Friendship Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Today I will be reviewing Friendship makes the heart grow founder by Lisa Verge Higgins. I will also be holding a giveaway for this book as well!

Book Info:

Four years, two weeks, and three days after losing her husband to cancer, Monique Franke-Reed isn’t ready to let go. She still speaks to him when things get rough, summoning him in the bedroom that they shared, waiting for that familiar whisper, the tender breeze or the gentle sag of the mattress. So going through with the bucket list that they created together isn’t an option – that is until she learns of her best friend’s startling diagnosis.
For years, Becky was the clumsy one. Tripping over smooth surfaces. Bumping into people. She laughed it off until her night vision began to diminish. And then comes the shocking news: she is going blind. Not tomorrow or next week. But life as she knows it will be taken away.
Realizing that Becky is slipping into a world of fear and anxiety, Monique sees the bucket list as the perfect opportunity for her friend to take in sights for the first and last time.
Together, Monique and Becky – along with Judy, who was once a free spirit but is now a mother of five coping with the onset of empty nest syndrome – not only explore the wonders of Europe, but they gain a new perspective to help cope with the fears and loss that they are facing.
FRIENDSHIP MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER is so much more than a cliché and moves beyond the realm of chick lit.

Author Info:

Lisa Verge Higgins is a RITA-nominated author of 14 novels that have been published worldwide – 12 of which were penned while studying for her PhD in chemistry. Lisa made her first foray into mainstream women’s fiction with The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship (2011). The novel went on to win the 2011 Golden Leaf Award for Best Single Title. It was also selected as the first Best Read of 2011 by Barnes & Noble’s General Fiction Book Club and landed on their Top 20 list. Lisa currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and three daughters.

My Review:
This was such a nice, realaxing, and enjoying read! I really liked the relationships that developed in this book and the characters were ok as well. I loved how the author takes the reader to Europe (because I love Europe) and I love mostly all of what happens at the end. As the description says I think this would be a great book for book clubs because their are many things you could talk about with it. However even though I enjoyed this book it was not one of my favorites and I would never pick it over Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants (that comprasion poped in my head while I was typing this because I do see many similarities between this authors books and that series). I would recommend it certainly its a good and relaxing read for summer.

I would like to thank Jennifer Resse from Grand Central Publishing for leting me read and review this book and host the giveaway.

Giveaway:
I will be holding a giveaway for 2 copies of this book here on my blog! Details can be found at the bottom of my blog.

Accidentally Evil?

Today I am doing a realease day post for Accidentally Evil by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff. It is a new e-novella. I am also having a Q&A as well so I would like to thank her and welcome her to my blog! I am also holding a giveaway for one digital copy of this book!

The God of Male Virility Has Never Had a Date . . . Until Now
"Make no mistake, I am not the sort of god who enjoys playing games. When I return, you will tell me everything-who and what you are-then we shall spend the evening making love."

When Maggie O'Hare hears those words she thinks she's lost her mind. One minute she was traipsing around the Mayan jungle looking for her father's excavation site; the next she's accused of being immortal by a guy who swears he's a god. And as for the making love part . . . well, the fact that it sounds like a very good idea is a sure sign she's gone mad. But this guy who calls himself the God of Virility-he's superhot. And every time he touches her, something crazy happens.

Backlum Chaam has waited seventy thousand years to meet the woman Fate has chosen for him, and now that she's here, he can't believe his luck. Maggie is brilliant and gorgeous and everything he could have dreamed of . . . except that she insists she's human. But Chaam knows that's impossible-a god could never love a human. And if he seduces one, their passion could have the power to destroy mankind . . .

Q&A

Can you tell readers a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to write in this particular genre?

I’m not a huge fan of talking about myself only because I think I’m completely boring and unimportant in context to the stories. So I’ll simply say, I’m an everyday working mom who loves to write for fun. Paranormal is fantastic because anything goes; your imagination is the only limit. And Romance, well, there’s nothing better than a good love story. So there you have it! Put those two together and it’s endless fun! I could write it forever.

What inspired you to write this book?

Definitely my experiences living in Mexico. Their pre-Hispanic culture is so fascinating, and when I finally decided to write something, I just knew it would involve something related.

What are you working on next?

Not counting ACCIDENTALLY EVIL, I have three more installments coming in the ACCIDENTALLY YOURS series. VAMPIRES NEED NOT…APPLY? (BOOK 4 of the ACCIDENTALLY YOURS SERIES) is due to release in September. After that, I have several more series coming. The only problem is trying to pick which one I will write next!

 

Giveaway:

I will be holding a giveaway for one digital copy of this book details can be found at the bottom of my blog.

Darness Bred by Stella Cameron

Today I am reviewing Darness Bred by Stella Cameron.

Book Info:

THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Ever since shapeshifter Elin escaped to Whidbey Island, danger has stalked her every move. Her human traits, combined with her unique supernatural gifts, make her a prized being to be possessed . . . or destroyed. It is only the passionate attraction she shares with werehound Sean Black that gives her hope for her future-if she can elude the lethal predators who are hot on her scent.

HIDES DANGER AND DESIRE

Sean knows that Elin, with her delicate beauty and seductive powers, is his one perfect mate. The woman who can restore his humanity and make him stronger than ever. He'll need that strength and more to protect her from those who wish to destroy him and everything he desires. For Sean carries a secret that binds him to an enemy from the past and to a darker, deadlier force-a malignant evil that is hunting the women of Whidbey Island . . .



My review:
This one was ok I didnt find myself conecting or enjoying this book like I have with others that I have read by this author. The characters and plot were ok I just got bored with the story after awhile. Like I said before I have read other books by this author and have enjoyed them, so this wont discourage me from reading other books by this author in the future. I just wouldnt reccomend this one, however I do think some readers who are fans of paranormal romance may like it.

Passion For Pleasure Blog Tour

So today I am participating in a blog tour for the book a Passion for Pleasure by Nina Rowan. As some of you may remember I had already reviewed this book (that review can be found here: http://tarmyblogspot.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-passion-for-pleasure.html ). Today I will be having a Q&A with the author so I would like to thank her and welcome her to my blog! I will also be holding a giveaway for one copy of the book!

Q:I like the cover how much input did you have in it?

 

A:I sent in some photos of images I thought best represented the atmosphere of the book and the characters, and the wonderful art department at Grand Central did the rest! I love the jewel-tone colors of the dress and the way the entire scene complements the cover of A Study in Seduction. I think it’s a perfect representation of the theme of the book, and has a gorgeous, luxurious feel to it.

Q:What are you working on next?

A:Next up is the third book in the Daring Hearts series—A DREAM OF DESIRE, which focuses on Talia Hall, the youngest of the Hall siblings and the only girl. She has long been in love with her childhood friend James Forester, Baron Castleford, and decides that it’s about time he knows her true feelings. I loved working on this book partly because Talia works with a charity that seeks to reform and help juvenile delinquents, and I think that is a plotline that resonates well into the contemporary world.

Q:What is your favorite time period in history?

A: I don’t think I have a favorite time period just because I think they’re all so fascinating. Of course, I love the mid-Victorian era since it was a time of such immense changes in society, technology, politics, education…a very rich atmosphere for story ideas. And it’s fascinating to find parallels with contemporary society, as I did with Talia’s work in juvenile delinquent reform. I love it when history reminds us that we are not as distant from each other as textbooks would sometimes have us believe.

 

Giveaway:

I will be holding a giveaway for one copy of this book details can be found at the bottom of my blog!

Sewing a Friendship: Magic in Us by Natalie Tinti Tour!

Today I will be participating in a blog tour for the book Sewing a Friendship: Magic in Us by Natalie Tinti. I will also be having a guest post by the author so I would like to thank her and welcome her to my blog!

Chapter 7

Meeka’s World             

   Meeka began to create the next part of the group story. “Meekasoo, the frog lover, lived near the Kingdom of Frog Pond in the Green Hotel. While Ninaka was exploring her way toward the birthday party, Meekasoo found a three-eyed-rainbow-frog for Bellkoo’s birthday, to which she too was invited. Meekasoo thought to herself,

‘Who would not love this amphibian beauty? He is s-o-o-o-o cute, handsome, and adorable! Look at him, look at him! His eyes sparkle like Prince Charming's!’

­­­   As she started to reach for the frog, a very rare, black colored lily pad, right in the middle of the pond, caught her eye. ‘Look how beautiful this lily pad is! I would love to get some measurements of this Night Beauty before it closes up.

  "Meekasoo grabbed her special bag full of scientific instruments that went every-where with her. Inside her bag was a ruler, a stopwatch, a barometer, a thermometer, a calculator, a scale, a speedometer, and of course, her favorite frog pencil and red notebook. She planned to record her measurements in section 199.072 of her notebook:   Lily Pad Observations."

   "Sounds of ‘squish, squash, squish, squash’ echoed everywhere as Meekasoo waded toward her project. Time passed very quickly as the science loving girl gathered measurements for her red notebook with excitement. Then Meekasoo noticed a beautiful reflection of the full moon on the pond. The moon was already high up in the sky and shimmering very brightly. ‘Oh, no! I forgot about the birthday party.’ Meekasoo exclaimed! She began to sprint toward Bellkoo’s castle through the dark forest, using

her homemade paperclip compass for navigating. When she reached the Hall of Lollipop Singers, she realized that she had forgotten something. 'Bellkoo's gift! Oh well, I'll bring two gifts next year,’ sighed Meekasoo as she strolled toward the party excitedly."

 

Children's Chapter Book

Date Published: March 2013

Sewing a Friendship 2: Magic in Us.


Magic in Us is a sweet, hopeful, energetic story that creates a lively pace and makes reading aloud a pleasure. It's an
inspiration for children to learn and grow into well-rounded individuals, to realize the power of friendship, to learn about
the value of problem solving and discover hidden talents. It told by 10 years old Natalie Tinti who is not only a multi-
awarded talented writer, she is also an amazing artist!
The Power of Imagination (book 1)


When a secret agent dog, Dogon, informed four best friends that Nina has a bad horrible scratch and she won’t be able to
play her musical instruments, they must quickly come and make her feel better. While deciding what to do next, there's a
veritable blizzard of ideas put forth, and the girls have to sift through them all to come up with a plan of action. Together
they create a magical world full of adventures where every obstacle can be overcome with mutual support and joint
creativity.

Virtual Book Tour April 27 - May 25

April 27 - Reading Addiction Blog Tours - Meet and Greet

April 28 - The Avid Reader - Guest Post

April 29 - My Reading Addiction - Interview

April 30 - Bunny's Reviews - Interview

May 1 - Texas Book Nook - Review

May 2 - Books, Books, the Magical Fruit - Guest Post

May 4 - Book Reviews By Dee - Guest Post

May 6 - The Avid Reader - Giveaway

May 7 - Author Ever Leigh - Interview

May 8 - Growing Up Little - Review

May 9 - The Serial Reader - Guest Post

May 11 - Just Me, Myself, and I - Review

May 13 - Mythical Books - Guest Post

May 14 - Green Frog Reviews - Review

May 15 - Inside BJ's Head - Giveaway

May 16 - Gimme the Scoop Reviews - Guest Post

May 17 - Books and Needlepoint - Giveaway

May 18 - My Devotional Thoughts - Interview

May 19 - Debbie Jean - Review

May 20 - Deal Sharing Aunt- Review

May 21 - Bianca2B - Giveaway

May 22 - Green Frog Children's Book Reviews - Review

May 23 - Bookmarks, Spoilers, and Happily Ever Afters - Giveaway

May 24 - Book Referees - Review/Interview

May 25 - RABT Reviews - Review

 

Natalie Tinti

Author Bio:

At age thirteen Natalie Tinti is a multi-award winning author, illustrator, of 12 children’s books and an inspirational public speaker who promotes varied uplifting messages for her peers as well as their parents. Despite this early success as an artist Natalie was recommended to repeat Kindergarten as her teacher thought she didn’t have adequate language function and memory recall. However, this apparent set back would later serve as a valuable growth experience in her social awareness and desire to help her classmates. Natalie’s books gave her a platform for speaking at various venues where she promoted the empowerment of children to include: the value of social skills for overall happiness and as a tool in dealing with bullies, appreciating one’s unique talents and personality to bolster self-confidence, and challenging children of all ages to build friendships by having the courage to include others.

Guest Post:

One Day of My Writing

Saturday morning…is my writing time (if I don’t have any events or presentations). The first thing first: I make myself comfortable on the bed with a lot of pillows then I open up my miniature computer to find my recent work. Right now it’s The Wanted. I’m so close to finishing it! But completing a story seems to always be the hardest part of the whole writing process for me; I start giving up slowly when I’m getting closer and closer to the conclusion.

“Okay, let’s do this! I need only 5000 words, just 5000 more to wrap it all up, it’s less than 1/6^th of the book. I’m going to complete it today! I know I can do it,” I try to cheer myself up. I really want to get it over with and start the next book and then the next book and next…There are so many ideas in my head and so little time to create.

I stare at the white screen as if I’m waiting for it to write on its own. “Come on,” I try to make my fingers start typing away.  I put down a word and just erase it. Bummer! My mind is already in another dimension creating a different story. I try another way to bust myself and get in the mood to finish this book, the one I am so close to finishing. What else can I do? Okay, I’ll read a couple of chapters of my manuscript. Usually after different ways of trying to find the perfect writing mood I get too much on the story that I can’t even think creatively. Few hours past and still I haven’t put down a word. I stare at the screen some more, slowly giving up at this writing thing today. Maybe tomorrow…

Then I just switch subject, go on Google and start listening to k-pop. It brought me to the dancing mood! I dance to myself in my head as I listen to the songs. Great! That’s was I need! I pull out my story again and start running my fingers across my keyboard. My dancing fingers go with the sound of the beat and I’m carried away. This is what usually gets me in the mood! Thanks k-pop, now I’m even closer on finishing my book, The Wanted.  

 

Barefoot in the sun

Today I will be reviwing Barefoot in the sun by Roxanne St. Clare.

Book Info:

A Barefoot Bay Novel

When running is all you've ever known . . .

Caught between fight and flight, Zoe Tamarin has always picked flight. Since she was rescued from a nightmare childhood by her great-aunt Pasha, they've been on the move, never staying in one place long enough to risk exposing their precarious past. But now that they've reached the sun-baked shores of Barefoot Bay, Zoe may have to stay and fight-for her aunt's life . . . and for a love she ran from years before.

Sometimes the bravest act of all is to stand still.

Oliver Bradbury came to Florida to start over, as both a doctor and a father to his eight-year-old son. He never expected life to hand him a second chance with the woman he lost years ago-but one look at Zoe Tamarin and he knows he'll do whatever it takes to prove that this time, he can be the man she needs. But when demands of family and friendship threaten to shatter their rekindled passion, Oliver must heal Zoe's lifelong wounds with more than hot kisses . . . but will that be enough to keep her from flying off with his heart?

My Review:
I thought this romance novel was just ok. The plot and characters were ok but I found myself not connecting and a little bored with this romance novel. I have read other books by this author and have liked them so overall I would say I do like this author but this book wasnt one of my favorites and I would not reccomend it.

I would like to thank the people from Forever for letting me read and review this book!

Yikes! (Audiobook Tour)

Title: When Marijuana and reality T.V. Collide... Yikes! another quirky audiobook
Author: Adele Park
Narrators/Cast: Kiki Thompson , Kent Hayes, Rhett Guter, Jesse Pepe, Brittany Shamy, Garry Morris, Alexandra Harbold, Melissa Sandberg, Steve Campbell, Lesley Mendenhall, Adam Schroeder
Pub. Date September 22 2012
Publisher: Strait to audio productions
Length: 10.5 hours

Audiobook Info:

Buy Now @ Audible

Genre – Comedy / Satire

Rating – R (language & theme)

When marijuana enthusiast Blue McKenna suffers an apocalyptic case of writer’s block, reality TV seems like an easy way out. A conglomerate of kooky contestants invades the polygamist community of Navel, Utah, to compete in a reality TV show called Yikes! Participants include Steven Finch, a lovable stoner who develops a conspiracy theory involving a rock band called the Rectal Surgeons, and Randall Smoot, a member of the Gay Mafia.

When marijuana and reality TV collide….

Yikes! Another Quirky Audio Book features a cast of 11 actors who portray the characters in funny, engaging narratives.

 

 

Author Info:

Connect with Adele Park on Facebook

Blog http://adeleparkquirkyaudiobooks.blogspot.com/

Website http://www.yikesaudiobook.com/

Adele Park worked as a TV and radio reporter, news anchor and on-air personality for more than 20 years. In 2008, Park formed Straight to Audio Productions L.L.C. and opened a recording studio in St. George, Utah.

Park is the author, producer, director and audio editor of two full-length audio books: Jitters-A Quirky Little Audio Book and Yikes! Another Quirky Audio Book.

Park has also worked in the print media. Her articles and photos have been published in a variety of magazines.

Tour Info:

Check out where this author will be talking about her book!

2nd April – Book Feature at Peace from Pieces

3rd April – Twitter View with OB Book Tours

4th April – Twitter Blast with OB Book Tours

5th April - Book Review & Author Interview at Mommy Adventures

6th April - Guest Post at The Bunny’s Review

7th April - Twitter Blast with OB Book Tours

8th April - Book Review & Author Interview at The Reading Cat

9th April - Guest Post at Blog-A-Licious Authors

10th April - Book Review & Author Interview at Author’s Friend

11th April – Guest Post at Kindle Nook Books

12th April – Author Interview at Page Turning Books

13th April – Book Review at Creating Imaginations

14th April – Book Feature at UK Book Club

15th April – Guest Post at The Book Connoisseur

16th April – Author Interview & Book Feature at High Class Books

17th April – Book Feature & Book Review at Paws on Books

18th April – Book Feature at Richard Stephenson‘s blog

19th April – Book Review at eInk Reviews

20th April – Guest Post & Book Review at My Love for Books

21st April – Author Interview & Book Review at Working 4 Books

22nd April – Book Review at Book Lover’s Dream

23rd April – Book Review & Book Feature at Nobody Important

24th April – Book Review at Imagination in Books

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26th April – Guest Post at Books Are Magic

27th April – Book Review at The Avid Reader

28th April – Guest Post, Author Interview Book Feature at – Talisman Book Publishing

29th April - Orangeberry Pick of the Week & Sidebar

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11th May - Orangeberry Book of the Day

12th May – Tweet Me A Storm with OB Book Tours

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11th September – Guest Post at There Will Be Another Sunrise

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My review:

Wow this audiobook really lives up to its name! It is very very quirky! It is also unique and funny and fresh which is what made me really enjoy this audiobook. The plot will make you literally laugh out loud as you listen to it unfold it is so zany!

The naration also adds to the audiobook as it is very good theres the correct amount of acting and liveness and animation in these actors voices that makes you picture it in your mind and also makes you forget that your listening to an audiobook it sounds more like an actual radio show! The only character I didnt like in this was the narrator as Im not sure why he was in the story and his voice was sometimes monotone or boring.

This audiobook Rating of R is apporiate as the language and theme both are for adults ears only! Overall I would reccomend this audiobook, its zany, quirky, fun, and creative. However this audiobook is not for everyone and I dont think that everyone would like it.

 

I would like to thank the people at Orangeberry Book Tours for letting me review this audiobook and participate in the tour!

 

 

 

Beyond the Iron Gate Book Blast Giveaway

Enter below for you chance to win!

$25 Amazon Gift Card, Tote Bag, Rubber bracelets (2), Handmade beaded necklace and earrings set, Keychain, Autographed postcard and bookmark, Magnets, Series trading cards

Chat LIVE with Alicia Michaels

Saturday, April 27 at 2 pm ET

#IronGate

(use tweetchat.com for easy access to the party)

Connect with the author: website  *  Twitter  *  Facebook 

In the year 1845, before the mystical land of Fallada was separated from the realm of men forever, the two worlds coexisted in harmony. Man could mingle freely in the world of the Elves and Faeries at will and peace reigned.

In the hills of Shropshire, England, just miles from the gate separating the village of Ludlow from the world of mystical creatures, farmer’s daughter Zara Wells longs for answers. It is not only the golden hair that trail feet behind her, or the strange hue of her violet eyes that separates her from the other girls her village. There is something inside of her, something touched by magic that longs to know more about what lies on the other side of the gate.

In Fallada, darkness has begun to spread. As the youngest and most beautiful girls of her village begin to disappear, Zara comes closer to discovering the true circumstances surrounding her birth. Little does she know, that the closer she comes to the answers she so desperately desires, the closer she will come to being ensnared in the dark queen’s web of growing treachery.

Buy the book at Amazon!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A GWR Publicity promotional event paid for by Anchor Group Publishing. Giveaway is sponsored by the author.

Finally Found Cover Reveal

Finally Found

By: Nicole Andrews Moore

Here is the Cover...

Blurb

Where one story ends, often another begins. For some reason, Adam Davenport can’t see past the ending. The hit and run has forced him to slow down and stop running from the pain of losing his parents. He has tried to hide behind meaningless, superficial relationships and even more shallow friendships, but the time has come to face his loneliness. Now he is finally ready to start being a family with his brother Sam. However, Sam and Haley, who was once Sam’s personal assistant, are too busy basking in their newfound love. Though breaking the rules for the first time ever has changed Sam’s life for the better, Adam has always broken the rules, strayed from responsibility, and done as little as he could get away with.

One of the main reasons that he refused to believe that Cammie was more than friend material was because she was impervious to his charms. She was so driven and determined to make her new catering company a success that she couldn’t see past her own dreams. Suddenly, Adam found himself behaving in ways he never imagined. He was working to impress a woman, but more than that, he was working to help make her dreams come true. He soon realizes that there are times in life when giving is more important than taking and when helping someone else is more important than what that person can do to reciprocate. He also learns there are times that the biggest risk is to stop hiding from emotions and to start allowing love to finally be found.

 

Author Info

Nicki has lived in Charlotte, North Carolina with her children for the past eleven years and her husband for the past three years.  Her journey has barely begun and she loves every minute of it.  Every day of her life seems to bring new adventures, some bigger, better, shinier and prettier than others.  She's still getting used to that new life smell she's experiencing, a combination of hope, love, and happiness.  (The perfect scents to build a new life on...)

For fun, she spends time with those she cares about, cooks, reads, writes, and especially lives to travel.  The current travel goal: visit every Margaritaville.  Two down!  (Eleven to go?)

In addition to writing on Suddenly Single Journey, Nicki is a contributor for Project Underblog.  Her writing can also be found on Shine, where she is a Shine Parenting Guru and an award winning Yahoo! Contributor on YourWisdom as the relationship and dating expert.  And she has been published by McClatchy News in their syndicated papers.

 

Author Links

http://facebook.com/NicoleAndrewsMoore

http://thenicknick.wix.com/novels-by-nicole

http://twitter.com/thenicknick

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6870143.Nicole_Andrews_Moore"

Sweet Sanctuary Blog Tour

Book Info

About Sweet Sanctuary: A Story of Hope and Love Set Against the Backdrop of World War II Lydia Eldredge longs to provide sanctuary for her young son, Nicky. But a constant threat comes from Nicky's drug-addicted father, who wants the boy and seems willing to do whatever it takes to get him. Dr. Micah Hatcher faithfully serves the immigrant population of Queens, New York. But under cover of darkness, he has a secret mission that challenges everything he thought he wanted out of life. When Lydia and Micah's paths cross, they are suddenly wrapped up in each other's callings. Together, they seek a refuge of safety-for Nicky, for themselves, and for the needy people God puts into their lives. Amid turmoil and discord, can hope and love prevail? Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/jRdKJ Meet Kim: Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of twenty-one novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and nine grandchildren. Find out more about Kim at http://www.kimvogelsawyer.com/.

Blog Tour Schedule

4/12/2013 Kim | Window To My World Jalynn | A Simple Life,really?! Jennifer | Adventures in Unsell Land Cindy | Cindy's Book Reviews Marianne | Reviewing Novels Online 4/13/2013 Laura | Lighthouse Academy Julie | More Of Him Victor | Vics Media Room Lindsey | The Ie Mommy Kathleen | Reviews From The Heart 4/15/2013 Michelle | By Quiet Waters Debra | 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! Anne | mommy Has to Work Nancy | sunny island breezes Jennifer | Mother of Three 4/16/2013 Jennifer | Book Reviews from A Book Lover Jill | Book Review Travels A | Kerrific Krystal | Live To Read ~Krystal Charity | Giveaway Lady 4/17/2013 Kendra | Happily Managing a Household of Boys Megan | Hardcover Feedback Lisa | Seeking with all yur Heart Cindy | All Things Are Possible Dawn | A Passion for Pages 4/18/2013 Heidi | Buzz4Mommies Michelle | I Hope You Dance TAMMY | THE SELF-TAUGHT COOK Melanie | A Year of Jubilee Reviews Ruth | This That and the Other Thing 4/19/2013 JoJo | JoJo's Corner Tammi | Our Homeschooling Pilgrimage Cafe Lily | Cafe Lily Book Reviews Marissa | The Review Stew Michelle | Our Little Corner of the World 4/20/2013 Renae | Reviews by Renae Stephen | Manifest Blog Kathleen E. | Lane Hill House Billy | Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer Amy | A Nest in the Rocks 4/22/2013 Vera | Reader's Haven Reviews Becky | Christian Chick's Thoughts Karen | Building Her House Alicia | Surrendering All of Me Danielle | The Happy Wife 4/23/2013 Kristie | Moments Aizess | Christian Book Review Blog Erin | Oh, for the Hook of a Book! Katie | The Cutting Back Kitchen Rosie | Writings of Rosie 4/24/2013 Kimberly | The Book Barista Kelli | The Zen of Motherhood Casey | Writing for Christ Mindy | A Room Without Books Is Empty Colletta | Colletta's Kitchen Sink 4/25/2013 Autumn | The avid Reader Megan | Inspired by Fiction Faye | Labor Not in Vain Dianna | Savings in Seconds Pamela | Daysong Reflections 4/26/2013 Lena | A Christian Writer's World Margaret | The World As I See It Joy | @ibjoy1953 Krista | Welcome to Married Life Patricia | Live and Dream a little dream 4/27/2013 Lizzie | A Dusty Frame Brenda | WV Stitcher Melina | Melina's Book Blog Joan | Book Reviews from an Avid Reader Sara | Embracing Destiny 4/29/2013 Paula | The Phantom Paragrapher Cara | Law Books & Life Maureen | Maureen's Musings JoyAnne | Deco My Heart Stacie | perfect chaos Mary | Mary's Cup of Tea My review: What a lovely read this was! This was a nice romance to read and a nice book in general (one that makes you feel warm and fuzy inside when your done lol). I liked the characters and the plot. I also liked the setting (WWII) as I am an avid history lover! The cover of this book is also very pretty. I hope in the future to read more by this author because im a fan. I would reccomend this book for all the people who are bored or those really rauchy romances that you see coming out alot now this is a nice step back or break shall we say. I would like to thank the people from LITFUSE for letting me participate in this tour by reading and reviwing this book.

Blue Line Cover Reveal

Blue Lines - Cover Reveal

Toni Aleo

Contemporary Sports Romance

Date to be Published: August 13, 2013

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Synopsis: 

Opposites do more than just attract in Toni Aleo’s latest Nashville Assassins novel about a very bad boy and the good girl he can’t resist.

The instant Piper Allen sees Erik Titov, she wants him—wants his rock-hard body, sure, but the strength and mystery that lies behind that superstar hockey jock demeanor, too. So when he sidles up to her at a bar and slinks his arm around her waist, she’s lost. What follows is the wildest night of her life . . . followed by inevitable heartbreak the next morning. And then, a few weeks later, a very big surprise: two blue lines on a pregnancy test.

Only a check to the head could make Erik fall for a nice girl like Piper. But since their crazy-sexy night together, he’s been trying to forget about her alluring body by falling into bed with every woman in Nashville, and it’s not working. So when Piper shows up at his house with a baby-bomb to drop, it doesn’t take much for Erik to suggest the nuclear option: marriage. While it’s supposed to be all for show, the second they say “I do,” the ice between them starts to melt into sizzling steam.

About the Author:

My name is Toni Aleo!
I am a wife, mother, and hopeless romantic.
I have been told I have anger issues, but I think it's cause of my intense love for hockey!
I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena's glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!
When my nose isn't pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son's hockey games, my daughters dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, and reading the latest romance novel.
I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, and did I mention I love hockey?

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Get the first 3 books in the series:

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Brain on Fire

Today I will be reviewing the book Brain on Fire by Susanah Cahalan.

Book Info:

 

One day in 2009, twenty-four-year-old Susannah Cahalan woke up alone in a strange hospital room, strapped to her bed, under guard, and unable to move or speak. A wristband marked her as a “flight risk,” and her medical records—chronicling a month-long hospital stay of which she had no memory at all—showed hallucinations, violence, and dangerous instability. Only weeks earlier, Susannah had been on the threshold of a new, adult life: a healthy, ambitious college grad a few months into her first serious relationship and a promising career as a cub reporter at a major New York newspaper.

 

Who was the stranger who had taken over her body? What was happening to her mind?

In this swift and breathtaking narrative, Susannah tells the astonishing true story of her inexplicable descent into madness and the brilliant, lifesaving diagnosis that nearly didn’t happen. A team of doctors would spend a month—and more than a million dollars—trying desperately to pin down a medical explanation for what had gone wrong. Meanwhile, as the days passed and her family, boyfriend, and friends helplessly stood watch by her bed, she began to move inexorably through psychosis into catatonia and, ultimately, toward death. Yet even as this period nearly tore her family apart, it offered an extraordinary testament to their faith in Susannah and their refusal to let her go.  Then, at the last minute, celebrated neurologist Souhel Najjar joined her team and, with the help of a lucky, ingenious test, saved her life. He recognized the symptoms of a newly discovered autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the brain, a disease now thought to be tied to both schizophrenia and autism, and perhaps the root of “demonic possessions” throughout history.
Far more than simply a riveting read and a crackling medical mystery, Brain on Fire is the powerful account of one woman’s struggle to recapture her identity and to rediscover herself among the fragments left behind. Using all her considerable journalistic skills, and building from hospital records and surveillance video, interviews with family and friends, and excerpts from the deeply moving journal her father kept during her illness, Susannah pieces together the story of her “lost month” to write an unforgettable memoir about memory and identity, faith and love. It is an important, profoundly compelling tale of survival and perseverance that is destined to become a classic.

My review:

I have mixed feelings about this book. I thought it was good of the author to write about her story but I am afraid people who read this book now will make assumptions all this is what people with this disease (or who had this disease) are like which is not true. I know this cant be helped but it just worries me because my friend had a form of this disease when she was two so this book is kind of a personal read for me. My friend did not experience all that the author experienceed (this is because of the age differences and my friend doesnt remeber that much of it because she was 2) but anyway im sorry to ramble what Im trying to say is that books and movies about things like this are great because they bring awareness but when being exposed to things like this dont generalize or make sterotypes about people from the information you receive because not all cases are similar.

As for the book itself, I would say it was just ok. It was interesting to read about what this author went though but I think it was too long, too boring, and too technical of a book. I think the writting style maybe this way because the author is a journalist and is used to writting this way but it may make the book a hard read for some or a book that people dont want to finish.

Overall I would not reccomend this book. Some people might be interested in it because of what it talks about which could be fasinating to learn about but it does so in a dry and boring way.

I would like to thank the people at Gallery for letting me read and review this book.

Lachlans Bride Spotlight Post

Lachlan’s Bride

By: Kathleen Harrington

 

 

Blurb

 

He is Lachlan MacRath, laird and pirate. And he intends to be her lover…

Lady Francine Walsingham could not believe this fierce Highland warrior is to be her escort into Scotland. It is whispered that Lachlan MacRath has magical powers…how else do you explain why her countrymen call him the Sorcerer of the Seas? But trust him she must, for a treacherous plot is about to reveal all her secrets…and Francine has no choice but to act as his lover to keep her enemies at bay.

When Lachlan first sees Francine, the English beauty stirs his blood like no woman has ever before. As luck would have it, they must now play the besotted couple so he can protect her ….and Lachlan is determined to use all his seductive prowess to properly woo her into his bed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt

 

PROLOGUE

May 1496

The Cheviot Hills

The Border between England and Scotland

 

Stretched flat on the blood-soaked ground, Lachlan MacRath gazed up at the cloudless morning sky and listened to the exhausted moans of the wounded.

 

The dead and the dying lay scattered across the lush spring grass. Overhead the faint rays of dawn broke above the hilltops, as the buttercups and bluebells dipped and swayed in the soft breeze. The gruesome corpses were sprawled amidst the wildflowers, their vacant eyes staring upward to the heavens, the stumps of their severed arms and legs still oozing blood and gore. Dented helmets, broken swords, axes, and pikes gave mute testimony to the ferocity of the combatants. Here and there, a loyal destrier, trained to war, grazed calmly alongside its fallen master.

 

Following close upon daylight, the scavengers would come creeping, ready to strip the bodies of anything worth a shilling: armor, dirks, boots, belts. If they were Scotsmen, he'd be in luck. If not, he'd soon be dead. There wasn't a blessed thing he could do but wait. He was pinned beneath his dead horse, and all efforts to free himself during the night had proven fruitless.

 

In the fierce, running battle of the evening before, the warriors on horseback had left behind all who'd fallen. Galloping across the open, rolling countryside, Scots and English had fought savagely, till it was too dark to tell friend from foe. There was no way of knowing the outcome of the battle, for victory had been determined miles away.

 

Hell, it was Lachlan's own damn fault. He'd come on the foray into England with King James for a lark. After delivering four new canons to the castle at Roxburgh, along with the Flemish master gunners to fire them, he'd decided not to return to his ship immediately as planned. The uneventful crossing on the Sea Hawk from the Low Countries to Edinburgh, followed by the tedious journey to the fortress, with the big guns pulled by teams of oxen, had left him eager for a bit of adventure.

 

When he'd learned that the king was leading a small force into Northumberland to retrieve cattle raided by Sassenach outlaws, the temptation to join them had been too great to resist. There was nothing like a hand-to-hand skirmish with his ancient foe to get a man's blood pumping through his veins.

 

But Lord Dacre, Warden of the Marches, had surprised the Scots with a much larger, well-armed force of his own, and what should have been a carefree rout turned into deadly combat.

 

A plea for help interrupted Lachlan's brooding thoughts. Not far away, a wounded English soldier, who'd cried out in pain during the night, raised himself up on one elbow.

 

"Lychester! Over here, sir! It's Will Jeffries!"

 

Lachlan watched from beneath slit lids as another Sassenach came into view. Attired in the splendid armor of the nobility, the newcomer rode a large, caparisoned black horse. He'd clearly come looking for someone, for he held the reins of a smaller chestnut, its saddle empty and waiting.

 

"Here I am, Marquess," the young man named Jeffries called weakly. He lifted one hand in a trembling wave as the marquess of Lychester drew near to his countryman. Dismounting, he approached the wounded soldier.

 

"Thank God," Jeffries said with a hoarse groan. "I've taken a sword blade in my thigh. The cut's been oozing steadily. I was afraid I wouldn't make it through the night."

 

Lychester didn't say a word. He came to stand behind the injured man, knelt down on one knee, and raised his fallen comrade to a seated position. Grabbing a hank of his yellow hair, the marquess jerked the fair head back and deftly slashed the exposed throat from ear to ear. Then he calmly wiped his blade on the youth's doublet, lifted him up in his arms, and threw the body face down over the chestnut's back.

 

The English nobleman glanced around, checking, no doubt, to see if there'd been a witness to the cold-blooded execution. Lachlan held his breath and remained motionless, his lids lowered over his eyes. Apparently satisfied, the marquess mounted, grabbed the reins of the second horse and rode away.

 

Lachlan slowly exhaled.

 

Sonofabitch.

 

He knew the English were a bloodthirsty race. But he hadn't thought that included the murder of a helpless patriot on a deserted battlefield.

 

What kind of bastard did such a traitorous thing?

 

 

Buy Links

http://www.avonromance.com/book/kathleen-harrington-lachlans-bride

 

Author Info

KATHLEEN HARRINGTON, winner of the Colorado Romance Writers’ Award of Excellence, has touched the hearts of readers across the country with her sparkling tales of high adventure and unending love. Her historical romances have been finalists for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA, The Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Awards, the Virginia Romance Writers’ HOLT Medallion, and the Phoenix Desert Rose Golden Quill. Her fabulous heroes have garnered the KISS (Knight in Shining Silver) Award. She lives in Southern California.

 

Author Links

http://www.kathleenharringtonbooks.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kathleensbooks//@kathleensbooks