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Kelly reviews True by Erin McCarthy

TITLE: True
CHARACTERS: Tyler Mann & Rory Macintosh
AUTHOR: Erin McCarthy
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Rory Macintosh’s roommates find out that their studious and shy friend has never been with a guy, they decide that, as an act of kindness they’ll help her lose her virginity by hiring confident, tattooed bad boy Tyler Mann to do the job…unbeknownst to Rory.

Tyler knows he’s not good enough for Rory. She’s smart, doctor smart, while he’s barely scraping by at his EMT program, hoping to pull his younger brothers out of the hell their druggy mother has left them in. But he can’t resist taking up her roommates on an opportunity to get to know her better. There’s something about her honesty that keeps him coming back when he knows he shouldn’t…

Torn between common sense and desire, the two find themselves caught up in a passionate relationship. But when Tyler’s broken family threatens to destroy his future, and hers, Rory will need to decide whether to cut her ties to his risky world or follow her heart, no matter what the cost.

REVIEW:
I liked this story, but was not in love with it. I do realize that the characters were college age and therefore very selfish and well for a lack of a better word, stupid. But I guess that is how most college kids are. They don’t think before they act.

The sweet, smart shy girl meets the bad boy kinda story.

A couple of my biggest problems was the smoking. I know that people do it but for some reason I don’t want to read about my hero/heroine smoking.

The second biggest problem was that the hero was sleeping with the heroines roommate right before they hooked up. I don’t know this just bugged me the whole book.

But overall it was an okay read for me. Will I grab the next book in this series? I am still on the fence about that.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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My Rescue Story, by Jill Shalvis……..Read Humane® 2013 campaign

This May, Books-n-Kisses is pleased to support Penguin Group (USA)’s Read Humane® 2013 campaign to fight animal cruelty.  We would like to welcome spokesperson and bestselling author Jill Shalvis to our blog today, where she is sharing with us her family’s animal rescue story discusses her Animal Magnetism series with a piece entitled “Why Dogs Make Great Sidekicks!”

Read Humane® is an initiative created by Penguin Group (USA) in 2012 to support our furry friends in honor of National Pet Month (May).  As part of the Read Humane® 2013 campaign, six special edition, animal-themed mass market paperbacks have been reissued featuring the official Read Humane® seal.  Penguin supports the fight against animal cruelty with a $25,000 donation, regardless of sales, to The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team.

For more information, and complete lists of the six participating authors and book retailers, please visit Penguin Group (USA) or view the official Read Humane® Prezi here.

And remember to join the conversation on Twitter with @BerkleyRomance and @HSUS throughout May by using the hashtag #readHumane.  Followers are encouraged to Tweet about Penguin’s animal friendly books, share their own rescue stories, and join in other pet themed conversations.

Jill Shalvis is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over four dozen romance novels, including her fun contemporary Animal Magnetism series, which promotes animal rescue dogs. Jill is a 3-time National Readers Choice winner, and lover of animals! More information about Jill and her collection of fabulous romance titles can be found at www.JillShalvis.com.

 

***

My Rescue Story, by Jill Shalvis…

At any point, on any day in the Shalvis abode, there are animals.  All of them rescued, always.  It’s become somewhat of a family tradition, rescuing animals in need, and we’ve found that not only is it a nice thing to do, we get a really great pet out of the deal.

A couple of years ago, our house was fairly full.  Okay, so it was straining at the wall joints.  We had Ashes — our rescue Border Collie/Australian Blue Heeler.  Sadie – our cat who thinks she’s a dog.  Micky – a field mouse rescued from the high school science lab.  And four teenage girls.

Actually, it wasn’t a house.  It was a zoo.

But a year before we’d lost Izzie, our beloved brown lab.  And we missed having two dogs.  Yes, we’re crazy.  Anyway, on that fated day I’m about to tell you about, Alpha Man (my husband) had heard about a yellow lab puppy who needed rescue.

No.  No way.  I was adamant.  I had enough on my plate.  But Alpha Man just wanted to go make sure the lab was okay.

So we left the mountain…

 

And drove…

 

And drove…

 

We were following the sketch directions from a guy who knew a guy who had told us about a woman who lived out in the middle of nowhere, and I mean NOWHERE, and she rescues animals.

The landscape was like something out of a Criminal Minds episode, so we were wary at first.  We had no idea what we were going to find.  A box of puppies, or a meth lab … nothing would have surprised me.  I was a little worried because the kids were with us, but it turned out the place was fifty acres of love.

Any animal in need is welcome.

Even the funny looking ones…

The woman had goats, horses, turtles, geese, snakes, angry chickens … you name it and she had it.  She was rehabbing it, doctoring it, loving it … whatever the animal needed.

We’d gone because of the rumor of the puppies, the yellow labs.  And she did have two puppies.  She’d rescued them out of a horrible situation.

But the yellow lab wasn’t the one who stole our hearts.  Nope, it was her little baby brother.  The runt.

He was filthy and living in a hovel. And the minute he saw us, he came alive. Wriggling, happy, loving. All you had to do was touch him and he writhed in joy and dropped to the floor for a belly rub.

And once he was picked up by the teenagers and loved up by them, he didn’t want to get down.  I tried.  I tried hard.  But the thing had wriggled his way right into my heart.  I remember looking at Alpha Man, laughing and crying at the same time.

“You didn’t want another dog,” he reminded me.

I told him to zip it.  We were taking this dog and that was that.  Besides, there was the little matter of him being in my arms and refusing to be put down.

So we never put him down again.  Meet Frat Boy…

***

 

Why Dogs Make Great Sidekicks, by Jill Shalvis…

Now that you know a little bit about my rescue story, I want to share with you some of the inspiration for my Animal Magnetism series.  One of the fun things about writing this series is developing complex and lovable characters… that just happen to be adorable dogs!  Here’s why dogs make great sidekicks…

1. Because when you’re on the mountain trail and you come across an angry mama bear and her baby cubs, your dog will run like hell.  This will warn you to run like hell as well.  Just be careful because if your dog is like my dog, he will throw you under the bus (or in this case bear) to get home before you do.

2. Because when all the cookies are gone you can totally blame your cookie loving dog.  No one has to know that you ate all the cookies yourself.  And your dog can give you dirty looks for blaming him but he can’t actually talk and dispute your story.  Solid alibi.

3. Because if you’ve eaten in a way that disagrees with your stomach, there are never any worries.  Your dog will always, ALWAYS, out stink you.  And if he doesn’t, you can still point the finger at him.  Again, he can’t talk and dispute your story.

4. Dogs are not just great sidekicks but they also make great a really great wingman.  If you’re single, you can totally put your dog to work at charming the person you’re interested in.  Just make sure that person likes dog drool and dog hair all over everything first.

5. There is never a need for a pillow or extra blanket because your dog will always be willing to get into bed with you and share body heat.  Always.  Just be forewarned.  Being a great sidekick is not the same thing as a good bed partner.  They have a habit of being a total bed hog.

 

***

Thank you so much, Jill for sharing your stories with us!  If you have enjoyed Jill’s stories please feel free to show your support in our comments section below and by visiting the other participating websites/blogs…

Read Humane® Blog Tour 2013!

For more information on Read Humane® please visit Penguin Group (USA).  To view more special features from spokesperson Jill Shalvis, please visit the following websites/blogs; each website/blog will feature a unique perspective on Read Humane, so be sure to stop by each for a new and exciting experience!

 

You will be able to buy special copies of these books at these retailers!!

Check out the rest of the Tour stops here.

4/29/2013   USA Today’s Happy Ever After – Special Feature!

4/29/2013     Fresh Fiction -Spotlight

4/30/2013   RT Book Reviews Online– Special Feature!

5/1/2013        Happily Ever After Reads– Spotlight

5/2/2013       Teresa’s Reading Corner-Spotlight

5/3/2013       The Book Reading Gals – Spotlight

5/4/2013       Book Crack-Spotlight

5/5/2013       Love Romances & More– Spotlight

5/6/2013       Books-N-Kisses-Spotlight

5/7/2013       RT Book Reviews Online-Spotlight

5/8/2013       Cocktails & Books-Spotlight

5/9/2013       The Book Pushers-Spotlight

5/10/2013     Kindles & Wine-Spotlight

5/11/2013      My Book Addiction & More -Spotlight

5/12/2013     Eye on Romance-Spotlight

5/13/2013     eBook Obsessed-Spotlight

5/14/2013     My Friend Amy-Spotlight

5/14/2013     Pretty Fluffy-Spotlight

5/16/2013     The Romance Dish-Spotlight

5/16/2013     Pretty Fluffy– Spotlight

5/17/2013      Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind-Spotlight

5/18/2013     Romantic Book Affairs-Spotlight

5/19/2013     Ramblings from This Chick -Spotlight

5/20/2013     Under the Covers Book Blog– Spotlight

5/20/2013     The Romance Studio-Spotlight

5/21/2013     Chick Lit Reviews -Spotlight

5/26/2013     The Reading Café -Spotlight

5/27/2013     Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews  -Spotlight

5/28/2013     Stuff and Nonsense  – Spotlight

5/29/2013     Thoughts in Progress -Spotlight

 

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Interview & tour wide giveaway with Jo Davis

Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome back the awesome Jo Davis!!!!  We are talking about Bon Jovi (sigh) and her newest release Sworn to Protect: A Sugarland Blue Novel.

Jo, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I’m a multi-published author who currently writes under 2 pen names. I’m a mother of 2 awesome almost-grown kids, and I just bought a new home that we’re having fun decorating.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

For as long as I could hold a pencil, I’ve wanted to write. I’ve been writing stories since the third grade, and I used to sell them for .25 each!

Are you a plotter or a punster or combo of both? And you explain the difference?

I’m a pantser (punster?) who was forced to become a plotter. A pantser writes “by the seat of his/her pants” and doesn’t always know where the book is going or how it’s going to get there. A plotter does exactly that—he/she plots out the book so she knows where it’s going all the way to the end. I had to become a plotter because I write for a New York publisher. They like to know where the stories are going if they’re going to buy them—they’re funny like that!

What is your most interesting writing quirk?

I don’t know that it’s interesting, but I’m constantly running dialogue in my head, ALL the time. I was in my 30’s before I realized I was the only one I knew who did this. Then I finally found my local romance writer’s chapter and discovered people like me! What a relief. I’m “normal” after all! LoL.

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

The Sugarland Blue series centers on the heroes of the Sugarland Police Department and is about our men in blue, the dangers they face, and the women who love them. The series kicks off with Detective Shane Ford and his long awaited stories. The first one is a novella, Armed and Dangerous, which is a prequel to the series and has some history of Shane and Daisy. It doesn’t have to be read to enjoy the first full-length book, Sworn to Protect: A Sugarland Blue Novel. Here’s a blurb for Sworn:

Detective Shane Ford, Sugarland’s favorite cop, has been blindsided by the sudden death of his best friend, NFL star Brad Cooper, and becoming the legal guardian of Brad’s son, Drew—a bitter, angry sixteen-year-old with a dangerous secret. Shane is determined to pry the truth from Drew, but only manages to alienate him—and winds up going head to head with Juvenile Detective Daisy Callahan, whose job is to protect the teen’s best interests.

Shane has always been drawn to Daisy’s beauty and strength, but he’s determined not to allow their intense attraction to interfere with his duty ever again. It’s a vow that will prove difficult to keep, as the realities of Shane and Daisy’s blossoming love and their growing bond with the grieving teen propel Shane headlong into danger for the new family he’s sworn to protect.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

The Sugarland Blue series is a spinoff of my Firefighters of Station Five. My readers have wanted Shane’s story for years, so I’m happy to be able to give it to them at last!

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

Right now I’m working on HOT PURSUIT, book 2 of the Sugarland Blue series, which is Detective Taylor Kayne’s story. Then I’m going right to work alternating between a 3-part contemporary novella series that’s already in progress, and book 5 of my Alpha Pack series written as J.D. Tyler, COLE’S REDEMPTION.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

I’d love to sit down and have a drink with Stephen King someday, and listen to anything he has to say. I think the man is brilliant, and fascinating.

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

If you want to sell to a major New York house and/or get an agent, learn the business and your craft. Then keep submitting and don’t give up! You’re going to hear many “no’s” before you get that one “yes” that will change your life. If you want to self-publish, learn the business and hone your writing craft before you put your work out for public consumption. Coca-Cola began life as a cough syrup, if you know what I mean. The Cola-Cola company does NOT sell cough syrup. Whether you’re new or you’ve written 100 books, your work can be improved. Know that and make it the best it can be. I recently wrote an article about this subject on the Writerspace blog called “Self-Publishing: Learn Before You Leap”. Look it up and get some good advice.

Can you share with us something off your bucket list.

Someday I’m going to travel to Italy and Greece. I’m going to dine in quaint villas and drink the world’s best wines. I’m going to see all the awe-inspiring sights. I’m not going to wait much longer, either. Life is much too short.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I am anxiously awaiting the 3rd installment of the CAPTIVE PRINCE series by S. U. Pacat. Brilliant alternative historical, sweeping romance that is everything a book/series should be—breathtaking, gut-wrenching, and sigh-worthy.

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

That’s a tough question! I guess I’d have to go with my most-read book of all time: WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS by Wilson Rawls. I still have my old copy of the book on my keeper shelf. There’s just something about this book that starts with an old man who lets in a stray dog to warm himself by the fire, which causes the old man to launch into the tale of the most special time in his boyhood, that’s just awesome. To this day, I can’t read the end of that book without bawling.

What is your favorite time of year & why?

The fall is my favorite time, especially October. There’s something I love about the weather turning cool again, being able to sit on my patio beside the warm chiminea pot and veg out. I love that slow, lazy time just before the holiday rush.

Who is your Celebrity crush?  And what would you do if you ever meet them?

Anyone who knows me knows I have to say Jon Bon Jovi! I’d probably freeze up like an idiot and not be able to say a word, in spite of the many calm, sophisticated responses I’ve been over in my brain.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for having me here today! It’s been great to be back!

Lets take a look at the Sugarland Blue series so far. 

 

ARMED AND DANGEROUS

 A Sugarland Blue Novella, Book 0.5

April 2, 2013

Available at:
Amazon | B&N | Kobo

 From the author of the popular Firefighters of Station Five series comes a sizzling new novella about Sugarland’s favorite cop—and the courageous woman destined to steal his heart…

When Detective Shane Ford, Sugarland’s favorite man in blue, and Juvenile Detective Daisy Callahan work together on a dangerous case, they find themselves ignoring their professional instincts and falling hard. But when their romance gets in the way of their job—and puts both their lives in jeopardy—Shane vows to break things off. But as they’re about to discover, this kind of steamy passion is impossible to deny…

Includes a preview of the first book in Jo Davis’ new Sugarland Blue series, Sworn to Protect.  

*****

SWORN TO PROTECT

 Sugarland Blue, Book 1

May 7, 2013

Available at:
Amazon | B&N | Kobo

Sugarland loves their men in blue, especially Detective Shane Ford. But Shane’s mission to protect and to serve has just gotten personal…. 

Detective Shane Ford, Sugarland’s favorite cop, has been blindsided by the sudden death of his best friend, NFL star Brad Cooper, and by becoming the legal guardian of Brad’s son, Drew—a bitter, angry sixteen-year-old with a dangerous secret. Shane is determined to pry the truth from Drew, but he manages only to alienate him—and winds up going head-to-head with Juvenile Officer Daisy Callahan, whose job is to protect the teen’s best interests.

Shane has always been drawn to Daisy’s beauty and strength, but he’s determined not to allow their intense attraction to interfere with his duty ever again. It’s a vow that will prove difficult to keep, as the realities of Shane and Daisy’s blossoming love and their growing bond with the grieving teen propel Shane headlong into danger for the new family he has sworn to protect.

Watch for our review of Sworn to Protect.  We loved this book and can’t wait for the next in the series 🙂 

A Littl more about Jo:

National Bestselling author Jo Davis is best known for her popular Firefighters of Station Five series written as Jo Davis, and her dark, sexy paranormal series Alpha Pack, written as J.D. Tyler. PRIMAL LAW, the first book in her Alpha Pack series, is the winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award in Paranormal. She’s also been a multiple finalist in the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a finalist for the Bookseller’s Best Award, has captured the HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and has been a two-time nominee for the Australian Romance Readers Award in romantic suspense.
Jo’s books regularly appear on the Neilson Bookscan, Barnes and Noble, BooksOnBoard, and Amazon bestseller lists, among others.
Jo is currently at work on a new contemporary romance series titled SUGARLAND BLUE for NAL/Signet Eclipse, a spin-off of her Firefighters of Station Five series scheduled to debut in April 2013 with the kick-off novella Armed and Dangerous. Book 1, SWORN TO PROTECT, is being released May 7, 2013. She’s also publishing a new FBI series, ARMED AND DEADLY, set to debut in April 2013 with ONE LAST KISS (learn more at GoodReads). Jo lives in Texas with her two kids and a cute Boston terrier.

Connect with Jo:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

~~~~~

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!!!

Jo is giving away the following prizes on her tour:

Grand Prize:
$25.00 Gift Card to Amazon or B&N and an autographed paperback of SWORN TO PROTECT

Runners-up:
Eight (8) runners-up will receive an autographed paperback of SWORN TO PROTECT

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Jo Davis’ SWORN TO PROTECT

Blog Tour Schedule

5/03 – 5/13

 5/03 – Book Lovin’ Mamas

http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com//

 5/03 – Buffy’s Ramblings

http://buffy-kennedy.blogspot.com/

 5/03 – Flirting with Romance

http://flirtingwithromance.blogspot.com/

 5/04 – Romance Junkies

http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/

 5/04 – Cocktails and Books

http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

 5/05 – Reading Between The Wines

http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/

 5/05 – Darkest Addictions

http://darkestaddictions.blogspot.com/

 5/06 – Books-n-Kisses

http://www.books-n-kisses.com/

 5/06 – United by Books

http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/

5/07 – Confessions of the Paranormal

http://confessionsoftheparanormal.blogspot.com/

 5/07 – Nina’s Literary Escape

http://ninasliteraryescape.blogspot.com/

 5/08 – Book Monster Reviews

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

 5/08 – Page Flipperz

http://pageflipperz.blogspot.com/

 5/09 – Books, Books and More Books

http://booksbooksmorebooks.blogspot.com/

 5/09 – Toot’s Book Reviews

http://tootsbookreviews.blogspot.com/

 5/10 – The Reading Café

http://thereadingcafe.com/

 5/10 – Ramblings From This Chick

http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com/

 5/11 – Under the Covers

http://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/

 5/11 – Mimmi’s Musings

http://mimmismusings.blogspot.com/

 5/12 – Love in A Book

http://loveinabook.com/

 5/12 – Night Owl Reviews

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/V5/

 5/13 – GraveTells

http://gravetells.com/

5/13 – Bookin’ It Reviews

http://www.bookinitreviews.com/

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Cover Reveal: Blind Attraction by Eden Summers

Coming on May 28th, the first book in the Reckless Beat rock star series.

He can seduce with a single glance.
Peering down at a sea of fans, rock star, Mitchell Davies can’t deny the innocent beauty of a woman in the front row. He’ll stop at nothing to get to know her. When a public altercation leaves her weak and defenseless, he takes the opportunity to be her savior.

She’s been sheltered from the world.

Alana Shelton wants to spread her wings and experience life away from her restrictive upbringing. But she isn’t prepared for a gorgeous stranger to sweep her off her feet while at her most vulnerable.

Attraction will bring them together, but their pasts will try to tear them apart.
He wants to teach her how to trust, but she’ll show him how to love. In a glamorous world of rock-and-roll, only time will tell if they’re up for the challenge.

 

Blind Attraction page on Goodreads | Eden Summers Website | Eden Summers Facebook Page |Twitter

 

Giveaway

Eden is giving away three ADVANCED EBOOK COPIES of Blind Attraction. First prize will also receive this gorgeous beaded purse charm valued at $10 and made by Swagmaster Designs.

Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

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Kelly reviews Sworn To Protect by Jo Davis

TITLE: Sworn to Protect
SERIES: Sugarland Blue #1
CHARACTERS: Shane Ford & Daisy Callahan
AUTHOR: Jo Davis
PUBLICATION DATE: May 7, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sugarland loves their men in blue, especially Detective Shane Ford. But Shane’s mission to protect and to serve has just gotten personal…

Detective Shane Ford, Sugarland’s favorite cop, has been blindsided by the sudden death of his best friend, NFL star Brad Cooper, and becoming the legal guardian of Brad’s son, Drew—a bitter, angry sixteen-year-old with a dangerous secret. Shane is determined to pry the truth from Drew, but only manages to alienate him—and winds up going head to head with Juvenile Detective Daisy Callahan, whose job is to protect the teen’s best interests.

Shane has always been drawn to Daisy’s beauty and strength, but he’s determined not to allow their intense attraction to interfere with his duty ever again. It’s a vow that will prove difficult to keep, as the realities of Shane and Daisy’s blossoming love and their growing bond with the grieving teen propel Shane headlong into danger for the new family he’s sworn to protect.

REVIEW:
Sworn to Protect is the 1st book in Jo Davis’ new Sugarland Blue Series. But if you missed it there was a novella released in March “Armed and Dangerous” that takes place before this book. Which you may want to read first it gives you a little history of Shane and Daisy.

In Sworn to Protect we find Shane in an impossible situation. His best friend in the world is dead, he is now the guardian of a teenage boy, the woman of his dreams just walked out on him and someone is pushing some deadly new drug.

Daisy has been in love with Shane since the day she meet him. But he never has noticed her until a few months ago. But then he pushed her away. Daisy is not sure if she can take another risk with her heart. When Shane comes to her for help Daisy can’t say no.

This was a very good story. I loved Shane even when he was being a dummy. And Daisy is no pushover. These two are so sickening sweet!!! But I loved it.

I can’t wait to see what is in store next for the Sugarland Blue series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts

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Kissin the week of April 29-May 4 Goodbye

4.29.13

Cover Reveal…..Moonlight by Lisa Kessler

Kimberly reviews The Pleasures Of Winter by Evie Hunter

Jennifer reviews The Collector by Victoria Scott

Kimberly reviews The Professional/The Player by Rhonda Nelson

4.30.13

Release Day Madness

Who did you want to have tea with? Find out here!

Spotlight Feature with Cristal Ryder

Kimberly reviews Summer He Came Home by Julianna Stone

Kimberly reviews Paradise Hops by Liz Crowe

5.1.13

Guest Reviewer Charity Reviews Desperate Choices by Hildie McQueen

Interview & Tour Wide Giveaway with Robin Perini

Kimberly’s review of Midnight Secrets by Ella Grace 

Jennifer reviews Gone With The Wolf by Kristin Miller

5.2.13

Thursday’s Thought……

Spotlight & Giveaway with Ana Blaze

Medusa Birthday Bash Tour by Sasha Summers

Kelly’s review of Her Warriors’ Three Wishes by Carrie Ann Ryan 

Jennifer reviews Hot Blooded by Amanda Carlson

5.3.13

Larissa Reinhardt’s Portrait of A Dead Guy Blog Tour

Guest Blog& Giveaway with Jennifer Ryan

5.4.13

SINsational Saturday Series:

 The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games #1

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don’t live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender.

If she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

*****

Catching Fire

The Hunger Games #2

Katniss is the spark to a revolution, and the Capitol wants revenge. She won the Hunger Games and returns alive with District 12 Tribute partner Peeta. But he and longtime friend Gale both reject her. On their Victory Tour of all the districts, locals riot but the winning duo must appear lost in their love.

*****

Mockingjay

The Hunger Games #3

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Kat, her family, friends, and entire District 12.

 


 

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Guest Blog& Giveaway with Jennifer Ryan

The Right Bride – Book 3: The Hunted Series

Cameron Shaw has two beauties after his affections. One’s out for his bank account, the other his heart.

Let’s meet our bachelorettes and see who really is The Right Bride.

Describe Cameron.

Shelly: Rich, powerful, handsome, the perfect guy.

Marti: Kind, generous, loving, a truly good and decent man. He’s a great father.

Describe Cameron’s daughter, Emma.

Shelly: Nice girl. Talks too much. She’s constantly in the way and interrupting.

Marti: Smart. Pretty. Wonderfully imaginative. She brings out the child in me.

Cameron invites you on a date, where do you ask him to go?

Shelly: The most exclusive restaurant in town only someone like Cameron can get into without a reservation made three months in advance.

Marti: A picnic at the park with Emma and a round of miniature golf.

You attend a business party with Cameron, what do you wear?

Shelly: Sexy red strapless mini.

Marti: Classic little black dress.

Describe your perfect wedding.

Shelly: Huge and lavish. Everyone who’s anyone will be there. All eyes on me.

Marti: Cameron, Emma, and I with our closest friends and family.

Describe your perfect wedding gown.

Shelly: Strapless, the gown hugs every curve to the floor with a small flare at the back.

Marti: Classic Cinderella. Cap sleeves, a fitted bodice and full skirt and train.

What does happy-ever-after look like for you?

Shelly: Cameron and I live in a huge mansion, travel the world, and have everything our hearts desire.

Marti: Cameron and I live with Emma and our other children, building memories as a family. We watch our children grow and enjoy our grandchildren long into our old age. No matter what comes our way, we’re together.

While it may seem clear who Cameron should marry, it’s not so cut and dry when Shelly announces she’s pregnant. Will he fall into her trap, or marry The Right Bride


 

The Right Bride 

Book 3: The Hunted Series 

Available 4/30/13

High-powered businessman Cameron Shaw doesn’t believe in love—until he falls in love at first sight with beautiful, passionate, and intensely private, Martina. She’s perfect in so many ways, immediately bonding with his little girl. Martina could be his future bride and a delightful stepmother…if only Cameron wasn’t blinded by his belief that Shelly, the gold-digging woman he’s promised to marry, is pregnant with his child.

No matter how much his friends protest his upcoming marriage to Shelly, he knows he has a duty to his children, so he’s determined to see it through.

Will he find out in time Shelly’s lying and Marti’s the one actually carrying his child? It’ll come down to the day of his wedding. After choosing Shelly over Marti at every turn, will he convince her she’s his world and the only woman he wants?

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Jennifer:

Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, three children, her dog, Bella, and cat, Shadow.

When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession for both is often revealed in the state of her home and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about poeple who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.

Learn more about Jennifer HERE

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Larissa Reinhardt’s Portrait of A Dead Guy Blog Tour

PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY

A Cherry Tucker Mystery #1

Amazon Kindle| Amazon Paperback | B&N Nook |  B&N Paperback  | Kobo

In Halo, Georgia, folks know Cherry Tucker as big in mouth, small in stature, and able to sketch a portrait faster than kudzu climbs telephone poles — but commissions are scarce. So when the well-heeled Branson family wants to memorialize their murdered son in a coffin portrait, Cherry scrambles to win their patronage from her small town rival.

 As the clock ticks toward the deadline, Cherry faces more trouble than just a controversial subject. Between ex-boyfriends, her flaky family, an illegal gambling ring, and outwitting a killer on a spree, Cherry find herself painted into a corner she’ll be lucky to survive.

ABOUT LARISSA:

Larissa Reinhart loves small town characters, particularly sassy women with a penchant for trouble. STILL LIFE IN BRUNSWICK STEW (May 2013) is the second in the Cherry Tucker Mystery Series. The first, PORTRAIT OF A DEAD GUY, is a 2012 Daphne du Maurier finalist, a 2012 The Emily finalist, and a 2011 Dixie Kane Memorial winner. Expect HIJACK IN ABSTRACT and a Cherry Tucker novella in THE HEARTACHE MOTEL out in November and December 2013.

She lives near Atlanta with her minions and Cairn Terrier, Biscuit. Visit her website; her expat blog; or find her chatting with the Little Read Hens on Facebook; at her Facebook page; Twitter; and Goodreads.

 

 

 

 

 

GIVEAWAY INFO:

Larissa is giving away the following prizes on her tour:

Grand Prize:  (1)  $20.00 Visa Gift Card

Runner-Up :  (1) eBook of Portrait of a Dead Guy

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Larissa Reinhardt’s

Portrait of A Dead Guy

Blog Tour Schedule

 

4/28-  Love in A Book

http://www.loveinabook.com/

4/29-  Bianca2b

http://bianca2b.wordpress.com/

4/29  – Fandom Fanatic

http://fandomfanatic.blogspot.com/

4/30-  Book Monster Reviews

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

5/02-  Literal Addiction

http://www.literaladdiction.com/

5/03-  Books-n-Kisses

http://www.books-n-kisses.com/

5/04-  My Book Addiction

http://mybookaddiction.com/

5/06-  Mad Hatter Reads

http://madhatterreads.blogspot.com/

5/07-  Salacious Reads

http://www.salaciousreads.com/

5/08-  United by Books

http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/

5/09-  The Jeep Diva

http://thejeepdiva.com/

5/11 – Froggarita’s Bookcase

http://www.froggaritasbookcase.com/

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Kimberly review Desperate Measures by Linda Cajio

TITLE: Desperate Measures
CHARACTERS: Ellen & Joe
AUTHOR: Linda Cajio
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Ellen Kitteridge is doing her best to put a personal but very public tragedy behind her. Trusting any man—especially one who radiates power and sensuality like Joe Carlini— isn’t easy . . . but it sure is fun. She’s never felt more alive as she helps Joe track down whoever is stealing Carlini family secrets. Playing spy games, with lust heating every moment, has taken her way beyond her comfort zone—and now she’s wondering if she’s gone too far.

Carlini Foods is Joe’s life, but Ellen, with her perfect mix of vixen and vulnerability, makes him realize how hungry his heart has become. Fate has made her his co-conspirator as he ferrets out a traitor in the ranks. Now it’s up to Joe to make sure she stays close. Ellen may have been hurt in the past, but Joe’s not going to give up on the best thing that has ever happened to him.

REVIEW:
While this story is cute it is OH SO DATED! I mean the characters meet in a roller skating rink for heavens sake. Originally published in 1989 as a LoveSwept novel this story does not stand the test of time.

Now that being said if you know ahead of time how dated it is it is a very cute story. I enjoyed it and can understand why it has become a “LoveSwept Classic”. It is a simple quick read and enjoyable… but really? Frank Sinatra? Can we say d-a-t-e-d?

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kimberly reviews He’s So Shy by Linda Cajio

TITLE: He’s So Shy
CHARACTERS: Penelope & Richard
AUTHOR: Linda Cajio
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/08/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Penelope Marsh last laid eyes on the gorgeous man standing before her, Richard Creighton had been a skinny nerd with glasses. Now he’s one of the most popular actors in the world. The only reason he’s back in New Jersey is to play the lead in a period piece directed by Penelope’s cousin. But Penelope’s too old for a schoolgirl crush—especially when the crush in question is a sexy Hollywood hunk.

Still sometimes shocked to be the object of a pretty woman’s desire, Richard is most comfortable with the cameras rolling, hiding behind the mask of his carefully crafted characters. Penelope’s presence on the set brings back memories of his painfully shy childhood—and yet he’s powerfully drawn to the willowy schoolteacher with the long legs and vivid blue eyes. Most celebrity romances must weather promiscuous starlets and invasive paparazzi, but Richard faces a different challenge altogether: proving that he’s come into his own since he was a kid—not to Penelope, but to himself.

REVIEW:
This is a re-release from 1994 and even from the prologue of the book you can see that this book is very dated. While a cute read it is best to know that up front.

This story is very typical of the romance of the day. However the couple is cute and endearing in their own way. The story is short so if you enjoy a cute romance this will be one that will become a classic just like it is in the LoveSwept Classic collection.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.