Book Review: Ava Bell

About Ava Bell:

Ava Bell was born and raised in Oklahoma where she resides with her husband, two children and three dogs. Miles From Home is her debut novel and was released on January 6th. Just recently Ava released a 3 book novella series, The Tabu series,  Ava is currently working on her second novel and two novellas that will be released later in the spring

Ava enjoys cooking, traveling and spending time with her family. She's also an avid reader. Some of her favorite authors are : Stephen King, C.J. Roberts, Cassia Leo, Caroline Kepnes and Colleen Hoover
You can connect with Ava on her Facebook and Twitter pages

Links

My author page: https://m.facebook.com/authoravabell/?tsid=0.03971366793848574&source=typeahead

GoodReads :http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/35944627-author-ava

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authoravabell

tsu: https://www.tsu.co/Authoravabell14

I have had the privilege to read all three books in the Tabu Series and was surprised at how much I couldn't pull myself away from them. I have reviewed each book listed below and strongly encourage others to pick them up.
Please Keep in mind, these books are intended for mature audiences 18+ only

 Curious (Book 1 of the Tabu Series)

While doing research for her new book, author Emma Sparks becomes intrigued with the BDSM lifestyle. When Emma meets Markus, a soft-spoken Dominate, he agrees to guide her through his world as she becomes more and more curious and as Emma and Markus' friendship deepens, she discovers that her deepest and darkest desires are beginning to surface. Emma suddenly realizes she not the person she thought she was and as she becomes increasingly restless in her marriage she struggles to find herself but is afraid it will destroy her picturesque life with her husband Daniel and two children. As Emma tries to resist her desires, Markus has other plans, he wants to bring her deeper into his world where he knows she belongs and he can make her his own.

 http://www.amazon.com/C-curious-Tabu-Book-1-ebook/dp/B014VUFQK8/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

 Review

 When I first came across this book, I knew I needed to read it. Seeing the character Emma get lured into the world of bdsm by way of doing research was an interesting concept that was well executed by the author. I could feel the pull within Emma’s character and how it feel alive again. Everything about the book itself had me wanting to read the next page, and this was just the beginning. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

 Awakening (Book 2 in the Tabu Series)

Author Emma Sparks lived the ideal life, she had two beautiful children and a husband that adored her, but something was missing. When she meets Markus, a Dominat, her world changes as he helps her learn more about his lifestyle, Emma had no idea she would learn more about herself in the process and as her relationship with Markus changes into something more, she cannot deny her dark desires. Emma tires desperately to keep her secret hidden as she lives a double life, knowing she is not the same person she was just a few months ago. Markus wants to own Emma, body and soul, but she is afraid to lose herself and give up all control to him. While Markus continues to seduce her mind, it's her heart that will betray her, and with her sudden awakening, Emma must choose which life she is willing to sacrifice.

 http://www.amazon.com/awakening-Tabu-Book-2-ebook/dp/B015T163WI/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

 Review:

Play with fire and you are bound to get burned, and this book proved to have a lot of heat in it. The story picks up six months after book 1 left off. Emma has continued her friendship with Markus and is flirting with disaster as the two become closer. The chemistry between these two had me wanting to see how far they were willing to take the relationship. There was an intense build up between the first two books of this series. I for one couldn't wait to see the passion between Emma and Markus to erupt. You could feel the emotions Emma faced and the pull between the life she had and the life she wanted. After reading this one, I needed to jump right into book 3.

 Submit (Book 3 in the Tabu Series)

Author Emma Sparks struggles with a decision that could change her life forever. Does she stay with Daniel, the only man she's known and loved, the one man that has given her everything except what her mind and body craves? Or should she set out on a journey of self-discovery with Markus, a Dominant that promises to teach her about who she really is and who makes her body come alive with excitement. Torn between a life of discontent and a life that promises excitement and passion, Emma's heart is at war with her mind and body, she must come to term with what she truly desires and what's best for her. Daniel and Markus each give her something she needs, but those needs are completely different from the other. It's now up to Emma to decide which one will make her life complete.

http://www.amazon.com/S-submit-Tabu-Book-3-ebook/dp/B01852O87K/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

 Review:

The third and final book of this series seemed a bit short to me, but there was nothing lacking in this story. This was the most intense book of the series. It showed more of the Dominate/Sub lifestyle including how far some of the rules can be taken. I felt the ending gave a bit of closure, but still left an opening to continue the series if the author chose. I loved each book of this series and think anyone who enjoys erotic books to pick up these books to read.

1st Review for Awakening

The Phoenix Blade: Awakening has been going strong and would like to thank everyone that came out to the release party on last week.

Reviews are very important to both readers and authors. To the reader, it's a way for them to know what to expect from the book and gives them insight into how well it is written. For the author, it's a way to help promote and gain more readers which determines their success.

Awakening received its first review this week and wanted to share it.

A 4 out of 5 star review
Starting out slow and picking up speed. This thriller draws you along with good dialog and credible characters. A political conspiracy. Who's the good guys and who's the bad? The story keeps you wondering until the end.

Check out more from The Phoenix Blade and leave your review for both books.

Project Justice

http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blade-Project-Justice-ebook/dp/B00J2HG2H2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1409952468&sr=8-2&keywords=The+Phoenix+Blade%3A+Awakening

Awakening

http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blade-Awakening-Andrew-Hess-ebook/dp/B00M8MPZ6M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409951618&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Phoenix+Blade%3A+Awakening

Excerpt of The Phoenix Blade Awakening

To all the great fans that made The Phoenix Blade: Project Justice the success that it was, I am giving you a sneak peak at the long awaited sequel The Phoenix Blade: Awakening. For those who are new to the series, I strongly urge you to pickup a copy of Project Justice before reading.
http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blade-Project-Justice-ebook/dp/B00J2HG2H2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406212889&sr=8-1&keywords=the+phoenix+blade

The Phoenix Blade: Awakening

Chapter 1

            Cold air swept through the corridors of the Federal Prison in D.C. while a small group of guards stopped outside an old room with the name Warden Brandon Schmoltz etched on a black plaque. The lead guard knocked on the solid oak door and heard someone shout for him to enter. The guard did as he was told and opened the door. Inside was a man of about fifty with grey hair and an old wrinkled suit. He sat at a meticulously clean desk with every file stacked neatly at the corner and every inch of wood was dusted and polished.

                “You wanted to see me sir?”

                “Yes, yes; come in and close the door.” The Warden stood up and began pacing behind the desk. He took out a handkerchief and dabbed the top of his forehead; wiping away the sweat.

                “Is everything okay sir?”

                Warden Schmoltz looked up with great distress. “Does everything look all right?”

                “No sir. What can I do to help?”

                “You and your team will be escorting Prisoner Eight Four Five to the interrogation room and will guard the door. It seems our special guest finally decided he has something to say. We’re to accommodate him and make sure everything goes smoothly; no slip ups.”

                “Yes sir, but…”

                A loud buzz came from the desk before the guard could ask his question.  “They’re here,” a woman’s voice echoed as the Warden pressed the red button on the intercom.

                “Thank you Jeanine.” The Warden removed his finger from the red button and looked back at the guard. “Take your men and fetch Prisoner Eight Four Five; don’t let anything happen to him.”

                The guard appeared startled that the Warden was so frantic and concerned for the safety of one prisoner. He straightened himself up and stared at the Warden.

                “With all due respect sir; what’s so special about Prisoner Eight Four Five?”

                “This man has important and classified information pertaining to an ongoing investigation. He’s kept quiet for the last three years and has finally decided to talk. We’re very eager to hear what he has to say.” The Warden positioned himself in front of the guard. His eyes were filled with anger. “Now take your team and get your asses down to his cell and bring that prisoner to the interrogation room safely. Is that understood?”

                “Yes sir; right away sir.” The guard bowed out of the room and met with his group. “All right guys; follow me.”

                “What’s going on,” another guard asked.

                “We’re bringing a high priority prisoner up to interrogation. We are under strict orders to make sure nothing happens to him.”

                “What the fuck is gonna happen to him here?”
                “I don’t know, but the Warden sure thinks something could.”

                The group marched down to the solitary confinement ward; finding it darker, colder and dustier than the regular cells. The only people permitted to go down there were those assigned to take food to the prisoners and to make sure they were still alive. Only the most vicious criminals were kept there or those that were punished for their wrong doing while in the confines of the prison. But Prisoner Eight Four Five wasn’t there for any of that. He was locked in solitary for his own protection.

                A shorter guard turned and whispered to a larger guard. “Why do you think the Warden cares about protecting this prisoner more than the others? I mean, what does he know that requires this much protection?”

                The man behind him was a tall muscular guard. His menacing stare and flexing muscles warned everyone he was not the guard to mess with. In fact not many of his own co-workers heard him utter more than a few words.

                He grunted and pulled the much smaller guard back. “Keep your trap shut.”

                “But I just wanna know what the big deal is.”

                “All I know is it’s got something to do with the Phoenix and his group.”

                “What the hell does this guy know about them?”

                “I heard Prisoner Eight Four Five was somehow involved in the conspiracy that left eighteen dead bodies scattered across the country. The only name they pulled from the group responsible was the Phoenix.”

                “So what; they think it’s him?”

                “Who knows, but whatever it is he’s held onto for three years and finally decided to talk.”

                The leader of the pack stopped at the entrance and directed two guards to cover the entrance. He positioned another two in the middle of the corridor facing the solid metal doors. He took the tall muscular man with him and walked towards the end of the hall.

                “Wait here while I get the prisoner.”

                The leader of the pack walked to the end and brushed the dust off the old metal door. He slid the window slot open to peek inside before placing a key into the rusted lock. The loud screeching sound echoed through the corridor as the door opened.

                A long grey haired man with a bushy beard barely flinched at the sound of the door. He continued lying on the old mattress that was ripped, stained and had broken metal springs poking out from the bottom of it. His orange jumpsuit had the remnants of several meals plastered and caked all over his front. He glanced at the guard and turned his head to face the concrete wall.

                The guard tapped his nightstick against the bed. “Get up your attorney’s here.” The man refused to look back at the guard; refused to even consider moving at the guard’s command. “I said on your feet Mason.”

                The man snapped back to reality and jumped to his feet. His eyes were cold and calculating. It had been the first time he heard anyone call his name in nearly three years. Hearing it brought him back to a time where he was a rich and powerful man; one who controlled an entire country.

                “That’s President Mason to you,” he spat.

                The guard looked at him with distain. “You haven’t been president in years. Now turn around and keep your hands in the air.” Mason complied with the guard’s command and spun around. The guard forcefully took Mason’s hands and pulled them behind his back; slapping a pair of cold metal handcuffs on each wrist. Mason smiled at the guard. “You look smug for a man set to stand trial for treason and murder.”

                “Because I finally get to tell my side of the story and it’s one you don’t want to miss. I think it’s time everyone’s dirty little secrets to come out for the world to see.”

Make sure you stop by the Launch Party on August 28th from 5-11pm  where we will have a Q&A Session, music and of course giveaways. Just click the link below to attend.
https://www.facebook.com/events/618675384912467/?notif_t=plan_user_joined

Anthony Charles Interview Part 1 Music

Here we are the start of the first of many interviews in our summer series.  I am your host, the author of The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess.  Today we are about to journey down the life of a musician/producer/actor/Podcaster Anthony Charles.  Tonight we explore where he began his journey; as we look at his life in music.

Q. Let’s get to know Anthony Charles. Describe yourself in 100 words or less.

A. I am a human trying to navigate this dimension with a light heart. Hopefully we all can live, laugh, love, and learn together.

That’s an interesting look on life.  But then again, there’s a lot that our readers might find interesting about you.  Let’s go a little more in depth.

How did you first get into music?

Growing up, there was always a musical presence in my house.  It wasn’t until I was thirteen when I saw a special on MTV that showed how to play riffs from some very well-known popular songs.  I remember hearing these riffs and being amazed that someone could create something so powerful.

I agree.  Hearing powerful guitar riffs and solos are incredible to listen to.  I feel they contribute more to the impact of the song. 

So tell me, what was the first instrument you played?

Originally, my mom bought my first guitar when I was still small enough to fit inside the case, but the interest didn't bloom until I was a pre-teen.

So how when did you finally start playing?

After seeing the MTV special, I couldn't wait to pick up a guitar.  I begged for my mom for one for months, but she didn’t want to get her hopes up.  She told me if I wanted it bad enough, I had to save up for it.  So I did.  I saved all of my pennies until I had enough to purchase my first guitar.  I truly fell that massively long waiting period made the moment so much better.  I played that guitar until my fingers bled.

I think at one point or another every kid or teenager has wanted to be a rock star.  So tell us, who were some of your musical inspirations?

I’d have to say 311 was a huge influence on me, because of how their songs had a lot of groove and funky elements in a rock context.  Other than 311, I’d say Pantera, Sevendust, and Jimi Hendrix.  All of them really made a statement with their art and demonstrated how incredibly talented they were and what could be done on the guitar.

I remember listening to a lot of their songs growing up as well.  They’ve inspired a lot of guitarists over the years.  Now as I understand, you were a guitarist for a band.  Tell us a little about that.

I’ve been in a few bands. Usually I’ve met people socially which leads to everyone jamming in a room together. From there it tends to grow into a serious project if the chemistry is right.

Did your band release any albums?

Technically no, but I did release an album under the name “Gnosis”. The album is called “Awakening.”   It’s a concept record about the subjective experience of realizing a spiritual self.

Take me back to your first gig. What was it like? Where was it?

My first gig was a middle school talent show. I was in a band that I joined after having a guitar for three months.  It seemed like a very unlikely goal, and I probably wasn’t really ready, but it turned out okay.  I ended up getting twenty-five dollars as prize money for winning and I used it to buy my first CD.

Every musician has their favorite moment or favorite gig they played. Tell me about your favorite gig.

I think my favorite gig was at The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie, NY.  The standard practice at the time was to play a series of smaller clubs until you drew enough of a crowd to play the big stage at The Chance.  My mom told me that path was not the one I would take.  I ended up making a press kit, shaking some hands, and skipping the entire process of playing smaller clubs.  It was also my mom’s birthday.  Ever since then, we recall that experience as a paradigm shifting moment.  The lesson learned was, there isn’t just one road.  We can create our own path in life if we work hard and get out there.

Now all good things come to an end. Tell me what happened to the band and if you guys ever get together to jam anymore.

Personally I never felt like I was able to get all the pieces together with band members. We were always missing a bass player, or a singer, or the right drummer.  After a number of years it gets to feel like swimming upstream.  You could have songs, live gear, T-shirts, CDs, and a beautiful website, but without a complete lineup you’re not playing any shows.  You’ll be stuck in perpetual rehearsals.  I’m still friendly with most of the people, if not all of them, but you lose touch with some people over the years.

What have you been up to since your days with the band?

Since music, I wanted to find a form of expression that wasn’t dependent on others with great gear and music chops.  I wanted to find something that I had more control over.  So, in college I studied acting.  I’ve been able to do a lot more projects in acting than I ever have in music, but at heart I still consider myself a musician.  I do post production work with music and have also kept a foothold in music by producing other artists and bands.

Where can our readers find you and your albums?

You could find “Awakening” by Gnosis on iTunes, CDbaby.com, and Amazon. 

Anthony Charles-Preview

Welcome everyone to the first installment of our summer interview series.  I am your host, the man behind The Phoenix Blade, Andrew Hess.  Today we're going to preview the upcoming interview with Anthony Charles, a man of many talents including; guitarist, songwriter, producer, interviewer, instructor, and actor.  So let's take a closer look at the man behind the Anthony Charles Podcast.

Anthony Charles has grown up in the greater New York Area.  He is an accomplished musician and songwriter; in which he released a concept album under the name Gnosis, with the album "Awakening."  Since then he has helped produce a few indie artists, created the Anthony Charles Podcast, and started a career as an actor.  His most recent role was the real life Civil War Captain, Robert Newlin Verplank in a historical drama "On the Side of the Angels," which was written and directed by Joanne Zipay (Founder and Artistic Director/Producer of the Judith Shakespeare Company).  This play has received lots of attention that culminated in the winning of the 2012 GHHN Award of Excellence; a ceremony held at the Revered Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, NY.  

As stated earlier, Anthony is also the creator and host of the Anthony Charles Podcast.  A show all about creative professionals and the lives they lead; where you learn about the tools. motivations, and desires that lead you to a successful creative career.

Join us tomorrow for part 1 of my interview with Anthony Charles, but for now I'd like to share a couple of the Anthony Charles Podcast episodes to give you further insight into Anthony Charles.

http://anthonycharlespodcast.com/episode-1/
http://anthonycharlespodcast.com/episode-2/