Virtual Book Tour: Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro

Join Caridad Pineiro, author of the sensual suspense novel, Sins of the Flesh (Grand Central Publishing, Oct. ‘09) , as she virtually tours the blogosphere in November on her third virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion!

My review is coming later today.  Thank you to Caridad Pineiro for sending and autographing a copy of the book for me to read.  I have a giveaway coming later today also.

About Sins of the Flesh

Caterina Shaw’s days are numbered. Her only chance for survival is a highly experimental gene treatment – a risk she willingly takes. But now Caterina barely recognizes herself. She has new, terrifying powers, an exotic, arresting body — and she’s been accused of a savage murder, sending her on the run.
Mick Carrera is a mercenary and an expert at capturing elusive, clever prey. Yet the woman he’s hunting down is far from the vicious killer he’s been told to expect: Caterina is wounded, vulnerable, and a startling mystery of medical science. Even more, she’s a beautiful woman whose innocent sensuality tempts Mick to show her exactly how thrilling pleasure can be. The heat that builds between them is irresistible, but surrendering to it could kill them both . . . for a dangerous group is plotting its next move using Caterina as its deadly pawn.

About Caridad Pineiro

New York Times and USA Today bestseller Caridad Pineiro wrote her first novel in the fifth grade when her teacher assigned a project – to write a book for a class lending library. Bitten by the writing bug, Caridad continued with her passion for the written word through high school, college and law school. Shortly after the birth of her daughter, Caridad’s passion for writing led to a determination to become published and share the stories she loved with others. In 1999, Caridad’s first novel was released and a decade later, Caridad is the author of over twenty novels and novellas. Caridad hopes to continue to share her stories with readers all over the world for years to come.
When not writing, Caridad is an attorney, wife and mother to an aspiring writer and fashionista. For more information on Caridad, please visit www.caridad.com or www.thecallingvampirenovels.com.

Read an Excerpt

The day the music died, Caterina Shaw did as well. Not physically, although she understood the death of her body was inevitable. She had come to terms with that reality some time ago. She had even managed to deal with the blindness caused by the tumor eating away her brain. But then the pain had become so great that it had silenced the music, stealing away the only thing that had made life worth the anguish.
“You understand this treatment is new and uncertain,” Dr. Rudy Wells explained, his voice smooth and comforting. The touch of his hand, warm and reassuring, came against hers as it rested on her thigh.
“I understand,” she said and faced the direction of that calming voice.
Another person abruptly chimed in, his tones as strident and grating as a badly played oboe. “We’ll begin with laser surgery to remove the bulk of the tumor followed by two different courses of gene therapy.”
Two? she wondered and sensed Dr. Wells’ hesitation as well from the tremble that skated across his fingers. He removed his hand from hers and said, “Dr. Edwards believes that we can not only shut down the tumor growing in your brain, but possibly regrow the portion of your optic nerve that the tumor damaged.”
Caterina’s only wish when considering the experimental treatment had been to stop the pain so that she could play her cello once again. So that her last months would be filled with the vitality her music provided.
It was through her music that she lived. That her mother lived, Caterina thought, recalling the passion she had felt as a small child when her mother had played the piano for her; the way her mother’s fingers had coaxed life from the keys much like she now did with a stroke of her bow and the deft touch of her fingers on the strings of her cello.
Or at least like she had up until the cancer had put an end to her music, bringing her life to a close. Except now she was being told something different.
Caterina had never thought about eliminating the tumor. Every prognosis so far had been that she was terminal. Now these new doctors told her not only that might she live, but that she might actually see again too. She didn’t dare believe that she would be able to get her old life back completely, as well as her sight but . . .
“You think I’ll be able to recover? To see again?” Caterina asked, needing to be sure she had understood correctly.
“The risks are great, my dear,” Dr. Wells urged gently.
“But you qualify for the human trials because of the advanced state of your illness, Ms. Shaw,” Dr. Edwards added, annoyance at his partner evident in the staccato beats of his voice.
Her advanced state which could possibly bring death even with this treatment, Caterina thought. Not that she feared her end. What she did fear was letting the pain in her head rob her of the one thing she could not live without.
Her music.
She knew without hesitation that it was worth any risk to regain that part of her. To drive back the illness so she could play her cello once more and reanimate her heart for as long as she had left if the treatments couldn’t stop the tumor.
“What do you need me to do?”

Extras!

For Behind the Scenes blogs where readers can find out about the places where the book is set, you can go to: http://www.caridad.com/books/paranormal/sins-of-the-flesh/

Caridad Pineiro’s SINS OF THE FLESH VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR ‘09 will officially begin on Nov. 2 and end on Nov. 27. You can visit Caridad’s blog stops at www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com during the month of November to find out more about this great book and talented author!

Waiting on Wednesday - November 25

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week it's another one of my favorite authors who will be releasing a book early next year.  Ever since I picked up Harlan Coben about 3 years ago I have read each of his new ones as they have come out and have worked on his backlist too.

Caught by Harlan Coben

Release: March 23, 2010

Wendy is a reporter on a mission: She's chasing down the lowest of the low-sexual predators-and exposing them on national television. Her big break comes when she nails a child advocate who works with abused and underserved children. She's there, cameras rolling, when the cops cuff him and the guy realizes his life is well and truly over.

Three months later, the perp is off the grid, missing and presumed dead after the father of a victim claims to have killed him. Wendy, proud to have taken the man down in front of a shocked television audience, has moved on to the story of a missing girl, Erin, in a nearby suburb. The whole country is obsessed with finding this child, and Wendy should be well on her way to journalistic superstardom.

Then is all comes unhinged: Wendy gets a phone call that changes everything. A group of local fathers, out of work and not above vigilante justice, begins to take matters into their own hands on Erin's behalf. Secrets long-buried rise to the surface and Wendy begins to wonder if her assumptions that fateful night three months ago were based on solid investigative journalism-or if she has unwittingly been part of a grand manipulation aiming to destroy and innocent man.

So what are you waiting on this week?

Review: Fatal Gamble by J.P. O'Donnell

Fatal Gamble: A Novel by JP O'Donnell




My rating:  5.0/5.0



My Review:

I received this book, Fatal Gamble along with the second Gallagher book, Deadly Codes from the author J.P. O'Donnell. The author himself is very pleasant to deal with so I was looking forward to reading his book. This is my second suspense novel in the week and while I use to read suspense/mystery all the time, my time is now divided because of various review books.

Fatal Gamble will not disappoint those who like PI novels or just general suspense. The suspense is tightly woven and peeling away the layers while reading is very enjoyable. Daniel Gallagher is a very likeable PI. He strives to do the best at his job and in his life. He's divorced and does not like that but realizes it was for the best. He left a prominent police force job to be a PI because of his personality and not doing well taking orders (hey I can understand that). But despite all of that he is not a seriously flawed PI. As I stated last week in my review of The Cutting - I really enjoy the slightly flawed police/PI characters instead of the seriously flawed ones and Daniel Gallagher fits this bill.

In Fatal Gamble, the first book in the Daniel Gallagher series, someone is murdering doctors who were involved in a real estate deal 20 years earlier. Gallagher is hired by one of the deceased doctor's wives to get to the bottom of the financial side of the partnership so she won't be blindsided if there were shady dealings. Gallagher takes the case and is quickly sucked into it, following leads across the country. There is also a nice romance subplot involving Gallagher and his current serious girlfriend Kate, who I also really liked.

Lots of suspense, intrigue, detective work and some romance make up this well-rounded book. I was hanging on until the end wanting to know the who, what and why of this sinister plot. I am also looking forward to picking up the second book in the series, Deadly Codes and hope more follow that one.

Thank you J.P. O'Donnell for sending me your books. You have a new loyal reader.

About the Book:

Twenty years ago, a group of doctors formed a partnership to build a medical office plaza in Massachusetts. While it wasn't the most above-board deal ever made, the doctors have found continued profit and success—until now.

Someone wants the doctors dead, and he or she has already succeeded in murdering two of them. The identity of the killer remains unknown. Is it a madman with a vendetta against the medical profession, a small-time bookie seeking revenge for a shady real estate deal, or a disgruntled former construction manager who was unjustly fired?

The widow of one of the slain doctors has a clue—but she's too afraid to tell the police. She hires Boston private investigator Daniel Gallagher to help track down the murderer. But as Gallagher begins to unravel the mystery, he finds himself entangled in a web of danger and political intrigue.

With the stakes growing higher, Gallagher faces a growing threat to keep him quiet before he reveals the damaging truth. But when push comes to shove, has Gallagher made a Fatal Gamble?

Challenges:

100+ Book Challenge
Fall Into Reading Challenge 2009
Countdown Challenge 2010 






My Disclaimer:
Though this book was sent to me by the author - that does not guarantee a positive review - my reviews are my feelings on the book and I will be honest about how I like the book. I am not paid for the reviews besides receiving the book.

Teaser Tuesday - November 24

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Gallagher never wanted to be drawn into relationships that affect his judgement and put him in jeopardy.  But this woman was different -- something about her evoked feelings of loyalty and made him want to help her, to exhaust all of the possibilites and push himself beyond the limit.

From Fatal Gamble by J.P. O'Donnell

Book Tour Promo: Dear Coach: Letters Home from WWII

Hey everyone - I just wanted to let you know that on November 30^th, Lois Herr, author of “Dear Coach: Letters Home from WWII” will be stopping by to share a profile of one of the athletes that wrote to her father, Elizabethtown college coach Ira Herr, during WWII.

A collection of not only letters but historical facts, pictures and vivid commentary, “Dear Coach” features letters from WWII that were sent to Lois’s father, the famous Elizabethtown College coach Ira Herr, by various students, friends and family members who once played for the coach. The book gives an inside look at not only the impact of war to a small college community, but that of multiple heartfelt player and coach relationships.

To order your own copy, visit the author’s website: http://loisherr.com.

To learn more about the author and book please feel free stop by her official “Dear Coach: Letters Home from WWII” virtual tour blog and read up on reviews, tour stops and so much more.

Make sure you come back on the 30th to see the profile posted here on my blog and check out the other tours for more information.  This looks like a wonderful book.

What Are You Reading Monday - November 23

Come post weekly and see what others are reading too just so you can add to your tbr - I always do! For more information see J.Kaye's Book Blog and join in!

Books Completed Last Week:

• Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis (audiobook with son)
• The Cutting by James Hayman (review) 
• I Heart Bloomberg by Melody Carlson (library)
• Sole Survivor by Dean Koontz (audiobook)
• Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie Montana by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss (review)
• Fatal Gamble by J.P. O'Donnell

Reading Now:

• Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough (review)
• The Pretty Committee Strikes Back by Lisi Harrison (library)
• Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro

Reviews Completed Last Week

• Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz (4.5/5.0)
• The Secret of Joy by Melissa Senate (5.0/5.0)
  
• Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis (4.0/5.0)
  
• The Cutting by James Hayman (5.0/5.0) 
• Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie Montana by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss (5.0/5.0)
  

Next:

• Knight of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory
  
• Kissing Games of the World by Sandi Kahn Shelton
• The Silent Gift by Michael Landon and Cindy Kelley

Reviews to do:

• Fatal Gamble by J.P. O'Donnell
• Sole Survivor by Dean Koontz
• Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
• Only In Your Dreams by Cecily von Ziegesar
• Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Summary -

Another great week for reading.  I'm back on track with my reading and I read some really great books this week - in fact they were all winners.  I decided I didn't have to catch up  on all the book reviews I had on my backlist so I shortened my need to review list to something much more doable.  I'm continuing to stay organized and that is helping with getting my reviews done and posted.  The next few weeks will be busy with reviews and tours that are due and I'm looking forward to reading more good books.  Have a wonderful week.

Virtual Book Tour: Run at Destruction by Lynda Drews

Join Lynda Drews, author of the true crime book, Run at Destruction: A True Fatal Love Triangle (Title Town Publishing, Aug. ‘09) , as she virtually tours the blogosphere in November on her first virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion!

About the Book

Deeply immersed in the close-knit culture of long-distance running, Pam and Bob Bulik were avid competitors. To all appearances, they were also a happily married couple, devoted to each other and their two young children. Then, Bob made a fateful decision. He began an extramarital affair that led to his wife’s tragic death and to one of the most sensationalized and heavily attended trials in Green Bay’s history.
Candidly written by Pam’s best friend, Run at Destruction exposes the irresistible human passions that make us so vulnerable, and the ultimate price we pay for choosing to act on them. You’ll relive every detail of the crime and the exhaustive police investigation, and watch the courtroom drama from a front-row seat as a major homicide case unfolds in a small town where everyone knows all the players. Then, when you’ve heard all the evidence, you can decide for yourself – was Pam Bulik’s death a terrible accident, intentional suicide, negligent homicide or premeditated murder?

About the Author

Lynda Drews, a Wisconsin native and dedicated runner, recently gave the commencement speech at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, her college Alma mater. One lesson she shared with the graduates was: “to journal your life.” When Lynda, an IBM marketing executive, made the decision to retire after her thirty-year career, she returned to an earlier passion. Run at Destruction is the outcome.
Even though this is Lynda’s first book, she has inside knowledge about the victim and the accused. One of the book’s themes is the impact her best friend’s mysterious death has on Green Bay’s close-knit running community. Lynda and her husband, Jim, a retired teacher and guidance counselor, helped launch the local running movement. Green Bay now hosts the nation’s fifth largest 10K, attracting more than 15,000 participants.
Along with a golden retriever named Bailey, Lynda and her husband have two sons, Collin and Chris. After they reached sixth grade, the author let them pick a yearly one-on-one trip with just their mom. One son chose exotic places like Cancun, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, and skiing in Oregon, while the other went to the bathroom sized PEZ Museum in San Francisco, and to eight different locales where the Dave Mathews Band played. Lynda may be the oldest person in the world that’s been to fifteen DMB concerts!
www.lyndadrews.com www.lmdrews.wordpress.com

Read an Excerpt

Now reaching the eight-mile mark in today’s half-marathon, I filed those memories of Pam in the back of my mind so I could focus on the target ahead. I was gaining on Dr. John Kiser, a good friend, my general practitioner, and someone I frequently tried to beat. Sirens filled the air as a rescue squad pulled up alongside him. John perplexingly climbed in. About ten minutes later I neared the corner by Pam’s home. An uneasiness crept through me. What was going on? She’d missed the start and now was absent from this spot. I strained my neck looking up the hill, which then turned left into the Buliks’ hidden cul-de-sac. There appeared to be a cluster of neighbors near the top, but I didn’t see Pam. I had a weird premonition that something was terribly wrong.
The effect of my pre-race caffeine had vanished, and a trudging heaviness enveloped my legs. A cluster of blackbirds, perched high on the crossbar of a light pole, cawed at me, their beaks jerking left and right, temporarily drowning out my raspy breathing. I tried to focus, but thoughts of Pam kept getting in the way.
Finally, the end was in sight. Place did not matter– first or last, runners and spectators would cheer. But today there was little applause. An uncanny quiet surrounded much of the black T-shirted group. Furtive glances from friends felt targeted my way.
Relieved to be crossing the finish line, I heard Dick announce 1:39:10. I was pleased.
But instead of congratulatory words, my friend gave me a despairing look, sliding his arm around my sweaty back, supporting me. “Lynda, there’s no easy way to tell you this.”
A stab of anxiety cut through me. “Tell me what?”
“They found Pam.”
I stumbled at his words, my worried eyes finding Dick’s. “What do you mean?”
“They found her at home.” He tightened his grip on me and heaved a body-racking sigh. “Lynda, Pam’s dead.”
Runners clustered around at the finish line, weeping and whispering. Through my own tears I mentioned my earlier premonition, how, when Pam had not been at the corner, I’d somehow thought, I hope she didn’t commit suicide.
Friends attempted to console me. Dr. John Kiser was now among them. Another friend had driven him back to the finish. John worked in the local hospitals’ emergency rooms, and knew the paramedics who’d coincidentally picked him up. They’d been responding to a 911 call and asked for his assistance. John had been troubled when they’d turned down the Buliks’ driveway. Even though another rescue squad had beat them to the scene they’d entered the home and been directed to the master bathroom off the foyer.
John paused so I could prepare myself. My heart beat spastically, dreading what I’d hear next.
Near the Buliks’ 4×6 foot whirlpool bathtub, he said that a white hospital blanket had covered a body. Kneeling beside it, the coroner had uncovered Pam’s face.
A soft moan escaped my lips. I visualized my friend just last weekend, so alive. I’d told Pam how proud I was of her and then had given her a hug, feeling her warm breath against my neck. Of course we weren’t sisters, but the way I’d felt about her was as dear as that bond.
My pained eyes caught John’s. “Do you know how she died?”
“Apparently, Lynda, she drowned.”
“Drowned?” I could not comprehend.

Lynda Drew’s RUN AT DESTRUCTION VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR ‘09 will officially begin on Nov. 2 and end on Nov. 27. You can visit Lynda’s blog stops at www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com during the month of November to find out more about this great book and talented author!