Tuesday, May 31, 2016

The Quieting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Quieting (Bishop's Family, #2)Book Description:
Bestselling Author Delivers the Intrigue and Romance Fans Crave
The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things--fast. But David doesn't work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.
When David's mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters--and especially for David's niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem--but will it create another?
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher takes fans back to Stoney Ridge, delivering the twists, turns, and romance they adore.
 

My Thoughts:
A good continuation of the series here.  This is the second book in this series and you really need to have read book 1 (The Imposter) to understand the characters and relationships.  David's family has issues and the bishop is a big part of it.  David doesn't jump into anything but waits on God and goes to Him for everything.  When his mother shows up and disrupts everything in his life, David goes about things in his quiet and deliberate ways.  
I really loved getting back to this town and 'seeing' everyone again.  Catching up where The Imposter left off, things are still not settled in the town.  I liked David, Birdy, and most all of the old characters.  I wasn't sure I was going to like David's mother, she somewhat grated on me, but she has a good heart.  Abigail takes life way too literally, but her research was really interesting and I did enjoy it.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I really did like the story and look forward to more from Stoney Ridge.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Torment Release Blast by R.S. Broadhead!!!

Torment Displaying TormentTeaser6.jpg


Torment (Realms of Darkness Book 3) by R.S. Broadhead


Book Description:

Book 3 in the Realms of Darkness series

A mental hospital. 

Reese Salt doesn’t know where she is or where she came from. She’s battling a darkness inside that makes her do things … inhumane things. This is how Reese wakes up after being locked away in a hospital for the mentally insane for over a year. 

A year of being away from everything. 

Reese’s next journey takes her across the world for training she needs to fight her greatest enemy—Dermetheus. The man who destroyed her life and plans to destroy the world. Can she find the strength to battle the beast inside to be who she needs to be?  

With Reese being absent, things are chaotic for everyone left behind in Jackson. Shayla is forced to step up as leader and can’t seem to catch a break from the forces moving against them. Are they fighting a losing battle? Will Reese ever return? 

Hope seems lost. 

All they can do is believe in themselves in a time of despair. No matter what happens. 

War is coming. 
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon UK ~ http://amzn.to/1Z7m74B

Excerpt

I wandered over to the couch, my eyes surveying the room. No one noticed that I was about to claim the couch. Score! I plopped down, curling to my side with a blanket. The constant pound of Dax typing a foot from my head coaxed me into a deep sleep.
I was back at Jada’s party with Jace dancing in front of me. Only this time, he was completely naked and no one else was there except the two of us. That was until another guy showed up. The asshole from the bike shop! What was he doing here? He shoved Jace to the side and started stripping himself. Oh yeah, momma likes what she sees. They grunted at each other like a couple of cave men, until I stood commanding their attention in all my naked glory. “Boys, there’s enough of me to go around. I can handle both of you.”
I tossed and turned until Dax’s voice pierced through my erotic dream. My eyes tore open, silently cursing his very existence. If I had another hole punch it would be hitting him right about now. I sat up, wiping the still damp drool that had collected in the corner of my mouth with the sleeve of my shirt.
Lyric sat in a chair close to me, staring with an idiotic smile plastered across his face. “Good dream?”






About the Author:

R.S. Broadhead
R.S. Broadhead is the author of new adult paranormals. When she's not writing you can find her ghost hunting, taking a nap, or surfing the web for creepy stories for inspiration on her next novel.
She lives in Alabama with her husband, two feisty girls, and a gassy pug! She loves to chat with readers!


Monday, May 30, 2016

Reckoning by R.S. Broadhead

ReckoningBook Description:
Reese Salt has had a strenuous past year. Being introduced into a world of monsters, training non stop, fighting against a growing force that terrifies her, and falling in love with her trainer has drained her. Things are not getting better. In fact, they seem to be out of control. 

After discovering she isn’t entirely human, Reese is afraid to open up to those around her. She sees herself hunted and locked away in a cage. Someone close to her in the group is manipulated by Derek and abandons them to join forces with those they are fighting against. Once finding out that Derek has plans for Sim, Reese brings him to the training camp. This sets things on a downward spiral for her. Feeling lost, she leaves in search of answers. 

She is a part of something much greater than she knows. All things keep leading her back to a truth that is just out of her reach. What will it take for her to openly learn what her role is against Derek? 

Can Reese accept who she really is? A fight is coming for her, a fight she can’t escape.

My Thoughts:
I couldn't wait to dive into this book.  Reese learned some things about herself in Unveiled (book 1) and now she thinks she is putting the ones she loves in danger.  The group dynamic is changing and not for the better.  They have already lost on, another is unhappy and ripe to be picked by the bad guys, and Reese is afraid to open up about herself even to Steele.  Derek is gathering followers and becoming more and more dangerous.
I wasn't sure what to do with Reese in this one.  I so bad wanted to reach out and smack her and tell her to trust Fuzz and Steele but the fear of being rejected or a possible threat held her back.  I absolutely loved getting Fuzz's back story and more explanation of what was going on.  At one point in the book I was furious at the author for the turn of events but had to keep reading to see what happened!  The author does a great job weaving her story and I cannot wait to see where all of this leads.
It was another 5/5 for me but I cannot believe the way she ended it!  I must read the next one NOW! 

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Runaway 2 Cover Reveal & Kindle Fire Giveaway

Title: Runaway 2: On the Run
Author: Aubrey Kendall
Genre: Romance/Suspense
Expected Release Date: July 1, 2016

Cover Designer: No Sweat Graphics by Rachel Olson
Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR
Blurb:

Braxton, a six foot two God with dark hair and eyes, holds the key to Courtney’s heart. But, it’s not without a price. The son of a drug lord, who has recently killed himself because his time has ran out, left everything he had to Braxton. The problem, Braxton wasn’t told and now that he is beginning his life with Courtney, he doesn’t want what his father left him. However, it’s not about him or her, it’s about a legacy and a group of people who were entrusted to run his father’s estate. Will they catch him and get him to sit on his father’s throne or will he deny what should be his and suffer death?
Here Courtney goes again, on the run and unfortunately it isn’t with the man who swept her off her feet to begin with. The only way to escape deaths door is to become one of them and wait for her hero to come back. Will Braxton ride in on his horse and reclaim his woman or is all hope lost? Power and money control so much and Braxton is about to see for himself what exactly his father laid out for him.
S.M. Knowles wanted to keep her S.M. name separate for her YA Books. Aubrey Kendall is for anything that is not YA or not meant for children to read. She graduated with her Master’s degree in Adult Education and Training in 2012 and is now looking at pursuing her doctoral program. She has been writing since the age of nine, but didn’t pursue publishing until 2013. She lives in Phoenix Arizona with her two daughters and husband.
Author Links:
Checkout my YouTube page and hear the first chapter read by me!

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Breaking Free by Jennifer Slattery

Breaking FreeBook Description:
Sometimes it takes losing everything to grab hold of what really matters. Women s ministry leader and Seattle housewife, Alice Goddard, and her successful graphic-designer husband appear to have it all together. Until their credit and debit cards are denied, launching Alice into an investigation that only leads to the discovery of secrets. Meanwhile, her husband is trapped in a downward spiral of lies, shame, and self-destruction. Can they break free from their deception and turn to the only One who can save them? And will it be in time to save their marriage? Breaking Free, part of NHP contemporary fiction line, is a great reminder that God can take any broken life and redeem it for His plan and purpose. Readers will fall in love with the realistic characters and enjoy the combination of depth, heart-felt emotion, and humor that makes Jennifer's novels so appealing. Readers will be inspired to break free and find God in the complexities of their own lives! This book is a great resource for a book club, discussion group in women s Bible studies, or as a ministry resource to spark conversation about practical ministry needs." 

My Thoughts:
This is a good but tough book to read.  Alice and Trent seem to have it all going right.  That is a lie.  Their life/lives are crumbling.  Alice works 'for God' doing but mainly for appearances.  Trent has his own struggles and shame.  Both should know to turn to God for their help but will they?
I loved Beth.  She is such a strong, steadfast friend that you can't help but love her.  I felt for both Alice and Trent.  The author does a great job of making the characters real and not backing down from tough issues.  I related to the 'doing for God' and not stopping and relating to Him.  Going though day-to-day life, it is easy to let things Get between you and God and it just really makes you think.  
Definitely a 4/5 for me.  It will make you stop and think.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions above are 100% mine.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Unveiled by R.S. Broadhead

UnveiledBook Description:
Twenty-one-year-old Reese Salt and her best friends like to party, flirt with boys, and stare at her super hot mysterious neighbor who keeps trying to tell her something in cryptic messages. She doesn't believe him, wanting to continue living her carefree life. But then things get weird when they're at a party and someone--or something--laces the party favors. Suddenly Reese is surrounded by hot guys in tactical gear, looking for one of her boyfriend's childhood friends, who they say isn't human.
After that night, everything changes. The safe world Reese thought she lived in isn't so safe anymore. To take her mind off it, and to apologize for being a jealous jerk, her boyfriend Wheeler takes her on what's supposed to be a romantic getaway--until his jealous tendencies turn violent and he smashes her face, knocking her out. As if things couldn't get any worse, they wake up under attack by what Reese can only describe as monsters. Only caring about his own survival, Wheeler smashes her leg, leaving her for dead. Big mistake. Something inside her awakens, and her body goes on autopilot, literally. She finds a helicopter, and instinct takes over, flying her battered body home, and leaving Wheeler to die at the mouths of the monsters.
Reese and her friends then seek out the help of her hot neighbor, who is the leader of a training program that fights the things that go bump in the night. Reese goes to the facility in search of answers, but she ends up finding so much more. Reese learns about weapons, fighting, monsters, and most of all, herself. Then there's Oliver Steele, her trainer who becomes much more. Reese is scared to open up, afraid she'll only get hurt again.
Can Reese save the world, learn to trust her heart, and find the strength to learn about who she really is? She better. Her life depends on it.

My Thoughts:
Wow.  This one doesn't slow down at all.  Reese is a regular college girl with a regular life.  That is until the night of the party when she and her friends witness something trying to kill them and a group of fighters save them.  Now the world as she knew it doesn't exist and she must face the reality that monsters are real.  She goes off with her boyfriend to try to work on their relationship and get away from the weirdness but things go terribly wrong and her boyfriend is killed by monsters.  She is forced to face that the monsters are real and she must face them.I have to say that Steele was my favorite character.  He was just so HOT.  I mean he is a butt-kicking-machine and yet has a soft side.  Reese has issues and I cannot wait to see exactly what she is.  Her friends were great, and her best friend is so funny!  Each of her friends have a unique ability and the no fraternizing policy was a laugh!  I really liked the give and take between Steele and Reese.  I was a bit freeked out by the end because I want more!
It was a 5/5 for me.  Occasionally the way some of the characters spoke annoyed me but the story and pace far outweighed that.


Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Unlikely Rebel by Kelli Gotthardt

Unlikely Rebel: A Church Girl's Journey Out of Shoulds and ShameBook Description:
No formulas, no pat answers. Just real life. Real questions. Real transformation. Approach many women in the church and if they're being honest, they'll tell you they
- try hard to keep it all together;
- are frustrated that being good doesn't deliver the perfect life;
- feel trapped in expectations;
- make decisions based on "shoulds";
- feel selfish when they say no; and
- are uncertain of their place in God's kingdom.
Between the desire to please God, the need to feel valued, and the compulsion to make everyone around them happy, women often find themselves denying their desires. It's safer to stay in the life of "shoulds"--even if it means being spiritually and emotionally disconnected.

Kelli Gotthardt knows their pain. Always considered a "good girl," she threw herself into every ministry, saying yes to every request her church family made. On the outside, her life looked completely together--but she was drowning in self-doubt and shame. "Unlikely Rebel" is the story of how Kelly slowly shed shoulds and shame, learning to love God and love who He created her to be.

The journey from the comfort of doing everything expected of a perfect pastor's wife to the uncertainty of living authentically and true to her unique calling is equal parts exhausting and exhilarating. Many Christians condemned her, responding with fear or anger to her greater intimacy with God's calling when it didn't match their own vision. For others, though, her journey inspired courage to embrace God's path for their own lives.

Now Kelli invites other women to discover God's leading in their lives, learning that if they throw off the despondency of undeserved shame, abundant life awaits.
 

My Thoughts:
This was an intriguing book.  The author tells us about her life as a pastor's wife and as a lot of women do, how she overloaded herself.  She was a good girl who volunteered for a lot of things, said yes to things she shouldn't have and wanted to do it all.  Except that wasn't what God wanted.  She was to focused on 'doing' that she was losing sight of God and His will.  
It is a very straightforward book.  Many women will find they relate to Kelli and her struggles.  Some of it, I could relate to perfectly and some of it I couldn't.  All of it was interesting and insightful.  I think it will certainly help women similarly situated in finding their own courage to center themselves on God rather than what everyone expects.This was a 3/5 for me.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via bookfun magazine).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Fear of Falling by Catherine Lanigan

Fear of Falling: Shores of Indian LakeBook Description:
Was Olivia hearing this right? The one man in Indian Lake she'd found truly intriguing since, well, forever—the hopelessly handsome heir to the region's most successful farming operation, Rafe Barzonni—was involved in horse racing? That made him, and her sudden attraction, downright dangerous. He wasn't just out of her league. He was a gambler. Like her father. With the shame of her father's racetrack betting addiction still haunting her, Olivia can't be part of that world. Rafe's world. She can't trust him, or his magnetism. But there's something deep in his incredible blue eyes that keeps drawing her closer

My Thoughts:
This was a good, quick read.  Olivia is a hard worker and is used to people overlooking her because of her job.  She has several close girlfriends and they all seem to be finding their 'one'.  Rafe has suffered a terrible loss and focuses on the passion he and his father shared...race horses.  Olivia is very taken with Rafe, then she finds out what he does and it brings back a flood of bad memories.  Her father was addicted to betting on horses, could Rafe be the same?
I liked both Rafe and Olivia.  They were very intriguing characters that each had their issues to deal with.  Olivia's fear of horse racing made Rafe really not a good fit for her, but she was working on herself.  Rafe's snap judgments and 'poor me' attitude didn't really sit well with me, but he was also very caring and gentle.  I absolutely loved reading about all the horses.  
It was a 3/5 for me.  I enjoyed the story but there were parts that didn't ring true and the ending felt a bit rushed.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Monday, May 23, 2016

The Drafter by Kim Harrison

The DrafterBook Description:
Detroit 2030. Double-crossed by the person she loved and betrayed by the covert government organization that trained her to use her body as a weapon, Peri Reed is a renegade on the run.

Don’t forgive and never forget has always been Peri’s creed. But her day job makes it difficult: she is a drafter, possessed of a rare, invaluable skill for altering time, yet destined to forget both the history she changed and the history she rewrote.

When Peri discovers her name on a list of corrupt operatives, she realizes that her own life has been manipulated by the agency. She joins forces with a mysterious rogue soldier in a deadly race to piece together the truth about her final task, unable to trust even herself.

My Thoughts:
This was an intriguing book.  Peri is a drafter.  This means she has a unique ability to manipulate time.  Problem is she forgets because of this and is open for others to manipulate her.  She has to rely on her handler/boyfriend to fill in the gaps in her memory.  When she realizes she has been being lied to, she has to find out exactly what is going on and why.
I will start this by saying, I like most all of the Kim Harrison books I've read.  That being said, I had issues with this one.  It had the action, betrayal, hurt, conflict, and never slowed down!  My problem was mainly that I didn't like Peri.  I wanted to but I just couldn't.  I didn't feel invested in any of the characters.  The author does know how to twist you up in the story though.
This was a 3/5 for me.  It had plenty of action and betrayal but it was too repetitive and ambiguous.  Maybe that will be worked out in future books.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via PUYB).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Banished Threads by Kaylin McFarren

Banished Threads (Threads #3)Book Description:
After arriving in England on a much-deserved vacation, Rachel Lyons and Chase Cohen are quickly forced into becoming crime-stopping sleuths when a collection of priceless Morris Graves’ paintings turns up missing at her uncle's gallery. Determined to clear him of all wrong-doing and free his accused granddaughter, the treasure-hunting duo risk not only their relationship but also the life of their unborn child when it’s discovered that someone is determined to destroy the Lyons’ family by any means necessary.

My Thoughts:
This is the third book in this series by this author.  That being said, I didn't feel lost in it.  Rachel and Chase are in England on vacation.  Rachel really wants her uncle to approve of Chase but things don't go as planned.  Family secrets have a way of not staying buried and while there, some of Rachel's family secrets come to light that even she didn't know.  Chase uses his sleuthing abilities to help the family and hopefully get into their good graces.  
I really liked the characters the author brought in.  I felt for Rachel having second thoughts about marrying Chase even though she is carrying his baby.  Her uncle's marriage of convenience is an interesting point.  The gallery theft and Sloan's disappearance are intriguing and you wonder if she is kidnapped or if she is responsible for the theft.  The book starts a bit slow but picks up the pace to where you do not want to put it down, even when it ends!
This was a 4/5 for me.  I really want to go back and read the previous 2 books in the series and see what little snippets that I pick up that are mentioned in this book.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via PUYB).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Friday, May 20, 2016

The Dimension Book Blitz

Title: The Dimension Thieves: Episodes 10-12
Author: Misty Provencher
Genre: YA Time Travel, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR
Blurb: The Dimension Thieves is a clean series with some mild violence and language, still suitable for some young adult readers.
In this final three gripping episodes in the series, Sterling must face her most worthy, as well as her most dangerous adversary. The crew of the Karolina Nine returns to a familiar dimension where they learn that failures, mistakes, and unexpected events will decide the fate of their mission.
Misty Provencher offers readers, ranging from teen to adult, a shelf full of stories to enjoy. Provencher's genres include titles in contemporary romance, fantasy, literary fiction, Sci-fi, and even erotica. While Provencher can ride a motorcycle, knows how to Karate chop, and has learned enough French, Spanish, and Sign Language to get herself slapped, Misty's life is dedicated to connecting with, and understanding, the people who cross her path. She is totally enchanted with the world and spends her days trying to translate her everyday muses into words. Misty Provencher lives in the Mitten. Knock on her internet blog door at www.mistyprovencherauthor.com and wherever great coffee is sold.
Buy Links: #Free with #KindleUnlimited The Dimension Thieves: Episodes 1-3: http://amzn.to/1sCmn1z The Dimension Thieves: Episodes 4-6: http://amzn.to/1Ts4s7l The Dimension Thieves: Episodes 7-9: http://amzn.to/1rX5ttD The Dimension Thieves: Episodes 10-12: http://amzn.to/1Ts4SdO

Protecting His Forever Sale Blitz

Title: Protecting His Forever
Author: LeAnn Ashers
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR
Blurb: Braelyn
I'm nobody. Homeless, afraid of my own shadow and haunted by memories. I went through the motions, but I wasn't living. Until him. He made me live again. He became my everything. Until he came back. The man that caused me to live in my own personal hell for years.
Ethan
Brae is broken. She's haunted by memories. I saw the fire in her eyes flicker and it was enough. It consumed me. I was determined to see her thrive. I didn't expect to fall in love with her and that it would become everything. Nothing will stop me from protecting her. He will pay for her pain.
LeAnn Asher's is a blogger turned author who spends her days reading and writing She released her debut novel early 2016, and can't wait to where this new adventure takes her. LeAnn writes about strong minded females and strong protective males who love their women unconditionally.
Author Links:
Buy Links:
#Free with #KindleUnlimited

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Love Addicts Anonymous Cover Reveal & Giveaway

Title: Love Addicts Anonymous
Author: J.C. Reed
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Expected Release Date: August 8, 2016
Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR
"My life sucks. I'm not a sex addict. Honestly, I’m not. That word makes me cringe. Me, an addict? I don’t think so. I'm not even sure why I'm here, but apparently the board thinks my healthy sex life is spiraling out of control…Well, they are wrong. It’s not addiction if I enjoy every minute of it."
A novel you don't want your nan to read! Told from alternate point of view, this novel will have you blushing hard and laugh out hard.
RELEASE DATE: August 8th, 2016
Pre-order EXCLUSIVELY on iBooks:
J.C. Reed is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She writes steamy contemporary romance with a touch of mystery and suspense. When she's not typing away on her keyboard, forgetting the world around her, you can find her chatting with her readers on Facebook.

Author Links:


Exclusive Pre-Order:


Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Insta-Hate Release Day Blitz

Title: Insta-Hate
Author: C.L. Bond
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Designer: Regina Wamba at Mae I Design and Photography
Models: Nathan Weller and Layla Hill
Photographer: Dark Feather Photog
Interior Design: Allyson Gottlieb, Athena Book Designs
Editor: Stacy Sanford, The Girl with the Red Pen
Expected Release Date: May 17th, 2016
Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR
Blurb: When Alexandria Ray’s romance series becomes an overnight sensation, the world and its demands close in on her. After years of struggling to maintain the pace her publisher, agent and the world expects, she needs a break. Enrolling as a student at Columbia University is step one to finding herself again. Finding Arsen Daniel was not on her list.
Arsen Daniel, along with his best friend, built an empire in the form of an exclusive, psychology-based dating service. When an old friend invites him to teach a course at Columbia, he accepts. The course? The Psychology of Love.  Sounds simple enough and the publicity alone will make it worth his time.
Arsen didn’t expect to meet his match in the form of a sarcastic blonde, hell bent on holding to her belief that true love doesn’t actually exist. After all, what woman, especially a world-renowned romance writer, doesn’t believe in happily ever after?
Something in Alexandria’s eyes tortures him. She reminds him of someone from his past and that is a very bad thing.
Award-winning author Casey L. Bond resides in Milton, West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. When she’s not busy being a domestic goddess and chasing her baby girls, she loves to write young adult and new adult fiction. You can find more information about Bond’s books via the following links: 
“Do you want to grab a seat for a few minutes?” he asked.
I looked around and the place was mostly deserted. “Sure.” We settled in two comfortable padded chairs. “For the record, I don’t want to do any of the things Jillian has planned.”
He smiled. “How else do you plan to prove your point?”
“My point will be easily proven. Love doesn’t exist.” I stared at his lips. The bottom was slightly plumper than the top. His blue dress shirt was rolled to the elbows. And his forearms were toned. Damn it. Why should men have forearms like that? Why? They flexed when he raised his cup to his lips, and then flexed again when he sat it back onto the table.
“Why would any woman want that to be true?” he challenged, one brow arching up.
“I don’t want it to be true, it just is.”
His eyes narrowed and he crossed his arms over his chest. “How do you know? Forget the assignment, forget proving a hypothesis and this damn paper. How do you know? Why do you think that?”
I swallowed. “Because if I’ve ever felt it, I don’t remember it.” His brows furrowed and he parted his lips to say something, but never did. What could anyone say to that?