Sunday, November 30, 2014

~ COMING SOON ~ DEFINED by OTHERS M.C.V. Egan

 
When a word, a single word defines a moment for Anne she needs to find a new one when her spouse leaves her at the age of 47, coming out of the closet literally in a closet. Anne finds herself back in her hometown amongst her high school friends which she left behind in her past. She is a successful translator. A mother and now an ex-wife. An inheritance from Amanda, the first of her group to die leaves her with the means to meddle and spy on the lives of the picture perfect lives of their mutual acquaintances Anne is at first not very keen on the idea but she meets Connie, and their high school friendship is cemented by one common denominator. They both have lost their spouses. In an attempt to run from her reality, not to deal with her current situation Anne gets engrossed in a game of "fun" and "flirtation" with Connie at her side. Anne however did not read all the files. She did not see all the profiles and it turns out that what to her is fun games turns into a deadly reality. It is no longer a game. It life or death and not even a defining word can stop the reality of manipulation.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

ETERNAL CURSE by

 
 
In her own words
I am a writer of fiction. I try not to stick to one genre, but you can't always get what you want. I can be put into many ca...tegories, but that doesn't mean my life and work are defined by them. I like to keep things simple and lighthearted even though my first novel is quite serious. Ask me a question and I'll give you an honest answer. I think reading is important and want to encourage others to read, even if it's a subject or genre I don't care for... READ! :D

Friday, November 28, 2014

DONATA: In The Mind of a Victim by Donata Joseph

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www.amazon.com~DONATA Mind Victim


In this soul-bearing book, Donata Joseph reveals why she stayed in a seven-year abusive relationship and the incident that motivated her to leave.

She talks honestly about the judgmental remarks elicited from family and friends who did not understand the emotional, familial and financial complexity of her situation or why she did not recognize herself as a victim.

In a heart-wrenching chapter, Ms. Joseph discusses the impact her abusive relationship had on her two teen daughters and young son and the ensuing parent-child conversations that changed all of their lives.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, consider recommending this book. Ms. Joseph wraps up her knowledge, wisdom and advice in a non-threatening package delivered with compassion and understanding.


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Short Bio:

Donata Joseph is a motivational speaker who is passionate about encouraging, empowering and elevating individuals in all walks of life. Whether it's through her non-profit organization Adding Doses of HOPE Daily Foundation or through her all natural skincare line DONATA, she endeavors to make and impact on the lives of others.

"Use the darkness of your past to propel you to a brighter future." - Donata Joseph

Long Bio:

Donata Joseph believes in making her mark and changing lives.

In 2011, Ms. Joseph founded Adding Doses of Hope Daily Foundation to empower families of children with Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She wanted to share her experiences, challenges and tips for raising two children diagnosed with ADHD.

In 2012, she decided to break the silence and address the escalating issue of Domestic Violence. Her blog, Behind Closed Doors, chronicled a seven-year abusive relationship. The post elicited responses from people all over the world. The Foundation sponsors events and programs that bridge the gap between mental health and healthy relationships. Through motivational speaking, youth mentoring and parenting education, she encourages, empowers and elevates individuals in all walks of life to reflect on their overall mental wellness. Prior to founding Adding Doses of Hope Daily foundation, Ms. Joseph volunteered in a variety of community settings, including nonprofit organizations, youth centers and churches.

In 2013, Ms. Joseph created DONATA, a natural skin care line that also offers skincare, nutrition and health seminars. She uses this platform to empower teens and adults to see the connection between their minds, bodies and spirits. The proceeds from DONATA help fund programs for Adding Doses of Hope Daily Foundation.

Ms. Joseph obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Florida International University with an emphasis in Behavioral Analysis. She was a research assistant in the University’s Center for Children and Families, where she focused on research and treatment of evidence-based approaches in child and adolescent mental health.

She lives in Miami, Florida with her three children.

Author Links -

Website: www.adhdfdn.org

Blog: http://dosesofhope.wordpress.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adhdfdn?ref=br_tf

Twitter: https://twitter.com/adhdfdn

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/adhdfdn

Linkedin: http://goo.gl/ruzTTl

 

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

A Wizard's Home Port (The Sea Witch Saga Book 1) By Carl Rhodes

A Wizard's Home Port (The Sea Witch Saga Book 1)

 

On a world with three moons, where the seas tides can rise by one hundred and fifty feet or more, and magic is real, Gods walk about, and death is swift. Elluween is a young woman in a world filled with Knight and Nobles vying for land and power. A land of supernatural creatures and monsters where mankind is in a near constant struggle for survival. How can she survive? She is a True Wizard.

 

Image of Carl RhodesCarl Rhodes has lead a life of service to others. In doing so he has met people all over the world. This has given him what some have called a different view of the world. As a child he never wanted to read till a teacher let him read about science, then science fiction and all kind of electronics. At four he removed all the door handles in the house and sold termite trap to the neighbors. He and his brother Mark build a Gemini Space Capsule using NASA control panel layouts drawings and sticks for switches.
As he has said of his writings: They are just figments of my warped imagination. Warped by thirty odd years of military and civilian service, odd jobs, the Society of Creative Anachronism, reading, gaming, and working with rockets, Missles, satellite, or computers systems.
My family, friends, acquaintances and working environment have helped deform my mind and drive me to write.
So read my books and enjoy the ride.
Oh, and good luck.
 

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

BOOKS BY K.S. Thomas


In her own words
 
Dog Lover who likes her pastries full of cream and sugar….oh…and I write some ;-)
Aside from being an author, I am also a mom to a beautiful little girl. I tell everyone I named her after my great-grandmother (because that’s the mature answer), but really, I named her after my favorite princess – just so happens I got lucky and they had the same name…If I wasn’t a writer, I would work on a horse ranch – I’m an animal lover (in addition to dogs, horses are at the top of my list). I wear flip-flops pretty much everywhere I go. I would rather stay awake until 5 am than get up at 5 am (years of bar tending have left their mark), if I can, I’m going to the beach AND I will always be nice to people who bring me chocolate…or coffee…if you bring me both, I’ll probably love you forever.
A gypsy at heart, I write the way I live, following the story wherever it may lead, always ready to start the next one. This is clearly reflected in my body of work which to date includes everything from Children’s Lit to Thrillers. I happily reside in sunny Florida .
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unhurt 
It's Kinda My Thing 
**Coming Soon** 
I Call Him Brady  
Save The Date 
Lost Avalon 
Blood Bound  
Drive 
Salty 
Country Girls  
Lucky In Love  
Getting Lucky (A Lucky Novella)  
This Christmas  
 
 

Monday, November 24, 2014

~ VBTC ~ IGNITION

About The Author:

My name is Michelle Arrose. I am currently a teacher. I enjoy writing and completed a short-novel titled, "IGNITION" Throughout my entire life I have always felt inspired to write. I also am a strong believer in being a teacher advocate. If my novella could help educate people as to the hardships educators face today, then I would be extremely elated. This is my first novella and hope you enjoy it. I also set up a blog which is: marrose215.blogspot.com. Feel free to follow me as I continue to write many more literary works.


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Book Genre: Fiction
Publisher:Authorhouse
Release Date:12/21/13
Buy: Amazon | Author House

Book Description:

Meet Karen Woolsworth, a brand new educator who is given an excellent opportunity to work in a school and educate the young minds of today. However, little did she know that teaching led her to a nightmare rather than paradise. One troubled student, Kevin Connelly, becomes part of her obsession that she cannot focus on anything else. A teen that has a disturbing past, Kevin is a representation of the typical student that educators face every day around the world. Karen is left feeling alone, fearing for her life with no support from administrators. Ms. Crowe, the assistant principal, follows Karen’s every move like a bird. Instead of a dove, she becomes a vulture who eats away at the mental psyche and emotional stamina of Karen’s well-being.

The only salvation in this pool of chaos is Billy, her husband. However, he has difficulty relating and understanding the educational dilemmas that Karen faces.

The constant struggles that Karen encounters to balance her life as a teacher and wife weigh her down daily. This book is a rollercoaster filled with emotional highs and lows until the ride ends. This novella is unique for its alternate endings, and you control Karen’s fate. Your decision determines how Karen’s ride ends.
                  

Title: Ignition: An Educator’s Journey

Author Name: Michelle Arrose

Author Bio: My name is Michelle Arrose. I am currently a teacher. I enjoy writing and completed a short-novel titled, "IGNITION" Throughout my entire life I have always felt inspired to write. I also am a strong believer in being a teacher advocate. If my novella could help educate people as to the hardships educators face today, then I would be extremely elated. This is my first novella and hope you enjoy it. I also set up a blog which is: marrose215.blogspot.com. Feel free to follow me as I continue to write many more literary works. 

 

Book Description:

"IGNITION" is about a first year teacher. Karen Woolsworth who was given (in her mind) an excellent opportunity to work in a school and educate the young minds of today. However, little did she know that teaching led to her nightmare rather than her paradise. One troubled student, Kevin Connelly, becomes part of her obsession that she cannot focus on anything else. A teen that has a disturbing past. Kevin is a representation of the typical student that educators face every day around the world. Karen is left feeling alone in the world and fearing for her life with no support from administrators. Ms. Crowe, the Assistant Principal, is a woman who follows Karen's every move like a bird. Instead of a dove she becomes a vulture who eats away at the mental psyche and emotional stamina of Karen's well-being. The only salvation in this pool of chaos is Billy, her husband. However, he has difficulty relating and understanding the educational dilemmas which Karen faces. The constant struggles that Karen encounters to balance her life as a teacher and wife weigh her down daily. This book is a rollercoaster filled with emotional ups and downs until the ride ends. This novella is unique for its alternate endings and you get to choose exactly how Karen's ride ends.
 
 
 
 
 
Chapter 1
 
New Journey
 
August 24, was a magical day for me. Not magical in the sense of wizards and sorcerers, but rather in the sense that I, Karen Woolsworth, landed my first teaching position.
 
I was so excited. I could not wait to go home and tell Billy, my husband, that all that hard work paid off. Two long years of rigorous graduate school, finally over. Taking all those teaching exams and suffering for hours with a proctor staring at you, sizing you up while tapping her pencil, and distracting your every thought when you needed to be in control at that time.
 
The day started out dreary. I woke up to rain. I spilled coffee on one of my suits and had to go to the interview in my navy blue suit and white blouse. It was not my favorite, but it had to do. I hoped that spilling coffee on my suit did not mean bad luck.
 
That morning, my curly dark hair stood as frizzy as can be. I felt like a cat that just had gone through a car wash. Imagine how he would look. Well, the spilled coffee delayed me a bit, but I raced for my interview as fast as a jaguar runs and I made it right on time. I was lucky that I did not get a speeding ticket. Billy would have been quite upset if I had. I also would have missed the job interview. Oh, what a shame that would have been!
 
When I arrived at West Street and Ninth Avenue, my nightmare began. There stood a lonely building called, The Charles Dickens School. This was a five-story building with fifteen-hundred students. The school consists of sixth through eighth graders. I was able to see that this was an old, musty building with no elevator. As I walked into the horrific huge school, I felt so small, but there was an aroma of endearing books, which made me feel quite elated. I was in awe. I grew up in the suburbs. I had never been inside an urban school. This was quite an adventure for me. I was so excited and nervous. As I walked up the three small steps, I was greeted by security, a man in a blue uniform. I gave him my driver’s license as proof of ID and signed in. He told me to turn right at the first door and on the left was the main office. I would then have to meet with the principal. I thanked him and went on my way. As I walked down the long narrow corridor, I remember my heart was beating very fast and my palms felt sweaty. It reminded me of a first date, but much worse. The principal, Mr. Scott, a tall man with a mustache, asked me many questions. He started the interview in a friendly manner by shaking my hand and asking me if I found the school okay. At this point, I remember that his smile turned into more of a serious face, as if to say, “Let’s begin.”
 
He asked me, “What made you want to go into teaching?” I do not even remember what I answered him, but he must have been pleased with my response. During the interview, there was another person in the room as well. This person happened to be an assistant principal. She was on the large side with curly short blond hair. Her glasses hugged her ears tightly. She was the one who asked some tough questions. She had a poker face on the entire time and did not crack a smile once. Her name, I will never forget was Ms. Crowe. She reminded me of a spectacle-wearing shark staring at a guppy. I guess that you can guess who I was in that scenario: the guppy. I remember Ms. Crowe’s last question was one of the toughest.
 
How would you prepare your students for the statewide exam?”
 
I must have looked at them dumbfounded. I could not believe this question. I had just graduated from my master’s program. I had never taught before. I did not know what to say.
 
At that moment, a magical thing happened. The principal’s secretary came in and interrupted us, saying that he had an urgent call from his wife. He told me that I have the job. Naturally, I accepted the job with alacrity. He then excused himself. If I had had time to answer the question, I believe that I would not have gotten that job. He informed me that I would have to teach a self-contained eighth-grade class which meant that I would have to teach the same children throughout the day. My only hope at this point was that my students would be great and not horrific.
 
I thanked him and walked out of his tight, stuffy office, leaving him and the shark behind. As I walked out the door, I felt relieved that it was over and my teaching career would begin. The following week I would start and I could not wait. I was overjoyed that I felt like skipping down the block. However, in case the principal should glance out the window, I knew I had to maintain self-control and save that giddy emotion for when I got home.
 
 
Schedule

November 23 - December 15

November 23 - Introduction at VBT Café Blog

November 24 - Spotlight at 4 Covert 2 Overt: A Place In The Spotlight

November 26 - Spotlight at 3 Partners In Shopping - Nana, Mommy & Sissy Too!

November 27 - Guest blogging at Mythical Books

November 28 - Author Interview at Deal Sharing Aunt

December 1 - Spotlight at Freshly Baked Books

December 3 - Guest Blogging at The Avid Reader

December 5 - 5 Things I Know For Sure at CAT Magazine

December 8 - Interviewed at Bikers for Children's Books

December 10 - 6 Besties at BK Walker Books

December 12 - Review & Guest Blogging at SimpliRead

December 15 - Review & Guest Blogging at Fiction Zeal

Sunday, November 23, 2014

PAUL CAGLE Author

 
Alec Carson wakes up naked and alone with a crazed woman that has abducted him, sliced his wrists open for her own dark needs and forced him to drink blood for her own sadistic ends. After unknown assailants attack his abductor, Alec finds himself in the hospital alive and thinks the nightmare has ended and that his life will get back to normal once he starts college. But he is wrong. His journey into the dark, secret world of immortal beings, dark power plays and an unknown enemy that wants him dead, is just beginning and Alec will have to fight just to prove he has the right to exist. What can Alec do to stay alive and prove himself worthy of trust and the right to live? He will have to pit himself against an ageless enemy that wants to see him dead and align himself with powers that even immortals fear. What he’s become has never been seen before and what he doesn’t know could get him killed. Alec was born in shadow, but he will be shadow-borne through his journey to see himself liberated and he will be forced into becoming a power to be reckoned with.
Paul A. Cagle
Image of Paul A. Cagle
Paul A. Cagle   published his first book, Paranormal Journeys, in October of 2010 with limited success. It would be another two years before he sat down to start working on another book, this one a novel. After getting laid off from his job at a major insurance company, he decided to start writing a story that had been in his head for several years, and Shadow Born: Book 1 of the Shadow-Borne Chronicles started coalescing into something that resembled a novel. There were quite a few stops and starts along the way, moving from one place to another, switching jobs and trying to figure out what direction to take in both his personal life and the story line. Two and half years after it was started, Shadow Born was published on Kindle and Amazon. He is currently working on book two which doesn't yet have a name, but he is hoping it won't take another two and half years to finish the second novel.
Paul is a huge fan of the vampire genre but didn't want to write the same old story being told by others. Instead, he took a character, figured out what made him different and wrote a book based on the trials and issues that someone might find themselves in if they were 'human' but had abilities that made them stronger and faster than a creature of the night. Shadow Born follows the life of Alec Carson, a young man that finds himself in a dark world of immortal beings, dark power plays and an unknown enemy that wants him dead. Pick up your copy today to find out how Alec fares.
 
 
 
 
 
They lurk in the darkest corners of a forgotten cemetery, within the shadows of a forlorn country hotel, among the swaying branches surrounding Devil Worshippers Mountain and inside the long corridors of an abandoned hospital. They are watching us, trying to make contact from the other side. They exist within a world between ours and the next. Take this journey with paranormal investigator Paul Cagle as he encounters supernatural phenomena while searching for the ultimate truth. It is a journey you will never forget.
 
 

Saturday, November 22, 2014

The Book of Barkley: Love and Life Through the Eyes of a Labrador Retriever by L.B. Johnson

After a Lifetime of Challenges, the Best Adventure Was Still Waiting…

L.B. Johnson knew how to get things done. She had been immersed in a world of complex puzzles, and tangled story lines of physical and governmental laws. She was quite sure she was up to the task of raising a black Labrador retriever puppy. His name was Barkley, and in being himself, he led his owner down a path of joyful discovery, loving frustration, and self-sacrifice. Their journey together will speak volumes to anyone who has ever had a beloved animal as a heart’s companion…from the gentle nuzzles that healed in moments of crisis, to the saintly patience needed to deal with a small pink ball with feet, named “Mr. Squeaky,” who interrupted many hours of sleep. It is the story of rambunctious trespasses such as “the bacon incident,” and the loving trust that bound a woman and her dog together in unspoken understanding. The Book of Barkley is a tribute and memoir that will resonate with everyone who has reached out unthinking to pet a beloved animal…only to remember that a beloved friend is no longer present. Honest, transcendent, and beautifully written, The Book of Barkley is a love story that will enrich every animal lover’s library.

ON AMAZON

 

LB Johnson's first novel "The Book of Barkley" was published in July of 2014 and soon made the top 100 in genre at Amazon. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and a Labrador Retriever rescue named "Abby Normal Johnson".




Friday, November 21, 2014

Part Three of CLANCY TUCKER Today ~ The Poet ~




ME OLD BANANA BOX

 

Sittin’ in me favourite chair and feelin’ quite aghast,

something led me wonderin’ ‘bout all the years gone past.

Maybe ‘twas fatigue I felt and mused with just a sigh,

came to me like lightnin’ yet I don’t know how or why.

Four score years had come and gone, but where oh where, indeed?

‘Twas no use lookin’ back in time at every little deed.

More’s the point I asked meself, ‘How many left to go?’

I’d seen so many things in life and done so much, ya know.

 

I rest me feet upon the box – same box I’ve always had,

a good old fashioned solid one left to me by me Dad.

It used to hold bananas and it came from who knows where,

possibly from Gunnedah, Dad used to work near there.

I glanced at it and stared again before it dawned on me,

that crate had many uses - a part of the family,

it stored me kindlin’, housed a pup and chores along the way.

I’d had that old banana box forever and a day.

 

With respect I raised me feet and had a damn good peek,

I grabbed it firm and turned it, not knowin’ what to seek.

That box had spent some time with me; much more time than me wife,

and sure as hell that wooden crate had never caused me strife.

It’s been a solid friend of mine and never let me down,

it never gave me misery and never made me frown.

The box I mean, no, not me wife who lost her bloody life,

my best crate had been a mate, much better than a wife.

 

It used to sit outside the door to store me firewood,

once it stored some bulbs I found, by God they were so good.

And then one time I changed all that and had another job,

buried the bulbs and sat me box on the wood stove hob.

To once again store some twigs to start the old fire stove,

and there it did a wondrous job, I’ll tell ya now, by jove.

And still I found another task for me tough old wooden crate,

became a ferret’s home just near the old back paddock gate.

 

There was a time in Grenfell Town where Lawson hailed from,

‘twas there I lent me old crate to a snivellin’ bloody Pom.

He said he was a poet and on me box he used to stand,

recite sweet words, smile a lot, and wave his whoppin’ hand.

Finished his spiel, he grabbed me box and quickly off he went,

runnin’ fast I caught that bloke, to him me spleen I vent.

He ranted and he raved but all his actions were in vain,

a shifty one was he, but now I can’t recall his name.

 

When I went down to Sydney Town I took me box with me,

it housed me clothes, some shavin’ gear, me billy and me tea.

‘Twas like a wooden suitcase yet most others sure would laugh,

it might have looked real rough, ya know, but did the job by half.

Them other blokes had fancy gear yet nothin’ like me crate,

yeah, me and that banana box are still a pair to date.

Amazes me to look back at where both of us have been,

up some hills and down some dells, amazing what we’ve seen.

 

Right now I’m here and so’s me box, I’m lookin’ at its charm,

scratched, with dints and travellin’ wounds; and none have done it harm.

I think I might retire it to a spot inside somewhere,

maybe place it near me bed to save on wear and tear.

It’s surely been me closest mate, that travelled wooden crate,

we’ve weathered storms and troubled times; survived the lot by fate.

I stood right up and grabbed me box, the time indeed had come,

to rest it from a useful life – revere it, like me Mum.

 

At last I found a perfect spot close to me rockin’ chair,

right beside the piano stool, it fitted neatly there.

I placed a doily square on top to spare it from more pain,

in case I dropped some ciggie ash or something that would stain.

It looked damn good located there and really brought a grin,

‘cause every time I’d used it, it had offered no chagrin.

Of times when I was just a lad, a-swaggin’ here and there,

that banana box remained me mate, we travelled everywhere.

 

Here I sit a-smilin’ with me mate here by me side,

it’s right here to the right of me, just like a country bride.

So glad I had some common sense to honour work well done,

promote a box that’s always bin just like a favourite son.

Oh, what a mighty pair we’ve made together as a team,

it sure as hell ain’t fantasy and nor is it a dream.

Not sure how long I have to go, ‘Dear Lord, just let me be!’

The one thing I can tell ya though, ‘That box will outlive me’.

clancytucker.com.au

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Dangerous games (Rossetti & MacLane Book 1 by by Jérôme Dumont




DANGEROUS GAMES What starts out as an ordinary divorce procedure ultimately takes lawyer Gabriel Rossetti and his client Amanda Deschamps on a thrilling adventure into the world of on-line gaming and personal data piracy.
From Nice to Montreal, at an accelerating pace set by an ever changing landscape of new technology, Gabriel and Amanda are drawn into a whirlwind of unexpected twists and turns that leave them – and the reader – breathless.
Relying on Gabriel’s valuable contacts and Amanda’s computer know-how, the duo has to unravel a dangerous web to save Amanda’s start-up video game company from falling victim to malicious players who have illegally stolen personal data from millions of on-line gamers.
See the universe of technology and video games in a light you never thought possible!
You’ll never look at your smartphone the same way again…

 

tweet with Jerome @JDumont06


In the Author's own words
I practiced law for nearly fifteen years in various countries such as Belgium (where I lived for 10
With the objective of confirming the adage, "the law opens many doors, provided you use one to leave" I made my escape from the legal world in 2008 into that of multimedia, namely the production of video games and mobile applications.
I had the pleasure to participate in the creation of a dozen games and to immerse myself in a crazy and creative environment where I could trade-in my suit for a pair of jeans!
years), my native south of France and Quebec, where I've been living for more than eight years.
I've been exposed to a mixture of cultures, influences and a variety of experiences that have all served, in turn, to satisfy and stimulate my curiosity.
My sense of humour and innate refusal to take myself too seriously also play a big role in how I see life: an attitude I credit to my grandmother, who instilled in me the love of a good turn of phrase and a play on words.
It was ultimately the accumulation of my life's experience, both professionally and personally, that prompted me to get into novel writing....
However, although the desire was there, the inspiration was not - at least not at first.
Then, one special morning, the characters I'd had in mind for a while began to come to life and the Rossetti & MacLane novels were born!


 

Un banal divorce va se transformer pour Maître Gabriel Rossetti en une aventure palpitante qui l’emmènera, en compagnie de sa cliente, Amandine Deschamps, PDG d’une startup florissante au Canada, dans l’univers des jeux sociaux et des dérives que la quantité de données récoltées par les téléphones intelligents permettent aujourd’hui…

De Nice à Montréal, au rythme effréné des nouvelles technologies, Gabriel et Amandine vont être entraînés dans un tourbillon de rebondissements aussi haletants qu’inattendus !
Ils devront compter sur les précieux contacts de Gabriel et le savoir-faire d’Amandine pour dénouer cet écheveau, sauver la compagnie d’Amandine, et mettre en échec les personnes mal intentionnées qui se sont appropriées illégalement les données sensibles de millions de joueurs.

Plongez au coeur des nouvelles technologies, découvrez l’univers des startups et des jeux sociaux sous un jour que vous n’auriez jamais soupçonné !

Vous ne regarderez plus votre téléphone intelligent comme avant…