Monday, November 17, 2014

Resisting Ruby Rose by Jessie Humphries -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Resisting Ruby Rose

Author: Jessie Humphries

Publisher: Skyscape

Published: October 28th, 2014

ISBN13: 9781477825082

Paperback: 284 pages

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

Goodreads Summary

 Still reeling from the heartbreaking events that unfolded on Grissom Island, Ruby Rose is trying to come to terms with the fact that she’s gone from a vigilante in killer shoes to a stone-cold killer. Everyone from her therapist to her smoking-hot boyfriend keeps trying to convince her that she hasn’t crossed over to the dark side, but Ruby isn’t so sure. It doesn’t help that her nemesis, Detective “Mastermind” Martinez, is still out there, waiting for another chance to take her down.

When an alleged CIA agent named Skryker shows up and asks for a meeting, Ruby figures it just means more questions about her case. But he has information of an entirely different nature and a job offer: join an elite force of young assassins, including Skryker’s right-hand guy, Quinn Donovan. Quinn is distractingly charming, handsome—and deadly. Ruby resists becoming a killer again, but as she becomes more ensnared in a web of deceit, no one around her is safe.

 My Review

 Another wild ride for Ruby Rose.  I read this book in 24 hour period, I couldn't put it down.  It was fast-moving, intense, full of action, and wild twists and turns.  This book starts fast, lets you catch your breath sometimes, but then picks right back up and does not stop until the end.  Ruby has some tough choices to make, as everyone around her is effected by her choices, good or bad.  Her relationship with Liam is on the rocks, thanks to the mysterious Quinn, and other reasons. :)  Martinez is still on the loose and when Ruby's mom is hurt, Ruby knows he will stop at nothing until he gets what he wants.

 I love how Jessie write Ruby.  She is a great character with a love of danger,shoes, and nicely dressed boys.  I liked how Ruby's relationship with Silver is handled.  I can't wait for the next book to see what happens to these characters, especially Liam, I worry about him.  Great job, Jessie!

 4 out of 5 stars.  This is book 2 of the Ruby Rose series, the first book Killing Ruby Rose was released in May, you will need to have read the first one to appreciate (and understand) what is happening in this book.   
About Jessie Humphries: Jessie Humphries was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. She received a BA from San Diego State University, where she cultivated her love of the beach, then lived in France, where she cultivated her weakness for shoes, and finally earned a law degree from UNLV, where she cultivated her interest in justice. After practicing law for several years she began writing, and, appropriately, her debut novel Killing Ruby Rose is a thriller about vigilante justice set in sunny southern California with a shoe-obsessed protagonist. Jessie currently writes and practices law in Las Vegas, where she lives with her husband and children.

Social media links:

Twitter: @JessieHwrites


Purchase Links


Content: lots of steamy kissing (clothes on), some language


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Deceived by Kathi Oram Peterson -- Blog Tour/Giveaway


Deceived



Published: November 2014

ISBN13: 9781621088530

Paperback: 245 pages

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

Goodreads Summary

A storm rages outside the unassuming Los Angeles house, while within, something sinister lurks. A murderer stalks his victim, unaware of a witness to the horrific crime: awakened from a deep, drug-induced slumber, Tara Kelly hears voices in the next room. Struggling to focus through her sleep medication, the young woman helplessly observes her aunt's murder. Now she's a loose end the killer cannot ignore . . .

A family friend helps Tara as she does the only thing she can: disappear. Fleeing to the security of a remote Idaho ranch, Tara finds herself under the guard of handsome rancher Joseph White Eagle. Her unwitting protector takes his role seriously, going as far as claiming that Tara is his fiancée. But even as their relationship deepens, Joseph struggles to see past Tara's similarities to his late wife. When a series of accidents threatens Tara's life, it becomes clear that her attempt to out run danger has been in vain. The killer will stop at nothing to find her, and Joseph will do anything to protect her even if it means unraveling secrets that will have devastating consequences for them both.

My Review

Once I was able to really sit down and take the time to delve into this book, I really enjoyed it.  I did think the romance between Tara and Joseph was a bit rushed, they did have to play the part of an engaged couple, and I only worried about that since Tara was in such a fragile state.  That being said, the characters were made for each other, and perfect for each other in many ways.  Tara and Joseph both had tragic events happen in their lives, until they find themselves together to protect Tara.  Joseph makes up an engagement to get those on the ranch to not ask too many questions about Tara.  Some do not take this engagement well, including Joseph's daughter.  Besides the struggles that Tara is having trying to remember what happened on the night of her aunt's murder, someone is making Joseph's life on the ranch difficult.  Between shot animals, getting shot at themselves, and putting the lives of everyone at the ranch in danger, are the two situations connected?  The author does a great job of building the suspense and planting seeds throughout the book.  The other characters in this book are written well and through all the suspense, there is a heart-felt love and the feeling of family, and a great example of love and guidance from Heavenly Father through prayer.  I also want to add, the ending was shocking and so page-turning, it was well past my bed time when I finished reading.

4 out of 5 stars.  Kathi is the author of many great books.  Check out the links below to find out more about her.

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Saturday, November 15, 2014

Flury: Journey of a Snowman by Tony Bertauski -- Release Day Blitz


We're celebrating the RELEASE of
Flury: Journey of a Snowman
By Tony Bertauski

An Introduction to Flury

     Frosty had a magic hat.
     There was no explanation, just a special hat that turned a pile of snow into a walking, talking best friend. Flury is more than that. And doesnít smoke.
     Born on the North Pole, Flury was created by an ancient race of elven that evolved during the Ice Age and continues to live in the polar ice today. Technologically advanced, they sustain themselves with innovation and wisdom. But even the most peaceful settlements encounter danger, such as polar bears. Thatís why they invented abominables.
     What we call snowmen.
     The life of an abominable doesnít magically spring from a top hat. The heart of an abominable is a metal orbóan intricately carved sphere that generates an electromagnetic field and builds a body of snow around it. Abominables are intimidating and selfless. They run, they fly. Above all else, they protect.
     In the late 1800s, Malcolm Toye was part of an arctic voyage that ended in disaster. The survivors of the expedition never saw him again. Malcolm had wandered into the snowy landscape to be saved by a patrolling abominable he would come to know as Flury.
     His rescue, however, became more of a curse than a blessing when the elven refused to allow him safe passage back home, insisting they remain secret from humanity. Malcolm was destined to live out his days among the elven, pining for home.
     Longing for his wife.
     Malcolm escaped by stealing the metal orb of Flury. Quietly, he arrived back in the United States to settle down and resume a normal life. But there was nothing normal about it. As the years went by, his estate becomes shrouded in mystery and rumors.
     A hundred years will go by before the mystery is solved.
     Oliver Toye, a teenage type 1 diabetic, will discover the magic hidden on his grandmotherís property. Heíll read about Malcolm Toyeís journey when he finds a set of leather bound journals. Heíll see the snowman trapped on the property, and the other things that haunt the forest. Most importantly, heíll uncover Malcolm Toyeís master plan to harm others. And why he wants to.
     Flury will come to Oliverís rescue more than once.


Flury: Journey of a SnowmanFlury: Journey of a Snowman
(Claus #3)
by Tony Bertauski
YA Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Holiday

Life hasnít been kind to Oliver Toye.

As if juvenile diabetes isnít enough, heís forced to live with his tyrannical grandmother in a snow-bound house. He spends his days doing chores and the nights listening to the forest rumble.

But when he discovers the first leather-bound journal, the family secrets begin to surface. The mystery of his great-grandfatherís voyage to the North Pole is revealed. Thatís when the snowman appears.

Magical and mysterious, the snowman will save Oliver more than once. But when the time comes for Oliver to discover the truth, will he have the courage? When Flury needs him, will he have the strength? When believing isnít enough, will he save the snowman from melting away?

Because sometimes even magic needs a little help.


About Tony Bertauski

During the day, I'm a horticulturist. While I've spent much of my career designing landscapes or diagnosing dying plants, I've always been a storyteller. My writing career began with magazine columns, landscape design textbooks, and a gardening column at the Post and Courier (Charleston, SC). However, I've always fancied fiction.

My grandpa never graduated high school. He retired from a steel mill in the mid-70s. He was uneducated, but he was a voracious reader. I remember going through his bookshelves of paperback sci-fi novels, smelling musty old paper, pulling Piers Anthony and Isaac Asimov off shelf and promising to bring them back. I was fascinated by robots that could think and act like people. What happened when they died?

I'm a cynical reader. I demand the writer sweep me into his/her story and carry me to the end. I'd rather sail a boat than climb a mountain. That's the sort of stuff I want to write, not the assigned reading we got in school. I want to create stories that kept you up late.

Having a story unfold inside your head is an experience different than reading. You connect with characters in a deeper, more meaningful way. You feel them, empathize with them, cheer for them and even mourn. The challenge is to get the reader to experience the same thing, even if it's only a fraction of what the writer feels. Not so easy.

In 2008, I won the South Carolina Fiction Open with Four Letter Words, a short story inspired by my grandfather and Alzheimer's Disease. My first step as a novelist began when I developed a story to encourage my young son to read. This story became The Socket Greeny Saga. Socket tapped into my lifetime fascination with consciousness and identity, but this character does it from a young adult's struggle with his place in the world.

After Socket, I thought I was done with fiction. But then the ideas kept coming, and I kept writing. Most of my work investigates the human condition and the meaning of life, but not in ordinary fashion. About half of my work is Young Adult (Socket Greeny, Claus, Foreverland) because it speaks to that age of indecision and the struggle with identity. But I like to venture into adult fiction (Halfskin, Drayton) so I can cuss. Either way, I like to be entertaining.

And I'm a big fan of plot twists.


Blitz Giveaway

- $25 Amazon gift card and ebook of Flury: Journey of a Snowman (open internationally)
Ends November 22nd

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Thursday, November 13, 2014

My Name is Bryan by Stacy Lynn Carroll -- Blog Tour


My Name is BryanMy Name is Bryan by Stacy Lynn Carroll
If your friends jumped off a cliff, would you jump too? Bryan chose to dive. Moments later, as he lay on the beach, unable to move his arms or legs, two questions ran through his mind: Would he walk again? And would he ever have kids? Based on the incredible true story of life, love, and never giving up.



My Review

 This was a great book.  I really loved how the author incorporated a true event and wrote it as great fiction.  While I was reading I kept thinking how cool it was that this was a real guy, who really went through this hard ships.  Bryan had a great attitude of determination that I saw throughout this book.  Here is one great example:

"Sometimes I wonder if you even remember that you're paralyzed. "

Bryan grinned.  "It crosses my mind now and then."

"I think that's part of the reason why you're doing so well," Nedra added.  Your positive outlook and can-do attitude really seem to be what's propelling your recovery."

"What else am I supposed to do? Lay in bed and wallow in self-pity?" he asked, crinkling his nose.  "That sounds boring.  And like a waste of like."

"You'd be surprised how many do, though.  And trust me, their recovery time is a lot slower than yours."

I think that is what I appreciate the most in the book, was the example of hard work and determination.  I'm sure Bryan had hard times and difficulties, but attitude is everything and this book shows it.  You will be turning pages fast as you read about this amazing man's journey through his new life.  I also loved the inspiring quotes at the beginning of each chapter.  Enjoyable and entertaining book for everyone!

 Praise for the book:

 “I plowed through his story, amazed at how he could so easily accept something that would destroy anyone else and just move forward with such a positive attitude. I don’t give many 5 stars, but it’s well-earned. This book really touched me. It’s the kind of story that stays with you for a long time.”
–Amazon customer
“I actually love stories like this. Ones that show the power of the human spirit and what love and determination can achieve. I cried multiple times while reading this but they were a happy sort of hopeful tears. If you are looking for something uplifting and motivational read this heart-felt story of love and hope.”
–Inspired Kathy ;)
“You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll wring your hands in frustration, and you won’t be able to put it down to go to sleep as you keep waiting to read about Bryan’s happily ever after. This is one of those books that stick with you long after you’ve finished reading it.”
–Bookmom
“Each chapter begins with an inspirational quote to lead the reader into the goodness, hardship, unconditional love, and humor that is Bryan’s life. The 30 year journey the reader takes runs smoothly page after page. You will cry and you will laugh. You will want to hug Nedra and Bryan when you are finished.”
–Kriss A.
My Name is Bryan (1) Follow the Blog Tour hosted by I Am A Reader
October 29th to November 14th


Book Trailer:

Stacy Lynn CarrollAuthor Stacy Lynn Carroll
Stacy Lynn Carroll has always loved telling stories. She started out at Utah State University where she pursued a degree in English. Go Aggies! She then finished her BA at the University of Utah (to be closer to her then boyfriend, now hubby) where she got an emphasis in creative writing. After college she worked as an administrative assistant, where she continued to write stories for the amusement of her co-workers. When her first daughter was born, and with the encouragement of a fortune cookie, she quit her job and became a full-time mommy and writer. It seemed like fate when Matt and Stacy married. She was a writer, and her father-in-law had a story that demanded to be written. She and her husband have three children, two Corgis, and a fish named Don.

Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 11/21/14
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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Return to Chelsey Falls by Marianne Gowers -- Book Blast


Return to Chelsey FallsReturn to Chelsey Falls
After the death of his mother, fourteen year old, Wyatt Barnes was sent to live with his grandparents in Chelsey Falls, Washington. That summer was filled with new friends and new adventures until his life was turned upside down for a second time.
Almost ten years later, an offer to teach at the high school in Chelsey Falls, brings Wyatt back to the small town. Is he getting a second chance to make amends with Alexa, the young woman that had befriended him?
Meanwhile, Wyatt’s sudden reappearance in town sends Alexa’s life into a tailspin. Alexa can’t help but wonder if Wyatt has finally found the peace he so desperately needed. Although apprehensive about opening old wounds, Alexa knows she can’t avoid Wyatt forever. Could what started out as a crush so long ago become more than that now? Or is it just too late?
Return to Chelsey Falls is a heartwarming story of second chances and forgiveness.

Praise for the Book:
Alisa says: Good read! I enjoyed the story and the characters. The author’s description and character development allowed the reader to get into the story easily and quickly. A fabulous clean, good story about following your heart and not giving up.
Lauren says: The best part of the story for me were the characters and their development. I kept thinking it was going to be predictable but it had enough surprises and twists to feel refreshing and creative.
SStew says: Great read! I loved getting the story from two different perspectives and how it went back and forth from present to past. If you like this genre it is a great book from a first time author. I’ll look forward to her future releases.

Excerpt:
“Need any help, Lexa?”
“It’s A-lexa,” she said, dragging out the A at the beginning of her name. She threw her backpack over her shoulder, gathered her lunch and started for the junior high.
“Yeah, but I think I’ll call you Lexa.” I hurried to her side and flashed her a smile.
She shook her head, another tiny smile flickering across her face. She was cute when she was irritated.
I followed her to her locker, leaning against the one next to hers. I hadn’t made any friends yet and Lexa intrigued me. She slammed her locker shut.
“Did you need something?”
There was that irritated look again.
Lexa and I had History together after lunch. “I wanted to make sure you made it to class okay.” I thought I saw another smile as she started down the hall without answering.
“This is so nice,” I shouted into the busy hall. “Just you and me walking to class together.” She snorted, quickly covering her mouth, but not before I saw a speck of spit fly through the air.
“Real funny, Wyatt.” She laughed and her face turned bright red. I wasn’t sure if she was embarrassed by the flying spit or by the fact that she actually knew my name.
“You know my name? Have we met?”
“Maybe you haven’t noticed, but every day Mr. Kline has to say, ‘Wyatt, wake up!’”
I liked her even more. She had spunk. I laughed as we arrived at the classroom, but my laughter was cut short. I’d forgotten something. I had my soccer ball in my hands and no backpack.
“Hey, can I borrow a pencil?” I hoped she didn’t think I was a big dork, standing there with just my soccer ball.

Marianne Gowers
Author Marianne Gowers
Marianne Gowers was born in Seattle, Washington where she grew up with nine brothers and sisters. She has dreamed of writing for many years, and has finally made it a reality. She spends her days writing and editing and then editing some more. She loves bringing to life the many characters in her imagination. She enjoys writing LDS Women’s fiction, providing funny and inspiring stories, which she hopes will be appealing even to those outside her faith.

book blast button




Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 11/30/14
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 and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Lady Emma's Campaign by Jennifer Moore -- Blog Tour/Giveaway


Lady Emma's Campaign

Author: Jennifer Moore


Published: November 1st, 2014

ISBN13: 9781621087885

Paperback: 224 pages

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

 Goodreads Summary

She would follow him through peace and war.
London, 1811

The London Season is ushered in with a thrilling flurry of invitations, gowns, and parties. But despite her status as belle of the ball, lovely socialite Emma Drake simply cannot fathom becoming entangled with any gentleman of her acquaintance. For in truth, since childhood her heart has belonged to Captain Sidney Fletcher, a man of the sea—and her brother’s best friend. Emma knows that Sidney’s directive to free the Spanish city of Cadiz from French occupation will be dangerous, but when word arrives of his capture, she is frantic. Determined to aid her brother in Sidney’s rescue, she hides aboard his ship and sets a course to Spain. But the realities of war are a far cry from the drawing rooms of London, and Emma finds the man she loves a mere shadow of his former self. When a series of events leaves them trapped together behind enemy lines, Emma and Sidney must embark on a journey fraught with danger—from a bloody hunt for Spanish treasure to the battlefields of war-torn Spain, new threats lurk around every turn. As their flight becomes increasingly perilous, Sidney and Emma must trust each other with their lives—but can they trust the other with their heart?

My Review

Jennifer Moore is one talented lady.  I thought her writing couldn't of gotten any better with her first book Becoming Lady Lockwood, but I was wrong.  I was blown away by this book.  It was so amazing.  Emma was beyond anything I could have imagined her to be.  She was an impressive gal when we first meet her, but what she had to endure through this book astounded me.  She was a rock star.  From the summary we know that Emma loves Sidney, and has for years, when he is thought dead, she does whatever it takes to try to find the truth and save him.  At one point while reading, I just screamed (out loud mind you, with an empty house), someone please help them!  Emma endured a lot as a child with her drunk father, but oh my goodness, she amazed me throughout this book.  Sidney was incredible too.  I loved the journey he took with himself as he figured out how he felt about Emma.  What he had to live through as a prisoner for two months, was heartbreaking.  I was impressed that the author didn't skirt around the issues that he and Emma faced.  Nor did the author shield the reader from the spoils of war.  Her war details were so descriptive, it helped me get a glimpse of the horrors of war.

5 out of 5 stars.  Although this book could be meant as a stand-alone, I think you will understand and relate to Sidney (as well as William and Amelia) if you have read Becoming Lady Lockwood.

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Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Royal Date by Sariah Wilson -- Spotlight/Contest



My friend author Sariah Wilson is being considered for publication through Amazon.  You can nominate her book and be entered to win $100.00 Amazon gift card.  You also have the chance to be entered in another $100.00 gift card if your friend uses your email as a reference.
Use my email minreadsandreviews at gmail dot com

Use this link to get started

Book Summary
Kat MacTaggart has a plan for everything until the moment she's careening downhill on a ski trip to Monterra and is rescued by a guy who looks like Superman's hotter Italian cousin. HRH Prince Nico is intrigued by the woman who refuses to date him. He offers Kat a deal-let him show her his country and he'll pay her to write an article to help Monterra's tourism. Kat agrees, but with one condition. No kissing. Should she stick to her plans, or risk everything for a chance at happily ever after?
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