Friday, November 30, 2012

Cover Reveal: The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller


Click the cover to view the larger image.

On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl's body isn’t just unknown, it's anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.
Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever.



 
 
Leah Rae Miller
 Born and raised in northern Louisiana, Leah Rae Miller still lives there on a windy hill with her husband and kids. She loves comic books, lava lamps, fuzzy socks, and Cherry Coke. She spends most of her days reading things she likes and writing things she hopes other people will like.

Entangled Teen is an imprint of Entangled Publishing, an exclusive, boutique publisher of romantic fiction. Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Entangled's goal is to bridge the gap between traditional and indie publishing, giving both readers and authors the best of both worlds.

Get more information at our website.

 


Wednesday, November 28, 2012

First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch Book Blast


First Time: The Legend of Garison Fitch

"What if history didn't happen that way ... the first time?"

Garison Fitch was one of the most revered scientists in the Soviet Americas until he left fame behind to work on a secret project in his log cabin in the mountains of Marx.

But something went wrong. Instead of traveling interdimentionally, Garison has traveled through time ... twice.

Now, he's in something called "The United States of America" and a woman he's never met before is calling herself his wife. It it a hoax? Or, has he somehow changed history?

If so, can he return the world to what he believes is "normal", or must he live in this strange world he created?



Purchase



Praise:

"Sam continues to weave his magic as a storyteller. I always find myself anxious to find out what will happen next and what kind of twist will befall the adventurers. It helps to be familiar with the places that the heroines go, which adds to the story."
~Labdaddy, Texas

"I've had a few very unproductive but enjoyable days thanks to Samuel Ben White. If you haven't read Sam's books you have been missing a treat. These were funny, suspenseful, spiritual and kept you turning the pages."
~Karen S.

"Just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed your books. I have a Kindle and I have purchased all of the Garison Fitch novels. I am in Saudi Arabia and your books have really helped take me away from here."
~Scott, Saudi Arabia


Also Part of the Series:


Saving Time

Two years ago Garison Fitch traveled through time and rewrote history. An accident in the eighteenth century created a whole new world, and even gave Garison a wife he had never met before. Now, he’s got a daughter and he’s coming to enjoy this world he created. Until he’s attacked by men masquerading as Indians, and a funeral procession from out of the past enlists his help, and a tree grows from sappling to full-grown in a matter of minutes, threatening his daughter’s very life. Time itself is unraveling and Garison’s trips through time seem to be the cause. Garison must go back in time once again and keep himself from making the original trip that started the problem. But he can’t use his time machine to go back. How does one sew up a rip in time?





Lost Time

Jason Kerrigan and Brownwyn Dalmouth are pilots with the Republic of Texas Army Air Corps. A world war is going on and bombs have just brought an end to Crockett Air Field in south Texas. Jason and Bronwyn, though, are called away from the battle to be test pilots for a new aircraft that-they're told-will bring the war to an end. The experimental craft lives up to expectations in early tests, but then it lands them somewhere it never should have sent them. Another place? Another time? Another dimension? Somehow, they've taken a trip to the future and changed the past. Or did they? The answer to their change of reality may be known to a Justice of the Peace in Colorado named Garison Fitch. To figure it out, though, Garison may have to team up with his least favorite person: Bat Garrett.





Purchase



Author Samuel Ben White

Samuel Ben White (“Sam” to his friends) is the author of the national newspaper comic strip “Tuttle’s” (found at www.tuttles.net) and the on-line comic book “Burt & the I.L.S.” (found at www.destinyhelix.com). He is married and has two sons. He serves his community as both a minister at a small church and a chaplain with hospice. In addition to his time travel stories, Sam has also written and published detective novels, a western, three fantasy novels and four works of Christian fiction.





Links




Tour Schedule





Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/16/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it when you follow Sam then you can leave the others blank.

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Monday, November 26, 2012

Cover/Blurb Reveal & Giveaway: SOMETHING DARKER by S.A. Price!



Expected publication: December 18th 2012

SOMETHING DARKER (book one of the Inferii Dii)

The one thing Syrus Alcot, the God of Death Osiris in the Egyptian Pantheon, wants in all the worlds is the woman he loved and lost returned to him. When he gave up his powers, and freedom for a life of service he was promised her return. That was over one thousand years ago. A member of a team of dark gods charged with keeping humanity safe, he leads a loveless existence in New York City, searching for the one thing that could bring his wife back to him, a lapis scarab that was lost to him ages before.

Gwen Stapleton, a mild mannered librarian, is unaware that she holds the key to not only Syrus’ happiness, but her own. Seemingly stuck in a hopeless relationship with a man she doesn’t love, she has no idea that a chance meeting in Alphabet City will start a landslide to her heart’s content. Because Gwen is the keeper of the scarab, and is everything Syrus has ever wanted… and hes not the only one.

An Ancient evil is waking, and its servants will stop at nothing to see it seize its rightful place as the new pantheon of earth. And in order for Syrus and his team to save the world, Gwen is going to have to accept him, and show that love does make all the difference.



To learn more about authors Stella and Audra Price, visit their Website:



***VIRTUAL RELEASE PARTY NEWS***


On December 18th, SOMETHING DARKER will be available for purchase and to celebrate the release authors S.A. Price are giving away some AMAZING, out of this world prizes! TRUST ME, you DO NOT want to miss out!

What are they giving away?

Are you ready for this?

A registration to Authors After Dark (2013 or 2014 if you are already registered for 2013), a VIP package including VIP early seating and entry badge, and welcome goodies from the hotel, a gift basket fulla goodies, backlist books, and Breakfast with Stella and Audra on Tuesday morning.  Awesome right? We thought so.

To learn more about Authors After Dark visit www.authorsafterdark.org

And wait, it gets better!!!

There will be a second and third place winner!

SECOND PRIZE winner will win a Nook Touch.
THIRD PRIZE winner will win tons of signed swag.

There's a little extra, too, but you will have to wait until December 18th to find out! :)

Mark your calendars... DECEMBER 18th!!!

Right now we're kicking off an early celebration with a $20 Amazon/BN Gift Card - Winners choice.



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Cover Reveal hosted by...

 







Sunday, November 25, 2012

Week in Review - 11/25/12



What went on in my life:
School for the kids, Court of Honor with Boy Scouts for my oldest son, he advanced in rank and also received Scout of the Month for September (they do Court of Honor for each quarter).  I was a very proud Mom.  And this comes on the tail of last week's school awards.  He's just making me proud all around.  The little one (who is 7 and not so little) had a short and uneventful week thankfully so that was good.  I had another week of not feeling so hot.  I didn't work Monday, did on Tuesday and Wednesday, but really was just waiting for 3:00 when I could leave and go home and veg out.  Thursday was Thanksgiving and time spent with family which was great.  Friday found me home, and not fighting shopping crowds.  I read most of the day, and the only time I left the house was to take Logan, my oldest out to The Bridge which is our local teen hangout on weekends which is about 15 minutes from my house and to pick him up. Saturday was spent doing laundry, some cleanup around the house and reading, another night at The Bridge for my son and some TV for the husband and me. Then more reading.  I spent the day reading Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep, what a great book, and I needed my Mythos Academy fix!  I also hooked up my Tumblr account and started some small posts there, it will mainly be pictures and small updates, leaving the reviews and big updates for the blog.

How was your week?

What I read (links take you to my reviews or to Goodreads page):
Invisible Boy by Cornelia Reed - I read The Crazy School which is Madeline Dare #2 and loved it so I checked this one out from the library.  It was good, a little here and there, but then again her writing can be.  I really enjoyed the story though and enjoy the characters. More on this later this week.

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer - this was really cute and a fast read. I loved the changing points of view and the way the actual story from the storybook was woven in.  A delightful read for the day after Thanksgiving for me, I hope to review it this week.

Last Frost by Jennifer Estep - I won this back when it was released but never could get to read it though I adore this series. Then I volunteered to be a part of Jennifer's blog tour for Crimson Frost which is out in December so I have to get this read so I can read Crimson Frost (such a hardship I know).  It is great so far, love getting back to Gwen, Logan, Daphne and Carson and others at Mythos Academy.

What I received (links take you to Goodreads page):
Vanished by Irene Hannon, e-ARC from Revell for blog tour January 6-12, 2013, I love Irene Hannon and can't wait to read this one
Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian - from NetGalley, review February 22, releases February 26, 2013)
The Young and the Ruthless by Victoria Rowell - from Netgalley, review March 5, 2013 (it's release date).  I was a huge fan of The Young and the Restless for many years until I gave up soaps for lent back in 2000 I think. I still kind of miss them so this is my way of revisiting the past :)
Absent by Katie Williams - from Edelweiss, review & release April 1, 2013
Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza - from Edelweiss, review & release April 12, 2013
Catch a Falling Star by Beth K. Vogt - from Netgalley, review April 30, 2013, release May 7, 2013 from Howard Books
The Long Way Home by Mariah Stewart - from Netgalley, review January 31, 2013, release January 29, 2013
The Siren by Tiffany Reisz - I bought this from Amazon for my Kindle Fire, it and The Angel (which I have) are on special for $2.99 until December 3rd, so run get your copy.  The Prince was just recently released.
Pure and Sinful by Killian McRae - I bought this one on special Black Friday (no going out to shop!) through Amazon, thank you Killian for sending this through your newsletter!  I have been wanting to read it but forgot to add it to my wish list.  I've read some of her historicals and want to try this.  It's still $0.99 today (11/25) so grab a copy if you haven't


What I'm Reading Now:

Crossed by Ally Condie (on my Kindle Fire) - Not much progress this week, it just hasn't called to me like the other books I've read.
Zoo by James Patterson (my library book) - it's okay so far, we'll see . . . 
Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent (my audio book) - I'm at 3/4 done now, hope to finish this week.

What are you reading?



Monday, November 19, 2012

Monday morning reading



I'm home dealing with aches and pains today and my wonderful cat Buckwheat is keeping me company while I read Invisible Boy by Cornelia Reed. Which is a perfect read for a cloudy, windy, rainy day like today. And the bonus is Buckwheat's neck scarf matches my blanket. :-) I have a review or two coming later today.  Have a great day and stay warm.  

Sunday, November 18, 2012

2013 Romantic Suspense Reading Challenge

2013 Romantic Suspense Reading Challenge hosted by The Book Vixen

I love this time of year, yes I love Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it's also Reading Challenge sign up time!  So here's my first one.  Romantic Suspense is one of my favorite genres so when I saw this one I knew I would sign up. It's easy, see the details below if you are interested.  I'll keep track of my books for the challenge here once the new year starts.

Reading Challenge Details:
  • Runs January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013 (books read prior to 1/1/2013 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime. Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
  • The goal is to read 13 romantic suspense novels in ‘13.
  • Books can be any format (bound, ebook, audio).
  • Novellas that are at least 100 pages in length, as well as full-length novels, will count for this reading challenge.
  • Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
  • Grab the reading challenge button and post this reading challenge on your blog to track your progress. Please include a link back to this sign-up post so others can join the reading challenge too. You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads or LibraryThing.

  1. Imitation in Death by J.D. Robb
  2. Vanished by Irene Hannon
  3. Divided in Death by J.D. Robb
  4. The Seventh Victim by Mary Burton
  5. Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts
  6. SEAL of Honor by Tonya Burrows

Week in Review

In an effort to recommit to my book blog I thought I would do a week-in-review type post.  I know I enjoy reading what others have done with their weeks, but I'm just that type.  So I thought you might like to see what I read, what I received and what I did :)  And I love comments so feel free to tell me something you read, something crazy that happened or anything in general that is going on in your life.  Hey if you have a prayer request, I will even add those to my prayer list!

What went on in my life:
Work, work, work, then I had a flare-up.  Flare-ups really frustrate me now that I'm gluten-free and feel well for the most part.  So when I feel bad, it really gets to me.  This flare up caused me to miss work on Friday, I felt better yesterday (a little) and then woke up feeling horrible again this morning.  Our weather is probably the cause, it's blowing a gale, raining and just can't seem to make up it's mind whether it wants to be 60 or 45 here and my body doesn't do well with that.  But I've been able to read so that is good.
My oldest got his first academic award this week! The school he went to before didn't even do honor roll or principal's list so this was great, they had an award's ceremony that my Mom went to for me and Logan received an award for Honor Roll (2 points away in one class from Principal's List) and an Accelerated Reader award (wonder where he gets that from).  Yay for him!  Jacob also tells me he is way ahead of his class in his individual reading.  I'm proud of both of my boys!

What I read (since last Saturday, links take you to my reviews or to Goodreads page):
Double Time by Olivia Cunning (Sinners on Tour #5), Whew, that is one hot book!
The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson, such a sweet Christmas story
Love, Anthony by Lisa Genova, I finished this up on audio and I can't even begin to gush enough about this one, my review will come this week.
Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro - looks to be a good start to another series by James Patterson, review to come
Across the Universe by Beth Revis, major gushing to come!
The Racketeer by John Grisham - wow, the master is definitely back in this one, review to come

It was an excellent reading week, lots of reading time and lots of great books to read. I honestly wasn't sure I would like Across the Universe, but it hooked me, I can't wait to read the next one, hope it comes in from the library on Tuesday!  And The Christmas Pony was so delightful.  The Racketeer kept me reading all day on Saturday, a definite could not put down.

What I received (links take you to Goodreads page):
The Emperor's Conspiracy by Michelle Diener - tour date December 3
Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep - tour date December 21
Political Suicide by Michael Palmer - review date December 12
Haven of Obedience by Maria Anderson - review in December
Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens - review December 5
Effortless by S.C. Stephens - review December 7
Hysteria by Megan Miranda - review January 29, 2013
Release Me by J. Kenner - review January 1, 2013
Also Known As by Robin Benway - review February 26, 2013 (my birthday!!!)

What I'm Reading Now:
Invisible Boy by Cornelia Reed - I read The Crazy School which is Madeline Dare #2 and loved it so I checked this one out from the library. So far it's great.
Crossed by Ally Condie (on my Kindle Fire) - I loved Matched and I bought this when it came out.  And now I have Reached coming from the library so I figured it's time to read it!
Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent (my audio book) - I love her YA series, and now I love this series as well, can't wait to see what happens next.  Love Liv and Cam!

What are you reading?



Saturday, November 17, 2012

Snapshot Saturday 11/17/12

It's a windy cool Saturday here on the coast of NC and I'm in my favorite chair with my electric blanket throw reading happily.  I thought I would share what I was reading at the moment from the library, on my Kindle and as my audiobook, just as a snapshot of my reading week.  Feel free to comment and let me know what you are reading and what your weather is like as well, I love hearing what everyone is reading and doing.

Here's the view from my front porch:


Here's my library book and main book I'm reading at the moment, I'm on Chapter 10, page 79 and it's getting really good.  More like a classic Grisham to me.

Given the importance of what they do, and the controversies that often surround them, and the violent people they sometimes confront, it is remarkable that in the history of this country only four active federal judges have been murdered.

Judge Raymond Fawcett has just become number five.


Who is the Racketeer? And what does he have to do with the judge’s untimely demise? His name, for the moment, is Malcolm Bannister. Job status? Former attorney. Current residence? The Federal Prison Camp near Frostburg, Maryland.

On paper, Malcolm’s situation isn’t looking too good these days, but he’s got an ace up his sleeve. He knows who killed Judge Fawcett, and he knows why. The judge’s body was found in his remote lakeside cabin. There was no forced entry, no struggle, just two dead bodies: Judge Fawcett and his young secretary. And one large, state-of-the-art, extremely secure safe, opened and emptied.

What was in the safe? The FBI would love to know. And Malcolm Bannister would love to tell them. But everything has a price—especially information as explosive as the sequence of events that led to Judge Fawcett’s death. And the Racketeer wasn’t born yesterday . . .

Nothing is as it seems and everything’s fair game in this wickedly clever new novel from John Grisham, the undisputed master of the legal thriller.


On my Kindle I'm reading, I just started this, I loved Matched and have Reached on the way from the library.  I actually bought this for my Kindle when it came out last year and I'm just getting around to reading it!

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky — taken by the Society to his certain death — only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia’s quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander — who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia’s heart — change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.




And my audiobook for cooking and listening to in the car after I drop the kids off is Blood Bound which is wonderful.  I was hooked on Rachel Vincent's YA books, the Soul Screamers series, but now know she does adult just as well!  I'm getting close to halfway through this one, the audio is great and I know I will be eager for the second in this series as soon as I finish this one.

By blood, by word, by magic…

Most can't touch the power. But Liv Warren is special— a paranormal tracker who follows the scent of blood.

Liv makes her own rules, and the most important one is trust no one.

But when her friend's daughter goes missing, Liv has no choice but to find the girl. Thanks to a childhood oath, Liv can't rest until the child is home safe. But that means trusting Cam Caballero, the former lover forbidden to her.

Bound by oath and lost in desire for a man she cannot have, Liv is racing to save the child from a dark criminal underworld where secrets, lies, trauma and danger lurk around every corner…every touch…every kiss.

And more blood will be spilled before it's over…


And the fun of all three of these titles, none are for review!  Next week I have no scheduled reviews, but lots of reviews to write, so right now it's time for reading for fun!

 What are you reading on this Saturday before Thanksgiving in the US?



Friday, November 16, 2012

Win a Custom Manicure Set and a $20 Ulta Gift Card


Sara Daniel, author of Construction Beauty Queen, which I reviewed and gave away a few weeks ago is having a great giveaway to continue promote her book. Below is Sara's Rafflecopter and all you have to do is enter :)  It's a great prize, I love the beautiful custom manicure set (I really need one) and a $20 Ulta Gift Card (who couldn't use that?)  Good Luck and make sure you check out Construction Beauty Queen - it's a perfect weekend read!


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Note: this is a giveaway hosted by Sara Daniel not by My Reading Room.


Cover Reveal: Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin






Release: December 27th

Blurb:
I was never supposed to be a rock star. I had my life all planned out for me. Play football in college. Go to the NFL. Marry my high school sweetheart and live happily ever after.

I broke both our hearts that day when I told her I was leaving. I was young. I made the right decision for me, but the wrong decision for us. I’ve poured my soul into my music, but I’ve never forgotten her. Her smell, her smile.

And now I’m going back.

After ten years.

I hope I can explain that after all this time.

I still want her to be my forever girl.


My grandma once told me that I can do anything I want, so I am.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, I now live in picturesque Vermont, with my husband and two daughters. Also renting space in our home is an overhyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets.

During the day you'll find me behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, I'm writing one of the many stories I plan to release or sitting courtside during either daughter's basketball games.

I'm also an active reviewer on The Readiacs - a site I own with my best friend and uber special beta, Yvette.


WebsiteFacebookGoodReadsTwitter


_______________________________________
 
GIVEAWAY
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This giveaway is open INTERNATIONAL.


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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Book Review: The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson

The Christmas PonyThe Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson
Publisher: Revell
Publish Date: September 1, 2012
Hardcover, 169 pages
ISBN: 9780800719272 



My Review:
I have come to think of reading Ms. Carlson's Christmas books as a tradition and while I have to read them a little early for me in the season, they never fail to bring me good cheer and warm feelings when I read one of them. The Christmas Pony is no exception, in fact I think it's one of her best of the last three years that I have been reading.

The story focuses around a young girl who's family is making it for their small town after the great depression in 1937. All Lucy really wants for Christmas is the pony that is down the road that is for sale of trade, but she knows she probably won't get it. But that doesn't stop her for praying for it. Lucy lives with her Grandmother and widowed Mother and they take in boarders to make extra money so Lucy thinks it's magical when she happens to run into a beautiful woman and a well-dressed man in town that need a place to stay. And that's where the story and the magic start. Getting to know Lucy, George, Miriam and even annoying Veronica make the magic of this book. I adored George and his quiet wisdom and sweet ways with Lucy and Miriam.

Once you start reading this you won't want to put it down, and it's easy to read in an hour or so since it's under 200 pages. The magic of the Christmas season in the book will enthrall you and even though life isn't perfect for this little family you will learn to enjoy the little things right along with them. When I finished the book, I wanted to hug my little family, tell them I love them and carry the magic of The Christmas Pony with us right through Thanksgiving and into Advent and the Christmas season. Ms. Carlson captures the magic of the simple life, love and the spirit of giving so perfectly that you can't help closing this book with a smile on your face even if you are facing troubles in your life.

So I encourage you to grab this book, it's a quick read. It's uplifting, it's romantic, it's sweet. It's nice to see life through the eyes of a child and appreciate things that way. The Christmas Pony is a lovely book that I may just have to read again before Christmas.

My rating: 5.0/5.0

Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the Book:
Eight-year-old Lucy Turnbull knew better than to wish for a pony that Christmas in 1937. Her mother had assured her in no uncertain terms that asking for a pony was the same as asking for the moon. Besides, the only extra mouths they needed at their boarding house were the paying kind. But when an interesting pair of strangers comes to town, Lucy starts to believe her Christmas wishes might just come true after all. 

The queen of the Christmas novel, Melody Carlson pens another magical tale of expectation and excitement as one little girl dreams big and the impossible becomes possible.


Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books from Revell, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington’s, which is being considered for a TV movie. She is also the author of many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, Double Take, and the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books in 2010 and 2011. She and her husband live in central Oregon. 

Website

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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.  ***

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Book Review: Double Time by Olivia Cunning

Double Time (Sinners on Tour, #5)Double Time by Olivia Cunning
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Pub Date: November 6, 2012
Paperback, 384 pages
ISBN: 9781402271519 
Romance, Erotica 
Sinners on Tour



My Review:
This is one of those books you are dying to finish and don't want to finish at the same time. You want to know what happens, but you don't want it to be over. It was my first Sinners on Tour book, I had great plans to read the first two books in the series before reading this one, but as usual, I didn't get to it before the deadline loomed for the review of Double Time. So I dove into this book which I later found out is supposed to be the last book in the series, but is being released third for some reason that I don't know and don't really care because I was able to read about Trey now.

Another confession, I had not read m/m/f before, was not even sure I would like it, but had heard such wonderful things about the series that I knew I had to try it. I knew I wouldn't judge the overall book on whether the sex scenes were for me or not. Well they were for me. I think Ms. Cunning does a wonderful job with them. But I'll get to that in a moment, I just needed to get my confessions out of the way.

The characters, anyone who reads my blog, knows I'm big on characters, and since this is a romance, it needs to have great characters. I did not know Trey or any of the band members of The Sinners or Exodus End before Double Time, but that's okay. I think Ms. Cunning does a great job getting you up-to-speed on the characters. And even the happily-ever-afters of the two books between Rock Hard and Double Time are a given and nothing essential was given away to spoil them in my opinion. So back to Trey, Reagan and Ethan. Oh my gosh, they are amazing. Reagan was so cool, love the tomboy, rock goddess image, love that she still squeals at seeing the members of Exodus End and The Sinners and doesn't take her position for granted. Love that she also seems to know what she's getting into and knows she'll probably get hurt, but still allows herself to fall for Trey. Her feelings are amazing and I love how they are shown in the book. Trey is tortured by his love for Brian and wants to get over it with Reagan, and the crazy thing is he finds he really has feelings for her. I loved watching that develop. He is such a teddy bear while still being incredibly sexy. And the banter between the two of them, just amazing, he truly has met his match in Reagan. Then add Ethan in and wow, do the three of them soar off the charts! Not as much is known about Ethan, the constraints of the book limited that I believe, but I felt like I knew him enough I was comfortable with his place in the relationship and how he grew into it. I liked Trey and Reagan the best, but probably because I was able to get to know them the best.

The plot was mainly moved along by the relationship and Trey's secret for the first half of the book and then their experimentation for the next quarter of the book. Then the suspense plot that was in the background through about half of the book ramped up for the last quarter and made things even more interesting. And it finishes out with more relationship happenings. I felt the plot moved very well, never dragged and kept me turning pages. I easily read the first 250 pages in one sitting and would have read more had my family not demanded supper. Of course I could not wait to get back to it.

One of my favorite things as I finished up Double Time was that the characters and plot will stay with me for some time. Yes the sex was hot and I enjoyed it, but there was deeper relationship meaning in the book as most of us women expect. It's erotica done the way it should be, a healthy dose of steamy sex with a great story and a happy ending. Just know it has m/m and m/m/f along with m/f sex in it, so if you know it's not your thing, then don't read it. If you haven't tried reading it and aren't sure, I can heartily recommend trying this one. :)

My rating: 5.0/5.0

About the Book:
Olivia Cunning delivers the perfect blend of steamy sex, heartwarming romance, and a wicked sense of humor in this menage story featuring the hottest guy in the Sinners band.

Trey Mills, the notoriously sexy Sinners rhythm guitarist, gives up his bisexual lifestyle and is swept into a hot, heady romance with Reagan Elliot, a female rock star sensation. But when Trey encounters Reagan's sexy bisexual roommate, Ethan Conner, he can no longer deny who he is or what he wants. Reagan heartily agrees to a solution that opens up a hot new world of sexual experience--and love--with the two men she wants the most.



About the Author (from Goodreads.com):
Combining her love for romantic fiction and rock ‘n roll, Olivia Cunning writes erotic romance centered around rock musicians. Raised on hard rock music from the cradle, she attended her first Styx concert at age six and fell instantly in love with live music. She's been known to travel over a thousand miles just to see a favorite band in concert. As a teen, she discovered her second love, romantic fiction -- first, voraciously reading steamy romance novels and then penning her own. Growing up as the daughter of a career soldier, she's lived all over the country and overseas. She recently moved to Galveston, Texas.

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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.  ***

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Book Review: Placebo by Steven James

Placebo: A Jevin Banks NovelPlacebo: A Jevin Banks Novel by Steven James
Publisher: Revell
Publish Date: Nov. 1, 2012
Softcover, 416 pages
ISBN: 9780800719340
Suspense


My Review:

Placebo is a great introduction to a new series featuring Jevin Banks and his cohorts Charlene, Xavier and Fionna. It also offers something different from Stephen James other series and most other suspense novels I've read, Jevin is an escape artist and illusionist. It definitely makes things interesting and lends a new feel to the suspense genre which usually revolves around PIs, FBI agents, police officers and the like.

The first part of the novel moves a little slow, but with good reason. In this first part Mr. James is taking the time to introduce the reader to the characters and give the reader a good feel for the characters and the situation he is about to put them in. While I state it's slow, I don't mean it's boring, I just mean it's not the breakneck pace that will come later. I found it to be interesting from the beginning because I enjoy getting to know characters, getting inside their heads and understanding their motivations. The reader definitely gets this in Placebo.

As the book continues the pace begins to ramp up and gets to the point that the only reason I put the book down is because I fell asleep and the book fell on my face (true story, I take a sleeping pill, so don't think the book bored me). I picked the book right back up the following morning and didn't set it down until I finished it.

I enjoyed Placebo, I really enjoyed the characters the most. The plot was a little confusing at times, but it was exciting enough I could get past it. My only other complaint was it was a bit rushed at the end, probably victim to the development in the beginning which I wouldn't have wanted to lose. But all-in-all I found Placebo to be an enjoyable book. I like Jevin and his friends and can't wait to read the next book in this series. Characters make books for me and these characters and their jobs are different, fun and make the book exciting and leave me wanting more of them. Placebo is a very enjoyable suspense read, Steven James has done it again and has a dedicated reader for life with me.

My Rating: 4.0/5.0

Available November 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

About the Book:
While covertly investigating a controversial neurological research program, expose filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. After giving up his career as an escape artist and illusionist in the wake of his wife and sons' tragic death, Jevin is seeking not only answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program, but also answers to why his family suffered as they did. 

Rooted in ground-breaking science and inspired by actual research, "Placebo" explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. Readers will love this taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James.




***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.  ***