The Avid Reader

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Blog Tour + #Giveaway: Reflections on the Boulevard by LJ Ambrosio @authorlambrosio @pumpupyourbook

Michael’s story continues from A Reservoir Man (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protege and journeys in a haphazard adventure with him throughout America and Europe, each twist and turn of the road bringing unexpected adventures...

Title: Reflections on the Boulevard
Author: LJ Ambrosio
Publisher: Film Valor
Publication Date: June 7, 2023
Pages: 238
Genre: Fictional Buddy Adventure / Coming of Age

Michael’s story continues from A Reservoir Man (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protege and journeys in a haphazard adventure with him throughout America and Europe, each twist and turn of the road bringing unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship and discovery.

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Book Excerpt

As the ferry entered the river, one would barely know they were sailing. The breeze brushed against his face; he saw the water pass him just as life had. He looked at the stern of the ferry seeing all his relationships, career, and spirituality disappear in an endless stream of the river, moving them away but not forgotten. Michael felt as if the bow moving upriver was pushing towards his future with the thrust of a young man stealing second base.

From the corner of his eyes, he saw a well-built, nice looking young man, nerdy, longish dirty blonde hair that either needed cutting or a ponytail.

He was talking to himself, no, Michael thought, “he is talking on the phone.” But no, the young man was actually talking to himself, or a bird. Suddenly, the young man saw Michael and flashed a small smile.

“Oh no I have been here too many times; those moments are up the river,” thought Michael. The young man approached Michael asking if he knew him.

“I could not imagine how,” said Michael, in disbelief.

“Yes,” the young man said, “in the park near the university. You were always reading on that same bench. I remember when the pigeons shit on your book and once on your jacket; the whole bench was full of shit,” the young man said with a slight devilish smile.

“Right!” said Michael. “Are you getting off here?”

“In the middle of the river, how could I?”

“You could always try,” said Michael, with a slight but cold smile.

About the Author

Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. He taught at over 7 universities in America. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.

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LJ Ambrosio giving away one $20 Amazon Gift Card & an Autographed Copy of Reflections on the Boulevard!

Terms & Conditions:

By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
Two winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive either a $20 Amazon Gift Card or an autographed copy of Reflections on the Boulevard.
This giveaway starts August 28 and ends September 22.
Winner will be contacted via email on September 23.
Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour + #Giveaway: Unseen Johnny by James Ruvalcaba @RABTBookTours

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Blog Tour: Home Rule by Stella Atrium @SatriumWrites @pumpupyourbook

Book Blitz + #Giveaway: Dear Prudence by Karen Janowsky @Karen_Janowsky @XpressoTours

Opened

by S. T. Sanchez

Published: May 12, 2023

Publisher: ‎ The Pampered Cat Press

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

Blurb:

Emma Harper thinks she’s ready for her sophomore year. Her acne is finally under control and her braces are off. But in all her plans, she never expected her vision to begin to falter, making her wonder if she will lose her sight forever.

However, as Emma’s world spins into darkness, a new, terrifying world comes to light, embedded in the life she once thought she knew.

Fighting to understand what is real or myth, Emma descends into the world of the Fey, where peril lurks around every corner, and evil threatens not only her family, but all of humanity as well.

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My Review:

When I read the summary for Opened I couldn’t wait to start reading it. I thought I knew what I would find between the pages but I was sadly wrong. What I did find was way better than I ever imagined it would be. I sorely enjoyed reading Opened. I was hooked from the first page I couldn’t take my eyes away from the pages. I love the world that was created for Opened. I loved getting to know all the characters and following them along on their journeys.

Opened kept me racing to the end to see how it all was going to turn out. It left me surprised on more than one occasion with all its twists and turns. When Emma lost her sight I was in tears. I could only imagine what she was feeling and her mom when she called her to come and get her from school. Oh, and then later at home when her brother came in.

But I was so happy for Emma when she awakened the next day and her sight had returned. I could just feel Emma, her mom, and her brother as they rejoiced with her. Emma had gained more than her sight. The world around her has changed. Emma could now see more than she could before.

Emma has been introduced to a whole new world. She has found out that the fantasy world of the Fae was not fantasy. It really existed. She can now see that her new friends are Fae. At first, she has no idea what they are. She goes to her brother as he knows a lot about things like this.

Emma’s world changes at this point as she enters the world of the Fae. Danger lurks around every corner. Emma being human is not supposed to know that the Fae exist. Emma’s new sight turns out to be very dangerous for her and the people she cares about. Emma has a long journey ahead of her just trying to stay alive and making sure that the ones she loves do too.

Opened is an amazing and thrilling read one that I enjoyed tremendously and would like to recommend it to all fans of the Fae and magical realms. Grab your copy of Opened today for an amazing adventure!

Connect with S. T. Sanchez

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