Heiress Behind the HEadlines by Catlin Crews

Book Description:
Haunted by one scandal too many, tabloid-savaged and vulnerable, Larissa Whitney turns her back on her gilded fortune. Desperately hiding from the paparazzi's relentless cameras, Larissa escapes to a small, secluded island, seeking refuge. But she's not alone—instead, Larissa finds herself face-to-face with Manhattan tycoon Jack Endicott Sutton.Now she's trapped on an island with a man she had a wild affair with five years before.…

A man she's still achingly attracted to. A man who knows the outrageous truth!



My Thoughts:
I barely made it through this book.  Larissa has determine to reinvent herself so she has hidden away on an island and has managed to run into the one man that can get to her.  The decision she made came after realizing that no one cared what happened to her.  Now she has to convince herself she is different and BE different so the rest of high society will believe it.
You get to know the characters in this book quiet well.  Larissa and Jack both grew up in high society which was interesting that both came from wealth and privilegde and neither was happy.  Honestly, I didn't like either of them.  Larissa was trying to better herself and I think that is great but when she got with Jack she let him call her horrible things, demean her and she still slept with him and stayed with him.  He was rude and obnoxious and suddenly at the end it was all ok because he realized he loved her.  Just not my thing.
I rate this a 2/5.  I only rated it that high because I actually made it through because I honestly wouldn't reccomend it.

Thank you to netgalley for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Blogfest 2012!!!

I have 3 Options for Blogfest this year :)  Leave me a comment and let me know which you would prefer or all 3 of them and a winner will be selected by randomizer at the end of the hop!  US entries only please and be sure to leave an email address so I can contact you if you are a winner!!!

Option 1:
Nowhere to Run by Nancy Bush (ARC) and All the Pretty Hearses by Mary Haheim.













Option 2:
Reap What you Sew by Elizabeth Lynn Casey and Dread on Arrival by Claudia Bishop

Option 3:
 The Playdate by Louise Millar and Grandad, There's a Head on the Beach by Colin Cotterill

Continue on the Blog Hop!!
JennReneeRead
Jaclyn's Musings
Parent Palace
Double Crossing

Witness by Jamie Magee

Book Description:
Forgetting who you are is hard, but not as hard as remembering. Remembering that you have no idea how to face your demons, how to save the lost.
Charlie is at a sacred threshold.
The ‘glass box’, as she calls it, is slowly falling. Her childhood has ended. The moment she has yearned for, the moment where she can go and do anything, anything at all without seeking permission is now. She’d dreamed of this time, all of her friends had, but now that it’s here, she doesn't know which way to run, or if she should even run at all.
Charlie knew that running would be a goodbye forever, and she didn’t want that, she wanted to freeze the time she was in, to stay in the calm before the storm, the illusion that she could out wit the ones who seek her, hold the one she loves, and play the music that gives her passion. She’ll soon discover no one can hide from their fate, that time does not stop in place, and that whether she chooses to perceive it or not, the darkness has come.
What Charlie feared most, losing him, is a threat now more than ever. A realm, a dark and twisted dream world has called him, and now she must fight to save him, and others like him. Standing in her way is a soul from another life, a boy that promises that he will destroy her world, to save her life. With this threat in hand, with the dark path that her friends are on, Charlie must fight to find a way to leave, to trust that beyond her dimension there are souls that can help her, help all of them. The only question is, will she find them before it's to late, and if she can't, how is she going to use her gift, the gifts they all share to save them.

My Thoughts:
Great!  This book is a continuation of 'See' and picks up where that book leaves off.  Charlie is missing pieces of memory again but maybe more than she or anyone around her knew.  Draven is in a dark place and has pushed her away only she doesn't realize the significance of that.  The two demons are still around but so are some new 'friends'.  How will they get through to all those that need help and save themselves?
Charlie's luck stinks, but she is still fearless and strong.  I loved all the other characters were back, some of them changed but still there.  Her father is still intriguing me.  Silas was interesting and I want to understand more about him.  The whole new group of characters gave a new depth to the story as does Chara.  I'm dancing around just waiting for the next installment in this series!
I rate this a 5/5.  I'm ready for more!!!

Chosen by Sable Grace

Book Description:
The ranks of tough, beautiful, and sexy heroines who battle supernatural evil have grown since the early days of Buffy the Vampire Slayer--and none are tougher than author Sable Grace's half Vampyre-half Lychen warrior Kyana. Paranormal romance fans who regularly devour the bestselling novels of Jeaniene Frost, Pamela Palmer, and Sherrilyn Kenyon will be mesmerized by Chosen, Grace's third breathtaking Dark Breeds adventure. This time her unstoppable avenger takes on her new role as Goddess of the Hunt, joining with Ryker--the new Zeus and Kyana's one true love--to save the world from vampires, demons, shapeshifters, and all manner of supernatural creatures of the night, in a battle that could carry them to the fiery depths of Hades itself.

My Thoughts:
I waited completely impatient for this book and it didn't disappoint!  Kyana is now the goddess of the hunt and learning as she goes.  Problem is, she didn't just bring her best friend back from the island, she brought evil.  Ryker, her lover and now the new Zeus is adjusting to his new role and having to keep Olympus together.  All the while, Kyana and her friends search for the evil so they can stop it before it is on their doorstep!
I was super excited to have Kyana back.  She has changed some to fit her new role but is still the same kick-butt character she has been.  Haven was back and completely different.  I was glad to catch glimpses of the old Haven but loved how the change has made her completely different.  Ryker was having problems with the new role but he handles himself in his strong assured style.  The storyline was great and I laughed, stressed and even cried. 
I rate this a 5/5.   I just wish there was more in the series!!

See by Jamie Magee

Book Description:
Forgetting who you are, your ambitions, your passions is crippling….but remembering – embracing your purpose with a new sense of determination is more than empowering….it's life altering. Charlie Myers is on a life altering path that will cause the dammed to humble in silence.
One night…just a few friends, how could it go so wrong? That was the question seventeen year old Charlie Myers was asking when she found herself in the ER. Outwardly nothing was wrong with Charlie, she was a vision of perfect heath, internally she was battling a raging headache…one the doctor told her she would overcome shortly, but Charlie knew something else was wrong …very wrong.
Part of her had been stolen…she was missing memories. Those memories were sacred. They held the key to her sanity. They told her that the sinister whispers, the shadows that came to life before her were not as ominous as she felt they were. They held the bond with her late father, a famed musician. They caused her to forget the one talent that allowed her to face the darkness that haunted her every waking hour. They also masked a much deeper bond, the face of the one that had stolen her heart, long before the age of seventeen.
Sitting in the ER with her angry mother she couldn’t figure out what she was missing, or even how. Her thoughts told her that she needed to protect Britain, a friend of hers, but that didn’t make any sense – Britain didn’t need to be protected from anyone, he was strong, young, and absurdly wealthy. Charlie also knew that even though her friend Bianca called Charlie her best friend, she didn’t trust her …she was almost sure she despised her, but she couldn’t figure out why, or understand how random thoughts were telling her that she adored both Britain and Bianca – that they were her saviors – that they brought silence to the unstoppable whispers, but the silence scared Charlie. In her mind anyone or anything that could bring silence to something that dark could not be good.
Charlie wanted to stay in NY, figure out what she was missing, why, and who was behind it all, but her mother had other plans. Against her will, Charlie was sent to Salem to live with her sister, within that small town Charlie found her memories and so much more.
Her story begins now.

My Thoughts:
Love this book!  Charlie comes to in the hospital completely confused.  She needs her music to keep the shadows that whisper to her at bay.  Except when she is around her two new friends that may be more enemy than friend.  Her mother, sister and best friend want her home and away from New York, but she is determined there is something in her lost memory that is calling for her to stay.  Going home raises more questions than answers and she realizes that she may have lost more in her memories than she'd ever believed.
Oh my!  I loved all the characters in this book.  Charlie has her issues but she is strong.  Bianca is evil but Britain is like her but not exactly.  Madison is great, a strong and artsy friend.  Aden I thought was adorable.  Charlie's father and mother fit perfectly for what she is/needs.  Draven is understanding, and unique.  I enjoyed the whole storyline and can't wait for more!
I rate this a 5/5.  LOVE the spin off :)

Sudden Death Playoff by Brian Strangman

Book Description:
PRO GOLF STARS, ACTION-CRIME-TERROR
Jack Ballantyne of the Australian Federal Police is on exchange as a special investigator with the FBI. At the same time he is following the career of sensational rookie golf star, Gary Sands.
New York, Los Angeles, Kiev, and Florida’s Alligator Alley provide the backdrop to FBI investigations into a major Russian based crime syndicate, with an unlikely connection to the USPGA Tour.
Mike Peters, renowned sports photographer and a partner in the international crime consortium uses the prestigious Pro Golf Tour as cover, through which he maintains a host of big-time connections in sports, business and government, to smooth the way for his group’s illicit trade, including the ruthless elimination
of those who seek to expose him.
A trail of homicides in Sydney Australia, Rio Grande Puerto Rico, Jersey City New Jersey, and Oakville Ontario, become known as the “Golf Murders”. Each killing has occurred in conjunction with a major golf tournament being held at the same time, in each of those cities.
Fast paced blistering action and blood-curdling horror, with loads of sexual tension, mark Ballantyne’s introduction to the international crime scene.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book!  It starts out with murder and doesn't slow down.  Gary Sands is the new amazing golfer and he meets Kate, a beautiful and talented journalist.  The Golf world may have become a dangerous place to be.  Jack Ballantyne is in New York instead of his home of Australia because he is on exchange with the FBI.  He and the FBI team he is working with are investigating murder, Russians, and how it all ties together. 
I enjoyed the alternating stories and venues, the different storyline and views make each one believable.  I also liked the different locations the author takes you to:  Australia, New York, Hawaii...you get to travel the globe!  There are a lot of major players in this book and you get to know each of them well and slowly understand how everything is linked.  I liked how the story unfolded and look forward to more of Jack Ballantyne.
I rate this a 4/5.  I will definitely read more from this author.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Moonlight by Katie Salidas

Book Description:
Good girls don’t wear fur, or fight over men, and they certainly don’t run around naked, howling at the moon.

But then, no-one ever called Fallon a good girl.

As a human unofficially mated to an Alpha werewolf, Fallon is being pressured to “become”...or be gone.

Her mate Aiden, the interim leader of the Olde Town Pack, is in a position that demands he either choose a wolf mate...or leave the pack forever. No matter how hot the sex with Fallon is, he can’t ignore centuries of tradition.

Become a wolf or not. If only the choice were that simple. Fallon’s options are further clouded by the overt presence of other females desperate to be the Alpha’s mate. And when these bitches get serious, it’s not just claws that come out. If Fallon wants to keep her man and take the title she’ll have to exert a little dominance of her own.

My Thoughts:
Wonderful novella addition to the series!  Fallon is in love with a werewolf.  The problem is he isn't just any werewolf, he is the leader and so he has to have a werewolf mate...which Fallon is not.  Her choice seems simple.  Become a werewolf and spend her life with Aiden or leave.  The problem is the deadline and the line of women/wolves waiting impatiently to take her place!
I was soooo happy to revisit the vampire/werewolf/witch world that Salidas has created in our own little world.  Fallon's story while short, was great.  There is tension, love, passion, sex (and plenty of it!), pain, betrayal.  It is all here and I was super excited to catch back up with a few of the others from the series and see how they are doing.  While her choice seems simple, Fallon has a lot to contend with to get to her goal and even Aiden doesn't understand how much is standing in her way.
If you haven't read the series before this book, I rate it a 4/5.  You will still enjoy it but you need to read the whole series.  
If you've read the series, it is absolutely a 5/5!  I can't wait for more!

**This book contains Adult Content**

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

River's End by Melody Carlson

Book Description:
In the final story of The Inn at Shining Waters, Anna Larson's granddaughter Sarah is beginning to find her independence. But her relationship with her parents suffer as a result and she travels away from all that is familiar.
While the solace of the river calls Sarah back, surprises await upon her return. Three generations of family heartbreak and disappointments converge at Shining Waters as Sarah finds God right in the center of it all.

My Thoughts:
Enjoyable.  Anna's granddaughter Sarah has returned home.  While she is back, she is also different.  Her grandmother's Inn in Shining Waters is home and there are some unexpected things for Sarah to deal with.  Now, she has to contend with forgiveness or lack thereof and other factors that she doesn't anticipate.
I love Anna.  She strong and so wants her daughter and granddaughter to resolve their differences so much.  Sarah was a headstrong and lovable character.  I loved how the author wove God and forgiveness throughout the story.  I am glad that this book was a stand alone book but I do plan to read the earlier two and then this one to get to know the characters in depth.I rate this a 4/5.  It was a good read.

Thank you to PumpUpYourBooks for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Deadly Descendant by Jenna Black

Book Description:
An ancient evil is unleashed in the modern world— unless one fearless P.I. can hunt it down. . . . Nikki Glass, Immortal Huntress, returns in this new novel in the acclaimed series by Jenna Black. As a living descendant of Artemis the Huntress, private investigator Nikki Glass knows how to track someone down. But when an Oracle shows up, warning the Descendants about wild dog attacks in Washington, D.C., Nikki is afraid it might be a trap. The Olympians believe the “dogs” are really jackals, controlled by a blood-crazed descendant of the Egyptian death-god Anubis. Whatever. . . . If Nikki hopes to muzzle Dogboy, she’s got to catch him in the act. But when she stakes out a local cemetery, she ends up face-to-snout with a snarling pack of shadow-jackals whose bite is worse than their bark. These hellhounds are deadly—even for an immortal like Nikki. “Dog” spelled backward may be “god,” but that won’t stop Nikki from teaching these old gods some new tricks. Like playing dead.

My Thoughts:
I completely enjoyed this book.  Nikki hasn't been an immortal for long but she has already found some significant information.  She has also made some significant enemies.  Now there is an immortal out there attacking men once a week with a pack of dogs...or at least that is what the Olympians are saying and what the news is reporting.  Now, Nikki has to track this guy down and stop him before more innocent lives were lost.
I still like Nikki.  She is a kick butt character with lots of spunk and determination.  The Olympians we get to know are interesting and I want to know more about them as well as Nikki's group.  The twists through the story are good, most I didn't see coming.  The author does a good job with all her characters and making them real, well as real as immortal characters can be, and making them fit into the roles they have.
This was a 5/5.  I can't wait for the next one!

A Man of Honor by Loree Lough

Book Description:
On a steamy spring morning, Dusty Parker part-time pastor, part-time search-and-rescue team member, and full-time administrator of a school for troubled boys joins the search for a missing teenage girl. He partners with volunteer and inner-city school teacher Grace Sinclair, and what they find bonds them in ways neither could have expected. As they begin to build their lives together, a visitor from the past causes Dusty and Grace to further open their hearts and home. But a threat is looming on their seemingly perfect lives and in one terrifying night, everything changes.

My Thoughts:
Overall, I liked this book.  Dusty meets Grace on a SAR job.  She is the teacher of the missing girl they are looking for.  The two of them have a connection but that is all.  Now, they have to come together again to fight a bigger battle and see if their 'love at first sight' is real.  The problem is the bigger the battle, the bigger the danger and anything can happen.  Ok, I'll get the 'grouchy' part out of the way and say I didn't like the ending one bit!  That being said, I loved how the author puts so much life into her characters.  They were all real, the story had several twists and turns that were completely unexpected, there was suspense, danger...and not the least of all, romance!  Dusty and Grace both have pasts but the fact they are doing something so wonderful with their lives now is really an inspiration.
Really, I want to rate this book low because I didn't like the ending, BUT the rest of the book was really good and the ending wasn't BAD, I just didn't want it!  So this is a 4/5 but not a keeper for me.

Thank you to PumpUpYourBook for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Cover Reveal!!! Reaping Me Softly by Kate Evangelista

Book description: 

Ever since a near-death-experience on the operating table, seventeen-year-old Arianne Wilson can see dead people. Just as she’s learned to accept her new-found talents, she discovers that the boy she’s had a crush on since freshman year, Niko Clark, is a Reaper.

At last they have something in common, but that doesn’t mean life is getting any easier. All while facing merciless bullying from the most powerful girl in school, Arianne’s world is turned upside down after Niko accidentally reaps the soul of someone she loves. This sends them both into a spiral that threatens to end Arianne’s life. But will Niko break his own Reaper’s code to save her? And what would the consequences be if he did?

Thank you to AToMR Tours for providing the information used in this post.

House of Mercy by Erin Healy

Book Description:
When Beth's world falls apart, can she ever be whole again?

Beth has a gift of healing-which is why she wants to become a vet and help her family run their fifth-generation cattle ranch. Her father's dream of helping men in trouble and giving them a second chance is her dream too. But it only takes one foolish decision for Beth to destroy it all.

Beth scrambles to redeem her mistake, pleading with God for help, even as a mystery complicates her life. But the repercussions grow more unbearable-a lawsuit, a death, a divided family, and the looming loss of everything she cares about. Beth's only hope is to find the grandfather she never knew and beg for his help. Confused, grieving, but determined to make amends, she embarks on a horseback journey across the mountains, guided by a wild, unpredictable wolf who may or may not be real.

Set in the stunningly rugged terrain of Southern Colorado, "House of Mercy "follows Beth through the valley of the shadow of death into the unfathomable miracles of God's goodness and mercy.

My Thoughts:
This was a good one! Beth's family owns and runs the Blazing B ranch. She has a way with the animals and is determined to be a vet and help her family's ranch. When she makes one bad decision while helping a friend, the series of events that occur could cost her family everything they've worked for. She is determined to right the wrong she has caused no matter what it takes!
I really enjoyed Beth. She was a well developed character for one and for another she was real. She had real problems and she tries to do the right thing only to have it go completely wrong. All of the characters you meet in the book are written well and completely realistic (well, except maybe the wolf ;) ). The author takes you on twists and turns throughout, but you never lose focus on the fact that God is mercy. I think different people reading this book will walk away with different things but I love that!
4/5...I enjoyed the book and plan to read it again to see what else I come away with!
Thank you to B&B Media Group for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore

Book Description:

Once you’ve seen, you can’t unsee. Everything changes when you’ve looked at the world through . . .

ANGEL EYES

Brielle’s a ballerina who went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She’s come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can’t seem to shake.

Jake’s the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.

Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what’s going to happen. And a beauty brighter than Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.

A realm that only angels and demons—and Brielle—can perceive.

My Thoughts:
Intriguing and nice start to a series.  Brielle has returned home to Oregon after a terrible tragedy.  With all that has happened, she feels cold and doesn't have much belief in God.  Coming home she meets the 'new boy' at school, Jake.  He's an intriguing guy who is more than he seems and gives her an amazing gift.  There is a darkness that pushes at them and wants to use them.
Brielle's story unfolded in a mysterious and very good strategic fashion.  I thought the author did a wonderful job with all of her characters and weaving an original story.  I loved Jake and Brielle's father, there were some unexpected twists and some development that was obvious.  Overall, I thought the strong faith element in the story was handled well, without pushing a particular belief or religion.
I have to give this one a 4/5.  I enjoyed it, but I can see how others will have a problem with it.  Honestly, I can't wait for the next one!

Thank you to Booksneeze for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund

Book Description:
High-Stakes Drama Meets High-Tension Romance 
In 1883 Michigan, Lily Young is on a mission to save her lost sister, or die trying. Heedless of the danger, her searches of logging camps lead her to Harrison and into the sights of Connell McCormick, a man doing his best to add to the hard-earned fortunes of his lumber baron father. 
Posing during the day as a photographer's assistant, Lily can't understand why any God-fearing citizen would allow evil to persist and why men like Connell McCormick turn a blind eye to the crime rampant in the town. But Connell is boss-man of three of his father's lumber camps in the area, and like most of the other men, he's interested in clearing the pine and earning a profit. He figures as long as he's living an upright life, that's what matters. 
Lily challenges everything he thought he knew, and together they work not only to save her sister but to put an end to the corruption that's dominated Harrison for so long.

My Thoughts:
This is a page-turner book!  Lily is an orphan and is determined to find her sister who has run away.  She and a close friend, Oren, have traveled to logging camps taking photographs and looking for Daisy.  When she reaches Harrison, Michigan, she meets Connell McCormick.  Connell is the boss and a good man.  He does turn a blind eye to the terrible evils that go on around him but Lily's appearance changes his world completely.
Lily is such a wonderful, strong character.  I love that she is out championing for the rights of others and determined to save the world even if she is alone!  Connell is a good man and really a great male 'lead'.  The author did a wonderful job making all the characters real and the story line flow flawlessly.  The human trafficking angle hit home for how long it has been going on and how real of a problem it has been for years,  not just now.  Overall, I loved the book.
I rate this a 5/5.  It was a wonderful book that will stay stay on my shelf.
Thank you to Litfuse for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.