrifice. Formed out of friendship, UUP believes stories can provide thrilling, soulful escapism while also shining light into struggles and difficulties. A UUP book takes you on a fresh, authentic journey while challenging you to reclaim your hope, no matter what. Be uncommon!

 

UUP Social Media

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/uncommonuniverses/
Instagram: @uncommonuniversespress
Twitter: @uncommonunivs
Website: uncommonuniverses.com

 

I think I’ve read just about every book that UUP has published. Today they showing off the cover for their newest book, The Luck Child.

 

Created with GIMP

 

About the book

Cabernet would give almost anything to be remembered–except his freedom. 

 Cursed to be eternally forgotten, Cabernet grew up walking a dangerous, lonely line between the world of mankind and the world of fairy. Now known only by a faceless reputation as a rogue and fairy aficionado, he wanders ceaselessly with the cat Maugrim as company. 

 Then the king dares order him to eliminate a magical foe in northern waters, and threatens to attack fairy lands if Cabernet refuses. As an increased annoyance, he is saddled with a stiff naval officer, the king’s elderly personal advisor, and the advisor’s nurse, a charming young woman named Rosemary who can inexplicably remember him. 

 Cabernet wants to complete this mission quickly without actually facing the enemy, a dangerous enchantress who nearly killed him before. But sea perils and fearsome monsters blindside his every trick and turn. Moreover, he is somehow growing fiercely attached to the human tag-a-longs.

 As the enchantress’s deadly net tightens around them, Cabernet must face the terrors of his past in order to save his new-found family–and future.

Enjoy this standalone YA fantasy that combines dark whimsy with fairy tale magic, plus a side of Oliver Twist and an enchanting romantic subplot.

The Luck Child releases June 9th.

You can Pre-order it at the following links:

 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0881GRKJV/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-luck-child-rebekah-shafer/1136965986

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-luck-child

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1511459537

Autographed paperback pre-order: https://uncommonuniverses.com/?product=the-luck-child-autographed-paperback-pre-order

Author Bio

Author Rebekah Shafer HeadshotRebekah Shafer is a thirty-something-year-old living in Georgia, USA, who got tired of spending an awful lot of time and energy trying to Be an Adult the Right Way.

Now she writes stories in a small house painted green on the inside, with plenty of jazz vinyl albums, a problematic front lawn, and two grey cats who look just enough alike to confuse house guests.

Find Her Online

Website: https://www.lanternleafpress.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorshafer/

Instagram: @rebekahnovella

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rebekahnovella

Reformed: A Dive in Review

04 May 2020 2 Comments

by C.O. Bonham in Dive In Review Tags: , , , , ,

So much fun packed into today’s post, you could call it super.

A few weeks ago I featured a book on here titled Reformed. It was kind of a cover reveal / spotlight.

87944003_2545218292384110_3674409135216001024_n

I’ve been told that it’s okay to print out and color this image.

The book is out now and I want to make sure you all know just how great it is.

Dive in Review: Reformed

Reformed is a different kind of Superhero story.

Prisim

It’s main protagonist is Prism, a young, idealistic superhero who believes that there is good in everyone. She is the kind of goody two shoes that usually ruins a good superhero story. Honestly the girl has no flaws, unless being too nice is a flaw, but well it’s not really. At least she uses a ton of sarcasm.

Fade

Thankfully she is perfectly balanced by Fade , a former supervillain and the first subject of Prisim’s new rehabilitation project. Fade is convinced of his own unredeemableness. And it can be argued that Fade’s self doubt is the real villain of the story. Fade is flawed and has a ton to work through which gives him a very dynamic arc. (He’s the one being “reformed,” in case you missed that connection.)

Tanvi

Other notable members of the team are Tanvi, and Aiden, who are too cute together. There’s also Keeper (not pictured) who has a Scottish accent and an unhealthy obsession with his cat.

Aiden

As for villains, Mymic is a mystery. It was so well strung out and so perfectly paced that it had me guessing their identity right up until the end. They are so twisted in their motivation that when you realize who it is, you will want to go back to the beginning and make sure that all the clues add up. (Don’t waste your time, becasue they do.)

fight

I love the snarky word play, and the witty banter game is strong with these heroes. If you love marvel movies then the fun one liners mixed with serious drama of Reformed will be sure to please you.

But it’s not all fun and games here; H.L. delivers some serious feels.

chapter 17 kitten

After you read it make sure you tag the author and use #chapter17.

No spoilers, just a warning.

I can not wait to read more from these delightful and kick butt heroes. But I’m just not sure if my emotions can take another #chapter17.

Not okay

Oh, what could possibly be in chapter 17? Buy it and find out!

*I was given and electronic ARC for review, all opinions are my own.*

Purchase Book here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085X8N8FL/

About the book:

89737680_555043062036553_519326056495185920_n

Need help coloring?

Once a villain, always a villain?

Optimistic and idealistic superhero Prism is determined to redeem her father’s legacy by rebooting his supervillain rehabilitation program. To do so, she sets her sights on Fade, the relapsed supervillain who was the reason the government canceled the original program in the first place. However, when she petitions for Fade to be released into her custody, she finds out things might not be as simple as she thought.

Convicted of an unforgivable crime, Fade received a choice: surrender to trial and possible execution or endure a memory erasure so he could start fresh. Now with no recollection of his time before incarceration, Fade doubts he has the ability to be anything but the villain the public believes him to be.

A series of attacks by a mysterious power-swapping villain points back to Fade’s past and the crime that cost him his freedom and memory. With her father’s legacy and her own reputation on the line, even Prism has to wonder: can a villain truly be reformed?

 

 

73159917_686479901848155_4826111242772938752_nAUTHOR BIO:

Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

She is the author of a four part fantasy/romance series entitled “The Dragon and the Scholar,” the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy “Cora and the Nurse Dragon,” among others .

Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.hlburkeauthor.com

Links:

Author Site: http://www.hlburkeauthor.com

Author Instagram: www.instagram.com/burkesdragons

Author Twitter: www.twitter.com/hlburkewriter

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hlburkewriter/

Spring Fever Challenge sign up.

27 Apr 2020 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in Uncategorized Tags: , ,

Hey I’m sorry this is really last minute. But do you remember the Challenge anthologies I was a part of? The Halloween, Christmas, and love letter ones. Yes those. Author Michelle Francik is hosting another one. This one is Spring Fever themed.

spring fever

Yes, I know the challenge started on the twenty-fifth. But look we’re only three days in and it goes until the ninth of May. There is still plenty of time for you to work on and submit an entry if you want.

It can be anything, short story, poem, or even a personal essay. Go sign up for more details and then join the facebook group to get the previous days writing prompts.

Tell her C.O. Bonham sent you when you sign up.

Sign up here: https://2020-springfever-challenge-signup.mfranciktheauthor.com/

Fictastic Interview with Akira

23 Apr 2020 1 Comment

by C.O. Bonham in book tours, FANtastic interviews Tags: , , , , , ,

Today I have the honor of interviewing Akira Yamamoto.
Akira is a vegetarian vampire, with a Japanese name and a French accent. He’s also a fictional character. He can be found in the novel Wish You Weren’t Here, and the novella My Alien Engagment.

Fictastic Interview with Akira:

CO: Akira, you were first introduced in a Steel City Genie novel and now you are appearing in an Accidental Alien Romance Novella. How do you feel about this series hopping? Do you like meeting new people or would you rather be a regular in only one series? If Janeen tries to drop you into the Ironfire Legacy would you be okay with that?
AY: Oui, I’m all right with the series hopping. It keeps life interesting. I enjoy meeting all sorts of people, so I enjoy the new adventures. I do not have much desire to visit a different world, but if I must, I would prefer Cendric or Theiya going with me.
CO: Who would you want to play you in a movie?
AY: I like the author’s choices of Godfrey Gao or Shen Lim. Although I think Shen Lim fits what I look like now far more.
CO:  You are a Vegetarian Vampire, but you are also a world class chief. Do you feel that your cravings for blood have harmed your taste for real food?
AY: In actuality, human blood makes me…what is the word? Nauseous. It was a trouble until I discovered plant blood. Once I began ingesting plant-based blood, my life became far more active. Unlike the vast majority of Blood Kind vampires, I have few troubles with food. But I enjoy making dishes for specific diets and palates. It is a blessing.
CO: In My Alien Engagement we learned that you were seeing a certain light Elf law enforcer. How long has this been going on and how serious is your relationship? Will we be reading My Vampire Engagement next?
AY: Ouille! This, I cannot speak about too much… *he glances around furtively* I will say, it is complicated. And…she is not the reason we are merely exploring possibilities. I am.
CO: So at this point you’ve been a vampire for longer than you were human. But I’ve got to know, what were you like as a mere mortal? 
AY: I don’t remember ever being a human.
CO: How do you cope with being immortal? Does it get boring after a century?
AY:Non, being immortal is very natural to me. I have never had the troubles that others have had with the transition.

 

CO: Did your friendship with Cendric change after he got married? Does having Allis around enhance your life or do you find that she is hogging your friend. 
AY: Well, friendships must always change and shift over the course of life. Cendric and I have experienced many such shifts over the decades. I have no trouble with Allis. She is endearing and does good work in stirring up Cendric. He can become set in his ways at times. Such a shame. As well, there is no trouble with Cendric and I finding time to spend together–she does not take over all of his hours. I have enough of my own social life to entertain me. If anything, I sometimes wonder if Allis and Cendric need to spend more time together. They both tend to be more outward-focused in helping so many others.
CO: Are you holding out hope for an Akira spin off series? What kind of adventures do you think you would have on your own?
AY: A spin-off series would be lonely, I think. I prefer to be a part of a group.
CO:Thank you very much for coming Akira, I really enojyed getting to hear a little more about you.
Check out Akira in the following book:

MyAlienEngagement

She’s engaged. She’s transformed. She’s ready for anything.
Except her future in-laws…

Kelley Vanders-Froggett’s life is finally in order again: she’s on break from a great job, she has a supportive family, and she has Anthony Salamandras, her hot alien fiancé who’s making it all too hard to wait for the altar. Yeah, she’s still figuring out his culture, but everything is finally falling into place for their life together on Earth.

Then Anthony’s brother shows up declaring Kelley unworthy to marry into his family—unless she passes ancient trials. Never mind that these trials haven’t been used in generations. Either Kelley proves herself worthy, or she’ll be separated from Anthony forever.

Three trials, no warnings, and everything on the line. But Kelley’s already survived one fiery test, and she’s not going home without her man, no matter what it takes.

My Alien Engagement is the second novelette in The Accidental Alien Romance Chronicles, a series of short romantic satires featuring a sassy heroine, a hot alpha with a side of derp, a sweet core, and a fiery happily-ever-after.

 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53089918

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0872J35FH

My Alien Engagement - Quote 1

Author bio 

Janeen Ippolito Headshot Janeen Ippolito believes in Jesus, true love, and the power of your unique words. She’s a bestselling author of speculative fiction, writing resources, and poetry. She’s also an editor, author coach, marketing strategist, and the president of Uncommon Universes Press. When she’s not immersed in the geektastic world of words, she’s helping her husband with his youth swordfighting ministry, exploring a slew of random hobbies, and posting up cute animal videos on social media. This extroverted writer loves to connect, so find her on Facebook, Instagram, and her website janeenippolito.com


Links

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/janeenippolitounique/

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/168444147251310/

Email Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/getmyfictionchapters

Instagram: @janeen_ippolito

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaneenIppolito

Gretchen and the Bear Cover reveal

20 Apr 2020 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in Cover Reveal, Uncategorized Tags: , , ,

There is an amazing storyteller named Carrie Anne Noble, Her newest book is ready to preorder and the cover is stunning. 
GATB Cover reveal 1
She’s only just moved to the regenerated Earth from an orbiting station, and now sixteen-year-old Gretchen must travel to dangerous, Faerie-ruled Britain to rescue her runaway stepsister. There, she meets the Bearfolk–people who sometimes take the form of bears. Kindhearted seventeen-year-old Arthur wants to help, but his scheming mother plans to use Gretchen to win an age-old Faerie war.When the mission proves costly, will Gretchen and Arthur find the courage to sacrifice what they love most to save the ones they hold most dear?
In case you have never read a book by Carrie Anne Noble, you should remedy that and check out her other books on Amazon.
Carrie Anne Nobel
In the wake of her thrilling past as a theatre student, restaurant hostess, certified nurse aide, and newspaper writer, Carrie Anne Noble now writes novels and short stories. She enthusiastically participates in National Novel Writing Month every November and loves encouraging other writers. When she isn’t writing, Carrie enjoys reading, napping, snacking, hosting spectacular tea parties, and spending time with family and friends. Find her on Instagram @carrieannenoble7 & Twitter @noblebat.
When does it come out you ask? June 17th, but don’t worry about forgetting, you can preorder it here.
GATB insta story Coming june 17 po

Lucid a Dive-in Audiobook Review

15 Apr 2020 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in Dive In Review, Uncategorized Tags: , , , ,

So a while ago I let you in on my secret for how I get audiobooks. So I am going to start featuring more audiobooks in addition to the other books I spotlight.

Today I am featuring Lucid by L. E. Fred.

Lucid coverDevon Alexander is a 15 year-old teenager coping with the monotonous reality of his average life. His life receives an interesting reprieve as he has his first realistic dream of a spaceship. The strangest thing about the dream is that he seems to be the only one on board who isn’t in a dream-like trance. Before he can figure out anything about the dream or his strange shipmates, he manages to wake up. The next day, Devon catches a news story about inexplicable comas taking place all over the world. Devon’s life becomes increasingly interesting as he recognizes some of the victims from his spaceship trip.

Devon and an unlikely group of other teens start devising a plan to find out who is behind the strange dreams and the comas. Their plan is not only successful but immerses them in to the fantastical world that only resides in dreams. While in the dream world, the teens learn about the power of teamwork, a new world of culture, and their hidden potential to be heroes.

Suspenseful, funny at the worst times, and just a hint of teenage romance, Lucid takes a group of young adults and throws them into a fantasy world that they only thought could exist in their dreams. In a sense, they’re right.

My Dive in Review:

Lucid by L. E. Fred, asks the question, what if lucid dreaming could transport you to another world?

People all over the world are being trapped in comas. and only Devon knows why. Because every night he dreams of the space ship that is stealing them away. Until one night he meets another Lucid Dreamer.

The build up in this book is amazing, the first half is really good at hyping up the mystery and keeping you guessing at what is really happening. But once you have the answers you realize your only about half way through.

The second half is all action and adventure and ancient prophesy. There is so much going on here. There’s not just running and fighting and creating fantastic things from dreams. There is a whole world that exists on the other-side of consciousness. There’s the Nightmares and the Dreamers, and secrets yet to be discovered.

The ending though is unfinished, this is only the first book in a series. While I wouldn’t call it a cliff hanger, that ending leaves me wanting more.

I was surprised the narrator was a woman, as the main characters are all male. The main male character Devon is fifteen so I guess that was the reasoning. After awhile I forgot the narrator’s gender and just got sucked into the story.

Rebecca Roberts does a great job and she uses variation in her voice for different characters, as all good narrators should.

All together Lucid is an entertaining experience and I look forward to checking out further books in the series.

*I was given a copy of this audio-book via Story Origins for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.*

 

Buy the book on Amazon and check that little box for audio narration here: https://www.amazon.com/Lucid-L-Fred-ebook/dp/B00L96KPNQ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

LEFredL. E. Fred is a perpetual dreamer who writes about worlds both within and without this realm. With a degree in psychology, she tends to get lost in the mind, the greatest adventure of all. L. E. Fred just returned from a tour of Japan, and hopes to have many more adventures to inspire new tales of dreams and beyond. She currently lives in New Orleans, seated at her messy writing desk with her red furred dog at her feet.

My Alien Cover Reveal

10 Apr 2020 1 Comment

by C.O. Bonham in Cover Reveal Tags: , ,

One of my go to authors is releasing a new book. And I get to show you the cover right here today.

First a little about the book. My Alien Engagement is the sequel to My Alien Boyfriend.

Both feature hilarious riffs on common romantic tropes. Even the cover is purposefully trope filled. But don’t be fooled this series much more Com than Rom.

MyAlienEngagement

She’s engaged. She’s transformed. She’s ready for anything.
Except her future in-laws…

Kelley Vanders-Froggett’s life is finally in order again: she’s on break from a great job, she has a supportive family, and she has Anthony Salamandras, her hot alien fiancé who’s making it all too hard to wait for the altar. Yeah, she’s still figuring out his culture, but everything is finally falling into place for their life together on Earth.

Then Anthony’s brother shows up declaring Kelley unworthy to marry into his family—unless she passes ancient trials. Never mind that these trials haven’t been used in generations. Either Kelley proves herself worthy, or she’ll be separated from Anthony forever.

Three trials, no warnings, and everything on the line. But Kelley’s already survived one fiery test, and she’s not going home without her man, no matter what it takes.

My Alien Engagement is the second novelette in The Accidental Alien Romance Chronicles, a series of short romantic satires featuring a sassy heroine, a hot alpha with a side of derp, a sweet core, and a fiery happily-ever-after.

 Add it to your Goodreads list: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53089918

Author bio 

Janeen Ippolito Headshot Janeen Ippolito believes in Jesus, true love, and the power of your unique words. She’s a bestselling author of speculative fiction, writing resources, and poetry. She’s also an editor, author coach, marketing strategist, and the president of Uncommon Universes Press. When she’s not immersed in the geektastic world of words, she’s helping her husband with his youth swordfighting ministry, exploring a slew of random hobbies, and posting up cute animal videos on social media. This extroverted writer loves to connect, so find her on Facebook, Instagram, and her website janeenippolito.com

Links

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/janeenippolitounique/

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/168444147251310/

Email Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/getmyfictionchapters

Instagram: @janeen_ippolito

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaneenIppolito

Supervillain Rehabilitation Project

06 Apr 2020 3 Comments

by C.O. Bonham in book tours Tags: , , ,

first in a series may first

If you have been following this blog for any length of time then you probably know I love books by author H.L. Burke. She mostly writes snarky fantasy with a touch of romance. But her newest book is new territory. Reformed is the first book in her new superhero series, The Supervillain Rehabilitation Project. If you are like me then you are already obsessed with all the marvel movies. This book so far is very much like a marvel movie Quick one liners, compelling characters, and a mysterious villain who you want to hate but kind of relate to them anyway. (but then I relate to most villians.)

 

89737680_555043062036553_519326056495185920_n

 

Once a villain, always a villain?

Optimistic and idealistic superhero Prism is determined to redeem her father’s legacy by rebooting his super villain rehabilitation program. To do so, she sets her sights on Fade, the relapsed super villain who was the reason the government canceled the original program in the first place. However, when she petitions for Fade to be released into her custody, she finds out things might not be as simple as she thought.

Prism

Convicted of an unforgivable crime, Fade received a choice: surrender to trial and possible execution or endure a memory erasure so he could start fresh. Now with no recollection of his time before incarceration, Fade doubts he has the ability to be anything but the villain the public believe him to be.

Fade

A series of attacks by a mysterious power-swapping villain points back to Fade’s past and the crime that cost him his freedom and memory. With her father’s legacy and her own reputation on the line, even Prism has to wonder: can a villain truly be reformed?

The ebook is currently on preorder for only 99 cents. Hurry because the price goes up May 1st.

Purchase Book here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085X8N8FL/

 

heidi-107AUTHOR BIO: 

Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

She is the author of a four part fantasy/romance series entitled “The Dragon and the Scholar,” the Award Winning (2016 Realm Award for Young Adult Fiction) Nyssa Glass Steampunk series, and MG/Fantasy “Cora and the Nurse Dragon,” among others .

Sign up for her monthly newsletter at www.hlburkeauthor.com

Links: 

Author Site: http://www.hlburkeauthor.com

Author Instagram: www.instagram.com/burkesdragons 

Author Twitter: www.twitter.com/hlburkewriter 

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hlburkewriter/ 

Saving the Day May 1st, 2020

Tour Stops:

Check out the other visits along the blog tour!

March 29th-April 4th

https://kandijwyatt.com

April 5th-11th

lizdelton.com/blog

http://www.janeenippolito.com

Cobonham.com- You are here.

April 12th-18th

http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com/

Tabithacaplinger.com

April 19th-25th

Unicornquester.com

https://abigailfalangaauthor.wordpress.com/

 

Guide to Audible without a membership.

29 Mar 2020 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , ,

Reading takes a lot of time. Most books take between four to eight hours to complete, and most of us can only scrounge up about one or two hours a day for it. But what if there was a way to steal more reading time?

What if you could read while you did all your boring daily tasks like brushing your teeth and cooking a meal? Reading in the car, on your way to and from work? What if you could read in the shower?

img_20200323_010958

The book is Cry of the Raven by Morgan Busse. I took the photo.

Welcome to the world of audiobooks. The amazing, hands free way to steal over a whole extra hour of reading time per day. Audiobooks are amazing, but it can be a pricey habit. Most audibooks go for around twenty dollars, which makes sense, having to pay the narrator as well as the author.

The most common place to get audiobooks right now is Audible.

Audible is Amazon’s audiobook service. They offer one free audiobook a month if you sign up for a subscription at $14.95 a month. (Note: not free, you paid $14.95 for it.) So you save about five dollars off the cost of a twenty dollar audiobook.

But this not about convincing you to get a membership, this is about how to get audiobooks for cheaper than the cost of an Audible membership.

First Steps

Make sure you have an Amazon account.

Install the Audible App on the device you use most.

Sign in with your Amazon account. Ignore the adds trying to get you to sign up for a membership.

Now let’s find you something to read.

Shop on Amazon not on Audible

On Amazon search for the book you want to read. Make sure you are searching for the ebook format. Do not search for audiobooks!

If the book is also available in audio then you will often see a discount for buying both the ebook and audio version together. Keep in mind that this will not work if you use Kindle Unlimited. You must purchase the Ebook to get the Narration discount.

Underneath the buy now with one click button you will see a check box that says add audible to your purchase, and a price. This price is almost always $7.49. ($8.01 after sales tax) Still almost half what a membership costs.

But once in a while you will find a better deal.

Here is a deal to start you off.

The book Off to Be the Wizard by Scott Meyer is a hilarious fantasy about computer nerds who learn to code reality.

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Screenshot is from amazon.com on 3/29/2020.

Right now you can get it for 99 cents and add the audiobook for $1.99. This is an eleven hour narration people. Eleven hours for $3! (Amazon prices can change on a whim, always verify prices before buying.)

And that’s not all. Has your favorite author ever offered their ebooks for free on Amazon? Well go ahead and snag it, because if they have it in audio, that’s a $7.49 audibook, that you don’t have to add the cost of the ebook to.

Follow Authors and leave reviews

Now I don’t mean follow them on Amazon, though that helps too. I mean really follow them. Subscribe to their email list, like their facebook page, and if they have one,  join their fan group.

Why? Because Audible gives authors review copies. If you are following an author when they release an audiobook, they just might ask if you want to review it.

A review copy is a completely free to you audiobook that you just have to listen to, then leave a review on. And the easiest way to get these is to be a fan. Read their other books and leave reviews on Amazon, Goodreads and a blog if you have it. Authors are more likely to give you a review copy if they know you will actually review it. (It doesn’t have to be a favorable review, but if you claim a review copy please always read and review as soon as you can. That’s just good manners.)

Reviewing on Audible is super easy. After you finish a book a screen will pop up to rate and review the book right away. Do it while it’s fresh in your mind. If you must wait. Simply go to the books page on audible.com and click write a review.

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I know that’s not how audiobooks work. Still it would be cool if you could do this.

Happy listening!

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