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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Dead Running by Cami Checketts -- Blog Tour






Dead Running

Cassidy Christensen is running.
Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.
Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable.
Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.

With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she'll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.








Dying to Run

Cassidy Christensen wants to run.

Captured by the traffickers who killed her mother, her only hope is Dr. Tattoo, a man she loves but nobody trusts. When she finally gets a chance to run, someone else she cares about is taken. Running might be her only chance at survival, but she won’t allow another family member to be killed in her place.

This must-read sequel to Dead Running will have you laughing, biting your nails, and hoping for more.






Purchase



Author Cami Checketts

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.

Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. Cami teaches strength training classes at her local rec and shares healthy living tips on her fitness blog: http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com.

Cami and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.


Links


My Review

I really enjoyed Dead Running. I love a book that has action, romance and makes me laugh too. Cassie is a great character with a lot of spunk and determination. I thought the nicknames she gave everyone were funny, and even when she found out someone's real name, their nickname was stuck.

4 out of 5 stars. There is some heart pounding suspense that will keep you turning pages until you're through.



Blog Tour Giveaway!

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash from Author Cami Checketts
3 Sets of iFrogz Earbuds & Armbands


Ends 1/31/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.





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Saturday, December 22, 2012

Winner of The Little Princess

Merry Christmas everyone!

The winner of The Little Princess is...

Andrea Frisby!

Congrats to the winner and have a safe and happy holiday.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

All I Want by Jolene Perry, Kaylee Baldwin, Rachael Anderson -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

All I Want

Authors: Jolene Perry, Kaylee Baldwin, Rachael Anderson

Publisher: HEA Publishing

Published: November 2012

ebook: 225 pages

ISBN: 1480115231

FTC FYI: I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

THREE STORIES. THREE COUPLES. ONE HOLIDAY.

Pretty Near Perfect
by Jolene Perry

The last thing Norah needs is to be attracted to anyone – especially in her deceased fiancĂ©'s parents' home. Collin’s starting a new career, and has no business getting involved – especially while staying with his roommate’s family, who very kindly offered to take him in for the holidays. Unfortunately, you just don’t always pick the most convenient time and place to fall for someone.

Six Days of Christmas
by Kaylee Baldwin

When Natalie goes home with her best friend for Christmas, she expects plenty of quiet time to work on a winning ad so she can turn her dream internship into her dream job. Instead, she gets time-consuming Christmas festivities, a house full of children, and Jimmy, her best friend’s brother - someone who makes her question everything she’s always thought she wanted.

Twist of Fate
by Rachael Anderson

When a postcard meant for Kenzie winds up in Ty's mailbox, Ty's faced with a decision. Should he tell her that her fiancĂ© is breaking up with her and let it ruin her favorite holiday, or should he do what he’s wanted to do since he met her - make a move and hope that he can win her over before she discovers there won’t be a wedding after all.




My Review

Oh wow! I love how popular stories are becoming lately. They are perfect for a quick read, with fast pacing, and great characters. This book is a wonderful example of that. I loved these wonderful stories by these three fabulous authors. All three have awesome characters that made me smile, and are full of (of course) romance with a Christmas spirit. 

5 out of 5 stars! Great holiday read full of heart and fun.

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Author Links

Jolene Perry / Kaylee Baldwin / Rachael Anderson



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Saturday, December 15, 2012

The Little Princess by Lori L. Snider -- Giveaway

The Little Princess

Author: Lori L. Snider

Illustrated by Nickolai Longmore

Website: Reading-With-Kids.com

Publisher: Mystic Arts

Published: 2005

ISBN: 097717000-4

FTC FYI: I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Summary: This is a sweet story of a little girl who knows she is a princess because of her big box of princess clothes. She runs over the Land of the Big Dolls, and the Land of the Little Dogs, and the land of Stuffed Pets. This book shows the importance of kids using their imagination for play and how to solved problems. Especially when she has a run in with Prince in the neighboring kingdom (her little brother).

5 of out 5. This book will be a great book for any household and a great book to give for Christmas. The illustrations fit the story perfectly and are very well done.

The author is great friend of mine, and an amazing mom. This book shows how creative and fun she is.
Check out Reading-with0Kids website and Facebook page for more information.

Purchase Links

Amazon / Website

Fill out the Rafflecopter form for the giveaway!

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Thursday, December 13, 2012

inDIVISIBLE by Ryan Hunter


inDIVISIBLE

Author: Ryan Hunter

Publisher: self

Published: September 1, 2012

ISBN13: 9781479215409

Genre: YA Dystopian

FTC FYI: I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an 
honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Brynn Aberdie had everything: a loving family, security and an electronic implant that monitored every move.

Brynn had everything but freedom.

When her father’s life is taken Brynn vows to find that freedom, but it’s a task that puts her life at stake. She’s tagged as a terrorist and put on an Alliance kill list, forcing her to leave her home and become the rebel they already believe her to be.

Brynn learns a lesson many in One United have already learned – by failing to protect they’re rights, Citizens have forfeited their lives with little hope to ever recover their own identities.

My Review

Brynn Aberdie returns home to find security vehicles outside her entry door. Her father has been killed by terrorists. She has many questions and doesn't know where to get answers. While she is in mourning, she receives a coded message from someone from her past. T finds Brynn and he tells her her life in One United is not what she thinks it is. Her whole life is being watched and recorded.

I really enjoyed reading inDIVISIBLE. The characters were strong and liked the journey the story took. A couple times, though, I thought the pacing could have been faster, with some scenes being cut down a little. However, it did not effect how I felt about the story. Brynn is a great character, who learns a lot about herself during her journey for freedom. I am hoping there is a sequel planned. The ending was exciting, but sad.

4 out of 5 stars. This is Ryan Hunter's second book.

Author Links


Purchase Links

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Third Time's the Charm by Heather B. Moore


Third Time's the Charm (An Aliso Creek Novella)


Publisher: Mirror Press, LLC

Published: December 7th, 2012

ebook: 60 pages

FTC FYI: Received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Welcome to the Aliso Creek Novella Series

Liz, Gemma, Arie, Jess, and Drew have been best friends since creating the “Five” at Aliso Creek High School. But that was over ten years ago, and each is still trying to find that perfect someone . . . if perfect is even possible.

In fact, Liz Carlson will settle for a normal man. A normal man with a job, that is. Married twice, then divorced twice, Liz’s rose-colored glasses fell off and shattered on the ground a long time ago. Her main focus now is raising her six-year-old daughter and surviving long days at work on her feet as a hairdresser. When Sloane Branden answers her call for help, quite literally, Liz doesn’t even give him a second glance. She’s sworn off dating for as many years as it takes, and it seems that Sloane has done the same after his own tumultuous marriage. But when Liz discovers that Sloane defies every stereotypical deadbeat she’s dated, she might just find room in her heart and discover the third time’s the charm.

My Review

This novella is very close to perfect. It has great characters that you care about quickly, and an all around fantastic story. Liz is an adorable character that had me smiling with her funny quirks. I laughed when she would text Gemma (part of the Five) for pep talks. I loved Sloane instantly. I really liked how he was with Paisley, Liz's daughter.  This fun short story has a surprising twist that I really enjoyed. I hope there are updates on these great characters in future novellas (hint hint).

5 out of 5 stars. Third Time's the Charm is a quick, fun read that had me wanting more. Gemma's story, Picture Perfect, is next up and it will be in A Timeless Romance Anthology -- Spring Vacation Anthology coming in February 2013. This anthology will feature short stories from Heather, Josi S. Kilpack, Annette Lyon, Heather Justesen, Aubrey Mace, and Sarah M. Eden. I can't wait! All of the "Five" friends will have their own story in the Aliso Creek Novella series coming in 2013.

Author Links


Purchase Links

Monday, December 10, 2012

First Frost by Liz DeJesus


First Frost

Author: Liz DeJesus

Publisher: Musa Publishing

Published: June 22, 2012

ISBN13: 9781619372269

Genre: YA Fantasy

ebook: 274 pages

FTC FYI: I received a review ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Fairytales aren’t real…yeah…that’s exactly what Bianca thought. She was wrong.

For generations, the Frost family has run the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts, handing down guardianship from mother to daughter, always keeping their secrets to “family only.”

Gathered within museum’s walls is a collection dedicated to the Grimm fairy tales and to the rare items the family has acquired: Cinderella’s glass slipper, Snow White’s poisoned apple, the evil queen’s magic mirror, Sleeping Beauty’s enchanted spinning wheel…

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Frost wants none of it, dreaming instead of a career in art or photography or…well, anything except working in the family’s museum. She knows the items in the glass display cases are fakes because, of course, magic doesn’t really exist.

She’s about to find out how wrong she is.

My Review 

Glancing at Facebook one night I came across the Book Trailer of First Frost book posted by my friend, and author Cheri Chesley. The trailer was done by Mel Chesley, and I was hooked. I followed the author on Twitter, and she graciously followed me back. Emails were exchanged and I asked Liz for a review of her fun book. I am a Fairytale junky. Just reading about this book on Goodreads, I knew I was going to enjoy First Frost.

Bianca and her mother, Rose, run the Museum of Magical and Rare Artifacts. After a frustrating day for Bianca at the museum, she and her mother head to their modest home. Bianca's father David is gone and it is a topic that is avoided by her mom. After dinner, Bianca heads to her best friend Ming's house, on her way home she has a feeling that something is terribly wrong. When she arrives, Rose is in a magical battle with a witch. Her mother escapes the battle, but the witch Lenore has one demand. Give her the spell book, or face the consequences. Rose then comes clean with Biana, Fairytales and magic are real, and they are descendants from the fairest one of all, Snow White.

I enjoyed this book a lot. There is some language, but nothing I was offended by. The characters are fun, and Liz can write teen-agers very well. I love the adventure this story takes the reader, and the ending is a great one. Liz told me that she is done with Book 2, called Glass Frost, and is drafting Book 3. She is hoping there will be 4 to 5 books in the series. I know I can't wait to see what happens next.

4 out of 5 stars.

Author Links


Purchase Links

Thursday, December 6, 2012

For What It's Worth by Karey White -- Blog Tour

For What It's Worth

Author: Karey White

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: December 2012

Paperback: 240 pages

ISBN13: 978146110667

FTC FYI: Received a PDF copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary:

Twenty-four year-old, Abby Benson has dreams of owning her own wedding cake shop. An inheritance from her aunt gives her the ability to make those dreams come true. She hires Dane, a handsome contractor, to help her get the bakery up and running and soon they’re moving toward their own happy ending.

Unsure what to charge for her cakes, Abby has a crazy idea to let the customers decide what they think their cake is worth. This plan has its ups and downs, but the novelty of the idea makes her a local celebrity. When she is interviewed on television about the unusual idea, business booms and Abby has cake adventures she never dreamed possible. But as her fame grows, Abby is swept up in a whirlwind that threatens everything she values. With the challenges that face her, will she be able to determine what is worth the most?

My Review

We start off at the reading of Abby's aunt's will.  She left her two nieces and nephews each something they knew they would treasure. Kate, the house she needed, Evan the horse stables he loved. For Abby, starter money, and the building for a her own wedding cake bakery. Abby was hesitant at first to get started, but once she got brave enough, there was no stopping her.

I instantly liked this book. The characters are so well written, and I immediately cared for them. Abby is a wonderful girl and I enjoyed the journey of her little "A Piece of Cake" that could, and especially how she found love, worth, and most importantly herself. When things were hard, she remembered (after a nudging from her sister Kate) what her relationship with her Heavenly Father and Jesus were worth, and that helped things fall into place for her. 

4 out of 5 stars. My favorite part was the ending when Abby travels to California to do a cake for a celebrity. I can't say anything else without needing a spoiler alert, but I really liked it. 

Author Links

Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

Plus there is a giveaway for a $25.00 Amazon gift card and a copy of For What It's Worth. Fill out this Rafflecopter form and good luck!



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Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Book Blast! For What It's Worth by Karey White


For What It's Worth by Karey White


Twenty-four year-old, Abby Benson has dreams of owning her own wedding cake shop. An inheritance from her aunt gives her the ability to make those dreams come true. She hires Dane, a handsome contractor, to help her get the bakery up and running and soon they’re moving toward their own happy ending.

Unsure what to charge for her cakes, Abby has a crazy idea to let the customer decide what they think their cake is worth. This plan has its ups and downs, but the novelty of the idea makes her a local celebrity. When she is interviewed on television about the unusual idea, business booms and Abby has cake adventures she never dreamed possible. But as her fame grows, Abby is swept up in a whirlwind that threatens everything she values. With the challenges that face her, will she be able to determine what is worth the most?

Praise for For What It's Worth


Reading Karey White’s books, like eating chocolate cake, is always satisfying and brings a smile to my face. For What It’s Worth is light, romantic, and delicious. It’s a great pleasure read. Sit down and get lost in the charming world of wedding cakes and love. As an added bonus, each chapter  starts with a recipe, so it’s a novel and cookbook all in one. A fun read!
—Teri Harman, KSL columnist, Studio 5 contributor, and author of Blood Moon, available June 22, 2013

I just loved the book – loved it. Hated putting it down and hated finishing it. Karey White is my new Maeve Binchy, her writing as warm as the bakery her novel is set in. For What It’s Worth surprised me, made me smile, say “no” out loud in a public place. I love when a character feels like my sister. I didn’t want to finish it, so now I may try the recipes that began every chapter.
—Amanda Dickson, author and radio personality

This book oozes charm, romance, and mouth-watering recipes. If you want to escape reality and curl up with a darling story, For What It’s Worth is the perfect fit. Thank you, Karey White!
—Rachael Anderson, author

This is a book worth every penny of the price. In the business of baking wedding cakes, every detail must be perfection, but this story remembers that real life is oh-so-messy. White’s clear and honest writing left me hungry for good food, a close family, and a little romance. A beautiful marriage of food, family, and faith.
—Regina Sirois, author of On Little Wings, 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award



Purchase


Book Trailer





Author Karey White


Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist.

She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.







Links


Blog Tour December 2012
Tour Schedule


Book Blast Giveaway Details
$50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal Cash from Author Karey White
Ends 12/14/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it when you follow Karey and leave the others blank.


Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Monday, December 3, 2012

Playing at Love by Ophelia London


Playing at Love

Author: Ophelia London


Published: September  24th, 2012

ebook

ISBN13: 9781622669875

FTC FYI: Received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review

Goodreads Summary

Show choir teacher Tess Johansson loves three things: music, her job, and sharing that passion with her students. But when a school budget crisis forces funding to be pulled from either the sports or music programs, she finds herself going head to head with Jack, the gorgeous new football coach who broke her heart fifteen years ago.

Jack Marshall wants two things: to be closer to his young daughter and to make his mark as a football coach. Taking the new job, with the promise that he’d have time to build a solid team, gave him both. But now he must win the season with a group of boys who aren't anywhere near ready or he’ll lose everything he’s worked so hard for. Being pitted against Tess, the summer love he never forgot, is like being fourth and long with only seconds on the clock.

On opposing sides of a fierce battle and with everything at stake, Tess and Jack find themselves torn between 
doing what it takes to win and doing what it takes to be together.

My Review

I found out about this book from an email I got regarding recent releases.  I was immediately impressed with the cute cover and description of the book. I emailed the author right away, and asked her if she was interested in a review. Luckily, she was, and here we are.

Tess is a hometown girl who has been hurt before by love, and has a hard time trusting. She is the school's show choir teacher. Jack just moved into town and is the football coach. In a morning staff meeting, they see each other from across the room and immediately sparks fly. But, there is problem. Tess recognizes him as the guy who broke her heart years earlier. After the meeting they both are asked to meet with the principal, there is a situation with the budget, and either football or show choir has to go. Jack can't believe it, he just got hired as the coach. Tess is heart broken because she has a lot riding on this job for family reasons. What will become of their relationship, and can Tess forgive and forget? How can they get past one of them losing their job?

I really enjoyed this book!  Ophelia's writing style is fresh and fun.  I liked the characters very much, too. Tess's best friend Mac, made me smile a lot, as did Tess. I am a huge fan of POV switching by main characters. I love seeing the other side of situations, and the author did a great job with that. There is humor and heart to this book, and I was really happy with the ending.

4 out of 5 stars. This is the author's first book.  Ophelia has another book coming out March of next year, Abby Road. Speaking of Love will also come out in 2013.

Here is more information on her from her Goodreads Bio: Ophelia London was born and raised among the redwood trees in beautiful northern California. Once she was fully educated, she decided to settle in Florida, but her car broke down in Texas and she's lived in Dallas ever since. A cupcake and treadmill aficionado (obviously those things are connected), she spends her time watching arthouse movies and impossibly trashy TV, while living vicariously through the characters in the books she writes. Ophelia is the author of PLAYING AT LOVE, SPEAKING OF LOVE... and ABBY ROAD. Visit her at http://ophelia-london.blogspot.com. But don't call when The Vampire Diaries is on.

In emailing her back and forth, I can tell that Ophelia is a sweet heart, with lots of humor and a great personalilty. It really shows in her writing style.

Content

There is a little bit of language, nothing that I was offended by, just a heads up. Also, the main characters do have sex, but there are no details. There is a mention of a teen pregnancy in conversation, recalling a memory.

Author Links


Purchase Links

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Dead Running by Cami Checketts -- Reduced Price!

Just in Time for Christmas 
Dead Running - Dying to Run 
Price Drop & $20 Gift Card Giveaway




Dead Running

Cassidy Christensen is running.
Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.
Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable.
Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.

With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she'll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.

Dying to Run

Cassidy Christensen wants to run.

Captured by the traffickers who killed her mother, her only hope is Dr. Tattoo, a man she loves but nobody trusts. When she finally gets a chance to run, someone else she cares about is taken. Running might be her only chance at survival, but she won’t allow another family member to be killed in her place.

This must-read sequel to Dead Running will have you laughing, biting your nails, and hoping for more.



Purchase



Author Cami Checketts

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.

Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. Cami teaches strength training classes at her local rec and shares healthy living tips on her fitness blog: http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com.

Cami and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.


Links


Upcoming Blog Tour


Price Drop Giveaway!
$20 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash from Author Cami Checketts
Ends 12/23/12
Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Friday, November 30, 2012

The Tyrant King by Cheri Chesley


The Tyrant King

Author: Cheri Chesley

Publisher: Cheri Chesley

Published: August 13, 2012

ISBN: 9781470085575

Genre: YA speculative

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary 

Krystal's peaceful life as queen of Fayterra is shattered when a stranger arrives with a connection to Jareth that threatens to change everything. Soon her loved ones are threatened, her people are under attack, and Krystal must face a devastating loss. As the future becomes bleaker and the mystery continues to unravel, Krystal's enemies will learn just how far she will go to defend the people she loves.

Backcover
Her heart paused, but Krystal remained defiant.
"You lie. You would never do such a thing to my child."
"You think not?" He laughed again and she drew back. "I've sworn an oath to annihilate my dear cousin's present and future, take over his kingdom and his crown, and fulfill my father's dreams. And you think I would hesitate to murder his offspring? Come now, Krystal. I know you are smarter than that."
Mindy's Review

I have been a fan of Cheri's for a long time. I was thrilled to be apart of the Blog Tour for The Tyrant King.  This book is full of romance, suspense, and action.  Not only is it page-turning, but you will immediately care about the characters as you read about their continuing story. Krystal and Jereth's love story remains strong, and we get to see them as caring and loving parents. Donovan is a bad guy that you will love to hate. And, for fans of The Wild Queen, there is a surprise for you at the end.

My daughter Michalla is also a huge fan of Cheri's, who is very generous with her fans. Michalla emailed Cheri telling her how much she enjoys her books, and Cheri was gracious enough to answer her back, and sent a signed book (for the both of us).  Michalla is always telling her friends about these great books.

4 out of 5 stars. Krystal is such a wonderful character, a strong woman who fits for what she wants. I"m excited for Book 3 next year.

Author Links


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