Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Review Moonlight by: Jadie Jones Book Tour

Title: Moonlit
Author: Jadie Jones
Publisher: WiDo Publishing
Pages: 210
Format: ebook
Source: I am a Reader and Not a Writer Book Tour

Description:

Eighteen-year-old Tanzy Hightower knows horses, has grown up with them on Wildwood Farm. She also knows not to venture beyond the trees that line the pasture. Things happen out there that cannot be explained. Or undone. Worse, no one but she and the horses can see what lurks in the shadows of the woods.

When a moonlit ride turns into a terrifying chase, Tanzy is left to question everything, from the freak accident that killed her father to the very blood in her veins. Broken and confused, she turns to Lucas, a scarred, beautiful stranger, and to Vanessa, a charming new friend who has everything Tanzy doesn’t.

But why do they seem to know more about her than she knows herself?

My Thoughts: 

This book starts out Tanzy who has a bad relationship with her mother after her father's death.  She spends her time working on the Wildwood Farm where strange things are going on, and they seem to be happening around Tanzy then she gets a phone call from a "him" that is worried about her.  What does he want or care that she stay safe on her birthday?

This book was OMG amazing when Tanzy gets in a freak horse accident she meets Vanessa and thinks Vanessa is a saving grace spending time with the injured Tanzy at the hospital, but no one in this book is what they seem and there are so many secrets, that only surface at the end when Tanzy goes on a Origin journey to find out what her past life is about.

So many people all out for Tanzy and those who want to protect her go about it the wrong way.  Definitely a great book for those who love paranormal with a hint of romance, so many interesting and dark characters.  I also loved the horse themed with this book.  I can't wait to see what Jadie Jones does with Tanzy next, the cliffhanger with Tanzy's mother was awesome!  A great book everyone would love!

moonlit tour
   
Moonlit Eighteen-year-old Tanzy Hightower knows horses, has grown up with them on Wildwood Farm. She also knows not to venture beyond the trees that line the pasture. Things happen out there that can’t be explained. Or undone. Worse, no one but she and the horses can see what lurks in the shadows of the woods. When a moonlit ride turns into a terrifying chase, Tanzy is left to question everything, from the freak accident that killed her father to the very blood in her veins. Broken and confused, she turns to Lucas, a scarred, beautiful stranger, and to Vanessa, a charming new friend who has everything Tanzy doesn’t. But why do they seem to know more about her than she knows herself?
    Praise "Virginia's trees look like they're burning. Most of them blaze crimson or gold, but some still have a chokehold on their green. I wish they'd give it up already. Leaves are more beautiful when they're dying." And so Moonlit begins. From here the story rolls from one twist to another with many vivid characters whose motives are hard to predict. I found myself being suspicious of everyone, wanting to tell Tanzy to be very careful. The deeper I fell into the plot, the more questions kept rising to the surface. But not to worry, all of my questions were answered. Appropriate for all ages, if you love paranormal fantasy mixed with suspense, mystery and other-worldly romance, you'll love this novel! ~Author Julie Ford   Prologue The first anniversary of my father’s death was even harder on my mother. Back then, I thought she was haunted most by what she didn’t know. I refused to blame her when she raged above me on our staircase that night, drunk and sad and angry. When she made me promise I’d never ride again. When she hurled a half-full bottle of vodka at my face and it exploded on the wooden stairs at my feet. I hadn’t tried to get out of the way. She had just missed. I wanted to tell her that knowledge was no solace, that what you know can burn inside you until there’s nothing left but guilt and ash. I also wanted to protect her from losing the only piece of him she had left. So I didn’t say a word.  
Author Jadie Jones Georgia native Jadie Jones first began working for a horse farm at twelve years old, her love of horses matched only by her love of books. She went on to acquire a B.A. in equine business management, and worked for competitive horse farms along the east coast. The need to write followed wherever she went. She currently coaches a hunt seat equitation team that competes in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, and lives with her family in the foothills of north Georgia. When she's not working on the next installment of the Moonlit series, she is either in the saddle or exploring the great outdoors with her daughter. Moonlit is her first book.
  Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 6/21/13  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Review Yours To Keep by: Shannon Stacey

Title: Yours To Keep
Author: Shannon Stacey
Publisher: Carina Press
Pages: 201
Series: Kowalski Family #3
Format: ebook
Source: NetGalley
Purchase: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Description:

Sean Kowalski no sooner leaves the Army than he's recruited by Emma Shaw to be her fake fiance. Emma needs to produce a husband-to-be for her grandmother's upcoming visit, and, though Sean doesn't like the deception, he could use the landscaping job Emma's offering while he decides what to do with his civilian life. And, despite his attraction to Emma, there's no chance he'll fall for a woman with deep roots in a town he's not planning to call home.

Emma's not interested in a real relationship either; not with a man whose idea of home is wherever he drops his duffel bag. No matter how amazing his "pretend" kisses are...


My Thoughts: 

I loved this book and going back to visit various Kowalski's like Kerri and Joe, Kevin and Beth.  In this one Sean a cousin of Joe and Kevin is back from the Army and isn't looking for anything special other than pounding some nails.

Not long into this Sean is interrupted by Emma Shaw who informs Sean he is her "fake" fiance, Sean's first reaction run for the hills.  He finds out at a gathering at his Aunt Mary and Uncle Leo's from Lisa that Emma needs him so her grandmother will sell her the house, and that no she isn't crazy even though that is what Sean thinks but being a Kowalski he lends Emma a hand with this scenario.

Cat Emma's grandmother didn't just fall off the banana truck and knows darn well that Emma is full of crap that her and  Sean haven't been living together for years, not matter how much Emma tries to act otherwise.  So Cat conspires with Mary to get these kids to where they need to be whether they like it or not!

So sad and romantic this one could definitely bring someone to tears by the end such a great romantic story I loved it!
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Monday, June 3, 2013

Review The Help by: Kathryn Stockett

Title: The Help
Author:






Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step.

Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.

Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.

Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.

Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women - mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends - view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don't.

My Thoughts: 

What a great story about three very different women in Mississippi, Skeeter who came home to her sick mother and gets a job at the local paper writing cleaning remedies and meets Aibileen who gives her some advice.

Aibileen who has raised more white kids than one can count 17 to be precise.  She works with Mrs. Elizabeth going day to day but wanting more but when you are black and in the south that is kind of impossible.

Minny who has a brass mouth that gets her into all sorts of trouble being a black maid in the South.  She ends up blackballed by Ms. Hilly and eventually gets hired by a newcomer to Jackson Ms. Celia. 

With the help of Aibileen and Minny Skeeter writes about the lives of black maids raising white babies and how they are treated by their bosses.  This book was great a real treat and recently last night I watched the movie and loved it as well.  The three women have such a great relationship and I really enjoyed watching the book come together!!
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Harkness by: Michael Bigham

Title: Harkness
Author: Michael Bigham
Publisher: Muskrat Press
Pages: 196
Format: Paperback
Source: Pump Up Your Book Promotions
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Description:


Harkness isn’t your typical Western sheriff. Cowboy boots make his arches ache, he’s phobic of horses, but he does have a horse of sorts - a `39 Chevy pickup he calls Hoopie, and a sidekick - a neurotic wiener dog named Addison.

Harkness is a man of his times, shaped for both good and bad by his experiences in WWII. He deals with issues like bigotry and sexual suppression in a believable manner. We come to know him as a good man, but never a self-righteous one. The pursuit of justice is his job, and he's good at it, but he never loses sight of where his next woman, or his next drink, is coming from. Harkness is the keeper of secrets in his little town and to solve the crime, he must decide which secrets to expose. One secret involves Judge Barnes, the county’s most powerful man. But Harkness had a secret of his own: he’s in love with the Judge’s wife. How much is Harkness willing to risk to catch a murderer?

Set on the Oregon High Desert in 1952, life in the small town of Barnesville has been easy-going for Matthew until a star-crossed teen-age couple disappears and he's forced to deal with some horrific murders, one of which strikes very close to home, before finally confronting the killer man-to-man on the High Desert.

My Thoughts:

This was a great mystery and the start of a series I hope anyway this one takes place in Oregon in 1952 when two kids vanish without a trace Virginia Kelly and Joey McIntyre.  What starts out as a simple investigation for Matt Harkness leads to murder of three people Virginia, Joey, and Matt's lover Kate.  There are so many colorful characters in this book, from the Judge Barnes who's Kate's husband, to Jeff McIntyre the town dentist, in the middle of it all is Matt Harkness trying to find out who killed the girl he loved plus the kids.  Of course there is Addison his newly acquired dog who has taken to Matt even when Matt would rather Addison attach to someone else.   I would put these books up with Wayne Zurl's Prospect Sheriff series.

Definitely a great series for those who love cowboys and the 50's.  I thoroughly enjoyed this story and couldn't put it down until the killer was nabbed!
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Sunday, June 2, 2013

Saving Ceecee Honeycutt by: Beth Hoffman

Title: Saving Ceecee Honeycutt
Author: Beth Hoffman
Publisher: Penguin Books
Pages: 320
Format: ebook
Purchase: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Description:

Steel Magnolias" meets "The Help" in this Southern debut novel sparkling with humor, heart, and feminine wisdom

Twelve-year-old CeeCee Honeycutt is in trouble. For years, she has been the caretaker of her psychotic mother, Camille-the tiara-toting, lipstick-smeared laughingstock of an entire town-a woman trapped in her long-ago moment of glory as the 1951 Vidalia Onion Queen. But when Camille is hit by a truck and killed, CeeCee is left to fend for herself. To the rescue comes her previously unknown great-aunt, Tootie Caldwell.

In her vintage Packard convertible, Tootie whisks CeeCee away to Savannah's perfumed world of prosperity and Southern eccentricity, a world that seems to be run entirely by women. From the exotic Miz Thelma Rae Goodpepper, who bathes in her backyard bathtub and uses garden slugs as her secret weapons, to Tootie's all-knowing housekeeper, Oletta Jones, to Violene Hobbs, who entertains a local police officer in her canary-yellow peignoir, the women of Gaston Street keep CeeCee entertained and enthralled for an entire summer.

Laugh-out-loud funny and deeply touching, Beth Hoffman's sparkling debut is, as Kristin Hannah says, "packed full of Southern charm, strong women, wacky humor, and good old-fashioned heart." It is a novel that explores the indomitable strengths of female friendship and gives us the story of a young girl who loses one mother and finds many others.

My Thoughts:

Poor Little Cece Honneycut has had so much trouble taking care of her mother who is psychotic at best, dealing with a father who can't be bothered, having no friends except an elderly woman next door.  I felt so bad for Cece I was glad when Cece's great Aunt Tootie stepped up and took Cece to Georgia.

There Cece meets all sorts of interesting characters like the housekeeper Oletta Jones who forms a great friendship with Cece.  To Miz Goodpepper who also bonds with the young Cece.  Cece experiences so much in that summer she moved to Savannah.  Met great people who bonded with her and learned alot about growing up and not letting her mother's illness bring her down or make her less of a person.

This is a book I would love to see on screen I think it would be fabulous.  Cece worms her way into your heart and doesn't let you go!  Definitely an author I will look for more books by.  Her next book is: 

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Review The Lemon Orchard by: Luanne Rice

Title: The Lemon Orchard
Author: Luanne Rice
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
Pages: 304
Format: ebook ARC
Source: Edelweiss
Purchase: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Description:

In the five years since Julia last visited her aunt and uncle’s home in Malibu, her life has been turned upside down by her daughter’s death. She expects to find nothing more than peace and solitude as she house-sits with only her dog, Bonnie, for company. But she finds herself drawn to the handsome man who oversees the lemon orchard. Roberto expertly tends the trees, using the money to support his extended Mexican family. What connection could these two people share? The answer comes as Roberto reveals the heartbreaking story of his own loss—a pain Julia knows all too well, but for one striking difference: Roberto’s daughter was lost but never found. And despite the odds he cannot bear to give up hope.

Set in the sea and citrus-scented air of the breathtaking Santa Monica Mountains, The Lemon Orchard is an affirming story about the redemptive power of compassion and the kind of love that seems to find us when we need it most.

My Thoughts: 

This was a great and emotional story about Julia who goes to Malibu on  a vacation 5 years after the death of her daughter and husband.  While there she meets Roberto a illegal immigrant  who she connects with as they talk about their daughters Julia who died and Rosa who vanished during his migration to the USA.  

Julia connects with Roberto and looks to help him find his daughter, which takes them down to Mexico.  Julia and Roberto also connect in a love so deep and powerful.  What a great story it was.

We also meet Lion who is like a uncle to Julia but not related, when she is not with Roberto she is with Lion learning how he has been and the fact that Lion is in love with Julia's aunt but probably couldn't offer her what she needed and that was a green card.

This was a gripping story at times very sad for the little girl who got lost, and what happened to her.  Definitely a great story for those who love a great romance with a fabulous reuniting between father and daughter!
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Saturday, June 1, 2013

Review The Newcomer by: Robyn Carr

Title: The Newcomer
Author: Robyn Carr
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 368
Series: Thunder Point #2
Format: ebook ARC
Source: NetGalley
Purchase: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Description:

Single dad and Thunder Point's deputy sheriff "Mac" McCain has worked hard to keep everyone safe and happy. Now he's found his own happiness with Gina James. The longtime friends have always shared the challenges and rewards of raising their adolescent daughters. With an unexpected romance growing between them, they're feeling like teenagers themselves-suddenly they can't get enough of one another.

And just when things are really taking off, their lives are suddenly thrown into chaos. When Mac's long-lost-and not missed-ex-wife shows up in town, drama takes on a whole new meaning. They're wondering if their new feelings for each other can withstand the pressure...but they are not going down without a fight.

My Thoughts: 

 This book had so much going on first there is the relationship between Mac and Gina which at this point they are dating not a big surprise there, we also get to get back with Sarah and Cooper and find out what they have been up too.  Sarah has been offered a commission to Miami and finds herself not sure what to do not wanting to uproot Landon but wanting something more than what she has.  In my eyes a reason to stay.  Gina's daughter Ashley is having all sorts of boy problems with her boyfriend Downey who quickly dumps her for a hot college girl who embarrasses Ashley.  This book dealt with depression and introducing family members that some should stay hidden while others step up and do the right thing.

Ashley meets her father Eric who has had trouble but thrives at the chance to get to know his daughter.  Ashley seems to thrive having a male in her life that cares about her and doesn't toss her to the side, and Frank Downey's brother seems to have stepped up to be a good friend to Ashley when she needs it.  It's really sweet!

Cooper finds out that his ex-fiance Bridget is dying and has something to tell him, and what a shocker it is.  This tilts Cooper's world all the way around and he finds himself connecting with someone else.  

Mac's long lost ex-wife shows up and makes life for her kids hell, she demands a sit down and finds out how angry her kids really are by a parent that deserted them, and she has no good answer for any of it.  Then Mac investigates and finds out what is really going on with his crazy ex, and none of it is good.  Finally he tells her to go, and let's out secrets his ex would rather him not know.

Gina and Mac finally take the plunge into marriage which was a great way to end the book.  That and the engagement of Sarah and Cooper made this book a great journey.   I love going back to Thunder Point never a dull time to say the least!  Can't wait for the next book!

Next Book in this series is:




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Friday, May 31, 2013

Review Sea Glass Island by: Sherryl Woods

Title: Sea Glass Island
Author: Sherryl Woods
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 384
Series: Ocean Breeze #3
Format: ebook ARC
Source: NetGalley
Purchase: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Description:

With her two younger sisters heading for the altar, will Samantha Castle exchange old dreams for new ones? Lately she'd rather be on the North Carolina coast with family than in New York with agents and actors. Though she vows not to let her teenage crush on Ethan Cole influence her decision, it's hard to ignore her feelings for the local war hero.

Ethan lost more than his leg in Afghanistan. He lost his belief in love. Even being surrounded by couples intent on capturing happily-ever-after won't open this jaded doctor's heart. It's going to take a sexy, determined woman—one who won't take no for an answer.

My Thoughts:  

This book follows the last single Castle girl Samantha who has her eye on the local war hero doctor Dr. Ethan Cole.  The problem is that Ethan seems to not want anything to do with Samantha.  That stems from being burned by his ex-fiance Lisa who didn't consider the war hero a real man when he lost half his leg.

Cora Jane and Emily team up with Gabi and Boone to try to get Samantha her man even if they both fight it with everything they have.  Which leads them to some interesting scenarios.  What we find out is that Samantha's career is all but dead no big jobs coming her way and Samantha really has no desire to go back to New York, so she puts her passions into other things like opening a playhouse to work with kids to put on performances.

Along with this is helping Emily and Boone get ready for their big day.  And a innocent prank lead to a whole lot of drama in this book.  It seems Jodi Farmer isn't done messing with her son-in-law and takes a compromising picture of Samantha and Ethan which creates all sorts of issues.

This book was full of everything that is great about Sherryl Woods her ability to weave a story with so many characters and to keep everything seperate so you know where people are at and not at, that is a great storyteller.  I thoroughly enjoyed going back to Sand Castle Bay this one last time, unless of course she writes more but only time will tell.  One of my favorite go to authors!
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Thursday, May 30, 2013

Review Ring In The Dead by: J.A. Jance

Title: Ring In The Dead
Author: J.A. Jance
Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 100
Series: J.P. Beaumont #20.5
Format: ebook ARC
Source: Edelweiss
Purchase: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Description:

J. P. Beaumont may be an old homicide hand now, but back when he was a rookie working with his first partner, Milton Gurkey—a.k.a. Pickles—things took a turn for the worse . . .

One day, at the end of Beaumont and Pickles's shift, a stop at the Doghouse restaurant quickly turns deadly. Not feeling well, Pickles steps out into the parking lot for a breath of fresh air and stumbles into a crime in progress. Suffering from a heart attack, he is found unconscious, with a dead woman on the ground nearby and the murder weapon in his hand.

With Pickles under investigation from Internal Affairs, it's up to the new kid on the block, J. P. Beaumont, and his friends on the force to find out the truth.


My Thoughts: 

This was a great read to go back to J.P. Beaumont who gets a visit from Milton Gurkey's daughter calls with something to give Beau which J.P. is known as.   He gets the story that Pickles was writing before he died and finds out what Pickles was writing about a crime that happened back when Beau was a rookie homicide cop  and they investigated a murder/suicide and while at dinner Pickles goes outside and discovers a crime that his gun became part of while having suffering a heart attack and Beau has to use his resources to find out who committed the crime or risk loosing his partner to jail.

It was a great story to learn about Beau prior to the S.H.I.T. squad and what he went through, being new to homicide and having a partner that was less than thrilled to get the rookie.  What a great novella that draws people back to Seattle to visit with J.P and see what he has been up to!
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Review Piece of My Heart by: Lynn Maddalena Menna

Title: Piece of My Heart
Author: Lynn Maddalena Menna
Publisher: Merit Press
Pages: 239
Format: Paperback
Source: Sent by Publisher for Review
Purchase: Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Description:


Still in high school, Marisol Reyes gets the chance of a lifetime to be a real singer, and she leaps at it. After all, this is the dream she held on to, all the days and nights she spent growing up on means streets of East Harlem. Marisol never gave in--no matter what her boyfriend or her best friend had to say. Who cares if only one in a hundred pretty, talented girls make it? She will be the one. In her rush to fame, Marisol tramples on the heart of her loyal best friend, and Julian, the boy she loves. But will it be worth it?

One night at a private gig in the Hamptons, the little Latino girl with the big voice from East Harlem gets a severe reality check. A famous rapper who claims to be interested in her talents turns out to be interested in something else, threatening not only Marisol's dreams but her body and soul. Will the realities of the gritty New York music scene put out the stars in Marisol's eyes forever?

My Thoughts:

Sometimes growing up can be very hard especially when you are waiting for your big musical break.  Marisol spends her time performing gigs with her friends Cisco and Randy waiting for the right agent to find her and make her a star, what she forgets is that the road to music comes with a price tag and can she handle the price?

First she ends up ditching her friends too much and they show their anger at her new found stardom, then she records a song with Diego Salazar she goes on two dates with him unknown to her he has no female attraction.  Then there is Blend who is a huge agent and clothing designer, but something about Blend rubs Marisol the wrong way.  Is it her or is there something going on with Blend that she knows nothing about?

There is also the fact that Marisol is still trying to find her way living with her stepmother Lola and their pet Cha-Cha.  Since her father's death it's been Marisol and Lola and feeling weird at the fact that she lives with her stepmother with her mother running off on baby Marisol.

I found this book great and refreshing with music as the big interest, plus the relationship wtih Lola and Marisol.  While they are only related from her father they have a great connection when it comes to parent-child relationship.  I also liked how Marisol learned alot about music and growing up she may not have known had she not met some interesting characters.  I also loved how she went with what worked for her in the end!
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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Escaping Darkness by: Theresa McClinton

Title: Escaping Darkness
Author: Theresa McClinton
Publisher: Kindle Edition
Format: ebook
Series: Stone Legacy #1.5
Source: Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Description:


She may have spent years in an asylum, but that didn’t make her crazy–just fearless.

Dropped in Moscow with her friends on an impossible mission against underworld forces, Tara is left to her feelings of overwhelming inadequacy. Her boyfriend is a healer, her best friend is “the Guardian,” and everyone else is a powerhouse of awesome strengths. The only thing she has been able to contribute are her memories, which has left her with nightmares of her time spent at the mercy of the evil Sarian–who everyone has gone to fight.

Alone with her emotions, Tara finds herself falling into a city of depravity and corruption. And amidst all this evil is a young man with an agenda of his own, who leads her down a road that will either prove she is a hero at heart, or drag her into a world she’s always feared.

He wants revenge, she wants redemption. And in an underground rings of missing girls and bloody sacrifices, only the fearless can survive…



a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Thoughts: 

This was an incredible novella in the continuation of The Stone Legacy in this book Tara is all mixed up between vivid nightmares of past memories of torture being performed on her,  on top of not being able to eat much or digest much at all.  She meets up with Malachi who needs help freeing girls who are being collected as part of a drug trafficking ring.  

What we learn is that Malachi's sister is being held by this drug leader, and he has to kill the drug leader in order to free his sister so he uses Tara to help free his sister.  This book had so much going on between what was happening with Tara, plus her relationship with Peter and the drug ring.  Definitely a great continuation of The Stone Legacy can't wait to see what is next!
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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Review Too Good To Be True by: Kristan Higgins

Title: Too Good To Be True
Author: Kristan Higgins
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 379
Format: ebook
Source: Purchase
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Description:

When Grace Emerson's ex-fiancé starts dating her younger sister, extreme measures are called for. To keep everyone from obsessing about her love life, Grace announces that she's seeing someone. Someone wonderful. Someone handsome. Someone completely made up. Who is this Mr. Right? Someone...exactly unlike her renegade neighbor, Callahan O'Shea. Well, someone with his looks, maybe. His hot body. His knife-sharp sense of humor. His smarts and big heart.

Whoa. No. Callahan O'Shea is not her perfect man! Not with his unsavory past. So why does Mr. Wrong feel so...right?

My Thoughts: 

Grace Emerson has spent so many years inventing a boyfriend to be ex-boyfriend.  When she attends a wedding she yet again creates a new boyfriend Dr. Wyatt Dunn a pediatric surgeon, she knows it is wrong but sometimes it's easier to live in fantasy land then face the fact that finding a boyfriend isn't easy.

When Grace finally decides to hook up with Callahan O'Shea even though he has a shady past, what she learns is that sometimes telling a lie isn't always a good thing.  This book was so much fun Grace a history teacher and spends her spare time re-enacting wars in various times in history.

Also in this book we learn about Grace's connection to her baby sister Natalie and how Natalie has had things perfectly handed to her, her looks, charm, and Grace's ex-fiance and Grace thinks she is ok with it until Andrew the ex from hell makes a pass at Grace and she decides she doesn't need the Geeky Andrew when she has a real man like Callahan. 

I enjoyed this book so much and was a great book to read over Memorial Day.  Can't say enough great things about Kristan's writing abiltiy!
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Sunday, May 26, 2013

Review Just One of The Guys by: Kristan Higgins

Title: Just One of The Guys
Author: Kristan Higgins
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 301
Format: Nook ebook
Source: Purchase

Description:

Being one of the guys isn't all it's cracked up to be...So when journalist Chastity O'Neill returns to her hometown, she decides it's time to start working on some of those feminine wiles. Two tiny problems: #1--she's five feet eleven inches of rock-solid girl power, and #2--she's cursed with four alpha male older brothers.

While doing a story on local heroes, she meets a hunky doctor and things start to look up. Now there's only one problem: Trevor Meade, her first love and the one man she's never quite gotten over--although he seems to have gotten over her just fine.

Yet the more time she spends with Dr. Perfect, the better Trevor looks. But even with the in-your-face competition, the irresistible Trevor just can't seem to see Chastity as anything more than just one of the guys....


My Thoughts: 

I love Kristan Higgin's ability to write romance that includes humor and drama.  This one follows the O'Neill's with four boys in the family no wonder Chastity has always been one of the guys.  The one guy she likes tries his hardest to let Chastity go so she can  find someone who will be with her even if Trevor can't commit but that isn't what Chastity wants she doesn't want complacent she wants the curl your toes love that only Trevor can give her!

What an incredible story I am always a fan of the ability to write romance with realistic characters that jump out and could be your neighbors or friends from school!
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Cover Reveal Toni Aleo's Falling For The Backup



Title: Falling for the Backup: An Assassins Series Novella
Author: Toni Aleo
Publisher: Loveswept – Random House |  June 24, 2013  |  $0.99


Toni Aleo’s sexy new eBook original novella featuring the Nashville Assassins will have you believing in the power of love at first sight . . . and second sight . . . and third.

After serving as a dutiful bridesmaid in the wedding from hell, Aynslee Shaw just wants to slink home to Nashville and forget the whole trip. That is until the hottest guy she’s ever seen is seated next to her on the flight and charms her with his easy laugh and killer smile. But just when she thinks things are getting good, he vanishes, leaving Aynslee wondering, was that guy the one? And did she just let him slip through her fingers?

Former superstar goalie Jordan Ryan is back on the ice—finally. After a crippling knee injury that had him wondering if he’d ever play pro hockey again, he’s got his full attention on rebuilding his career. So a pretty—okay, beautiful—girl on a plane shouldn’t be a distraction. But Jordan is very, very distracted. And when Aynslee crosses his path again, he’s not sure any job in the world is worth missing his second chance with a woman like her.

Pre-order Falling for the Backup
Amazon  Barnes & Noble  |  iBookstore  |  Random House and Other Retailers

Connect with Toni
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter

Monday, May 20, 2013

Book Spotlight: The Spellcaster's Grimore


 


Book Trailer:
The Spellcaster's Grimoire Mark All ImaJinn Books Paranormal Thriller
The Spellcaster's Grimoire Bestselling witchcraft author Trish Sinclair has a shameful secret: she’s a lousy spellcaster, and the spells in her books belong to others. So when a dying warlock entrusts her with an ancient and powerful grimoire, she runs for her life from his murderer, psychotic witch Kate Cavanaugh. Kate pursues Trish relentlessly to obtain the grimoire, which holds spells to command the fearsome power of a magic crystal hidden in town—and Kate is determined to have that power. When the town coven refuses to help Trish protect the grimoire, she is forced to turn to cynical warlock Aidan McCarthy, who has a secret agenda of his own, and Rain Devereaux, a novice witch whose spellcasting abilities are even worse than Trish’s. As Kate unleashes the elemental might of tornados and ice storms on the trio, they desperately struggle to defeat her. But Kate is too powerful, and she manages to steal the grimoire and unearth the crystal. Trish knows Kate will use the stone’s power to exact her deadly revenge on Aidan and the town coven unless Trish can manifest her latent magical abilities to save them.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

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Mark AllMark All is the author of paranormal thrillers The Spellcaster’s Grimoire and Mystic Witch, published by ImaJinn Books in trade paperback and eBook formats. He has won two international writing awards and contributed to Computer Legends, Lies & Lore. Mystic Witch received a 5 Star review from the Paranormal Romance Guild, and 3½ stars (out of 4½ possible stars) from RT Book Reviews. Mark is a full-time author after a career as an instructional systems designer at a Fortune 16 company. Prior to his work in computer-based training, he held jobs ranging from gravedigger to FM radio announcer to professional rock guitarist. Mark presents writing workshops and taught his “Planning Your Novel” course at the Spruill Center for the Arts. He earned a Masters degree in computer-based education and a Bachelor of Music cum laude. You can visit Mark All’s website at www.MarkAllAuthor.com.
Connect & Socialize with Mark!

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Stacking The Shelves #1

This is a meme created and hosted by Tynga's Reviews where blogger can spotlight books they have received in the mail.  While I've read alot of STS this is the first time I will be participating.  So here's what I got this week.

Purchased:

 These books help me to finish The Beautiful Creatures series which I have been dying to finish and see what happens after the crazy cliff hanger, and Clockwork Prince and Princess to finish off The Infernal Devices, for this one I may have to go back and re-read Clockwork Angel.
 For Review: 


These books I got mainly through NetGalley and Edelweiss except for Sight Reading which was sent from Harper.  So thank you to Harper for a great book to read.

What great books do you have to stack your shelves with?

Friday, May 17, 2013

Never Say Pie by: Carol Culver

Title: Never Say Pie
Author: Carol Culver
Publisher: Midnight Ink Books
Pages: 261
Series: A Pie Shop Mystery #2
Format: ebook Arc
Source: NetGalley

Description:

It’s summertime in Crystal Cove, California, and sales are brisk at the outdoor Food Fair. There’s fresh bread, artisan cheese, gourmet cupcakes, plus Hanna’s delicious pies. When despised local food critic Heath Barr is found stabbed to death, no one is sorry to hear the news—except perhaps Hanna, the main suspect. It doesn’t help that Hanna’s high school crush is the police chief. Hanna must track down a killer while up to her elbows in pie dough.

My Thoughts:

This book picked up real quick when local pie maker Hanna and a bunch of local of folks of different abilities, a cupcake maker, a chicken grower, meat grower and cheese maker to say the least are all ripped apart by Heath Barr a local food critic, there are so many suspects and finding out who did it will take a lot of detective work.  Many people were hurt by the local critic’s opinion of their work.  Was it the local merchants who were insulted?  Or someone who paid off the food critic?  Many possibilities.  Add to the mix Hanna’s relationship with the local chief of police.  Hanna finds herself in hot water everything from a toss into a pool, to breaking and entering, what’s a girl to do?  This was a great new mystery series that I definitely will be following.  Can’t wait to see what Ms. Culver bakes up next!
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Drop Dead on Recall by: Sheila Webster Boneham

Title: Drop Dead on Recall
Author: Sheila Webster Boneham
Pages: 408
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Series: An Animal in Focus #1
Format: Ebook Arc
Source: NetGalley

Description:

Dogs, cats, and murderous misdeeds

Animal photographer and dog show handler Janet MacPhail knows it’s the sure-footed, finely trained canine competitors that steal the attention in the obedience ring. But all eyes are on widely disliked star handler Abigail Dorn when she falls down dead at the drop on recall command with her border collie, Pip, an Obedience Trial Champion.

Janet suspects foul play when she uncovers a bitter rivalry between Abby and Suzette, the owner of Fly, Pip’s top-ranking competitor. Balancing her dementia-afflicted mother, threats aimed at her beloved pets, and a flirty-hunk dog handler, Janet investigates as another mur¬der takes place. And her nosing around reveals an ugly scandal in the dog show circuit.



My Thoughts:

This book was sent to me via NetGalley for a honest and fair review.  This is the story of Janet and what is happening in her circle of dog lover friends when Abigail Dorn falls dead, it's up to Janet to find out what is going on.  There is alot of cat and mouse with this book.  Someone is targeting Janet of what she might know and what she might not realize that she knows.

I loved this book was great that no animals got severely hurt in this book.  While the owners of some of the animals...well some just wound up dead regardless.  This book also introduced you into the world of show dogs and dog breeding that you may not know about but as I was reading I wound up learning alot about them.
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New Cover Reveal: After The Kiss by: Lauren Layne



After the Kiss: The Stiletto Series
Lauren Layne
Loveswept  |  August 26, 2013


In the first book of a delightful new series from Lauren Layne, the star columnist of Stiletto magazine will do anything for a story. Anything . . . except fall in love.

Julie Greene loves flings. Loves steamy first dates, sizzling first kisses, and every now and then, that first sexy romp between the sheets. Comfy pants, sleepy Sundays, movie nights on the couch? Shudder. But when Julie gets assigned the hardest story of her career—a first-person account of that magical shift between dating and “I do”—she’ll need a man brave enough to give a total commitment-phobe a chance at more.

Normally, Mitchell Forbes would be exactly that man. A devastatingly hot workaholic who tends to stay in relationships for far too long, he should be the perfect subject for Julie’s “research.” But what Julie doesn’t know is that Mitchell is looking to cut loose for once in his life. And the leggy journalist notorious for avoiding love is exactly the type of no-strings fling he’s looking for. In other words, Mitchell is the polar opposite of what Julie needs right now. And, at the same time, he’s exactly what she wants.

Connect with Loveswept and Lauren:
ReadLoveswept.com Lauren's Website  |  Lauren on Twitter

Pre-order After the Kiss:
Amazon  |  B&N  |  iBookstore  |  Random House and other retailers

Thursday, May 16, 2013

The Chemistry of Fate by: Meradeth Houston

Title: The Chemistry of Fate
Author: Meradeth Houston
Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing
Format: ebook
Source: Author Requested Book Tour

Description:


“They are everywhere, can be anyone, and are always the last person you’d expect.” When Tom stumbles across his grandfather’s journal, he’s convinced the old man was crazier than he thought. The book contains references to beings called the Sary, immortals who are assigned to save humans on the verge of suicide. They certainly aren’t allowed to fall in love with mortals. Which the journal claims Tom’s grandfather did, resulting in his expulsion from the Sary. As strange as the journal seems, Tom can’t get the stories out of his head; especially when he finds the photo of his grandfather’s wings.

Tom’s only distraction is Ari, the girl he studies with for their chemistry class.

Ari has one goal when she arrives in town: see how much Tom knows about the Sary and neutralize the situation. This isn’t a normal job, but protecting the secrecy of the Sary is vital. If Tom is a threat to exposing the Sary to the public, fate has a way of taking care of the situation, usually ending with the mortal’s death. While Ari spends time with Tom, he becomes more than just an assignment, but how far can a relationship go when she can’t tell him who she really is? When she finds out just how much Tom actually knows about the Sary, Ari is forced to choose between her wings, and her heart.

My Thoughts:

In this book we meet Tom who has found his grandfather's journal and is trying to make sense of what his Grandfather wrote about.  Of course Tom has trouble making sense of the ramblings.  Tom also meets Ari a girl in his class who offers to become a study buddy of his.

Ari is on a mission where she needs to find out how much Tom knows about the Sary and whether he is a threat to their existence.  What she doesn't count on is falling for him.  The more she is around him the more she feels things in her heart she shouldn't.  She has had other missions with humans and never had to worry about her heart getting in the way.  Something about Tom is different then other guys she has come across.

This book was great story about the mystery of the Sary and the relationship between Tom and Ari.  I really enjoyed learning about his grandfather and what he knew, and the fact that his grandfather had wings too.

Definitely a great paranormal others will enjoy especially if you've read Colors Like Memories unlike that one this one predates that story, but again it's involving the Sary and falling in love, and ultimately having to choose between having wings or following your heart.  
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

A Case of Redemption by: Adam Mitzner

Title: A Case of Redemption
Author: Adam Mitzner
Publisher: Gallery Books A Division of Simon & Schuster
Pages: 317
Format: Paperback ARC
Source: FSB Media

Description:


Acclaimed thriller author Adam Mitzner returns with the gripping tale of a high-profile attorney recovering from a personal tragedy who’s drawn back into the courtroom—and a media firestorm— in the biggest murder trial in a decade.

Dan Sorensen was once a high-powered New York City defense attorney . . . but that was before a horrifying accident killed the two people in his life who meant the most, plunging him into a downward spiral. As he approaches rock bottom, Dan is unexpectedly offered the opportunity of a lifetime: defend an up-and-coming rapper in a murder trial on the front page of every newspaper. Although his client swears he’s innocent of the brutal slaying of his pop star girlfriend, proving it will not be easy, especially because he’s suspected of bragging about the crime in one of the hottest songs in the country.

Unsure that he’s ready to handle such a high-stakes case, Dan realizes that this chance to save a man he believes has been falsely accused of murder just may be his last and only hope to put his own life back on track and achieve redemption for his past sins. But as Dan delves deeper and deeper into the case, he learns that atonement comes at a very steep price. A powerful and riveting new voice in fiction, Adam Mitzner pulls out all the stops in his follow-up to the highly acclaimed A Conflict of Interest. A Case of Redemption is a gritty, sophisticated thriller that will draw fans of Scott Turow and John Grisham into a world of relentless suspense.

My Thoughts: 

Dan Sorensen is living the life of a dead man for all intensive purposes his wife is dead his daughter is dead in a fatal car accident, he left his high profile lawyer career and now wallows in his misery with a good scotch!  

When he meets Nina Harrington and promises her to meet Legally Dead a rap artist who's on trial for murder.  Things arise that make Dan question whether his client is guilty or innocent.  Did he really kill his girlfriend with a baseball bat as his hit song claims or is he innocent as he claims?

Mixed in with this book is watching Dan overcome his grief and move on from his late wife.  He's becoming more in control of his drinking and doing somewhat more normal things than he was in the beginning of the book. No longer seeking scotch to make things better, he actually can get through the day without wallowing in his heartache.

This book had so many twists and turns and points where the defense was headed no where in reality it was all over the place, and I couldn't have predicted that ending at all, what a great story teller Mr. Mitzner is this is the second book I've read by him and again he had me guessing up til the end!  Well Done!
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Born in Sin by: Camelia Miron Skiba

Title: Born in Sin
Author: Camelia Miron Skiba
Publisher: self
Series: Dacian Legends #2
Format: ebook
Source: Author Book Tour

Description:

Loathing the thought of his beloved Oriana in the arms of another man, fearless Zyraxes delivers death upon the Roman enemy. With only the rugged land as his bed and the sky as his blanket, trouble finds him often.

Summoned to aid Oriana’s father in the war against two powerful enemies—one of them Oriana's savage husband—Zyraxes proves himself worthy of more than just noble titles and coin. But he wants none of it. What he wants is her.

When Zyraxes discovers a broken and nearly dead Oriana, though forbidden, he disregards her father's orders to leave her to her death, and instead chooses to protect and conceal her. Will saving her be enough to win her heart? Will his part royal lineage make him worthy of her love?

My Thoughts: 

This book pretty much picks up where the previous book ended with the Roman's and Dacian's teaming up together to destroy the Saxon.  This one is told from Zyraxes point of view which was different than Born in Vengeance which was told from Illias's point of view.   The war is raging and people are dying and Zyraxes ends falling for Oriana which is definitely different reading about romances from the boy/man's point of view usually it's the girls we read about so it's refreshing to see it from a male prospective.

I love the way Ms. Skiba is able to weave these great stories involving history, wars, romance and to be able to serve up a book everyone is eager to swallow whole.  I look forward to seeing where her next book takes us.  Such a great story to be shared worldwide.  I think people who love historical fiction, historical romance, war themed, etc will find these books a refreshing change! 
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Born in Sin by: Camella Miron Skiba Book Spotlight and Giveaway

Book Title: Born in Vengeance
Series: The Dacian Legends Bk 1 
Author: Camela Miron Skiba 
Publisher: self Release 
Date: May 30th 
Genre(s): Historical Drama/Romance

Book Blurb:

Legend has it … centuries after Spartacus another hero is born—Ilias, the bastard son of King Decebalus. Thirsty for revenge and eager to unshackle the Roman oppression, Ilias’ obsession to fulfill his oath has no bounds, even if that means kidnapping Nerva, the beloved daughter of Emperor Traianus. What he doesn’t know is his own heart threatens to betray his conscience.

What will prevail: his mind or his heart?

Contest Giveaway:
For the contest please reply in comments with your email address and I will pick a winner at random. This is a contest for an ebook of Born in Vengeance and a ebook of I was here -- before you came. This contest is open to residents in the USA. 


Author Bio:

-->
Who I was yesterday … I’m no longer today, nor will I be tomorrow. 
Each day I grow a little. I stumble, get up, and learn something.
 I wish and dream and want and look to the future.

Who I am is not important, but what I leave behind is.

Copyright © 2013 CAMELIA MIRON SKIBA

WEBSITE:      LOVE. WTHOUT YOU        http://authorcameliamironskiba.com/
E-MAIL:         authorcameliamironskiba@gmail.com
TWITTER: @CamiSkiba
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:          Camelia Miron Skiba

Born in Vengeance by: Camelia Miron Skiba

Title: Born in Vengeance
Author: Camelia Miron Skiba
Publisher: Self
Series: Dacian Legends #1
Format: ebook
Source: Author Requested Tour

Description:

Legend has it … centuries after Spartacus another hero is born—Ilias, the bastard son of King Decebalus. Thirsty for revenge and eager to unshackle the Roman oppression, Ilias’ obsession to fulfill his oath has no bounds, even if that means kidnapping Nerva, the beloved daughter of Emperor Traianus. What he doesn’t know is his own heart threatens to betray his conscience.

What will prevail: his mind or his heart?

My Thoughts: 

This book was full of everything a bad enemy that Illias' has wanted dead after the death of his father, mother and sister.  A beautiful princess kidnapped in the dead of night, by Illias and his men.  Hoping that kidnapping her would get Emperor Traianus's attention to finish what was started long ago.

What Illias didn't count on was developing feelings for a Roman Princess or what she would feel the same way.  When the Emporer finally decides to deal with Illias instead of a messenger he sends himself to broker a deal with Illias for a temporary truce long enough to defeat the Saxon.  What an incredible novella definitely had all the great makings of a full size book with half the pages.  I really enjoyed learning about the various characters introduced and what happened to get them where they were.  What a gripping first in a new series!
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Friday, May 10, 2013

In The Matter of Nikola Telsa: A Romance of The Mind by: Anthony Flacco

Title: In the Matter of Nikola Telsa: A Romance of The Mind
Author: Anthony Flacco
Publisher: Diversion Books
Format: ebook
Source: Lightning Book Promotions

Description:


This fictionalized story of the true-life genius NIKOLA TESLA—arguably the most influential inventor in history—offers a "young-to-old" portrayal in the form of “A Romance of the Mind.” It reveals his impassioned inner life and his secret love for Karina, the muse no one else can see who brings him life-altering inspirations.

Karina may be invisible to others but she is exquisitely real to him. It is for her, for the life and the work that she shares with him, that this gallant, passionate man maintains a loner's life even when he is working among many others and subject to their constant temptations.

My Thoughts: 

This was definitely a different kind of book it follows young Nikola Tesla who's ill in bed with a severe fever and with this able to draw the ghost or image of a girl he loved Karina.  When he first does he thinks he's mad.  

He goes through his life with Karina by his side even though no one can see her but him.   Making you think there was more to Karina then what is mentioned it is a great story for those who are interested in Tesla, electricity, and the mysteriousness of his relationship with Karina and Tesla's life.  I really enjoyed this story and think others will as well!
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