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.

Sunday 30 April 2017

New York Crime Kings Box Set by @Skyla_Madi

New York Crime Kings Box Set: Books 1-4 by [Madi, Skyla, Publishing, Limitless]
BLOOD & RUST – Book #1

Jai Stone...

I met him in the shadows first. He was tall and broad-shouldered, a man walking a dangerous path of rage and revenge, barreling toward certain death. The more time we spent together, the more he showed me who he was.

Captivating…

Charming…

Ferocious in his own way…

I had no right following Jai into the abandoned industrial site, but I did, and that stupid mistake was all it took to rip me from my world of semi-normalcy and thrust me headfirst into the gritty criminal underground with Stone as my only ally.

Aboveground, I'm a student nurse painfully dragging herself through an unfulfilling life, but down here, where men wear tattoos on their faces and kill without remorse, I'm a fraud living on borrowed time...

...and not much of it.

SIN & SECRETS – Book #2

Anything can happen underground, and although our future is uncertain, there's one thing I know for sure…

Emily is working her way under my skin…
…and I'm letting her.

I sleep while chaos swirls around me, and all I can do is watch as anarchy brews. Recklessly, I seek comfort in a stranger, and somehow, I've let Emily thread our futures together. I should be thinking about saving my brother, but right now, she’s at the forefront of my mind.

I have to get her out of here.

I have to keep her safe…

At all costs.

SMOKE & METAL – Book #3

The feel of cool air on my skin is priceless. We are free, but we aren't out of the woods yet. Not by a longshot…

Can Skull feel it?

His impending downfall?

There’s a war coming, and I’m at the forefront of it. I will tear New York apart looking for my brother, and I won’t stop.

Emily thinks I’m crazy, but I’d do the same for her. There is no obstruction…

No building…

No cell…

That can withhold my family from me. I’ll find Joel. It’s only a matter of time…

RAGE & BULLETS – Book #4

Tension.

Aggression.

Betrayal.

How much stress can the human body endure before it folds in on itself? Whatever it is, I’m definitely reaching the peak. Things are supposed to be downhill from here, but my brother is hell-bent on saving a girl who isn’t his in the first place...

...and he can’t do it alone.

Do we even have what it takes to bring Joel's girl back from depths of the hell Skull has imprisoned her in? Or will our attempt be thwarted by Skull and the men he controls?

It’s a dangerous game Joel's playing, and it’s one that affects us all.

Friday 28 April 2017

Nexus Series Book 1: Anathema by @Ysa_Arcangel

Nexus Series Book 1: Anathema by [Arcangel, Ysa]
When the world was young, supernatural creatures walked among mankind freely. Chaos reigned as the supernatural beings sought supremacy. The human race was nearly wiped out of the face of the earth. Dark creatures preyed on the weaker. Demons inhabited human bodies and angels fell in love with them, hence Nexi, the cursed, were born.

Anathema has always seen strange things but never knew exactly why. Despite the pain, misery, agony and suffering it brings her, she has learned to accept her unique ability. As she strives to find out the reason for being able to travel through different realms and being a magnet to spirits of the dead, she realizes how little she knows about the truth of her existence.

When she is thrust in the middle of a war, a war that had been going on since the beginning of creation, Anathema must make a choice -- one that will save one world and destroy the other. Will she turn her back to the light she had always known and embrace the darkness within her?

Monday 24 April 2017

Their Confession by @SophiaVAuthor

Their Confession (The Black Door Trilogy Book 3) by [Valentine, S.]
Gabriella Woods eventually wants it all—love, passion, marriage, a family. With the sale of the club, she feels closer to Darion Milano, and believes his dark sexual desires are behind him.

A reunion at The Black Door to celebrate the opening awakens the past.

Gabi and Darion remember where and how they fell in love. Gabi is pleased to see Darion in touch with his old friends, in particular Gina.

Until their confession changes everything.

The news shatters Gabi’s world.

Can she and Darion get through it?

Will the link to his past sway him from a life he now leads, to a life he once led?

Saturday 22 April 2017

My Heart by @limitlessbooks

My Heart: A Collection by [Publishing, Limitless, Johnson, Ashley, King, D. Nichole, Grace, Evan, Bellus, HJ, Hughes, Keren, Cardiff, Lisa, Madi, Skyla]
I’m over it.

Love.

Who needs it? Not me.

I’ve been hurt, cheated on, and ditched.

So I have new rules. And next time, it’s going to take more than a sexy MMA fighter, a smooth talking cowboy, or a long lost love to capture…MY HEART.

7 FULL LENGTH novels by International, and Best Selling Authors.

Authored by:
Ashley Johnson
D. Nichole King
Evan Grace
HJ Bellus
Keren Hughes
Lisa Cardiff
Skyla Madi

Friday 21 April 2017

Hopelessly Imperfect by @Gabycabezut

Perfectly Imperfect (The Imperfect Series Book 2) by [Cabezut, Gabriela]
Farah Dent is ready for college, but her heart might not be…

When Chris Lawson encourages his girlfriend Farah to apply to her dream university, she doesn’t believe she’ll ever get in. But when her acceptance letter comes in the mail, she feels forced to say goodbye to her high school love, since she doesn’t believe in long-distance relationships. By vowing to never let him in again, she attempts to move on with her life.

Little does Farah know, it’s impossible to truly say goodbye to love…

When she comes home to their small town, Chris ends up being thrust back into her life, maybe even permanently. Farah’s best friend Cassie is marrying Chris’ best friend Nate, bringing the pair closer than ever as members of the bridal party.

Kept at arm’s length, Chris is still in her heart…

Farah tries to deny her constant attraction to her ex-boyfriend, but Chris is still the handsome boy she fell in love with so many years ago. It doesn’t help that they see each other every day in the photography class she signed up for. Chris might be different and cold toward her now, but she’s inexplicably drawn to him like no other man she’s ever met, no matter how much it hurts to revisit what they lost.

The heart remembers what the mind is determined to forget…

Despite their valiant efforts at distance, the couple could have another shot at love. But is Farah the only one feeling the magnetic force pulling her back to Chris?

Together they could be…perfectly imperfect.

Beached Whale: Learning to Swim in the New Ocean by Daren Martin

Companies and the leaders within them struggle to achieve results.

With the advances in technology companies are either running successfully into this new world, or failing to keep up. Is your company beached? Stranded on the sands of past success? Slow and steady no longer wins the race.

Beached Whale will equip you to evaluate if your company has become beached. Do you have a coordinated enterprise company, or do you have a company mired down in bureaucracy? You could be a Beached Whale company. There is only one way to find out.
Review: I was surprised at how entertaining this was for a factual, helpful book. It's written in an engaging way and is useful too. Highly recommended.

The Last Revenge by Nathaniel Danes

The Last Revenge (The Last Hero Trilogy Book 2) by [Danes, Nathaniel]
Blood demands blood.

Driven by grief to the darkest recesses of his soul, Trent Maxwell lives and fights for one reason, revenge.

As hidden agendas plot, Trent embarks on an unholy quest to marshal the forces he needs to exact the heavy toll his broken heart demands.

The largest fleets and armies ever assembled in space collide. A river of blood soaks the galaxy, but when is enough, enough?
Review: I love this series! I really enjoyed the first book, and actually I think I might like this one even better. Trent is a believable character that you can't help rooting for. The military descriptions aren't so much that it's hard to follow the story, but they enhance the plot well. Want to find out what happens when humans vs. aliens? Then look no further. 

Thursday 20 April 2017

Friends Like Us by @Rob__Shepherd

A group of friends are taking one last holiday all together but are surprised when the long lost member of the group agrees to go. After years of struggling with his families, and especially his own ghosts & haunted past, Oliver needs to confront the demons & move on. But whilst playing what they think is a harmless game, Oliver & his friends find out just how real your past can be in your present. In a panic the friends make a fatal decision. Now the past has come to haunt them and the friends realise just how fragile their own realities as well as their bodies really are. Who will last the night and who will have to stay forever?

Wednesday 19 April 2017

Revived by Ernesto Pavan

Revived by [Pavan, Ernesto]
For deadpan snark queen Violet Sharpe, death is not the end.

If you think life sucks, wait until after you're dead. After finding out she's contracted porthmeos, a nasty parasite, Violet is faced with a choice: either meet her end before her thirtieth birthday, or become one of the Revived, which is the politically correct word for... well, a zombie.

But the challenges of her new un-life are way worse than she thought. As part of a new minority, she faces discrimination and hatred, not to mention a laundry list of physical limitations and the looming ghost of depression. Can she meet these challenges with her usual strength and dark humor? Or is being Revived a fate worse than death?For deadpan snark queen Violet Sharpe, death is not the end.
Review: This is a zombie story with a difference, and I absolutely loved it! It isn't filled with gore and violence, it's more a dark comedy that examines society in a unique way.  Vi choses a life of the undead rather than death, and is soon faced with a life that isn't what she thought it would be...in a lot of ways it's very relatable. The unexpected ending makes the book worth reading in itself!

Monday 17 April 2017

Lockdown by Samie Sands

Leah Watton’s practical joke has spiralled way out of control—all to impress a crush…

With a prank online video, Leah hopes to catch the attention of Jake Colton, a cute, blond-haired, blue-eyed co-worker she’s had a crush on for months. But instead of sending it to Jake, she manages to forward the clip to her boss—who buys every gory second.

When mass panic ensues, Leah learns the video is more than a staged act…

The government is calling the virus AM13. As the outbreak spreads, citizens are forced to stay indoors while they assess the gravity of the illness. Most people are quarantined in their homes, but Leah, Jake, and Leah’s best friend Michelle are some of the unlucky few who are stuck at work when the Lockdown occurs.

That’s where she first encounters one of the infected…

Aside from a contaminated woman devouring one of her co-workers, Leah has another problem. Does she do as she’s ordered and stay at work? Or should she disobey government orders and break free to reunite with her family?

She can’t go it alone—after all, Leah has none of the skills needed to survive—but with Michelle and Jake by her side, not even a contagious virus and a sea of the dead can keep her from…

Breaking out of the Lockdown…

Sunday 16 April 2017

Trigger by @jodildrake_j

TRIGGER (Devil's Reach Book 1) by [Drake, J.L.]
I was raised by the Devil himself.

Formed into a man who was unreachable.

I went from the boy with bruises to the man with a trigger.

Killing is the only thing that calms the itch.

The demons inside were a constant battle…

…until she changed everything.

Problem is when you spend most of your time in the dark, is it smart to step into the light?

Friday 14 April 2017

Blue Ice Landing by @ka_moll

Blue Ice Landing by [Moll, KA]
At 33, Coy Davidson is a beautiful blonde with a southern accent and a successful practice as a physician assistant. She has a comfortable home, good friends, and a loving family. She’s also a widow, carrying a burden of responsibility for her wife’s untimely death. She lost her footing that day, gave up her dream to be a doctor, and swore off relationships. Now, three years later, she’s ready to turn her life on end in an effort to regain what she lost.

At 29, Coby O’Brien is a woman with secrets. She’s estranged from her family, a recovering alcoholic, and alone because she’s convinced that she’s unlovable. When she loses her job as a heavy equipment operator, she’ll accept one that’ll force her to step way outside her comfort zone into a life where nothing is, as it seems. Having caught next to no breaks in life, it may turn out to be her break of a lifetime.

When Coy quits her job to accept a position in Antarctica, her path will cross with Coby’s. Their attraction to one another will be immediate, and despite their differences, it won’t be long before they fall in love. But for these two, with all their baggage, will love be enough?

Thursday 13 April 2017

The Chosen by J. R. Ward

The Chosen (Black Dagger Brotherhood Book 15) by [Ward, J. R.]
A scorching forbidden love threatens to tear a rift through the Black Dagger Brotherhood in J. R. Ward's newest novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.
Xcor, leader of the Band of Bastards, convicted of treason against the Blind King, is facing a brutal interrogation and torturous death at the hands of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yet after a life marked by cruelty and evil deeds, he accepts his soldier's fate, his sole regret the loss of a sacred female who was never his: the Chosen Layla.
Layla alone knows the truth that will save Xcor's life. But revealing his sacrifice and his hidden heritage will expose them both and destroy everything Layla holds dear - even her role of mother to her precious young. Torn between love and loyalty, she must summon the courage to stand up against the only family she has for the only man she will ever love. Yet even if Xcor is somehow granted a reprieve, he and Layla would have to confront a graver challenge: bridging the chasm that divides their worlds without paving the way for a future of even greater war, desolation and death.
As a dangerous old enemy returns to Caldwell, and the identity of a new deity is revealed, nothing is certain or safe in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not even true love . . . or destinies that have long seemed set in stone.
Review: I really enjoyed this addition to the series! Layla and Xcor have an in depth chemistry that was incredible to read, especially when faced with all the twists and unexpected turns the plot had to offer. I love anything by J.R. Ward, especially the Black Dagger Brotherhood books, so I was keen to get my hands on this one. I read it much quicker than I thought I would because I was literally unable to put it down. Any fans of paranormal romance will devour these books, they're impossible not to love

Wednesday 12 April 2017

Dirty Deeds by @ArmandAuthor

Dirty Deeds by [Rosamilia, Armand]
I get paid to erase problems.
Did your extramarital affair produce an unwanted complication? Family problems? Just want to enjoy your midlife crisis by yourself?
That's where I come in. For a fee I'll take care of it. A big fee.
Only, I'm not going to do what you think. I'm not going to save you from them, I’m going to save them from you.

Monday 10 April 2017

Brotherhood: The Kill Zone by @TJWeeks6

Steven had been fighting for his country when a disturbing call came in from his wife. From that moment on his life became more difficult than he would have ever imagined. As he tries to heal from the betrayal of Shonda, his anger gets the best of him.

Saturday 8 April 2017

The Carolina Killer Files Trilogy by Kiersten Modglin

The Carolina Killer Files Trilogy: Book 1-3 by [Modglin, Kiersten, Publishing, Limitless]
*On SALE for A Limited Time! Regular Price $5.99*

IF IT WALKS LIKE A KILLER - BOOK #1

What Caide and Rachael Abbott want you to believe…

They are happily married college sweethearts, parents to two beautiful children, and they lead a perfect, quiet little life.

What you should believe…

Nothing.

Nothing they tell you.

Nothing you hear.

In fact, nothing in the Abbotts’ picture-perfect world is what it seems.

But when their small town of La Rue, North Carolina is rocked by the brutal murder of a beloved member of the community, a manhunt begins, and neither Caide nor Rachael thought they would become prime suspects.

Every belief Caide and Rachael have about their lives is thrown out the window…

With mounting evidence and lives on the line, the Abbotts are forced to uncover what mysteries are hiding behind closed doors. When old wounds are torn open, secrets are revealed, and their sanity is put to the ultimate test, even memories can’t be trusted in their quest to find the truth. And when the community rallies for justice, suspicions of one another rise, leaving one question begging to be answered...

If it walks like a killer, will the small town of La Rue ever know who the real murderer is?

THE LIST - BOOK #2

It’s been ten years since the first list was made…

A decade ago, the residents of Bates, South Carolina were naïve and innocent. They didn’t know what the list meant, or that it would change their world forever.

Since that time, every six months a new list appears with six names—all of whom will die before the next list is made…

No one knows the list maker’s identity or exactly what he wants from their town. They only know that they will do whatever it takes to keep their names off that piece of white paper.

When Connor and Jordyn Atwood move to Bates, they find themselves thrown into a town full of darkness and evil, where each resident lives in fear of their neighbor—and even themselves. With no way out and the list maker’s eye on them, the Atwoods learn they only have two choices.

Do what you’re told—or find your name on…

The List.

THE TRUTH ABOUT MY SCRATCHES - BOOK #3

Jaicey knows something terrible happened to her, but she isn't sure what…

Jaicey Thomas doesn't feel like an average seventeen-year-old girl. Quiet and awkward to a fault, her reserved nature is largely caused by the unanswered questions that surround her. Why have all of the mirrors in her house disappeared? Why won't her family read newspapers? Why do her nightmares keep coming back? Why does she feel so afraid of everyone around her, and who can she trust?

When Brayden transfers to Jaicey’s school, he takes an immediate interest in her…

Jaicey makes it clear to Brayden that she’s not interested in a relationship, as just friends or otherwise, but he is determined to get to know her. Meanwhile, the mysteries surrounding Jaicey continue to grow and Brayden may be the only one who can help her find the truth…but will she be brave enough to let him in?

Alone and afraid, Jaicey searches for answers…

As she starts to uncover clues, she finds herself unlocking pieces of her memory, pieces that hold much more darkness than she bargained for. In a fight for her life once more, Jaicey must force herself to relive that terrible night all over again. The threat is still lurking…and he may be closer than she thinks.

With time running out and secrets deeper and darker than she could've ever imagined, will Jaicey finally be able to uncover the truth about her scratches?

Blackspoon by Daniel Eagleton

Blackspoon by [Eagleton, Daniel]
If you were at the centre of a real-life conspiracy, would you even know it?

Charlie has just smuggled five kilos of uncut heroin back from the war in Afghanistan. This much he knows for sure. He also knows that, after he made it through customs, another solider was caught doing the same as him. And that the military policemen who provided safe passage; one of them has been found dead in an apparent suicide, while the other one has gone AWOL. Is it really possible there’s some kind of cover-up going on? Because even if there is –even if Charlie knew that for sure- who’d believe him? After all, he’s a criminal now. Veteran of a war no one quite understands. Praying, hoping. Waiting for whatever’s coming next.

Blackspoon is a pulp crime thriller in the classic mould. Filled with a remarkable cast of losers, cheaters and ne'er-do-wells, its protagonist is a complex, compelling figure hamstrung by his own poor decisions as he's inexplicably drawn into an underworld rife with drugs, exploitation and institutional corruption. Forced to take decisive action, Charlie's is an odyssey filled with violence, humour and mostly (although not exclusively) unrequited lust that, even by his own reckoning, he may or may not survive.
Review: A unique tale filled with action, adventure, and enough twists and turns to keep it really interesting. Great if you're looking for something a little different!

Friday 7 April 2017

Murder on the Pilgrims Way by @juliewassmer

Murder on the Pilgrims Way (Whitstable Pearl Mysteries Book 4) by [Wassmer, Julie]
Pearl receives a surprise present from her mother, Dolly - an early summer break at a riverside manor house that has been recently transformed into an exclusive hotel - the newly named Villa Pellegrini.
Pellegrini - the Italian word for pilgrims - reflects the fact that the building lies on the old Pilgrims Way into Canterbury, and Pearl is looking forward to the break, not least because DCI Mike McGuire has been neglecting her due to his work. But when she discovers that she's actually booked in for a cookery course from the Italian celebrity chef, Nico Caruso, she begins to think again . . .
Pearl doesn't welcome instruction on cookery at the best of times, and certainly not from an arrogant chef like Caruso. She goes along, intent on challenging Caruso's egotism - and a long tradition of men dominating gastronomy - but soon finds herself distracted, not only by her enchanting surroundings but by the disparate selection of guests.
She even begins to enjoy Caruso's attentions - and his cookery - until one of the guests goes missing and it becomes clear that murder is on the menu.
Review: It's impossible not to get completely enthralled by the amazing Whitstable cosy mystery series. The setting of the books is almost a character of its own it's so well described, making it very easy to visualise what's being read. As for the mystery...it's impossible to work out who the culprit is because of the exciting twists and turns along the way. Mystery, intrigue, and even a little bit of romance...highly recommended, the entire series is incredible!

Thursday 6 April 2017

Beer Goggles Anthology by @limitlessbooks

Beer Goggles Anthology by [Publishing, Limitless, Harms, C.A., King, D. Nichole, Grace, Evan, Camaron, Chelsea, Mclain, Molly, Black, Lacey, Mcintyre, Cheryl, Tessier, Shantel,  Hargrove, A.M., Dee, Sunniva , Laine, Terri E, Santos, Alyson , Rae, Alicia , Miller, Jennifer ]
Have you ever had too much to drink?

Everyone knows hooking up with someone while under the influence is a bad idea. But…sh*t happens.

What did I do?

Who did I do?

Where are my keys…and my underwear?

Welcome to nights of not-so-innocent drinking gone awry. Find out where it all went wrong…so terribly wrong…

From sexy neighbors to embarrassing advances—and that person who you know for a fact wouldn’t be there in the first place had it not been for the alcohol. Remember or forget? It doesn’t matter—because either way, those nights can still follow you forever.

Truth be told, when the night is over and the beer goggles are off, some things can never be unseen.

Tuesday 4 April 2017

Parents' Survival Guide to Online Safety by KidGuard Publishing

Our children’s world is a fast moving theater of information, entertainment, virtual relationships, and out-of-the box concepts that were unheard of just forty years ago. The internet and the prevalence of convenient, portable gadgets are a boon to modern civilization; but, their dark side hosts online predators, thieving hackers, and morbidly dangerous information. Parents much make sure children fully understand why rules regarding internet use must be followed and how specifically online predators can compromise their safety. It's a parent's obligation today to learn about how the digital world operates, how kids use it, their lingo, and everything else pertaining to digital socialization. Check out the online guide here: https://www.kidguard.com/cell-phone-monitoring-and-gps-tracking/
Review: This is a very useful guide on a subject that concerns all parents. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who doesn't understand the world wide web as much as their kids do!

Red Hot: A Steamy Romance Collection by @limitlessbooks

Red Hot: A Steamy Romance Collection by [Publishing, Limitless, Madi, Skyla, Valentine, Melinda, Bryant, Kenadee, Dangerfield, Eve, Dahlgren, Heather, Laurence, CJ, Gorman, A.]
Sexy bosses, cheating scumbags, and forbidden romances = RED HOT!

“I'm not a good Catholic girl...And he's FAR from a good Catholic boy.” ~ Into Temptation

“With nothing to lose but my pride, I’ll accept his deal, but his coldhearted playboy routine…not so much…” ~ Accidental Love

“A fiery temper, two sets of handcuffs, and copious amounts of tequila are guaranteed to make this situation complicated…” ~ Something Borrowed

“Her handsome boyfriend also happens to be a cheating scumbag. At least she has a great apartment.” ~ Best Man For The Job

“Falling for your boss is never a good idea—especially if he’s emotionally unavailable…” ~ Want & Need

“No dating the models. No exceptions. Shouldn’t be a problem…right?” ~ Behind The Lens

“Keeping the boss’s daughter safe is my top priority. But falling in love with her definitely wasn’t in the job description…” ~ Rules of Her Sins


7 FULL LENGTH novels by International, and Best Selling Authors.

Authored by:
A. Gorman
CJ Laurence
Eve Dangerfield
Heather Dahlgren
Kenadee Bryant
Melinda Valentine
Skyla Madi

Saturday 1 April 2017

INFECTED by Jessica Gomez

INFECTED (Flash Series Book 1) by [Gomez, Jessica]
If the world ceased to exist in one moment in time, would you know what to do?

Lillie thought her life was finally beginning to look up, and for once she seemed in control of her own future. Until a blinding light in the sky ripped that all away. When the luminosity snapped off, it flipped a switch, taking with it almost every human life, leaving behind few survivors… and the Infected. Decrepit and inhuman, the Infected brutalize everything that crosses their path.

The flash has destroyed most people’s humanity, rendering Lillie a target for every horrific situation imaginable. Nine months later, she not only has to worry about herself, but her newborn child.

After a year of living on their own and just making it, Lillie and her daughter catch a break, finding shelter and a new companion in a young boy. The new family dynamic has Lillie letting her guard down. Until one day, they are ambushed. More terrifying and faster than ever, the Infected nearly overcome them, triggering the relocation of their home.

Taking a chance, Lillie and the children head to the mountains of Oregon. Little do they know - what waits there may be worse than the Infected.

Cincopa Gallery

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