Paul Byers, Author of Arctic Fire: On Tour

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Publisher: Fortress Publications  (July 1, 2011)
Category: Thriller, Action Adventure,  & Literary Fiction
Tour Date: September, 2013
ISBN: 978-0615504070
Available in: Print & eBook,  412Pages

Wealthy entrepreneur Nigel Cain has devised an efficient new way to bring the earth’s most precious resource to the masses – clean water – by transporting massive man-made icebergs from the frigid arctic and delivering them literally to the doorsteps of millions.

Gabriel Pike works at a small engineering firm that has been awarded the task of giving the final safety approval to pilot the first gigantic block of ice into New York harbor.

A consummate showman, Cain has built a fabulous 5-Star hotel and casino high atop the iceberg so his celebrity guests and media elite can cover this spectacle from beginning to end. Pike is whisked away from his work-a-day world and dropped into the lap of luxury where he’s expected to simply rubber-stamp his inspection.

A brutal winter storms ravages the iceberg and exposes structural inconsistencies and hidden agendas that fill Pike with serious doubts about the true intentions of the project.  But a grisly double homicide on the ice puts the inspections on the back burner and sends Pike’s life spiraling out of control when he’s accused of being the jealous murderer in a lover’s triangle.

But Pike soon discovers that there is far more at stake than just his life. He uncovers a conspiracy more heinous than anything he could have imagined – a plot that will level a city, change the political face of America, and whose shockwaves will be felt around the world. Fate rests in his hands – if he can survive long enough to take action…

Praise for Arctic Fire:

“A madman’s insatiable quest for power could level a major American city and kill thousands, ushering in a New World Order.  Arctic Fire is a thrill-ride that will leave you breathless.” – Jeremy Robinson, bestselling author of INSTINCT and THRESHOLD

“Audacious and ambitious, Arctic Fire burns with action, and chills with the possibilities of what the future may hold. A thriller not to be missed!” – Sean Ellis, author of INTO the BLACK

 ”A new twist on a classic battlefield ploy finds an iceberg controlled by a megalomaniac on a collision course with NYC. A provocative blend of fact and fiction that explores issues surrounding a critical natural resource, fresh water, Arctic Fire is bound to leave readers thirsty for more.”-Rick Chesler, author of kiDNApped and WIRED KINGDOM

“We’re running low on fresh water. What do we do? Let’s move an iceberg! I love the premise!! From the opening pages until the thrilling end, Arctic Fire is a heart-pounding adventure filled with risks, action and suspense. With engaging characters and a compelling plot, you will be hard pressed to put this novel down. Just when you think you know what is going to happen, with who and what, the author delivers another surprising twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The character are concealing and manipulative, yet believable. The rush of adrenaline is well-rehearsed with each operation, leaving the reader frantically turning to the next page, desperate to find out what is going to happen next.
This is the first work I have read of Paul Byers, but he reminds me a lot of Clive Cussler with a twist of Brian Freeman – which is an excellent pairing! Arctic Fire is a novel that showcases his effortless feel for narrative as well as his flawless instincts for suspense. I can’t wait to see what Byers has in store for us next. I definitely won’t want to miss it!”- Mindy Hines, Minding Spot Website

“When I was first asked to review Arctic Fire I laughed out loud. I’ve always wondered why someone didn’t just do this exact same thing to help the countries that go through droughts so I was really looking forward to reading this one and I wasn’t disappointed. Arctic Fire is a fast paced read that I finished in just one day. I fell in love with Gabriel Pike from the first chapter and was dying to know just what sinister plot Cain had in mind. I highly recommend this one for anyone who loves suspense thrillers.” – Monie,  Reading With Monie Website

“An awesome mystery/thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I really liked all the characters in this book and the mystery of a homicide. Wonderfully written! If you like a mystery with lots of thrills, you will love this book.”- Sherrie Plummer, Sherrie’s Books Website

About Paul Byers:

Paul grew up in Oregon on the shores of the mighty and mysterious Columbia River, and spent endless hours daydreaming on the beach in front of his house, making up stories about the ships from exotic ports all over the world that steamed up the river – what secret cargo might they be carrying; did they harbor spies who were on dark and exciting missions?

Later in adult life, he moved to another mysterious and provocative city – Las Vegas, just outside the famous Nellis Air Force base. After work he would sit on his porch and watch the fighters take off and land, igniting his imagination with visions of secret missions and rich speculation about what could possibly be hidden at Area 51.

After moving back to his native Pacific Northwest, Paul worked for the Navy and took every opportunity he could to speak with veterans from WWII to the Gulf War, listening to them swap stories and relate the experiences of a lifetime.

So it is this combination of a passionate love of history, a vivid “what if” imagination, and a philosophy of life that boils down to the belief that – there are few things in life that a bigger hammer won’t fix – that led Paul to become a writer of exciting, fact-based action-thrillers. His greatest joy is leaving his readers wondering where the facts end and the fiction begins.

Author Website: http://www.paulbyersonline.com/

Paul on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/paul.byers.31?ref=tn_tnmn

Paul on Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/535909.Paul_Byers

Buy Arctic Fire:

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Hy Conrad, Author of Mr. Monk Helps Himself: On Tour

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Publisher: Penguin USA (June 4, 2013)
Category: Cozy Mystery
Tour Date: August, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-451-24093-4
Available in: Print & eBook,  286 Pages

Mr. Monk Helps Himself is an all-new mystery, written by Hy Conrad, the Edgar Award-nominated screenwriter and co-executive producer of Monk and starring the characters from the wildly successful television series.

Now that Monk and Natalie are both in San Francisco again, life is almost back to normal, with one exception:  Natalie is studying for her PI license, the last step to becoming Monk’s full partner.

Before taking the plunge, Natalie sneaks off to Half Moon Bay for a retreat run by Miranda Bigley, charismatic leader of the “Best Possible Me” self-help program, whose philosophy has helped Natalie deal with her recent life changes.  Her plans for a relaxing weekend are disrupted when Monk tracks her down, determined to rescue her from the “cult.”  Their argument is cut short when Miranda, in full view of everyone, calmly walks to the edge of a cliff and jumps off.

Even though Miranda’s death looks like suicide—especially when it’s discovered that she was on the brink of financial disaster—Natalie is sure it is murder.  But Monk brushes her off to help the SFPD solve the murder of a clown, despite his fear of clowns—number ninety-nine on his list of one hundred phobias.

Natalie and Monk begin their separate investigations and are quickly caught up in situations neither one of them can handle.  If they want to solve both crimes – and survive – they first need to learn how to be full partners.  Can Monk handle the change?

Praise for Mr. Monk Helps Himself:

“An entertaining and ruefully funny diversion that stars one of television’s best-loved characters.”–Honolulu Star Bulletin

“[A] lighthearted, enjoyable whodunit.”–San Francisco Book Review

“Hilariously funny and devilishly clever…an impossible-crime lover’s delight.”–Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine

“Even though Mr. Conrad is replacing Lee Goldberg, the writing remains great. Monk and all other characters are well developed. Can’t wait for next one.”- Tyffani Monford, Amazon.com Reviewer

“Great Book! I’ m a huge Monk fan – rewatch episodes all the time and have read all the books. It is my favorite series of all time. I was worred that this book might not be as good because of the new author… but I was pleasantly surprised that I really enjoyed it. Worth buying!”- Andria, Amazon.com Reviewer

Praise for Hy Conrad’s Rally Round the Corpse:

Conrad has created well-developed characters that are realistic with just a touch of zaniness. He takes the story on a whirlwind adventure while placing the reader in the midst of the action with his vivid descriptions. As the story unfolds, Conrad incorporates red herrings keeping readers on their toes as to who the real killer is and what could possibly happen next.
RALLY ’ROUND THE CORPSE is well-written and flows smoothly. It’s a fast paced mystery featuring bits of humor and romance with suspense and intrigue always lurking nearby. This is a fun read mystery lovers will adore and eagerly await the next adventure Amy undertakes.”-Mason, Thought’s In Progress Website

“When I had the chance to read Hy Conrad’s book, I jumped on it. I had read another of his books and fell in love it. Well, Mr. Conrad did not disappoint me  with Rally ‘Round the Corpse.
What is really good about this mystery is that it is not too fast nor too slow when it comes to the pace of the story. It is a perfect, steady pace that has you wanting to read more and more yet where you can put it down for the night while pondering the day’s read.
The story was artfully crafted and had me hooked. I love mysteries and try to figure out who did it. Well, this one kept me guessing as the plot would take a new turn every time a new clue was discovered or more secrets were revealed. 
The characters are the highlight of the entire book. Each one is crafted to be extremely unique with personalities that have you hooked to them. They were more than believable. They were fun. I loved getting to know them. Amy and Fanny are amazing. Their relationship will one to go down in literary history.
Mr. Conrad’s writing is entertaining as well as mesmerizing. The flow of the story is smooth while taking you on a journey you’ll never see the likes of again aside from the sequel.
I cannot wait for the next book. I love Mr. Conrad’s work with the television shows ‘Monk’ and “White Collar”. In fact, my children and I watch them almost daily over and over. He carries his talent to the written page in a manner that only he could accomplish so well. He now as a fan that will be stalking him regularly. In fact, I’ll put a guard on his door to ensure that more and more of the Abel Adventures Mysteries get written. If you can’t guess, I give this book two thumbs up plus two big toes. I love it!”- Rebecca Graf, A Book Lover’s Library Website

“I just adored this book! It was perfect reading for me the month of December. A delicious cozy that kept me returning to it during the hectic holiday season when I didn’t have a lot of time for reading and I found myself joyously cuddling up for quick breaks with this book. An entertaining mystery with a unique plot. I absolutely love the concept of Amy Abel’s travel agency extraordinaire. The opportunity for imaginative plots for future books is bound only by the author’s imagination, which he seems to have no short supply of! The short blurb at the back describing book two already has me salivating for the next one.”- Nicola Mansfield, Back To Books Website

“This is a story that is filled with enough humor, suspense and quirky characters to keep the reader occupied. From an author who knows mystery this story will have you guessing as to who the murderer is. I loved it and will definitely read more of Mr. Conrad’s work.”- Kathleen Kelly, Celtic Lady’s Reviews Website

About Hy Conrad:

Hy Conrad was one of the original writers on the USA Network television series Monk and stayed with the series for all eight seasons, acting as co-executive producer for the last two seasons and garnering three Edgar® Award nominations. In addition, Hy was head writer of the webisode series Little Monk and served as consulting producer and writer on the USA series White Collar.

He is the author of hundreds of short stories, dozens of interactive mysteries, and ten books of solvable whodunits, sold around the world in fourteen languages. His first mystery novel series, Abel Adventures, premiered in 2012, with the publication of Rally ’Round the Corpse.  On a more humorous note, Hy is also the author of Things Your Dog Doesn’t Want You to Know.

Author Website: http://www.hyconrad.com/

Buy Mr. Monk Helps Himself:

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Vera Jane Cook, Author of The Story of Sassy Sweetwater: On Tour

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storyofsassysweetwater-140Publisher: Musa Publishing (January 20, 2012)
Category: Southern fiction, Contemporary fiction, Women’s Fiction
Tour Date: July, 2013
Available in: eBook,  289 Pages

Finalist for the ForeWord Book of the Year Awards for 2012! Won the Eric Hoffer Award for Sassy Sweetwater for 2013 – Honorable Mention Best ebook Fiction!

After thirteen years on the run Violet McLaughlin returns to Carter’s Crossing, South Carolina, in 1962, with her young daughter, Sassy. The Crossing is right outside of Beaufort and the turmoil of the Civil Rights movement will forever leave its scars on the young and impressionable girl. As Sassy stands before the imposing white farmhouse for the first time, with no knowledge of her history but that the McLaughlin’s are her kin, Sassy begins a journey that will tear her apart before it heals her. Growing up among secrets that will forever damage her relationship with her mother, she attempts to make sense of her past. But will her passion for art and her love for Thomas Tierney be enough to sustain her future? Will the puzzles she must solve to discover who she is be worth the journey?

Praise for The Story of Sassy Sweetwater:

“An extraordinary second in the southern fiction genre, Vera Jane Cook explores the bonds of family and the fragility of love. The Story of Sassy Sweetwater is a sparkling debut novel.
Cook has penned a sweeping coming-of-age saga that is sure to appeal to fans of romance and drama. Sassy, an assertive, observant protagonist, gains the reader’s sympathy at the outset; in the manner of Jane Eyre, she survives the hand fortune has dealt her through sheer will, rising up to meet every challenge.
It is not just the gripping love story that will hold the audience’s interest; it is also Cook’s nuanced portrayal of Sassy’s positive relationships with people whom others are prejudiced against.
Drama lovers will be pleased to note that Sassy faces lies, cover-ups, violence, murder attempts, and the rediscovery of loved ones once thought dead. None of this descends into soap opera, however, because Cook skillfully grounds these events in her protagonist’s emotions. Those who know the agony of a family rupture will feel Sassy’s pain as she wishes for Violet to return, yet hates her for leaving. Along with the main story, as Cook delves into the lives of Sassy’s family (particularly those of Violet and Edna) she paints a haunting portrait of physical abuse filtering through multiple generations. Despite its violence, though, The Story of Sassy Sweetwater is an uplifting read.”- 5 Star ForeWord Clarion Review

“The Story of Sassy Sweetwater” by Vera Jane Cook was an excellent read. This story was one that I couldn’t put down until I had finished it….so I read all nite long … (smile).
Sassy (meaning….attitude and Sweetwater..a stream…. was a very strong, desirous, and daring person. How this author was able to present such a well written novel was simply amazing….dealing with a young Sassy trying to understand the grownups in her life….mainly her mother…going from one relationship to another…then returning home… to Carter’s Crossing, South Carolina…..where Sassy remained there until the end… then it was France.
Ms. Cook worked her magic in bringing out Sassy emotions to the audience. The writing was well written and each of the characters were brought to life in this great read.  I know you will find it a great read. These characters really made this a well understood novel.
The Story of Sassy Sweetwater” is a real journey that while you are on it, you will find out just what Sassy needed most in her life. Will Sassy be able to get this in the end? I found this novel an excellent novel and I would recommend this for the Adult audience.”- Arlena Dean, GMTA Literary Community

“Vera Jane Cook has quickly become one my favorite writers. Her stories are always interesting and lively and The Story of Sassy Sweetwater is no exception.
In this book we follow the journey of Sassy Sweetwater as she grows and matures from a child to a woman. What a ride it is! Sassy’s life is full of ups and downs but through it all she stays sweet and endearing. She is a strong and passionate character and she always seems to find a way to prevail.
If you love strong, character-driven stories you’ll love The Story of Sassy Sweetwater.”-Sweet Tea, Amazon.com Reviewer

” I really enjoyed how the author brought Sassy Sweetwater to life. You can almost hear her southern drawl as you read her words. The characters are richly created and bring the story even more to life. Other than Sassy, my favorite character was Grandma Edna. This woman starts out as someone who seems untouchable, and turns out to be Sassy’s greatest champion. She has so many facets, like a true southern lady who married young and to a very volatile man, she finds her own way of taking control of things and people around her and still keep her charm.
Anyone looking for a solid story of life, its ups and downs with great female characters would really enjoy this book.”- Kmusings

About Vera Jane Cook:jaynecolor1 copy

Vera Jane Cook, writer of Award Winning Women’s Fiction, is the author of The Story of Sassy Sweetwater, Lies a River Deep, Where the Wildflowers Grow, Dancing Backward in Paradise and Annabel Horton, Lost Witch of Salem.

Jane, as she is known to family and friends, was born in New York City and grew up amid the eccentricity of her southern and glamorous mother on the Upper West and Upper East Side of Manhattan.

An only child, Jane turned to reading novels at an early age and was deeply influenced by an eclectic group of authors. Some of her favorite authors today are Nelson DeMille, Calib Carr, Wally Lamb, Anne Rice, Sue Monk Kidd, Anita Shreve, Jodi Picoult, Alice Walker and Toni Morrison. Her favorite novels are too long to list but include The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, Cheri and The Last of Cheri, The Picture of Dorian Grey, Wuthering Heights, Look at Me, Dogs of Babel, The Bluest Eye, The Art of Racing in the Rain, Body Surfing, Lolita, The Brothers Karamazov, She’s Come Undone, Tale of Two Cities, etc., etc., etc.,

The Story of Sassy Sweetwater is a finalist for the ForeWord Book of the Year Awards for 2012. Her first novel, Dancing Backward in Paradise won the Eric Hoffer Award for publishing excellence and the Indie Excellence Award for notable new fiction, 2007. The Story of Sassy Sweetwater and Dancing Backward in Paradise received five stars from ForeWord Clarion Reviews. The Story of Annabel Horton, Lost Witch of Salem is her first paranormal novel.

The author works by day for an education publishing company as an account manager and lives on the Upper West side of Manhattan with her long term partner, her Pomeranian, Daisy, her Basenji/Chihuahua mix, Roxie, her Chihuahua, Peanut and her two pussy cats, Sassy and Sweetie Pie.

Vera Jane Cook’s Website: http://www.verajanecook.com/

Vera Jane Cook on Twitter: https://twitter.com/verajanecook
Vera Jane Cook on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vera.j.cook

Ardash Vartparonian , Author of Solstice High: On Tour

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Solstice HighPublisher: Strategic Book Group  (October 22, 2012)
Category: Urban Fantasy/Sci Fi/Young Adult
Tour Date: July- Early August, 2013
Available in: eBook and Print,  360  Pages

Matt, Rochelle, Daphne and Jonas are four students starting their senior year of high school, but suffer a freak-accident the very first day and start to realize that they are developing superhuman abilities. They quickly realize that the school principal, Mr. Devlin, has in fact more than just education on his agenda, and is using the school for his own purposes.

Not only must the four friends try to figure out what Devlin’s plans are, but when he will strike, and seeing as how they cannot turn to grown-ups for help without exposing themselves, must themselves grow-up in order to stop him. As well as learning to cope with these developing powers, the four teenagers must deal with the day-to-day muddles of being a teenager, such as volatile emotions, infatuations and family issues.

Praise for Solstice High:

“This novel is a mix of teenage drama and fantasy. I was surprised that Mr. Vartparonian combined them so seamlessly. Each chapter changes between the four main character’s perspectives. It is fairly easy to tell who’s eyes you are viewing the world of Solstice High through once you get to know the characters. I loved this aspect of Solstice High because I didn’t have to ponder what each character was feeling. I was never bored because all four characters have such different and interesting personalities. The character development is fabulous!
The author really pulls the reader into Matt’s mind. I traveled with Matt up and down his emotional rollercoaster. Out of all the characters, I sympathized the most with Matt because he has the most volatile power. 
There is TONS of humour in this book along with the more serious feelings of depression, anger, vengeance, and grief.  Solstice High is an amazing novel where I groaned about homework (which I already do), battled evil principals, and squealed in delight about being a “superhero” with the characters. It’s so easy to live through each character in this novel. 
All together, Solstice High is a very good book. What made me love this book is the character development. Each character’s personality is so unique and complex. As a teenager, I especially enjoyed it because I could relate to the trials and tribulations of being a high schooler. Even if you’re not a teenager, I think that you will enjoy this novel because you will time travel back to when you were a teenager! And maybe you adults will sympathize with us teenagers more when we complain about our lives.”- Dani, A Walk On Words

“I suppose what I enjoyed most about this book was that it reminded me of what being in school was like. It’s clearly tongue-in-cheek humour completely self-aware of its own narrative, but that just gives the novel a refreshing attitude since it doesn’t take itself too seriously. I liked the fact that every chapter was narrated by one of the four main characters; it showed you how unreliable narrators can be, since mostly you have to judge them by what they do instead of what they say.  All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a casual yet highly entertaining read.”-Adrienne, Amazon.com Reviewer

“An imaginative and captivating first novel by talented young writer, Ardash Vartparonian. Very hard (if not impossible!) to put down and I look forward with great anticipation to reading his future works.”- H. Sarian, Amazon.com Reviewer

“It is extremely catchy, can’t put it down!!  I love how it is written, it has multiple narrators and that makes it interesting. Great narrative, you never know what is going to happen next.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking to read something entertaining. If you are not much of a reader, I can assure you this book is definitely going to grab your attention.”- Maria, Amazon.com Reviewer

About Ardash Vartparonian:

Ardash Vartparonian

Ardash Vartparonian was born in London but raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At the age of 18 he began his debut novel, Solstice High, and continued writing throughout his last year of school and first year of university, where he moved back to the UK to study English Literature at Edinburgh University. Now a fourth year student, Ardash enjoys going out with his friends, watching horror movies and reading fantasy book while trying to keep up with his university work. Find out more at http://sbpra.com/ardashvartparonian/

Ardash on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SolsticeHigh?ref=hl