Kyle & Corey and the Game Store Mystery by Joe Stephens

Looking for a fun, adventure-filled mystery? You’ll find it in Kyle & Corey and the Game Store Mystery by Joe Stephens.

Kyle and Corey are brothers who are as different as they come. In typical brotherly fashion, they fight a lot, but they also have a knack for solving crimes. When their town of Fairly Springs experiences a rash of robberies, the boys are quick to investigate. The one thing all the crimes have in common is that each family that was robbed has a college-age son and high-end desktop computers are stolen. In between Corey’s sports tryouts and Kyle’s job at the local video game store, they work to put together the pieces of the puzzle before more robberies occur.

A fan of mysteries since my childhood, I grabbed a copy of this one as soon as I could. What a fun read! Two brothers working together to solve crime in their hometown in the middle of having regular teen (Kyle) and pre-teen (Corey) challenges makes for a great story. My son is a gamer, so I best connected to how Kyle’s storyline unfolded.

What I enjoyed about Stephens’ work is that he dropped just the right amount of clues to move the story along. It was an easy and engaging read from beginning to end. Though I had figured out most of the pieces before I got there, I still felt satisfied once the story concluded.

The reader will also find a preview from the second book in the Kyle & Corey Mystery series included. I’m glad there will be future adventures for these two brothers. I look forward to more!

Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Read an excerpt

“Wanna have a catch outside?” Corey said after a minute. “Before it gets too

dark?”

“I guess,” Kyle said without enthusiasm.

“Homework, Corey?”

“It’s Friday night, Mom. Can’t you chill out? Besides, I did it in school.”

“You always say you do it in school—then I get your report cards and they say

you haven’t turned it in.”

“They must be losing it, then. I’m doing it.”

Mrs. Holley shook her head. She knew Corey and knew that nagging him

about it was hopeless. “Clear the table before you go.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Corey cleared the plates, glasses and silverware, put the

napkins and salt and pepper shakers in the kitchen, and covered the leftover

food. Without being prompted, Kyle wiped down the table, the counter and the

stove, and swept the floor.

Mrs. Holley watched through the sliding glass door as they hurried outside. As

always, any sport absorbed Corey, but baseball was his favorite. He pitched for

the local rec department team for most of the year, and hoped they’d eventually

add a travel league. For his sake, she hoped so, too.

Outside, Corey and Kyle pulled on their baseball gloves and lobbed the ball

back and forth across the wide backyard. “So what’s our next case?” Corey

asked. “It’s been a long time since summer.”

Kyle snorted. “That was a one-off, dude. It won’t happen again. They do have

a police force here, you know.”

“But we were great together! Bet we could make something happen again.”

“If we do, the cops’ll be after our butts, for sure. They didn’t like it when we

made them look bad by catching those bank-fraud guys.”

“If we’re catching crooks, who cares if it’s us or them?”

“They care. They’re the ones paid to do it.”

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I received a digital copy of this book from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Joe Stephens will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Follow the tour and comment; the more they comment, the better your chances of winning.

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Book Blast & Giveaway: Paragon by Shauna Alderson

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Shauna Alderson will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stopson the tour.

Now that high school is over, Randi just wants to live her quiet life in her little town, but it doesn’t feel right without her friends there. Ever the daredevils, they’ve gone to seek adventure in the capital city of Grandin, and Randi can’t help but feel left behind. Not to mention she definitely can’t stop thinking about that kiss she and Eddy shared before he left.

When Randi discovers a mysterious mark on her skin that matches an illustration in “A Handbook on Paragonhood”, she’s thrown into a world of powerful gods and ancient magic that she thought only existed in the myths. She’ll have to step out of her comfort zone—and into the dangerous streets of Grandin—to find a way to protect herself and the people she loves.

Randi’s not the only one with a secret, though, and she finds herself questioning who she can trust. Randi will have to wrestle with what it means to be a Paragon and how far she’s willing to go to do what’s right.

With the fate of the world on the line, can she live up to being one of the chosen?

Read an Excerpt

Louis comes into view as I round the corner of the restaurant into the simple, well-kept yard. He’s facing the other way, holding a wooden staff, not even wearing a coat. I’m about to call out and let him know I’m there, but before I can, he spins in a circle, extending the stick as gracefully as if it were a part of his arm. His movements are soft and flowing as he twists around a large cobbled circle in the middle of the yard. It looks like a gentle dance, but it’s evident from the way he maneuvers the stick and guards his torso that it’s also a fight.

Louis comes back to a neutral position and bows to an invisible adversary before him. “That was the swan,” he says, making me jump. “And this is the dragon.”

He steps aggressively, each strike hard and fierce. He jabs the staff out before him and twirls, nearly horizontal with it. A few stances later, he accidentally whacks himself in the shoulder with the practice weapon.

He bursts out laughing. “It’s not my best form.” He approaches me while massaging his shoulder. “Good thing you’re not my grandma, or you’d make me practice until I got it right.”

“I like the swan better, anyway.”

“Me too.” He blinks as a raindrop falls on his cheek. We both turn to the sky as thunder rumbles in the distance. “Looks like it’ll be a downpour.”

About the Author

Shauna Alderson began writing teen fantasy even before she was a teen. After she “grew up”, she completed creative writing courses (and a BA in Development Studies) at the University of Calgary. When not reading or writing, she can usually be found teaching ESL, composing on the piano, creating art, or volunteering abroad. She also enjoys dessert, Studio Ghibli films, and being the silliest person she knows.

Website: https://shaunaalderson.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AldersonShauna

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Paragon-Shauna-Alderson-ebook/dp/B0851YGGTW/
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/paragon-shauna-alderson/1136514085?ean=9781643901275
Chapters: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/paragon/9990058018816-item.html
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/paragon-8

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Interview with Ray East and Sam D., Authors of Voluspa: A Magical World (Kindle Fire Giveaway)

Ray East and Sam D have moved to Voluspa and live in the Forest of Skotos with their 5 year old daughter and a pet Typhon.  They visit Earth with the help of an Empath from time to time. Ray East did her masters in Phsychology from Univeristy of Sussex and has worked as a counselor for adolescents. Sam D used to teach at a SPJC before he moved to Voluspa.

Their latest book is Voluspa: A Magical World.

To learn more about Sam D and Ray East, visit their website: www.magicalworldofvoluspa.com

Visit Sam D & Ray East on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/voluspa

Like Sam D & Ray East on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/worldofvoluspa

Follow Sam D & Ray East at Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15592516-voluspa

To get your copy of VOLUSPA: A MAGICAL WORLD by Sam D & Ray East at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/VOLUSPA-A-Magical-World-Sam-D/dp/0985681608/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_t_1

To get your e-copy of VOLUSPA: A MAGICAL WORLD by Sam D & Ray East for your Kindle at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Voluspa-A-Magical-World-ebook/dp/B008BCZBTE/ref=tmm_kin_title_0

Order your copy of VOLUSPA: A MAGICAL WORLD by Sam D. & Ray East at B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/voluspa-a-magical-world-sam-d/1111523622?ean=2940014770675

Thank you for joining us today, Ray. Can you please start off by telling us a bit about yourself?

Firstly I am a total bookworm. I have always loved reading. I have worked as a counselor in the past but at present I am a stay at home mom who loves to write in her spare time.

When did you first get bit by the writing bug?

I have written all through school and college for local newspapers, neighborhood journals, college periodicals and as such.

Why did you decide to write stories for children?

I think children have more fun and they usually have a more open mind. Besides it so rewarding to be able to write something for children,which would inspire them or catch their imagination.

Do you believe it is harder to write books for a younger audience?

I think so. A younger audience is so much more impressionable when compared to an adult one. You have to be careful what kind of message your book is conveying or what kind of role model your book characters turn out to be.

What is your favorite part of writing for young people?

My stories are my way of connecting with the younger generation. Getting feedback from a young reader telling me that she/ he completely related to my character, that’s the best feeling …

Can you tell us what your latest book is all about?

VOLUSPA- A Magical World, is a YA fantasy. It is a crossover between urban fantasy and paranormal romance with a mythological and dystopian twist. This book showcases a unique coming of age story of a fifteen year old girl who struggles with the ramifications of forbidden love, obscure parentage and in essence struggles to find her place in a world that is threatened by her very existence.

What inspired you to write it?

I wanted to create this magical world which would be fundamentally similar to ours but yet so exotically different that it will capture the fancy of the readers. I also wanted to showcase the character of Amy as a constantly growing, learning, strong individual – a very ordinary girl who chooses an extraordinary life.

Where can readers purchase a copy?

It’s available in Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I would urge my fans to go and request it at libraries and bookstores.

What is up next for you?

I am at present working on the second book in the Voluspa series. It should be available sometime in November.

Do you have anything else to add?

Join Amy and Drake’s journey for the next few months and win a Kindle fire and other gift certificates.  Details on www.magicalworldofvoluspa.com

Thank you for spending time with us today, Ray. We wish you much success.

~ ~ ~ KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and Sam D. & Ray East are teaming up to give you a chance to win a Kindle Fire!

Kindle Fire

Here’s how it works:

Each person will enter this giveaway by  liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form placed on blogs throughout the tour.

This Kindle Fire promotion will run from August 6 – October 26. Winner will be  chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on October 27, 2012.

Each blogger who participates in the VOLUSPA: A MAGICAL WORLD VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR is eligible to enter and win.

Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries or

ENTER TO WIN AT: http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2012/06/24/pump-up-your-book-presents-voluspa-a-magical-world-virtual-book-publicity-tour-2012-kindle-fire-giveaway/

~ ~ ~WIN $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE ~ ~ ~

One lucky person who comments the most  on Sam D. and Ray East’s blog stops will receive a $50 gift certificate.  The blog host  who receives the most comments through the tour will also receive a $50  gift certificate!