Killer's Law by L. Ron Hubbard

Book Description:
Sheriff Kyle of Deadeye, Nevada has traveled to the nation's capital to personally bring evidence against one of the state's wealthiest copper kings. But instead of giving his findings to the senator he's supposed to meet, Kyle discovers a trail of blood moments before he's knocked unconscious.

Kyle awakens to the flashing bulbs of reporters and harsh voices of police demanding to know why he's killed the popular politician. Things look particularly bleak—he's got no alibi, no memory of who knocked him out, and his five-inch knife is sticking out of the corpse—casting all suspicions his way.

ALSO INCLUDES THE MYSTERY STORIES "THEY KILLED HIM DEAD," "THE MAD DOG MURDER" AND "THE BLOW TORCH MURDER"

My Thoughts:
These were good mysteries!  All four of these short stories were entertaining and will take you back in time to solve the mysteries!  Kyle finds himself the suspect of a murder when he is there to bring evidence.  A dog is going to be killed for a crime he didn't commit. The audiobooks were realisticly narriarated and sound effects.  I listened to them on the way to work and back and my two kids and I enjoyed them!
I rate these a 5/5.  I completely enjoyed listening to these books!
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Forever FRost by Kailin Gow

Book Description:
Breena's entry into Feyland is marred by danger and beauty. A prisoner in her own palace, she longs to see and touch her forbidden prince Kian. Yet her heart is also still with her friend Logan. The discovery of a long-lost figure in Breena's life propels Breena into the heart of fae politics. In a stunning turn of events, Breena suddenly finds herself faced with the most heartbreaking decision in her entire life.
My Thoughts:
Loved this book!  It picks up right where Bitter Frost leaves off in Breena's story.  She deals with Pixies, both the Winter and the Summer Courts, the love of two amazing men.  Logan has been there her whole life and been her best friend.  Kian is her intended and magic is a powerful force.  An amazing series of evens leaves Breena making the most difficult choices she's ever faced.
I loved Breena and her attitude.  She takes everything she has to deal with quite well.  I loved one of the queens and couldn't really stand the other one.  Logan was great, such a powerful and wonderful friend.  Kian was great too, his love for Breena with its magic is wonderful.  I can't wait to see how the rest of the story unfolds.
I rate this a 5/5.  You will need to read Bitter Frost first but they are wonderful books!  I cannot wait to read the next book.

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.

GuestBlog by Author Vicky Savage

Good morning all!  Please help me welcome author of Transcender, Vicky Savage as my guestblogger today!!!

WHY I WRITE

by Vicky Savage

When I left high school I had one goal in mind—get a job. College was not an option since I couldn’t afford it. But, I never liked school anyway, plus I wanted my own money. Because I possessed good secretarial skills (and because I lied about my age), I quickly got a job opening new accounts at a branch of our local bank. The work was okay if uninspiring, but it soon became clear that my two bosses, the Manager and Assistant Manager, were complete morons. After a very short time I could no longer avoid the burning question: Am I willing to spend the rest of my life making less money than and taking orders from Moron 1 and Moron 2? The answer was a resounding NO!

It was evident I needed to get that little piece of paper called a college degree, or spend my life kowtowing to imbeciles. So I quit my job at the bank, joined the laborers’ union and got a job as a flagman on a construction crew. Working outdoors, with no dress code and no one looking over my shoulder, was freeing. I made enough money during the summers to put myself through college. But then the inevitable happened, I received my BA in Sociology and realized I was still going to be relegated to another low-paying, lackluster job unless I took my education even further.

Three years later, I added a law degree to my bachelors’ degree and started down the path of the big-time lawyer.  I landed a plum job clerking for a federal judge, who promptly informed me I was not allowed to wear pants in his courtroom. That was my first inkling that perhaps I was moving backward instead of forward. After that, I tried my hand briefly at criminal law, which lasted as long as it took me to figure out that my clients were, for the most part, well … criminals. So I moved on to practice business litigation with a large New York law firm and discovered that the clientele there was pretty much the same as at my old firm, only better dressed.

It took me some time, but I finally figured out it wasn’t the dress code, the clients or even the work that was the problem. It was me. In the eyes of the world, I was a giant success. But I wasn’t starring in the movie I wanted to be featured in. Eventually, I left the law to raise my two kids, which I’ve enjoyed tremendously. In the meantime, I began a writing career, and I’ve finally found what feels like my calling (okay, I’m a late bloomer). Writing is what gets me out of bed in the morning, makes me joyful (most of the time), and feels utterly right for me. People still ask why I do it when I could be making much more money as a high-powered attorney. I tell them it’s because I can’t not write!

The Magic Quirt by L. Ron Hubbard

Book Description:
Welcome to the wild, wild west. Old Laramie, cook for the cowpunchers at the Lazy G Ranch, happens to be in the right place at the right time to stop bandits from attacking a Spanish-speaking family with Aztec roots. The family offers Laramie a silver-mounted quirt as thanks, telling him the small horsewhip will make him a big man.

Though he'd never really thought of himself as anything other than old, Laramie accepts the idea that the mysterious quirt holds special Aztec magic; in fact, he thinks, with the quirt in his hands, he's now invincible. To prove this claim, Laramie sets out on a series of adventures showing that the quirt has given him extraordinary newfound bravery and skill—or has it? ALSO INCLUDES THE WESTERN STORIES "VENGEANCE IS MINE!" AND "STACKED BULLETS"

My Thoughts:
These were good books.  When his runaway wagon stops an attack, the happy family offeres Laramie a quirt as thanks.  He takes it and continues on his way, remembering what the man had told him about the quirt.  Laramie is a cook for the ranch on roundup and quits his job when he determines the 'magic' is true and happily sets about using it! 
The other two stories were good as well, Stacked Bullets having an ending that wasn't exactly what you expected.  The narriator did a good job with these, being each individual character and making you feel the story throught your speakers!
I rate these 4/5.  Good stories that keep you entertained on the drive!

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

Guardian by Heather Burch

Book Description:
Vigilance. The mission to safeguard Nikki Youngblood depends on the fragile alliance of two half-angel, half-human guardians, both struggling with intense feelings for the girl who has been assigned to their care. Mace, steadfast and deeply in love, wants to protect Nikki at all costs, while Raven's loyalty to Nikki finds him advocating for her independence and battling his own darker inclinations. At the same time, Nikki finds it harder and harder to choose between the two heavenly beings she may never have. Dangers intensify, and tensions between Mace and Raven flare as the purpose of their mission becomes clear. Can their defenses hold up to master manipulator Damon Vessler and the powerful secret he holds regarding Nikki's heritage? Can anyone protect Nikki from her true purpose and destiny?

My Thoughts:
Loved!  Guardian picks up right where Halflings leaves off.  Nikki is living with the halflings now and still struggling for her feelings for both Mace and Raven.  Both boys are on a mission from the Throne to protect her but the complications make working together nearly impossible.  Damon is still trying to manipulate Nikki and she is having to get used to her new powers.  But is there more to all of it than they know?
I couldn't wait to read this and it didn't disappoint.  Nikki is growing in her power and learning all she can.  Mace is still her guardian and support even if it hurts to be around and not really have her.  Raven still wants her and will protect her with his life.  Both boys are wonderful and I can understand her problem with having to choose!  The story line was great.  I loved getting to know the female halflings better and even Will.  Can't wait for the next one to be released!
I rate it a 5/5.  Great book but you will need to start with Haflings or you'll be kind of lost in this one.

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

Halflings by Heather Burch

Book Description:
After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with.

A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.

My Thoughts:
I completely enjoyed this book.  Nikki is a normal 17 year old girl.  Well, maybe not completely normal, she isn't all girly, nor is she a damsel in distress, and she does have a black belt.  Mace, Raven and Vine are halflings sent to protect Nikki.  No one is certain what danger she is in or if she is the actual target.  When she is attracted to two of her protectors, she must protect herself and both of them.
I liked Nikki.  Her attitude, her best friend...she just seemed like a real teenager.  All of the halflings were great.  I loved Mace's protective attitude, even if it did become a bit overbearing at times.  I liked Raven and his 'full of himself' attitude.  Vine you think of as a sweet kid until battle comes.  The author did a great job with grabbing  your attention right at the beginning of the book and keeping it throughout.
I rate this a 5/5.  I cannot wait to read the next in the series!

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

The Guardian Duke by Jamie Carie

Book Description:

The Guardian Duke is award-winning novelist Jamie Carie’s most exciting story yet, a uniquely arranged Regency-era romantic adventure where hero and heroine know each other through written letters but have yet to meet.

Gabriel, the Duke of St. Easton, is ordered by the King to take guardianship over Lady Alexandria Featherstone whose parents are presumed dead after failing to return from a high profile treasure hunt. But Alexandria ignores this royal reassignment, believing her parents are still alive and duly following clues that may lead to their whereabouts. Gabriel, pressured by what are actually the King’s ulterior motives, pursues her across windswept England and the rolling green hills of Ireland but is always one step behind.

When they do meet, the search for earthly treasure will pale in comparison to what God has planned for both of them.

My Thoughts:
This book was intriguing.  Alexandria is used to living alone, well not alone exactly but without her parents being present.  They are always going around trying to solve mysteries and at twenty, she has grown used to this.  Gabriel is the Duke of St. Easton and has been ordered by the King to be Alexandria's guardian.  He comes down with a strange illness and isn't able to see to her immediately so Alex takes it upon herself to find her missing parents, no matter where that may lead.
The characters in this story were very well developed.  Gabriel's illness was not what I expected it to be and the ramifications from it were very interesting.  I completely loved Montague.  He was such a strong protector and willing to do anything to save Alexandria.  I had issues with Alexandria, she lied and did whatever she deemed necessary regardless of the danger or consequences to herself and others.  Another issue I had was the story started out extremely slow, but it did pick up and the story line flowed well.
I rate this a 3/5.  It was intriguing but just didn't flow well for me.

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

Miss Fortuen Cookie by Lauren Bjorkman

Book Description:
Meet Erin. Smart student, great daughter, better friend. Secretly the mastermind behind the popular advice blog Miss Fortune Cookie. Totally unaware that her carefully constructed life is about to get crazy.

It all begins when her ex-best friend sends a letter to her blog—and then acts on her advice. Erin’s efforts to undo the mess will plunge her into adventure, minor felonies, and possibly her very first romance.

What’s a likely fortune for someone no longer completely in control of her fate? Hopefully nothing like: You will become a crispy noodle in the salad of life.

My Thoughts:
This was an enjoyable read.  Erin is in a 'smart kids' high school.  She and her two best friends are seniors and waiting for college results.  Erin also runs a very successful blog, Miss Fortune Cookie but only one of the friends knows about this.  She and the other friend were close once but issues have driven them apart.  When the not so close friend writes in to her column for advice, Erin gives it then everything goes crazy!
I enjoyed Erin's mind and how it worked.  The geeky star trek references in the book, I totally got and enjoyed!  Her two friends couldn't have been more different and I'm with her that I liked Linny more.  The entire story line was entertaining and enjoyable.
I rate this a 4/5.  Enjoyable, fun read!

Many thanks 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.

Return to Sender by Fern Michaels

Book Description:

At seventeen, Rosalind “Lin” Townsend found herself pregnant and alone. Her deeply religious father threw her out of the house, and Nick Pemberton, her baby’s father, refused to marry her. Yet even at the lowest point in her life, Lin vowed to succeed on her own terms, and to give her son, Will, all the love and happiness she’d been denied.

Nineteen years later, Lin has made good on her promises, and Will is about to start his freshman year at NYU. But when Lin visits New York with Will, she crosses paths with the one man she thought she’d never see again—Nick Pemberton, now a millionaire CEO, and the man who sent back all her letters unopened. Seeing him fills Lin with anger, and she resolves to right the wrong he did to Will. If she succeeds, like she has with everything else, the cost of revenge may be the loss of a bright new future…

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this book.  Lin was 17 when she got pregnant with her son, Will.  Over the years she sent letters to Will's father that were never opened and always marked 'Return to Sender'.  Now Will is in college in New York and she runs into his father, Nick Pemberton, while there helping Will get settled.  This starts a series of events that may just lead to the ultimate revenge!

I loved Lin and Sally's friendship.  Sally was the grounded friend who didn't mince words.  Lin was too softhearted in the beginning but she toughened up.  I didn't like Nick at all.  He was an arrogant jerk and though I did feel bad for what he was personally going through, I never could make myself like him.  The story line is great, not what I was expecting exactly so that made it even more interesting.

I rate this a 4/5.  It was an enjoyable revenge story!

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

Released TODAY!! Memoirs of a Mobster by Judy Serrano

Book Description:

Diego Montiago Jr. was groomed to run the largest criminal organization in both the United States and Mexico by the kingpin of the syndicate himself, who also happens to be his uncle. With no conscience or remorse he becomes a true killer with a reputation that keeps most people at a distance. The betrayal of his high school sweetheart sends Diego into a tailspin, which causes him never to expect love to be a feasible addition to his world. During a lavish birthday party for his mother, his best friend and cousin decides to collect on an overdue debt. Little does he know that this exchange will change him forever.   

In book four of the series Diego Jr. continues to protect his family and fill the shoes of the former Mexican Godfather, Diego Montiago Sr. His real father, who is the kingpin of the rival organization, begins his deceitful attack, causing Diego to choose his allegiance. The organization engulfs his life and the lives of those around him as the siblings begin to realize that things are not even close to what they appear to be. Will love find Diego Montiago after all? Only time will tell.

Katie Lane & Hope Ramsay Book Reviews!

Book Description:
Always putting business before pleasure, Cassie McPherson works hard for her family's construction business. That might explain why she doesn't have a date for the company Christmas party. But it doesn't quite explain why she's crazy enough to hire an escort for the event or - crazier still - why she's dying to unwrap him like a present . . .
With whiskey-colored eyes and a killer smile, James is one gorgeous hunk who really knows how to fill out a tuxedo. He charms everyone, including Cassie. And when the night ends, the party doesn't stop. As Cassie falls, literally, into his bed, James falls head over heels in love. Now he has to figure out a way to tell her the truth: he's not an escort. He's her family's fiercest business rival. But all he wants for Christmas is her . . .

My Thoughts:
I liked this one!  It really gets you into the Christmas mood. :)  Cassie is a workaholic.  Since her father's heart attack, she's been working even harder than normal.  Now, with the company Christmas party looming she hires an escort.  James is much hotter than any other escort and she can't seem to get herself under control around him (as if she wanted to!).  There is one major glitch, James  isn't an escort and is actually her family's biggest business competition.
I liked all the characters in this book.  Cassie's family was wonderful.  She was a bit too much of a workaholic but it worked out well for her!  Her brothers' being so protective was entertaining to read.  The chemistry between her and James was hot!  James...oh how marvelously written!  He makes you swoon even if he's just a 'novel' idea.
I rate this a 4/5.  It was enjoyable and highly entertaining.

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.

Book Description:
Dear Reader,
I've been wishing for a miracle for my oldest boy, Stone, and this Christmas my prayers might just be answered!

Her name is Lark, and she's here in Last Chance, looking into her father's past-and stirring up a whole mess of trouble without meaning to. As the chief of police, Stone sure has his hands full trying to keep up with her. Ever since his wife died, Stone's put everything into raising his daughters and dodging the Christ Church Ladies' Auxiliary matchmakers. And it's clear Lark has been through some trouble and could use a place to finally call home. I only hope Stone can let go of the past soon enough to keep her . . .
Goodness, I need to stop talking and finish up Jane's highlights so we can make the town tree-lighting. You come back by because the Cut 'n' Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, fresh-baked Christmas cookies-and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon,
Ruby Rhodes


My Thoughts:
I really liked this little Christmas tale!  Lark is in Last Chance only to spread her father's ashes and leave.  There is a glitch that the town remembers him and remembers him as a troublemaker and worse!  Stone is the Chief of Police and has had heartbreak and a bit of a tough life.  But he has his 2 wonderful daughters and the love of the town, now he just has to figure out what to do with Lark!
I completely enjoyed Stone's two daughters.  I was heartbroken for Haley and Lizzy was highly entertaining!  Lark's past intrigued me and made her more suited to Stone than I'd first thought.  Stone's past is tough to get over but he has enough people pushing him to do so, they just never expected HER.  The substory is good and I want to revisit Last Chance soon!
I rate this a 4/5.  It is apparently one in a series but stands alone quite well.

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.

**These books do contain adult content and situations**

Trouble in Texas by Katie Lane

Book Description:
THERE'S A FOX IN THE HENHOUSE
Inheriting the most notorious house of ill repute in Texas can spell trouble for a girl's reputation . . . especially when she's Elizabeth Murphy, Bramble's prim and proper librarian. Yet when she discovers a buck-naked cowboy handcuffed to a four-poster bed, she forgets all about the town gossips. Elizabeth has sworn off men, but the stranger's kisses melt her resolve faster than ice cream on a hot summer day.
Waking up in Miss Hattie's Henhouse isn't how Brant Cates reckoned on getting to the bottom of his great-granddaddy's murder. The plan was to solve the centuries-old crime, then get the heck out of Dodge. But after meeting Elizabeth and discovering that the buttoned-up beauty is a sexy siren in disguise, he just can't pull himself away.
Now Brant needs Elizabeth to finally put his past to rest, but is she willing to risk her future on Bramble's newest bad boy?

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book. Elizabeth has a nice quiet life that she enjoys as Bramble's librarian. She is happy with her single life and doesn't trust men or want one around. Then she finds a naked man handcuffed to the head madam's bed at a place she owns and has no interest in keeping. He is hot and makes her rethink her idea of swearing off men. Brant has issues with Bramble but maybe their librarian can change his mind.
I enjoyed all the characters in this book...especially the chicks. Brant has anger issues and Elizabeth has trust issues. That makes them perfect for each other. He can't ruin the town his brother has now moved to and grown to love or mess up the folks that live in it. Elizabeth can't bring herself to turn her back on the chicks in need. That means they have to work together and the chemistry is hot!
I rate this a 4/5. It is a fun romantic read!
** Available December 18, 2012**

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.

Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep

Book Description:

Seventeen-year-old Gypsy girl Gwen Frost has charmed readers with her snarky, self-deprecating voice and unusual powers since TOUCH OF FROST, the book that first opened the doors to Mythos Academy. With each installment, Jennifer Estep’s RITA nominated series has quickly gained popularity as word continues to spread about this school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where the students are taught and trained to become protectors of humankind when they “grow up.” In January 2013, Gwen returns with her gift of psychometry in CRIMSON FROST. 

Gwen should have known that her first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. She was prepared to get into a swordfight, or be ambushed by Reapers. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? She didn’t see that one coming. Gwen is accused of purposely helping the Reapers free the evil god Loki from his prison—and the person leading the charge against her is Linus Quinn, Logan’s dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks she’s guilty. If she’s going to get out of this mess alive, she’ll have to do it herself…

My Thoughts:
I loved this book!  Gwen and Logan are on their first date when the unthinkable happens...Gwen is arrested!  Not only is she arrested but she is accused of the terrible crimes her arch nemesis did.  The justice system in Mythos is much different than the world she grew up in but she is going to have to prove the case herself!
I loved the whole cast of characters!  Gwen is a bit out of step with the whole world she is still getting used to but she holds her own.  Logan is loyal as are all of her friends.  His father was a jerk but you could see the concern for his son throughout.  I thought the whole storyline was great and I want to go back and read the rest of the series and can't wait for the next one to come out!
I rate this a 5/5.  It was a great read!

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

Ice Cold by Cherry Adair

Book Description:
T-FLAC operative Rafael Navarro will never allow another woman to suffer the consequences of his dangerous life. But in a world where a terrorist can do more damage with a keyboard than a bomb, he needs the expert help of a cyber-geek. And fast.
Fellow operative, and cybercrimes specialist Honey Winston prefers computers to people. But when a serial bomber threatens the world’s financial infrastructure, she’s forced to work closely with Navarro, whose notorious skill in the bedroom is as legendary as his dexterity defusing bombs.
Honey and Rafael must fight sparks hot enough to melt their resolve, and push beyond fear itself, as they join forces in a bid to race the clock before a sinister and lethal bomber proves just how much they both have to lose.
T-FLAC is back, and the timer is counting down in the most pulse-pounding explosive op yet—

My Thoughts:
This was a great read.  Honey is known throughout TFLAC as the Ice Princess.  She is a cybercrimes specialist which means she is the best on computers TFLAC has.  Rafael is the 'bomb whisperer' and lives his life bold and somewhat reckless.  When the two of them come together for an Op, sparks fly and the Ice Princess may just melt.  Someone blowing up buildings and targeting them.  Honey and Rafael must move fast to stop this, no matter how personal it gets.
I completely enjoyed these characters.  Each one was unique and I just couldn't turn the pages fast enough.  Honey is proud of being emotionless, or at least seeming emotionless.  Rafael doesn't believe she really can be that way so he is determined to prove he can break down her walls.  There was plenty of action, tension, suspense and chemistry.  The story-line was smooth and kept you on your toes.
I rate this a 5/5.  I really enjoyed it and am ready for more from Ms. Adair!

Thank you to Pump Up Your Books (via 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.

**For my 'clean' book readers, this book does contain adult situations.**

Q & A with Katie Lane and Hope Ramsay!

Ashley Winters 12/9: Katie Lane

How do you come up with the ideas for your book? 

It usually starts with something thought provoking.  For Hunk for the Holidays, my husband and I were visiting Denver, Colorado, and we saw this ad for male escorts and these questions popped into my head:  Why would a woman hire an escort?  What kind of sexual freedom would it give you?  And after indulging in a little sexual freedom, wouldn’t you die of embarrassment the next morning?  Would you have to tip them?  How much?  And what would happen if you found yourself falling for this hunka-hunka-burnin’ love?  As I answered these questions, a story was born.    

How 'real' do your characters feel to you? 

Very real.  But I’m the type of writer that needs to get into a book for a few chapters (like six) before the characters fully take shape.  At that point, I’m pretty consumed with them.  I’ve even had a dream where I was one of my characters.  Weird, but true.  So yes, to me (and hopefully my readers), they are very real.

Are you sad when a series ends because you are done with those characters? 

So far, I’m still coming up with ideas for my Deep in the Heart of Texas series.  But I’m sure I’ll be sad when it does end.  My Bramble, Texas, characters have become family.

Thanks, Ashley!  And Happy Holidays Everyone! 

Love, Katie Lane

Ashley Winters 12/9: Hope Ramsay

How do you come up with the ideas for your book?

Music is my muse.  Whole stories will come to me sometimes when I hear a song that connects.  And I always have a playlist for every book.  In the case of Last Chance Christmas, the song that triggered the story was Allen Jackson’s “Monday Morning Church.”  It’s a haunting country ballad about a man who is unable to let go of his deceased wife.  And that describes Stone Rhodes, the book’s hero.  There are other songs that are important to Last Chance Christmas, and I blogged about this a number of months ago.  Follow this link to listen to some of the book’s playlist songs: http://hoperamsay.com/home.php/odds-ends/stones-playlist/

How 'real' do your characters feel to you?

If I’m successful the hero and heroine of a book will become completely real by the time I’ve finished a first draft.  That’s usually not the case when I’m first starting a story, even one that has been well plotted beforehand.  I have to spend weeks, sometimes, writing and revising before suddenly something clicks.  And then the characters move into some special place where they live and breathe inside my head.  Last Chance has a lot of minor characters, too, and they’ve been occupying space in my brain for so long, that they are like old friends.  Miriam Randall, the matchmaker in town, might as well be my great aunt.  And there are times I wish I could just drop everything and go visit.  For real.

Are you sad when a series ends because you are done with those characters?

Usually I’m not sad at all.  By the time I’m finished with revisions and edits I am tired of my hero and heroine and I’m glad to retire them to their pages and move on to something new.  Of course I will pop in from time to time to see how couples from previous books are doing.  And it’s fun to visit with them, but I never overstay my welcome.

Best,

Jihan

Under the Black Ensign by L. Ron Hubbard

Book Description:
Riveting, historical accounts of daredevils, pilots and brutal madmen... Tom Bristol's career as first mate of the Maryland bark Randolph abruptly ends during shore leave when he is press-ganged into serving aboard the British HMS Terror.

Toil under the cruel whip of England is merciless: Crew members are treated as little more than chattel—barely fed, made to work past the brink of exhaustion and kept in line with a cat-o'-nine-tails. Fate finally smiles on young Bristol when the vessel is overtaken by pirates and he gladly turns coat and joins them.

Yet Tom's new pirate mates desert him quickly after he's found guilty of killing a mutinous pirate and unwittingly harboring a woman on board. Marooned on a deserted island, Tom has nothing but a small supply of water, a gun and just enough bullets to kill himself. But Tom dreams up a devious plan that will return him to the high seas and make his past adventures pale compared to what he has in store for his many enemies. . . . "Beats any Pirates of the Caribbean story you will find." —Associated Content

My Thoughts:
Fun adventure!  Tom Bristol was already a member  of the British navy but his position is changed when he is kidnapped and forced to serve on a new ship.  He is about to be whipped for disobedience when they are boarded by pirates.  The pirates take Tom on and rescue him from his beating.  He is held in high regard on their ship until he is marooned because of murder and harboring a woman.  Now he has to come up with a way to get a ship and off the island!
I enjoyed Tom.  I rooted for him the whole time.  I really disliked the man who was going to whip him and the crew/ship-men who were prepared to just stand and watch.  The plot unfolded well and I couldn't wait to get in my car to listen to more.   The twists throughout were great and I rooted for the pirates more than the regular soldiers!!
I rate this a 4/5.  It was a good, entertaining audio book that my kids liked too!

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

True Grime 2: Angel Maker by Natasha Deen

Book Description:
For the last two years, human Aponi Runningbear has been training to be part of Grime, the magical police division tasked with protecting humanity from SOAP terrorists. But things aren’t going well. She’s barely keeping up with her studies, failing the physical component, and her Generalized Anxiety Disorder is making her bad days even worse. When her team is given the chance to find a missing coworker and stop SOAP from producing a DNA-altering drug that’s killing humans, Aponi grabs hold of the chance to show she’s meant for Grime. But as the investigation heats up, she’s forced to deal with the tormentor from her past, dead bodies, and the certainty that SOAP’s going to win this battle. Humanity’s dying, Grime’s in trouble, and she’s failing…does a foster kid really have what it takes to save the world and herself?

My Thoughts:
LOVED this book!  This is the sequel to Deen's True Grime and she didn't disappoint.  Aponi is now Grime Straddler in training.  She is having issues with multiple portions of it but she is defiantley smart enough, if she can get past her inner issues.  Right now someone is murdering teenagers with a DNA altering drug.  She must teem up with some characters from the first book and face more than she'd ever anticipated if her dream of becoming a Grime member is going to come true.
Aponi is such a determined character that you have to love her.  Pepper, Donovan, Harley, and many of the others are back and we get to continue their story as we learn the who, how and why of the drug makers are doing what they are doing.  I love that Aponi is able to face her worst fears and not give in to everything.  There are a couple characters you want to hate that you just can't but some that you really like and surprise you.  The storyline keeps you guessing and engrossed throughout. 
I rate this a 5/5.  I am so glad to have revisisted Grime and can't wait for more!

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.