Book Review & Giveaway: Consoling Angel by Denise Alicea

Consoling Angel by Denise Alicea

Genre: Young Adult, Time Travel, Paranormal, and Romance

ISBN: 9781483507491

Book Length: 24 pages

Publisher:Book Baby (self published)

My Review:
Consoling Angel was a quick enjoyable read with an interesting premise. What a sweet way to deal with death of a loved one and the aftermath of getting over that death in a book.

This is a novella, so there is not a huge amount of character development. However in the short span of the story I loved getting to know Mira. Mira is dealing with the loss of her father and throwing herself into everything she can to pretty much ignore it. She carries her Dad's and her shared love of all things James Dean as her one way to hold onto him which I thought was sweet. Then the plot really starts and Mira falls asleep and dreams. I loved the dream aspect of the plot and how everything happens and the explanation at the end. Every aspect worked well together and kept me turning page to find out how this story would turn out.

For a short novella, there is a lot to process in a good way. Denise Alicea doesn't overload you with too much but gives just the right amount of plot and character development to fit into the novella framework. But the nice thing is you don't feel shorted by the shorter number of pages. The story fits perfectly into the novella framework and was one I really enjoyed. I look forward to more reading of Ms. Alicea's work in the future.

My rating: 4.75/5.0


Description:

Mira did not know what she had in store the day she fell asleep while wanting to escape her current situation. Overcoming a death from someone so close and burying herself in school and an internship has kept her somewhat awake and alive. An admiration for the actor, James Dean was all that kept the memory of her father alive. If she couldn’t be with her father, she could at least remember what they shared an admiration for together. She always wanted to meet James Dean… she didn’t know it would come true. Be careful what you wish for. It may just come true.

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About this author
Born in Manhattan, New York and raised in Connecticut, I found that I was more interested in what went on in the past, than in the future. This makes me a huge history buff. I’ve always enjoyed reading books starting from ancient history, fantasy, science fiction, poetry, and of course romance. I also loved the arts so my first love was once drawing and painting until I found a new medium that would inspire me to try something new.

What led me to write? I started to write poetry when I fifteen years old. This was all due to a family member sending me a poem that she had written and sparked a fire that has never gone out. I began to write my heart out and went from writing poetry to my own stories. I love to write with a bit of everything from romance, humor, and of course adventure. Everything inspires me from art, people, and music


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Excerpt
My life couldn’t be more complete. As we reached the apartments, I slowly got off the bike, surprised at myself that I had done this. Ordinarily, I’d never get on a motorcycle. James leaned over and caressed my cheek. Before I could open my mouth to tell him what was to happen to him, he gave me a quick peck on the lips. I couldn’t let James walk away, not now.
    Something in me grasped his wrist; my breath caught in my throat. I no longer cared about the rain. I must have looked like a drowned rat to him. “I have to tell you something,” I blurted as I waited for his reaction.
    James smiled, then chuckled as he caressed my face.  The rain was preventing me from seeing clearly. “Sweetheart, it’s raining and you’re soaked. I hope this is important.”  Pulling him toward me, I faced him. I could change history. I could have him live out his life as he was meant to. If I couldn’t save my father, I could save him.
    “In the future, when you become famous, please be careful. Remember this: there will be a day that you are off to a race. You will not see a car until it’s too late. James, please promise me. It could mean your life.” I must have sounded like a complete and total idiot to him. Geez! I think I watched Back To The Future too many times. I sounded like Marty talking to the professor about his impending death.
    Chuckling, he shook his head, expelling the rain off his head and onto me. Laughter erupted between us as I covered my face. He then cupped my face, kissed my forehead. “Are you sure you’re not an angel? I cannot promise anything, but baby, I can promise I’ll see you tomorrow. I’ll pick you up here and you can ditch your responsibilities. Ride with me.”
    Sighing, now I knew how all those girls felt when they looked at him. What an offer that would be. Ditch school to ride with the man who was loved by so many. I was determined he’d listen to me.  Gripping his hands from my face, I gazed into his eyes. “I’m serious!”
    Before I could utter another word, his lips descended on mine. My body went toward him and melted. I couldn’t help but respond as I brought him closer.  I was lost in his warm lips as they caressed mine. Lingering near my lips, he breathed, “I know you are.” Then, winking as he kissed me again, smiling that beautiful smile of his, “How else can my angel guard me if she isn’t with me?”


Giveaway:
5 E-copies of Consoling Angel by Denise Alicea
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

***I received this book from the Paranormal Cravings Book Tours for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Book Review: I'll Be Home for Christmas by Jessica Scott

I'll Be Home For Christmas by Jessica Scott
Publisher: Forever Yours
Publish Date: Nov. 6, 2013
ebook, 100 pages
ISBN: 9781455554249
Coming Home #2.6
 


My Review:
First off, let me say I have not read this series, but I was intrigued by this novella. One it's a Christmas story and I'm a sucker for those and two it involved the military. So I participated in the launch day blitz but I read the book as well and I'm glad I did.

The story revolves around Vic Carponti and his wife Nicole, but obviously other characters from previous books and novellas make their appearance. From how I understand from reading the description, these all seem to occur at the same time just with different characters. So this is Carponti's story. He's the jokester, the one who keeps everyone laughing and he's not afraid of authority. He keeps Nicole laughing to get through the tough times of him being away at war. Nicole is a criminal investigator for the army. So she keeps busy while Vic is away but not busy enough to not be lonely. They have occasional Skype sessions, but as war tugs on Vic even those become few and further between. The war is tough on both of them. This story gave me much respect for both sides, the ones who are in combat situations overseas and the loved ones they leave at home.

The book has romance and heat between Vic and Nicole. But it's focus seems to be on how war and distance can take it's toll even a strong relationship. Through the conflict in the book, the happy ending comes through and it was a very moving book.

I will be going back and reading the earlier books because I want to get to know each of the characters and because Ms. Scott has created a situation that hits close to home. I currently have three brother-in-laws in the service. One has served his tour in Afghanistan, another is currently serving one of his many tours overseas (he's in Afghanistan for this one, but he's a life-time marine) and the other serves on a Coast Guard Cutter. So my sister-in-laws have all gone through the life of the one left behind. I now see that there are great struggles. I hope to give greater support to them in the future because of this. Thank you Ms. Scott for creating a real story with a happy ending to enjoy this Christmas season. Vic and Nicole will remain close to my heart for a long time after finishing this wonderful novella.

My rating: 5.0/5.0

About the Book:
There's nothing in the world Army Sergeant Vic Carponti loves more than his wife and his country. Smart-mouthed and easy tempered, he takes everything as a joke . . . except his promise to come home to his wife, Nicole, for Christmas. As he prepares to leave for his latest deployment into Iraq, Vic will do everything he can to shield his beautiful, supportive wife from the realities of war . . . and from his own darkest fears.

As a career army wife, Nicole Carponti knows just what to expect from her husband's tour of duty: loneliness, relentless worry, and a seemingly endless countdown until the moment Vic walks through the door again. But when the unthinkable happens, Nicole and Vic's bond is tested like never before and changes everything they believe to be true about the power of love and the simple beauty of being home for the holidays.

Buy links:

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Author Bio:

USA Today bestselling author Jessica Scott is a career army officer; mother of two daughters, three cats and three dogs; wife to a career NCO and wrangler of all things stuffed and fluffy. She is a terrible cook and even worse housekeeper, but she's a pretty good shot with her assigned weapon and someone liked some of the stuff she wrote. Somehow, her children are pretty well-adjusted and her husband still loves her, despite burned water and a messy house.

She's written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View: Regarding War Blog, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom/New Dawn and has served as a company commander at Fort Hood, Texas.

She's pursuing a PhD in Sociology in her spare time and most recently, she's been featured as one of Esquire Magazine's Americans of the Year for 2012. 

Author Social Media links:

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***I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Book Review: Ghosts of the Falls by Sarah Gilman

Ghosts of the Falls by Sarah Gilman
Publisher: Entangled: Ever After
Publish Date: October 28, 2013
ebook, 100 pages
ISBN: 9781622662463






My Review:
Ghosts of the Falls is another quick read in the Entangled: Ever After imprint that's great for Halloween or anytime.  It's interesting and fast-paced and I am really enjoying this imprint from Entangled Publishing.

Jade and Dutch are interesting.  Jade is an exorcist and Dutch is ghost who has been haunting a state park for over a century.  Dutch calls Jade to exorcise him so he can leave his ghost life and move on/die.  He doesn't care what happens, he hates his life so much.  However he is strong ghost and Jade finds herself attracted to him since he can take corporeal form.  Dutch also finds himself instantly attracted to Jade and can find life more interesting with her around.  I liked the characters.  Jade seems a little stiff at first but slowly we learn more about her.  Dutch is amazing, I loved  him from the start.  He's a good soul, protecting and helping others and really meaning no harm.  His feeling for Jade also shine through.  Through Dutch I learned to like Jade even more.  And by the end I loved them both.

The story moves quickly and at times seems rushed, but this is a novella.  The quickness does not take away from the story, it just makes it fast.  I liked the romance and the storyline of Jade being an exorcist and Dutch being a ghost a lot.  I wished for more of the back story but again this is a novella.

I wish the book was longer just because I want more of Dutch and Jade, but the length works as a short, quick read that packs a punch.  So if you want a sweet but hot love story with a paranormal twist that's different then this is just the book for you!

My Rating: 4.5/5.0 stars

About the Book:

Determined to prove she’s fit for the family business, exorcist Jade Clarence knows the assignment waiting in Maine is her last chance. Born into a family of exorcists, Jade’s unorthodox ideas have gotten her into trouble in the past...and cost the life of a client.

After haunting a Maine state park for more than a century, Dutch Hutchinson will do whatever it takes to bring an end to his unfulfilling existence. When an act of arson brings a beautiful exorcist to town, Dutch takes corporeal form in order to spend his last hours in her company.

Jade quickly uncovers Dutch’s true identity and finds herself falling for the man behind the spirit. But when Jade’s legacy threatens their future, they will have to overcome the greatest of odds—life and death

Make sure you check out all the Entangled: Ever After release day giveaways.

***I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Book Tour & Review: A Little Bit Cupid by Jennifer Shirk

A Little Bit Cupid by Jennifer Shirk

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Publish Date: January 13, 2013

eBook, 84 pages
Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Novela
 ISBN: 9781622660049

My Review:
A Little Bit Cupid is a really cute novella. It's short and sweet and if you are looking for just a taste of romance to remind you there can be love at first sight then this is just the book for you.

I thought the setup was cute. A girl who believes in love yet feels love has passed her by suddenly has the weight of the world on her and has to find true love by Valentine's Day, for more details, read the novella.  One man is supposed to be Mr. Right, but heaven help her, she really likes the other man.  Enter the other man who of course doesn't even believe in love, yet he's drawn to Phoebe.  Cal is fun and easy to like even when being a jerk because you understand why he is a jerk.

The plot is fast and a little jerky, but it is a novella.  I thought the story was cute and ultimately works out the way it should.  It left me with a smile on my face and that is really all I ask for in a story.  I want to like the characters, enjoy the romance and leave with a smile.  A Little Bit Cupid did that for me.  It's Valentine's Candy you can enjoy any time of the year :)


My Rating: 4.0/5.0


About the Book:
Finding love should be easy, but wedding photographer Pheobe Ward knows better. When Cupid shows up on a crazy mission to help her —and save the world in the process—Phoebe realizes love
might be even more complicated than she thought. Even with Cupid showing her Mr. Right , she can’t stop thinking about his best friend, Mr. Wrong.

Cal Crawford has never had time for love, but now he’s falling for Phoebe. Which means it’s got to be just plain wrong to set her up with his best friend, right? But even though seeing Phoebe with someone else will break his heart, he can’t walk away from her.

Phoebe can’t afford to choose the wrong guy with the fate of the world at stake. But maybe Cupid has it wrong. Maybe she has to rely just a little bit on Cupid, and a whole lot more on her heart.


About the Author (from Goodreads.com): 
Jennifer Shirk has a bachelor degree in pharmacy--which has in NO WAY at all helped her with her writing career. But she likes to point it out, since it shows romantic-at-hearts come in all shapes, sizes, and mind-numbing educations.

She writes sweet (and sometimes even funny) romances for Samhain Publishing, Avalon Books/Montlake Romance and now Entangled Publishing. She won third place in the RWA 2006 NYC's Kathryn Hayes Love and Laughter Contest with her first book, The Role of a Lifetime.

Lately she's been on a serious exercise kick. But don't hold that against her.

Feel free to follow her on Twitter or become a friend on Facebook.

Social Media Links:
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Buy the book by clicking on any of these links:
Amazon
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A LITTLE BIT CUPID on Goodreads

***I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway: Yours At Midnight by Robin Bielman

My Review:
Yours at Midnight has everything a romance novella should have and it packs a punch for a short format.  I fell in love with both Lyric and Quinn, loved the secret, enjoyed the conflict and loved watching them fall in love with each other.  I felt Ms. Bielman did an excellent job with character development in a short 161 pages.  And it's a perfect book to start the New Year's with. In fact it was my first finish of the New Year's, it left me with a big smile and wishing for more from Quinn and Lyric (even though I will admit her name drove me crazy to begin with, I grew to really like it).

If you are looking for a delightful not too light romance (it does have angst and conflict) to start the year with, then this is just the book for you.  Yours at Midnight has love and laughter but enough realism too to make it more like real life. But enough escapism to make you still enjoy it too.  It's definitely a quick read with great characters that I dare you not to fall in love with.  Make it your New Year's resolution to enjoy a good novella this year and give it a start with Yours at Midnight.

My Rating: 5.0/5.0


About Yours At Midnight:

Lyric Whetsone only had eyes for Quinn Sobel's brother Oliver, until a car crash took Oliver's life on New Year's Eve. Then, a moment of shared grief between Quinn and Lyric became something more impassioned, something that frightened Quinn so much he ran from Lyric's bed and her life, disappearing for four long years.

Now Quinn's back for another New Year's Eve, struggling for closure, desperate to leave his grief in the past and make amends with the girl of his dreams.

But Lyric has a secret--one that could drive Quinn from her life
forever. Will Quinn run away from the love and acceptance he's always wanted...or will he claim his New Year's kiss and make her his at midnight?

A bit about Robin Bielman:

Robin Bielman lives in Southern California, a bike ride away from the ocean if she's feeling really adventurous. She loves books and baking and running on the treadmill while watching her favorite TV shows. When she's not reading or writing her next story, she's spending time with her high school sweetheart husband and two sons. She is addicted to cafe mocha's and if every day were Cupcake Day, she'd be a happy camper! She loves to connect with readers.

You can find her on-line here:

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Yours at Midnight can be purchased here:

http://www.entangledpublishing.com/yours-at-midnight/

Giveaway:

Robin Bielman is hosting a $50 Giftcard giveaway during the tour and to make it easy, you can enter using the Rafflecopter on this site.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***