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Lies We Tell Ourselves by Robin Talley

Sunday, December 28, 2014
Robin Talley’s debut novel LIES WE TELL OURSELVES (Harlequin TEEN * October 2014; $17.99) is a fresh voice on the literary YA scene, with its profoundly moving story of finding your own truth, even when the whole world seems determined to silence you. Set during the tumultuous era of school desegregation, LIES WE TELL OURSELVES follows Sarah, one of the first black students at all-white Jefferson High School, and Linda, the daughter of a conservative newspaperman. Assigned to work together on a class project, the girls confront the hard truths about the world they live in: Sarah deals with racially-charged verbal and physical threats and Linda faces her volatile father and his domineering ways. And both girls come to terms with the notion that they may be falling for each other at a time when same-sex attraction was even more taboo than interracial friendship.

Decades after the story takes place, the issues in the novel are sadly relevant and still affect the lives of teens around the country. A thought-provoking, heart-rending and ultimately hopeful novel, LIES WE TELL OURSELVES will touch audiences in a profound way.

A Lambda Literary Fellow, Robin Talley grew up in Roanoke, VA, and now lives in Washington, DC, with her wife. When not writing or reading, Robin is planning communication strategies for a nonprofit that fights for equal rights. She brings her passion for words and for social justice to every page of LIES WE TELL OURSELVES.

LIES WE TELL OURSELVES is an ABA Indies Introduce New Voices pick for Fall 2014 and a 2014 BEA Buzz Book. October is LGBT History Month and Robin Talley would bring her expert and personal perspective to the conversation. Please let me know if you would like to receive a review copy, set up an interview, and/or host a giveaway for LIES WE TELL OURSELVES. Both NetGalley and physical ARCs are available.

Review:
 Tackling issues of race and prejudice, this book takes on the issues that we all claim to avoid but are still truly evident in today's society. It has got to be tough in in a world that promotes straight relationships when you know you are attracted to the same sex. Especially in a time where this is not accepted at all and people in general get physically violent when they learn of these things.

I liked the approach at the civil rights movement that is presented in this book to portray what is going on in this time of history. It was nice having a fresh perspective on the same topic that has been written about a thousand times over. I realize that there is a lot of writing on same sex relationships these days but not a lot exists or talks about these feelings earlier in history. Another nice aspect of the novel is that it is pretty accurate for how the LGBT movement was. All in all, this is a great book that tackles many topics and all types of readers are sure to enjoy it.   

Reviewed by Chris

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Gooseberry Island bySteven Manchester

New from The Story Plant

A special request

 

Let's get viral.


Steven Manchester's next book will be out on January 6, 2015. Voted one of the Must Read Books of 2015 by Cyrus Webb PresentsGooseberry Island is sure to be the next hit from one of our #1 bestselling authors. The book looks at the budding relationship between Lindsay and David, who have to deal with David's deployment overseas and his recovery from the trauma he witnessed in the service of his country.

PTSD is one of the biggest problems facing soldiers as they return from war. As an experienced veteran himself, Steven Manchester understands that. That's why, during the promotion of this book, Steven and The Story Plant are going to be working toward helping returning veterans. And we need your help to do that.

From now until January 31, 2015, we will donate $1 to the Wounded Warrior Project for every copy of Gooseberry Island that is pre-ordered and sold. All you have to do is emailus a copy of your receipt and we will make the donation. In addition to that, we will also donate a copy of the e-book to returning soldiers, one donation for each copy sold.

Here's the really important part - we need your help to spread the word about this campaign! Tell your neighbors, tell your family members, tell the person working the checkout line in the grocery story. Just tell as many people as you can and ask them to help spread the word too. We want this campaign to go viral! Let's do something good this holiday season and celebrate those who protect and serve our country!

You can read more about Gooseberry Island at our website. It is available for sale atAmazonBarnes & NobleiBooksKobo, and IndieBound.

Curious about Wounded Warrior or want to make your own donation? Visit their websitehere.

Book Review

Gooseberry Island: "Mr. Manchester handles [PTSD] with great compassion.  He brings to life the hardships that are suffered by our returning servicemen.  His characters have depth and the story is compelling.  It is not only a novel, it helps to inform the reader of the difficulties experienced and the silent life and death struggle that goes on every day around us." -From Book Bug Blog

Book Review

Gooseberry Island: "I’ve said it before – Steven Manchester has a very definite style of his own. His books all display beautiful descriptive writing, poignancy, and include an inspirational message, and this one will simply warm your heart." -From And The Story Unfolds

Book Review

Gooseberry Island:"This author did a wonderful job with this novel showing how war can change a person and how so many of these military people die of suicide and bringing to life the many hardships along with disorders(PTSD) that are suffered by many of our returning military men and women." -FromArlena, Goodreads member

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Until Midnight: Promo and Giveaway!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

UNTIL MIDNIGHT is here…and it’s FREE!



Happy Holidays, everyone! I’m Melissa Landers, author of the Alienated series, and I have a present for you—a brand new e-short from Disney Hyperion!

UNTIL MIDNIGHT takes place onboard an intergalactic transport, soon after ALIENATED ends and before the sequel INVADED begins. The story details Aelyx and Cara’s last day together before he returns to Earth to mend the alliance and she continues to his home planet. It’s sweet and romantic, and as a bonus, it includes a four-chapter preview of the sequel, which releases February 3rd.

Oh, and did I mention the best part? IT’S FREE!

You can download UNTIL MIDNIGHT from the following e-tailers:

Google Play: http://bit.ly/1v06kVd

*If you live outside the USA, no worries. I’ve uploaded the story to Scribd for you. (The only downside is it doesn’t include the bonus preview chapters, due to technical reasons from the publisher.) Link: http://www.scribd.com/AuthorMelissaLanders

To celebrate this new release, I’m offering TWO lucky winners an autographed swag pack complete with a personalized bookplate, mini-poster, bookmarks, and stickers—open internationally! Just fill out the rafflecopter form below.

Best of luck, and happy reading!



BIO: Melissa Landers writes romantic science fiction for teens and the young at heart. To learn more, or just to say hello, visit her at www.melissa-landers.com



a Rafflecopter giveaway

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

They All Fall Down by Roxanne St. Claire: Review and Giveaway!

Monday, December 15, 2014

Pretty Little Liars meets Final Destination in this YA psychological thriller that will have readers' hearts racing right till the very end!

Every year, the lives of ten girls at Vienna High are transformed.

All because of the list.

Kenzie Summerall can't imagine how she's been voted onto a list of the hottest girls in school, but when she lands at number five, her average life becomes dazzling. Doors open to the best parties, new friends surround her, the cutest jock in school is after her.

This is the power of the list. If you're on it, your life changes.

If you're on it this year? Your life ends.

The girls on the list have started to die, one by one. Is it a coincidence? A curse? Or is the list in the hands of a killer?

Time is running out for Kenzie, but she’s determined to uncover the deadly secret of the list...before her number’s up.

Goodreads Summary

I absolutely adore the show Pretty Little Liars and I was really excited to review this book.  Personally, I didn't think I would ever want to be on a list with anything like "hottest girls" in the headline.  I liked how Kenzie's life dramatically changed and, with the popularity change, came change with a little more of a murderous intent.  Kenzie discovers that the girls on the list are beginning to die and as her elation turns to fear she must attempt to solve the mystery or become the killer's latest victim.  

I really loved Kenzie's character.  She reminded me of a blend of Aria and Emily from Pretty Little Liars with a little bit of the intelligent and analytical Spencer thrown in.  She was driven and brave.  The other characters rounded out the book to create a true mystery that had me turning the pages until the bitter end.  I have to admit...I was very surprised by the ending and this book takes great judgement of character.  Are you up for the challenge?  This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

Find this book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
The Book Depository



GIVEAWAY: (USA)

Follow this blog via GFC or another way if you cannot follow via GFC and leave a comment with your name and email!  Good luck!


This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Little White Lies by Katie Dale: Review and Giveaway!



Fans of Pretty Little Liars will be ensnared in this tale of deceit. 
 
The first time Lou meets mysterious Christian, she knows he is The One. But Christian is hiding a terrible secret. Why does he clam up every time Lou asks about his past? Why doesn’t he have any family photos, and why does he dye his blond hair black? When Christian’s house goes up in flames, his tires are slashed, and he flees for his life, Lou insists on going with him. But as Christian’s secret is unveiled in front of the whole world, it seems everything he’s ever told Lou is a lie. Can what the media are saying about him really be true? Should Lou trust him? Or is she in grave danger? And what if their accidental meeting wasn’t an accident at all...?
 
"Gripping whodunit."—Kirkus Reviews
"Spellbinding. . . . The amazingly well-thought-out plot and strong characters make this selection a great addition to any library, from junior high through young adult."—VOYA 

Goodreads Summary


Have you ever met someone and instantly known that he/she is The One for you?  When this happens, most of us think immediately of happily ever after and the ease of falling in love...we don't think of our loved one holding back from us and not revealing portions of their life.  Lou, unfortunately, experiences the latter and she begins to doubt her love for him in the wake of his secrets being exposed.  The reader will follow Lou's powerful journey of love, loss, and uncertainty.  

I really enjoyed Lou's character.  I didn't peg her as the "swooning maiden" and I was not disappointed.  She had a few secrets of her own that the reader must digest over the course of the novel and was reminiscent of Emily from Pretty Little Liars.  I didn't like her instant infatuation with Christian, but I can try to understand the "love at first sight" clause.  I wasn't so sure about Christian.  Anyone with that much to hide I would rather avoid.  As a love interest, he definitely was lacking; I would have preferred to feel like I really knew him and could believe why Lou loved him so much.  The plot was interesting and not completely impossible to buy.  I did think that the book got a tad too dramatic in places.  Overall, this book is great for teen/young adult readers.

3 1/2 Stars

GIVEAWAY:

Leave a comment with your name and email answering the question-have you ever withheld the truth from someone important to you (we're not talking white lies here)?




This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Tortured Souls by Kimberly Leigh Wheaton

Tortured Souls
The Orion Circle #1

By Amazon Bestselling Author
Kimber Leigh Wheaton

YA Paranormal Romance
Sea Dragon Press
June 30, 2014

Sometimes Rest in Peace isn't an option
Kacie Ramsey sees ghosts—and it's ruining her life. Her mother left, her father blames her, and no matter how hard she tries, she can't keep the ghosts away. Now a new power has emerged. Nightly visions of grisly murders and a relentless predator draw her to the brink of insanity.
When the phantom appears at a party, Kacie's longtime crush, Logan, saves her. He invites her to join the Orion Circle, a group of supernatural hunters with chapters in schools all over the country. Through the Circle, Kacie learns to embrace her spiritual powers, and for the first time in her life she feels in control rather than a victim.
But the Foxblood Demon will not give up so easily. A demented serial killer in life who trapped the souls of the thirteen children he murdered, imprisoning them within the walls of his mansion. Now in death, he plots his return while drawing power from the pure souls of the children. He recognizes something in Kacie he's never seen before—a medium powerful enough to provide a vessel for his tainted soul.
Kacie can't ignore the tortured souls of the children crying out to her every night. With Logan at her side, she will fight the Foxblood Demon. But can they banish this powerful phantom, or will Kacie lose not only her body, but her eternal soul to the monster.
This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Jesus Daily: 365 Interactive Devotions by Aaron Tabor, MD

Thursday, December 11, 2014
Based on the major themes found on the most active Facebook page in history, JESUS DAILY is a 365-day interactive devotional that goes beyond even the fan page to create a deeper experience and cultural movement that celebrates your redemption in Christ. JESUS DAILY presents a devotional thought but also challenges you to respond to each daily reflection using a variety of social media tools. 

JESUS DAILY is a worldwide revolution in how you can connect, share, and worship the Father personally and with other believers.

Goodreads Summary


This book will help you to send a little cheer or helpful thought in the right direction.  I like books that give me little tasks to complete each day and this one helps me to remember to send an ecard to cheer someone up or to reflect on a Bible verse.  The book begins on January 1st and continues through the end of the year.  Each day, the reader can open up this small book and relax with a familiar verse from the Bible.  The reader will likely discover new interpretations on old memories of verses and learn simplistic ways to participate in the meaning behind the verse.  The daily suggestions of how to utilize the book include online activities whose only requirement is a computer and a kind thought.  Overall, this is a perfect book for religious readers or those wishing to be reminded to do a little activity online to make someone happy.  

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Best of 2014 Giveaway Hop!

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

A box of 20 YA and Teen books from 2013/2014!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

<!-- end LinkyTools script –> This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Q&A and Book Promo: Deadly Odds by Allen Wyler

Tuesday, December 9, 2014
AUTHOR Q&A WITH ALLEN WYLER
Author of Deadly Odds

Q:  How did you come up with the idea of the story?
A:  The first novel I ever wrote was based on this story’s kernel: a geek who develops a strategy to successfully gamble draws unwanted attention to himself. But that novel turned out to be disaster and was rejected by every agent I queried. However, the idea of being able to beat the odds remained intriguing yet elusive. Then one day I read about Nate Silver and his uncannily ability to accurately predict various phenomenon based on statistics. After all, this was what the 2011 Brad Pitt movie Moneyball was based on. Once I read about Silver, I knew the plot was much more believable.
        
Q: What influenced you to create a computer hacker protagonist than the usual medical professional?
A: There are several reasons. First, I don’t like being pigeonholed into the subgenre of “medical thriller.” In addition, it’s unbelievable to believe that a healthcare professional would have the computer expertise—or time—to pull off something like Arnold Gold does. More importantly, in doing my research for this story, I became fascinated with the Darknet and Internet security. I really wanted a way to weave this interesting information into a compelling story. So... a likeable computer hacker seemed to be a much more interesting character to develop than another neurosurgeon. I love Arnold Gold’s character and a really glad I settled on him.

Q:  Why Vegas? Have you always wanted to write a book with Sin City as the setting?
A:  When first developing the story I didn’t have any city in mind other than I knew Arnold lived in Seattle. (I love the city as a backdrop to stories.) I also knew Arnold wanted to get laid but was so uneasy about seeing an “escort” for this purpose, that it made sense for him to go someplace far from home where he’d be unlikely to run into anyone he knew. Given the reputation of Sin City, it just felt right to send him there.

Q:  Do you plan on writing more thriller books outside of the medical thriller genre?
A:  You bet. I like exploring topics dealing with computers and the Internet. I’m especially intrigued with hacking and the Darknet. My next book, Cutter’s Trial, however, is not a thriller and lands me right back in the medical arena because it explores the issue of physician assisted suicide. Having been involved in a couple start-up companies, I’m also toying with using that subject as a basis for a book, but I have nothing in development along these lines at the present time. We’ll see what happens.

Q:  Would you ever consider a sequel to this book?
A:  Glad you asked the question. Both Arnold Gold and Palmer Davidson are such wonderfully rich characters that Robert Astle (my agent) and I agree they are well-suited for a sequel. At the moment I’m busy writing Deadly Odds 2.0.

Q:  Do you think this book could be a movie? Who could you picture playing Arnold?
A:  Of all my prior thrillers, I think this one has the most cinematic potential. I’m lousy at casting, so if it were ever made into a movie (my wildest dream), I’d leave that choice to the producers.

About the Author
Allen Wyler is a renowned neurosurgeon who earned an international reputation for pioneering surgical techniques to record brain activity.  He has served on the faculties of the University of Washington and the University of Tennessee, as well as the Swedish Medical Center to develop a neuroscience institute.
Allen has since retired and devoted himself to fiction writing full time, and has written five novels, including his latest, Deadly Odds, which is his first in the techno-thriller genre.



Sin City’s Deadliest Game
Young “Dark Net” Hacker the Unlikely Key to 9/11-Style Terror Plot


“Deadly Odds is original, and a first rate thriller.”
--Philip Margolin, NY Times bestselling author of Woman with a Gun

“Allen Wyler knows of what he speaks, and writes, and the result is a thriller that equals and updates the best of Robin Cook and Michael Crichton.”
--Jon Land, bestselling author of Strong at the Break

"A wild Journey… you won't be able to put it down."
--D.P. Lyle, award-winning author of, Hot Lights, Cold Steel.



Astor + Blue Editions is proud to present Deadly Odds (ISBN: 978-1-941286-02-9; Fiction, Thriller, Suspense & Crime, Technological Fiction; Espionage; September, 2014), a new breakout suspense thriller with a “techno edge” by bestselling author Allen Wyler. What happens when a shy and awkward young computer hacker has a run-in with terrorists?   

Twenty-three year old Arnold Gold is a local computer genius in his native Seattle, described as a “part-time hacker and full-time virgin” by his friends. When the awkward young shut-in decides to take matters in his own hands, and venture to Vegas “to get lucky,” little does he know that his hacking skill will make him  a bull’s-eye target for terrorists and the FBI.

A major terrorist group wants Arnold’s “Dark Net Hacking” system to help hatch their latest plot, and they’ll stop at nothing to claim it—even killing Arnold’s friends. Now, with murderous terrorists, the FBI, and the local cops on his tail, Arnold finds himself trapped in a high-stakes game with the odds of survival slim to none. It will take every last bit of his genius intellect and legendary hacking skill to stay one step ahead of the deadly game, and foil the plot that will turn Sin City into the scene of the deadliest terror attacks since 9/11.

Written in Allen Wyler’s break neck style and attention to expert detail, Deadly Odds is as terrifyingly plausible as it is darkly humorous and enjoyable. The riveting story of a young man who lives life through his computer and discovers its dark side is sure to win him legions of new fans. Filled with suspenseful twists and enough technological detail to keep both techno-thriller and classic suspense fans on the edge of their seats, Deadly Odds is the ultimate thrill ride for the emerging tech-savvy generation.
###

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Allen Wyler is a renowned neurosurgeon who earned an international reputation for pioneering surgical techniques to record brain activity. He has served on the faculties of both the University of Washington and the University of Tennessee, and in 1992 was recruited by the prestigious Swedish Medical Center to develop a neuroscience institute.
In 2002, he left active practice to become Medical Director for a startup med-tech company (that went public in 2006) and he now chairs the Institutional Review Board of a major medical center in the Pacific Northwest.
Leveraging a love for thrillers since the early 70’s, Wyler devoted himself to fiction writing in earnest, eventually serving as Vice President of the International Thriller Writers organization for several years. After publishing his first two medical thrillers Deadly Errors (2005) andDead Head (2007), he officially retired from medicine to devote himself to writing full time.
He and his wife, Lily, divide their time between Seattle and the San Juan Islands.




This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

DISNEY PUBLISHING WORLDWIDE ANNOUNCES COMPANION NOVEL TO ABC FAMILY’S HIT SHOW “THE FOSTERS”

Glendale, CA—December 8, 2014—Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) announced today the release of THE FOSTERS: Keep Your Frenemies Close, based on characters from ABC Family’s hit TV series “The Fosters,” written by former Wall Street Journal reporter and non-fiction author Stacy Kravetz (Welcome to the Real World: You’ve Got an Education, Now Get a Life!; Girl Boss: Running the Show Like the Big Chicks;and The Dating Race: An Undercover Report from the Frontlines of Modern-Day Romance). The book cover will be revealed today in five pieces via an online scavenger hunt on “The Fosters” social media sites including https://www.facebook.com/TheFostersonABCFamily,http://instagram.com/thefostersabcf,
https://twitter.com/thefostersabcf. The first piece of the puzzle is attached.

THE FOSTERS: Keep Your Frenemies Close is a companion to ABC Family’s hit show “The Fosters,” and will be the first book in a potential series. The first book takes place over a weekend community service/school extra credit trip, which Callie is required to take in order to boost her history grade. To complicate things, she’s thrown together with Talya, Brandon’s ex-girlfriend who has always been jealous of Callie, and the forced relationship between Callie and Talya takes a series of turns over the course of the book.  The bright spot is a new guy, Austin, who flirts with them both and stirs up even more trouble between the two.  Callie and Talya reveal secrets to each other, find common ground, find confidantes in each other, and bond over the work they’re doing. Also, the relationships with the other kids on the weekend trip -- a new cast of characters which will be ongoing in the book series -- both create tension as well as draw Callie and Talya together. Ultimately, they see each other as something other than rivals and find they have more in common than they’d thought. On the bus ride back home, they’re forced to consider whether this newfound friendship will outlast the weekend. Especially when the unthinkable happens.

“A great TV show and a great read to go with it.  If you love ‘The Fosters,’ there’s nothing better than more stories about them. It’s wonderful we can offer our fans many connection points,” said Karey Burke, ABC Family’s Executive Vice President, Programming and Development.

Currently in its second season, “The Fosters” will feature a special holiday episode tonight, Monday, December 8 at 8pm ET/PT and return with new episodes on Monday, January 19, 2015 at 8pm ET/PT on ABC Family.

THE FOSTERS: Keep Your Frenemies Close will be published as a trade paperback original and goes on sale January 27, 2015. Print and eBook formats are available for pre-order wherever books are sold. THE FOSTERS: Keep Your Frenemies Close is the first book in the Kingswell Teen imprint and the first collaboration between Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) and ABC Family.

About Disney Publishing Worldwide
Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books, magazines, and apps, igniting imagination through storytelling in ever-inventive ways. DPW creates and publishes books and magazines both vertically in-house and through an extensive worldwide licensing structure. As a leader in digital products, DPW creates bestselling eBook titles and best-in-class original apps that have garnered more than 50 awards to date. DPW is also committed to the educational development of children around the world through Disney Learning which includes our flagship learning brand, Disney Imagicademy, as well as Disney English and other Disney themed learning products. Headquartered in Glendale, California, DPW publishes books, magazines and digital products in 85 countries in 75 languages. For more information visit  www.disneypublishing.com.

About “The Fosters”
ABC Family’s “The Fosters” is a compelling, one-hour drama about a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological teenaged kids being raised by two moms. Stef Adams Foster, a dedicated police officer, and her wife Lena Adams Foster, a school Vice Principal, have built a close-knit, loving family with Stef’s biological son from a previous marriage, Brandon, and their adopted twins, Mariana and Jesus. Recently added to the mix are their newly adopted son, Jude, and his sister, Callie, who is striving toward adoption as well despite the roadblocks caused by her tumultuous family history.

Winner of 2014’s Television Academy Honors Award and GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Drama Series, “The Fosters” is executive-produced by Jennifer Lopez, (“American Idol,” “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” “The Back-Up Plan”) and created by Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige (“Queer As Folk”), who also serve as executive producers and writers, along with Joanna Johnson (“Make It or Break It”).

“The Fosters” stars Teri Polo (“Meet the Parents”) as Stef Adams Foster, Sherri Saum (“In Treatment”) as Lena Adams Foster, Jake T. Austin (“Wizards of Waverly Place”) as Jesus Adams Foster, Hayden Byerly (“Parenthood”) as Jude Adams Foster, David Lambert (“Aaron Stone”) as Brandon Foster, Maia Mitchell (“Teen Beach Movie”) as Callie Jacob, Danny Nucci (“Titanic”) as Mike Foster and Cierra Ramirez (“The Secret Life of the American Teenager”) as Mariana Adams Foster. Greg Gugliotta, Elaine Goldsmith Thomas, and Benny Medina also serve as executive producers. The series is produced by Nuyorican Productions, Inc. in association with ABC Family. 

About ABC Family
Part of the Disney/ABC Television Group, ABC Family is distributed in over 97 million homes. ABC Family features programming reflecting today’s families, entertaining and connecting with adults through relatable programming about today’s relationships – told with a mix of diversity, passion, humor and heart. ABC Family’s programming is a combination of network-defining original series and original movies, quality acquired series and blockbuster theatricals. For 2014, ABC Family has launched the “WATCH ABC Family” authenticated service which allows viewers with participating TV subscription services access to 24/7 live viewing of the network, as well as continued on demand access to such popular series at home and on the go via a wide array of devices. ABC Family is also the destination for annual Holiday events with “13 Nights of Halloween” and “25 Days of Christmas.” ABC Family. A New Kind of Family.




This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

AUTHOR Q&A WITH ALLEN WYLER: Author of Deadly Odds



Q:  How did you come up with the idea of the story?
A:  The first novel I ever wrote was based on this story’s kernel: a geek who develops a strategy to successfully gamble draws unwanted attention to himself. But that novel turned out to be disaster and was rejected by every agent I queried. However, the idea of being able to beat the odds remained intriguing yet elusive. Then one day I read about Nate Silver and his uncannily ability to accurately predict various phenomenon based on statistics. After all, this was what the 2011 Brad Pitt movie Moneyball was based on. Once I read about Silver, I knew the plot was much more believable.
        
Q: What influenced you to create a computer hacker protagonist than the usual medical professional?
A: There are several reasons. First, I don’t like being pigeonholed into the subgenre of “medical thriller.” In addition, it’s unbelievable to believe that a healthcare professional would have the computer expertise—or time—to pull off something like Arnold Gold does. More importantly, in doing my research for this story, I became fascinated with the Darknet and Internet security. I really wanted a way to weave this interesting information into a compelling story. So... a likeable computer hacker seemed to be a much more interesting character to develop than another neurosurgeon. I love Arnold Gold’s character and a really glad I settled on him.

Q:  Why Vegas? Have you always wanted to write a book with Sin City as the setting?
A:  When first developing the story I didn’t have any city in mind other than I knew Arnold lived in Seattle. (I love the city as a backdrop to stories.) I also knew Arnold wanted to get laid but was so uneasy about seeing an “escort” for this purpose, that it made sense for him to go someplace far from home where he’d be unlikely to run into anyone he knew. Given the reputation of Sin City, it just felt right to send him there.

Q:  Do you plan on writing more thriller books outside of the medical thriller genre?
A:  You bet. I like exploring topics dealing with computers and the Internet. I’m especially intrigued with hacking and the Darknet. My next book, Cutter’s Trial, however, is not a thriller and lands me right back in the medical arena because it explores the issue of physician assisted suicide. Having been involved in a couple start-up companies, I’m also toying with using that subject as a basis for a book, but I have nothing in development along these lines at the present time. We’ll see what happens.

Q:  Would you ever consider a sequel to this book?
A:  Glad you asked the question. Both Arnold Gold and Palmer Davidson are such wonderfully rich characters that Robert Astle (my agent) and I agree they are well-suited for a sequel. At the moment I’m busy writing Deadly Odds 2.0.

Q:  Do you think this book could be a movie? Who could you picture playing Arnold?
A:  Of all my prior thrillers, I think this one has the most cinematic potential. I’m lousy at casting, so if it were ever made into a movie (my wildest dream), I’d leave that choice to the producers.

About the Author
Allen Wyler is a renowned neurosurgeon who earned an international reputation for pioneering surgical techniques to record brain activity.  He has served on the faculties of the University of Washington and the University of Tennessee, as well as the Swedish Medical Center to develop a neuroscience institute.
Allen has since retired and devoted himself to fiction writing full time, and has written five novels, including his latest, Deadly Odds, which is his first in the techno-thriller genre.

Sin City’s Deadliest Game
Young “Dark Net” Hacker the Unlikely Key to 9/11-Style Terror Plot


“Deadly Odds is original, and a first rate thriller.”
--Philip Margolin, NY Times bestselling author of Woman with a Gun

“Allen Wyler knows of what he speaks, and writes, and the result is a thriller that equals and updates the best of Robin Cook and Michael Crichton.”
--Jon Land, bestselling author of Strong at the Break

"A wild Journey… you won't be able to put it down."
--D.P. Lyle, award-winning author of, Hot Lights, Cold Steel.



Astor + Blue Editions is proud to present Deadly Odds (ISBN: 978-1-941286-02-9; Fiction, Thriller, Suspense & Crime, Technological Fiction; Espionage; September, 2014), a new breakout suspense thriller with a “techno edge” by bestselling author Allen Wyler. What happens when a shy and awkward young computer hacker has a run-in with terrorists?   

Twenty-three year old Arnold Gold is a local computer genius in his native Seattle, described as a “part-time hacker and full-time virgin” by his friends. When the awkward young shut-in decides to take matters in his own hands, and venture to Vegas “to get lucky,” little does he know that his hacking skill will make him  a bull’s-eye target for terrorists and the FBI.

A major terrorist group wants Arnold’s “Dark Net Hacking” system to help hatch their latest plot, and they’ll stop at nothing to claim it—even killing Arnold’s friends. Now, with murderous terrorists, the FBI, and the local cops on his tail, Arnold finds himself trapped in a high-stakes game with the odds of survival slim to none. It will take every last bit of his genius intellect and legendary hacking skill to stay one step ahead of the deadly game, and foil the plot that will turn Sin City into the scene of the deadliest terror attacks since 9/11.

Written in Allen Wyler’s break neck style and attention to expert detail, Deadly Odds is as terrifyingly plausible as it is darkly humorous and enjoyable. The riveting story of a young man who lives life through his computer and discovers its dark side is sure to win him legions of new fans. Filled with suspenseful twists and enough technological detail to keep both techno-thriller and classic suspense fans on the edge of their seats, Deadly Oddsis the ultimate thrill ride for the emerging tech-savvy generation.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Allen Wyler is a renowned neurosurgeon who earned an international reputation for pioneering surgical techniques to record brain activity.  He has served on the faculties of both the University of Washington and the University of Tennessee, and in 1992 was recruited by the prestigious Swedish Medical Center to develop a neuroscience institute.
In 2002, he left active practice to become Medical Director for a startup med-tech company (that went public in 2006) and he now chairs the Institutional Review Board of a major medical center in the Pacific Northwest.
Leveraging a love for thrillers since the early 70’s, Wyler devoted himself to fiction writing in earnest, eventually serving as Vice President of the International Thriller Writers organization for several years. After publishing his first two medical thrillers Deadly Errors (2005) and Dead Head (2007), he officially retired from medicine to devote himself to writing full time.
He and his wife, Lily, divide their time between Seattle and the San Juan Islands.


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