Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Last Light by CJ Lyons (Blog Tour with review/giveaway)

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author CJ Lyons. For fans of Lisa Gardner, Tami Hoag, and Jeffery Deaver: "Everything a great thriller should be--action packed, authentic, and intense." ~#1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Child
 

Lucy Guardino has always seen herself as a normal Pittsburgh soccer mom who happened to have a job chasing the worst of the worst for the FBI. But after a violent predator targets her family and she s injured, Lucy sacrifices her career with the FBI in order to keep her family safe.

What is she now that she s no longer a FBI Special Agent? she wonders as she begins her new job with the Beacon Group, a private consulting firm that specializes in cold cases and bringing justice to forgotten victims. Lucy fears she s traded being a kick-ass law enforcement officer for being a civilian mother hen shepherding a team of amateurs.

Her fears appear justified when she s partnered with TK O Connor, a former Marine MP struggling with her transition to life back home in the US, and sent to rural Texas to investigate a case that s more than cold, it s already been closed with the killers behind bars for the past twenty-nine-years.

But who really killed Lily Martin, her infant daughter, and husband, leaving her young son permanently impaired? Why was an entire family targeted for annihilation? What price will Lucy pay when she fights to expose a truth people will kill to keep buried?"


 Join the millions of readers who've fallen for CJ's Thrillers with Heart and grab your copy of LAST LIGHT today!
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My Review:
This is my first book by CJ Lyons, and I'm serious when I say I really enjoyed it. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was intrigued by the idea that the main character was an older lady and a total badass. I instantly became a fan of Lucy and her squad of investigators.

The story itself is pretty interesting and caught my attention pretty quickly. The flow of the book went smoothly and kept me entertained. I'm not really sure what else to say other than this was a fun read and I will most definitely check into the other books featuring Lucy.



  Pediatric ER doctor turned New York Times bestselling thriller writer CJ Lyons has been a storyteller all her life—something that landed her in many time-outs as a kid. She writes her Thrillers with Heart for the same reason that she became a doctor: because she believes we all have the power to change our world. In the ER she witnessed many acts of courage by her patients and their families, learning that heroes truly are born every day. When not writing, she can be found walking the beaches near her Low country home, listening to the voices in her head and plotting new and devious ways to create mayhem for her characters.  

To learn more about her Thrillers with Heart go to www.CJLyons.net  

Connect with CJ on her website, Facebook, or Twitter.

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Monday, April 25, 2016

Bout of Books! I'm In!

Bout of Books

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 9th and runs through Sunday, May 15th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional.

For all Bout of Books 16 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Saturday, April 23, 2016

It is HERE!!! Readathon Starts Now (ish)

Opening Meme
1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today? Alabama
2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? The Fireman by Joe Hill
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to? I'm not sure yet. I'm not going to be snacking quite so hard as last time!
4) Tell us a little something about yourself! I'm Melissa, I'm 36 years old. I'm married (13 years) with a 12 year old son. I've been blogging since 2009. Reading since I was old enough to understand words. I'm on my 4th or 5th readathon this time..I can't remember. Old age!
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to? Try to spend less time worrying about updating and more time reading? I don't really know. 




Update 1 Hour 1 (started late)
Book: The Fireman 
Page Started: 140
Page Ended: 164
Pages read-24

Update 2 Hour 2
Book: The Fireman 
Page Started: 164
Page Ended: 219
Pages read-55

Update 3 Hour 3
Book: The Fireman 
Page Started:219
Page Ended: 293
Pages Read: 74

Update 4 Hour 4
Book : The Fireman 
Page Started: 293
Page ended: 348
Pages Read:55

Update 5 Hour 5
Book: The Fireman
Page Started: 348
Page Ended: 403
Pages Read: 55

Update 6 Hour 6 
Book: The Fireman 
Page Started: 403
Page Ended: 479
Pages Read: 76


Challenge: Operation Quotation:
My quote:
“The place where you made your stand never mattered. Only that you were there...and still on your feet.”
Stephen King, The Stand 

Update 7 Hour 7
Book: The Fireman 
Page Started: 479
Page Ended: 545
Pages Read:66

Update 8 Hour 8
Book; The Fireman
Page Started: 545
Page Ended: 621
Pages Read: 76

Update 9 Hour 9
Book: The Fireman
Page Started: 621
 Page Ended: 707
Pages Read: 86

                                                             Books Read: The Fireman by Joe Hill
                                                             Total Page Count Til Now: 567


Update 10 Hour 10
Book:  Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Page Started 1
Page Ended: 46
Pages Read: 46


Update 11 hour 11
Book: Throne of Glass 
Page Started: 46
Page Ended: 98
Pages Read: 52


Mid-Event Survey:
1. What are you reading right now? Throne of Glass
2. How many books have you read so far? I've finished one monster of a book, The Fireman. I'm quite proud!
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? Jane Eyre, I've never gotten around to reading it and it has been on my list for ages.
4. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those? I've not had many interruptions thankfully!
5. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? Not so surprising so much as enlightening. I had always wondered what my reading speed was and it seems to be about 50-55 pages per hour.

Update 12 Hour 12
Book: Throne of Glass
Page Started: 98
Page Ended: 143
Pages Read:45

Update 13 Hour 13 
Book: Throne of Glass
Page Started: 143
Page Ended: 183
Pages Read:  40

Update 14 Hour 14
Book: Throne of Glass
Page Started: 183
Page Ended: 231
Pages Read: 48

Update 15 Hour 15
Book: Throne of Glass
Page Started: 231
Page Ended: 315
Pages Read: 84

Update 16 Hour 16
Book: Throne of Glass
Page Started: 315
Page Ended:404
Page Read:89 




                                                     Books Read: The Fireman by Joe Hill, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass
Total Pages: 971

Update 17 Hour 17
Book: Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Ed Tarkington
Page Started: 1
Page Ended: 25
Page Read: 25

Update 18 Hour 18
Book: Only Love Can Break Your Heart
Page Started: 25
Page Ended: 86
Pages Read: 61

  Books Read: The Fireman by Joe Hill, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass
Total Pages: 1057


Friday, April 22, 2016

24 Hour Read-a-Thon TBR

http://www.24hourreadathon.com
Tomorrow...you guise I'm super pumped! I will be light on the snacks (being broke sucks!) but I am HEAVY on the excitement! I am pumped! The whole weekend is mine! I don't go back to work until Tuesday!

So while I hesitate on building a TBR I will aim to get these read. I will most definitely change my damn mind quite a many time, but I will put these as top priority.

 I of course have my kindle fully charged and have about a bajillionity and a half books on there to choose from, but for now this is my list. I am pleased with it.

I hope to at least finish one or two of these.





Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Bringing in the Thieves by Lora Lee (Giveaway)


About the Book


Bringing in the Thieves
by Lora Lee

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Books


Genre: Cozy Mystery
Published by: Bell Bridge Books
Release Date: December 9, 2014
Length: 168 Pages


Frankie Lou's back and Poppy's madder than a wet hen.
Create a church choir filled with teenage misfits?
Over Poppy's dead body.


Minister's daughter Frankie Lou McMasters has come back to Ruby Springs, Texas with her daughter, Betsy, eleven years after running off to marry the town bad boy. Her mild notoriety as a bad girl is prime gossip for her childhood enemy, Poppy Fremont, now choir director of Faith Community Church--where Frankie Lou's daddy, now retired to Florida, was the preacher.


When Frankie Lou comes to the deacons with a request to add a youth choir of at-risk teens she's been coaching, Poppy throws a fit. A few hours later, Frankie Lou finds her dead in the baptistery pool. And Poppy's not playing possum.


Frankie Lou sets out to clear her name as the main suspect, and tries to locate the real killer. Could he be sexy Joe Camps, the father of one of her teen singers? In the meantime, her momma shows up from Florida to take charge of Frankie Lou's life. Bless her heart.

Lora Lee also writes as Loralee Lillibridge. Learn more about her contemporary romances and keep in tune with the Joyful Noise at lora-lee.com

Bringing in the Thieves - Excerpt

I knew the minute I read the church bulletin that I was fixin’ to be Southern-fried and plated-up in front of God, the Faith Community Church deacons, and eventually the entire community of Ruby Springs, Texas, sure as my name’s Frankie Lou Birmingham McMasters.
My well-meaning landlady, Nettie Bloom, had decided to announce my proposed church project without asking me if I wanted her to. I had just scheduled a meeting with the deacons about it, not given them any details about the idea. I hadn’t spoken it aloud to anyone but Miss Nettie. But now there it was in print, along with Miss Nettie’s usual assortment of misplaced phrases and Mrs. Malaprop word choices. Miss Nettie had been editing the church’s newsletter, News From The Pews, for a good many years, but I’d noticed her memory getting a little tangled lately.
NEWS FROM THE PEWS
FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
100 Blessings St.
Ruby Springs, Texas


As we wait for the selection of a full-time pastor, we wel­come back interim minister, Reverend Matthew Whitlaw to the pulpit next Sunday at Faith Community. His morning ser­mon will be "Jesus Walks on Water” followed by "Searching for Jesus” in the evening.
For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
Members of the Weight Watchers group will meet Monday at 5:30 P.M. for weekly weigh-in. Please use large double door at the side entrance to the annex. The Low Self-Esteem Support Group will be using the back door.
Prior to prayer meeting Wednesday evening, a bean supper will be held in the church hall. Special music will follow.
Until further notice, please give massages to the church secre­tary, Lovey Muchmore. She will then give massages to the newsletter editor who will share the details in our newslet­ter.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: A NEW CHOIR FOR TEEN SINNERS IS BEING FORMED AND WILL COM­PETE IN THE SLUMBER FUN AT THE CITY PARK NEXT MONTH. For more information on sinning contact Frankie Lou McMasters at Doc Adderly’s Animal Clinic.
Prayerfully submitted,
N. Bloom, Newsletter Editor


Truth be known, there were certain people who weren’t exactly thrilled by my return to the town where my daddy, Reverend Frank Birmingham, occupied the pulpit at Faith Community before his recent retirement to Florida. I’d been gone from Ruby Springs eleven years, but it seems those certain people have the combined memory of a herd of elephants. One in particular: Poppy Rose deHaven Fremont, Faith Com­munity’s choir director.
I grabbed my tote, made a quick call next door to Miss Nettie’s house, where my eleven-year-old, Betsy, was staying for dinner, then headed for the church. It was a hot spring night and bound to get hotter.
Help me, Lord, Miss Nettie and that newsletter are gonna get me killed one way or another.
THE UNEXPECTED appearance of Poppy Rose deHaven Fremont in the church’s conference room confirmed what I’d feared all along. My notoriety as the shamefully irreverent preacher’s daughter hadn’t been forgotten, even after an absence of more than a decade. Any hope of getting the deacons to approve my request had just been deep-sixed. Well, horse pucky!
There she was, the undisputed Queen of Mean, flapping her colla­gen-plumped lips faster than a whippoorwill’s tail in a windstorm while seven deacons stared in wide-eyed amazement.
I shook my head in disbelief. What in the heck had she done to her­self? Those puffy lips weren’t the only recently enhanced body parts, either. Poppy Rose was a walking, talking endorsement for the modern wonders of plastic surgery and extreme weight loss. My monthly house rent couldn’t begin to touch the high-dollar cost of that hot pink linen skirt and knit top clinging to her man-made curves closer than a coat of paint from Howard’s Hardware. Talk about extreme makeover, her body had been nipped and tucked in places I didn’t even want to think about. Yikes!


About Lora Lee


You can’t be a preacher’s kid and raise a little hob without some serious repercussions. Yes, ma’am, that’s the gospel truth. Lora Lee’s JOYFUL NOISE mystery series for Bell Bridge Books, sheds a little light on just how serious those consequences can be when Frankie Lou Birmingham McMasters returns to her hometown of Ruby Springs, Texas after ten years in hopes of putting some shine on her tarnished reputation, but finds herself in the middle of murder and mayhem instead.
Though author Lora Lee insists the series isn’t about her in any way, shape or form, she does admit to being a real-life P.K. (that’s preacher’s kid, in case you didn’t know.) She was born in Texas and her Southern blood runs deep. Her daddy told her any place below the Mason-Dixon line was part of the South, including the Lone Star State.
Since living in West Michigan most of her married life, she’s lost some of her Texas twang, but once in awhile, a might could and a y’all or two slips into her conversation with her critique partners. They love her, anyway. So does her husband of fifty-plus years and their children. With a current family count of twenty-three, get-togethers often resemble an old time revival when they all gather for fun and food.
Lora Lee is a member of Romance Writer’s of America, Mid-Michigan RWA, Sisters-in-Crime, RWA’s specialty chapter Kiss of Death and is currently published in contemporary romance. She is also a proud graduate of the Grand Rapids Citizens Police Academy.
When not writing or trying to keep up with her ever-growing family, she enjoys reading, music and travel. Come back and visit for more on the upcoming release of BRINGING IN THE THIEVES, the first book in the JOYFUL NOISE series, and other upcoming news.

The Giveaway
Novel Book Tours

Monday, April 18, 2016

Spring Into Horror Read-A-Thon

So...Yeah, I've signed up for two back-to-back read-a-thons. Not sure what came over me, but what the hell?! This one is brought to you by the awesome-sauce Michelle at Seasons of Reading. It's a week long thing and it does indeed run smack dab into Dewey's Read-a-thon, which I am participating in.  I have the weekend off (Saturday through Monday...woot woot!)

The only stipulation is that I have to read at least one horror book. I'm thinking I'll read The Fireman by Joe Hill. I'm not sure if this counts as a horror, but the blurb does indeed have the words "chilling," "Joe Hill," and "Stephen King." Resulting in my totally counting it as my horror selection.

I also have a back up selection, or if I gobble up The Fireman, my second book, Elizabeth Gaskell's, Gothic Tales.

Since I am not going to clutter up my blog with multiple posts for this thon, I will update here..unless that becomes too unwieldy then I will make another post.

Update the 1st: (April 18th)
Book: The Fireman by Joe Hill
Daily Notes: Today was super busy and weird. I came home and read a little then crashed like an old lady. :(
Daily Pages: 39

Update the 2nd: (April 19th)
Book: The Fireman by Joe Hill
Daily Notes: So my husband surprised me by announcing he was taking a new job...NEXT MONDAY! So my day was rocked. I knew he was interviewed and was considering it, but I figured he would have a two week notice and give us all time to adjust. No they wanted him to start right away. This is a great opportunity for him, and for us, but we both work for the same company and his quick departure was a shock to everyone. Plus, he has to leave Sunday night to go to another part of the state to train for a whole freaking week!
Daily Pages: 2 pages

Update the 3rd: (April 20th)
Book: The Fireman
Daily Notes: ....
Daily Pages: 88 pages

Update the 4th: (April 21st)
Book: The Fireman
Daily Notes: So my husband is not leaving for a week. That's great news...I did have to work til 8pm so I came home and ate and pretty much went to bed.
Daily Pages: 10? maybe.

I finished The Fireman for Dewey's but I'm counting it here too. 
704 pages worth of it! 



April 23rd is Dewey's so I will probably migrate my reading progress to this page for that day. 

April 24th, I may be dead. Reading coma, caffeine crash, and/or just plain dead from reading. I will squeeze as much reading into this day as I can handle. 

Books Read: The Fireman by Joe Hill, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass
Total Pages: 971



Thursday, April 14, 2016

The Warrior Prophet by Lisa Voisin


The Warrior Prophet
Lisa Voisin
Published by: Inkspell Publishing
Publication date: April 13th 2016
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Mia Crawford is a prophet.
She can see angels. She also sees demons. Everywhere.
The angels are preparing for war to get her fallen angel boyfriend, Michael, back. A war that could take years.
Haunted by visions of Michael’s soul being tortured, Mia can’t rest until she knows he’s safe.
To save him, she must make an impossible journey through Hell with the one person she prayed she’d never see again.

Previous books in the series:
Watcher AngelKiller

Grab book 1 – The Watcher – for only $0.99 for a limited time!

EXCERPT:
He tucks his wings into himself, but they are still so close I could touch them. He walks a small circle around me. Still a dance.

“That’s very different,” he says.

“I don’t see how. I am human. They are my people.”

He bends forward until his face is inches from mine. “Your mother had passed. You needed me. We’re allowed to appear when we are needed.”

His breath warms my cheek and it’s all I can do not to lean closer.

“Really?” My eyes search his for a sign—any sign—of feelings for me. “She died ten moons ago.”

Did only pity bring him? “Why did you stay?”

A light breeze ruffles the leaves overhead. It’s warm but welcome. Michael backs away, the tops of his cheeks lit with pink. He swallows and his Adam’s apple jumps in his throat. “Perhaps I needed you.”

His voice is music, and his energy hums through me, making me bold. I couldn’t imagine him needing anyone, least of all me. With a smile, I glance at him and hold up the feathery filament. A small piece of his magic, its light sparkles and plays along my hand, the lines of his throat and jaw, the front of his tunic.

“If I return this,” I say. “What will you give me in exchange?”

“Well.” He frowns and thoughtfully strokes his chin, but his eyes are still smiling. “What do you want? Riches and jewels aren’t mine to command. I am but a humble servant.”

“Can you make it rain? It would be good for my father’s crops.”

“You know I cannot,” he scolds. “Doing so would be interfering.”

I do know, but enjoy the game, the way he looks at me as though he sees something hidden deep inside me, the secret of who I am.

“How about a kiss?” I ask.

He casts his gaze to the ground and bows his head. “Of course. A blessing.” He rests his hands on my shoulders, and even that light touch scorches me. White-hot like the sun.

Closing his eyes, he leans in to kiss my forehead, but I want a real kiss. Not the kiss of an angel, but of a lover. I rise to my toes, lifting my chin, and press my lips to his.

WPQuote600


Author Bio:
A Canadian-born author, Lisa Voisin spent her childhood daydreaming and making up stories, but it was her love of reading and writing in her teens that drew her to Young Adult fiction.
Lisa is a technical writer, a meditation teacher, and the leader of the Lynn Valley Literary Society’s Young Writer’s Club, a writing group for teens. A self-proclaimed coffee lover, she can usually be found writing in a local café. When she's not writing, you'll find her meditating or hiking in the mountains.
Though she’s lived in several cities across Canada, she currently lives in Vancouver, B.C. with her fiancé and their two cats.
More about Lisa can be found on her web site: http://www.lisavoisin.com.


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Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Drawn to Her (Southern Heat, book 1) by Jenna Harte *Review*

Blurb (From Goodreads)


Feisty and outspoken, Lexie McKenna will do anything to protect her cantankerous and ailing patient—even if it means going up against his cold and calculating, but sexy and irresistible, grandson. After all, as a nurse, her number one priority is her patient.

Drake Carmichael doesn't trust the nurse who's taking care of his grandfather—despite how adorable and compassionate she seems. He refuses to let her get her grips into their hard-earned money.

But as the two square off and begin to battle about what is best for the dying man, Lexie and Drake realize they know very little about each other and that first impressions are deceiving. Once they finally give in to their desires, the battle has only just begin.

With a fight between family and fortune, love and lust, will either one be able to find the southern comfort they both truly crave?


My Review:

I really liked Lexie. She's smart, compassionate, funny, and come across as a genuinely good person. I think she was the reason this book drew me in (no pun intended) so quickly. Her interactions with Oliver, her patient, are what brings that point home. Not only is she taking care of him and making sure his last days on earth are meaningful, but he's helping her (and his grandson) learn to actually live.
 
Drake took a bit to like and get to know. He starts off as the stereotypical rich snobbish dude, but then he reveals layers that make him incredibly likeable. He's not just worried about his money and company, but the actual people that he employs. A stark contrast to his brother, who cares only about the bottom line.

They share a somewhat instant connection and to see/read how their chemistry grows is pretty fun. Lexie isn't gonna start swooning instantly and Drake isn't used to wanting more than a casual fling. The way this relationship grows is quite lovely. It is sparky and delightful to read.

Jenna Harte has created two characters that are interesting and engaging. Lexie and Drake were both fun to read and well written. The side characters aren't just extra scenery and come across as real people that have more than just a passing part to play. The romance is steamy and the story was pretty darn good!! (This is coming from someone that doesn't consider romance as her genre of choice! So that says something!!)

Drawn to Her is book one of the Southern Heat series, and is out today (April 12th). I do think I will be picking up the rest of this series when it comes out. I honestly cannot wait to find out what's next!


Monday, April 11, 2016

Killer Pursuit by Jeff Gunhus

 photo Killer-Pursuit.png
Title: Killer Pursuit: An Allison McNeil Thriller
Author:   Jeff Gunhus
Published: January 18th, 2016
Publisher:  Seven Guns Press
Genre:  Thriller
Content Warning: Violence and adult situations


Synopsis:  

When a high-society call girl is murdered in her Georgetown home, investigators find two cameras hidden in the walls of her bedroom. One has its memory erased, presumably by the murderer. The second is connected to the Internet through an encrypted connection…and no-one knows who’s on the other end.


Special Agent Allison McNeil is asked by beleaguered FBI Director Clarence Mason to run an off-the-record investigation of the murder because of the murder’s similarity to a case she worked a year earlier. Allison knows the most direct path to apprehending the killer is to find the videos, but the rumors that the victim’s client list may have included Mason’s political enemies has her worried about the director’s motives. As she starts her investigation, she quickly discovers that she’s not the only one pursuing the videos. In fact, the most aggressive person racing against her might be the murderer himself.


Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo | GoodReads Read FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

 
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Excerpt:



Allison McNeil tensed when she spotted the first shadow dart through the mist and take cover behind a tree. In the early-morning light it took her a while to pick out all six members of the Hostage Rescue Team approaching the cabin, but within a minute she could clearly see the tactical team converging on their target.

The small building stood on a rise, up from the swampy, flood-prone land around it. Wood-slated walls tilted precariously inward, twisting the windows into deformed rectangles. Moss and dead leaves covered the roof. The place smelled and looked like decay, well on its way to inevitable reclamation by the weeds and vines choking the cabin to a miserable death.

And, if Allison was right, the place deserved what it got. Hell, if she was right, she had half a mind to take a match to the place after everything was done.
 

 photo Jeff-Gunhus.png About the Author:


Jeff Gunhus is the author thriller and horror novels for adults and the middle grade/YA series, The Templar Chronicles. The first book, Jack Templar Monster Hunter, was written in an effort to get his reluctant reader eleven-year old son excited about reading. It worked and a new series was born. His books for adults have reached the Top 100 on Amazon and have been Foreword Reviews Book of the Year Finalists.


After his experience with his son, he is passionate about helping parents reach young reluctant readers and is active in child literacy issues. As a father of five, he leads an active lifestyle in Maryland with his wife Nicole by trying to constantly keep up with their kids. In rare moments of quiet, he can be found in the back of the City Dock Cafe in Annapolis working on his next novel.
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