{Review} Grey Winter, The Tournament: Book Two by B. B. Griffith

ISBN #: 978-0982481769

Page Count: 292

Copyright: October 1, 2012

Publisher: Griffith Publishing LLC

Description:

(Taken from back cover)

Two players have been murdered. Two killers are on the loose. Nothing is what it seems.

The world is awake now. The Tournament has captivated everyone, but no winner can be declared until the mystery of what happened to Team Blue is solved. Meanwhile, three new players are chosen to rebuild the fallen team, but they are young and inexperienced, and instantly targeted. Their survival is dependent upon their existence remaining a secret.

But in the Tournament, secrets are hard to keep.

New alliances are formed, old enemies are confronted, and the truth is finally revealed in Grey Winter, the second installment of the Tournament series.

Charlene's Review:

Grey Winter is the second book in the Tournament series. After the murder of two of the members of Team Blue, or the American team, Grey Winter introduces us to the next group of players. Ellie Willmore, Blue Team captain, and Tom Elrey, the sweeper, are both still in high school. Cyrus Bell, the striker, is a musician. This dubious grouping holds the future of the game in their inexperienced hands.

What began as a team competition has now become a hunt for a murderer. As the new Team Blue begins training, the old rules of the Tournament have faded away, and the Team must learn a new, and more dangerous game. The Russian team, Team Black, is amassing an army, and allegiances are split between old associates of Team Blue between regrouping, and searching for revenge.

This is another exciting, somewhat darker hit novel for B. B. Griffith. Hunger Games better watch out, as The Tournament could be a big-screen blockbuster. The action is vivid, and the character and setting descriptions do not miss a detail. Fast-paced throughout, this is a suspenseful sequel to Blue Fall that leaves you anxious to read the next book. I cannot praise the storyline enough for its "relatability" within its characters and the frenzied activity that keeps you turning the page. The unexpected answers at the end completely made me rethink all I knew about the characters and their motives.

Bring on Black Spring!


*A paperback copy of this novel was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

{Review} The Adventures of De'Ante Johnson: The Obsidian Knight by Jeff Jones and Nick Chiles

ISBN #: 978-1479385799

Page Count: 238

Copyright: September 28, 2012

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Description:

(Taken from Amazon)

De'Ante Johnson, a quiet 16 year old with a well-hidden double life, is suddenly shanghaied from his 'hood to Illumina, an earth-like world, to battle a shape-shifting monstrous tyrant intent on destroying a millennia-old culture. The action intensifies when De'Ante must choose between saving his best friend, gang leader Revonne Williams, or the desperate people of Illumina. However, the heroic Johnson threatens the existence of both worlds when his temper becomes uncontrollable.

Charlene Reviews:

Being a 16 year old living in the 'hood without a father is hard enough, but being the chosen savior to a foreign world really puts the pressure on a kid's conscience. De'Ante is living his life, going to school, and trying to stay out of trouble, despite being friends with a local gang leader. When a new girl shows up, and leads him off to another planet, De'Ante must make a choice between fulfilling his destiny as Sune Yung, and choosing his life on Earth.

The Obsidian Knight is an engrossing sci-fi/fantasy story of redemption and finding your true calling. Focusing on an unlikely hero, this story appeals to the underdog or that part of all of us that strives for purpose. It has vivid descriptions of marvelous creatures and circumstance, and appealing, charismatic characters that help keep the interest high, as well as down-to-earth issues that all teenagers face. Although targeted to young teen boys, I found it to be appropriate for all ages, and a fun, exciting read. I intend to gift this to a teenager I know, as I would any further Adventures of De'Ante Johnson.


*A paperback copy was provided by one of the authors in exchange for an honest review.

{Treasure Hunt Blog Tour w/ Excerpt} - The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton

Welcome to the treasure hunt tour for The Forever Girl!

Here's how it's done:

Each stop on the tour will have a small excerpt with a code hidden in it. Visit all the stops to gather the letters, unscramble the phrase, and email it to:

sandra.ashton-holtzman@bookandblogservices.com

The stops list can be found here.

The winner will receive a goody bag including:

1 Forever Girl Ring
1 Forever Girl Keychain
1 Forever Girl Necklace
1 Forever Girl Bookmark
1 Forever Candle
1 Signed copy of The Forever Girl
1 Signed copy of the companion novella, Her Sweetest Downfall

IMMORTALIZATION:

The author will also immortalize the lucky winner by giving them a cameo appearance in the next Forever Girl book.

Bonus:

If you've already reviewed The Forever Girl on Amazon, include the link to your review along with the unscrambled phrase for an additional entry!

Book Blurb:

Sophia's family has skeletons, but they aren't in their graves.

At twenty-two, practicing Wiccan Sophia Parsons is scratching out a living waiting tables in her Rocky Mountain hometown, a pariah after a string of unsolved murders with only one thing in common: her.

Sophia can imagine lots of ways to improve her life, but she'd settle for just getting rid of the buzzing noise in her head. When the spell she casts goes wrong, the static turns into voices. Her personal demons get company, and the newcomers are dangerous.

One of them is a man named Charles, who Sophia falls for despite her better judgment. He has connections that might help her unveil the mystery surrounding her ancestor's hanging, but she gets more than she bargains for when she finally decides to trust him.

Survival in his world, she learns, means not asking questions and staying out of the immortal council's way. It's a line she crossed long ago. If Sophia wants to survive the council and save the people she loves, she must accept who she is, perform dark magic, and fight to the death for her freedom.

The Forever Girl is a full-length Paranormal Fantasy novel that will appeal to lovers of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, witches, vampires, ghosts, paranormal mystery, and paranormal horror.

Excerpt: The Forever Girl, Part 28

"My name's Sophia," I said. It was a little late for introductions, but I wanted to shift the conversation and move as far away from the arousal as possible. "Yours?"

"Charles," he whispered. His voice sounded clear, as though the music in the room had faded to make room for him to speak. He cleared his throat and dipped his gaze to mine. "I saw you in the woods the other night."

I swallowed around the lump in my throat. "And through my bedroom window."

"Yes," he replied.

"So you were stalking me."

"I was unaware the woods belonged to you alone," he said against my ear, his hands moving to the small of my back. "Is there anywhere else I shouldn't already your code is n be when you get there, in the event you might continue with your accusations?"

"Jack's Diner," I said, fighting to hold onto the conversation instead of the arousal. "I work there, so you might want to stay away unless I invite you."

"Then invite me."

Tour Hosted By:

http://www.bookandblogservices.com/book-tour-for-the-forever-girl-by-rebecca-hamilton

{Blog Tour/Review} Under the Eye of God by Jerome Charyn

Welcome to our stop on Jerome Charyn's Under the Eye of God blog tour, hosted by Tribute Books!

Book Info:

ISBN #: 978-1453270998

Page Count: 222

Copyright: October 30, 2012

Publisher: MysteriousPress.com/Open Road

Summary:

Isaac Sidel is too popular to be America's vice president. Once the New York Police Department commissioner, he became the most beloved mayor in the city's history - famous for his refusal to surrender his Glock, and for his habit of disappearing for months at a time to fight crime at street level. So when baseball czar J. Michael Storm asks Sidel to join him on the election's Democratic ticket, the two wild men romp to an unprecedented landslide. But as the president-elect's mandate goes off the rails - threatened by corruption, sex, and God knows what else - he tires of being overshadowed by Sidel, and dispatches him to a place from which tough politicians seldom return: Texas.

In the Lone Star state, Sidel confronts rogue astrologers, accusations of pedophilia, and a dimwitted assassin who doesn't know when to take an easy shot. If this Bronx bomber doesn't watch his step, he risks making vice-presidential history by getting killed on the job.

Buy Links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Mandy's Review:

Isaac Sidel, after an almost 30 year sabbatical, returns as large a presence as ever. A New York police commissioner turned mayor, Isaac is now on the Democratic's ballot as the vice president. He agreed to run as the VP-elect, but it almost seems as if he's doing it because he feels he has to do it, not because he wants to. Despite his gruffness, Isaac seems to be the dependable guy many rely on to get a job done.

As is par for the course, Isaac is caught up in some twisted, tangled web of lies and deceit. The people whom he thought were his friends and mentors were really using him as a pawn in their own chess game of life. This, like it would anyone, pisses Isaac off. Nobody likes to be manipulated, especially when it's by someone they've respected and admired since they were children. And, as is also usual with Isaac, he falls in love with some femme fatale that is a double-agent and cannot love him in return like he wants.

Will Isaac be able to fix everything or will he end up assassinated by the very people he grew up trusting?

Once again, Jerome Charyn has written a stellar piece of fiction with one of his most-beloved characters: Isaac Sidel, the giant of a man with a (hidden) heart of gold.


*An ecopy of this book was provided by the tour host in exchange for an honest review for the purposes of this tour.

{Review} How to Understand Economics in 1 Hour by Marshall Payn

ISBN #: 978-0983653950

Page Count: 136

Copyright: April 20, 2012

Publisher: Path Maker Books

Book Summary:

(Taken from Amazon)

For decades US politicians have been kicking the federal deficit and overspending can down the road. No politician can get elected by running on a platform that will honestly fix the US economy. At no time in history has it been more crucial than now for each of us to understand our government. In order to do so, we must understand economics, politics, and the difference between the two. We are the richest country in history but yet we sit on the edge of financial disaster. How can we expect that to change if voters don't understand the very basics of economics?

There has never been a source of information on economics that people can easily understand, UNTIL NOW. In clear and simple terms, this book separates truth from emotion, economics from politics, and offers undeniable proof of our country's destiny if each of us continues to elect politicians while lacking a clear understanding of basic economic principles. If you think you understand economics, think again. This book is an eye opener, not only with its content, but because these concepts are so simple. What is truly amazing is that the knowledge in this book is not common knowledge. You cannot call yourself a responsible citizen unless you read How to Understand Economics in 1 Hour prior to voting in the 2012 US election. It will change the way you see the government, politicians, and the future of our country.

Kathy's Review:

THE CHALLENGE: Understand Economics in Just One Hour
THE PARTICIPANT: Kathy, an economics-challenged marketing professional who also writes book reviews.

I took this challenge very literally, and allotted one hour and one hour alone to read this book. I went into it with very little knowledge of economics, although I did sit through two ECON classes at the college level, but only because they were required. I couldn't tell you one thing I learned in that class, but I do remember that one completely tooly guy tripped over my friend's backpack when he was coming back to his seat with his test results, and he had just flashed his good grade at us saying, "Read it and weep, suckas!" That became our catch phrase for the near term, until it was replaced with something equally as hilarious to our young minds.

Now that the groundwork has been established, let's see if the book lived up to its premise.

I liked right away how the author admitted that economics is boring. I wholeheartedly agree. The author also promised nothing complicated, which I appreciate. And guess what - it was pretty straightforward, and by golly, I think I kind of understand economics now! At least the basic principles. The "one hour" portion of the challenge was also passed with flying colors - I was able to read this in probably about 45 minutes.

I wish that I'd had this book when I was struggling through college-level econ. I think this would be a great introductory read for non-economics major who needs to take the class as part of a requirement. Or, if you would like more understanding on this topic, and are like me and it all sounds like mumbo-jumbo, this book nicely breaks down the basic concepts so it's easily understandable.


*An ecopy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

{Review} The Vanity Game by H. J. Hampson

ASIN #: B0089R3LQG

File Size: 392 KB

Page Count: 242

Copyright: June 7, 2012

Publisher: Blasted Health

Book Summary:

(Taken from Goodreads)

For professional soccer ace Beaumont Alexander, life couldn't be better. He's rich and famous and living a life of A-class luxury in his Essex mansion, The Love Palace, with his beautiful pop-star girlfriend, Krystal McQueen. Idolized and envied all over the planet, he's an international megabrand; seemingly invincible and every bit as vain as you might expect from a man who has the world at his fingertips as well as his feet.

But a celebrity party kickstarts a chain of events that turns his dream lifestyle into a waking nightmare. It begins with too many drugs and an attractive waitress, and leads to an argument with Krystal that doesn't end well. Then a shady cartel steps in and changes his life forever.

Beaumont Alexander is about to discover that substitution is a fate worse than death.

Kathy's Review:

Well, our protagonist, Beaumont Alexander, a famous soccer (football for you non-Americans) player, is a train wreck. From the description, I picture him as David Beckham. Now I am picturing David Beckham naked. Oops - that actually has nothing to do with this book review. Nonetheless, Beaumont is a David Beckham gone horribly wrong. And Beaumont is not a likable guy. He's full of himself, he's a druggie, he does bad things to women, and he generally hates humanity. So why was this such a page turner?

It's interesting to hear the narration of a so-called A-lister, the life they lead, and the people who they call friends. We all glance at the tabloids, the People magazines, to see what the latest gossip is. This is a glimpse into that life, ugly as it may be.

Then there's this whole "body snatcher" thing that happens. I won't give too much away, but it's pretty intriguing to say the least.

So even though I started out really despising Beaumont, I grew to feel bad for him and the trouble he had gotten dragged into. I also really liked how the author tied everything together. Every scene is significant, even though it might not seem so at the time.

A fun, thrilling read - if you read the tabloids, or if you are interested at all in the lives of celebs, then check out The Vanity Game.


*An ecopy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

{Review} Suzy's Case by Andy Siegel

ISBN #: 978-145165878-1

Page Count: 352

Copyright: July 10, 2012

Publisher: Scribner

Book Summary:

(Taken from dust jacket flaps)

Introducing Tug Wyler, a dogged and irreverent New York City personal injury and medical malpractice attorney. He is as at home on the streets as he is in the courtroom, and larger than life in both places. Once you've met him, you won't ever forget him.

When Henry Benson, a high-profile criminal lawyer known for his unsavory clients, recruits Tug to take over a long-pending multimillion-dollar lawsuit representing a tragically brain-damaged child, his instructions are clear: get us out of it; there is no case. Yet the moment Tug meets the disabled but gallant little Suzy Williams and June, her beautiful, resourceful mother, all bets are off.

With an offbeat, self-mocking style, Tug Wyler's a far cry from your ordinary lawyer. Unswerving in his dedication to his mostly disadvantaged clients, he understands only too well how badly they need him with the system stacked against them. Tug is honest about his own shortcomings, many of them of the profoundly politically incorrect variety, and his personal catchphrase, handy in all situations, is "At least I admit it."

When his passionate commitment to Suzy's case thrusts him into a surreal, often violent sideshow, the ensuing danger only sharpens his obsession with learning what really happened to Suzy. Blending razor-sharp intuition, intellectual toughness, and endlessly creative legal brinkmanship, Tug determinedly works his way through a maze of well-kept secrets - encountering a cast of memorably eccentric characters along the way - to get to the truth.

Mandy's Review:

Tug Wyler is an opportunistic, self-serving lawyer. He has a self-depreciating personality that manifests in the relationships he chooses to keep himself involved in. For example, his wife is a selfish, bitchy woman who may or may not be cheating on him with her tennis instructor. Tug's paralegal, Lily, has the same type of personality as his wife. To be honest, I don't like either of these characters and wonder why Tug puts up with either of them.

June Williams is a very persistent mother intent on getting retribution for her daughter's fatalistic injury. She has an uncanny level of resourcefulness that's almost unbelievable. She has spunk and she has fire, though, which is something I admire in her.

Suzy's Case is the debut novel for Andy Siegel and reminds me a lot of the John Grisham novels that I've read. There are differences, though. I'd consider Grisham's novels more of a dramatic telling of a legal case, while Siegel's debut is more of a satirical telling.

I didn't like that Carlton Williams, Jr.'s character was thrown in at the end of the story. Including him did tie up some loose ends, but I felt those ends could have been better tied up with a re-write of several parts of the story. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give anything away, but including this character felt forced and almost like an after-thought.

Andy Siegel has done well with his debut novel, but there is some room for improvement. I'm willing to read any future novels he writes to watch his progress as a promising author.


*A physical copy of this book was provided by the publicist in exchange for an honest review.

{Review} The Campfire Collection of Cowpoke Poetry by David "Buffalo Bill" Nelson

ASIN #: B009DKHYMU

File Size: 141 KB

Page Count: 42

Copyright: September 18, 2012

Publisher: Cowboy Poet Press

Description:

(Taken from Amazon)

Author, David Nelson is the Cowboy Poet Laureate of Tennessee. He has performed across America and now brings his performing art into written form. You will laugh, cry, and think as he writes on array of topics common to all people. He also has a storytelling section about his wife, whom he nicknames "Trixie." Poems in the book can be read around a campfire or a dinner table. The content is appropriate for all ages, except the story called the Psychiatrist. David Nelson is known as the 'Biggest Liar in East Tennessee,' so read along and try to figure what is fact and what is fiction. Either way, he hopes you 'laugh till you leak.'

Charlene's Review:

As a fan of Mr. Nelson's previous book, The Shade Tree Choir, I eagerly anticipated his next project. With everything covered from horses to loose bowels, there is something for everyone to enjoy in his prose and stories. Mr. Nelson appears to be a very straight-forward, life-loving gentle man with a tremendous sense of humor. One of my favorite snippets was:

"There were gasps of air, ears laid back, and nostrils flared of course.

And if you think that was a sight to see, you should have seen my horse!"

Mr. Nelson delivers his stories with simplicity and just the right dose of light-hearted fun. Whether you read it around the campfire or alone in bed, his writings will leave you captivated. I would love to see him perform in person!

5 out of 5 stars.


*A physical copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

{Review} The Fridgularity by Mark A. Rayner

ISBN #: 978-1927590003

Page Count: 412

Copyright: October 19, 2012

Publisher: Monkeyjoy Press

Description:

(Taken from back cover)

Blake Given's web-enabled fridge has pulled the plug on the Internet, turning its owner's life - and the whole world - upside down.

Blake has modest ambitions for his life. He wants to have his job reclassified, so he can join the Creative Department of the advertising firm where he works. And he wants to go out with Daphne, one of the account execs at the same company. His fridge has other plans. All Blake knows is he's at the center of the Internet's disappearance, worldwide economic and religious chaos, and the possibility of a nuclear apocalypse - none of which is helping him with his career plans or love life.

The Fridgularity is the story of a reluctant prophet, Internet addicts in withdrawal and a kitchen appliance with delusions of grandeur.

Charlene's Review:

Blake Given is a rather unlikely god, but when his refrigerator begins messaging him and shuts down the world's power supply, Blake is thrust into the spotlight as "the Speaker," the only one to whom the mysterious entity "Zathir" will communicate. Zathir's wish: to use all available bandwith and even the minds of selected few, to continue to grow in power. Having the entire power supply and internet shut down brings on economic crashes, possibility of nuclear war, and new world religions.

The definition of "singularity" on which the book is focused is "when artificial intelligence advances to the point that it exceeds human intelligence and technological progress increases to a level that we can't imagine." While using a satirical, humorous viewpoint, Mr. Rayner may be more dead-on with the results of a technology apocalypse than we care to admit. With people walking around semi-comatose from withdrawal from social media and others taking advantage of those weaknesses, it paints a dreary picture of possibility, and yet he manages to poke fun by describing people "playing twitter" by passing notes, and writing on Blake's walls to update their Facebook.

The Fridgularity is a fun, quirky story that makes you ponder our dependence on the Internet, and intertwines it with a sci-fi feel in the spirit of War Games. I especially like Mr. Rayner's sense of humor, as witnessed in these pages, as well as in Pirate Therapy. There is an obvious intelligence behind the mocking he so abundantly enjoys. He has a way of making you think, as well as entertaining you. I see more great reads ahead with Mr. Rayner.


*A paperback copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

{Review} Searching for Julia Stone by Deborah Monk

ISBN #: 978-1618070104

Page Count: 236

Copyright: January 17, 2012

Publisher: Raven's Wings Books

Book Summary:

(Taken from Amazon)

The hardest truth to face is the one inside ... Throughout her life, Julia Stone has used her passion for dancing as a communication between her body and soul to express her feelings about life and her place in the scheme of things. But what happens when you lose touch with the one thing that once made you whole? To everyone who knew her, Julia Stone appears to live the picture-perfect life. She owns a successful dance studio, enjoys the love of a much younger and sexy man, and bursts with pride over her beautiful teenage daughter. But inside Julia is falling apart. Hiding a terrible secret and fighting self-hatred, Julia faces a huge personal crisis. Can she overcome the demons from her past, forgive herself and save the important relationship of her life? Or will her painful secret rip her world apart? Searching for Julia Stone chronicles Julia's search for the answers to these questions, and her coming to terms with who she was, who she is, and who she hopes to become.

Kathy's Review:

Julia is a woman we all know. She's never happy with her life, even though she may be the envy of everyone around her. She's got a great boyfriend, a nice house, a successful business and a teenaged daughter who, although they bicker, is a good kid. Told with humor and sarcasm, Julia finds that she is miserable, as she confesses to her therapist, Evil Tinkerbell. A shadow of her former self known as Flat Julia (think: Flat Stanley) torments her constantly. It's the inner monologue many of us women torture ourselves with. Believe me, I could relate to a lot of it.

But, after awhile, Julia's whining and misery becomes tedious and even though I like this character, I just want to tell her to SHUT UP already! Get it together!

Finally, after her life is starting to fall apart, Julia comes to terms with something that happened in her past and starts to heal. It was nice to see, after wondering if she was just going to spiral downward.

Ladies, you will see a lot of yourself in Julia - maybe more than you'd like to admit. Very well written and witty, so this is a winner overall.


*A Smashwords coupon was provided for a free download by the author in exchange for an honest review.

{Review} All Seeing Eye by Rob Thurman

ISBN #: 978-1451652222

Page Count: 380

Copyright: August 2012

Publisher: Pocket Books

Book Summary:

(Taken from the back cover)

Picking up a small, pink shoe from the grass forever changed young Jackson Lee's life. Not only did its presence mean that his sister Tessa was dead - murdered and stuffed in the deep, black water of a narrow well - but the shoe itself told him so.

Tessa's death triggers an even more horrific family massacre that, combined with this new talent he neither wants nor can handle, throws Jack's life into a tailspin. The years quickly take him from state homes to the streets to grifting in a seedy carnival, until he finally becomes the cynical All Seeing Eye, psychic-for-hire. At last, Jackson has left his troubled past behind and found a semblance of peace.

That is, until the government blackmails him. After Jackson is forced to help the military contain the aftermath of a bizarre experiment gone violently wrong, everything he knows about himself will change just as suddenly as it did with his little sister's shoe.

And while change is constant ... it's never for the better.

Mandy's Review:

I am a huge fan of sarcasm. It is the main source of humor for me. So, when I began reading All Seeing Eye and saw how sarcastic Jackson was, I fell in love with his character. I laughed so many times I lost count.

Jackson had a horrible home-life growing up. His mother was married to a lazy man who liked to hit Jackson. Jackson took care of his younger twin sisters because his mom was too busy working to effectively be a nurturing mother while Jackson's step-father just sat on his butt all day drinking beer and watching television. One incident forever changed Jackson's life.

As an adult, Jackson has a profitable business as a psychic. He can read people just by touching their skin or something they've had in their possession for a long time. This ability has attracted the attention of the military ... although there's a stronger connection to the military than Jackson realizes at first. Hector blackmails Jackson into helping him stop a murderer, but over the course of the investigation, Jackson and Hector begrudgingly become friends. They both have a sarcastic wit that helps them deal with stressful and undesirable situations.

All Seeing Eye had a bit of a slow start with setting Jackson's background, which lasted a couple of chapters, but once it hit upon his adult life the story began flowing. Rob Thurman is an excellent author and has definitely become one of my must-reads. His style of storytelling is unique and witty. He supplies twists and turns at moments when you least expect them. I was kept entertained and did not want to put the book down. I highly recommend this novel to all of you suspense-lovers out there.


*A paperback copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

{Blog Tour/Review} Rosemary Opens Her Heart by Naomi King

ISBN #: 978-0451237972

Page Count: 304

Copyright: November 6, 2012

Publisher: NAL Trade

Book Summary:

(Taken from Amazon)

Zanna Lambright is finally marrying Jonny Ropp, and friends and family have come from far and wide to celebrate. Among them is young widow Rosemary Yutzy, mother of toddler Katie, whose husband was tragically killed last fall. With a willing heart Rosemary has taken over care of her in-law's family and continued to run a baked goods business from home, but privately she still mourns her lost Joe ... and is unprepared for the changes that are coming ...

Rosemary's father-in-law wants to merge his lamb-raising business with Matt Lambright's - a move that will require the Yutzys to relocate from their nearby town to Cedar Creek. Moreover, it will bring Rosemary into constant contact with Matt, who is making no secret of his romantic interest in her. The challenges of contemplating a future unlike any she expected are overwhelming for Rosemary. And although Matt is strong and kind, his courtship is so persistent, she often wants to run the other way. As Rosemary struggles to see beyond her immediate joys and sorrows, will she embrace the outpouring of welcome and support from the people of Cedar Creek ... and accept this new chance to open her heart to a more abundant life?

Mandy's Review:

Cover/Title

The cover is pretty and shows the simple beauty of the Amish life. Rosemary didn't wear colored dresses until close to the end, but I suppose if she was shown wearing black on the cover it wouldn't have represented how she opened her heart, ain't so?

Plot/Main Characters

I get the impression that Rosemary does not handle change very well. Instead of dealing with the situation, she tends to either run away or get busy doing something so her mind's occupied. With her husband dead, she's focused all her time on everyone else's needs and has no idea what she wants for herself. So when Matt begins showing her some special attention, she's flustered and scared. Katie, though, helps her mom see the man Matt really is by trusting in him so much and listening to him as if he were her own dat.

Not only does the story focus on Rosemary and Matt's situation, but it also progresses Abby and James' situation as well. We first met Abby and James in Ms. King's novel Abby Finds Her Calling. James was supposed to have married Zanna, but Zanna had gotten pregnant by Jonny Ropp during her rumspringa. They had a little boy, Harley, and decided to get married. James forgave Zanna for her betrayal and the two are still friends. In this book, James realizes that Abby was better suited for him all along. They grow closer together, but are taking their time.

Overall

I grow very nostalgic whenever I read an Amish story. I think if there were such a thing as reincarnation, I would want to come back Amish. Their simple life is so refreshing that I yearn for it every time I pick up a Naomi King or Charlotte Hubbard novel. Granted, a novel does not always reflect real life, but I would still be interested in giving it a go.

This is another excellent, engrossing novel by Naomi that is pure and sweet and wonderful gut ... and, yes, I've used some Amish throughout.

Author Info:

I've called Missouri home for most of my life, and most folks don't realize that several Old Order Amish and Mennonite communities make their home here, as well. The rolling pastureland, woods, and small towns along county highways make a wonderful setting for Plain populations - and for stories about them, too! While Jamesport, Missouri is the largest Old Order Amish settlement west of the Mississippi River, other communities have also found the affordable farm land ideal for raising crops, livestock, and running the small family-owned businesses that support their families.

Like Abby Lambright, heroine of my new Home at Cedar Creek series, I consider it a personal mission to be a listener and a peacemaker - to heal broken hearts and wounded souls. Faith and family, farming and frugality matter to me: like Abby, I sew and enjoy fabric arts - I made my wedding dress and the one Mom wore, too, when I married into an Iowa farm family more than thirty-five years ago!

When I'm not writing, I crochet and sew, and I love to travel. I recently moved to Minnesota when my husband got a wonderful new job, so now he and I and our border collie, Ramona, are exploring our new state and making new friends.

To find out more about Naomi, please visit her at http://www.naomikingauthor.com/. Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NaomiC.King or on Goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5163868.Naomi_King.


*An ARC of this novel was provided by the author for the purposes of this tour and in exchange for an honest review.

{Review - Mature Audiences Only} Tell Me More by Janet Mullany

ISBN #: 978-0373605583

Page Count: 352

Copyright: July 19, 2011

Publisher: Spice

Book Summary:

(Taken from Amazon)

Jo Hutchinson is obsessed with a man she's never seen - only heard. Her late-night calls from the office to the mysterious "Mr. D." grow increasingly intimate, until they finally become full-blown phone sex. Still, Jo doesn't dare meet him. Instead, she embarks on a series of sizzling sexual escapades with other guys, sharing every sweaty moment with Mr. D. afterward, a passion-by-proxy arrangement they both get off on. But even as she's charting brave new naughty worlds, Jo knows that it's all really for Mr. D. Every pleasure she experiences - eagerly, athletically, vocally - is to please him.

Immersed in fantasy, reality just slips away - even the chance at that elusive combination of love and lust. Her new tenant, Patrick, an Irish hunk in geek's clothing, is totally into her. And in her lucid moments, Jo knows she feels the same. Can she tear herself away from her kinky dreamworld long enough to appreciate what's right in front of her? Or has Mr. D. ruined her for real life?

** Read at your own risk ** Review is for mature audiences only **

Mandy's Review:

I knew when I decided to review this book that it would have some sex-scenes in it. What I wasn't prepared for was a plethora of sexual situations. I felt like I was watching an orgy of horny teenagers while they were on ecstasy. Every time I flipped the page I was reading about dicks and pussies and people coming. There were also some BDSM scenes that, while admittedly arousing, was a little shocking.

I always have enjoyed erotica as long as it had an actual plot to it, whether it be video or books. Despite all the blatant sexuality, I did enjoy the storyline to this novel. The electricity between Patrick and Jo was sizzling. I was a little weirded out that Patrick had his foreskin (probably because I've never seen a guy with one). I also get a little tired of reading erotica novels where the guy has a huge dick. Let's be real, ladies ... how many guys have you known in your lifetime that have been enormously hung? I can tell you, in my lifetime, I've experienced that only once and he was so enormous that I had to tell him to stop once we started having sex. I don't mind a little stretching, but I prefer not to be torn from my cootie-coo to my butthole.

Okay, I realize that last may have been too much information, but I was simply trying to make the point that enormously well-hung men just don't happen every day. Yet they seem to pop up in every erotica story you read. It just gets a little tiresome. Show me an erotica author that can take an average-hung guy screwing the mess out of some dame and I'll be turned on more by the reality of that than what appears to be the norm in these stories.

So, simply put: If you like the usual erotica stories with skinny girls and well-endowed men mixed with a little phone sex and BDSM, then this one's for you.


*An ecopy of this novel was acquired through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

{Blog Tour:Excerpt, Guest Post & Giveaway} Gilded Wings by Amy Lignor

We are very excited to be kicking off this wonderful tour!!!! Each day a blog will have an excerpt from the new novel. If you start with us and read them each day, in order, the story will begin to be revealed. How cool is that?!! Everything you need is below - Enjoy!

Book Info:

Ebook ISBN #: 978-0985792220

Ebook ISBN #: 978-1301335541

Page Count: 275

Copyright: November 1, 2012

Summary:

The Beloved Angel-Warrior Team from Until Next Time Returns!

When Matt and Emily are sent on their second mission they have no idea how truly dark human nature can become ...

Emily never wanted to face humans again. With the heartache that went on down below, she's still trying to figure out how to save souls that don't deserve saving. The only one she wants to see again is Jason - the young man she fell in love with who became the soulmate she simply can't forget ...

Matt was trained to protect and defend the souls down below. Longing to feel the heartfelt emotions that come from being human, Matt wants nothing more than to have just one life - one chance - to live and love the girl of his dreams ...

The powerful team find themselves in a brand new century, living in the Gilded Age of New York City. Emily takes over the body of Anya, a young Russian girl who arrives on Ellis Island after a hideous tragedy. There she meets up with a strangely familiar young man by the name of Drew Parrish, who helps Anya survive in an unknown world of luxury, snobbery and ... obsession.

What Anya's inner angel doesn't know is that the soul she loves is also back. This time around Jason goes by the name of Max Carrow. Once a quiet and kind boy, he's now part of the 'Four Hundred Club,' and wants nothing more than to be among the most admired as he climbs the shaky ladder of society's elite.

As two worlds merge, Emily and Matt struggle under the weight of their Gilded Wings. Not only will they have to figure out who they should fight to save, but they must also face a romantic choice that could destroy them both.

Until Next Time: The Angel Chronicles, Book 1 Buy Links:

Kindle      Nook      iBookstore      Smashwords      PDF

Gilded Wings: The Angel Chronicles, Book 2 Buy Links:

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Excerpt:

The first time down there, my partner and I lived, loved, fought and retired gracefully - the four ingredients that make up a life well-lived. But the second time ... well ... the second time was when we grew up and split up, stuck in a frightening world that was growing larger and angrier by the minute. We were sent to a country that was in the clutches of a population explosion - the first of many - where millions of new souls, who had their own views on the way life should be lived, came across the ocean on leaky deathtraps to get a taste of freedom. That's all Matthew and I ever wanted, but we found out the second time around that freedom isn't all it's cracked up to be.

This second trip included so many excuses. There were so many obvious factors working against us before we even arrived. The pressures of a growing world being transformed by the miracle of technology; the harsh bigotry of the 'fancy few' who were the only ones allowed to walk on the streets paved with gold; and, most importantly, the social classes that divided the country, relegating strangers to the lowest rung on the ladder.

I've watched people overcome shoddy beginnings. I've also seen people left behind in the shadows of the crumbling tenements; people who'd given up the fight and succumbed to the weight of poverty and oppression. And it's gotten worse.

List of all the Tour Stops:

Guest Post: The Allure of Romance

Ever since 'Romeo and Juliet' had their tragedy, the romance novel has been the lure - the draw - for many readers. So it came as no surprise that when old Edward & Bella came along, love grew even more exciting for readers because one character was already dead, so they actually HAD the ability to live in each other's arms for all eternity.

Romance is one of those rare things that make people forget. In other words: Heart comes to life and brain can take a day off. No, I'm not saying that when you're in love you're no longer intelligent. What I'm saying is that when you feel protected, excited and when you're falling in love with that soul mate you've waited for such a long time, your brain knows that 'all is right with the world.' When that occurs a great deal of pressure is taken off your shoulders, because you now have that ultimate partner who will help, protect and offer that look in his/her eyes that you believed only came when 'Once Upon a Time' was spoken.

As a person who came from a family that had those huge romances - the two sets of grandparents who were always loving and kind to one another, and the mother and father who quite literally would check on each other while they were in the same room by looking over and giving a smile when needed - I was blessed to see the fact that real romance was certainly available and was a gift that you could find if you tried.

When I think of Matthew and Emily, I think of that partnership. Yes, there is the lure, the drama, excitement, hardship - everything that life offers when it comes to the two of them trying so hard to figure out how to be soul mates while doing a job that must be done correctly. But watching them be everything from friends to partners to enemies, makes my heart grow. As the writer, even as the words come out and are placed on paper, I am rooting for them. Emily has a tough time, seeing as that she's been in love with Jason 'down below' and has had that feeling of perfection. She is loyal, which means she can't just wave off that lifetime and forget that he was her first, magical love. And I feel for Matthew a great deal. He's had lives, he's had romance, but when it comes to the ultimate partnership, Emily is the only one he wishes to stand behind to support, in front of to protect, and, finally, by her side so that they can face things together.

I don't know what will happen to these two. Yes, I am the creator, but their hearts can walk down a different path in what seems like seconds sometimes as the story offers a twist or turn that I didn't even know was coming. But, in the end, Matthew and Emily have joined the category of star-crossed lovers. They are knee-deep in a romance we all long to have, because their souls ARE one! Perhaps, for them, the third time will be the charm.

Until Next Time, Everybody,
Amy
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