Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Review of the Novel: The Tourist

The Tourist: Fatal Treasures Book 1

By: Olivia Teese

Rating: 5 Glasses

I always appreciate a quick read. Some stories just don't need to be 400 pages and if drug out that far would ruin the story. This book was the perfect length for the story. I read through it in one night and was happy with the time spent. I won't give any spoilers away but the characters were very unlikable and yet I enjoyed them anyway. It had well developed scenes and an intriguing plot. If you are looking for a quick sexy read grab yourself a copy.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana


Monday, August 29, 2016

Ana's Post

Ok everyone I told you the results of my big promo but I didn't tell you what I did and what actually worked so here are some tid bits of knowledge I gained from it:

1- FreeBooksy=Rocks! I bought a spot on FreeBooksy and on that day I only had a posting on FreeBooksy and I had 1400 downloads and I sold 50 copies of a mix of James and Jasmine. No I didn't make my money back since it was free downloads but I have seen a continuation of the success from it in pages read on KU of the second two books.

2-Giving away book one for free and discounting the other two worked! I really pushed the free book and really didn't do anything to promote the other two being discounted to see if the freebie would drive sales of the other two and it did. I really think it was due to people looking to download the first one for free and seeing the rest of the trilogy was only $0.99 for each book and thought "Hey I can grab a whole trilogy for only $1.98. Even if I hate it I didn't invest that much." Or maybe they were more optimistic, lol. Either way I sold more of James and Jasmine that week then I expected and have seen a continuation of sales of both since then.

3-You have to spend money to gain any momentum. I was so frugal when it came to marketing up to this point. I was so afraid of spending a lot of money and not getting anything back for it. I spent the money for FreeBooksy, ManyBooks, and BookBarbarian and I have not been disappointed. Between sales and KU pages read I have made over $200 since I ran that promo.

4-Persistance is key! I struggled emotionally to finish the third book since I wasn't seeing as much success with the first two as I had wanted but I stuck with it and I believed in my work. I am so glad I finished it and that it is being received so well. I know a lot of readers have said that they don't start a trilogy until it is completed for fear that the author won't finish it and they will be left disappointed that they didn't get to finish the story. I hope I am finding those readers :)

5- Indie Authors have to encourage each other or nobody will! Share what you have learned and be supportive of other authors. I have met some indie authors who think they are the best and tear everyone else down. It is disappointing because everyone can always learn something new and improve. Love and support that's my philosophy and I hope I can help any other authors out who need it in any way :)

Now it's your turn: If you have something that has worked for you share it!

Love
Ana 

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Review of the Novel: Demon's Blood

Demon's Blood

By: Shari Sakurai

Rating: 4 Glasses

I am an Ann Rice vampire traditionalist so it is hard for me to read  books with a different take on vampires but I opened my mind and I really enjoyed this novel. I liked the blending of cultures and the dimension that added to the book. Giving vampires a more human side is a growing trend in the vampire literature genre and I am split a bit on it but it is done well in this book and made for an engaging read.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Friday, August 19, 2016

Film Friday: Suicide Squad

Suicide Squad

Directed by: David Ayer

Staring: Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie


The Breakdown: A secret government agency recruits imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions in exchange for clemency (From IMDB)


My Review:
I understand why the critics are hating on this film, it doesn't take itself too seriously. It is set up almost like a comic book with its character introductions and over the top visual displays. It is mayhem and over the top and it is beyond fun. I loved Jared Leto's joker he left the seriousness of the Heath Ledger joker and was just all out crazy, I think he was a perfect blend of the Jack Nicholson Joker and Heath Ledger Joker and made it so much fun to watch. Don't even get me started on the laughs and fun that Harley and Deadshot brought to the film. Margot Robbie nailed it and gave us the messed up funny Harley Quinn that I have been longing for in the film world. It tied in the upcoming Justice League film without letting it over shadow the film. It was great to see Batman and I will say I do really enjoy Ben Affleck in the role. I really think David Ayer heard the classic "Why so serious?" and thought to himself "Never let's have fun with this and give the audience a few laughs." So don't take it so serious and just enjoy the mayhem.  


Rating: 5 Glasses

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Review of the book: The Art of Health

The Art of Health

By: Aarti Patel N.D.

Rating: 4 Glasses

I think it is probably in bad taste to rate a book about good health with alcohol but hey it's what I do.This book is well put together and easy to understand for those who are not so medically inclined. I found it easy to navigate and it provided great insight and knowledge that made me at ease with the information I was being provided was accurate and from a knowledgeable source. There are so many "health" books out there that are filled with un-true "facts" and guides that are just garbage. This book is not one of those it is written by an intelligent doctor whose main concern is helping people.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana

Monday, August 15, 2016

Ana's Post

Hey all it has been a crazy week with the promo. I am happy to report that Marie was downloaded over 5,000 times :) and I sold over 100 copies of James and Jasmine. I am just thrilled and look forward to continuing the momentum so if you haven't gotten your copies yet get them now! :)

That being said I would love to expand this blog by adding another reviewer to two :) If you are interested in joining me here are the perks: Free Books! All I ask in return in an honest review that will be posted here by me and I will add to Amazon for you. So all you have to do is read the book and review it :) Any reviewer who joins me will get their pick of the books that have been submitted to read. If interested please fill out a contact form :)


Ana

Friday, August 12, 2016

Film Friday: Jason Bourne

Jason Bourne

Directed by: Paul Greengrass

Staring: Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander

The Breakdown: The most dangerous former operative of the CIA is drawn out of hiding to uncover hidden truths about his past. (From IMDB)


My Review:
First off I love Jason Bourne as a character and have been a fan of the series since film one. That being said I was thrilled when I heard that they were doing another film. This was a perfect Bourne film. It hit all the notes from the explosive car chase to the intense fight sequences. Yes it paid fan service to the Bourne fans but I wouldn't have had it any other way, Bourne is who he is and I don't want him to change one bit. Fans of the series going into this for something new will be disappointed as it is a by the books Bourne film but those just wanting to get all the things we love about Bourne then it is perfect.

Rating: 4 Glasses


Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Review of the Novel: The Fighting Shadows

Fighting Shadows

By: JC Steel

Rating: 5 Glasses

Now to start I will say that I have not read the first book in the series which worried me when I started it but I was quickly able to pick up and follow the story without even reading the first book. It is well put together and the world building is wonderful. It left me with many questions but what good thriller doesn't? I think it was a great blending of scifi and thriller and gave me a lot to work with when forming the characters and stories in my mind. A must read for SciFi fans


To grab a Copy Click here :)

Ana

Monday, August 8, 2016

Ana's Post

It's Here! The Big Day! The start of the big promotion I have set up for my now completed Trilogy!!!! I am giving Marie away for FREE and both James and Jasmine are only $0.99 each. Which means you can get 3 books for under $2!!!!! Time to grab all three and enjoy the action and adventure that brings Marie's world to life!!!

Marie: https://amzn.com/B010INJ2CU
James: https://amzn.com/B01AVY0CHK
Jasmine: https://amzn.com/B01J1YVQVM


I want to thank each and every one of you for your love and support and I hope you enjoy my work :)

Ana

Friday, August 5, 2016

Film Friday: Star Trek Beyond


Star Trek Beyond

Directed by: Justin Lin

Staring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoey Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg

The Breakdown: The USS Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a new ruthless enemy who puts them and everything the Federation stands for to the test. (From IMDB)


My Review:
I am going to start by saying that I am a fan of the original series AND a fan of the rebooted series. I think it is more than possible to love both for what they are and not try to compare them. That being said of the three of the reboot films I think this is my second favorite. I won't tell which one wins :) I really liked Jaylah and her addition I think fit in perfectly. Story wise it was well put together and executed. I think it was funnier and quirkier than the other two films and I think that was in big part to Simon Pegg being on the writing staff. I am a big fan of the actors being involved in the story writing especially when one has such an amazing talent for writing a fun story. This franchise could have gone terribly wrong and tried to make the films too serious to follow the trend of darkening the stories for drama. Star Trek is fun and lighthearted all while giving the viewer something to think about but laugh as well. This film hit is almost perfectly. I do wish that the storyline had been more developed and I was sad that they did not include Carol Marcus as the franchise goes forward. I hope that they reconsider and bring her back for the next film. The cast was perfect and the performances were on point. I think the Star Trek fans will be very happy with this new film.


Rating: 4.5 Glasses

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Review of the Novel: Sunset Reads: William and Christina

Sunset Reads: William and Christina

By: D.C. Triana

Rating: 5 Glasses

A fun and engaging sensual read! I have a weak spot for a quick steamy read and this book was a perfect fit for my evening read. It had a good balance of intrigue and romance and didn't allow either to outshine the other. I never give away plot details sorry but I will say it was well conceived and presented and the romance fans will really enjoy this novel. I look forward to more in this series from author DC Triana.

To Grab a Copy Click Here :)

Ana


Monday, August 1, 2016

Ana's Post

It's Monday again, lol. I should be excited I am still on work break and I have almost got myself being productive. I have been working like crazy on getting all my promotion things together for the release of Jasmine and the promo week for James and Marie. Ugh it is frustrating filling out form after form trying to get maximum exposure. I am compiling my efforts and will report back to all of you as to the effectiveness of the campaign so you can learn from my successes and failures :)


Love you all
Ana

October Debate: Hulu Vs. Netflix

Which is better? Netflix or Hulu! Check out the video and let me know your thoughts :)