This is the blog of Samie Sands, author of Lockdown. There will be many great books and projects reviewed here. For more, check out thelockdown.co.uk.

Monday 5 December 2016

The Shattered Crown by J.W. Webb

The Shattered Crown (The Legends of Ansu Book 2) by [Webb, J.W.]
You ride into peril, Corin an Fol!
Those are the words of the witch at the ford. Corin an Fol, mercenary, brawler, womaniser and drinker, ignores them and thus finds himself caught in a tangled web of sorcery, intrigue and dark prophesy.
'Highly recommended to Game of Thrones (fans.)' The Shattered Crown is the second novel in a sweeping new fantasy series called legends of Ansu featuring bespoke drawings by Tolkien artist, Roger Garland.
When the High King is murdered and his broken crown goes missing, Queen Ariane suspects the wily hand of Caswallon the sorcerer. She forms a secret council and rides out to find the Oracle of her Goddess, to see if her worries are proved right. But Caswallon is onto her and the noose tightens fast around the young queen.
'The Shattered Crown has a good positive message, secrets, danger, action, intrigue, and fantastical characters and amazing energy!'
Corin an Fol returns to his village seeking solace in drink. Instead he finds an old contact waiting for him who persuades him to join Queen Ariane in her fight against Caswallon. And so, like the queen, Corin an Fol is snared by the sorcerer. But he has a big sword and a bad attitude, but is that enough to survive the hordes Caswallon sends against them?
Emotionally engaging with lots of action, The Shattered Crown is set thousand years after the epic Gol. Dare you journey with Corin an Fol? The road is dark with many twists and pitfalls!
Review: Oh wow, this is a fast paced, exciting novel that had me gripped from the very first page! I haven't yet read the first book in the series (although I will now!) and that didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book at all. Corin is an awesome character, with Queen Ariane making an amazing female lead. The villains are terrible, which makes the read even more thrilling... highly recommended! 

Sunday 4 December 2016

Announcing the Secret Zombie Santa Prize List!

7 Lucky Winners will receive 1 of 7 books mailed to them by their Secret Zombie Santa
Plus there will be random flash prizes for things like audiobooks, e-books, bookmarks, stickers and even a couple of The Walking Dead Graphic Novels! Check out the prize list and then use the link at the bottom to sign-up and see if you get to have a Secret Zombie Santa!!
Here’s The Prize List!
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The Mutation Z Omnibus (Collecting 6 full books!!) by Marilyn Peake Available in Print and E-book at
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Gore Girls by Jackson Dean Chase Available in Print and E-book at
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Lizzie Borden : Zombie Hunter by C.A. Verstraete Available in Print & E-Book at
Additional flash prizes will include bookmarks, stickers and these awesome zombie graphic novels
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Winners will be drawn on 12/18 and shipped out the following week. Winners will be announced to the public between 12/24 – 12/26 giving time for Secret Zombie Santa to do his work!

Saturday 3 December 2016

Would you like to be a #celebrity?

Bok Covers

As the subject line suggested, here's your chance to star in a book!

Due to popular demand, I have decided to write another book in the AM13 Outbreak series, but this time I want to do it a little differently. This time, as a thank you to all of my supporters I want to feature you. Wouldn't you like to see how you would fare in the apocalypse? If so, please answer the few simple questions laid out in this form, and I will select some winners from the answers, so be as detailed as you'd like. I'd love to feature some of the biggest fans of the book series!

Thanks, and I look forward to reading all of your responses.
Samie x

Thursday 1 December 2016

Penhaligon's Attic by Terri Nixon

Penhaligon's Attic (Penhaligon Saga) by [Nixon, Terri]
1910. Anna Garvey arrives in Caernoweth, Cornwall with her daughter and a secret. Having come from Ireland to take up an inheritance of the local pub, she and her eighteen year-old daughter Mairead are initially viewed with suspicion by the close-knit community.
Anna soon becomes acquainted with Freya Penhaligon, a vulnerable girl struggling to keep her family business afloat in the wake of her grandmother's death, and starts to gain the trust of the locals. As their friendship deepens, and Freya is brought out of her shell by the clever and lively Mairead, even Freya's protective father Matthew begins to thaw.
But when a part of Anna's past she'd long tried to escape turns up in the town, she is forced to confront the life she left behind - for her sake and her daughter's too . . .
Review: This is a wonderful historical romance, with strong characters and lovely settings. Anna, Freya and the whole community weave into this story in a captivating way that had me gripped from early on in the story. The author is very talented in weaving an interesting story. Highly recommended!

Wednesday 30 November 2016

Wayfarers Highway by Peter Petrack

Wayfarers Highway by [Petrack, Peter]
A camper travels the back roads of America, but it is not what it seems. Pursued by powerful forces: a mastermind, a maniac, and a terrorist, its crew wonders if they’ll ever reach Journey’s end.
When Eloise Corwin – a longtime patient in her desert hometown’s infirmary – finds a wounded young traveler sharing her sick room; she insists that he tell her about his adventures. The young man, Orson Gregory, tells her how he found and stole a glowing gemstone, hidden for decades beneath the government-built factory beside his family farm. He tells her how he’s been chased ever since – by mercenaries, by terrorists, and by other, stranger enemies. He tells her how he threw in his lot with a real adventurer, a mythology professor, an innkeeper, and a duo of hired guns on a cross-country journey to clear his name and return home – something he’s currently failing to do. To reach safety, the motley travelers will first have to deal with each other, evade the foes that follow their every move, and tangle with other forces both strange and powerful, their fellow travelers on the Wayfarers Highway.
Review: I really enjoyed this epic tale of adventure, one that was told in a really clever way. The author captured both Eloise and Orson's characters well, which drew me in right away. By the time I finished I still wanted more... I could have easily read a book twice as long! Brilliant, I can't way to read more from this author. 

Wednesday 23 November 2016

WITHIN THE DARKEST HOLLOWS by D.A. Roach

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The Darkness within threatens to destroy one and free another…
 
WITHIN THE DARKEST HOLLOWS
by D.A. Roach
The Demon Hunters Series Book 2
YA Paranormal
Cover Designer: REDBIRD DESIGNS
 
Cassidy and her mystical ring are stuck in the middle of a battle between the Demon World and the Mortal Realm…
 
A conflict with the demons has left Killian, head of the Demon Hunters, injured and stripped of his powerful Demon Hunter tattoo. Cassidy is tasked with caring for him in the Human Realm until he is well enough to cross back into the Demon Realm. But soon she notices he is acting strangely and begins to suspect something is wrong.
 
She seeks help from Serena, a retired Demon Hunter, but it’s too late…
 
Cassidy returns home to find Killian has gone missing. Tyler, a friend with his own set of mystical powers, shows up to tell her that Killian is at his house demanding a meeting with the Demon Queen Rya. She and Serena have to work fast to find a way to heal Killian and get Cassidy’s ring away from him before Rya is involved. Meanwhile, Tyler and his dad have their own plan to make a deal with the Queen.
 
The Queen has a decision to make, but not before securing her leverage…
 
Rya wants time to consider the offer presented by Tyler’s dad, and takes Cassidy to the Demon Realm as collateral. The Demon Queen must choose between Tyler, the mate she was promised, and the mystical ring that was forged for her years ago.
 
Tyler is forced to face the inner demon he has worked so hard to restrain. Will he succeed, or will he be lost to the darkness, leaving Cassidy to be sacrificed by the demons?
 
As both sides gain alliances, the tension between the realms grows and the time for action draws near…
 
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Meet the author: D.A. Roach has been telling stories since she was a young girl in the suburbs of Chicago. In college she met the man of her dreams, her happily ever after, and married him 2 weeks after graduating. They have 3 kids together and a pet cockatiel named Gimli. D.A. did not find a love for books until after college. Her parents were immigrants from Lithuania and found tv and radio easier ways to hear stories so they did not do much reading or encourage it. But once she finished college and D.A. had free time, she discovered how amazing it was to get lost in a story.
D.A. is a full time mom and wife. When she is not doing domestic things (laundry, bills, etc) she is writing, reading, creating mixed media art, and helping beautify her kids’ school landscape. Oh, and she is ALWAYS listening to music. Her favorite authors include Rebecca Donovan, Richelle Mead, Larissa Ione, Stephanie Meyer, E.L. James, and Sylvia Day. Reading great works from authors like these has motivated D.A. to write her own stories. She hopes to make positive changes in the world with her art and writing.
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
― George Bernard Shaw
PUBLISHER * FACEBOOK * TWITTER * WEBSITE * GOODREADS *
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Tuesday 22 November 2016

Limitless Publishing PR - ★★ Blog ★★: BLIND SPOT by @AdamZorzi

Limitless Publishing PR - ★★ Blog ★★: BLIND SPOT by @AdamZorzi: ««« BLIND SPOT by Adam Zorzi »»» Series » Blind Justice, Book #1 Publisher » Limitless Publishing, LLC Release Date » November 22, ...

The Power of Love and Murder by Brenda Whiteside

The Power of Love and Murder (The Love and Murder Series Book 4) by [Whiteside, Brenda]
For thirteen years, Penny Sparks has managed to hide from the political powers who murdered her family. When she unwittingly exposes her true identity, not only is she marked for death, but the people closest to her risk meeting the same fate.

Jake Winters is out of rehab and coming to grips with his demons. When he meets his sister’s roommate, Jake believes Penny might be that someone who can help him find life after rock star status…until her secrets blow up his world.

With a government agent turned hit man closing in on her, Penny and Jake race to expose the presidential contender behind the murders of her family. Even if they win the race with death, the murder that stands between them could end their hope for a new life.
Review: I love this gripping thriller series, with it's twists and turns and it's steamy romance throughout. Each book can be read as a standalone, but as soon as you've read one you will need to read them all. Jack and Penny have a crazy story that you do not want to miss, I look forward to more from this author.

Saturday 19 November 2016

Blue Orca: Shanghai Spy by Scarlet Risque

Blue Orca: Shanghai Spy (HOURGLASS Book 2) by [Risque, Scarlet]
AN UNFORGIVABLE BETRAYAL sets Mimi on a quest for vengeance. Janet killed Liza. Now Mimi has to kill Conan Casey, Janet's lover.

Mimi follows them to Shanghai. She's given a new identity and perfects her powers of seduction until she can manipulate men at will. Mimi is installed as a hostess at the elite Sky Club, keeping company with Shanghai's most privileged men as she awaits the arrival of her prey.

She catches the attention of a patron before her mission is complete. Thomas falls under Mimi's spell and proposes exclusivity. Will she take his offer? Or will she seek vengeance in a foreign land despite all the odds?
Review: I really enjoyed this book, and it's made me want to read the first one in the series. Luckily this book could be easily read as a standalone, so it didn't matter that I read it first. Mimi is a great character, one that I found myself rooting for right away, but a really interesting thing about this book was the great, in depth portrayal of China. It's that which leaves you thinking for a long time after reading. 

Thursday 17 November 2016

BURN WITH ME BY RACHAEL TONKS

 
 
BURN WITH ME
RACHAEL TONKS
NOVEMBER 29
 
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Caleb.
 
I’m a monster.
 
What I did in my past will forever haunt me.
 
I don’t deserve anything but pain after all I've done. No love. No happiness.
 
Knowing I didn't deserve love didn't stop me from wanting it. From wanting
 
her.
 
The first time my eyes laid sight on her, I was captivated. As much as I try to
 
fight the want, I can’t get her out of my head. She consumes every part of my
 
mind.
 
I can’t stay away. I don't want to stay away.
 
But I know the minute she finds out about my past, about where I’ve been and
 
what I’ve done, she will hate me.
 
Amber.
 
Starting a new life in Portland with my best friend, I never expected to meet
 
anyone. I didn't want to either. But then my path collided with his. The dark,
 
steely eyed man that hides away from the world. Caleb is an absolute mystery,
 
keeping everything locked away and hidden.
 
I need more. Want more.
 
He’s an addiction for me. A drug I can’t and don't want to withdraw from.
 
I'm determined to know all he's hiding.
 
When the fire of their passion collides with his hidden past, Amber must decide
 
to let him endure the pain alone or burn with him.
 
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(ADD REVIEW HERE)
(REMOVE GRAPHIC IF NOT REVIEWING)
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Rachael Tonks is a new to the scene author with a love of books, and a
 
particular love of the romance genre. As a child Rachael could always be
 
found with her head in a book, but it wasn’t until the beginning of 2015
 
when Rachael’s love of books really took over. Reading spurred on her
 
desires to put pen to paper, and write down the story of the characters
 
screaming for their story to be told. Starting out her career with a new adult
 
romance novel, she is currently working on her fourth novel which she
 
plans to release early-2017. Rachael lives in the steely suburb of Sheffield,
 
in the north of England with her husband, 3 beautiful children and her 2
 
crazy dogs. She loves nothing more reading with a good cup of tea and is
 
self-proclaimed chocoholic!
 
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Monday 7 November 2016

Someone to Love by Mary Balogh

The New York Times bestselling author of Only a Kiss launches a new series with the death of an earl and the revelation of a scandalous secret...
 
Humphrey Westcott, Earl of Riverdale, has died, leaving behind a fortune that will forever alter the lives of everyone in his family—including the daughter no one knew he had...
 
Anna Snow grew up in an orphanage in Bath knowing nothing of the family she came from. Now she discovers that the late Earl of Riverdale was her father and that she has inherited his fortune. She is also overjoyed to learn she has siblings. However, they want nothing to do with her or her attempts to share her new wealth. But the new earl’s guardian is interested in Anna…

Avery Archer, Duke of Netherby, keeps others at a distance. Yet something prompts him to aid Anna in her transition from orphan to lady. As London society and her newfound relatives threaten to overwhelm Anna, Avery steps in to rescue her and finds himself vulnerable to feelings and desires he has hidden so well and for so long.
Review: Oh wow, Anna and Avery's love story is a sweet and steamy one. Although they don't seem like they should be together at first sight, I was rooting for them right away. He's slightly grumpy and stand offish, whereas she is quiet and naive - until they bring the best out in one another. If you love historical romance novels, then this one will be a great addition to your book collection. 

Thursday 3 November 2016

Ten Minus Ten by Joe Mansour

Getting it is easy, keeping it is hard Cam, a woman versed in the rules of the criminal underworld and equipped to deal with it. John, a naïve teenager with an unwise crush but the fortitude to see it through. Straddling both their worlds is Marshall, the criminal overlord who will spare no depravity to retrieve what is his. Drop into this Maya, a young street girl struggling to survive and the outcome is an explosive mix of love, loss, betrayal and revenge.
Review: Oh my God, what a crazy rollercoaster of a read! There are so many twists and turns in the plot that my head is still spinning from reading it. If you are looking for something a little different, something that will have you hooked from the very first page, then this is it. 

Wednesday 26 October 2016

Mr. Magic: A Brinker Novel by Jeff Widmer

Brinker’s back. Can the advertising world survive? Brinker has lost his magic. The agency’s CEO wants him to ace the competition. His former girlfriend wants him in detox. And as rival advertising executives disappear, an ambitious state trooper wants him in jail. If this keeps up, the PR whiz who turned a serial killer into a national brand may have to vanish himself. Throw in toxic waste, a nude car wash and a gun-toting presidential candidate and the czar of PR will have to spin some potent magic to escape the snare of sex, lies and greed that threatens to destroy his job, his sanity and the love of his life. From the author of Mr. Mayhem and the CW McCoy series of crime novels comes Mr. Magic, the second outing for Brinker, the defrocked journalist famous for sex, satire and PR events that push the boundaries of legality and taste. The novels have garnered praise from reviewers and readers alike. Louise Machinist, author of My House Our House, says of Mr. Mayhem, says “Jeff Widmer takes you on a wild ride in the murderous tour bus in a uniquely dark and twisted story that touches on euthanasia, addiction, sex and more. And then there's Brinker. . . .” Kirkus Reviews calls Peak Season, the first novel in Widmer’s Florida series, “an entertaining mystery romp. CW is a great character—a noir detective trying to outrun her own past, suffering no fools along the way, [trying] to keep her cool as she solves a case of embezzlement, kidnapping, and murder in the Florida heat.”
Review: Wow! This is one fast paced, heart pounding read! Exciting from the first page to the last. I've never read anything that felt like such a whirlwind before, but one that left me thinking for a long time after the last page. I need to read more right away :)

Tuesday 25 October 2016

Underneath - A Merfolk Tale by M.N. Arzu

Underneath - A Merfolk Tale (The Under Series Book 1) by [Arzu, M.N.]
"A hidden gem. Truly exceptional!"
- Lincoln Cole, author of the bestselling novel Raven's Peak
"I've never read anything like it!"
- Sean Seebach, author of Autumn Dark

An injured merman is found washed up on a beach in Maine. After being brought to a special facility, doctors are at a loss for how to help him. Worse, how are they to keep him away from the eager hands of the military?
One reporter is hot on the trail of what she believes is an elaborate hoax—or the story of a lifetime. A story that has her tracking elusive clues into an ever-growing house of secrets surrounding one of the richest families in New York City.
For merfolk have been hiding in plain sight for centuries, and are now torn between sacrificing one of their own—or telling humanity the truth.

Underneath is a story about finding one's place in the world. How far would you go to protect the people you love most?
Review: This isn't your typical mermaid story, and that fact alone had me captivated from page one. Underneath is a unique read, written by a talented author who captures character well. Everyone felt realistic and interesting, not one dimensional at all... the only problem is now I have to wait for book 2!

Saturday 15 October 2016

13: An Anthology of Horror and Dark Fiction Tour

13: An Anthology of Horror and Dark Fiction Tour: 13: An Anthology of Horror and Dark Fiction Authors: Bradon Nave, Carissa Ann Lynch, D.A. Roach, Erin Lee, Jackie Sonnenberg,...



13: An Anthology of Horror and Dark Fiction Tour




13: An Anthology of Horror and Dark Fiction
Authors: Bradon Nave, Carissa Ann Lynch, D.A. Roach, Erin Lee, Jackie Sonnenberg, Luke Swanson, Marissa Farrar, Samie Sands, Sara Schoen, Savannah Blevins, S. Valentine, Taylor Henderson, and Thomas S. Flowers
Genre: Horror/Thriller/Dark Fiction
Published: October 4, 2016
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO The One Mind Institute Charity!



13 has always been unlucky. But now it’s turned deadly…
Darkness has fallen. Real and unseen, evil is out there. Waiting. Watching. Biding its time. It might be your neighbor, your best friend—or something much, much worse. It might be the shadow itself. It will hunt you down when you least expect it. It will talk to you in the quiet hours of the morning and follow your footsteps when you’re alone. It’s chosen you…and it always gets what it wants. 
13 dark tales await you. Ready to bring your worst childhood nightmares to life, to push you to the brink, and make you question your every decision…
The circus. Your beloved carnival rides. That mom and pop motel you pass every day on your way to work. They’ll never look innocent again. Because they’re not. No one and nothing can be trusted. Not even yourself. 
Are you ready to take the ultimate dare? To spin the devil’s wheel?
Be careful…
13 will get you every time.




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