Monday, December 30, 2013

Nor for Profit by Glenn Shepard

Not for profit was a very enjoyable thriller about a doctor being framed for several crimes that had ties to terrorist activities. There were a lot of plot lines that by the end of the book came together harmoniously, but at many points throughout the story I felt myself feeling very confused.

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and character development of this story but there were a few aspects of the book and writing style that made it a little slow for me and hard to get through at points, however, with a few minor tweaks I could see this book being a best seller.

I decided to read this book as a change of pace from my usual genre and though it was a bit on the slow side I really got into it about halfway through and couldn't wait to see how it all fit together.

Review by Jillian

Monday, December 16, 2013

Every Kiss (Every Life #2) by Tasha Ivey

All I can say is OH. MY. GOD! Tasha Ivey really knows how to mess with your head in the best way possible!  After reading Every Breath I knew how things were going to turn out for Callie and Wes, however, I was still holding my breath wondering what was going to happen for half of this book! If that is not the sign of a good book, then I don't know what is!

I hated Wes in this book.  And then I fell in love with him.  And then my heart broke for him (over and over).  Especially knowing that all of the crap that happened to him in this book wouldn't even compare to the pain and loss that his future holds with the loss of his brother (and best friend), Shane.  But at the core, all of the things that I hated him about him also made me love him more.  In the end, he was struggling and broken and just didn't know it.

I LOVED getting to know Callie and Makenna better too.  Their friendship is one to be reckoned with!  I loved seeing the interactions between them, and I especially liked seeing how they dealt with their conflicts.  I was envious of Callie's ability to speak her mind, no matter the situation.  While Mak's innocence and pure love was so refreshing.

This book as as good as Every Breath, and I CAN NOT WAIT for Every Glance coming out in 2014!!!
Review by Jillian

Sunday, December 15, 2013

BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY: Every Kiss (Every Life #2) by Tasha Ivey

After witnessing Makenna’s journey to find herself again, Callie is reminded of her own struggles with love. No, Wes wasn’t always the easy going guy that he is today. He was moody and unpredictable in the worst of ways, and she was certain to call him out on it every chance she got. Looking back, she’s amazed at how much their lives have changed since they met.

Before tragedy shook them to the very core of their lives. Before her dream career began. And before Wes wasn’t a broody jerk with a closet full of personalities.

Yes, just four years ago, everything was different…

Makenna and Shane are just a couple of lovesick college students, and Callie is doing her best to keep up with the demands of her junior year. Life is boring, and she is totally fine with that. But boring flies right out the window the day Makenna cons Callie into helping with Shane’s brother’s birthday party. She expects a gangly pimple-faced teenager, but Wes is far from it. He is temperamental and opinionated, but he is also incredibly hot and thoroughly enjoys pushing her buttons. And she pushes his right back.

Even though their undeniable attraction draws them to one another, Wes is clear with Callie about one thing. Relationships are off limits. Friendship is all he has to offer, unless of course, Callie is willing to add a few benefits to that. He works hard to keep the reasons for his aversion hidden, but secrets have a way of making themselves known sometimes, no matter how deep you bury them.

Two of those secrets hold the key to unlocking Wes’ fears of the ultimate betrayal. And the other secret has Callie falling even deeper than she ever dreamed.

But she’s unsure of one thing . . . is she enough to save him from himself?


Where to buy 

(a limited time special release price of $.99.)


Review

All I can say is OH. MY. GOD! Tasha Ivey really knows how to mess with your head in the best way possible!  After reading Every Breath I knew how things were going to turn out for Callie and Wes, however, I was still holding my breath wondering what was going to happen for half of this book! If that is not the sign of a good book, then I don't know what is!

I hated Wes in this book.  And then I fell in love with him.  And then my heart broke for him (over and over).  Especially knowing that all of the crap that happened to him in this book wouldn't even compare to the pain and loss that his future holds with the loss of his brother (and best friend), Shane.  But at the core, all of the things that I hated him about him also made me love him more.  In the end, he was struggling and broken and just didn't know it.

I LOVED getting to know Callie and Makenna better too.  Their friendship is one to be reckoned with!  I loved seeing the interactions between them, and I especially liked seeing how they dealt with their conflicts.  I was envious of Callie's ability to speak her mind, no matter the situation.  While Mak's innocence and pure love was so refreshing.

This book as as good as Every Breath, and I CAN NOT WAIT for Every Glance coming out in 2014!!!
Review by Jillian

Excerpt

“Happy birthday to you!” Makenna sings, jumping up and down on my bed. “It’s going to be a lovely day filled with birthday surprises. Not to mention the fact that we have to go hunt down a liquor store, so you can buy something. It’s a rite of passage into adulthood.”
I throw my pillow at her, nearly knocking her off balance. “For my first birthday surprise, I’d like to sleep, thankyouverymuch.”
“No way. Not happening. Besides, it’s after ten.” She bounds off the bed and flings the double doors to the balcony open. “Do you see this? You’re going to sleep the entire day when you could be out there?”
“Well, when you put it that way . . .”
“I’m always right. You know that.”
We both look at each other before bursting into laughter. Never right would be more like it, and she knows that.
“So what are these big birthday surprises you have in store for me? It may be a determining factor of whether or not I choose to get out of bed.”
“Be right back.” She races from the room and downstairs before racing right back up and pouncing back on the bed. “Surprise number one.” She shoves a wrapped gift at me. Although I’m not entirely sure that “wrapped” is what you’d call it. It’s more like there’s some paper wadded up around it and some tape stuck on there haphazardly. The girl can’t wrap a gift to save her life, but it’s the thought that counts.
I tear at the first opening I can find to shed the box of the layered mass of paper surrounding it, and I lift the lid from the top. Inside is a brand new Breaking Benjamin t-shirt. “You know me too well. I love it, Mak.”
A sly grin curls up the corners of her mouth. “Look underneath it.”
I lift the shirt carefully to find two concert tickets nestled in the tissue paper. They’re for one of their upcoming concerts in Atlanta this summer. I have no words. So I just squeal.
Finally, after a few minutes of hugging her and bouncing up and down, I shower and get ready for the day. She tells me there’s more in store for me, so if the other surprises are anything like those tickets, it’s going to be a damn good day. Makenna knows me better than I know myself most of the time, so she knows exactly what I want or need, even when I don’t know sometimes. That’s one of the many reasons she’s my best friend.
My hair is dry and styled into the perfect beach waves, I’m wearing my favorite denim shorts and new t-shirt, and I just polished all of my nails in the perfect shade of ocean blue. I feel fantastic for a change, and today is going to be a great day. I have no doubt about that.
Descending the stairs, I look back and forth at the shoes I’m holding in each hand. “Makenna, which shoes look best? These black flip flops or the sandals?” I’m nothing if not a shoe whore. Like I’d totally sell myself to buy shoes. Okay, maybe not, but I’d come awful close to it.
“Sandals,” a voice calls back from the living room. But it’s the fact that it’s a male voice has me flinging shoes across the room and screaming.
Wes throws his arms up to keep from being pelted in the face by a wayward flip flop. “Take it easy. It’s just me.”
“What the hell are you doing here?” I pound a fist into his chest when he approaches me. My heart is hammering in my chest so hard that I feel somewhat dizzy. I’m not sure, though, if it’s the fact that I thought a man broke into the house or if it’s the fact that it’s Wes. So much for my troubles not following me here.
Wes grabs my swinging arms and steadies me. “I think we’ve been set up.”

Playlist

About the Author


Tasha Ivey is a literature fanatic, whose love for the written word fostered her development into the writer she has become. A lover of an extremely erratic mixture of literature, she has been influenced by authors from Jane Austen and E.M. Forster to Charlaine Harris and Alyson Noel. But her biggest influence and literary hero? Nicholas Sparks. Aside from writing, since she doesn't have anything other than a shriveled up prune on the left side of her brain, she prefers to spend her time being creative in other ways like painting, cake decorating, and various types of crafts. That is, if the constant voices streaming through her head allow her to stop making up stories for a while. Lucky for her, she has a huge supportive family, including her amazing husband and two kids, who doesn't complain too much when she hangs out with her characters more than she does with them. Sophie, the dog, however . . . she does complain. A lot.
3 Signed copies of Every Kiss
3 $10 Amazon Gift Cards







Wednesday, December 11, 2013

BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY: Gabriel's Redemption by Sylvain Reynard

From the author of the New York Times bestsellers Gabriel’s Rapture and Gabriel’s Inferno comes the epic conclusion to the captivating romantic trilogy.

Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne. Together, he’s confident that they can face any challenge. And he’s eager to become a father.

But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans, as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to confront Julianne about the subject of her presentation—research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford, several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s darkest secrets.

In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope of having a family.


Where to buy


About the author

I'm interested in the way literature can help us explore aspects of the human condition - particularly suffering, sex, love, faith, and redemption. My favourite stories are those in which a character takes a journey, either a physical journey to a new and exciting place, or a personal journey in which he or she learns something about himself/herself.

I'm also interested in how aesthetic elements such as art, architecture, and music can be used to tell a story or to illuminate the traits of a particular character. In my writing, I combine all of these elements with the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of goodness.

I try to use my platform as an author to raise awareness about the following charities: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, WorldVision, Alex's Lemonade Stand, and Covenant House. For more information, see my Twitter account.

GIVEAWAY!!!!

Use the Raffelcopter below for your chance to win a pair of Christian Louboutins (Gabriel's favorite) or a signed set of the Gabriel's trilogy!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, December 6, 2013

PRODUCT REVIEW: The Book Seat

The Book Seat is an AWESOME product.  Some friends and I were discussing a meme one night that said something about finding the perfect reading angle while staying fully covered by the blankets, and we were all wishing we had a solution to this huge bibliophile problem.  So to the internet I went and that's when I saw it - The Book Seat.

I looked at it, I watched their promotional videos, I read reviews... I knew I had to find out for myself (and all of you) if this product was as good as it seemed.  I'm pleased to tell you IT IS!

I tried it first with my tablet (Nook Tablet).  It was perfect.  It held it on the arm of my couch while I read beautifully.

I thought to myself, okay then, what about reading in bed?  It is always so hard to find that perfect angle that keeps you comfy and able to read.  If The Book Seat did manage to get the proper angle down... would my tablet stay, or would slide right out?  So I made sure to bring it with me when I went to bed that night.


IT WAS PERFECT!  I was able to curl up in my favorite nighttime position and my tablet was held perfectly for me.  And that is not even the best part.... now when I fall asleep while reading in bed, I'm not woken up by something smacking me in the face!  I hardly ever read without it now.

This is all well and good, but what about a REAL book?  Well I haven't had a chance to actually read an actual book with The Book Seat, but I did test it.  I tried both a paperback and a hard cover.  I tried them at the first page, at the last page, and in the middle.  It held the pages open beautifully.  Turning pages was simple with the flip down action of the sturdy acrylic holder, and adjusting the tension was as simple as tightening the strings on a jacket hood. There is also a handy dandy little loop at the top for you to carry your Book Seat around (sans book) and even a little pocket in the back for your glasses, pens, or maybe even your eReader charger!

(left, The Book Seat holding a paperback, right, The Book Seat holding hardcover)

Overall I give this product 5 full stars!  My ONLY complaint is that I cannot use my tablet while charging it... but that's more an issue with my tablet having the charging port on the bottom than any design flaw of The Book Seat!   I want to give a HUGE Thank You to everyone over at The Book Seat for allowing me to review your wonderful product.

Want to see The Book Seat in action?  Check out the video below:

Review by Danielle

Thursday, December 5, 2013

The Show (Northwest Passage #3) by John A. Heldt

******STOP!  If you have not read The Mine this review contains
SPOILERS!*****

I was very excited when I found out there was a sequel to The Mine. I was
intrigued to see where John Heldt would take the story of Joel and Grace
after we left them in the present day... young, in love with Grace adjusting
to living in a world of electronics and conveniences she never knew existed.


I definitely wasn't disappointed!! This story took me on many adventures,
and I loved all of the unexpected twists and turns.  At first, there was one
story line (I won't go into details) that bugged me at first, but once I
really put myself in Graces mindset and thought about how different things
were in the 1940's, I saw this story in a whole new light. Mr. Heldt did an
amazing job really capturing the true essence of life in current times as
well as in the 1940's.


This series has quickly become one of my favorites and I can't wait to dig
into The Fire, the sequel to The Journey!!!

I feel it's important here to tell you about the reading order of Northwest
Passage Series, as it is a little counter intuitive.

The Mine
The Journey
The Show (sequel to the Mine)
The Fire (sequel to the Journey)

Review by Jillian

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Snowed Over by Angie Stanton

What a great holiday read!  Alex decides to help out  "friend of a friend," Katie, by giving her a ride home for Christmas.  Turns out neither one of them are looking forward to what waits for them upon arrival.  When disaster strikes, Kaite and Alex rediscover the true magic of Christmas together.

I absolutely loved the dynamic between Katie and Alex!  I had a smile on my face though almost the entire time I was reading.  They are fun-loving and playful and work together well under pressure.  This is the perfect read to get you into the winter spirit!
Review by Danielle

Monday, December 2, 2013

COVER REVEAL: Forever Loved by Deanna Roy

The much-anticipated sequel to the bestselling new adult romance Forever Innocent.

When Gavin saves Corabelle from her plunge into the frigid waters of the Pacific, he knows her recovery from pneumonia is only the beginning of their journey. They share a difficult history — a teen pregnancy, a seven-day-old baby who died of a heart condition, and his decision four years ago to leave Corabelle behind and not look back.

But there are no secrets between them now. As Gavin and Corabelle build a new future together, they learn to trust each other again, falling back on that love they have shared since they were children.

But their past has one last shocking surprise, a revelation that will shake their tender bond and pierce the heart of Corabelle, who has just begun to believe that she truly is Gavin’s only forever love.

Forever Loved is the heart-wrenching conclusion to Corabelle and Gavin's passionate story.


Release Day: Jan. 10, 2014

See our review of Book 1 - Forever Innocent  - yes, I cried like a BABY!

Add it to your to-read pile on Goodreads!

Become a fan on Facebook!

Get on Deanna's list so you can read excerpts as she writes!

Read the first chapter NOW! (Only if you have read book one -- there are spoilers!)

Read the first book in the series so you are ready!

Go win a gift card and a personalized butterfly ornament just in time for Christmas!