Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Without Warning by Lynette Eason

Without Warning (Elite Guardians, #2)Book Description:
Taut Writing and Breakneck Pacing That Will Keep Readers Up All Night 
Katie Singleton, a partner with the Elite Guardians Protection Agency, stumbles upon her next assignment quite by accident. Spotting blue lights at a familiar restaurant, she stops to investigate, only to discover that owner Daniel Matthews has become the target of someone who will go to any lengths to put him out of business. 
Daniel might be concerned, but he's not convinced that a bodyguard--and a female one at that--is necessary. A new attack and his niece's urgings are enough to make him reconsider. He and Katie must figure out who's behind the intimidation and threats--before a would-be killer strikes again. 
Witty dialogue and a simmering attraction will have readers flying through this tension-laced thriller. Eason exercises complete control of her readers' emotions as they race through the pages to discover the truth.

My Thoughts:
Love this new series by Lynette Eason!  Such strong female leads and this book is no exception.  Kate is one of the Elite Guardians and she has found her new assignment with Daniel and his niece.  Daniel himself isn't a slacker.  He is a strong, confident man with the background that shows he can take care of himself.  I liked how he was also a caring and loving uncle.
Eason writes with a passion that makes you just want to devour the book.  I'm serious, her writing is addictive and her characters are ones you will fall in love with and root for.  I really liked how mature Daniel's niece was and thought her character was great.  There is plenty of action and suspense, not too mention questions that I just had to read faster and faster to get answered.  You really need to read this book!  
It was a 5/5 for me.  I am excited for the next book in this series!

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.

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Fatal Vendetta by Sharon Dunn

Book Description

Saturday, August 20, 2016

When Death Draws Near by Carrie Stuart Parks

When Death Draws Near (Gwen Marcey #3)Book Description:
Gwen Marcey takes death in stride. Until she’s faced with her own mortality.
Forensic artist Gwen Marcey is between jobs when she accepts temporary work in Pikeville, Kentucky—a small town facing big-city crime. But before Gwen can finish her first drawing of the serial rapist who is on the loose, the latest witness vanishes. Just like all the others.
Gwen suspects a connection between the rapist and the “accidental” deaths that are happening around town, but the local sheriff has little interest in her theories. When her digitally-obsessed teenage daughter joins her, Gwen turns her attention to a second assignment: going undercover in a serpent-handling church. She could get a handsome reward for uncovering illegal activity—a reward she desperately needs, as it seems her breast cancer has returned. But snakes aren’t the only ones ready to kill. Can Gwen uncover the truth—and convince anyone to believe her—before she becomes a victim herself?
In a thrilling race against time, When Death Draws Near plunges us into cold-case murders, shady politics, and a den of venomous suspects.


My Thoughts:
This was a good one!  Gwen is a good forensic artist and is in demand.  This is in the Gwen Marcey series but can be read as a stand alone. I loved that Gwen wasn't the typical young, vivacious leading lady.  While she had plenty of attitude, she is a middle age woman who beat cancer, has her issues, an ex, a teenager with an attitude and a mystery (or two) to solve. 
When she gets to her newest mystery, she finds out that they really don't want her there.  Not only that, but there is a lot going on that no one wants to connect or even acknowledge.  There was plenty of mystery to pull you in and keep you guessing with twists and turns.  I had my 'suspects' narrowed down but I wasn't certain who 'done' it until the end. 

It was a 4/5 and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery!

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.

Monday, August 15, 2016

Killer Pursuit by Jeff Gunhus

Killer PursuitBook Description:
When a high-society call girl is murdered in her Georgetown home, investigators find two cameras hidden in the walls of her bedroom. One has its memory erased, presumably by the murderer. The second is connected to the Internet through an encrypted connection...and no-one knows who's on the other end.

Special Agent Allison McNeil is asked by beleaguered FBI Director Clarence Mason to run an off-the-record investigation of the murder. The most direct path to apprehending the killer is to find the videos, but with rumors that the victim's client list may have included Mason's political enemies, Allison worries about the director's motives. As she starts her investigation, she quickly discovers that she's not the only one pursuing the videos. In fact, the most aggressive person racing against her might be the murderer himself.
 

My Thoughts:
I really liked this book.  It was the second in a series but I didn't feel lost or like I was missing significant details.  I was afraid this story would be slow and more mystery than thriller, but I was wrong.  The first couple chapters set it up perfectly to drag you through to the end.  Allison is a strong FBI agent who is competent but not sure who she can trust in her investigation.
When dealing with politicians, I can guess that would be a difficult job on a good day but most especially when murder is involved.  There were twists, turns and unexpected leaps throughout the book and I was never bored or wanting to put it down.  Allison was a well developed, multi-layered character that you get completely engrossed in.  If you like an intricate plot that keeps your attention, you will enjoy this one.
It was a 4/5 for me and I'm hoping there is going to be a 3rd book soon in this series.

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

Thursday, August 11, 2016

The Blessed Knights Cover Reveal!!

Title: The Blessed Knights
Author: Mary Ting
Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal
Editor: Jessica Nelson
Cover Designer: Regina Wamba at MaeIDesign & Photography
Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR
Blurb: Eli, Lucia’s half-demon love interest, has been stabbed with a true-cross dagger and captured by Cyrus, master of the possessor demons. The Chosen Knights must work together once again not only to save Eli, but also to decipher a clue to find the second missing page of Jacques de Molay’s journal. Meanwhile, Uncle Davin informs Crossroads’ Divine Elders of the danger ahead and learns there is much to fear. Countless children are being taken from all over the world to be turned into demons. Michael, one of the Divine Elders, has no choice but to intervene. The Chosen Knights track down Mortem, the demon who is the key to finding Cyrus, and learn they must travel deep into the pit of a Hawaiian volcano. When they astral travel to the past in search of a clue and follow Jacques de Molay to Roselyn Chapel in medieval Scotland, what they find will rewrite history.
Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.
Author Links:
Buy Link:
The Angel Knights: http://amzn.to/1RyYWdZ
The Chosen Knights: http://amzn.to/1TENB2Y
The Blessed Knights: http://amzn.to/2aMemRd

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Insidious by Catherine Coulter

Book Description

Monday, August 8, 2016

Being a Captain is Hard Work by Carole P. Roman

Being a Captain is Hard Work (Captain No Beard)Book Description:
Captain No Beard is determined to travel to Dew Rite Volcano. He won't listen when Mongo predicts a storm or Linus indicates they are headed in the wrong direction. He insists Polly cook in the galley even though the seas are getting rough. What's a crew to do with a stubborn, know-it-all captain? 
Will they convince the captain he is barreling headlong into danger, or will Captain No Beard jeopardize both his safety and the crew’s with his single-minded determination to go where he wants?

My Thoughts:
This was a good little book.  Captain No Beard is determined to travel to the volcano.  He doesn't listen to his crew at all.  He doesn't pay attention to the weather.  The Captain knows best, he thinks.  I liked his character.  He was a stubborn captain who should have listened to his crew.
Overall, I liked all the characters.  I got annoyed with the captain, which is what the author wanted, and it is a good teaching point.  My 6 & 8 year old children liked it and were talking to the characters as we read.  I think young kids will enjoy this book and learn from it.
It was a 4/5.  I think it teaches a good lesson on top of being a good read.
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.

Friday, August 5, 2016

Interview with David R. Hardiman!

AW: Tell us about yourself…

David R. Hardiman: Living more than six decades gives me an interesting perspective on life. It gives even greater understanding of the important facts of life.
I have a rare medical disorder that means I should never have thrived, much less excelled, in life, according to my doctors. They, as I do, give credit to God for my successes in life. I have been a successful businessman, an entrepreneur and a contributor to my community. I have been married now for more than 47 years to my first and only wife, and I have three outstanding daughters and six wonderful grandchildren.
I have been blessed with the American dream, but it wasn’t supposed to be that way. That’s the incredible story I have as my life.

AW: What genre do you write and why?

David R. Hardiman: “Bailey’s Remarkabl

e Plan” is a Christian nonfiction book, and it’s an autobiography of my life and a biography of Bailey, a shih tzu and my beloved service dog, best friend and hero. I like stories that discuss real life, and this story is important because it champions perseverance, triumph and love.
Life experience is the subject most people know best. In my case, my experience is so varied that I have a special ability to pull stories together that serve a purpose and entertain. I enjoy telling life stories that help us all grow.

AW: Tell us about your book…

David R. Hardiman: “Bailey’s Remarkable Plan” is the story about my unique life and how a miraculous occurrence brought me an unusual and precious service dog that doesn’t look like the standard service dog. Since I don’t look disabled, the two elements combined often present us with special difficulties in public.
My primary congenital and rare medical condition causes numerous challenges with my health, and the recent onset of post-traumatic stress disorder presents a life-changing difficulty for me. Bailey came to my rescue and, literally, saved my life.
My story is uplifting, entertaining and insightful for today’s society and informative about how service dogs make us better. My story is family friendly, great for adults and enjoyable for children as well.

AW: What was your inspiration for this book?

David R. Hardiman: Because of Bailey, I am able to be out in public life again; and we have been to all kinds of places. My wife, our adult daughter and I were shopping in a local mall in 2013 and were accosted by a security guard and told to leave the mall with our pet. He refused to believe Bailey is my service dog. I requested police response, but the police officers, and even their sergeant, were no help; I was told to leave or I would be arrested.
I was issued a criminal trespass ticket as if I was a common shoplifter. All those involved claimed ignorance of Americans with Disabilities Act regulations; they stated they did not care about my rights to have her with me.
One morning, a year later, I woke up and this story was in my mind. I knew I had to write our story.
Many individuals with service dogs face public responses that are both inhumane and illegal under federal and state laws, but they do not have an advocate to adequately be heard. I realized I had a way to both inform and entertain with my story.

AW: Do you have a favorite character and why that one?

David R. Hardiman: Since I am one of the characters in my book and Bailey is another, it is hard to separate the two of us under our extraordinary circumstances. I will simply point to the two of us as a single unit and state we are my favorite as a special character. Bailey gives me breath and, because of her, I live life again.

AW: Did you find anything particularly difficult in writing this book?
David R. Hardiman: Some of the episodes of my life mentioned in “Bailey’s Remarkable Plan” were difficult to recall because the nature of them was not necessarily happy to relive. Other episodes were quite exciting and enjoyable to remember. Bailey’s entry into my life was so miraculous and special that it brought the whole story into a proper and loving framework. To get the personality of the book I wanted to express, I had to blend the three in the best way possible to get the most out of our story. I believe I accomplished that goal.
The most interesting and mystifying element for me in writing my book was how easy it was to write the story. It was as if my fingers had their own brain. The words flowed out so quickly and smoothly, it was as if someone else was writing for me.

AW: What project(s) are you currently working on?
David R. Hardiman: I am presently writing two prequels to this story and a book for children about Bailey. As far as my other works, I am writing science fiction stories – one concerning planetary life and one about time travel; science fiction has always held a fascination for me, and the escape of reaching out to embrace it is fulfilling and satisfying.

AW: Do you have any interesting writing quirks you want to tell us about?
David R. Hardiman: When I sit down to write, it is as if I am living or reliving the story I am working with minute by minute. I see every detail in my mind, like I am watching a giant screen with the story unfolding in front of me. I will take breaks and come back to the story either in minutes or longer time frames, even days or weeks, only to feel as if everything had simply been placed on pause with a remote.

AW: What are some important lessons your book offers readers?
David R. Hardiman: This book and my life are a testament to God’s power and the blessings he offers. My story clearly defines by my life why it is so important to never give up, regardless of the difficulties and barriers that can be placed in the way of success. Taking the negatives and turning them into momentum can change the future to a positive.

AW: Do you have any advice for writers out there?
David R. Hardiman: Never give up, never give up and never give up. Writing is fun, but many obstacles present themselves and sometimes discouragement is lurking and ready to raise the ugly head of defeat.
People and organizations will let you down, and the learning curve is longer than expected. When you persevere, the reward is worth every challenge.

AW: Where can we find you? 
David R. Hardiman: Find “Bailey’s Remarkable Plan” here:

AW:  Of course, we have to know, where can we find your book? 
David R. Hardiman: “Bailey’s Remarkable Plan” is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other retailers; also, readers can purchase books at http://www.baileysremarkableplan.com. To obtain a signed copy, send an email to me at baileysremarkableplan@gmail.com.



Thursday, August 4, 2016

Violet Chaser (Episodes 1-6) by Erica Reeder

Violet Chaser by [Reeder, Erica]Book Description:
A faerie and a vampire walk into a bar… 
Don’t wait for a punchline. There isn’t one. This isn’t a joke. It’s the moment that changed my life. Here I was just minding my own business when in walked the most dangerous man I’d ever laid eyes on. I couldn’t be distracted by his delicious muscles though. I had a case to worry about. A case that involved the death of a faerie and might just find me putting my entire race in jeopardy. I couldn’t do that though. Could I? I mean even if I had went AWOL, I was still a faerie princess. I’d just found out I was better at throwing punches than kissing babies. After all, not everyone wants to grow up to be a faerie princess, you know.

**You can also have the first episode of this serialized novel for FREE! Look for Glimmer of Fate today!

There are six episodes total, each about 45-60 pages long. 

This is the full box set of all 6 episodes: 

1. Glimmer of Fate 
2. Glimmer of Fear 
3. Glimmer of Prey 
4. Glimmer of Hope 
5. Glimmer of Darkness 
6. Glimmer of Death 

My Thoughts:
I liked this book because it was different.  Cy is a Faerie who is a bounty hunter in the human world.  Her relationship with her mother is a good portion of the reason she doesn't live with her own kind.  I like how she is her own person and doesn't just follow orders and the crowd.  When she meets Sven, everything changes.  She has never felt this way about anyone, even Anthony!
Sven is a vampire, the one thing Cy cannot stand.  The constant interference of the other faeries in Cy's life was annoying and I felt horrible for her.  She couldn't do anything without one of them knowing about it.   As a bounty hunter, it isn't her job to investigate murders but when she goes to tell the clients that, she just cannot say no.  The secondary characters are made to shine in this story as well, not just Cy and Sven.
It was a 4/5 for me.  The author weaves a very addicting story!

The Witchling Seer Cover Reveal

Title: The Witchling Seer (Skinwalkers Witchling Book 3)
Author: B. Kristen McMichael
Genre: YA Paranormal
Cover Designer: Jessica Allain Art
Expected Release Date: August 30th, 2016
Blurb: Cassie wasn’t happy when she got her first mate. Then she got a second mate. She’d give anything to have no mates; that is until she meets someone who once had the same fate as her. Instead of running from it, Cassie is told to embrace it and make her own choices. That is exactly what she plans to do, but how can she make choices when she never seems to have all the details? Something more is happening, and this time, the wendigo are not part of it. The peace Cassie brought between the two clans is very thin. She must work quickly to find a solution, but there always seem to be more questions than answers.
B. Kristin McMichael is the author of YA and clean NA paranormal fiction. Her vampiric "Night Human World" includes the YA coming of age series "The Blue Eyes Trilogy" and the spin-off adventure series "The Day Human Trilogy". She's also the author of the NA time travel romance series "The Chalcedony Chronicles".
The Blue Eyes Trilogy: http://bkmc.me/LegendoftheBlueEyes
The Day Human Trilogy: http://bkmc.me/DayHumanPrince
The Chalcedony Chronicles: http://bkmc.me/Book1Carnelian
For more information on all of her books, visit http://www.bkristinmcmichael.com
Subscribe to her mailing list for new release notifications and deals: http://www.bkristinmcmichael.com/list
B. Kristin graduated with her PhD in biology at Ohio State where she worked as a scientist before taking her passion of writing full-time. Besides writing, she enjoys chasing her kids, playing outside, and baking cookies.
B. Kristin McMichael lives in Ohio with her husband and three children. If you don’t find her writing, then she probably has a book in her hand. Make sure to stop by and say hi on her social media.
Author Links:
Pre Order Link:
“I believe my niece needs to eat something. She’s had a few trying days,” John told the guys.
Understatement of the week, but effective. Both pulled out of her head as they got the hint that John was basically instructing them to leave Cassie alone. Again, she was going to have to thank him.
“Try weeks,” Cassie replied, grabbing for the syrup. Once her pancakes were covered, she reached for her milk first.
“Jared was just telling me that he and some of his friends decided they want to enroll in school in town,” Maria said, starting the conversation up again.
Cassie almost spit out the milk she was drinking. That wasn't a good plan for anyone. The wendigo and the skinwalkers didn’t get along for even a moment. Jared and Nate only tolerated each other because they had to. They were linked together through Cassie. If that wasn’t there, she was pretty sure they wouldn’t be sitting together at the same table.
Jared shrugged. “I was pulled from school eight years ago and want to give it another try. I think my grade level matches up with you. Maybe we’ll be in the same classes.”
Nate’s level of annoyance with Jared was slowly rising.
“Aren’t you a senior like me?” Nate asked.
Jared shrugged again. “I’ve missed a bit of schooling over the past few years. I figure it would be best to go back a grade and make sure I didn’t skip over anything important.”
That wasn’t the answer Nate was looking for. His eyes flashed the sparkly blue of his tiger animal form.
Glancing across the table at Maria, she mouthed the words ‘help me’ to her aunt. There was way too much testosterone in the room for Cassie to deal with. She planned to finish her food and march straight back to bed. She would stay there until the guys went away. It was her day off, and Cassie wanted peace and quiet.
The back door flung open, and Cassie was relieved to see Whitney standing there. Rising, Cassie ran over to hug her friend, but stopped in her tracks when she took a good look at Whitney. Her friend’s tear-streaked face was distraught.
“What’s wrong?” Cassie asked.
Whitney started to cry. Maria jumped up and helped Cassie usher Whitney to the chair she had just been sitting in. Cassie stood by her friend, worried. Something had to be majorly wrong. Whitney barely ever cried. Unless it had something to do with Sam, her little brother.
“What happened to Sam?” Cassie asked.
She hadn’t thought they would allow someone that young to fight the night before, but she didn’t know how the clan worked. Whitney had explained that Sam had already changed twice into his totem. If you were old enough to marry at sixteen, maybe you were old enough to fight at twelve.
“They’re still missing,” Whitney sobbed.
“Who’s still missing?” Cassie asked.
John and Maria had freed all the witches the night before. Everyone should have been home tucked in their own beds if they slept like Cassie, or already beginning their day like John and Maria.
“Everyone. My dad. My brother. Six of the witches are still missing. My mother never came home.” Whitney began to cry again.
‘We didn’t touch them the whole time we had them,’ Jared quickly told Cassie even though her thoughts hadn’t drifted there yet.
If the wendigo didn’t do anything, and John had freed them, then where did they end up? Cassie looked up at her uncle, and the spatula was nothing more than a ball of metal in his hand. She turned to Nate, who seemed as confused as Jared did. Why were there six witches missing?

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

Book Description:

Just Kiss Me by Rachel Gibson

Book Description:
New York Times bestselling author Rachel Gibson returns with this dazzling love story filled with sizzle, sass, and just a bit of southern charm...
"Hello, Ms. Vivian . . . it's been a long time."
And with those words, Vivian Leigh Rochet nearly melted. It's been years since she last saw Harrison Whitley-Shuler. She was a teenager scrubbing houses for a living. He was the gorgeous son of rich parents, not fit for the likes of her.
Vivian had vowed to get out of Charleston, become a big Hollywood star, and stick it to the snooty girls who made her cry.
She got what she wanted—and more—but why does her glamorous life seem so trivial?
Harrison got out too . . . making it all the way to Wall Street, until a heart attack forced him to trade in his cufflinks for a good set of hand tools.
Making furniture soothes his soul, but escaping the Whitley-Shuler heritage is nearly impossible. And now he's come face-to-face with the one who got away. He's not looking for love. He's not even looking for sex . . . so why is resisting her the hardest thing he's ever done?

My Thoughts:
This was a cute romance that was a bit twisted.  Vivian's homecoming wasn't the glitz and glamour she had always dreamed it would be.  Her view on people and things may have been skewed from her childhood experiences but the ones about Nonnie were fairly spot on.  I wasn't sure where the author was going to take the story line but it was original.  Spence was a pretty cool character and I enjoyed little glimpses into his thoughts.
Henry was a messed up character.  His mother, completely mental, did a number on him.  I was hoping for more from him but he did have some big issues to overcome.  Vivian was a bit of a spoiled twit but she has a good heart and is still (most of the time) grounded in reality.  I did wonder what ever happened between her assistant and the boyfriend.  Overall it was a pretty good romance.
I rate it a 3/5.  I hope the author comes back and does a story for Spence!

Monday, August 1, 2016

Gone Too Deep by Katie Ruggle

Book Description: