Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Audiobook Review: Bones Are Forever by Kathy Reichs

Bones Are Forever (Temperance Brennan, #15)Bones Are Forever by Kathy Reichs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Pub Date: Aug. 28, 2012
Audio CD, Unabridged,
Temperance Brennan #15



My Review:


Another interesting installment in the Temperence Brennan series by Kathy Reichs. This one has Tempe back in Canada with Detective Ryan and also an old lover who she's not as thrilled to see. However her and Ryan have cooled it because of his relationship with his daughter so there's not much romance in this one. But that's okay there's enough suspense to keep this one moving. I like the Brennan/Ryan romance, but also was getting a little tired of the indecision which is still there, but I felt like the case is at the forefront of this book, with a little angst between the two of them still there. But the case is front and center so if that is what you come for in these books, then read it.

The plot was interesting. Dead babies are found and send Tempe, Ryan and Ollie Hasty (the old flame) across Canada looking for a missing woman who goes by different names. When they finally end up in Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, the story really takes off. Lots of great twists and turns that Reichs is known for. Lots of trouble for Tempe to get into, she really never learns, but I still love to read about her and how her mind works as she solves the crimes and really gets to the heart of things. Tempe cares and that's what I really like about her. That part of her character shines through in this book and made it enjoyable for me even when I was a little lost in the details. The fact that she felt something would reel me back in and make me feel something and really care about the characters involved.

The setting was a little bland, but the mining history made things a little more interesting. Also some of the characters were a little so-so which is what brought my rating down a little, but again Tempe is the main character and she shines in this and that was what mattered in the end.

I listened to the audio and it's another winner. I love the reader, she does a wonderful job with the voices so I can tell the difference between the characters even when my mind is wandering a bit on some days (not the fault of the book, the fault of my busy life). I actually found this book held my attention pretty well most days. It had to, I would get a little confused by the different names and places if I didn't pay close attention. So if your mind wanders a lot when you listen to audios, the book version might be better.

I think the book worked overall. Was it one of the best in the series, probably not, but it's the 15th book, there are bound to be some that aren't as great as the others, but then again that is my opinion, you could read it and it might be your favorite. Yellowknife and it's residents may appeal to you more than they did to me. Is is still worth reading? Yes, it's a good book and if you enjoy the series then it's another good book in the series. Will I continue the series? Of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world. I love Tempe Brennan and will continue to read the books about her as long as Kathy Reichs writes them. So she still has a follower in me and Bones Are Forever is a good book. It has Tempe at her best, solving a crime, getting in trouble and caring about people, what more can you ask for?

My rating: 4.0/5.0

About the Book:
Kathy Reichs, #1 New York Times bestselling author and producer of the FOX televison hit Bones, is at her brilliant best in a riveting novel featuring forensic anthropologist Tempe Brennan—a story of infanticide, murder, and corruption, set in the high-stakes, high-danger world of diamond mining. A woman calling herself Amy Roberts checks into a Montreal hospital complaining of uncontrolled bleeding. Doctors see evidence of a recent birth, but before they can act, Roberts disappears. Dispatched to the address she gave at the hospital, police discover bloody towels outside in a Dumpster. Fearing the worst, they call Temperance Brennan to investigate.

In a run-down apartment Tempe makes a ghastly discovery: the decomposing bodies of three infants. According to the landlord, a woman named Alma Rogers lives there. Then a man shows up looking for Alva Rodriguez. Are Amy Roberts, Alma Rogers, and Alva Rodriguez the same person? Did she kill her own babies? And where is she now?

Heading up the investigation is Tempe’s old flame, homicide detective Andrew Ryan. His counterpart from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is sergeant Ollie Hasty, who happens to have a little history with Tempe himself, which she regrets. This unlikely trio follows the woman’s trail, first to Edmonton and then to Yellowknife, a remote diamond-mining city deep in the Northwest Territories. What they find in Yellowknife is more sinister than they ever could have imagined.

Crackling with sexual tension, whip-smart dialogue, and the startling plot twists Reichs delivers so well, Bones Are Forever is the fifteenth thrilling novel in Reichs’s “cleverly plotted and expertly maintained series” (The New York Times Book Review). With the FOX series Bones in its eighth season and her popularity at its broadest ever, Kathy Reichs has reached new heights in suspenseful storytelling.




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

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Author Interview, Review & Giveaway: Construction Beauty Queen by Sara Daniels

Today I welcome Sara Daniel, author of Construction Beauty Queen, a delightful contemporary romance centered around the construction industry (one of my favorites since my own hubby is an electrician) :)  So grab your favorite cuppa and learn a little more about Sara and Construction Beauty Queen.  Then check out my review and you have a chance to win a copy of this charming novel.

Welcome Sara!



What three things do you need in order to write?
·         A keyboard -- I use a pen and paper for brainstorming, but for actual writing I need to type.
·         A window – If I can’t be outside, I need to stare at the trees and sky to really get my creative juices flowing.
·         Coffee -- self-explanatory!

What's your favorite season?
I love warm weather, so summer is my favorite season.  But I especially adore those warm fall days that still feel like summer, the leaves are in full color on the trees, and the ones on the ground crunch under my feet.

If you could write in any other genre besides romance what would it be?
To amuse myself (and my kids), I’ve been playing with some middle grade stories about quirky squirrels and also tween books about boys who go auto racing. Ultimately, I love to tell happily-ever-after stories about family and characters who long for a better life, regardless of the genre.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
Living in a landlocked suburb, I am a complete sucker for the waves crashing on the sand or rocks, so Hawaii is my dream destination, but really any body of water that I can walk along in at least semi-warm weather will do. A perfect day would start with a morning stroll along the beach, hours writing in sight of the water, a nice long hike in the woods, more hours of writing, and then capped off with a sunset walk along the beach with my hubby. Ahh, perfection!

What's the first sentence of Construction Beauty Queen?

The checkered destination flag on the GPS screen waved over the entrance to the most desolate trailer park Veronica Jamison had ever seen.

Where did the idea for Construction Beauty Queen come from?
Growing up in a small town where my parents have a small business was a big inspiration for me. I love stories where everyone is always in everyone’s business, helping the hero and heroine get to happily-ever-after or stirring up to trouble to make the path more difficult. I love reading small-town stories, and I loved writing this one!

Tell us what is Construction Beauty Queen about.
Chicago socialite Veronica Jamison is determined to shake off her sheltered lifestyle and overbearing parents. She heads to her grandfather’s small town of Kortville, ready to roll up her sleeves and work for the family construction business. She’ll prove her worth, even if it means answering to the company’s ruggedly handsome co-owner, Matt.

Matt Shaw just wants to run his business, spend time with the niece he’s raising on his own, and give back to the townspeople who have stood by him. Managing a spoiled-rotten princess he knows he’ll never be good enough for? Not part of his plan. But as he gets to know Veronica, he learns there’s more to her than her beautiful looks and designer clothes. She’s got a heart as rich as her background.

With the quirky townspeople rallying against Veronica inheriting her grandfather’s business, it’s up to Matt to try to drive her out of town. But how can he, when instead she’s driving her way into his heart?

Dish, who’s your favorite character?
I really enjoyed writing the quirky townspeople. Barney, who runs the convenience store, was constantly plying Veronica with so-called “welcome” gifts. And Pauline, who owns the diner, has a serious espresso fetish—the more bizarre the flavor, the better! Of course, I love Veronica and Matt, but Barney and Pauline were so much fun to write.

How did you feel when you finished Construction Beauty Queen?
I felt a really strong sense of accomplishment. I made a lot of revisions on this story, and I’m so proud of the result. Construction Beauty Queen is lighter in tone and more humorous than any of my other books, and I’m looking forward to writing more books in this vein.

For all of us impatient readers, what is up next for you?
I’ve been spending a lot of time editing various “finished” projects this fall, and I am definitely looking forward to starting something new. I have an idea for a book with a couple characters who appeared in Construction Beauty Queen, so hopefully that will soon be my new project.

Thanks Sara!

Thanks for having me. I love to connect with my readers!


My Review:
Construction Beauty Queen is such a fun novel.  It has one of my favorite things in a contemporary romance, the small-town theme where the small-town becomes a character itself.  I fell in love with Kortville and it's residents right alongside of falling in love with Matt and Veronica.  Yes they are tough on Veronica in the beginning but it's very typical of small town so I understood, but as she worms her way into their hearts and Matt's heart, the real story starts.

The characters are great.  You have the spoiled rich girl who really wants to make it on her own.  Right there you have a character I like.  She traded her graduation present car in for an old beater to pay her school loans and while she still has the designer wardrobe she is a generous and sweet soul that you can't help but love.  And she has a spine.  Does she slink away when Kortville and it's residents throw every curveball her way.  Heck no!  Veronica is amazing.  The only place she is unsure is with her heart and with Matt.  She doesn't want to rely on anyone any more, she is sure she wants to do it on her own and I admire that about her.  But there is Matt who is oh so attractive and a good man to boot.  But Matt has his hang ups.  While he is firmly entrenched in the small town life now raising his niece.  He hasn't always been there in Kortville and he has been burned which makes him very wary of rich-girl Veronica.  I like Matt, he's loyal, he loves Kortville and his niece.  He's loyal to his brother's memory, but is it time to let go and really live his own life?  Veronica and Matt really need each other to grow and I love that.  The chemistry works, the romance grows and both of their hearts are good which makes the story and romance easy to believe.

As far as plot, the town and it's residents really helped push this along for me. At the beginning it was what would they do to Veronica next.  And then it was how would they react and grow to love her next.  I love how the various townfolk grow and change during the book as well.  Also I love how Veronica comes into her own with her business as the plot moves.  Then there is the romance, can't have a romance without that.  And Construction Beauty Queen has that.  From the first kiss to the end, the romance had me sighing in a good way.  And it left me smiling and happy.

Construction Beauty Queen is a great read for these cool fall days, it makes you feel all warm inside with the way that people can be good to each other. And that there are happy endings out there.  I loved Matt and Veronica and fully enjoyed this book.  I laughed and cried, it kept me entertained and it was hard to put down.  If you are looking for a quick romance read, then grab this one.  If you love small town romances, then this is right up your alley.  If you just love a good romance then rush and get it.  I can't say enough that this is one wonderful book.  Entangled Publishing you have done it again, please keep it up, you find wonderful authors with great stories to tell!

My Rating:  5.0/5.0

Giveaway:
Thanks to the publicist with Entangled Publishing I have one ebook copy (PDF or epub) available to one winner.  Open international, ends 11/6.

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.  ***

Friday, October 26, 2012

Win the Marriage to a Billionaire Series by Jennifer Probst




Thanks to Gallery Books I have a second great giveaway for you today.  The hot new trilogy by Jennifer Probst, Marriage to a Billionaire is up for grabs.  I have two sets featuring The Marriage Bargain, The Marriage Trap and The Marriage Mistake.  All you have to do is enter.  I'll draw the winners and the publisher will send out the books.  I want these books so I am jealous.  So enter and good luck!  Open to US/Canada, ends 11/2.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 


50th Anniversary To Kill A Mockingbird Giveaway!


You’ve read the book…now see it come to life on movie screens nationwide!



For one day only on Thursday, November 15th, select movie theaters nationwide will show the award-winning film version of Harper Lee’s classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird, in an event in honor of its 50th anniversary. In partnership with Fathom Events, Harper Perennial is offering YOU a chance to win 2 tickets for this event, plus a copy of the book!

PRIZE PACK: 2 tickets to the event at the movie theater nearest you and a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird
 
TO PARTICIPATE:
First: Click here for a list of participating theaters to confirm there is a screening of the event near you.
Second: Comment on this post and share it with your friends on your own blog/Facebook/Twitter! 

**A winner will be selected at random by end of day Sunday, October 28th.
**To participate, first CONFIRM there is a movie theater in your area.




Thursday, October 25, 2012

Author Interview & Giveaway: Rachel Astor (Sugar Rush)




Today I welcome Rachel Astor, author of Sugar Rush, a new romance available from Entangled Publishing's Bliss line.  So grab your favorite cuppa and come learn about Rachel and Sugar Rush then enter to win a copy or if you are impatient go buy this wonderful romance (it's just $2.99)!

What three things do you need in order to write?

Silence, coffee, and a notebook with an Ultra Fine Point Sharpie.

What's your favorite season?

Definitely spring. I live in a climate where the winters are long and very cold, so spring is such a welcome change, it’s almost like a whole new world.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

It’s funny, because of our winters, you’d think I’d be all over going to somewhere hot, and I certainly wouldn’t turn that down, but lately, I’ve been more curious about several European destinations like Ireland, Britain, and Italy. I just love older architecture and the history of all those countries.

What your favorite chocolate confection/treat?

Ooh, that’s a tough one, there are so many to choose from. For chocolate, the Lindt White Chocolate Truffles are my favorite, and for other treats, authentic Baklava in Greece is pretty much to die for, and a little closer to home, well, let’s just say my husband hated cooked apples until he tried my Grandma’s apple pie.

What's the first sentence of Sugar Rush?

Dulcie Carter checked the time on her phone yet again. (This is pretty fitting since Dulcie is ALWAYS short on time.)

Tell us what is Sugar Rush about.

Sugar Rush is light and fun (like a decadent gourmet almond macaroon), centered around a gourmet chocolate competition involving two long-time enemies, the owners of competing candy shops in the same quaint tourist town.

Dish, who’s your favorite character?

I particularly loved to write the scenes with Grams in them. She’s Dulcie’s spitfire grandmother, very loosely inspired by one of my grandmothers.

How did you feel when you finished Sugar Rush?

Finishing a book is always bitter sweet (no pun intended). It’s exhilarating to be done, though you kind of feel like you’re going to miss all the characters a bit too.

What can we expect next from you?

Most people would probably be surprised to hear that I am hard at work revising a children’s novel, and as far as for my grown up readers, there might just be something along the lines of a romantic mystery in the works. ;)  

Thanks Rachel!

Thanks so much for having me!


About Sugar Rush:

There’s nothing quite like your first bite.

Dulcie Carter has been running her family’s homemade sweet shop, Candy Land Confections, on her own since her mom passed away. But business is slow and rent is high, so Dulcie knows if she wants to keep her mom’s dream alive, she’ll need a miracle. Winning the annual Assembly of Chocolatiers competition will change everything, if only she can overcome her fears and bring herself to create something new for the first time in a long time.

Then she meets Nick, a molten-hot guy with a sexy smirk and chocolate brown eyes. The attraction is stronger than any sugar rush—until she discovers he’s set to inherit his family’s big-box candy shop in town, which is her strongest competitor for first prize. Nick’s got his own reasons for needing the win, but then being around Dulcie is proving addictive.

As the competition heats up, so do the sparks between them. Can they keep their sights on winning, when love might be the sweetest prize of all



Giveaway:
Thanks to the publicist, I have one ebook copy (epub or PDF) to giveaway.  The copy will be sent directly from the publicist.  Open internationally.  Ends 11/1.  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.  ***

Sound Giveaway Game





To celebrate the release of the 3rd book of the SOLID series,
Shelley Workinger has put together a giveaway game!
EVERY ENTRANT who COMPLETES the task will win
ebooks of BOTH “Solid” (Solid #1) AND “Settling” (Solid #2).
The GRAND PRIZE WINNER will win SIGNED COPIES of ALL 3 BOOKS,
including “Sound” (Solid #3) just as it hits the shelves on Nov. 1st!

The rules are simple:

1. Visit each blog on the list
2. Leave a quick comment to show you were there
3. Copy the image fragment and paste it into a Word .doc
There are 18 stops to visit, comment on, and collect pieces from;
once you’ve hit all 18 stops and assembled* all of the pieces to complete the image,
email your entry to the author at:
SolidNovel@gmail.com.
4. Visit the author’s blog: But What Are They Eating?
and leave a comment letting her know you’ve sent in your completed entry.
ALL 4 STEPS are important because she will choose the Grand Prize Winner
from her blog comments (using Random.org) and then check her email to verify the entry.
*Don’t worry; the pieces are in order, so if you follow the list, it’ll be easy. :)

The Game runs from Oct. 25th through Oct. 31st;
last day to enter is Oct. 31st and winner will be chosen Nov. 1st.

Good luck and get gathering!
Here’s my piece:



And the rest of the stops:
THANKS FOR PLAYING!