Monday, December 9, 2013

Gabriel's Redemption




Gabriel's Redemption



Summary:
From the author of the New York Times bestsellers Gabriel’s Rapture and Gabriel’s Inferno comes the epic conclusion to the captivating romantic trilogy.

Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne. Together, he’s confident that they can face any challenge. And he’s eager to become a father.

But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans, as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to confront Julianne about the subject of her presentation—research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford, several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s darkest secrets.

In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope of having a family.




Amazon Buy Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Gabriels-Redemption-Inferno-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00CDUVUP4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1386607032&sr=8-5&keywords=gabriels+redemption


Barnes & Noble Buy Link
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gabriels-redemption-sylvain-reynard/1115131253?ean=9780425266519

Monday, November 18, 2013

Book Tour - No Turning Back by Casey Peeler

Overview

After getting involved with Dylan, the bad boy of the Dixon High Swim team, Charley decides to stay close to home for college. It’s just safer that way. Later, she realizes it’s a mistake, just like dating Dylan. She decides to put the past behind her and leave the small hick town of Grassy Pond. There is only one problem; she makes this decision three weeks before the fall semester begins.

Charley packs up her Honda and heads to Southern College. On the morning she’s about to leave, Cash walks back into her life. He has been her best friend since they were four and is the only one who knows the REAL Charley. She leaves her farm in Grassy Pond with all kinds of “what if” questions.

Charley decides to live her college career to the fullest. She finds a great group of friends, joins the swim team, and meets a guy named Joe. He’s got eyes that make ya wanna melt!

At college, she encounters a new problem. Charley has been away from home for only forty-eight hours before she breaks the two promises she made to herself. Will she be able to overcome her past? Find new love? What will happen with Cash now that he is back in her life? Will she find what she is wanting in Jackalope Joe? How will her first semester of college end? Joe, Cash, or alone?
 
 
 
               

Meet the Author

Casey Peeler grew up and still lives in North Carolina with her husband and daughter. Her first passion is teaching students with special needs. Over the years, she found her way to relax was in a good book.

After reading Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston her senior year of high school and multiple Nicholas Sparks novels, she found a hidden love and appreciation for reading.

Casey has been an avid reader, blogger (Hardcover Therapy,) and now writer. No Turning Back(Full Circle #1) is her debut novel releasing this September 30th with Finding Charley (Full Circle #2) releasing Spring 2014.

Her goal is to one day be an author that is recognized nationwide like Jamie McGuire, Colleen Hoover, Tiffany King, and Amanda Bennett.

When Casey isn’t reading, you can find her listening to country music, spending the day at the lake, being a wife, dance mom, and spending time with friends and family.

Her perfect day consists of water, sand between her toes, a cold beverage, and a great book!



Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FG9V5JU

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/361994

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-turning-back-casey-peeler-casey-peeler/1116994826?ean=2940148589204

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/no-turning-back-22

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Christmas Gift Idea...

 

Looking for a gift for the adult reader in your life? The new box set of Convicted is available.  Synopsis and buy link is below.
 
 
This box set includes the following novels:

CONSEQUENCES:  Claire Nichols wakes in an unfamiliar mansion and discovers that she’s at the mercy of billionaire Anthony Rawlings. To the rest of the world he’s charismatic and generous. It doesn’t take Claire long to learn that something more sinister lies beneath his polished facade. As time passes, Claire survives, and her strength penetrates Tony’s veneer, igniting passion where only fear had existed. As the pieces of the puzzle come together, the question becomes clear...Is anything as it appears?

TRUTH:  After enduring Anthony Rawlings’ vendetta, Claire is faced with the consequences of her new freedom.  With the help of old and new friends, she strategizes to rebuild her life and learn the truth of the past. Secrets are revealed, true foes are exposed, and Tony admits his true feelings. Claire must decide who she believes—who is telling the TRUTH?

CONVICTED:  Facing her oldest fear, Claire learns the true meaning of isolation. Who can rescue her from this nightmare? Tony? Harry? Phil? Or perhaps a more unlikely savior? Will it happen in time, or will the consequences of the revealed truths be more than she or anyone can handle? As the cards are played, who will win the game?
 
 
 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

MINE by Katy Evans

I love being reminded of why I fell in love with a book boyfriend. All of us devout readers of romance novels have that list. Remington Tate is back at the top of mine and I have a strong suspicion that he is there to stay!

I devoured this book & even went back to re-read all of my favorite parts. All in one day! As I write this it makes me want to go back and re-read again. I can't express how much I loved this book.

MINE is the follow up book to REAL (reviewed earlier on my blog) and is the continuing story of Remington Tate, underground fighter, and Brooke Dumas his sports therapist and love of his life. Remy has real life problems that follow him wherever he goes and affect everyone around him. In spite of, or because of, these problems Brooke vows to never leave him and to help him through his difficulties.

A surprise set of circumstances forces a separation of the two that is almost more than either can bear. Remy keeps his head down & his eye on the prize as he comes back to attempt to gain the championship title 'given' to Scorpion last season.

All of the characters you fell in love with in REAL appear in MINE and even the ones you hated. As with all of the books that I love......all's well that ends well in the world of Remy & Brooke even if the road to happiness is filled with lots of construction!

Following the latest trend - REMY will be available at the end of the month. We will all get a chance to re-live the story through Remy's eyes & I'm sure I'll be swooning through the whole thing! Links to buy all three books are below.


http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/real-katy-evans/1115099256?ean=9781476755595

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mine-katy-evans/1115426936?ean=9781476755601

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/remy-katy-evans/1115426938?ean=9781476764467

http://www.amazon.com/Real-REAL-Katy-Evans-ebook/dp/B00CRAMM02/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1383766299&sr=8-5&keywords=katy+evans

http://www.amazon.com/Mine-REAL-Katy-Evans-ebook/dp/B00D0MZXCA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383766371&sr=8-1&keywords=katy+evans

http://www.amazon.com/Remy-REAL-Katy-Evans-ebook/dp/B00D0MZXE8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1383766409&sr=8-4&keywords=katy+evans

Monday, November 4, 2013

Monday, October 28, 2013

The Dark Secrets Series by A.M. Hudson

One of my biggest joys in reading is finding a series that I love. A good novel is fine, but when you fall in love with characters you don't want to see the story end. This series is one of the ones I love. It has elements of all the things I like to read: romance, vampires, monarchies, and suspense. If I had to (nit) pick something that deters from the story line for me it would be this: the characters are young. That's it! If you can look past that like I did you will enjoy this series.

http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Secrets-ebook/dp/B00CRF5W2W/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark-secrets-a-m-hudson/1115381073?ean=2940044535770

Dark Secrets (Book 1) - How can you be attracted to a guy who just said he wants to kill you?

Ara-Rose asks herself the same question. She's been torn away from her old life, thrown into a new one in a new country, and in the midst of death, heartache and depression, she finds herself in love with a vampire--one who kills people with his teeth!

But the vampire is forbidden to fall for this human, and at the point Ara-Rose decides she can't live without him, he pulls away and leaves her falling back to the darkness he woke her from. She will be caught up in a century-old feud among brothers, and the fight for love becomes a fight for her life.

The only question now is whether her beloved vampire will find her in time, or leave her to face a destiny he triggered with their first kiss.

http://www.amazon.com/Hearts-Ashes-Dark-Secrets-ebook/dp/B008DS35CQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1371554137&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Heart%27s+Ashes

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hearts-ashes-a-m-hudson/1112134957?ean=2940044690738

The Heart's Ashes (Book 2) - Death never leaves us. Once it's touched our souls, it hungers for our return--waiting for us to fall. And if it finds Ara again, she will have no way to escape.

Moving on from David was hard, forgetting the abduction and torture was almost impossible, but nothing as devastating as the thought that now, because of her, David might face the horrific punishments of the Set.

No one knows where David went after he lost Ara, but she can only hope he's the one leaving subtle clues for her to discover, and it makes her desperate to find him--desperate enough that she would risk her life, hanging out with an informant who means to kill her. What truths she is told about David's dark past, though, will threaten to change her heart and destroy the way Ara perceives everything. She must ask herself if it's right to love one monster, then hate the one who tried to destroy her.

In all her searching, the promise of immortality will finally be renewed, but sold at a price Ara's not sure she's willing to pay.

Is love enough to make her submit to this new role, or will it fail her once again and leave her reaching back for the grasp of death?

http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Betrayal-Dark-Secrets-ebook/dp/B009WIR7DY/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1371554137&sr=1-2&keywords=The+Heart%27s+Ashes

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mark-of-betrayal-a-m-hudson/1113575712?ean=2940044978072

Mark of Betrayal (Book 3) - A love so strong fire and torture could not break it. A heart so pure neither death nor hate could taint it. But, left alone in a world of lies and secrets, Ara will find herself down the road of treachery, walking very dangerous ground, while those closest to her fight to keep her safe from dangers unseen.

The boundaries between friends and enemies will blur, and the return of an old friend will see Ara crossing a line she can never return from.
http://www.amazon.com/Lies-Blood-Dark-Secrets-ebook/dp/B00G5ZXKGU/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1382964821&sr=1-2&keywords=lies+in+blood

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lies-in-blood-a-m-hudson/1117028803?ean=2940045300469

Lies in Blood (Book 4) - The ashes of a dark past fall away, and a new sun rises in place—bringing light to a nation once thought lost to ancient secrets. All that has been done in pursuit of vengeance will be undone for peace, and an age-old agreement will finally be met.

At last, the child who became a queen will pave the way through the blood of others’ lies, and the betrayal on her soul will mark the beginning of a new future—one even she could not have predicted.

All the lies will finally come undone. All the truths will finally be out, but with the layers of deception shifting and evolving, so spawns a new secret Ara must carry alone—one she will fight to take to her grave.


I am a little less than half way through Lies in Blood & loving it. I am anxiously (and not so patiently) waiting for a certain 'something' to happen that I KNOW is going to. So, basically I've been sucked back into David & Ara's story. Lot's of intense revelations & decisions are coming so be sure to check them out with me & let me know what you think.

#Team David

Monday, October 14, 2013

Author Stacy Green

I have a confession to make. A couple of them actually. My first one is this - I like Stacy Green, and I liked her before I ever picked up one of her books. Unfortunately, I can't remember how I came to 'know' her. I do know that in conversing with her online I just knew that if/when we ever met she & I would get along. Then I read her book, Into the Dark and went from deep like straight to 'fangirl crush'. It was amazing on so many levels.

I've been drifting further & further away from mystery/thriller books the last few years; leaning more toward contemporary romance. Into the Dark was a great break and a good reminder that I love all kinds of books. It was such a fun read for me because I had just returned from my first trip to Las Vegas and could picture the landscape from a fresh perspective. It goes without saying that this book sealed our relationship and put Stacy on my list of authors whose books you buy based on name alone.

My second confession is this: I reached out to Stacy last week and offered to help her promote her second novel in her Delta Crossroads Series. She graciously advanced me a copy of Skeleton's Key and in reading the synopsis I was a little confused. Book 2? What was book 1? In searching I discovered that the book Tin God, which I have looked at probably 50 times, had gone unread by me. Ooops! I would have sworn to you that I had read this book, but I was on a self-imposed book buying hiatus for months and only thought I read it.

What's a girl to do? Any good reader knows that to read book 2 before book 1, knowingly, is a travesty. So the book buying hiatus was lifted and I purchased and dove into Tin God. Oh-em-gee! I loved it! I am a proud Yankee transplant to the South and enjoyed reading about my new home. Once again Stacy reminds me of why I love branching out of my current comfort zone and enjoy something different.

Tin God is the story of Jaymee Ballard who had gotten pregnant as a teen and was forced to give up her daughter for adoption. She has set out on a path to find and get her daughter back, but is hindered by her economic standing. After reaching out to Lana, a childhood friend for help, almost all hope is dashed when Lana is murdered. Four years later and Jaymee finds herself reaching out to her new employer/friend for help only to find that friend murdered in her bed. "I just  murdered your wife....again" is the note that Nick, Lana's husband, receives leading him to Lana's childhood hometown of Roselea. Teaming up with Jaymee, and Deputy Sheriff Cage Foster,  he sets out to discover what or who led to his wife's death, the death of two other women, and what part the birth of Jaymee's daughter played 7 years ago.

It was such a relief to be able to finish Tin God and be able to jump immediately into Skeleton's Key. The continuation of the series finds Cage Foster as the caretaker of Ironwood Plantation; a run down Antebellum in desperate need of repair. Unfortunately the rescue of the stately mansion comes in the form of Dani Evans a historical preservationist. Dani shows up, not as a man, but an opinionated woman who has strong pre-conceived notions about what men from the South are like. Just as opinionated, Cage curses Dani as the 'Damn Yankee' who has no business moving to the South. Sparks fly from the very beginning when Cage finds skeletal remains in the basement of Ironwood and Dani arrives to keep her new purchase from falling into further disarray during the investigation. As the investigation continues Cage becomes a prime suspect and Dani is set on proving that he isn't the killer. Many suspects are on the radar, but the real killer will come out of nowhere and I promise you won't have it figured out.

Oh! Maybe I have 3 confessions. Um........yeah.......I have a 'bad' habit when I read books. I jump to the end to see who did it. I KNOW! I'm horrible! I'm just wired that way. I like to know what is going to happen so that I can be prepared. No surprises in the delivery room for me. Both times I knew what we were having and had everything planned down to the last diaper. I'm a little Type A that way. So, while I should probably steer you away from doing that, if you are like me you may not be able to stop yourself. I don't think it takes away from the story so I'm not likely to stop doing it anytime soon. Especially since I've been doing it for at least 30 years! (commence flogging)

Now, I am back to the part of reading that I hate! Waiting for the next book. Until Stacy reveals the name I will keep it to myself. It sounds as if our favorite characters will be back including the largest; the South. My new home and for a mid-western girl who has transplanted there is no better place to be!

Thanks for reading y'all  :D

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Theoretically.....



Poor Aleatha :) She's working B&N so hard today. Stick with it people; I promise it's worth it!!!!

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Guess What??????

 
Only 2 more days until the release of Convicted by Aleatha Romig!!!!!!
 
 

Non-Spoiler review from Goodreads of Convicted by Aleatha Romig

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16150996-convicted" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="Convicted (Consequences, #3)" border="0" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1378036825m/16150996.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16150996-convicted">Convicted</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5131072.Aleatha_Romig">Aleatha Romig</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/735229309">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />


Hmmmmmm.......literally just finished this book an hour ago and I usually wait to write a review & mull it over for awhile. I'm going to jump in with both feet on this one. <br><br>I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Lucky for her that's all I give!<br><br>I'll start off by saying that, I felt, this book had a different vibe than the first two. I know the reasoning is that there was a lot to clear up in this one. There is a lot of back story, 'minor' players in the other books become more of a focal point in this one and Tony & Claire.......well, I have to stop that thought in it's tracks. It would give too much away. <br><br>This is not a book that you will want to fly through. You need to take your time as there is a lot of interwoven conspiracies and plotting to keep track of. This person did this to this person while this person was doing something to someone else over here. I honestly couldn't decide if I liked it or not until about Chapter 47. The infamous (?) chapter 47. The turning point for me. Can't divulge more for 2 more days, so I'll finish with this:<br><br>If you are a fan of the first 2 books then this is a MUST read for you. If you are not a fan of Tony &/or Claire, but are curious to see how things turned out, this is a MUST read for you. If you aren't a fan of either books or characters then just keep on scrolling, but you my friend are seriously missing out on a crazy ride!


<br/><br/>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/12158742-valerie">View all my reviews</a>

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Fated Truth by Tasha Gwartney SALE

  
On sale for .99 at Amazon
 
 
 

3 More days......

until I can ask all my questions that are popping up as I'm reading Convicted. For now, mums the word. This countdown pic accurately depicts my heart rate as I'm reading.


Friday, October 4, 2013

Convicted.....

Even though I was gifted with an ARC copy of Convicted I wouldn't allow myself to start it until a quick re-read of Truth. Do you know that I had forgotten about the age difference between Tony & Claire? I don't know why, but I think once it clicked it made me read the story differently. Don't know why, but it did. I'm only 4 chapters into Convicted & cursing the fact that I have to go to work this morning. All I can tell you at this point is that you won't be disappointed!

We are down to less than one hand people!!!!!! Four more days!!!!!!

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Convicted

More days until Tony & Claire return. I'm in the midst of a quick re-read of Truth then on to Convicted!!!!!!!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Convicted by Aleatha Romig

Shut the front door people! I woke up to an email letting me know that Aleatha is sending me an ARC of Convicted. I am over the moon excited! Stay tuned there's only........

 
more days until more Tony & Claire!!!!!!

Monday, September 30, 2013

No Turning Back by Casey Peeler RELEASE DAY!

 
No Turning Back Synopsis:
After getting involved with Dylan, the bad boy of the Dixon High Swim team, Charley decides to stay close to home for college. It’s just safer that way. Later, she realizes it’s a mistake, just like dating Dylan. She decides to put the past behind her and leave the small hick town of Grassy Pond. There is only one problem; she makes this decision three weeks before the fall semester begins.

Charley packs up her Honda and heads to Southern College. On the morning she’s about to leave, Cash walks back into her life. He has been her best friend since they were four and is the only one who knows the REAL Charley. She leaves her farm in Grassy Pond with all kinds of “what if” questions.

Charley decides to live her college career to the fullest. She finds a great group of friends, joins the swim team, and meets a guy named Joe. He’s got eyes that make ya wanna melt!

At college, she encounters a new problem. Charley has been away from home for only forty-eight hours before she breaks the two promises she made to herself. Will she be able to overcome her past? Find new love? What will happen with Cash now that he is back in her life? Will she find what she is wanting in Jackalope Joe? How will her first semester of college end? Joe, Cash, or alone?
 
 



Casey Peeler Name Bio:
Casey Peeler grew up and still lives in North Carolina with her husband and daughter. Her first passion is teaching students with special needs. Over the years, she found her way to relax was in a good book.

After reading Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston her senior year of high school and multiple Nicholas Sparks’ novels, she found a hidden love and appreciation for reading.

Casey is an avid reader, blogger (Hardcover Therapy,) and now author. No Turning Back (Full Circle #1) is her debut novel releasing September 30th. Finding Charley (Full Circle #2) will release spring 2014.

Her goal is to one day be an author who is recognized nationwide like Jamie McGuire, Colleen Hoover, Tiffany King, and Amanda Bennett.

When Casey isn’t reading, you can find her listening to country music, spending the day at the lake, being a wife and dance mom, and spending time with friends and family.

Her perfect day consists of water, sand between her toes, a cold beverage, and a great book!
 
<a id="rc-23ac0742" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/23ac0742/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
 
 
Links:
 
 
 
 
 

Convicted by Aleatha Romig

 
More days!!!!!!!!

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Convicted by Aleatha Romig




       ONLY 10 MORE DAYS UNTIL WE ARE REUNITED WITH TONY & CLAIRE!!!!

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Nashville Heat by Bethany Michaels

This book can be described in three pictures......

 
If you need a translation: Cheesy, Corny & Sweet :)
 
A light read that will leave you smiling.
 

Protect Me by Jennifer Culbreth




Let me introduce you to Ryan Dixon. He is pretty near my perfect man. Successful? Check. Good Looking? Check. Ex-Military? Check. Romantic? Check. Check & Check! He has made the list. You know the one that we all have......the Book Boyfriend List. I'm getting pretty selective too so that should tell you something about how much I liked this book. Did I say liked? I LOVED this book!

After an unexpected inheritance Abbi flees Georgia for the city of LA. Snagging a job as a waitress in a bar she meets Ryan while working the VIP section of the club. Ryan is the head of his security firm and is equally as taken with Abbi upon their first meeting. Unfortunately he has some hang ups about his military past and thinks he's not good enough for Abbi.

After a catastrophic event at a party, on his yacht, he comes to realize that he has been stupid and can't live without her. (Don't you love it when that happens?) Let the love fest begin!

If that was all this story was it would be about half the length that it is. Lucky for us there is more!

Drama unfolds for Abbi as her boss, at the club, is involved in some nefarious dealings and drags her into the middle of it. Thank goodness Ryan has that military background!

This is Jennifer's debut novel and in my humble opinion she nailed it! Protect Me pretty much sums up the story of Ryan & Abbi, but this is the first in a series called The Protected Love Series. I can't wait to read about Jace & Judy in the next one! Like literally can't wait. Why do I have to wait?????


http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/protect-me-jennifer-culbreth/1116259653?ean=9781491054802

http://www.amazon.com/Protect-Protected-Love-Series-ebook/dp/B00E98ZPXQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1380240213&sr=1-1&keywords=protect+me+jennifer+culbreth

Friday, September 20, 2013

Nicholas Sparks Book Signing, etc.

Grab a drink & buckle up. I had one CRAZY ASS day today! No joke. I'll try to be as concise as possible, but get comfortable :)

As with most things, I can't remember how I found out about the N.S. book signing, but I wasn't gung-ho on the idea from the beginning. I am a fan, but not a big fan. I've probably seen more movies based on his books than I've read his books.  Somehow the signing came up with my SIL, who it turns out is a HUGE fan, and she tells me that my niece-in-law is also a HUGE fan. I was wavering on whether to go when my SIL tells me that a signed book would make a great Christmas gift for our niece. From that point on, I was in. (I consider myself an excellent gift giver & have a reputation to uphold!)

I looked up the details, logged them in the back of my brain & pretty much didn't think about it again until yesterday. I pulled up the details yesterday & noticed right away that they had changed the time. Original signing was at 5pm and was changed to noon. Didn't really change my plans because you still had to be there at 9:00 to get a ticket to gain entry to the actual signing. I made a point to call the store to make sure I knew which door the line was going to be at & to double check that they had enough books. I made plans with the hubby to get the kiddos to school, took the day off of work & had a whole day to do what I wanted. Apparently what I wanted was to screw the whole thing up from the start. So this morning I get up at the butt crack of dawn & arrive in Charlotte at 6:15. Stopped at McDonalds to use the bathroom & arrive at the B&N at about 6:25. First one there! WooHoo! I had planned on getting there at 7, but got nervous and went 30 minutes early. I was so proud of myself that I was the first one there. Took pics & even posted on FB that I was the first & only one there. I had coffee from McDonalds so while I waited I read & dealt with my emails, updated FB, put on my make-up and went to the bathroom 3 times. While using the restroom inside the mall I ran into a mall walker who stopped me to talk. She walks everyday in the mall at 6am and is originally from Germany. Her name was LaGracia, but everyone calls her by her middle name: Peaches. I (mistakenly) mentioned that my MIL was from Germany & a 10 minute conversation followed where I kept trying to back away. Peaches wasn't having it :) I finally interrupted & wished her well as I speed walked back to my spot as line leader. Still no one there. I decide to not sit in the car (as it's now daylight outside) and perch myself on the bench outside the front doors. Three employees showed up to work in the 20 minutes that I sat there, said hello & proceeded into the building. At around 7:35, I start getting curious. NO WAY am I the only one at a Nicholas Sparks event in NC, his home state. I pull up his website & I AM AT THE WRONG STORE!!!!! Immediately panic and fly to the car & google maps shows me that I just have to go down the road & will get there in 10 minutes. Needless to say my fantastic defensive IL driving skill came into play & I arrived safely......to a line. DUH!




I park and all but run to get in line. I was relieved to see that while not first (2nd, 5th, 10th, or 20th) I could at least see the door and took a little time to kick myself and calm down. As happens at all of these types of events conversations start with those around you. I met Kelly & Lisa, co-workers who had come together. ( I mentally lamented the fact that I need reader friends who are closer to partner with me for these types of things.) So.....blah, blah, blah we wait in line until a little after 9, get our tickets and decide to go to breakfast. Now, I do not promote careless behavior, but I also consider myself a good judge of character. With that being said, getting in a car with virtual strangers is probably never a good idea :) I've done it twice at these events. I'm actually 2 for 2! Bad Valerie!!!!!



Anyway, we go to breakfast & had some yummy food. Headed back to B&N and proceed to get in line, get booted out of line, get booted back by the blue balloon, have eye to eye combat with another group of ladies who were afraid we were going to get in line ahead of them, meet up with a new friend Elaine, converge on the 'forbidden zone' to hear N.S. speak & answer questions, get in line, get our pic taken & books signed & then........it was over. At this point I had been at B&N (one or the other) for about 5 hours. It was over in the blink of an eye. Keep that in mind when you decide to go to these events. Not a lot of bang for your buck :)



Exchanged personal info with my new friend Kelly and parted ways. I had been looking forward to going to the mall to do a little shopping so headed over there. (*****this is where the official book portion of my day ends, so feel free to stop reading if you don't want to hear about my non-book life*****)

I walk around for awhile, decide I'm too tired to shop and head back to my car. As I pass a car in the parking lot I see an infant car seat in the back covered with a blanket (like you do when you have a baby in there). Kind of freaked me out, but I went to my car & went to leave. A Mall Security truck passes me & I took this as a sign that I should say something. I tell him what I saw, show him the vehicle, he too thinks it's suspicious & calls in the 'real' cops. To make a long story short.....2 mall cops, 4 police cars, 2 fire trucks & 1 ambulance later they break into the car & NO BABY!!!!!! OMG! So embarrassed, but they were cool about it. Said it was better to be sure than to ignore it & watch it on the evening news. The police were super cute & I'm truly sorry to the person who the car belonged to that they had to 'jimmie' the locks & break-in. {sigh}

As a reminder, I am originally from IL and now live in NC. I live outside of Charlotte & do not hardly ever go to Charlotte. I think navigating in and around Charlotte is confusing. But maybe that's just me.

I pull up my GPS on the phone and take off in the car. ETA was 33 minutes. I decided to call my friend Lisa in IL as we haven't talked in awhile. One hour later I have to interrupt Lisa to tell her that I have no idea where I am and that I should have been home 30 minutes previous. We laugh at my day & hang up. Have to pull up/change my GPS 3 more times before I finally get on to the interstate and arrive back to town an hour and 40 minutes after I left. I hate driving to Charlotte! That's all I have to say about that. :( {sigh}

I decide to go to Old Navy because their jeans are on sale & I have lost 36 lbs and mine don't fit anymore. (please take a moment to rejoice with me because I worked my ass off to achieve that goal!) I now have no idea what size I am and I have never bought jeans at Old Navy before. I grabbed a size smaller than I used to wear & a size smaller than that just on a whim. The cutie patootie sales associate who had been talking to me off & on was back by the fitting room.  He offers to exchange sizes if I need him to. In the dressing room I grab the smaller of the 2 sizes and put them on. They fit. Actually the longer I looked at them I thought, I bet I could go a size smaller. I exit & find cute guy & say 'Since you offered, can you go grab me a size ** in the skinny jeans?" He returns with the jeans, I try them on, THEY FIT and I burst into tears as I was headed up front. Concerned the cute guy asks if I'm ok. Embarrassed, I tell him, "I recently lost 36 lbs and these are the first pair of pants that I've bought since." He praises me & I slink away. It's a good thing I'm married as my flirting skills are severely lacking.

I check my watch and decide to head to my daughter's softball practice where I am Assistant Coach. I watch them finish and as we get in the car, my daughter informs me that one of the girls on the team told her, "I hate your mom. If I had a gun I would shoot her."

And........that's my day!

Saturday, September 7, 2013

When Girlfriends Step Up by Savannah Page

Sometimes you just need a break. A break from all the drama. From all the flawed book boyfriends (no matter how built or sexy!). From the wimpy females who can't stand up for themselves or the abusive men in their lives. From guns blazing and killers killing. This book provided that break for me.

After finishing a series where I was disappointed I found this book & dove right in. So glad I did! The only disappointing part to me was at the end where I found out it is part of a series. The book is about a group of close friends and it appears the series has a book dedicated to each friend. So, while disappointed that I kind of started in the middle I don't think it matters in the end.

Book Description:
A novel about love and support, and learning that with enduring friendships, no woman is ever alone.Robin Sinclair is young, determined, and has a promising career at a small publishing house in Seattle. Even though she considers herself unlucky in love, Robin still dreams of eventually meeting Mr. Right and having a happily-ever-after kind of life. And at twenty-five, the world of opportunity is wide. But it's been a difficult year filled with trials...and it's only just begun.

While long-time friendships are finally on the mend, and things are starting to look up again, Robin is faced with her biggest challenge yet. She's single and pregnant.

Uncertain now of her future and scared of being alone, Robin must re-examine her life and choices, and summon the courage to step up.

With the love and support of her best girlfriends from college, especially her best friend and roommate, Lara, Robin will learn that when the going gets tough, the best of friends become family. And, perhaps, with their encouragement, Robin can mature and gain the confidence needed to become a single mother. And, who knows about being unlucky in love. Things are suddenly getting interesting with Robin's attractive co-worker, Bobby.

This is an endearing story about maturity and perseverance. It's a story about friends coming together as family, about finding the strength within and around, and about writing your own happily-ever-after. About what happens when girlfriends step up.

Anyone with a good friend, or group of friends, will enjoy this story. It's the kind of book that engages you, but you can walk away from. You know.....like if the phone rings, you need a potty break, you need to take the kids to school, or you need to go to bed because it's 3AM and you have to work in the morning. Some books aren't like that.

I recommend this book when you are looking for a filler and I will definitely be going back to the beginning of the series and reading about Robin's other friends.

***Those of you who know me or follow my blog will notice that this is available only on Amazon & not B&N. My first read since figuring how to get the kindle app on my nook  :)



Sunday, September 1, 2013

Cover Reveal - Convicted by Aleatha Romig

There were still lessons to learn and consequences for the truth!
When Claire Nichols met Anthony Rawlings, she didn’t know they had a past, or that he had plans for her future. Over time, the role of teacher changed—games became reality—and domination turned to desire. Despite an insurmountable history, Claire and Tony found their way back to one another.
Just when they seemed to have it all—love, respect, and the promise of a family—the game master exposed the truth. Claire’s world once again spun out of control. Unwilling to allow her child to suffer the consequences of an old vendetta, Claire fled...
At one time, Claire was held captive in an opulent mansion—then her incarceration was a cell inside a state penitentiary. Was her new prison—a tropical island—truly less lonely? Perhaps that was the game master’s plan, all along?
Who will save Claire from her oldest nightmare and her newest reality? Will it be Tony? Can he forgive her for leaving him—again? Harry? Will he utilize previously unknown connections to save the woman who infiltrates his thoughts? Maybe Phil? Will his devotion in keeping Claire and her child safe be rewarded?
As the cards are played—sins of the past, innocent victims, and truths are revealed. With compartmentalization no longer an option, is the reality too much? Could there be an even worse isolation?
With the game master dealing from a stacked deck, can this new high-stakes game possibly be won?
When its all over and their cards are on the tableSOME will discover their bets were too high—they have nothing left to lose—ALL will learn the crucial lesson—the most important rule—there are CONSEQUENCES for the TRUTH!
Aleatha Romig’s CONVICTED!

Book links:
Buy links: To follow

Series Links:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Aleatha Romig is a bestselling author, who has been voted #1 "New Author to Read" on Goodreads July 2012 - Present! She was also #9 most followed author on Goodreads - July / August 3013.

Aleatha has lived most of her life in Indiana growing-up in Mishawaka, graduating from Indiana University, and currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of twenty six years, they've raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include exercising, reading and creating heros/ anti-heros who haunt your dreams!

Aleatha enjoys traveling, especially when there is a beach involved. In 2011 she had the opportunity to visit Sydney, Australia to visit her daughter studying at the University of Wollongong. Her dream is to travel to places in her novels and around the world.

CONSEQUENCES, her first novel, was released August 2011 by Xlibris Publishing. October 2012 Ms. Romig rereleased CONSEQUENCES as an Indie author. TRUTH, the sequel, was released October 30, 2012 and CONVICTED, the final installment of the Consequences Series, is scheduled for release in October of 2013!

Aleatha is a “Published Author’s Network” member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Brown and Miller Literary Associates.

AUTHOR LINKS:
Twitter @AleathaRomig: http://www.twitter.com/AleathaRomig
 





Cover Reveal - Return to Poughkeepsie


Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Heller's Decision Q & A with JD Nixon - Part 2

Due to my (mild) Heller obsession, and multitude of questions post-read, I decided to do a little Q & A with my friend JD Nixon after I finished Heller's Decision. While I am pretty sure I learned nothing new {sigh-her powers of evasion are phenom} any chance to talk to JD is a joy! Let me know your thoughts & if you have questions to ask her that you are not comfortable presenting yourself. I'd be happy to further my Heller obsession with more questions :)

CONTAINS SPOILERS!!!!!



BWAB: Where did the idea come from for the Porn stars storyline?
JD: Probably from an ad here in Brisbane for “Sexpo”. I’ve never visited it (honestly!), but I did some research on their website.

BWAB: Benjy?
JD: I think it’s pretty obvious I have a thing for costumes!!!

BWAB: The monkey?
JD: Who doesn’t love a cute monkey?

BWAB: The mechanic?
JD: Can’t remember a mechanic in HD? Am I going senile???
BWAB: (I was referring to the Mechanic - IB who Tilly & Trent try to ambush at the chop shop)

BWAB: Malefic? (how do you say that name anyway????)
JD: He’s totally my imagination. I say it two ways (because I’m an inconsistent person!): Mal-A-  feek or Malifique. I like the first best.

BWAB: What is the time period for HD? How long have Heller & Tilly been in their relationship?
JD: I try to have a couple of months between each book, so H&T have been together for a few months (his longest love!)

BWAB: Will any/all of the secondary characters get resolution as Heller/Tilly will? Ex.) Will Farrell find love? Bick? Daniel? Will Dixie settle down?
JD: Probably not ☹

BWAB: Where was Victor? No mention of him directly. I assumed he was the one keeping the Warehouse so pristine when Tilly went looking for something to clean/do. He will be 'back', right?
JD: He will turn up before the end of the books

BWAB: I imagine Tilly's parents similar to the ones in Bridget Jones. Am I close?
JD: I’m fuzzy. I’ve only seen the movie and it was a long time ago. They were fairly middle-class and rather prim and proper? If so, yes!

BWAB: Is Heller more sexual with Tilly? Seems like it to me.
JD: He sure likes getting it on with her a lot!!

BWAB: Heller asks Tilly if she is happy with him and their arrangement. How important is this to him? Seems like the first time that he has put someone elses feelings ahead of his own.
JD: Knowing Heller, I guess he wouldn’t ask if he wasn’t thinking about it.

BWAB: Is he ever gonna admit his real feelings for her and say 'I love you'?????
JD: We’ll all have to wait and see!!

BWAB: Is he REALLY that clueless about how Tilly would feel about him sleeping with a client? How is that possible?
JD: Yes! He’s Heller!

BWAB: Where does all the violence against Tilly come from? She gets punched, smacked, pushed, things thrown at her, etc. Seems like most of it goes unaknowledged. Is this true or am I becoming de-sensitized to it?
JD: Mr JD said to me once, “You’re so horrible to Tilly.” I told him she was born to suffer (I don’t really mean that – I love Tilly!). I guess I’m just a terrible person …

BWAB: When Kirnin has Tilly and she keeps telling him "Heller's going to kill you" is she just goading him or trying to convince herself & hoping that he will come save her? Both?
JD: Goading him.

BWAB: How did Clive feel having to go save Tilly? Does he really despise her as much as he seems to?
JD: Clive is one of those characters who still need to reveal himself to me. I could go either way with him

BWAB: Why does Tilly allow Farrell to kiss her? She would flip if someone else kissed Heller!
JD: It was comforting in that particular moment. Wouldn’t you let Farrell kiss you, lol???

BWAB: It seemed a little random to me when the doctor brought up safe sex with Heller & Tilly. Is this significant for later? PLEASE say yes!!!!!!!
JD: Doctors love to lecture! (Grrrrr........)

BWAB: Heller seems 'softer' to me in HD. Is this really so or is it my rose colored glasses when it comes to him clouding my judgement?
JD: Maybe he’s in lurve???

BWAB: Anything else we should talk about?????
JD: You ask, I evade … LOL!!

Monday, August 12, 2013

Heller's Decision by JD Nixon

JD's character Heller is one of my all time book boyfriends. Not sure why cuz he's an ass, but such a hot ass! I admire JD for coming up with Heller & his imperfections, for Tilly and her awkwardness and for the rest of the warehouse crew. I thought it would be fun to pose some questions to JD to feel her out on what she thought about some things I've wondered about. Whether you are a JD fan from 'back in the day', like me, or are new to her work I hope you enjoy gaining a little insight.

About JD by JD:
[avatar-edit3-grey-A.JPG]  (This is an old pic of JD, but she is just as lovely today!)

GenderFemale
LocationBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
IntroductionI am an indie Australian author with eight ebooks published through Smashwords: Heller (free!), Blood Ties (free!), Heller's Revenge, Blood Sport, Heller's Girlfriend, Heller's Punishment, Blood Feud and Heller's Decision. I'm currently working on the sixth in the Heller series, titled Heller's Regret.
Favorite MoviesToo many to name!
Favorite MusicMy Chemical Romance, Muse, Green Day, Alex Lloyd, Placebo, Papa Roach
Favorite BooksHeller, Blood Ties, Heller's Revenge, Blood Sport, Heller's Girlfriend


BWAB: Is Heller your first series?
JD: Yes

BWAB:Where did the idea for Heller come from? The man and/or the story?
JD: The idea was partly a dream I had. In it there was this guy who fell asleep waiting up for a woman to come home to his ‘Warehouse’. The dream had a real impact on me and I started exploring the idea in my mind. The man? Maybe I might say one day!  (such a tease!!!!!!)

BWAB: Are any of the characters modeled after real people?
JD: I kinda think about the Commando (one of the trainers on Australia’s Biggest Losers) when I write about Farrell, but he’s not really modelled on him. It’s just the general ‘look’ of him I think of. I think of Sid and Clive looking like Ronnie and Reggie Kray, notorious UK gangsters from the 1950s. I pick up inspiration from all over the place.

BWAB: Did you know the path that the story was going to take when you began? If not-is the story going in a way that you are pleased with? If so-have any plot changes occurred?
JD: I’ve been thinking about these books since July 2009, so I know what’s happening!! I probably had Heller and Tilly get together sooner than I would have originally. I just honestly didn’t realise how unresolved sexual tension frustrated people so much (especially in this post-50 Shades era).

BWAB: To date I have still not had a Tim Tam. Are they really that awesome? Did Tilly's love of them stem from your own? What is your favorite kind?
JD: Yes, they really are that awesome and I have to honestly say that I’m not that much of a Tim Tam eater. I don’t eat a lot of chocolate, being more of a crunchy, salty snacker. But I’m not kidding when I say they are iconic in Australia and Arnott’s sells 400 million of them every year! That’s a lot of Tim Tams (even for Tessie!). My favourite? The boring old original is good enough for me!

BWAB: Are you as clumsy/awkward as Tilly?
JD: Nobody could be as bad as Tilly! I just like stretching my imagination with her. She has a very adventurous life (quite at odds with my rather ordinary one!).

BWAB: Any similar situations that you'd like to share?
JD: Never!  (dang! I tried people)

BWAB: Have you gotten any plot ideas from your online fans? Have you changed plot lines based on discussions online?
JD: No, just ask anyone who knows me – I’m horribly stubborn! But I am surprised sometimes at how prescient some readers are. It’s like they’re reading my mind! (I would so love to think that I am one of these mind readers and that I have the story figured out)

BWAB: Did you ever imagine that you would have your own fanpage or have reached the milestones that you have? What were your aspirations when you began?
JD: Nope! My aspirations were to have someone (anyone) read my books and not hate them. I guess I wanted a tiny piece of affirmation that I wasn’t a terrible writer.

BWAB: Any thoughts on the friendships/relationships that have stemmed from your fan page?
JD: There’s a reason I dedicated Heller’s Decision to the JDNFC (I for one am so thankful for all of the amazing people that I have met on the JDNFC. It's been almost 2 years for me & the friendships are still going strong. I love it!)

BWAB: I know that you recently left your job to write full time. What goals do you have for your writing career?
JD: To be able to eat! Otherwise, I try not to be over-ambitious. The chances of a self-published Australian author hitting it big anywhere are very remote. I’ve been very lucky to have Smashwords and recently, the Apple iBookstore, taking an interest in my writing.

BWAB: Do you have plans for other books once Heller and Little Town are done?
JD: Yes. The plans are quite undeveloped at this stage.

BWAB: Do you see any spin-off characters having their own books?
JD: No. (Darn! I'd love to have a Fiona book!)

BWAB: When is the next Little Town book coming out? How many books will there be in total for each series?
JD: I won’t start Blood Tears until the end of 2013/beginning 2014. It will be my first book out in 2014.

BWAB: Tilly or Tess? (Tess is from the Little Town series also by JD & also amazing!)
JD: That’s difficult. They both give me different things. I wrote Tess to counter Tilly. There’s probably more of me in Tess, but they’re quite intense books, so I need Tilly to escape. Can’t choose. It’s like asking which of your kids do you love more! (Depending on the day I could probably pick which kid I love more. Seeing as JD only has one I guess she wouldn't know that)

BWAB: Heller or Finn?
JD: Me personally? Finn. Me as an author? Heller. He’s complex, deep, troubled, conflicted, trying to move towards the light after a life of darkness. (A life of darkness? What happened to him??????) Wanting to love, but constricted by his background and trained cautiousness. Vengeful, yet merciful. He’s a real mystery.

BWAB: Favorite Bycraft?
JD: I love Jakey – always have, always will. But he’s immature. Lola is fun to write, though she’s an awful person. Red is the same. Loads of entertainment value for me, but a repulsive human being.

BWAB: Would you rather live in the Warehouse or in Little Town?
JD: Oh gee, I never thought about that before. Probably Little Town, but without the Bycrafts! Though it would be fun like Tilly and work with a bunch of guys!

BWAB: Do you see yourself as making it to the US at any point in time for a signing?
JD: I’m shy! (So? I'm on a mission people!!!!)

BWAB: Last & MOST IMPORTANTLY.......will there be a Heller baby? I MUST HAVE A HELLER BABY!!!!
JD: Um, will I send him to your house, lol! I can’t guarantee a baby, but it will be a night to remember!!!  (I think she likes teasing me! What night? What is 'it'? I'm dying over here!!!)

BWAB: Thanks for your time. You are & always will be my first indie author friend!!!!!!!!
JD: Aw, shucks …