2 Girls & A Book - Blog

Lynn's Review ~The Ghost Files - Volume 2 by Apryl Baker

4/2/2020

At seventeen, Mattie Hathaway has survived her mother attempting to kill her, multiple foster homes, and a serial killer. Oh, and she sees ghosts on a regular basis too. You’d think Fate would give her a break right? Umm…nope, not Mattie.

Dan Richards is the only person in the entire world Mattie trusts, but then the boy goes and breaks her heart. Mattie does what she does best, she runs and lands herself slap in the middle of a haunted house full of ghosts turned vengeful that want Mattie to join their ranks.

Only bright spot on all this? Eli Malone – the gorgeous boy with the beautiful aqua eyes that makes her feel things she’s never even imagined before. She’s not sure what to do with him, especially when Dan shows up glowering at him.

She’ll figure Eli out if she can survive the house. The ghosts are bound and determined to kill her so she’ll be one of them. Now if she can just figure out how to survive them and the demon stalking her, she might be able to decide what to do about her feelings for Dan and Eli.

Lynn's 5 Star Review

I read this book in one night. The author pulled me into the story immediately and didn't let go. I enjoyed the addition of the Malones. I look forward to seeing where things go between Eli and Mattie or if Dan and Mattie will realize they are perfect together. There are some interesting plot twists in this installment and I cannot wait to dive into Book 3.

For a complete list of books by Apryl Baker, visit her Amazon page.

Audiobookworm Tour ~ The Soul Searchers Mysteries

3/31/2020

Audiobook Series Blog Tour: The Soul Searchers Mysteries by Caryn Larrinaga

Author: Caryn Larrinaga

Narrator: Jessica McEvoy

Length: 9 hours 51 minutes

Series: The Soul Searchers Mysteries, Book 2

Released: March 2020

Publisher: Twisted Tree Press

Genre: Supernatural Cozy Mystery

Mackenzie Clair finally has this whole ghost-hunting psychic thing figured out. The Soul Searchers are a hit, she’s got pet-parenting down, and she even has a plan to banish the poltergeist running amok at a lakeside cabin. Best of all, Donn’s Hill feels like home. But not everyone loves the town as much as Mac. A world-famous paranormal debunker thinks the psychics in Donn’s Hill are lying about their abilities. His determination to destroy the Soul Searchers threatens Mac’s livelihood, and when a killer strikes, the sheriff’s suspicions threaten her freedom. Mac needs all the help she can get to find the real murderer and clear her name… even if that help comes from beyond the grave.

Caryn Larrinaga is a self-described horror evangelist and paranormal junkie. Her debut supernatural mystery novel, DONN’S HILL, won the League of Utah Writers 2017 Silver Quill Award in the adult novel category and was a 2017 Dragon Award finalist. Her short fiction has won multiple honors and been featured in local and international anthologies. Watching scary movies through split fingers terrified Caryn as a child, and those nightmares inspire her to write now. She lives near Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband and their clowder of cats. Visit www.carynlarrinaga.com for free short stories and audiobooks.

Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Instagram⎮Goodreads

Narrator Bio

Between peddling video games and teaching yoga in her home state of Arizona, Jessica McEvoy attempts to conduct a career as a professional voice actress. This, however, is moderately undermined by the fact that she records in a dimly lit closet with her microphone balanced on a stack of old board games (Junior Scrabble and Powerpuff Girls Monopoly form a strong foundation), but she hopes that no one holds that against her. Though her main work consists of narrating audiobooks, her first dive into the voice world was through the NoSleep podcast after answering a post from the LibriVox forums. Having been raised on horror movies and scary stories, she was beyond excited to be able to work on the show. Many stories, tortured screams, deranged villains, and creepy little girl giggles later, Jessica hopes to work on the podcast for seasons and seasons to come.

Twitter

Q&A with Striker the cat

What is your full name? Do you have a nickname (if so, who calls you this)?Striker Clair. Mac sometimes calls me “my cat” in front of other humans, which is hilarious.
Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place (home and location) and the person/people you live with.Mac found me a really nice, warm, cozy apartment in a big yellow house not too far from Main Street in Donn’s Hill. There’s a great big tree right by the window, so I can climb up and down whenever I want. My favorite part about it is this cushy bench that runs along the inside of a round turret; it’s sunny there for most of the day and it’s a great place to nap. Usually I sleep in the soft bed Mac bought me though; she’s pretty warm so I let her share it with me.
What is your job?I’m in charge of security for a TV show called the Soul Searchers. I travel with the team when they’re filming and make sure no mice or birds interfere with anything. If a ghost shows up, I keep Mac safe. She’s really important. You know… to the show. Sometimes I help my friend Graham sell his sculptures at the Afterlife Festival. He always sells way more when I’m around!
What do you consider your greatest achievement so far, why?I’m really proud of how far Mac has come since I’ve been taking care of her. When we first met, she was so lost. She didn’t even have a home. Now I make sure she’s happy and healthy, and she’s really thriving. It’s great to see!
Do you have a motto? If so, what is it?“A treat in the hand is worth two in the bag.” Also, “Give me the bag.”

Mackenzie Clair (aka Mac) is a wanderer at heart. For Mac, home is where the people she loves are, and at the beginning of Donn’s Hill, everyone she loves has either left this life or betrayed her completely. She’s used to starting over, and her willingness to dive head first into uncharted territory serves her well as she discovers the return of a lost psychic ability to see the dead. Mac has dark, curly hair and tends to have shadows under her blue eyes from staying up late reading. Her sweet tooth can get out of control, and her favorite snacks include lemon bars and homemade chocolate chip cookies. She loves a good cup of tea but will take coffee if somebody else made it.
Striker is a small tortoiseshell cat who found her way into Mac’s life just when she was needed most, as cats have a way of doing. Fond of games and cuddling, she takes care of Mac as well (or better) as Mac takes care of her, and her inquisitive nature has a way of leading her human both into and out of trouble. Favorite snack: crunchy treats from Mac’s landlord’s breast pocket.

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Audiobookworm Tour ~ Two Thousand Years

3/31/2020

Author: M. Dalto
Narrator: Amanda Abeillan
Length: 8 hours 20 minutes
Publisher: The Parliament House⎮2020
Genre: Fantasy
Series: The Empire Saga, Book 1
Release date: Feb. 3, 2020

Two thousand years ago, the prophecy of fire and light foretold the coming of the queen empress who would lead the empire into a time of peace and tranquility. But instead of the coming of a prosperous world, a forbidden love for the empress waged a war that ravaged the land, creating a chasm between the factions and raising the death toll of innocent lives until the final, bloody battle.
Centuries later, Alexandra, a 22-year-old barista living in Boston, is taken to an unfamiliar realm of mystery and magic where her life is threatened by Reylor, its banished lord steward. She crosses paths with Treyan, the arrogant and seductive crown prince of the empire, and together, they discover how their lives, and their love, are so intricately intertwined by a prophecy set in motion so many years ago.
Alex, now the predestined Queen Empress Alexstrayna, whose arrival was foretold by the annals of the empire, controls the fate of her new home as war rages between the crown prince and lord steward. Either choice could tear her world apart, as she attempts to keep the empire's torrid history from repeating itself.
In a realm where betrayal and revenge will be as crucial to her survival as love and honor, Alex must discover whether it is her choice - or her fate - that determines how she survives the empire's rising conflicts.

Buy Links
Buy on Amazon

About the Author: M. Dalto
M. Dalto is a Young Adult and New Adult author of adventurous romantic fantasy stories. Her bestselling debut novel, Two Thousand Years, was a 2016 Watty Award winner (Wattpad.com). She has since released two companion novellas, and its sequel, MARK OF THE EMPRESS. Her sophomore release, LADY MUTINY, has been signed with Magnolia Press for publication in 2020.

She was recruited to participate in Wattpad Paid Stories program for serialized authors in March 2019, and has since been invited into the Wattpad Stars program. She continues to volunteer her time as a literary mentor and freelance developmental editor, where she hopes to engage, assist, and inspire new writers through their literary journey.

She spends her days working as a full-time real estate paralegal, leaving her evenings to pursue her own writing agenda. When she’s not typing furiously at her computer, she enjoys reading fantasy novels, playing video games, and drinking coffee. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her husband, their daughter, and their corgi named Loki.

Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads⎮Instagram

About the Narrator: Amanda Abeillan
Amanda Abeillan has narrated over a thousand hours of audio included in books, educational videos, commercials and more. She loves telling stories and making them come alive for her audiences. She also enjoys singing, playing the piano, and learning French. In her spare time, she can be found watching British panel shows and history documentaries.
Website⎮Audible

SALES ALERT ~ A Fae Brothers' Ever Afters by Melanie Gilbert

3/31/2020

I love this series! It's unique fairytale retellings with fae, gargoyles, witches, djinn, and so much more! ~ Lynn

BUY LINKS Amazon ~ Kobo ~ B&N ~ Apple

Audiobookworm Blog ~ Scarlet Oaks and the Serial Caller by Michaela James

3/31/2020

Is it possible Scarlet Oaks, the reluctant new host of a men’s call-in show, inspired the first serial killer San Francisco’s seen in some 40 years?

Struggling to pay the rent after her boyfriend’s sudden departure, continue her role as mediator in an unconventional family, and feed a micro pig who appears less micro by the day, Scarlet’s life is far from perfect. But when an eerie sounding caller is identified as the bay area’s latest serial killer, it appears her life will never be same.

With the killer continually calling into Scarlet’s show, while managing to stay one step ahead of the San Francisco police, Scarlet begins to fear she’s his next victim. Enlisting best friends Niles and Tom and their often-hilarious help, Scarlet sets out to find the elusive Serial Caller...before he finds her.

Root for Scarlet during this heart-pounding and alternately humorous mystery thriller. Fall in love with unforgettable characters, recognize familiar family members, and hold on tight for an adrenaline-filled ride.

If you’re a Stephanie Plum fan, make room for Scarlet Oaks!
This is the first book in the Scarlet Oaks series.

About the Author: Michaela James

Michaela lives near Reno, Nevada, where there are lovely walking trails and lots of sun. She was born and grew up in Hampshire, England, where there is less sun, but better chocolate! A professional voice over artist and the voice of a local radio station, Michaela enjoys watching great movies with her husband and grown sons, playing tennis and and drinking lots of tea.

About the Narrator: Kimberly M. Wetherell

In Kimberly’s storied 30-year career in the Arts, she has been an actor, an opera and film director/producer, a published essayist, founder and host of several NYC reading series, and, on a brief hiatus from ‘the biz’, a professional boozy baker and restauranteur. Her bright, youthful sound, coupled with her wide-ranging and varied life experiences, brings nuance and depth to her compelling audiobook narration.

Review

The cover immediately drew me to this story. Prudence the pig completely steals the show anytime she is mentioned. However, aside from those moments, the storyline was long and drawn out. I felt that the author could have cut several chapters from the story. The arrest of the "bad guy" was done without any fanfare. The heart of the plot is good and I do plan to check out additional stories from this author. Why? Because there is a diverse and fun cast of characters. Niles and Tom are delightful in their doting on Scarlett. And hello, a pig!

Narrator Kimberly M. Wetherell was brilliant. She lent a great voice to each character.

New Release & Review ~ Deal by Melanie Gilbert

3/31/2020

Congratulations on releasing the final full length novel in the series. I can't wait till the collection is on my book shelf. ~ Lynn

Title: Deal: A Rumpelstiltskin Retelling
Series: A Fae Brothers' Ever Afters Novel Book 5
Author: Melanie Gilbert

What would you trade to save those you love?

Sloan Mercer is a teenage Princess who works two jobs, runs a broken clan, and has no hope of things changing. When witches attack, Sloan is approached by a mysterious man. With a deal, he can help her.

Del Danville is haunted by witches in his nightmares as well as his waking hours. Meeting Sloan is both the best and worst day of his life. As guilt and fear eat at him, Del learns the power of forgiveness from an unlikely source.

The witches have new allies and the time for revenge has come. Will the Danvilles and their new allies be strong enough to stop their most powerful enemy yet?

Come make a deal with the last Princess in the Fae Brothers’ Ever Afters series!

Lynn's 5 Star Review

Holy smokes! Melanie Gilbert saved the best for last. Deal was non stop action. The plot twist was a heck of a ride. You won't see it coming but it will leave you on the edge of your seat. I found myself with bated breath through most of the story. Bravo. Melanie!

ABOUT MELANIE GILBERT
Melanie was born in Michigan, USA where she lived until moving to Virginia to attend college. She majored in Business Management and minored in English. After graduating in 2009, Melanie added a Pomeranian puppy named Toby to her family. Soon after, Melanie got married and quit her day job to be a stay at home mom. She, her husband, 2 sons, and Toby live in Michigan where her husband attends college. She enjoys playing with her boys, reading, putting puzzles together, and of course, writing.

Stalk Melanie on Facebook ~ Instagram ~Website

Audiobookworm Blog ~ The Corridor by Vic Neal

3/28/2020

Author: Vic Neal
Narrator: Jack Hardman
Length: 8 hours 32 minutes
Publisher: Nice Cake Publishing Ltd⎮2020
Genre: Humor
Series: Oxford Uni Corridor Series, Book 1
Release date: Feb. 14, 2020

The Corridor is a documentary-style comedy which follows the lives of a group of Oxford students through their conversations, tweets, emails, video diaries, and text messages. Rather than attending lectures and writing essays, the students are more interested in their bizarre clubs, secret dining societies, and organizing rebellions.
Based loosely on the experiences of an Oxford student, The Corridor exposes the famous seat of learning which has continued to excrete our most reprehensible leaders for hundreds of years.
A must-listen book for anyone thinking of becoming a prime minister/anarchist.
Buy Links
Buy on Audible

About the Author: Vic Neal
Vic studied at Oxford for four years, and now lives and works in the West Midlands in the United Kingdom. The Corridor is her debut novel, which she boldly claims is "a bit funny in parts". Vic has just published the sequel to The Corridor and is now working on a number of new titles - including a historical fiction based on a chance encounter between Lord Byron, King George III and Frankenstein (working title: "Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Sew"). Her aim is to become somebody somewhere’s favourite author.

Twitter⎮Goodreads

About the Narrator: Jack Hardman
Jack is an actor from the East Midlands. He trained at Millennium Performing Arts college and has been acting most of his life.

Cover Reveal ~ Deal by Melanie Gilbert

3/26/2020

Melanie Gilbert saved the best for last! Snag your
copy March 31st.~ Lynn

***Preorder links were not available at time of posting.

What would you trade to save those you love?

Sloan Mercer is a teenage Princess who works two jobs, runs a broken clan, and has no hope of things changing. When witches attack, Sloan is approached by a mysterious man. With a deal, he can help her.

Del Danville is haunted by witches in his nightmares as well as his waking hours. Meeting Sloan is both the best and worst day of his life. As guilt and fear eat at him, Del learns the power of forgiveness from an unlikely source.

The witches have new allies and the time for revenge has come. Will the Danvilles and their new allies be strong enough to stop their most powerful enemy yet?

Lynn's 5 Star Review

Holy smokes! Melanie saved the best for last. Deal was nonstop action. That plot twist was one heck of a ride. You won't see it coming but it sure will leave you on the edge of your seat. I sat with bated breath through most of this book. Bravo Melanie!

Audio Review ~ The Invited by Jennifer McMahon

3/26/2020

The Invited
By: Jennifer McMahon
Narrated by: Amanda Carlin, Justine Eyre
Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 04-30-19
Language: English
Publisher: Random House Audio

Grab it here
Amazon | Audible

Blurb

A chilling ghost story with a twist: the New York Times bestselling author of The Winter People returns to the woods of Vermont to tell the story of a husband and wife who don't simply move into a haunted house--they build one . . .

In a quest for a simpler life, Helen and Nate have abandoned the comforts of suburbia to take up residence on forty-four acres of rural land where they will begin the ultimate, aspirational do-it-yourself project: building the house of their dreams. When they discover that this beautiful property has a dark and violent past, Helen, a former history teacher, becomes consumed by the local legend of Hattie Breckenridge, a woman who lived and died there a century ago. With her passion for artifacts, Helen finds special materials to incorporate into the house--a beam from an old schoolroom, bricks from a mill, a mantel from a farmhouse--objects that draw her deeper into the story of Hattie and her descendants, three generations of Breckenridge women, each of whom died suspiciously. As the building project progresses, the house will become a place of menace and unfinished business: a new home, now haunted, that beckons its owners and their neighbors toward unimaginable danger.

Crystal's Review

The Invited

The Invited by Jennifer McMahon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am happy that I was able to listen to the audio book version. I used a free credit to get it. That being said, for the price of this book I would have been a bit upset.

I enjoyed listening, but I am happy it was "free". I hate reviews that state such things, but here I am doing just that. The book didn't get GREAT until the last hand full of chapters. I have to admit if I had been reading it I probably would have DNF'd it. I am happy I stuck through though.

There seemed to be many fillers, unnecessary chapters. It all came together well at the end. I had predicted the ties almost from the start. It was good, just not as great as I had hoped.

View all my reviews

Release Blitz ~ Unbroken Vows by Christine Pope

3/26/2020

Title: Unbroken Vows

Author: Christine Pope

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Cover Designer: Covers by Christian

Editor: Katherine Tomlinson, Story Authority

Publisher: Dark Valentine Press

Publication Date: March 25^th, 2020

Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR

Blurb:

Hell hath no fury like a demon back from the dead.

Rosemary McGuire thought the past was dead. Unfortunately, sheâ€™s dead wrong...because itâ€™s standing on her doorstep, very much alive. But this time, Caleb Lockwoodâ€™s target isnâ€™t the hidden hard drive with the footage that proves demons are real. His target is Rosemary.

When Will Gordon comes home to find Rosemary gone, he trusts his instincts and reaches out to a network of friends forged in the fires of too many demon battles. Soon he, Michael, Audrey, and Glynis are casting supernatural nets far and wide in a desperate search. And Will is torn between hurling ungodly curses at who â€” or what â€” took the love of his life, and falling to his knees to pray for her safe return.

The truth isnâ€™t just a nightmare â€” itâ€™s a night terror. And Rosemary faces the terrible choice of surrendering everything she is to an unspeakable evilâ€¦or losing everyone she loves.

Unbroken Vows concludes the six-part Project Demon Hunters series.

Buy Links:

Unquiet Souls: https://books2read.com/u/3JVlMB

Unbound Spirits: https://books2read.com/u/bxvPXk

Unholy Ground: https://books2read.com/u/3npyLx

Unseen Voices: https://books2read.com/u/mlaGg9

Unmarked Graves: https://books2read.com/u/bW1yE0

Unbroken Vows: https://books2read.com/u/brvj1w

USA Today bestseller Christine Pope is the author of the paranormal romance Witches of Cleopatra Hill series and the Djinn Wars series, among many other books (sixty and counting!). Researching UFOs brought her to magical Sedona, Arizona, where she now makes her home. Find out more about her books at christinepope.com.

Author Links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4181354.Christine_Pope

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2X9svOI

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristinePopeAuthor

Web: http://christinepope.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/christinejpope

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/christine-pope

Buy Links:

Unquiet Souls: https://books2read.com/u/3JVlMB

Unbound Spirits: https://books2read.com/u/bxvPXk

Unholy Ground: https://books2read.com/u/3npyLx

Unseen Voices: https://books2read.com/u/mlaGg9

Unmarked Graves: https://books2read.com/u/bW1yE0

Unbroken Vows: https://books2read.com/u/brvj1w