readalot: July 2013

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Frustrated with Yahoo!

yahoo calendar -10

I thought I was being so organized wrote everything on calendar about when blog tours, blog blasts even days that I said possible days for certain tours. Went to make sure all ready for tomorrow and my calendar is all blank. No information on it at all. Of course did not write them on physical calendar for backup.
Hopefully I can find all or most of information. Sometimes I just want to cry when everything goes wrong.
early today yahoo would not let me forward or reply to email problems.
If anyone has suggestions how I can get information back help please. If I told you I would do a review on certain day remind me.
I put most of emails about blog tours in one folder so hopefully that will work.

Computers have not been my friend this month. Had daughters computer that I was using die on me. Thunderstorm two days after I bought new computer took out my modem and router. Than two days after warranty at store was done computer would not turn on.
windows 8 is a pain to relearn to use.
At least tomorrow is new month. Yeah!

Home to Whiskey Creek (Whiskey Creek, #4) by Brenda Novak

5 STARS

The last two books of this series have been good but emotions are all over the place. I cried, laughed but got mad a lot in different places. I know its just a story but I wanted to slap some people. It deals with some real tough situations.
It is full of drama, love, honor and even suicide.

Noah is out riding his bike when he hears a women screaming for help. He finds her down a mine shaft close to the mine shaft that his twin Cody died in fifteen years ago. He goes back to his truck and got some rope and was able to pull her out. Noah was shocked when he saw her.

Adelaide was kidnapped out of her bed at her grandmother's home. Tied up and threatened to kill her and her grandmother with a knife. She was blindfolded and put in a truck. She was told if she ever talked about what happened fifteen years ago he would kill her. She caused him to hit something. was beat up and thrown now the shaft.

He must have been one of the four guys who gang raped her at a party the night of their graduation. She was only 16 at the time. She never came back to Whiskey Creek if she could help it. Now her grandmother was getting old and needed some help.
She never told about that night because one of the attackers came back and she fought him and he hit one of the supports and was buried. It was Cody Noah's twin.

Noah was into all sports in high school. So was his brother Cody. But the last part of their senior year Cody was doing drugs and drinking and Noah wanted no part of that lifestyle so he was at a different type of party that night.

Addy did not want to be around Noah because of memories of Cody and what he and his friends did too her that night. She also did not want him to take her to the hospital or police just home.

There was a lot of destroying Addy's reputation so she would not be believed if she ever came out and told what happened that night. The guys were worried about what they would loose if their friends and family knew what they did.

It is so much easier for people to think a 16 year old would sleep with 5 guys in one night. When she was shy then think the guys did anything.

Baxter Noah's best friend kisses him and lets him know that he is gay and LOVEs him. Shocks him when that happened too.

There were some love scenes that I skipped over. It is a good book full of emotions from lots of different characters. We see most of the characters from the other books in the series meet still for Friday coffee.

I was given this ebook and asked to give honest review in exchange by Netgalley.
publication: July 30th 2013 by Harlequin MIRA 400 pages ISBN:0778315452

Description below taken off of Goodreads.

Sometimes home is the refuge you need-and sometimes it isn't Adelaide Davies, who's been living in Sacramento, returns to Whiskey Creek, the place she once called home. She's there to take care of her aging grandmother and to help with Gran's restaurant, Just Like Mom's. But Adelaide isn't happy to be back. There are too many people here she'd rather avoid, people who were involved in that terrible June night fifteen years ago.

Ever since the graduation party that changed her life, she's wanted to go to the police and make sure the boys responsible-men now-are punished. But she can't, not without revealing an even darker secret. So it's better to pretend....

Noah Rackham, popular, attractive, successful, is shocked when Adelaide won't have anything to do with him. He has no idea that his very presence reminds her of something she'd rather forget. He only knows that he's finally met a woman he could love.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Three Little Words (Fool's Gold #13) by Susan Mallery

4 STARS

Fool's Gold is a town that has lots of festivals all year round. It is a community that gathers together to help each other in good or bad times. We have met many of the characters in previous books and get to visit and see how they are all doing. Three Little Words is fun full of humor, fun characters, too many detailed sex scenes, enjoyable place to visit and meet new friends and say hello to old friends. It is always good to visit for a good time.

It is finally Ford Hendrix story. We have heard about Ford Hendrix for along while. He is still running scared from his mom and sisters. But he is back living in town. Ford is drumming up a lot of sales for his body guard business. He is now living above a garage in a apartment at the Beebe's house.

Isabel Beebe is living in her parent's house and taking care of the Bridal store. She plans to run it while her parents are traveling around the world. With plans to get the store ready for sale and then she is returning to New York to start her own business.

Isabel finally goes to Ford's place of work and tells him that she is not a stocker. That when she was 14 she thought she loved him. Now she is grown up and is embarrassed at all the letters she mailed him. He does need to be afraid of her. especially since they are neighbors.

Ford was not avoiding. He did receive her letters while in the navy and they reminded him of life back in the states. They helped him to be grounded.

Ford's mom is driving him crazy wanting him to get married. She even took a booth at one of the towns festivals taking applications to be Ford and Kent's wife. With big posters of Ford and Kent. His sisters even get on him to date one of the women his mom had picked up. Ford told them he was already dating Isabel.

Now Ford had to talk her into pretending to be in a relationship. Whatever Isabel wanted sex or no sex.

I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it when I was done by Netgalley.
publication: July 30th 2013 by Harlequin HQN ISBN 9780373777785

Description below is taken off of Netgalley.

Can first love turn into the real deal? Anything can happen in a sizzling new Fool's Gold story from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.
Isabel Beebe thinks she's cursed in the romance department. Her teenage crush, Ford Hendrix, ignored all her letters. Her husband left her for another...man. So Isabel has come home to dust off her passion for fashion and run the family bridal shop until her parents are ready to sell it. Then she'll pursue her real dreams. At least, that's the plan, until sexy, charming Ford returns and leaves her feeling fourteen all over again.....

Seeing Isabel all grown-up hits bodyguard trainer Ford like a sucker punch. Back when heartbreak made him join the military, her sweet letters kept him sane. Now he can't take his eyes-or his lips-off her. The man who gave up on love has a reason to stay in Fool's Gold forever-if three little words can convince Isabel to do the same.

The Night Is Alive (Krewe of Hunters #10) by Heather Graham

4 stars

I enjoy Heather Graham Krewe of Hunters series. They are a mystery with FBI agents that all have extra senses to solve their cases. So they have romance, murder mystery, ghosts and in this story pirates.
The Night is Alive is a good mixture of history of Savannah, pirates, ghosts and a modern day problems.
There was a few love scenes that I skipped over. I enjoyed reading it.

Abigail is a strong female character. She just finished her FBI training and is waiting to be assigned to where she will be working. Her grandfather Gus called and asked her to come home. He has a problem he does not want to discuss on the phone. Since Abigail was young she has seen her family ghost when their is a problem the famous pirate Blue Anderson.
Gus is her last living relative. She can't find him in his bar or in the apartment of above it. She does see Blue and follows him down to the underground tunnels and finds her 90 year old grandfather dead. She tries to convince local police it was murder. No one believes her so she emails FBI Agent Krewe and tells him that there is a family ghost, murder victims and asks for help.

Malachi Gordon has been sent by Krewe to see if their is a case that the FBI should be working especially one with their talents. Malachi is thinking of joining the FBI and becoming on of Krewe's Hunters. Malachi can see and talk to ghosts. He used to be a policeman and quit and became a P.I.
because he does not have to explain how he knows extra stuff. Malachi has been a widower for 5 years.

The cop in charge of the murders just happens to be ex-partner of Malachi's when they both worked in New Orleans police department. He knows the extra that Malachi comes up with and is willing to work with him.
Abigail's family have lived and owned the tavern Dragonslayer since 1750s. The kidnappings and murders seem to be around her area. The latest missing female was last seen at the bar. The bar is a pirate bar wearing costumes and on weekends pirates fights. The tunnel is supposed to be locked but Abby found it unlocked.
A lot of the story happens on a pirate ship, in tunnels under Savannah and in the tavern. I really like the fun and scary mixture of the story settings. I was still guessing who the murder was till he revealed himself.
A couple of scenes with the ghost of pirate Blue Anderson and other ghosts were moving or funny. The ghost characters were fun to read about and learn about the history and what is going on now and in the past.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it by Netgalley.
publication: July 30th 2013 by Harlequin MIRA 384 pages ISBN:9780778315070)

Description below taken off of Goodreads.

MIDNIGHT IN SAVANNAH…

It's a city of beauty, history …hauntings. And one of the most haunted places in Savannah is a tavern called The Dragonslayer, built in the 1750s. The current owner, Gus Anderson, is a descendant of the original innkeeper and his pirate brother, Blue.

Gus summons his granddaughter, Abigail, home from Virginia, where she's studying at the FBI Academy. When she arrives, she's devastated to find him dead. Murdered. But Abby soon learns that Gus isn't the only one to meet a brutal and untimely end; there've been at least two other victims. Then Captain Blue Anderson starts making ghostly appearances, and the FBI's paranormal investigation unit, the Krewe of Hunters, sends in Agent Malachi Gordon .

Abby and Malachi have a similar ability to connect with the dead…and a similar stubbornness. Sparks immediately begin to fly—sparks of attraction and discord. But as the death toll rises, they have to trust each other or they, too, might find themselves among the dead haunting old Savannah!

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Win a Kindle fire

This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!

Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HD 7".

Kindle Fire HD 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HD (US Only)

Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)

Sponsoring Bloggers & Authors

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7" HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).

There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire.

Sponsor a future Kindle Fire Giveaway by signing up HERE.

Ends 8/15/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Saturday, July 27, 2013

Author Jonathan K. Benton

Jonathan Benton always wanted to write books, having won first place in a short story competition when he was ten. Inspired by writes such as Ray Bradbury and Stephen King, Jonathan first discovered the crossover genre of literary/fantasy while reading Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes.

Jonathan grew up in New Zealand, dreaming of travelling to London and finally making the pilgrimage in his mid-twenties. Returning from England, he settled in Australia, the country he now calls home, and decided to take his writing seriously.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

A Wicked Kind of Dark

Robert Duncan no longer believes in magic. A mysterious call about a blood moon, however, leads him back to the magical world of his childhood and to Luthien, the beautiful girl with flame-coloured hair, who he loved and lost.

As Robert unravels the secrets of his childhood, darkness enters his life and an ancient evil awakens. To have any chance of defeating the dark forces that would destroy two worlds, Robert must find Luthien before the rise of the blood moon. He must, once more, believe in magic …

A Wicked Kind of Dark mixes vast and spectacular fantasy landscapes with gritty urban reality. A must-read for people of all ages who believe in the power of imagination, and the importance of never losing touch with your inner child.

Giveaway Details

$10 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Open Internationally

Ends 8/15/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

*An additional $10 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash is available to anyone who shares this giveaway on their blog. See link in the rafflecopter form.

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Friday, July 26, 2013

Rising Sun, Falling Star by Vickie Hall blog tour , review & giveaway

Rising Sun, Falling Star

Different eyes and skin
Mock me from the mirror’s light
Enemy am I.

Dec 7, 1941
Today my life changed forever . . . I am no longer considered American, but by shear heritage I am now the hated enemy . . .
The lives of Kenji and Aiko Onishi and their American-born children are about to unravel when the United States is thrust into war with Japan. Confronted by insurmountable prejudice and fear, the family is ripped from their California home without just cause by the American government and sent to an assembly center “for their own protection.”
Forced to live in deplorable circumstances, every aspect of their lives regulated and controlled, the Onishi’s freedoms are stripped from their grasp as they struggle to survive behind barbed wire. It isn’t long before the mind-numbing confinement and feelings of helplessness begin to pit the family against one another.
When sent to a relocation camp in the center of the Utah desert, they’re beset by ever increasing emotional and physical challenges, and Aiko is faced with her greatest yet: to mend the broken spirits of her family, or risk losing them forever.
Based on true and tragic events that transpired during World War II, Rising Sun, Falling Star is a heart-rending story of one family’s struggle to survive uncalculated loss and emotional destruction.

My Review Rising Sun, Falling Star by Vickie Hall

4 STARS

Before hearing about this book I can only remember hearing about what happened once to the Japan American people. Sadly I really did not understand at all what it was about and what happened to so many innocent people.

This book was hard to read in so many ways. It told what happened to the fictional family Kenji and Aiko Onishi and their three children. Based on what happened to many people. It was hard for me to connect with the characters. I knew it would not be a easy book to read. I kept saying well that would not happen now, we know better, but do we? I think about 9/11 and anti Iran, Iraq, Afghan or the cold war anti Russia. It is easy to say us against them.
This tells how all of a sudden the Japanese/American citizens were now the enemies. That is was now okay to spit on them, round them up, destroy their property, take their homes, and make them pay for what the leaders of their former Country actions did.
How it kept going worse to worse before it got better. How some people turned negative, others tried to change by protesting, others by sacrificing. They could not change what was happening now but how they let them be affected they could change.

Kenji and Aiko had a nice house. Two boys and a girl. Mr. Onishi was proud that his children were American. He had his own business. Aiko had a good job in a flower shop. Little by little everything was taken from them by greedy people, by thoughtless ones.

Excerpt

Ken leaned over the window display to get a better view. Two men in dark suits exited the vehicle and went into the building next door. They didn’t look like the sort of men who drove a panel truck. The hair on the back of his neck prickled to attention. He stepped outside but kept himself back, just inside the doorway.

Ken held his breath as the two men escorted Gary Fujita from the building and ordered him inside the truck. When they opened the door, Ken saw other men sitting inside, Japanese men, with an armed guard standing between them. His blood turned to ice. He fought the urge to rush to the aid of his friend, to demand his release, but he didn’t want to end up in the truck as well.

“Where is your probable cause?” Gary demanded.

“Being Japanese is probable cause,” one of the men replied, shoving Gary inside.

They were first taken to a race track, lived worse conditions than the horses. Later they were sent to Topaz out by delta. The conditions were not great. I can picture just how hot and dry it got in the summer. No air condition, no fans, no thick walls and tall trees.( right now about an hour away from Topaz on Jun.13 it is 83degrees at 4:30) It is hot and that's with fans. Winter would really get cold their.)

Toward the end I was crying hard. The story did end on hope. These stories about the history different people faced is important to learn about so we don't keep making the same errors over and over again. They are
not easy to face and read about. But they did happen and some happened not so far from where I live now. Lets not let it happen again.

Author Vickie Hall

Vickie is a native of Utah, but growing up, lived in the states of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Nebraska. When she’s not writing, she’s composing music, or shopping with her sister. She loves animals of all kinds and camping with her family. Her favorite pastime is watching old movies on TCM, and unashamedly has a crush on Cary Grant.

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Thursday, July 25, 2013

Sharpshooter (Shadow Agents #3) by Cynthia Eden

4 STARS

Sharpshooter keeps you guessing in some ways and others I figured out where the story was heading but enjoyed the ride getting there.
It was a lot of action, drama. a few sex scenes. The plot was a little twisty. Gunner was Sydney team mate but Sydney wanted more. Two years ago she was engaged to his brother but he died down in Peru. Both Gunner and Sydney were shot a couple of times trying to rescue him. They saw him shot all up and bleeding out. Gunner could not find a pulse and he needed to get Sydney away to safety. Then after they became lovers they were sent in to rescue him. He had survived as a prisoner for two years.

Gunner and Sydney were elite Shadow Agents part of a four man team. They were often sent to rescue others. Gunner has loved Sydney as soon as he met her. She was already dating his younger half brother. After two years he gave into her wanting him said she was ready to live again if it wasn't going to be him she would find someone else. The next morning after they slept together they were sent back to Peru and the hostage was Slade.

Slade was so angry and bitter against Gunner he went right up to him and started hitting him and yelling that he had sold him out because he wanted Sydney. Slade had been given a new drug that caused violence and paranoia. He threatened to give secrets out to the media about the top secret group if Gunner was not investigated about leaving him down their.

Gunner broke it off with Sydney, because Slade was her fiancé. He thought she loved Slade over him. Sydney was feeling hurt by Gunner. Then someone was trying to kill Sydney. The finger was pointing to Gunner. Slade was one of the fingers pointing to Gunner killing her because he had done it before.

This is the second shadow agent book that I have read and I have liked both of them. I really want to read the second one that I have missed. I also want to read the next one it looks good to me. It was a fast and easy read. I do admit to skipping over the couple of love scenes.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it by Netgalley.
publication: July 23rd 2013 by Harlequin Imprint: Harlequin Intrigue 288 pages ISBN:0373747586

Description below taken off of Goodreads.

Heart-pounding action meets smoldering desire in USA TODAY bestselling author Cynthia Eden's Shadow Agents miniseries!
Two years ago Gunner Ortez saved Sydney Sloan's life on a mission gone wrong. And ever since then, he's been watching her back. Now a hostage-rescue mission is about to blow the Elite Ops agents' lives apart once again.

Working side by side back in the jungles of Peru, the heat between Sydney and Gunner is hotter than ever-and so are the threats to their lives. With the danger escalating, Sydney knows Gunner is her only hope at successfully completing their assignment. But the ex-SEAL who arouses passion she'd only dreamed about also poses the greatest risk to the secret she carries in her heart...and in her belly

The Maverick's Summer Love by Christyne Butler

4 stars

Montana Mavericks: Rust Creek Cowboys continuity series.

Rust Creek Falls in the previous month had flooded and the town is now starting to build back. Their are a lot of rebuilding projects that need to be done. Lots of people are trying to help each other where they can.
Dean and Nick Pritchett are from Thunder Canyon to help rebuild. They are carpenters and work for their father building furniture usually.
Nick gets Dean to go with him too the bar. Dean would rather stay in and read. Dean sees Shelby Jenkins and comes back the next night right before they close. He helps were when a drunk gets out of hand. Dean really likes her when her car won't start he offers to take her home if it is too far to walk her home.

Nick is careful around women after his ex-fiancé broke it off and told him her baby was not his. He gets Shelby to go on a picnic with him up by they get along find but Shelby does not tell him a lot about herself.

Nick sees a need at the daycare center. Their backyard fence and playground got destroyed in the flood. The community got the fence up but playground is too expensive right now to get. The daycare is not charging anyone for the summer to help out the community.
Nick decides that he would pay the rest of the playground and gets his brother to help build it with him. He meets a cute little 5 year old Caitlin and she wants a place outside to read. Nick sees a way that he could do that with a couple of hours. Caitlin helps Nick by handing the screws, bolts and nuts to him. Nick is surprise when her mom comes to pick her up.

Shelby is a bartender. She got pregnant when she was 16. The father got his friends to destroy her and said she slept around with lots of guys. Some people still think she is loose and look down at her still. She is careful and does not date. Her mom helps share the daycare of Caitlin when they both work at same time she goes to the daycare.

It has a great community that turns out to help each other when they can whether it is bringing food, searching for lost ones, rescuing people and animals from the flood. I want to keep going back to Rust Creek falls. I want to see who the new mayor will be.

There is one love scene that I skipped over, lots of drama, romance and cute Caitlin who is a charmer.
I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of it by Netgalley.
publication: July 23rd 2013 by Harlequin Special Edition 224 pages ISBN:0373657579

Description below take off of Netgalley.

Description

USA TODAY bestselling author Christyne Butler visits Rust Creek Falls, the setting for the popular Montana Mavericks: Rust Creek Cowboys continuity, in a sexy and emotional romance that is sure to capture readers' hearts!
Rust Creek Ramblings

The Great Montana Flood has brought all sorts of interesting menfolk to Rust Creek Falls. At the Ace in the Hole, they're all talking about hunky out-of-towner Dean Pritchett. They say the green-eyed carpenter from Thunder Canyon is in town to help rebuild the elementary school. But we've got the inside scoop!

Rumor has it that Dean has a special interest in our Shelby Jenkins. Yes, that Shelby Jenkins-the single mom who found herself in a "family way" back in high school. She's been fending off the town gossip forever, but Dean actually got into a fistfight trying to defend her honor! Sweet Shelby fears his love won't last. Just what are your intentions, Mr. Maverick?

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

The Corpse with the Golden Nose by Cathy Ace blog tour, review and giveaway

Book Details:

Genre: Traditional/Cozy Mystery
Published by: Touchwood Editions
Release Date: (March 12, 2013)
Number of Pages: 233

2nd in Series

Synopsis

A heartfelt plea to look into the death of a world-famous vintner goes hand in hand with the opportunity to attend an exclusive gourmet event in British Columbia's stunning wine country. How can overindulgent foodie and criminologist Cait Morgan resist?

Sure that the award-winning owner of a family-run vineyard was murdered, Cait shares her findings with Bud Anderson, a retired homicide cop. But he is convinced that the woman took her own life, whatever her grief-stricken sister might say. That is, until death strikes once again, in the neat rows of grapevines that clamber up the banks of magnificent Lake Okanagan.

Uncovering obsessions that might have fuelled murderous thoughts among the victim's wacky neighbours is a start, but as Cait unravels the clues, she realizes that more lives are at stake. Can she think, and act, quickly enough to thwart the killer?

The Corpse with the Golden Nose is the second book in the Cait Morgan Mysteries, a classic whodunit series featuring the eccentric Professor Cait Morgan.

About Cathy Ace

Welsh Canadian mystery author Cathy Ace is the creator of the Cait Morgan Mysteries, which include The Corpse with the Silver Tongue and The Corpse with the Golden Nose. Born, raised, and educated in Wales, Cathy enjoyed a successful career in marketing and training across Europe, before immigrating to Vancouver, Canada, where she taught on MBA and undergraduate marketing programs at various universities. Her eclectic tastes in art, music, food, and drink have been developed during her decades of extensive travel, which she continues whenever possible. Now a full-time author, Cathy's short stories have appeared in multiple anthologies, as well as on BBC Radio 4. She and her husband are keen gardeners, who enjoy being helped out around their acreage by their green-pawed Labradors. Cathy's website can be found at cathyace.com

My Review
4 STARS

I enjoyed The Corpse with the Golden Nose. But I do have to say that this book was a lot about wines and wine tasting that I don't really understand because I have never drunk any or even smelled it. So this part of the story I can't judge or tell if it made sense.
This is the second book in the Cait Morgan Mysteries. I was wrong who I thought the murder was but right when I guessed the motive for it. I had to put the book down and pick up a few times because of visits and phone calls. But was able to still follow the story okay. This is a cozy mystery, the bulk of the story happens over a couple of days. Lots of food and drink while Cait and Bud see if there was a murder or suicide. Not a lot of action but plenty of drama and the classic of gathering everyone out and saying who or why did not do it but build a case slowly till everyone saw the guilty party.
Bud is a retired cop. He retired after his wife was murdered. He now sees Cait and in fact did ask her to marry him earlier. She said after they dated for a year. He could ask her again. Bud is convinced it's suicide.

I like Cait and would love to read more of her mysteries. She is smart, older and has a great memory I am jealous of. Down fall is she smokes. Cait is a criminologist and teaches at the University. She can remember everything she sees and even smells. Reads really fast. If I could read that fast my pile of books to read would be lots smaller.
There was one scene in the book that seemed off to me. When Cait is locked in and Collin hears her, "She asks him to take a picture of the lock and show her. So that is what she remembered of the lock. but she should not have needed to see the lock again if she always can remember what she sees. But I could have read the scene wrong because my memory is very faulty.
Lots of suspects that I did not really like so I could see them being the murder but the murder was clear and motive was proven and made sense.
I was given this ebook and asked in exchange to review it and be part of the blog tour. This is totally my own opinion of the book.

Giveaway The Corpse with the Golden Nose by Cathy Ace.

I have been offered 1 paperback of The Corspe with the Golden Nose by Cathy Ace to one reader of my blog.
For U.S. only. Leave comment , plus email address and name so if your chosen I can contact you to get address. Contest ends 8/1/2013 midnight mountain time. Love to have followers of blog but not mandatory.
I would love to have this paperback on my bookshelf. Good Luck. winner will be chosen randomly.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

The Accused by Jana DeLeon

3 STARS

I kept debating on how to rank this book. I finally decided 3 stars which might be unfair. I was left with two many questions that guilty party did not seem to fit. Now it is the start to a trilogy so maybe the answers will fit better when all three books are together. I guess I will have to see.

I really like Jana's mudbug series of books so I will want to read the next two books and see if they all fit together better.
Alaina has not been to her family home since she was seven and her mother died. Her stepfather sent her to one relative and her sisters to different relatives. She lost her mom and sisters at one time plus her home.
Alaina got passed over to make partner in her law firm because she won a case. The defendant then went out and murdered a little girl. (I thought defense attorneys were supposed to win) So she quit. That is when she got the letter from a lawyer stating that her stepfather had died and for her to receive the family money and home each of her sisters had to live in the house for two weeks.

Her stepfather never really left the mansion. Their is a care taker who is really old and can't climb the stairs. The estate is not in good condition.

Alaina plans to decide if she wants to continue being a lawyer or what does she want to do now. She wants to see her sisters.

Carter is the Sheriff and he is asked to check on Alaina each day for the two weeks. If she takes off even for one day the count as to start over. Carter thinks he sees someone in one of the upper floors but their is no evidence of anybody. He does not feel right about things at the mansion.

Someone is playing with Alaina and it is getting dangerous for her to stay alone in the house. So Carter plans to stay with her to protect her.
There is plenty of mystery surrounding Alaina and her family home. Lots of enemies who might want her harmed. There is a couple of love scenes that I skimmed over. I would say that this book is not meant to be read by itself but part of a series. There is a ghost.

I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it in return by Netgalley.
publication: July 23rd 2013 by Harlequin Intrigue 288 pages ISBN:0373747624

Description below taken off of Netgalley

USA TODAY bestselling author Jana DeLeon has a new trilogy-Mystere Parish: Family Inheritance
After working as a cop in New Orleans, Carter Trahan is back in Mystere Parish, where his latest assignment seems like a joke: making sure Alaina LeBeau lives in her childhood home for two weeks to comply with her mother's will. But soon the sexy sheriff isn't laughing. Someone-or something-is stalking the beautiful defense lawyer, turning her once-grand mansion into a house of horrors.

But as he searches for the truth, Carter must face ghosts of his own past lurking in the bayou. Most troubling of all is his unprofessional attraction to the woman he's protecting, as Alaina's allure haunts him as no specter ever could....

Monday, July 22, 2013

The Murders at Astaire Castle (A Mac Faraday Mystery) by Lauren Carr

4 STARS

Last night I was wanting something to read a short story so I would not be tempted to stay up reading, when my kindle showed me there was a new Mac Faraday Mystery out. So of course I downloaded it and got it free on Amazon lending prime. So I stayed up late reading.

The Murders at Astaire Castle is good. Did not want to stop reading. It is a little bit different from the other books in the series. The characters show a little bit different side. At least David and Gnarly do.

The plot has some surprising twists in it. Mac finds out that he owns a haunted castle. David and Jeff don't want to talk about it. David even threatens Mac that he will shoot him. Hector is willing to spill all the murders and missing people to Mac and Archie. Of course they want to check it out for themselves.

Hector and Mac are going up there. David talked Mac out of letting Archie go with them. David ends up going with them to check out the castle.
David had a party their with college age friends and his one friend disappeared. It was Halloween and Riley Adams disappeared wearing a werewolf costume.

Years later there were two more murders and a missing author and the witness claimed to see a wolfman running away into the woods. After that Robyn had the castle boarded up. Archie did not even know of its existence.

Mac does not believe in haunted houses or ghosts. He finds answers to some of the mysteries. Mac and Archie are still a couple living together. Mac net worth has kept increasing, but he can't help not getting involved in solving murders.

David still has a troubled love life. His most recent one left to join FBI. But old high school girlfriend he hurt is back in town bring old emotions with her. He does not like going to the castle and if he dies there he is blaming Mac.

Gnarly gets scared, finds a new love in Molly. Everyone likes Molly and compares her good behavior against Gnarly's bad habits. I like Gnarly would not like to own him though.

I liked the Murders at Astaire Castle and I would have been tempted to see it but I don't think I would go inside it with only a couple of flashlights. Can't wait for the next book of Lauren's to come out.

Publisher: Acorn Book Services (July 18, 2013) 249 pages ASIN: B00E1IVPB0

Description below taken off of Goodreads.

Never tell Mac Faraday not to do something.

Spencer’s police chief, David O’Callaghan, learns this lesson the hard way when he orders Mac Faraday to stay away from the south end of Spencer’s mountaintop—even though he owns the property. It doesn’t take long for Mac to find out what lies on the other side of the stone wall and locked gate, on which hangs a sign warning visitors to Keep Out!

Topping the list of the ten most haunted places in America, Astaire Castle is associated with two suicides, three mysterious disappearances, and four murders since it was built almost a century ago—and Mac Faraday owns it!

In spite of David’s warning, Mac can’t resist unlocking the gate to see the castle that supposedly hasn’t seen a living soul since his late mother had ordered it closed up after the double homicide and disappearance of Damian Wagner, a world-famous master of horror novels.

What starts out as a quick tour of a dusty old castle turns into another Mac Faraday adventure when Astaire Castle becomes the scene of even more murders. Mac is going to need to put all of his investigative talents to work to sort out this case that involves the strangest characters he has run into yet—including a wolf man. No, we’re not talking about Gnarly.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Dark Connection book tour

Publication Date: April 2013
Publisher: Silver Tongue Press

Genre: Paranormal/Suspense

The story continues from its start in Deep Connections. Brenna has given her heart to Slaton, but Creeper just won't die. Death cannot stop him from possessing the one to fulfill the prophesy. Now Brenna and Slaton have to fight not only for their own lives but for all those they love. As they do, they discover who Creeper really is and why he wants Brenna so badly. Be prepared for more mystery, suspense, and sweet love.

Meet the Author

Rebecca Graf spent over twenty years in accounting field with no way to release her creative juices. To do so in accounting, could get you life. So she began writing online. From there, she ventured into fiction. Dark Connections is her fifth published book with many more in the works. Rebecca is the mother of three children and lives with them and her husband of twenty years in Wisconsin.

Giveaway:

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Thursday, July 18, 2013

Lifestyles of the Great and Spacious by John Bytheway blog tour & review

Lifestyles of the Great and Spacious by John Bytheway

With every passing day, the unforgettable imagery in Lehi’s dream becomes more real and more relevant. In our modern world, we can literally hear the taunts and see the pointing fingers of people like those in the great and spacious building. We find ourselves clinging with greater energy to the rod of iron as we work through the massive mists of darkness toward the tree of life. In Lifestyles of the Great and Spacious, John Bytheway looks at Lehi’s dream, and with his characteristic humor, comments from Church leaders, scholarly insights, and personal experiences, he expands our understanding of these precious verses of scripture.

About the Author John Bytheway

John Bytheway is a bestselling author, favorite speaker, and part-time instructor at Brigham Young University. His many titles include Heroes: Lessons from the Book of Mormon; Standards Night Live; Isaiah for Airheads; A Crash Course in Teenage Survival; Behind Every Good Man and his most recent book, Of Pigs, Pearls & Prodigals. He has also created numerous talks on CD, many of which are combined in The John Bytheway Collection, Vols. 1 and 2.

John served a mission to the Philippines and holds a master’s degree in Religious Education. He and his wife, Kimberly, have six children.

My Review Lifestyles of the Great & Spacious by John Bytheway

This is the first book I have read by John Bytheway but not the last. It is a small book only 157 pages and they are short pages. So I thought I could just hurry and read through it. But no it made me think of Lehi's dream in more detail and look at each verse different ways.

It is a book to read and reread and I could learn more each time. One example the iron rod. When I hear that phrase I also hear the word of God. Which is the answer that Nephi received. He suggests that one it leads to the Tree of Life. But it also protects us so we don't fall into the river or get lost. Its also a guide-rail. It opened my eyes to more detail into the scriptures in a way I can understand.

He quotes lots of scriptures, Prophets and General Authorities and brings them all together to help me to better feast on the scriptures.

So why is it important to understand Lehi's dream because it can help us be strong not to fall for Satan tricks. Too keep our children safe and help us get back to our Heavenly Father. The truth is power so we can make the right choices. That we know how to get to the tree of Life and stay their and not get lost in the Great and spacious building.

I was given this book and asked to give honest review of Lifestyles of the Great and Spacious.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Choke by S.R. Johannes – Book Blast

Suffocate

Suffocate is the first novelette in THE BREATHLESS series. It is a 15,000 word young adult thriller that combines the dystopic and science fiction genres.

For centuries, the world outside the Biome has been unlivable. Today, marks the first time anyone will attempt to leave the suffocating ecosphere. Eria is not worried because her scientist father has successfully tested the new Bio-Suit many times.

It’s a celebratory day until something goes horribly wrong. In the midst of tragedy, Eria uncovers a deep conspiracy in her perfect bubble. If those responsible find out what she knows, they won’t stop hunting her until she takes her last breath.

Choke

When Eria escapes her home in the Biome, she uncovers more about her
features and specifications as a HumaNot. Following her father’s
instructions, Eria embarks on a journey into a dangerous and unpredictable world.

Along the way, she encounters a young rebel, Dirk, who explains he’s from the Anarchy, an underground human resistance rising up against the BOTs–advanced man-made robots gone wild. Together, Dirk and Eria battle underground serpents, desert dingos, sand storms, and advanced Bots that are always hot on their trail. As they become closer, Dirk reveals his hatred of machines, forcing Eria to hide the secret of what and who she really is.

When the truth of her identity comes out, Eria is forced to become the very thing she hates the most.

This novelette is about 20,000 words and is the 2nd in the YA Breathless novelette series. Exhale (#3) is scheduled for Nov 2013.

Author S.R. Johannes

S.R. Johannes is the award-winning author of the Amazon bestselling thriller series, The Nature of Grace (Untraceable and Uncontrollable). Unstoppable (book 3) is scheduled for September 2013.

S.R. Johannes is the YA advisor of ALLi and a winner of the 2012 IndieReader Discovery Awards (Young Adult category) as well as a Silver medalist (2nd place) in the IPPY awards for YA Fiction. She was also nominated for 2012 Georgia Author of the Year (Young Adult category), a Finalist in The Kindle Book Review’s Best Young Adult of 2012, and a YA Finalist in the US Book News Best Book of 2012.

After earning an MBA and working in corporate America doing marketing for over 15 years, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her dog, English-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world.

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Secrets of an Aztec Temple (An Isabella Mumphrey Adventure) by Paty Jager

4 STARS

The second Isabella Mumphrey Adventure starts off strong and does not let you down. It is an adventure through the tunnels of Mexico city. It tells a little about the Aztec, Mexico past, drug dealers, greed, romance and has a couple of sex scenes that I skipped over.

Isabella still has her trusty vest with all her emergency supplies that does save the day. Isabella first case for working for her father is too figure out how Aztec artifacts are stolen from a museum after they were cataloged. She is smart, knows self defence and in love.

Tino Constantine is still undercover DEA trying to catch and bring down the drug dealers who killed his family. After six months working for Graza he is close to being able to shut him down. Then Isabella walks into his compound.

Tino risks his assignment to be with Isabella and to make sure she is safe.

Isabella and Tino risk a lot to keep each safe. Power and greed makes it hard to trust others.

I did not put the book down till I finished reading it. I like Isabella and Tino and would love to see more of them in the future.

I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of it by Netgalley.
Publisher: Windtree Press (February 4, 2013) 287 pages ISBN 9780983594390

Description below taken off of Netgalley.
This is the second book in the Isabella Mumphrey Mystery series.

Revenge is not always sweet…

Isabella Mumphrey can’t leave a puzzle alone. This time she attempts to use her anthropology knowledge to uncover who is stealing priceless artifacts from an Aztec Temple in Mexico City. The discovery will certainly prove her worth to the World Intelligence Agency.

Tino Constantine is in Mexico City, too. He has infiltrated a drug lord’s organization to find enough evidence to not only prove the man’s illegal activities, but to bring him down for numerous deaths. Namely those of Tino’s family.

But when the love of his life, Isabella, strolls into his enemy’s home, Tino’s challenged by the choice of saving her or fulfilling his revenge.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Review: Secrets of a Mayan Moon (An Isabella Mumphrey Adventure) by Paty Jager

4 STARS

I hope this is along series of books. The ending opens it up perfectly. Can't wait for the next adventure of Isabella Mumphrey.
Secrets of a Mayan Moon keeps your attention. Never sure what will happen next to Isaella. Will she be a woman in distress or kick butt.
The plot has lots of twists and turns that you don't expect and some you do figure out. It combines a heroine who is a genius but naïve. Who is not used to taking care of herself out of the U.S. Too being afraid to go anywhere without her vest. Too welding a big strong knife.

Tino Kosta is a DEA Agent that is undercover as the guide to take Isabella out to the Mayan dig she is to help translate tablet.
He is attracted to Isabella right away and plans to worry only about his job gets side tract.

Isabella gets off the plane and gets robbed right in the airport. The thief wants her to give him her box that holds her vest and filled with everything she needs to survive in emergency. The thief has a big knife and threatens her. She accidently knocks her box and the knife to the ground. The box opens and instead of her vest it has been switched full of passports. The thief grabs the box and takes off leaving the knife. Isabella picks up the knife.

Right of way the action starts and doesn't let up. Their is a lot going on at the dig and she is not sure who to trust. Who switched her box? Why are their drug runners up around the dig. Why does Tino talk one way and then another way when its just the two of them in perfect English. Why did her mentor bring her down to help translate the Mayan tablets?

I like Isabella and it was fun to read her adventure. It was fun to see all the ways she used her vest and all her supplies.
I was given this ebook and in exchange was asked to give honest review of it by Netgalley.

Published March 27th 2013 by Windtree Press 272 page ISBN; 0983594376

Description below taken off of Netgalley.
Child prodigy and now Doctor of Anthropology, Isabella Mumphrey, is about to lose her job at the university. In the world of publish or perish, her mentor’s request for her assistance on a dig is just the opportunity she’s been seeking. If she can decipher an ancient stone table—and she can—she’ll keep her department. She heads to Guatemala, but drug trafficking bad guys, artifact thieves, and her infatuation for her handsome guide wreak havoc on her scholarly intentions.

DEA agent Tino Kosta, is out to avenge the deaths of his family. He’s deep undercover as a jaguar tracker and sometimes jungle guide, but the appearance of a beautiful, brainy anthropologist heats his Latin blood taking him on a dangerous detour that could leave them both casualties of the jungle.

This title won the Readers Choice Award in June 2013 at RomCon.

Friday, July 12, 2013

The Hunters (Brotherband Chronicles #3) by John Flanagan

5 STARS

I have had this book on my shelf to read for a year. I really enjoy John Flanagan's stories. I admit to having read them all now. Can't wait for next one coming out this fall.
This is the third in the Brotherband Chronicles. It finishes the story line of finding the Andomal that was stolen on their watch.

They are truly a Brotherband. They have faults and strength each one different from the others.
I started the book and could not put it down till I had finished.
Hal uses his mind and skills that he has been taught to lead the band to find the Raven crew that had stolen the Andomal.
This is one series that I will reread again and enjoy it. It is fast paced adventure a crew of boys, a girl and one armed warrior working together.

Description below taken off of Goodreads.
Hal and his brotherband crew are hot on the trail of the pirate Zavac and they have one thing only on their minds: Stopping the bloodthirsty thief before he can do more damage. Of course, they also know Zavac has the Andomal, the priceless Skandian artifact stolen when the brotherband let down their guard. The chase leads down mighty rivers, terrifying rapids, to the lawless fortress of Ragusa. If Hal is to succeed, he will need to go beyond his brotherband training. He will need to challenge the pirate one-on-one, knowing only one of them will survive.

Practical Mischief Belle Bishop, Queen of Witches, Book 1 by D.D. Scott

3 STARS

First of all I love the cover. The colors grab your attention and then focus in to her.
Practical Mischief is about jealousy, power grab, sisters on opposite sides, light and dark.
It does set up good for a series of books that good be really enjoyable.
I had a hard time though caring for the characters. I never got lost in the story. I needed to care about the characters, see them interacting more out of the plot line.

Belle Bishop is Queen of the Witches. She feels about her sister dying to protect her and that she trusted her other sister Angelica to watch over their niece Gia while she went to town.

Angelica likes to mess with free will. She made her niece forget who she was and the power she had. Then dropped her off somewhere and would not tell her sister where she was.

Now Gia is back but still does not remember her past or how to use her magic. Belle wants to help her and protect her from Angelica.

It is a clean story. I would read another book in the series and see how well I would enjoy it. I think their was a story before this one that we saw Gia fall for her fiancé.

I was given this ebook and asked to give honest review from Netgalley.
03/07/2013 PUB. 102 pages ISBN 13 2940016266367
Description below taken off of Netgalley.

Amazon and Barnes & Noble Top 100 Bestselling Humor Author, D.D. Scott, is back...this time, with Book One in her brand new and wonderfully witchy series featuring Belle Bishop, Queen of Witches.

Belle Bishop, Queen of Witches, is a good witch.

Her sister Angelica? Not so much.

Belle rules her witchery kingdom using the ancient Wiccan Rede – ‘An’ it harm none, do what thy will,’ while Angelica runs amuck, casting one mischievous spell after another.

But this time, Angelica has gone too far.

It’s up to Belle and her former best friend, Atlas, the greatest wizard the earth has ever known, to save Belle’s niece, Gia, from Angelica’s magical mischief. If they don’t, Gia will end up in The Summerland just like her mother did the last time one of Angelica’s spells went awry.

Luckily, or unluckily, depending on how you look at it, Belle and Atlas have a little help from Atlas’s sons, who are every bit The Three Stooges, as well as an ornery faery named Tinker Hell and a deck of Tarot Cards waiting for someone to deal their destiny.

Prince of Secrets by Lucy Monroe

3 STARS

Prince of Secrets follows One Night Heir. Two cousins that are heirs of Vloyarus crown. Both will do anything for their country.
Demyan is told by the King of Vloyarus is Uncle but really raised by him as a father. That Chanel Tanner has twenty percent of their company after her Grandfather died. If she claims it now it would bankrupt the Country. It's share has been used to build roads, schools ect of Volyarus. If she marry a member of the royalty it remains to the Country. Demyan is the only one single left.

Demyan donates money to the Lab Chanel works for. He is tamed down by wearing glasses, sweaters and for the first time jeans. He plans to meet her and seduce her into marring him. He also can't let the Crown Prince know what he is doing. Demyan is two years older than his cousin. He knows he is the spare to the thrown. He also in charge of the company that finances the country.

Chanel Tanner is a scientist. She knows that in social settings she has a hard time fitting in. She is also a virgin. She is not close to her mother and stepfather. The only adults she was close to was her father and grandfather who died when she was young.
She has a step-brother and step-sister that she is close too.

Chanel is surprised that Demyan wants to date her. He is charming and caring of her. There are definitely sparks between them.
Demyan is surprised to find himself thinking of her and missing her when she is not around. He plans to always tell her the truth and never break any promises to her. He also hides the fact that he is a Prince.

Their are a few love scenes that are hot. I skimmed over them too. Nice story. I like Chanel she is smart, honest, and not afraid to stand up for what she believes.

I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it by Netgalley. I will read more of Lucy Monroe's books in the future.

July 23rd 2013 by Harlequin Presents 192 pages ISBN:0373131690

Description below taken off of Goodreads.

100% Determined 100% Devastating!

Prince Demyan Zaretsky does whatever it takes to protect his country. So seducing Chanel Tanner will be easy. And marriage? An unfortunate side effect of duty. She unwittingly holds the economic stability of Volyarus in her hands…and he must secure it.

With his royal identity and intent disguised, Demyan sets about a ruthless seduction designed to make Chanel lose her mind with ecstasy. But when he discovers she is a virgin, he uncovers something in himself—a conscience. Now his plan takes a shocking turn—one this dark-hearted prince had never anticipated!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

In Too Deep by Coert Voorhees

5 STARS

In Too Deep was fun, action, treasure hunting and dangerous. Just enjoyed it. Makes me want to go diving. It is a clean read on top of it.
Annie is a strong teenager character. She helps her mom in the dive shop. She is giving Josh a private lesson he does not take it serious and almost drowns. Annie quick thinking caught them both up out of the pool and started CPR. Annie goes to a private school because her dad is a teacher their.

Josh is famous because his mom his a famous actress. He is good looking and is on a lot of magazine covers.

One of the teachers is fixing up a spring break trip to Mexico. They will help clean up after disaster and part treasure hunt. No one except Annie wants to go. Some kids get caught cheating and have to go as punishment. The field trip is not what it is supposed to be.

Annie is asked to do a night dive in a really risky area and then things get more dangerous. Annie does not know who to trust and what to do next.

Lots of underwater dives, treasure hunt all over. Annie's friends come to help her. I hope they do go on more treasure hunts.

I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it by Netgalley.
July 2013 by Disney Hyperion 336 pages ISBN:1423140354

Description below taken off of Goodreads

Annie Fleet, master scuba diver and history buff, knows she can’t fight her nerd status as a freshman at her Los Angeles private school. And she doesn’t care—except for the fact that her crush, Josh, thinks she’s more adorable than desirable. Annie is determined to set him straight on their school trip to Mexico. But her teacher has other plans: he needs Annie to help him find Cortez’s lost-long treasure.

Suddenly, Annie finds herself scuba diving in pitch-black waters, jetting to Hawaii with Josh, and hunting for the priceless Golden Jaguar. But Annie and Josh aren’t the only ones lured by the possibility of finding the greatest treasure ever lost at sea. Someone else wants the gold—and needs Annie dead. In deeper danger than she ever imagined, can Annie get the boy and find the Jaguar, or is she in over her head?

Critically-acclaimed author Coert Voorhees delivers breathtaking romance and non-stop action in his newest novel, the spirited and captivating In Too Deep

Ashes Ashes (Hostage Negotiation Team #2) by Julie Coulter Bellon blog tour and review

Ashes Ashes

Are you ever really innocent until proven guilty?

Sophia Naziri is wanted for questioning in the murder of a U.S. senator. She’s worried the police will show up on her doorstep any moment, but when Detective Colby Black appears, it’s to help her put out a kitchen fire, not take her in. Yet. His easy smile and persistence in getting to know her pushes all her troubles to the back of her mind, until a hit man tracks her down. Getting arrested becomes the least of her worries and the handsome detective could be her only way out—if she tells him the truth.

Colby Black’s sniper skills have been a blessing and a curse to him. As a member of a Hostage Negotiation Team, he can use them to save people, but sometimes he can’t protect the innocent despite his best efforts. When a hostage situation goes bad, he tries to put it behind him by helping out his mysterious next-door neighbor, Sophia Naziri. But she pulls Colby into a web of lies and conspiracy that will force him to use every skill he has in order to survive. Faced with the moment of truth, can he trust anyone around him—including the woman at the center of it all?

Author Julie Coulter Bellon

Julie is the author of seven international suspense novels: Through Love’s Trials, On the Edge, Time Will Tell, All’s Fair, Dangerous Connections, Ribbon of Darkness and All Fall Down. She loves her work partly because she gets to travel to distant lands to research and add an authentic feel to all of her books. Her favorite cities so far are Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She taught journalism at BYU for fourteen years and that kept her on the cutting edge of current events and world news—which is where she gets her story ideas.

She also has one non-fiction title: Be Prepared: A Parent’s Guide to the Duty to God and Eagle Scout Awards—What You Should Know and is part of two compilations, How Will Christmas Find Us and Life Lessons From Mothers of Faith.

She is the mother of eight children and when she’s not busy being a mom or a writer, you will find her browsing through bookstores to add to her book collection, at the library borrowing books, or reading the treasures she’s found.

My Review

4 STARS

Ashes Ashes is a title that really fits the book in different ways. It is exciting, full of twists, keeps you guessing the whole way to what is really going on. It is also a clean read. There is a lot of violence , fires, multiple agency task force and a little romance thrown in.

Colby Black is a sniper on the hostage negotiation team. He is a loveable character. He likes to clean when he is stressed, or cook he could come clean my house anytime.

Colby had a stressful day at work and comes home and sees someone in his next door neighbor's home and smoke. Colby steps in and helps get the fire out. He meets Sophia who is staying at James's house for a few days to be alone. Colby offers to help her clean up the kitchen, take her for medical help for her burn. Sophia would rather be alone.

Colby goes and gets 4 different fast food dinners so Sophia won't go hungry. Colby ends up back at his house so he cleans his kitchen spotless. He is serious about cleaning when he is stressed. The next day he takes her fresh cinnamon buns he made and cleaning supplies and helps her clean the walls.

Sophia can't believe the mess her life is in right now. She witnessed a U.S. Senator's murder. Her father was with him and she does not know why he did nothing to stop it. Now Sophia is wanted for questioning. She found a bag with diamonds in a pouch, a million dollars in cash and a piece of paper with a little information about a digital file her father made.

Sophia is a strong character that wants to do what is right she just does not know who to trust. What little of the conversation she overheard leaves her confused. She does not believe the Senator or her father would do anything wrong. Sophia designs jewelry. She is making something for the Senator for his wife right now.

I did not want to put the book down. I also want to go and read the first book about the Hostage Negotiation Team. This book stands alone. Target age would be older teens and adults.

I was given this ebook to read and asked to review it and be part of their blog tour. I was not paid and all opinions are my own.
Published May 30th 2013 by Julie Coulter Bellon 219 pages ISB 1484886402 (ISBN13: 9781484886403)

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Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Penumbras (Middle School Magic #2) by Braden Bell

5 STARS

This sequel to Middle School Magic: The Kindling

Love it! Just don't ask me to pronounce the title right. I hate my memory I used to remember most of the stories I had read. Took me a little bit to remember the Kindling. If I had remembered right off I would have read this the day I received it.

It is a magical book. At different times I was thinking this one character was a spoiled brat and needed to grow up. Then I remember she is only thirteen. Okay I was lost in the story. I will even admit to shedding tears for a bit. These characters made me care about them, worry about them, yell at them. It also left me wanting more answers. I would start the next book in the series right away if it was out.

It is quick to grab your attention right away. Full of battles between light and darkness. Lots of drama and teenage feelings.
It starts with the four friends on a school field trip. Connor and Pilaf are roommates. Connor sees something in his room. He tries calling Lexa his twin with his mind. Then he tries calling out to Melanie, but they are both out. He can't tell Pilaf what he saw. Pilaf can't know of their world changing since they Kindled. So he makes up a game and shows Pilaf a wolf shadow with his flashlight.
Then the wolf jumps off the wall and starts chasing him.

After that it really starts taking off and does not slow down much at all.

Connor is thirteen. He was captured last year and put in a Shadow box. He saw himself do terrible things and was told he was turning into a darkhand. Now he hears shadows talking to him. They want him to fully join the darkhands. He is in a fight most of the book. He does not tell anyone what all he suffered. His special gifts are speed and strength.

Lexa his twin kindled at the same time. She is used to being the star in school plays. She is always full of drama. She feels what others feel like sometimes. Her best friend is Melanie.

Melanie likes Conner but has hidden it till lately. Her parents don't really like her learning magi but have let her since her little sister was kidnapped. She makes others powers stronger. It is a rare gift.

Pilaf is Connor's good friend. Connor was protecting him when his powers first kindled. All of a sudden now he finds he can hear Connor speaking to others in his mind. He also sees auras. He can see light around those who use the light and darkness around those that use dark power. So Connor now has permission to share his knowledge with him.

It is probably aimed at middle school readers. I really enjoyed reading it. I think fans of Harry Potter, Ranger Apprentice, Percy Jackson will enjoy this series too.

It is a clean read that anyone can enjoy but might need some tissues for a bit.
I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of it by Netgalley.
07/09/2013 PUB Cedar Fort Inc Imprint Sweetwater Books 304 pages ISBN:146211220X

Description below taken off of Goodreads.

Conner, Lexa, and Melanie are back! Just when they think life is normal again, a dangerous shadow creature begins to hunt them. The trio must develop their powers in order to conquer this new peril and protect their school. Filled with action and even more magic, this book continues the exciting adventure in the Middle School Magic series.