Free for All Friday - January 11th International Giveaway

It's another Free for All Friday. Today's giveaway comes to you from Tribute Books Virtual Book Tours and author G. Gordon Dean.

Whoever said 'white-collar crime doesn’t pay' never lived in Washington D.C. TierGroup is a business consultancy firm located in the heart of DC. Its Division Heads have a very cold and calculating unorthodox approach to conducting business. Protecting and serving their clients is the only thing that matters. Nevertheless, loyalty can swing both ways in this journey through greed, corruption, and absolute lack of accountability.

As a former Las Vegas Casino Surveillance Director, Michael Crayter, a straight shooter, becomes an unaware, almost, employee of TierGroup in mid-2001. His transformation takes many shapes from idea man to fraud guru. He embarks on a journey to Iraq, through Hurricane Katrina and eventually takes part in one of the biggest scams in the history of the United States - the TARP funding program. His boss, Charles “The Czar” Zarin, is the ultimate manipulation mentor. Michael Crayter’s experience will last for more than eight years and will make his old Vegas job seem like child’s play.

The investment opportunities the United States has to offer during this timeframe are seemingly endless and the public joins in on the greed. The whole country is riding high on the inflated value train with careless abandonment. There are no regulations followed or laws unbroken by the Mortgage Lenders, Stock Brokers, and Bankers. The bubble is getting bigger and the clock is ticking. It's every man for himself. Divide and conquer. Borrow and spend. No one sees the tsunami coming, except for Charles Zarin. Capitalism will be turned upside down and the money spigot will run dry.

By late 2007 the bubble bursts and our country’s economy is left in ruins. The Treasury is sent in to bail out the white-collar thieves. While losing most of its clients TierGroup and Michael Crayter are left to fend for themselves. Michael Crayter begins to tell his story, in this Four Part first-person narrative, during a 2005 interview at FBI headquarters in Washington D.C.

The Story Behind SCAM FACTORY
by G. Gordon Dean

SCAM FACTORY started out as a dream I had about a job interview with a high-end consulting firm. I initially thought that my dream would make a great movie, but I decided to write a book instead. As I began to develop the plot and storylines I realized I could tie it all in with, past and current, real life events in the U.S. from 2001-2009. It was also relatively easy to combine some of my business experience, and people I have run across over the years, into this story. I grew up in Las Vegas and lived there for about thirty-five years so knowing about Scams, or coming up with my own for this book, wasn’t so hard. The TRUE events that led to the U.S. financial crash, mass business failures, and declines in property values in late 2007 were nothing but ammunition for this novel.

SCAM FACTORY is not a story about the guy in the white cowboy hat saving the town and riding off into the sunset. It is fiction based on reality with a ‘true to life’ outcome. The characters in this story get away with White-Collar crimes just as the real life participants did. The characters are sadistic and have a knack of getting away with almost everything, just like the in real world. It is as simple as that. One of the messages I wanted to convey in writing this story was to show what kinds of professionals were out there exploiting our businesses and citizens without legal retribution. The characters are mostly cold, calculating, and narcissistic.

I figured that using a first person narrative was the best way to tell the story. There are many subjects involved in this story so I divided SCAM FACTORY into four parts to further make it easier to read and understand. Loyalties are lost and revenge is certainly in the plot, but figuring out how to write about it was the key to the story. There is no mention of any existing, or real life, companies-only industries and fictional business entities. Another challenge was making the fictional writing seem realistic. Several of the initial book reviewers were asking if some of the events in the story actually took place. The answer is probably yes, except that only a hand full of people knows how those events really took place.

The consulting firm (TierGroup) in this story, that represents the seventeen major industries, is politically neutral. The idea is that if your money is green then TierGroup, and its clients, do not really care what your political affiliation is. This is also very relevant in the real world, but it seems to be changing for the worst. Although SCAM FACTORY contains many dark sides, it strongly reflects a ‘behind the closed door’ characterization of the reality we have faced over the last six years. The lessons we are still learning as a country are obvious and it may take many more years to recover. Control, perception, manipulation, and greed are still the number one driving forces in the business world today, but on the other hand, there are always two sides to a coin. Only time will tell.

Enjoy SCAM FACTORY and become a fan on Facebook.

Price/Format: $4.99 ebook
Pages: 263
Release: October 15, 2012

Kindle buy link ($4.99):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009RP6NU0?tag=tributebooks-20

Nook buy link ($4.99):

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scam-factory-g-gordon-dean/1113508194?ean=2940015503814

G. Gordon Dean is a Real Estate agent and Business Consultant currently living in Arizona. He has been a media buff for over two decades. As a media buff he has kept himself well aware of past and current events in business, government, and politics. He lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for over 30 years. This is his first novel.

G. Gordon Dean's Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/SCAM-Factory/219147311549998?fref=ts

G. Gordon Dean's Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6568947.G_Gordon_Dean

Scam Factory Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16120621-scam-factory

Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tribute-Books-Blog-Tours/242431245775186

Scam Factory blog tour site:
http://scamfactory.blogspot.com/

Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter for a chance to win a FREE e-copy of SCAM FACTORY!

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Looking for Blog Hosts: 'I Left My Prostate in San Francisco'

Press release information from WestBow Press:

New book reveals what prostate cancer patients need to know before choosing surgery

MODESTO, Calif. – At age 58, author Rick Redner went to a routine exam in order to obtain a prescription refill. His life was turned upside down when his urologist discovered a suspicious lump on his prostate. This was the beginning of his journey with prostate cancer. Rick chose Robotic Surgery to treat his cancer. “Prostate surgery permanently alters your identity, your sexuality, your relationship and outlook on life,” says Rick. “Since many of these issues are intensely private, most men and couples struggle alone.”

In order to help others on their journey from diagnosis to adjusting to their new life post surgery, Rick & Brenda made a very difficult decision to share their intimate emotional, relational, sexual, and spiritual struggles. Brenda writes, “As Rick lay next to me that night, I tried not to think about my husband in diapers. I realized nothing would be the same again.” Their willingness to share their journey, their mistakes, victories, insights, humor, and faith, will help other couples facing prostate cancer.

Anyone considering prostate surgery will find “I Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where’s Yours?” Coping with the Emotional, Relational, Sexual & Spiritual Aspects of Prostate Cancer” (published by WestBow Press) an incredibly valuable resource. Rick and Brenda provide their readers with vitally important information such as:

• Things you need to know before and after prostate surgery.
• How surgery will permanently change your sexuality.
• How a simple mistake could cost you thousands of dollars in out –of- pocket medical expenses.
• Tips on breaking the news to friends and family and what to expect when you do.
• How erectile dysfunction and losing urinary control will affect you and your partner.
• Why you could experience a severe depression after receiving the news you’ve been cured of cancer.
• How faith and prayer impacts the disruptive moments in life.
• What attitudes, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors will lift your spirit and repair broken relationships.

Rick & Brenda know how important it is to hear from other people further along the journey of adjusting to life without a prostate. They want to end the isolation couples experience before or after prostate surgery.
To accomplish their goal, they host a website at: whereisyourprostate.com where there is a pre-surgery and post -surgery forum. On these forums men and women can connect with Rick & Brenda as well as with others who join these forums to share information and provide on going support. Rick blogs at: http://whereisyourprostate.blogspot.com/. His on-line diary at: http://www.mdjunction.com/diary/journey-from-diagnosis-treatment-recovery has received more than 26000 hits.

About the Authors
After receiving his master’s in social work from Michigan State University, Rick Redner spent two years as a medical social worker. From there, he decided to become an entrepreneur, owning and operating two sandwich shops for the past 30 years.

Also a Michigan State University graduate, Brenda Redner obtained her RN/BSN and became an oncology nurse, psychiatric nurse and teacher. She went on to teach their four children at home.

If you would be interested in reviewing this book in February or March 2013 or in hosting a spotlight of the book (cover art, synopsis, short excerpt, links to purchase, authors' photos, and bios) please email Cheryl at ccmal(at)charter(dot)net. Deadline for inquiries is January 31st. 

Movie Review: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012)

Ever since the end of Breaking Dawn - Part 1, the Lil Diva (11) and the Lil Princess (9) have been bugging to make sure they get to see Breaking Dawn - Part 2.

I didn't get them involved in The Twilight Saga. Their brother and friends did. I haven't read a single book in the series, and this is the only movie out of all four that I've seen. The girls haven't read the books either, but they loved all the movies.

In this final Twilight movie, Bella (Kristen Stewart) awakens after the birth of Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy). Now a vampire, she has skills and gifts she must learn to control and develop. When her daughter begins to grow at an accelerated rate, the Cullens feel they must find out more about her gifts.

Allegations about Renesmee reach the Volturi, forcing the Cullens to gather other vampire clans in order to protect the family.

Having not seen the events leading up to Breaking Dawn - Part 2, put me at a disadvantage. I didn't know these characters' history. I didn't immediately know how they were connected to certain people. I also had no idea who or what the Volturi are. That last one hasn't changed. All I know is they were the bad guys in this movie.

I have to admit, if I knew how violent this movie was, I never would have agreed to take the Lil Diva. The Lil Princess went with her brother around Christmas time. Now I know why she's been having nightmares for weeks. Not a ton of blood, but very disturbing violent images, especially during the final battle scene. The girls insist the other movies weren't like this.

That aside, the plot was great. The Volturi are afraid the Cullens have produced an immortal child that is a threat to all vampires' existence. The Cullens search far and wide for members to be a witness for Renesmee, showing she is no danger to anyone. They believe if the Volturi learn of the girl's true gifts, they will allow them to live in peace. Other than the violence, there are a lot of intense scenes and a few partially naked moments.

The movie didn't make me want to go back and watch the previous installments, but it did make me curious about the books. I don't think I'll read them soon, but I might add them to my extensive wish list.


Release Date: 16 November 2012 (USA)
Runtime: 115 min
Rated PG-13

WSJ Wednesday: Print Books Are Here to Stay

I always love to read articles that challenge what we think we know. Ever since the advent of e-books, it's been feared digital books will become the norm and printed books will phase out. The closing of some independent bookstores and big chain stores, like Borders, seems to back that up.

Even though I'm still waiting for the paperless office to become a reality, I have to admit digital books--while fabulous--scare me because of their potential impact on the industry. In the Saturday/Sunday January 5 - 6, 2013 edition of The Wall Street Journal, Nicholas Carr states, "...the death of the printed book may be exaggerated."

Carr says the future for traditional books is looking better. Hardcover sales are staying strong and e-book sales are slowing. His article even says that the purchases of e-readers is shrinking because consumers are focusing on multipurpose tablets. Those fickle consumers confuse us all.

Carr cites a Pew Research Center survey and reported statistics from the Association of American Publishers in this article. The AAP reported that the rate of growth for e-book sales dropped considerably in 2012. Carr also mentions a survey by Bowker Market Research that revealed only 16% of Americans have purchased an e-book and 59% say they have "no interest" in buying one. And here's the kicker, because consumers are now opting for multipurpose tablets, e-books find it hard to compete against games, videos, and Facebook on these devices.

Another point Carr makes deserves consideration. E-book purchases have been disproportionately fiction because they are often books we read quickly and have no desire to hang on to. Plus, e-readers have allowed people to read books they might be reluctant to carry around in paperback or hardcover form. But those enjoying literary fiction and narrative nonfiction still lean toward printed books.

What is the publishing industry supposed to do with this news? Every time it seems a trend is sticking, it turns out to be just a trend. And like most trends, they shift directions. Is it any wonder it's hard to get traditionally published these days.

As a reader, what do you think of this news? Do you think Carr is right? Does it change your thoughts on buying a multipurpose device like an iPad for a child you know?

Book Giveaway: The Black Shard by Victoria Simcox (3 winners)

Kristina's stay at summer horse camp is horrible to say the least, and it's all because Hester and Davina are there as well, making her life miserable. When Hester's cruel prank goes terribly wrong, it's actually what sends the three girls back to the magical land of Bernovem. In Bernovem, Kristina is very excited to see her former friend, Prince Werrien. When he invites her to sail with him on his ship to his homeland Tezerel, putting it simply, Kristina can't refuse.

Reunited with her gnome, dwarf, animal, fairy friends ... and best of all, Werrien, things seem like they couldn't get any better for Kristina. But when Werrien becomes fascinated with an unusual seeing stone, the ''Black Shard'', Kristina is haunted by a ghostlike old hag. Struggling against suspicion, guilt, illness, and ultimately the one who wants to possess her soul, Kristina will see it's in her weakest moment that she will encounter more strength than she has ever known.

"This is an imaginative read that I couldn't put down, I finished it in just one day and I can't wait to find out what happens next!"

--Me, My Books and I

"I highly recommend The Black Shard for all lovers of fantasy chapter books, which I feel that tween and teen girls will especially enjoy and relate to."

--The Freebie Fairy

"The Black Shard is a awesome sci-fi young adult book that is part of a series I am now hooked on."

--Cherise K (Mom and More)

"The Black Shard, Victoria Simcox's fast-paced, intricately woven sequel to The Magic Warble, takes Kristina Kingsly and her schoolmates back to Bernovem ... and into a thrilling, often dangerous adventure."

--Between the Lines

Three of our readers will win an electronic version of The Black Shard from author Victoria Simcox. Please use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. Good luck!


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Teaser Tuesdays- January 8th

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


She shook her head. "Some days, there's a glimmer of hope. Other days"--her gaze was direct and intense--"it's hard. And I'm tired."

~page 161, Exiles on Main Street by Lisa Kleinholz

Teaser Tuesdays - January 8th

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

She checked her watch, still unaccustomed to wearing jewelry, and--of all things--a right fancy jeweled timepiece. "Is one hour from now too soon?"

~ page 97 from The Reckoning by Beverly Lewis