Sunday, October 31, 2010

Bargain eBooks #13: The Naked Gardener by LB Gschwandtner

The Naked Gardener by LB Gschwandtner

Genre: Mainstream Women's Fiction

Price: $0.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon.com (for Kindle)


Introducing Katelyn Cross who gardens naked. Lives in a chicken coop. Takes five gal pals on a canoe trip in the wilds of northern VT. Catches fish with her bare hands. Body paints. And frets over whether marrying Greg Mazur means losing herself within a marriage.

Katelyn Cross has a secret life, a side of herself that comes out only when no one else is around. But it isn't just that she gardens naked...it's all the things her nakedness represents: Katelyn's desire for freedom and artistic expression, her ambivalence about getting married, her need to speak her own unvarnished truth. Because she and Maze are summer residents in the sleepy New England hamlet of Trout River Falls, Katelyn has never gotten involved in the problems the town faces, but when the all-female town council persuades her to take them on a wilderness canoe trip, Katelyn's outsider status rapidly melts away. Can Katelyn help save the town? Can the town save Katelyn? The Naked Gardener has everything readers crave in contemporary women's fiction - a complex and interesting heroine at a crossroads in her life, her sassy and unpredictable friends, and plenty of adventure.

What they're saying about the Naked Gardener:

"I found The Naked Gardener a joy to read. It's a touching journey through the lives of six women who come together for a canoe trip that transforms their lives and starts them on a quest to save their town. I loved these characters and I loved the detail so carefully crafted by the author to describe their struggles, their experiences, and most of all the garden"--Amazon Reviewer

"And as I turned page after page, I completely lost track of time."--Amazon Reviewer

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Bargain eBooks #12: Not What She Seems by Victorine Lieske

Not What She Seems by Victorine E. Lieske

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Price: $0.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon.com (for Kindle)
Barnes and Noble (Nook)


Steven Ashton, a billionaire from New York, and Emily Grant, on the run from the law... and when they meet he can’t help falling for her. What he doesn’t know is that interfering in her life will put his own life in danger.

Not What She Seems holds you in suspense from the moment you begin down the path of murder and romance.

When billionaire Steven Ashton couldn’t stand his high society social life anymore, he left the stress of New York on a vacation for his soul. The need to meet real down to earth people lead him to a small Nebraska town he remembered visiting as a child. He didn’t want to lie about who he was, but he couldn’t exactly tell them the truth.

Emily could have easily fallen in love with Steven, under different circumstances, but her past was catching up with her and she needed a new life. If the authorities found out about her, she could lose the one thing that meant everything, her four year old son.

What they're saying about Not What She Seems:

"Not What She Seems is a story that will grab the reader's attention from the beginning until its conclusion."--Amazon Reviewer

"Well written and a delightful read. I enjoyed the twists and turns. Worth well more than the price!"--Amazon Reviewer

Friday, October 29, 2010

Bargain eBooks #11: October Breezes by Maria Hooley

October Breezes by Maria Hooley

Genre: Young Adult

Price: $2.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon.com (for Kindle)
Barnes and Noble (for Nook)
Smashwords (all other Readers)


October Breezes is a young adult novel about what really matters.

Skye Williams knows everything there is to know about mistrust: Dad skipped out when she was five, leaving Mom with an angry daughter and an upside-down mortgage. Then there were the boyfriends—at least a dozen—hot on his heels and hot for her mom, none of whom stuck around long enough to figure out Skye hated them—hated the underage toys they brought as bribes and the way they looked at her, speeding past with the same distaste they would have for a yellow traffic light. And now this Warren Jacobs has shown up to sweep Mom off her feet—and all he’s brought with him is a crummy, dog-eared book. She doesn’t even read! How can Mom even like this guy, much less trust him? He’s just another loser with a capital L.

But Warren’s not the only concern rocking Skye’s world. Devin Abbott, a guy she’s known since kindergarten, has changed. Almost at once, he’s become this tall, broad-shouldered guy with dark hair and easy eyes she might date—if he hadn’t always been her best friend. Skye swears there’s nothing between them, but everyone else thinks differently. Devin doesn’t act the way he used to, especially when Kellin Morgan, senior quarterback, asks Skye out. Flattered, she accepts, and, Devin sulls up—and he isn’t the only one. Kellin’s best friend, Tyler Rutherford, gets bent out of shape, too, as he’s always wanted Skye for himself. When Kellin and Skye attend one of Tyler’s famous parties, neither senses the impending disaster. Afterwards Skye is left with consequences that will change not only her life but also that of everyone who loves her.

What they're saying about October Breezes:

"October Breezes is written for a YA audience but this is a story so thought-provoking that it makes good reading for their parents as well. Just about every painful adolescent dilemma imaginable -- some routine, others life-altering -- is thrown at Skye Williams. Some she handles well and others she botches. The strength of the story is in how Skye picks up the pieces and who she turns to when life goes badly. The characters are alive, and, more importantly, realistic."--Amazon Reviewer

"This book pulls you in and is hard to put down. Ms. Hooley did a fantastic job showing the depth of emotion in such a difficult topic"--Amazon Reviewer

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Bargain eBooks #10: Monster Mashup by M.J.A. Ware

Monster Mashup by M.J.A. Ware

Genre: Childrens, Horror, Short Stories

Price: $2.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon.com (for Kindle)


Monsters, magic, goblins, zombies, and more. Be prepared to sleep with the lights on. This collection of nine short stories will have you looking over your shoulder, avoiding mirrors. and jumping at the slightest sound.

From fiendish creatures hiding in your bathroom mirror, to Halloween pranks gone deadly wrong. Each story will scare, delight, and surprise.

No gore or cursing here, just good ol' spine-chilling fun!

Not recommended for kids under 8.

What they're saying about Monster Mashup:


"Monster Mashup is a collection of very short stories for kids that enjoy scary, supernatural tales. It is slightly like the Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine, only the stories are shorter and less developed. There are nine mini stories, 3 of which have been previously published by this author, and 1 which seems to be a teaser for an upcoming book by this author; they are all well-written stories that are enjoyable and fun to read. Probably best for kids aged 8-12, as there is a definite horror aspect to the tales. All in all, the stories are nicely written short horror stories that will provide much entertainment for kids who enjoy spooky stories"--Amazon Reviewer (5 star rating)

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Bargain eBooks #9: The Truth About Dating by Julie Christensen

The Truth About Dating by Julie Christensen

Genre: Chick Lit

Price: $1.00

Where to Get It:

Amazon.com (for Kindle)


Lifelong introvert Quinn Malone was sick of spending her evenings at home, doing crossword puzzles and watching Jersey Shore. Successful, smart, and funny, 38-year old Quinn embarks on a quest to find a man, using blind dates, speed, and internet dating to get things moving.

Quinn overcomes her shyness to suffer through dates that are so bad, they’re funny (see the chapter on hunchbacks). With the help of good friends, she successfully transitions through the seven stages of dating: excitement (I’ve still got it!); infatuation (he makes me feel beautiful); disappointment (he looks nothing like his online photo); anger (why is he online if he’s married?); fatigue (I can’t bear the thought of another date); depression (I’m going to grow old and die alone); and acceptance (dating: it is what it is). Through the triumphs and heartbreaks of dating, and of life in general, Quinn uncovers the resilient, dynamic person she’s always been. The question is, has Mr. Right been waiting in the wings all along?

What I found in the sample:

The voice of the novel sucked me right in, and I couldn't help but like Quinn. The author did a great job with the voice, which gave the book a fun chatty style. From what I read, The Truth About Dating seems like it will be a fun, breezy read.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Bargain eBooks #8: Take the Monkeys and Run by Karen Cantwell

Take the Monkeys and Run by Karen Cantwell

Genre: Mystery, Humor

Price: $0.99, but soon to be $1.99

Where to Get It:


Amazon.com
Barnes and Noble

Film lover Barbara Marr is a typical suburban mom living the typical suburban life in her sleepy little town of Rustic Woods , Virginia. Typical, that is until she sets out to find the missing link between a bizarre monkey sighting in her yard and the bone chilling middle-of-the-night fright fest at the strangely vacant house next door. When Barb talks her two friends into some seemingly innocent Charlie’s Angels-like sleuthing, they stumble upon way more than they bargained for and uncover a piece of neighborhood history that certain people would kill to keep on the cutting room floor.

Enter sexy PI Colt Baron, Barb’s ex-boyfriend who would love to be cast as new leading man, filling the role just vacated by her recently estranged husband, Howard. When Colt flies in from out of town to help Barb, events careen out of control and suddenly this mini-van driving mother of three becomes a major player in a treacherous and potentially deadly FBI undercover operation. It’s up to her now. With little time to spare, she and she alone, must summon the inner strength necessary to become a true action heroine and save the lives of those she loves. The question is can she get them out alive before the credits roll?

What they're saying about Take the Monkeys and Run:

As a Semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest, a Publishers Weekly reviewer said Take the Monkeys and Run was "an outright treat: diverting, funny and fast-moving."

“Karen Cantwell's writing doesn't disappoint. The pace clips along and delivers at all the right points carrying us on an internal journey to answer the questions surrounding the crime. If you like a good mystery but want a refreshing new take with a bit of light fare, enough to make you laugh out loud, then Karen Cantwell's Take the Monkeys and Run will take you there.” Reviewed by Lee Libro at Literary Magic

Monday, October 25, 2010

Bargain eBooks #7: The Rule of Otharia Series by Debra Martin and David Small

The Rule of Otharia Book 1: The Quest For Nobility by Debra Martin and David Small

Genre: Science Fiction


Price: Discounted by Amazon to $0.99 now, but may change to $2.99 soon!

Where to Get It:

Amazon.com (for Kindle)
Smashwords (all other e-readers)

The idyllic life of royal teenagers, Darius and Dyla Telkur, from the planet Otharia takes a horrifying turn when their parents are murdered. With their cousin appointed as Regent until Darius comes of age, it doesn’t take the twins long to figure out that he’s bent on stealing their throne one way or another. To escape their cousin’s wrath and a false murder charge, they flee to the only safe place they know where no one will find them – the forbidden and quarantined planet Earth.

Safe on Earth for the moment, the only way for them to return home is to find an ancient 10K traveling crystal left behind by their Otharian ancestors who visited Earth 1500 years ago. Enlisting the help of a London university archeologist, they begin their search for the crystal from clues buried deep within the Arthurian lore of Merlin and Lady of the Lake. What they find instead is evidence of a secret trade pact between Otharia and Earth that was established centuries ago. Before Darius and Dyla can understand what it means, they’re in jeopardy again; this time pursued by those on Earth who want the secret to remain hidden. Who is behind the trade pact and what is being traded are the questions the twins need to figure out while trying to stay one step ahead of the Earth assassins.

What they're saying about The Quest For Nobility:

"...there are links between the planet Otharia and Arthurian legend that make me say, "Yes, please, more."--Amazon Reviewer

"...I would highly recommend this book"--Amazon Reviewer

The Rule of Otharia Book #2: The Crystal Facade by Debra Martin and David Small

Genre: Science Fiction


Price: $2.99


Where to Get It:

Amazon.com (for Kindle)
Smashwords.com (all other e-readers)


Otharian twins Darius and Dyla Telkur have a problem: they know too much. When Dyla's dream visions of London's crime boss portend an imminent threat to her family, she returns to Earth to seek answers. The twins don't realize that they have stumbled upon an interplanetary smuggling operation for crystals, the stones that fuel the Otharian's PSI power. There are those who will stop at nothing including murder to keep the secret. Assassins on both planets are on the move and the twins are the target.

What I found in the sample:

The characters are well developed and you quickly get pulled into another world. The writing is good with just a couple of typos, and the story gets started with action, which I like.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Bargain eBook #6: Failing Test by J.M. Pierce

Failing Test by J. M. Pierce

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy (Contemporary)

Price: $0.99

Where to Get It:



You know him, but you can't remember his name. He is the one that is always there, in the background, all but invisible to those roaming the hallways. What if he had a secret? What if it was a secret that even he didn't know?

Test Davis has always been a blur to those around him. He's a shadow like a million other kids--not smart enough for the academic team, not beast enough for the football team, not extroverted enough for the drama crowd. In all things Test is just...not, which is why no one ever notices him.

But what happens when someone does notice him-- Nicole Paxton, a cheerleader, no less? What happens on the night that Test finds out there's nothing average about him and that a powerful gift has been hidden within, secretly waiting to be set free and alter his life forever? The question is, will that power save him and those he loves or tear them apart?

What they're saying about Failing Test:

"This book is not one to pass up! Once I started reading Failing Test I found it extremely hard to put down."--Amazon Reviewer

"a fun read from start to finish"--Amazon Reviewer

"Reading this book is an exciting way to spend your time - day or night!"--Amazon Reviewer

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Bargain eBook #5: 3 Novels From Cliff Ball

Out of Time by Cliff Ball

Genre: Science Fiction, Novella

Price: $0.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon.com (for Kindle)

Barnes and Noble (Nook and other readers)


A scientist discovers time is actually fluid; past, present, and future all exist at the same time. What he doesn't know, is if the current timeline can change when something is changed in the past. The US government wants him to find out. The theme being to make right what once went wrong. The time travelers meet all sorts of 20th century characters, but, someone is trying to stop them. Once they return to their present, things may not be what they appear.

What they're saying about Out of Time:

"Out of Time is a fantastic book, it just blows me away with its action and intellectual passages." --M.R. Mathias




Don't Mess With Earth by Cliff Ball

Genre: Science Fiction

Price: $1.99-$2.99 (depends on retailer)

Where To Get It:

Amazon.com (for Kindle)
Barnes and Noble (Nook, other readers)


An advanced group of humans leave ancient Earth, but keep an eye on their less advanced cousins. The advanced humans meet the Ragnor, an alien species that experiments on other species for no other reason but that they can. The advanced humans begin to manipulate Earth history by posing as historical figures such as King Arthur, Galileo, Amelia Earhart, among others. The Ragnor find Earth, causing all sorts of historical anomalies such as the Salem Witch Trials and the disappearance of the Roanoke colonists. In the 1940's, one of their ships get shot down over New Mexico, by some American fighter pilots with some amazing flying and some lucky machine gunning. Once the scientists of Earth start reverse engineering the downed spacecraft, President Truman issues an executive order that will forever change Earth history.


What they're saying about Don't Mess With Earth:

"...the creative storyline will keep many readers hooked." --Feathered Quill Book Reviews



The Usurper by Cliff Ball

Genre: Political Thriller, Action Adventure

Price: $2.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon.com (for Kindle)
Barnes and Noble (Nook and other Readers)


Ever wonder what would happen if our worst fears were realized and we elected someone who was willing to destroy the USA, even if he was destroyed himself? The Usurper is that novel. It is a fictional account of what would happen if the Soviet Union and KGB were given the chance to take down the United States from within. They use the American political system, education system, terrorism, and commit environmental disasters to achieve these goals.

The Soviet Union and the KGB refuse to let the purging of communists in the United States as awhole by Senator Joe McCarthy, and the House Un-American Activities Committee, deter them. Soviet Premier Khrushchev authorizes the KGB to embark on an ambitious, decades long plan to destroy the United States from within through the corruption of American politicians, the American education system, terrorism, and environmental disasters. Gary Jackson, the main character, is the fulfillment of the KGB plan to destroy the United States from within. They raise him from birth to hate everything about the United States, indoctrinate him, and introduce him to terrorists across the world, where the KGB dictates all terrorist attacks. When Gary is a teenager, he is sent to the United States to assimilate and begin his mission. Nothing will deter his goals of completely and utterly destroying the United States.

When the Soviet Union dissolves, he is given a choice, and he decides to continue with the mission. A terrorist organization ends up filling in the gap left by the absent KGB, and they, together with Gary, conspire to destroy everyone in the United States who doesn't agree with them.

What they're saying about The Usurper:

"A cold-blooded, Clancy-esk political thriller; The Usurper is sure to entertain."--Nuture Your Books

Friday, October 22, 2010

Bargain Book #4: Dating My Vibrator by Suzanne Tyrpak

Dating My Vibrator (And Other True Fiction) by Suzanne Tyrpak

Genre: Comedy, Short Story Collection

Price: $2.99, soon to be $0.99!

Where To Get Online:

Amazon.com (for Kindle)



Dating My Vibrator and other true fiction is a collection of nine true and almost true short stories all based (unfortunately) on my own experience. After nineteen years of marriage I was thrust into a brave new world of dating: online, offline, standing in line, listening to lines. And I have survived to tell these tales. Dating, divorce, desperation—all that good stuff. CAUTION: if you’re contemplating divorce, these stories may convince you to consider marriage counseling. If you’re out there dating, chances are you will relate. OMG! Here’s a scary thought: maybe you’ve met some of these guys. Names have been changed to protect the guilty.

What they're saying about Dating My Vibrator:

"...books that are simultaneously this insightful and hilarious do not come along all that often"--Amazon Reviewer

"...a wonderful collection of story stories that I will definitely recommend"--Amazon Reviewer

"Pure comedic brilliance"--J.A. Konrath



Thursday, October 21, 2010

Bargain eBooks #3: The Leroy's Sins Series from Author T. L. Haddix

Secrets In The Shadows, Book One by T. L. Haddix

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Price: $2.99 Amazon, $3.99 Smashwords

Where to Get Online:


Amazon.com (for Kindle)
Smashwords.com (other eBook formats)

Everyone has secrets. Don’t you? Most of our secrets are harmless. Sometimes, however, those hidden truths come back to haunt us. Sometimes they even kill, as Lauren Grant was finding out the hard way. Thirteen years ago, she was the innocent victim of a crime that still shaped her life to this day. Just as she is starting to move on and build a new life for herself and her daughter, the past comes calling with a violence she could not have imagined. Her shop is vandalized, another female business owner is brutally murdered, and Lauren can’t shake the feeling that the past is catching up to her. Will she have the strength to finally face her demons and fight for the future, or will the past overwhelm her once and for all?

What they're saying about Secrets In the Shadows:

"This was a great book filled with twists, turns, mystery and drama. It left me wanting more...and quickly!!"

"T.L. Haddix's Secrets In The Shadows does not disappoint."

"...a great all encompassing read"--KindleObsessed


Under The Moon’s Shadow, Book Two by T.L. Haddix

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Price: $2.99 Amazon, $3.99 Smashwords

Where to Get Online:


Amazon.com (for Kindle)
Smashwords.com (other eBook formats)


Small town life can be very, very dangerous…

Something ominous is hovering over the town of Leroy , Indiana. People are vanishing - drug addicts, illegals, people whose disappearances are less likely to be investigated. Amid swirling rumors of altars, devil worshipping and sacrifice, reporter Beth Hudson’s investigation into the whereabouts of the missing has led her deeper and deeper into the clutches of a killer. Certain the strange occurrences are connected, Beth struggles to stay focused on the story as her relationship with Detective Ethan Moore takes a tragic turn. Can she figure out what is going on and stop a killer, or will she become another one of the victims?

What they're saying about Under the Moon's Shadow:

"...it was just what I had hoped it would be. After the first book, I looked so forward to the second, and it did not disappoint! I flowed right through it, not able to stop reading, and now I cannot wait for Book Three."


Author Website: http://tlhaddix.com/content/books

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Bargain Book #2: The Patriot Paradox by William Esmont

The Partiot Paradox By William Esmont

Genre: Thriller/espionage/techno-thriller

Price: $2.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon.com (for Kindle)

Barnes and Noble (Nook and other eReaders)

Ex-CIA analyst Kurt Vetter and enigmatic foreign agent Amanda
Carter race across Europe in a quest to unearth the truth behind the
murder of Kurt's brother. Trying desperately to stay ahead of a
government that has forsaken them, they discover a conspiracy that
threatens the very foundation of world stability. The clock is ticking
and Kurt and Amanda must find a way to halt the plot before millions
die.


What I found in the sample of The Patriot Paradox:


I read the sample from the Patriot Paradox last night, and was definitely hooked. This author knows how to write, and so well that I felt I was there with the characters. The story begins at a fast pace with an explosive end to Chapter 1 that will ensure that you keep going to Chapter 2. Though I only read the first chapter, it promises a great read!




Monday, October 18, 2010

Bargain Book #1: The Kinshield Legacy by K.C. May

The Kinshield Legacy by K.C. May

Genre: Fantasy

Price: $2.99

Where to Get It:

Amazon.com (for Kindle)
Smashwords.com (all eBook formats)
Barnes and Noble (Nook and other eReaders)

Warrant knight Gavin Kinshield is a man of many secrets. He's the one deciphering the runes in the tablet. Unless he can find a suitable replacement, he'll be Thendylath's next king. All he really wants is the letter written by his ancestor Ronor Kinshield, champion to King Arek, confessing the truth of how the king perished.

Daia Saberheart, warrior of the Viragon Sisterhood, wants to find the future king and help him claim his rightful place.

Blacksmith Risan Stronghammer wants to reward him with a powerful weapon.

And the sorcerer Brodas Ravenkind wants to capture him, steal his secret and claim the throne for himself.

But when Gavin finally tracks down Ronor's letter, he gets more than he's bargained for, for the truth of King Arek's demise is far darker than he ever imagined.

What they're saying about The Kinshield Legacy:

"...a rousing hard-hitting fantasy adventure." --Piers Anthony, best-selling author of the Xanth novels

"Wow. I was hooked in the first chapter and had trouble putting the book down to sleep last night. ... I was completely and utterly engaged." --GraceKrispy's blog, Motherlode

"K.C. May's first novel, The Kinshield Legacy, is a spellbinding tale of magical moments with truly unforgettable characters."--Amazon Reviewer

Submissions are coming in!

Thanks to all who have sent their eBooks to be featured so far! Submissions are coming in and I'm currently up to 14 submissions. Keep sending them in!

**UPDATE**

I may begin posting the first books this week. I had some titles come in this week that need to be up before Halloween.

I'm still accepting links for related websites (about writing, reviewing, author publicity, etc.) If you link to Bargain eBooks, I'll return the favor and your website will appear in my Cool Related Sites list. If you link to me, just drop a comment with your URL on this (or any) post and I'll be sure to get it in as soon as I can!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Welcome to Bargain eBooks!

Welcome to Bargain eBooks, where I will be posting cheap reads for the Kindle, Nook, and other eReaders a few times per week. I invite both readers and authors to follow this blog, and I invite authors to submit their books to be featured. See the submission guidelines that are posted under the Submissions tab above.

My focus will be all books and all genres, fiction and nonfiction, novels and short stories, as long as they are at or under $5.00 in eBook format. I will post cover art, a blurb about your book, and links to where readers can buy your book. It doesn't matter if you are a traditionally published author or an independent author--it's all good as long as your book is a bargain!

I will begin posting the bargain books in about a week, once this blog has gained some exposure.