Thursday, October 31, 2013

It's A Shame Cover Reveal








Grace and Cole were trying to put the pieces of their broken lives back in place, working towards a future together. It seems as though things were just starting to get back to normal. Well, as normal as things could be for the survivors of a twisted serial killer. What they didn't know, what neither of them expected, was that their nightmare was just beginning.
They were about to be pulled back into the clutches of a madman, but this time, they weren't the only potential victims.
Was their love strong enough to get them through the next disaster? Do they have what it takes to stay together, or is whats lurking
around the corner too much for them both?   




Buy Book 1 on AMAZON

Book 2 It's A Shame available November 11th




It's a Crime
by C.E. Hansen
Wealthy New York socialite Grace Preston uses men for amusement, holding her heart inside an ice fortress for protection. Spurned by a sociopathic male model, Grace picks up a new man with all the right moves; smooth as bourbon, Cole slides under her wall and touches her in places she thought were well-guarded. But after a weekend of fiery passion, he leaves, devastating her.
$0.99
Original Price: $3.99
Get this deal:Amazon

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Muckers - TLC Booktours


~ I received a copy of this book from the publisher or author to facilitate this review.  I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~


Synopsis (from Amazon): Former ESPN sportscaster Sandra Neil Wallace (wife to Knopf author Rich Wallace) makes her young adult novel debut with a historical fiction story that is equal parts Hoosiers and October Sky. Felix O'Sullivan's world is crumbling around him: the mine that employs most of town is on the brink of closing, threatening to shutter the entire town. And Felix, or Red, after his fire-colored hair, will be one of 24 students in the final graduating class of his local high school. But Red's got his own burdens to bear: his older brother, Bobby, died in the war, and he's been struggling to follow in his footsteps ever since. That means assuming Bobby's old position as quarterback, and leading the last-ever Muckers team to the championship. Maybe then his angry, broken-hearted father will acknowledge him, and they'll be able to put Bobby's death behind them. 

But the only way for the hardscrabble Muckers team to win State is to go undefeated, and tackle their biggest rival, Phoenix United, which would be something of a miracle. Luckily, miracles can happen all the time on the field. Fans of Friday Night Lights and Tim Tharp's Knights of the Hill Country will take to this enthralling story of a town rallying together to turn a tragedy into a triumph. 




My Review: 
One (or more) Sentence Summary: A small mining town football team beats all odds to win the state title; straight out of Hoosiers.  It has all the elements of the David vs. Goliath scenario, without over-blowing the adversity that the team goes through.  Add in elements of romance to keep the readers wondering and it has everything to like in a story.  Sandra Neil Wallace captivates her audience as the Muckers prevail in the end.

Setting:  A small mining town, which is just perfect for this book.  See the trailer above!

Fast read/slow read:  Muckers is a very quick read and builds drama as the story goes.

Cover:  So perfect for the book - loved it!

What Others Are Saying:  THE BULLETIN, November 2013:
"Wallace makes [her characters] live and breathe through careful attention to the quotidian details of local geography and universal motivators—guilt, friendship, spite, encouragement, anger, and talent."

Would I Read Other Books by the Author:  Absolutely!  My husband enjoyed it too!

Meet the Author: Sandra Neil Wallace was a news journalist and ESPN sports announcer for more than 15 years before leaving television to write novels. She lives with her husband, author Rich Wallace, and their shelter dog, Lucy, in New Hampshire. Her first novel, Little Joe, was released by Knopf in 2010.


Connect: You can connect with Sandra onlineFacebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Purchase it:  You can buy Muckers online at Amazon for $16.99 ($7.99 Kindle version)

TLC Book Tour:  Please check out the other reviews on Mucker's TLC Book Tour.  I am sure you will find some great blogs to follow too!


Monday, October 28th:  A Blighted One
Tuesday, October 29th:  Seaside Book Nook
Wednesday, October 30th:  Knowing the Difference
Monday, November 4th:  No More Grumpy Bookseller
Tuesday, November 5th:  Teena in Toronto
Thursday, November 7th:  Reading Lark
Monday, November 11th:  Fiction Addict
Tuesday, November 12th:  Sarah’s Book Shelves
Thursday, November 14th:  Sweet Southern Home
Friday, November 15th:  The Daily Mayo
Monday, November 18th:  Lavish Bookshelf
Wednesday, November 20th:  Books a la Mode
Monday, November 25th:  Patricia’s Wisdom

Monday, October 14, 2013

Weak at the Knees - TLC Book Tours + Giveaways


~ I received a copy of this book from the publisher or author to facilitate this review.  I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own. ~
tlc book tours


Synopsis (from Amazon): “We got so busy living life that we forgot to live our dreams.”

Danni Lewis has been playing it safe for twenty-six years, but her sheltered existence is making her feel old ahead of time. When a sudden death plunges her into a spiral of grief, she throws caution to the wind and runs away to France in search of a new beginning. 

The moment ski instructor Olivier du Pape enters her shattered world she falls hard, in more ways than one.  Their mutual desire is as powerful and seductive as the mountains around them. His dark gypsy looks and piercing blue eyes are irresistible. 

Only she must resist, because he has a wife – and she’d made a pact to never get involved with a married man. But how do you choose between keeping your word and being true to your soul? 

Weak at the Knees is Jo’s debut novel in the new adult, contemporary romance genre – a story about love, loss and relationships, set between London and the heart of the French Alps.  Due to descriptive sex scenes, this book is not appropriate for younger readers.


My Review: 

One (or more) Sentence Summary: Can I have a sequel?  I really enjoyed Weak at the Knees.  I was sobbing in the beginning, eagerly anticipating what was to come in the middle and carving more (with a smile on my face) at the end. A really great book!

Favorite Character(s):  I don't have a favorite character - I really liked them all.  Together they make the book.  Amber and Danni's friendship is so real (reminds me of one of mine) and sets the stage for the story. Hugo and Oliver are so different from each other but that makes Weak at the Knees such a great read.  Hugo is the reliable, sensible, great future, and no sparks flying guy, where Oliver is the opposite. Oops, let's not forgot Rod....but maybe I should leave it at that, mates! Even non-main characters make the story, Amber's Mom, Danni's parents, new friends in the French Alps.  Weak at the Knees does a great job using all the characters and they each have a very different but specific role in the story!

Setting:  You all know I love books that are take place in London.  However, I would say the "guts" of the book take place in the French Alps.  I LOVED the setting.  I could see myself there (even skiing).  I was transported there every time I sat down to read.  It was a great trip too!  

Fast read/slow read:  Very fast.  I didn't want to stop reading and was always left wanting more.

Cover:  It works for me, oh yeah!

What Others Are Saying:  "Moving and bittersweet. A great read." - The Sun
"It's exciting. It's new. It's even steamy......Chemistry is a huge part of this story." -Goodgirlgoneredneck.com
"I loved this book and proudly give it and the author five stars for stepping up to the plate and breaking a few romance writing traditional rules." - Virginia Nelson, Author.
"I found that as soon as I began reading Weak at the Knees, I couldn't put it down. I had to know what happened next. I had to have all the answers." -Redwineandbooks.com

Would I Read Other Books by the Author: Sign me up now!  I would love to read any book by Jo.  Hey Jo, how do I get a hold of the Diary of a Primary School Mum?



Meet the Author:  Jo qualified as a Barrister before moving into journalism, working for the BBC before reporting and presenting for ITV on holiday, consumer and current affairs programmes. She writes for several national newspapers in the UK including the Daily Mail, the Daily Telegraph, The Guardian and the Express and was the anonymous author for the Independent's hit column: Diary of a Primary School Mum. Jo is married with three children and lives in London. Weak at the Knees is her second novel. 

Connect: You can connect with Jo online, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Purchase it:  You can purchase Weak at the Knees online at Amazon for $10.50 (Kindle version $3.75).

TWO Giveaways (US/Canada only):  
First Giveaway: I am so excited to be able to offer you a copy of Weak at the Knees (paperback or e-book).  Let's make it easy.  Leave a comment letting me know if you would rather visit London or the French Alps (make sure to leave your email address so I can contact the winner).  Contest ends October 21, 2014 at midnight (EST).

Second Giveaway:  There is a tour-wide giveaway (click on giveaway) for a bottle of wine - Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  The jpg of the wine is at the end of this email.  Here are more details:

This is a tour-wide giveaway for a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape! Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a gloriously rich (and expensive) red wine produced in the Rhone wine region in southeastern France. It is a wine that should be drunk to celebrate a special occasion. It's velvety, full-bodied and divine and features very strongly in Weak at the Knees by Jo Kessel. Must be a resident of the US or Canada and be 21 yrs of age or older to enter. One entry per household. Winner will be randomly selected on Monday, Oct. 26, 2013 and will be notified by email.




TLC Book Tours:  Make sure you check out the other reviews on the tour (click on the blog name).
Monday, September 23rd:  Truth, Beauty, Freedom, & Books
Wednesday, September 25th:  Sara’s Organized Chaos
Friday, September 27th:  Mom in Love with Fiction
Monday, September 30th:  From the TBR Pile
Wednesday, October 2nd:  Good Girl Gone Redneck
Thursday, October 3rd:  All Grown Up?
Monday, October 7th:  The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader
Wednesday, October 9th:  Books a la Mode
Thursday, October 10th:  From L.A. to LA
Monday, October 14th:  Seaside Book Nook
Wednesday, October 16th:  Traveling with T


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Hourglass - TLC Book Tour!


~ I received a copy of this book from the publisher or author to facilitate this review.  I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~



Synopsis (from Amazon): Can forgiveness survive lies and unspoken truths?
Until Brenda McAllister's husband committed suicide, she appeared to have the ideal life: a thriving psychology practice, success as a self-help author, and a model family. But her guilt over her affair with Jack's best friend prevents her from moving on. Did Jack learn of her infidelity? Was she the cause of his death?

The release of Brenda's second book forces her into an unexpected assignment with arrogant celebrity author CJ Morrison, whose irritating and edgy exterior hides the torment of his own mistakes. But as she grows closer to CJ, Brenda learns she wasn't the only one with secrets--Jack had secrets of his own, unsavory ones that may have led to his death. While CJ helps Brenda uncover the truth about her husband, she finds the path to forgiveness isn't always on the map.


My Review:  


One (or more) Sentence Summary: I enjoyed The Hourglass, but it was some what predictable.  I don't want to give away too much or spoil the book.  I am a CPA, so I enjoyed the part of the story that related to Jack and what was happening at his office.  Good first debut novel!

Favorite Character(s):  My favorite character was Brenda.  She was a strong, confident, woman.  She surprised me a couple of times with her past secrets and bold moves in the present.  I was cheering for her all throughout the book!  She didn't let me down.  I also liked her best friend too.

Fast read/slow read:  The Hourglass was a fairly quick paced book.  The story moved along.

Cover:  I like it!  It works for the story....time is running out.

What Others Are Saying:  "If you're looking for a book that will keep you intrigued, then I recommend The Hourglass. It's a book you will read cover to cover and then think about after you're done."
......4-STARS ~ Long and Short Reviews - July 2013

Would I Read Other Books by the Author: I would be happy to another book by Sharon Struth.

Meet the Author:  Novelist Sharon Struth believes you're never too old to pursue a dream. The Hourglass, her debut novel, received first place in the Dixie Cane Memorial Contest and second place in the Golden Heart. She writes from the friendliest place she's ever lived, Bethel, Connecticut, along with her husband, two daughters and canine companions. 

Connect:  Connect with Sharon at her website, sharonstruth.com, or on her Facebook Author page.  She also blogs at Life in the Middle Ages and Tempting Romance.

Purchase it:  You can buy The Hourglass online at Amazon for $13.99 (Kindle version $6.99)

TLC Book Tours - Tour Stops:  Make sure you check out all the other reviews!


Monday, October 7th:  Sara’s Organized Chaos
Tuesday, October 8th:  Seaside Book Nook
Wednesday, October 9th:  Svetlana’s Reads and Views
Monday, October 14th:  Three Girls and a Book Obsession
Tuesday, October 15th:  Why Girls Are Weird
Wednesday, October 16th:  Reviews by Molly
Thursday, October 17th:  Shelf Pleasure – Author Guest Post
Monday, October 21st:  Mom in Love with Fiction
Tuesday, October 22nd:  Good Girl Gone Redneck
Wednesday, October 23rd:  From L.A. to LA
Thursday, October 24th:  Patricia’s Wisdom
Friday, October 25th:  Snowdrop Dreams of Books
Monday, October 28th:  Time 2 Read
Tuesday, October 29th:  Dear Brighton
Wednesday, October 30th:  Luxury Reading

Monday, October 7, 2013

Keeping Score - Only 99 Cents This Week!!




This week Keeping Score is only 99 cents on Amazon!  Grab it today!


You might remember, I did an author interview with Jami - you can check it out here.  Keeping Score is my next book on my "to read list."  I know I can relate to this book, so I can't wait to read it!!

Synopsis (from Amazon): When her 9-year-old son wanted to play summer travel baseball, Shannon had no idea the toughest competition was off the field…. When her son Sam asks to try out for a travel baseball team, divorced mom Shannon Stevens thinks it’ll be a fun and active way to spend the summer. Boy, is she wrong! 

From the very first practice, Shannon and Sam get sucked into a mad world of rigged try-outs, professional coaches, and personal hitting instructors. But it’s the crazy, competitive parents who really make Shannon’s life miserable. Their sons are all the second coming of Babe Ruth, and Sam isn’t fit to fetch their foul balls. Even worse, Shannon’s best friend Jennifer catches the baseball fever. She schemes behind the scenes to get her son Matthew on the town’s best baseball team, the Saints. 

As for Sam? Sorry, there’s no room for him! Sam winds up on the worst team in town, and every week they find new and humiliating ways to lose to the Saints. And the action off the field is just as hot. Shannon finds herself falling for the Saints’ coach, Kevin. But how can she date a man who didn’t think her son was good enough for his team … especially when the whole baseball world is gossiping about them? Even Shannon’s ex-husband David gets pulled into the mess when a randy baseball mom goes after him. As Sam works to make friends, win games and become a better baseball player, Shannon struggles not to become one of those crazy baseball parents herself. 

In this world, it’s not about whether you win, lose, or how you play the game… it’s all about KEEPING SCORE.