Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

I'm going to start doing a Friday Giveaway so for our first of these, I am giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky person.  To enter, all you have to do is comment with your email addy!  Giveaway ends at midnight CST and will be announced & contacted Saturday morning.  Good luck :)

Finding Unauthorized Faith in Harry Potter by Nicole L. Rivera

Book Description:
The Harry Potter story as a guide to life's deepest truths, offering inspiration about faith, friendship, courage, loyalty, love, and other wisdom of the Bible. Advice on how to to live like Christ and Harry Potter heroes.

My Thoughts:
I was completely intrigued when I saw this book and have to say that it didn't disappoint in the least!  Nicole Rivera's book takes the Harry Potter books and links them to Bible Passages in a devotional book.  The devotional is easy to read and follow.  There are links between scripture and what she is telling.  While this is a devotional, it is not written from a 'high and mighty' standpoint but from a humble one and I completely and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I adore the Harry Potter books and while there was a lot of controversy and such, I had never read any of the books about it one way or the other.  I had seen the good qualities of the characters but I had never actually linked it to the Bible.  That being said, now that I've read this book, I can completely agree with the author (Nicole Rivera) in her comparisons.  I love the passages of the stories (yes she uses all the HP books) and then follows it up with scriptures that make you say 'oh, yeah'!  I think everyone needs to read this devotional because 1. you will enjoy it and 2. it will make you take a look at yourself and the world around you.
Absolutely a 5/5.  This is staying on my bookshelf!
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.

Elijah, God's Mighty Prophet

Book Description:
When Elijah tries to convince the Israelites to stop worshipping idols, King Ahab won’t hear of it. In this Level 2 I Can Read written and illustrated in the tradition of the bestselling NIV Adventure Bible, beginning readers learn about the epic challenge between Elijah and King Ahab and the false god, Baal.

My Thoughts:
This is a good telling of the story of Elijah.  I liked that my 8 year old had little to no trouble with the words used so he understood the story.  He read it out loud to me and liked it.  The story went through the drought, the lady that helped who had only enough for her and her son bread one more time, the alters and prophets of baal.  I think the story is well laid out and follows the Bible story quite well.  
God's miracles are still awesome and I love these books and listening to my children read them for themselves.
It was a 4/5.  Good telling of this Bible story on a child's level. 

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

Dark Hearts by Sharon Sala

Book Description

Some lies never stay buried 

Betsy Jakes was having nightmares, nightmares that could solve a decades-old mystery. And for someone in her small town, that meant she had to die.
When Sam Jakes returns home to help his brother solve their mother's murder, two things shake him to the core. This crime is clearly the work of a serial killer who has struck twice before. And…Lainey Pickett is still in town. The woman he walked away from without an explanation years ago has just walked back into his life. She still holds a grudge—and his heart.
As Sam digs deeper into the murders and thirty-year-old secrets begin to emerge, he finds himself racing against time not only to catch a killer but to keep Lainey, the only woman he'll ever love, from falling victim, too.

My Thoughts:

This was a great book.  Betsy is having nightmares of a night that happened years before.  She is murdered and Sam comes home to help his brother figure out why.  It looks like a serial killer has been killing people from Betsy's high school class one by one.  Lainey is Sam's old flame and is still in town and hasn't forgiven him for never coming back for her.  As the investigation progresses, it becomes obvious the killer isn't done yet.
I really liked Lainey.  She is a beautiful, strong woman who has been through quite a bit in her life.  Sam is awesome and a hot mess.  I like how they don't just automatically come together but have to work out their issues.  The killer isn't done with his cover up and Sam's investigation puts him and Laniey in the line of fire.  The author threw in some twists that I wasn't expecting in the story that I really liked.  Plenty of danger, romance, and family.
Absolutely a 5/5. Amazing ending to this 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.

Soulspark by Eliza Tilton

Book Description:
Dealing with the loss of her mother, seventeen-year-old Jessica Stone tries to find an escape from pain by secretly medicating herself with Xanax, but the anxiety increases, crushing her and her grades.
Then she meets Caleb Jonas, the pastor’s son at her mother’s church. Between his cute dimples and love of fast cars, Jessica is completely smitten, and the feeling is mutual. But dating a Christian boy isn’t easy. He doesn’t party, and he never goes past first base. Jessica struggles with his faith, since it makes her question her own, but for the first time since her mother’s death, she can breathe. Life is finally shifting into a state of happiness.
But the differences between them grow until one act of betrayal forces to rip them apart forever. Hurt and love collide into a storm neither can break free from, and Jessica must decide if she’s ready to trust her heart, one last time.

My Thoughts:
This was a good, quick read.  Jessica is lost after her mother dies.  Panic attacks, depression and hanging out with people that aren't exactly a great influence are the new norm for her.  Then she meets Caleb.  He is the new preacher's son and on the 'straight and narrow'.  Her life slowly levels out and she is happy, until the unthinkable happens and sends her into another downward spiral.
I liked Jessica.  She felt such deep emotions and had so many problems that it was hard not to feel bad for her.  Caleb was a good, calming influence on her and I really liked Ray as well.  Ray was much better than I anticipated him being.  I wasn't a Jason fan and his attitude really stunk.  The story line was a roller-coaster and it was a fast ride.  The author does a great job of making you feel the characters' emotions.
It was a 3/5 for me.  I enjoyed the writers style and the way she made you feel what the characters did.
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.

The Avalon Relics Lailan Crown by J.L. Clark

Book Description:
Sophia Bennett has barely come to terms with the aftermath of her battle with the Dark Ones when she receives word that the Council of Elders has requested her presence in Avalon. Once there, Sophia finds herself contending with more than just an impending quering with the realm's most powerful faeids when Ariella and Nathaniel Fey extend an offer to host her during her stay. 

A series of unexpected and threatening events unfold before Sophia can meet with the Elders, and soon she is tasked with discovering the location of the second sacred relic, the Lailan Crown. Armed with the first piece of the Origo key, Sophia and her friends must race to find the remaining five pieces and retrieve the crown before the Dark Ones make their move. 

Will Sophia succeed in recovering the Lailan Crown, or will the strain of being the electus drive her past the point of no return?

My Thoughts:
I couldn't wait to read this book.  Sophia and her friends are still at the school but her presence has been demanded by the Counsel of Elders for a quering.  While she and those with her are not comfortable with it, they go to Avalon.  There she finds there are a lot of things she doesn't know about her faeid life and those of her friends and family.  Her life is in danger from a number of sources and her heart even more so.  She now must find all the pieces of the Lailan Crown to save her people, but the Dark Ones are after it too.  
This book was exactly what I wanted it to be.  There was love, anger, fear, romance, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and more.  Sophia feels isolated and like she is having to do everything by herself, and I think that was part of the test.  There were times I wanted to hug her and times I wanted to smack her (Michael too for that matter)!  I still love the world that the author created and want to visit again really soon to see how it all ends.
This was a 5/5 for me.  I cannot wait to see what happens next to Sophia and her friends.

The Lost Ones Cover Reveal!

TITLE: The Lost Ones
SERIES: Intertwined Seduction (Book 3)

AUTHOR: H.S. Strickland

GENRE: Romantic Suspense

IMPRINT/PUBLISHER: EDGE, Bison Publishing 

RELEASES: May 24th, 2016

SYNOPSIS

Dakota: 

I've ran away from the horrid, sad things of my past for nearly a decade. All of that changes when my past, specifically Caden, re-enters my life. There is something he doesn't know, but how do I tell him? How do I tell a man that he lost someone he didn't even know existed? How am I supposed to tell him something that will break him? And how do I get over him crushing my heart? 

Caden: 

I've been running from the pain of heartache for a decade. Running is no longer an option when my battle buddy's girl introduces me to the woman that caused all of my heartache. She tries talking to me, but I want nothing to do with her. After all, she is the one that caused me years of pain. But all of that changes with two simple letters. I can no longer run, but face the truth head on.

Two letters changed their fate. 

Two letters tore them apart for ten years. 

When they finally reconnect, old secrets are brought to life and test their strength. 

Can they push past the secrets together or will it tear them apart again? And what happens when an old, nasty enemy is out for blood?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

H.S. Strickland is from a small town in South GA called Brunswick, but moved to SC when she was in her early teens. She has three daughters, a husband and too many animals to count. H.S. has always had a passion for reading, but recently starting writing, although it has always been a dream. Her Nanny always told her to follow her dreams, which is how she got into writing. That and her characters were nagging to have their stories told. If you can’t find H.S. behind the keyboard making magic, you will find her chasing her daughters around the house. If not that then curled in her big red comfy chair reading. She loves alpha-males who are almost ass holes, but still have a sweet spot for their woman. She has loved the entire journey to where she is now and couldn’t thank y’all enough!

FOLLOW THE AUTHOR 

Facebook: http://bit.ly/1NwwDvS
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1SiM9xw
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/23X82K0
Website: http://bit.ly/1YCct9s

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER

Facebook: http://bit.ly/bisonpubfb

Twitter: http://bit.ly/bisonpubtw

Website: http://bit.ly/bisonpubweb

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/bisonpubnews

Cupid's Quest by Lori Soard

Book Description:
The only life Gracie has ever known has been the nursing home and the residents who are like family to her. Now, she risks losing it all and her friends scattering to different homes if she can’t come up with the money to save the business.
Between caring for his ailing mother and running the family farm, Brandt is stretched thin. Too thin. When his mother begs him to enter a local scavenger hunt, win the prize money, and convert the farm into an orchard, he knows he can’t refuse her anything, so he reluctantly agrees.
While seeking clues to the scavenger hunt, Gracie and Brandt keep bumping into each other. Gracie’s always had a crush on him that keeps her from stringing two coherent words together. Brandt doesn’t understand why she dislikes him so much she won’t even talk to him. If the nursing home residents would settle down and stop getting into crazy shenanigans long enough, the two might figure out that they have more than a little in common. 

My Thoughts:
This was a good one.  Gracie loves the people in the nursing home like family.  It crushes her that in the next 60 days, she has to come up with the money to make good on her debt or these people will have to find somewhere else to go.  Brandt has plenty to do without his mother's crazy idea he needs to go on the scavenger hunt.  With both Gracie and Brandt need the money from the scavenger hunt to keep their lives afloat, they keep running into each other.  Maybe they will find more than just money along the way though.
Brandt is a very family oriented man, taking care of his mom and I love that.  Also the way Gracie loves her charges at the nursing home is warming.  Each of them have their own place in her heart and some of them quite a bit of attitude! The fact that God and faith is woven through the story was wonderful to me. Watching the story unfold made me smile.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Thank you to the publisher/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.

Inspired by Frost Cover Reveal!

INSPIRED BY FROST

Book 3 in The Crystal Frost Series

by Alicia Rades

Crystal Frost has grown accustomed to the supernatural, but months of passive paranormal activity have left her believing her mother’s wedding will be a breeze. That changes when a ghost named Melissa shows up in Crystal’s dressing room while she’s picking out her maid of honor dress. Crystal takes on this new psychic mission without question, immediately determined to save Sage, the girl Melissa warned her about. But how do you save a girl from a deadly fate when you don’t know how she’s going to die?

Releases June 14th, 2016

Check out the trailer!

If you haven't started the Crystal Frost Series you can start now for FREE! All are available on Kindle Unlimited as well.

Fire in Frost - Permafree

Desire in Frost - $2.99

Inspired by Frost Releases June 14th - Pre order

About The Author

Find Alicia on her Website / Facebook / Goodreads / Instagram

Alicia Rades is an award-winning young adult paranormal author with a love for supernatural stories set in the modern world. When she's not plotting out fiction novels, she's running her own professional writing business, plowing her way through her never-ending reading list, or preparing for the backpacking trips she takes every summer. In college, Alicia majored in communications with an emphasis on professional writing. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two cats.
Don't miss a thing related to Alicia's books. Sign up for her newsletter

Kangaroo Reads!

Today on the blog I'm happy to share about an exciting new website and newsletter for book lovers - Kangaroo Reads!

Each weekday, Kangaroo Reads provides an exciting assortment of new releases, books available for pre-order, sales and freebies for readers to choose from - all delivered right to your inbox. From there, you can click straight to Amazon and other retail sites to download your copy of the books that interest you. It's that easy!

You can sign up here.

Kristine Raymond, the owner of Kangaroo Reads, is an author and reader herself. She knows the challenges that authors face when trying to promote their books and she knows the struggles readers face in finding quality books. Retail sites don't always make it easy simply because there are so many books out there, but with Kangaroo Reads you get an amazing selection of books every weekday for you to choose from. Grab the ones that you think you'll love, and pass on the ones that aren't for you.

If you're an author or publisher and would like your book(s) featured on Kangaroo Reads you can find more information here.

Kangaroo Reads Giveaway

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Kangaroo Reads Tour Giveaway

Beyond (Crossroads Book 3) by Mary Ting

Book Description:
Torn between the past she can't remember and a future she isn’t ready for, Claudia feels at a loss. With unanswered questions, she is certain there is more to her past than just being a venator. Finding the missing pieces in her life won’t be easy because duty calls. When mysterious dark shadows get released, an apocalypse sets in motion. The venators and the alkins must work together once again. Knowing Claudia would be the key to destroying the demons that were released, a familiar stranger appears to protect her. Drawn to the beautiful angel, Claudia finds she must unravel the mysteries of her past in order to help save the world. Who is the angel assisting her and why does she feel a strong connection to him? Time is running out. Will she discover all the secrets before it’s too late?

My Thoughts:
Such a good story.  This book picks up right where Between (book 2) left off.  Claudia cannot remember her past.  Well, she can remember parts of it but she KNOWS she is missing something major.  Her heart doesn't feel right.  She remembers Austin and some of the others but when she meets a stranger and feels her heart stir, she knows he is what she is missing.  As she tries to figure out what is true and what isn't, she realizes she has to save the world from a horrible evil.
I couldn't wait to start this book as soon as I finished Between.  Claudia doesn't remember Michael or any of their friend.  It is killing Michael to not have her in his life, but he has sworn to protect her no matter what.  He trusts Austin to keep her safe but not to keep his hands off her.  There is evil stirring again.  Claudia feels great and has abilities she never imagined but at the same time she feels like a part of her is missing.  Loved how the author got through the problems they were having and I can't wait to read the next one!
Absolutely a 5/5.  You won't want to stop reading once you start this series.

Monday Survival Guide by J.H. Glaze

Book Description:
Just Another Panic Monday. 
On any ordinary Monday, anything can happen. Who in their right mind would ever expect the morning routine to be interrupted by an alien invasion? 
Two brothers realize something is wrong when an EMP event renders every electronic device useless, but only one of them has a plan: Get home to his family and the stockpile of weapons and food he has stored for such an emergency. 
Once they hit the road, the source of their predicament becomes clear. Alien pods swarm above the sea of stranded commuters, grabbing the unfortunate, and taking them to a massive ship hovering above. 
With miles to go and danger at every intersection, their chances of survival are slim, but with a little luck they just might make it. 
Or not. 

My Thoughts:
This was a good book.  Monday's stink anyway but especially when there is an alien invasion.  What do you do first?  Two brothers face this question when an invasion happens.  People start getting snatched up left and right and these brothers struggle to get home.  Aliens are everywhere and survival isn't guaranteed, or even likely!
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book since it is my first time reading this author, but it was really good.  The book starts with action and doesn't let up.  Really I never anticipated enjoying an 'alien invasion' book but this was good.  There was blood, family, twists and turns and really you just need to read this one.4/5. Highly entertaining book that you won't want to put down. 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.

Angels in the Bible Storybook by Allia Zobel Nolan

Book Description

Where were the angels when God created the world? Why did an angel force a donkey off a road? Who did the angels get out of jail twice? Young readers will find answers to these and other questions in this exciting storybook, written by bestselling author Allia Zobel Nolan with illustrations by Alida Massari.Angels in the Bible Storybook gives children a fascinating look into how God’s powerful behind-the-scenes helpers interacted with Bible greats from Abraham, Lot, and Gideon to Zechariah, Mary, and Jesus himself, acting as messengers, protectors, warriors, and more. 

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book.  The illustrations were great.  I loved how the book focused on scriptures where the accounts of the angels were located. As an adult, I enjoyed reading through these and looking at the pictures.  My children enjoyed 'seeing' the angels and listening to the stories from the Bible.
This was a 4/5 for me.  I enjoyed reading about the angels.

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.

Back in the Saddle by Ruth Logan Herne

Book Description:
The Prodigal Is Coming Home 
It’s been a long time since Colt Stafford shrugged off his cowboy legacy for shiny Manhattan loafers and a promising career on Wall Street. But when stock market manipulations leave him financially strapped, the oldest son of legendary rancher Sam Stafford decides to return to the sprawling Double S ranch in Gray’s Glen, Washington. He’s broke, but not broken, and it’s time to check in with his ailing father, and get his legs back under him by climbing into the saddle again.
 He doesn’t expect to come home to a stranger pointing a loaded gun at his chest— a tough yet beautiful woman that Sam hired as the house manager. Colt senses there’s more to Angelina Morales than meets the eye and he’s determined to find out what she’s hiding...and why. 
 Colt’s return brings new challenges. Younger brother Nick has been Sam’s right-hand man at the ranch for years and isn’t thrilled at having Colt insert himself into Double S affairs. And the ranch’s contentious relationship with the citizens of Gray’s Glen asks all the Stafford men to examine their hearts about what it truly means to be a neighbor.  And as Wall Street recovers, will Colt succumb to the call of the financial district’s wealth and power—or finally the courage to stay in the saddle for good?

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book.  The author did a great job of setting up a new series here by introducing us to the Stafford boys.  Colt is the oldest and has come home after having issues with his job and being needed.  He came back to his family being different and a woman he never anticipated encountering.  Angelina is just what Colt and his family need.
I really liked how realistic these characters were.  They were flawed and had their own issues.  Colt came home to everything being different.  His family has it's issues and this is a good prodigal son book.  Angelina is strong in her faith where Colt isn't.  The overall theme of forgiveness is good.  I really liked the characters and the ranch that this author created.
A 4/5 for me.  I look forward to the next in this series.

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

Between (Crossroads 2) by Mary Ting

Book Description:
As the alkins head back to Crossroads, Claudia leads her normal life; but not for long. Having a special soul, Claudia attracts danger, and she soon finds out who Gamma asked to watch over her. The Twelve, known as Divine Elders on Earth, are very much involved when they find out that Aliah, one of the God's first angels, escaped from the Abyss when the gates were opened by Aden. Needing Claudia's soul to escape the only place Aliah can reside-a place between Heaven and Earth-he sends his demons in search of all Claudia Emersons on Earth. Taking her soul will enable him to be released from Between and cross over to Crossroads, which would give him immense power. As more secrets are revealed Claudia learns about the venators-nephilim, demon hunters. Now two opposing forces must work together in order to save Claudia and humanity from the most dangerous angel ever created. But along the way, trust becomes a big issue. Will love be enough to keep Claudia and Michael together? Who will make the ultimate sacrifice? Who will betray them all?

My Thoughts:
I had to start this one immediately after reading Crossroads and it didn't disappoint.  Claudia's life isn't in immediate danger so she is to live life like normal.  She won't see her guardians as often.  At least until she is once again in trouble which seems to happen to her a lot.  There is a new threat  that will force two groups to work together who don't play well with others.  The whole group is back and determined to keep Claudia safe as her power grows, but will it be enough?
Claudia is coming into her own and I love that.  The author did a good job surprising me on several occasions through this story.  We met some new characters, some I loved, and some I despised.  Michael is still more determined than ever to keep Claudia safe.  Davin is back and better than ever, along with the rest of the crew.  I absolutely hated/loved the ending of this book.
A 5/5 and I cannot wait to continue the series!

Crossroads by Mary Ting

Book Description:
Can two worlds collide in dreams? 

Protecting her from the fallen was his duty.
Falling in love was never part of his plan.
Loving her was forbidden.
Being with her was all that mattered, even if it meant he would be exiled for all eternity. 

Claudia Emerson's life is about to change when her good friend, who coincidentally shares the same first and last name, dies in a tragic accident. Distraught at the loss of her friend, Claudia's dreams become tumultuous, and through them she mysteriously travels to another world called Crossroads. There, she unexpectedly meets Michael, a nephilim--half angel, half human. Now that she's been there, fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special, and it is up to Michael and the other nephilim to protect her. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most.

My Thoughts:
Great start to a promising series!  Claudia's life is spiraling out of control.  Her best friend, with ironically the same name, dies in a car accident.  Then, her dreams pull her into the Crossroads.  She meets Michael there and he is rude.  She finds out he is a half angel and half human and that for some reason the Fallen are after her.  Michael's job is to protect her, but he has feelings for her.  His feelings are against the laws he lives by and it could mean terrible consequences for both of them.
I absolutely loved Michael from the start.  He is so conflicted about loving Claudia that you can feel it.  Claudia is just as gone for him.  Michael's friends are wonderful and I adored each one of them.  I think Davin was my favorite of all of them just because he is so 'in the moment'.  I wasn't sure about Austin, but I think he is going to turn out ok.  The story is great, taking place mainly in our world but a few glimpses into Crossroads.  Claudia's life is important to all of the guardians and they will do whatever they have to, to protect her.
It was absolutely a 5/5 for me.  And I've already started on the second book.

The Daffodils Still Grow

Book Description:
The Daffodils Still Grow is a full-color illustrated book that portrays life after a loved one dies as seen from the observations of a motherless child.

My Thoughts:
This was a good little book. The author wrote it from her experience losing her mother and it is to help young girls who have experienced that loss. The illustrations are very well done and the story while sad, is well written. There comes a point in the story where it becomes more uplifting and encouraging. I think a lot of young girls who lose their mother would benefit from reading the book, but it could also be used just as a teaching/helping tool if used correctly. Overall, I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.
I rate it a 4/5. It is a well written and would be beneficial book.

Thank you to the author/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.

Hold Your Breath by Katie Ruggle

Book Description:

In the remote Rocky Mountains, lives depend on the Search & Rescue brotherhood. But in a place this far off the map, trust is hard to come by and secrets can be murder...

As the captain of Field County's ice rescue dive team, Callum Cook is driven to perfection. But when he meets new diver Louise "Lou" Sparks, all that hard-won order is obliterated in an instant. Lou is a hurricane. A walking disaster. And with her, he's never felt more alive...even if keeping her safe may just kill him.

Lou's new to the Rockies, intent on escaping her controlling ex, and she's determined to make it on her own terms...no matter how tempting Callum may be. But when a routine training exercise unearths a body, Lou and Callum find themselves thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a killer who will stop at nothing to silence Lou-and prove that not even her new Search and Rescue family can keep her safe forever.

Search and Rescue:
On His Watch (novella)
Hold Your Breath
Fan the Flames
Gone too Deep
In Safe Hands

My thoughts:

Thoroughly enjoyed this one.  Lou is new(ish) to the area but she is on the ice dive rescue team.  While practicing a rescue, she comes across a horrible discovery!  Cal is her boss and with the problems Lou suddenly has, he has decided to stay close to her.  In fact. he decides to stay extremely close.  There is someone out there trying to kill Lou and it may be more than Cal can handle to keep her alive.

I really liked Lou.  She is strong and determined.  She didn't cave when she found a dead body, but decided to handle it like a pro.  I really liked the whole group of characters in this book.  There were some that I really liked and some I couldn't stand, but overall they were good.  I really liked Cal and how he took care of his team.  The whole story unfolded quickly and I didn't want to put it down.

It was an absolute 4/5 for me.  I'm excited to see who the next book is about.

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.

Bitter Bite by Jennifer Estep

Book Description

Which is stronger: blood ties or a battle-tested friendship? That’s the question Gin Blanco asks when a friend’s long-lost relative strolls into town. The suspicious reunion is a surprise for everyone—and a big problem for Gin. Book fourteen in the New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series RT Book Reviews calls “unbeatable entertainment!”
It’s not easy being queen bee of an underworld abuzz with crooks and killers. Wielding my potent Ice and Stone elemental magic will only get me so far—my real secret is my tight-knit makeshift family, a motley crew of cops and criminals, dwarves and playboys. My foster brother Finnegan Lane is my right-hand man, but when his suddenly not-dead relative comes back into the picture, I’m the one on the outside looking in.
It’s funny how life works: one minute your best friend is rock-steady, and the next he’s doe-eyed and buying into this whole loving-relative routine to the point of ignoring you. I’d like to be happy for Finn, I really would. But all of my instincts are telling me that beneath the syrupy sweet demeanor and old-fashioned charm, this sudden interloper is planning something. The whole shtick leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This person might have avoided the grave once, but I’ll put anyone who hurts Finn in the ground—for good.

My Thoughts:
I was so excited for this book!  Gin is back and still the leader of Ashland's underworld.  Her wonderful sister, assistant and boyfriend are there.  So is her brother, Finn.  The problem is, Finn's mother, who is supposed to be dead, is back as well.  She and Finn have built a relationship that threatens Gin, but there is something more to it.  Gin doesn't trust her, but is wondering if it is because of Fletcher's warning or just her insecurities.
Gin is still a kick butt assassin, leader of the underworld and fierce friend.  I still love her and Owen together, and the call backs to previous books.  I felt so bad to Finn wanting his mother's love so badly.  I also loved that Gin was determined to help Finn regardless of if he wanted it or not.  The characters in the book are family and have each other's backs no matter what and I think that is why I adore this series.
It was a 5/5.  If you are already a fan of the Spider series, you will love this one, if not, start with book one and it is great.

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.

Cursed by Christina Bauer

Book Description:
Most days, Elea couldn’t care less about having Necromancer magick. Who needs to conjure skeletons and sprits when you’re a farm girl? Elea only uses her powers to speed up chores and scare off suitors.
Everything changes when the evil Necromancer Tsar curses Elea. Now, she only has five years left before she burns as a ghost, tortured for all eternity. They say there’s nothing she can do, but Elea disagrees. She decides to embrace her Necromancer powers, train as a magickal assassin, and kill the Tsar… All before his curse kills her. Impossible as it may sound, Elea thinks she has it in the bag, but then everything goes horribly wrong. 
That’s when a handsome mage named Rowan steps up to help. Elea wants an ally, but she doesn’t need all the mixed-up feelings that come along with Rowan’s crooked smile.
An assassination mission is no time to fall in love, but Elea’s heart may have other ideas…

My Thoughts:
Great book!  Elea is cursed.  She has no way to escape the curse but to kill the man who cursed her.  To do that she must become a trained Necromancer, but does she have enough time?  Her plan is iffy at best but then she meets Rowan and things change.  Her plan changes and perhaps her heart as well.  Rowan is a Mage who has a power unlike anything Elea has seen before.  Together they are in a race against time to lift the curse on Elea and free the land.The whole cast of characters was great to me.  Elea is strong and doesn't exactly fit what a Necromancer should be but she is the best out there.  Rowan is just as strong, if not stronger, and dedicated to his people and Elea.  Together they are unstoppable.  I loved Rowan's group, I liked them all...well most of them.  There was one, but I think he is going to grow on me as more happens in future books.  There is plenty of action, magic, suspense, love, romance, and friendship through this book and it is woven together in a wonderfully addictive way.
Absolute 5/5 for me.  I cannot wait to see what happens next with these characters.

Thank you to the author/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.

Redemption (Dueling Dragons MC Book Two) by Angie Sakai Reveal!

Redemption (Dueling Dragons MC Book Two)

By: Angie Sakai

Publisher: Booktrope

Release Date: May 2016

Cover Designer: R.A. Mizer with Shoutlines Design

Ryder thought this last run was going to be simple, but little did he know that what was about to happen would not only test him but test the whole Dueling Dragons MC. 

Follow along with the MC and Ryder as they are pinned brother against brother, leader against leader and lastly lover against lover. Will Ryder find his way out of this to get back to Faith? Or will he be left to ride alone again?

Angie, a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, can usually be found snuggled up on her couch with her husband and fur-babies watching Netflix or screaming herself hoarse at a rock concert. She is an avid reader and her favorite genre at the moment is Erotica. She has been writing for years as a way to cope with life and finally realized her dream of publishing her novels. She loves a great story with tough as nails characters who have heart. The grittier, the better.

Social Media Links:

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon

Hosted By:

Saving My Heart Release Day Blitz with Jenn Leigh

Title: Saving My Heart

Author: Jenn Leigh

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb: Cassie Bradley had been through hell and back, suffering the worst types of atrocities at the hands of her former foster family. After becoming a runaway, a chance run-in with her actual family had made Cassie’s dreams come true. Years later, she headed off to college to new friends, new experiences, and a seemingly fresh start on life. Just when you thought things had settled down for Cassie, though, the darkness of her past came creeping in. 

Noah Grainger was the typical all-American college student: great friends, star baseball player, studied hard and played harder. The start of his sophomore year was looking awesome … until he met Cassie Bradley, the painfully shy girl he just could not stay away from. 

Cassie and Noah worked through many obstacles in their new relationship, but when her dark past reared its ugly head, would they survive the fallout? 

Jenn Leigh is an administrative professional by day and a domestic engineer by night with a splash of author when the time is right. Married with two children, when not wrangling her kids and people in her profession, Jenn likes to read, write, go to the movies, and play sports. She plays soccer, volleyball, and flag football on a regular basis. 

Jenn has always had a knack for writing, but she admits to being scared of the process, and as a result, she tamped down her desire to write until recently. When a story needs to come out, it just makes itself known, and thus started Jenn on her journey to becoming an author. Her goal is not fame or fortune, just for readers to enjoy the story as much as she enjoys writing it. 

Author Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenn-Leigh-Au- thor/655347554593823

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1RAyhOP

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/a uthor/show/7567274.Jenn_Leigh

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorjennleigh

Web: https://authorjennleigh.wordpress.com/

Buy Links: US: http://amzn.to/1RAwZDr

Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01D98SXGC< /o:p>

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01D98SXGC

 “I think we need to celebrate,” Noah stated as we sat together on the front step of my house, needing some alone time.

“What? Why?” I questioned.

“To turning over a new leaf, a fresh start—you name the phrase. Let’s go and celebrate it. I want to take you out some-where nice.” Noah watched my face for a reaction.

I can honestly say that nothing seemed to faze Noah, and that scared me. Mostly, it was because all of this was foreign territory. I had taken to heart everything he had said to me in the woods that day, and I was still trying to be less … stand-offish. However, it was hard to switch gears from what you had always known to trying out something new. 

“Stop over-thinking it and let me do this for you. You deserve it.” Noah really didn’t have to convince me. I just needed to convince myself that I was worth it. I wasn’t there quite yet.

I blew out a breath. “Okay.”

I heard Noah let out a big breath as he got up from the step. “Great. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

I looked back at him, confused. “That’s, like, four hours from now.”

“Yes, it is, Sherlock. Now go and get dressed.”

I scoffed. “I don’t need four hours to get ready.” 

“Ah, ah, ah, beautiful. No thinking bad thoughts. Go and take a nap or do something else with the four hours. I’ll be here at seven.”

The next thing I knew, his lips were on mine. 

To say I was shocked was an understatement, and my first response was to push him, which I quickly did. 

He moved back just enough to gauge my reaction, stating, “I’m not sorry I kissed you.” 

My lips were warm and tingly where his kiss lingered. I touched them to see if what I was feeling was real. I mean, his touch always made me feel warm and tingly, but I needed to know I wasn’t imagining that feeling. 

I watched his eyes dance with mirth and something else while he watched me work through my thoughts. Then I pulled him back to me and looked in his eyes. The look he gave was an approving one. Little did he know it was sheer curiosity that made me do it. 

I kissed him this time, bringing my hands up to his neck and lightly touching his hair, not really sure what to do with my hands. This made him hold me to him more tightly, but it also freaked me out a bit, so I pushed him back again. This time, our labored breathing was equal. 

Noah stood to his full height. “I don’t have words, Cassie, but I can tell you with absolute certainty that I have never felt like that from just a kiss.” It was barely above a whisper, but his sentiment was loud enough for me.