Book Review and Giveaway: Every Shattered Thing, ends 3/25

Every Shattered Thing, by Elora Ramirez.

I glare at him and sit down in the grass, the icy blades poking through my jeans. I grimace and shift around before deciding to lay straight on my back so I'm facing the meteor shower. It looks like tiny pieces of glass tearing themselves against a black velvet tapestry. 

"It's beautiful," I whisper.

He sits down besides me and rests his hand on mine. 

"I figured you might like it," Kevin says. "It seems to be something you would understand - complete beauty found in the darkest of places."

This book makes every other YA/NA (Young Adult/New Adult) book I've read in the past seem like their characters lead charmed lives. Ever since she was young, Stephanie has been used by her father as a prostitute - he runs a ring that's now online, too - and she dreams of escaping their grasp. However, she wouldn't dream of leaving her 4-year-old brother, Pacey, alone in that household. Eventually, however, her life begins to get worse and worse, and measures must be taken before the worst can happen.

Official synopsis:
Stephanie fights reality every day. The voices inside, the ones declaring her worth, deem her broken, used and dirty. She is an object. A toy. Something to be tossed aside when bored. Who will believe her if she whispers the truth about her wrecking ball of a family? Eventually, her secret explodes and the person who means the most to her knows just how shattered she is and why she's so afraid. But rescue is closer than she realizes. Hidden in plain sight, her horror hasn’t been ignored by everyone. Racing against the truth of what she faces, forces are joining together and developing a plan to free her from the hell in her own backyard. And while she’s at her lowest point, she’s hit with the beauty of love at any cost - redemption in the face of ruin. Will it be enough?
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Before I delve into this book, I should say that everyone should read it - it was rather eye-opening to realize that so many girls, even in our country, are going through this. Ramirez has created characters that could be ripped from the headlines, and their situations are unfathomable.

At the same time, I was very frustrated with some of these characters. Kevin, Stephanie's boyfriend, knows what's going on in her household, yet she tells him over and over not to get involved. They're both in high school, so you could argue that he's too young to know better ... but Stephanie's former teacher, Emma, and her husband Jude, are not. The problem is that Stephanie's father has half of the town police force in the palm of his hand - they're actually taking part in the prostitution ring, in some cases - so when the police or CPS (Child Protective Services) come to visit her house, it's actually only making Stephanie's situation worse.

However, I was rather appalled that it took so long for Stephanie to get out of her parents' grip. Perhaps that IS real life, but I thought she shouldn't have been left to get beaten up and raped so many times, that something could have been done earlier about the situation. That could just be me being naive, but it's my opinion.

Another small complaint is the ending; I am not sure if there's a sequel, but if there's not, it ended rather abruptly. I wanted to know more about what happens to Stephanie, her family, and Kevin. There's also a small twist at the ending that I didn't see coming, and that also seemed a little unbelievable, too.

Overall, though, I did think this novel was interesting, and like I said before, it's definitely one that should be read - or at least check out similar reads - to broaden your horizons and learn more about these girls' plight, both here at home and overseas.

3 stars out of 5.

*Disclosure: I received an e-galley of this book to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own.

GIVEAWAY:

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Prizes include a $30 Amazon gift card and a chapter of Every Shattered Thing with author notes and a story coaching session. Contest ends Tuesday, March 25th at 11:59pm EST.

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Book Review and Signed Copy GIVEAWAY: Fate of the Vampire (Vanderlind Castle #3), ends 3/28

Fate of the Vampire, by Gayla Twist.

There are things most teenage girls really need to hear. Obvious things like don't text while driving. Or don't blow off your friends just because you're dating some guy. Or, advice that I could have benefited from, don't date a vampire. Because even though Jessie had never even come close to hurting me, and even though he was one of the nicest and most generous people on the planet, and even though he wasn't one of those jealous control-freak vampires that you're always reading about in romance novels, he was still a vampire. Which meant he had vampire friends. And vampire enemies. So I was constantly under threat from this or that member of the undead whom I wasn't even dating.

As you can tell from that excerpt, this book is no Twilight, and it's the third (and final, sadly) book in the Vanderlind Castle series from Gayla Twist. I love these books because not only do they have supernatural elements, but they're also very well-written, and the narrator, Aurora, has an awesome sense of humor.

Official synopsis:
Just when Aurora and Jessie start to date like a normal couple, things go horribly wrong in the town of Tiburon, Ohio. People are disappearing, and Aurora knows it’s all her fault. She is, after all, in love with a vampire.

Fate of the Vampire is the final book in the Vanderlind Castle trilogy.
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Despite that very short synopsis, this book was great. If you like novels with strong heroines that fall in the supernatural/paranormal genre, I highly encourage you to check out these books - but start at the beginning, with Call of the Vampire (click here for review), so you can read Aurora and Jessie's story chronologically.

In this installment, teens start disappearing from Tiburon, the small town in Ohio where Aurora lives, and she has a nagging suspicion that it's vampire-related. Jessie's grandfather, whom everyone thought was dead a long time ago, also randomly shows up, and demands that Jessie never see Aurora again, which of course she's NOT okay about. And her mother has been dating a man who wants to propose to her - except, Aurora has yet to meet him.

It would be hard for me to pick a favorite of the three books, so I'll go ahead and say I liked all the novels in this series equally; I did give all 4 out of 5 stars, which is what I would give this book too. Heart of the Vampire, book 2 (click here for review), took place in both Tiburon and also Europe, but in Fate, they're back in Tiburon for the duration of the story.

Gayla Twist has created some memorable characters here, and although we do get our HEA (Happily Ever After) ending, I definitely wouldn't mind if there were more books in this series, though unfortunately there will not be.

4 stars out of 5.

*Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

GIVEAWAY:

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. One winner will receive a paperback copy of Fate of the Vampire signed by Gayla Twist! Contest will end Friday, March 28th, at 11:59pm EST, and winner will be emailed on March 29th and have 24 hours to respond, or an alternate winner will be chosen. U.S. and Canada residents only, please.

Good luck!

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Book Review and Giveaway: Letting Go, ends 3/17

Letting Go, by Maya Banks (Surrender trilogy, book #1).

Josslyn Breckenridge surveyed her appearance in the mirror, nervous though no one would see her. Except Dash. She knew without confirming that he'd be here, just as he'd been here on this day for the previous two years, waiting to take her to the cemetery to visit and put fresh flowers on her husband's grave.

The flowers were on the counter beside her, just waiting for her to pick up and carry out of the house. But she hesitated because this year ... This year was different. 

This book is erotica similar to Fifty Shades but with a much more interesting back story: Joss has been widowed for three years now. She had a great marriage with the love of her life, Carson, but there was one thing always missing, and she was afraid to ask him for it. Now, she has to decide if she wants to pursue that, and if so, how she should go about doing that.

Official synopsis:
Josslyn found perfection once, and she knows she’ll never find it again. Now widowed, she seeks the one thing her beloved husband couldn’t give her. Dominance. Lonely and searching for an outlet for her grief and wanting only a brief taste of the perfection she once enjoyed, she seeks what she’s looking for at an exclusive club that caters to people indulging in their most hedonistic fantasies. She never imagined that what she’d find is the one man who’s long been a source of comfort—and secret longing. Her husband’s best friend.

Dash has lived in an untenable position for years. In love with his best friend’s wife and unwilling to act on that attraction. He’d never betray his best friend. And so he’s waited in the wings, offering Joss unconditional support and comfort as she works past her grief, hoping for the day when he can offer her more.

When he finds her in a club devoted to the darker edges of desire, he’s furious because he thinks she has no idea what she’s getting herself into. Until she explains in detail what it is she wants. What she needs. As realization sets in, he is gripped by fierce, unwavering determination. If she wants dominance, he is the only man who will introduce her to that world. He is the only man who will touch her, cherish her…love her. And the only man she’ll ever submit to.
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There were a lot of things I liked about this book and a few I did not.

Likes: The story was good, like I mentioned before. It was a little 50 Shades-esque in that Joss was super "innocent" and had never been initiated into this world before, so Dash has to teach her everything, but it also has different elements as well. There's a host of supporting characters too that will get their own novels in books 2 and 3 of the series, out in May and September 2014.

Dislikes: Joss almost seems TOO easily manipulated at times. She and Dash get into a fight later on in the book, and within four days, he misses her so much that he's practically groveling at her feet, which of course wins her back. He calls her "honey" a lot as a term of endearment, but I found this a little annoying, as it repeats a lot throughout the book. She also makes the switch to seeing him just as a friend - her dead husband's best friend, actually - to a "virile man" as I think she calls him at one point.

Overall, though, I enjoyed this story, and would recommend it to anyone who likes or is interested in this genre. I already have Giving In (book #2) to review as well, so check back closer to May for a review and giveaway of that novel too.

3.5 stars out of 5.

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for reviewing purposes. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own.

GIVEAWAY:

Enter via the Rafflecopter below. Contest ends on Monday, March 17th at 11:59pm EST, and winner will be emailed on March 18th and have 24 hours to respond, or an alternate winner will be chosen. Winner will receive 1 paperback copy of the book. U.S. residents only, please.

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GIVEAWAY: win The Book Thief on Blu-ray/DVD + the novel, ends 3/14

*Disclosure: I am a Fox Home Entertainment Insider and will be provided with a review copy of The Book Thief in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own.

I reviewed The Book Thief back in November 2013 on my film blog, and now I have a copy for one of my lucky readers to win. The Book Thief comes to Blu-ray/DVD on March 11th.

*EDIT, 3/6: I now have a copy of the novel to give away as well! One winner will win The Book Thief Blu-ray/DVD and The Book Thief novel.

About the movie:
Based on the beloved best-selling book comes an “extremely moving” (Leonard Maltin, Indiewire) story of a girl who transforms the lives of those around her during World War II, Germany. When her mother can no longer care for her, Liesel (Sophie Nélisse) is adopted by a German couple (OSCAR® Winner Geoffrey Rush* and OSCAR® Nominee Emily Watson). Although she arrives illiterate, Liesel is encouraged to learn to read by her adoptive father. When the couple then takes in Max (Ben Schnetzer), a Jew hiding from Hitler’s army, Liesel befriends him. Ultimately, words and imagination provide the friends with an escape from the events unfolding around them in this extraordinary, acclaimed film directed by Brian Percival (Downton Abbey).

Blu-ray Special Features:

• Deleted Scenes
• A Hidden Truth: Bringing The Book Thief To Life
• Theatrical Trailer

First, check out the book-to-film discussion guide below:

GIVEAWAY:

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Contest will end on Friday, March 14th, at 11:59pm EST, and winner will be notified via email on March 15th, and have 24 hours to respond, or an alternate winner will be chosen. Contest is open to U.S./Canada residents only, please.

Good luck!

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GIVEAWAY: Dog Gone, Back Soon, by Nick Trout, ends 3/10

Did you know that April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and April 11th is National Pet Day? Author Nick Trout has a new book out, Dog Gone, Back Soon, and I have three paperback copies to give away to my readers.

Official synopsis:

Maybe the cutest cover ever ...

DOG GONE, BACK SOON brings readers back to the quaint and idyllic town of Eden Falls, Vermont, where Dr. Cyrus Mills, an introverted animal pathologist, has reluctantly returned to take over his recently deceased father’s veterinary practice - The Bedside Manor for Sick Animals. In a true “fish out of water” scenario, Cyrus struggles to fit into his new community, with its colorful and quirky cast of characters and to cure various tricky pet ailments. But he’s determined to make a go of it, especially since he’s smitten with a local waitress, which means he must thwart the aggressive and underhanded efforts of Healthy Paws (the big chain competition across town) to put Bedside Manor out of business.

A charming and heartwarming tale of new beginnings, DOG GONE, BACK SOON celebrates the wisdom to be gained from furry friends and one man’s discovery that you can, indeed, go home again.
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GIVEAWAY:

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Contest will end on Monday, March 10th, at 11:59pm EST, and winners will be notified via email on March 11th, and have 24 hours to respond, or an alternate winner(s) will be selected. U.S. residents only, please.

Good luck!

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Book Review and Giveaway: The Headmaster's Wife, ends 3/7

The Headmaster's Wife, by Thomas Christopher Greene.

Now, standing on the same path, with the snow picking up and falling more steadily around him, he gives up trying to find this memory and instead focuses on the snow, tracing individual flakes as they come in front of his field of vision and then disappear. He is alone suddenly. There is no one walking in either direction. The park is his. He takes off his hat and places it on the ground. Then he removes his jacket. Next he undoes his tie and then his shirt and his undershirt. Soon he is naked, and he sets off again, leaving his clothes in a neat pile on the path, and he moves up and over the hilly terrain, his eyes straight ahead, oblivious to the people who gasp when they come around a corner to find him marching toward them. All that matters to him is the feel of his bare feet crunching wonderfully on the crusty snow beneath him.

To say that this novel threw me for a loop would be an understatement. At the beginning of the novel, we meet Arthur Winthrop, Headmaster of the Lancaster School, a prep school. He's married to Elizabeth, who sometimes attends school functions with him, but lately he's been enamored with Betsy Pappas, an 18-year-old transfer student. He sneaks around with Betsy until she unceremoniously dumps him, and at that point I thought something like "Good, he deserves it."

Then, a revelation in the middle of the book changes everything.

Official synopsis:
Like his father before him, Arthur Winthrop is the Headmaster of Vermont's elite Lancaster School. He is married to his college sweetheart, Elizabeth, and they live on the school campus, although without their son, Ethan, who opted out of college, joined the military and went to Iraq. Lancaster is where Arthur has built his life and established his legacy, but it is also the site of his undoing. On a cold winter's morning, Arthur is arrested after being found wandering naked in New York City's Central Park. After he begins to explain what happened to the police, details of an affair with a student and the subversive world of the boarding school emerges. However, as his story unfolds, his memories seem to collide into one another. Like pieces of a puzzle, Arthur's ramblings slowly begin to form the portrait that lies beneath his bizarre behavior and lead up to a shocking twist that brings the truth into sharp focus. 

A beautifully written, profoundly emotional book, it is perfect for fans of Anita Shreve and Richard Russo, and stands as a moving elegy to the power of love as an antidote to grief.
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The author of this book is interesting in that he started his own college - the Vermont College of Fine Arts - in 2008, which is still in existence. That college was the "backdrop" of sorts for The Headmaster's Wife. I also really liked the cover of this book, because it looked almost exactly like East Quad, the dorm I lived in at the University of Michigan for two years.

Arthur turns out to be an unreliable "narrator" (even though the book is in 3rd person), as you may have guessed, which made me have to pay more attention after the twist in the middle of the book - which I won't reveal here, but it's a definite game-changer.

I was also wondering why the novel was called The Headmaster's Wife, when the first half was about Arthur and his supposed indiscretions. The second half of the novel is all about Elizabeth, though (said "wife" in the title), and how she meets Arthur in school, and we find out later that the title really does aptly describe the book.

4 stars out of 5.

*Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book for reviewing purposes. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own.

GIVEAWAY:

I have two copies of this book to give away to my readers. It's open to all countries but U.S. residents will receive a hardcover book and all other residents will receive an e-copy of the book via NetGalley. Enter to win via the Rafflecopter below. Contest will end on Friday, March 7th at 11:59pm EST and winners will be emailed on March 8th and have 24 hours to respond, or alternate winner(s) will be chosen.

Good luck!

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Book Review and GIVEAWAY: Just One Night, ends 2/18

Just One Night, by Kyra Davis.

I notice the button at the top of his jeans. It reads Dior Homme - $600 jeans - and yet the T-shirt could have been bought at Target. Like his youthfully muscular arms and conservatively cut salt-and-pepper hair, it's his contradictions that seduce me.

"I'd like to make you a drink," he says.

It doesn't take me a moment to grasp his meaning. I know he's inviting me to his room. I glance around the bar. I've never had a one-night stand. I'm the girl everyone can count on for her rock-solid, solemn consistency. 

Except tonight. Tonight I'm the girl who is going to sleep with a stranger.

Just One Night was originally published in three different parts, as an e-book, and now it's being released as one complete novel. The New York Journal of Books was quoted as saying it "gives Fifty Shades of Grey a run for its money ... this novel gives some depth, respect and sexual tension to the genre," and I would agree with that review.

Official synopsis:
Kasie Fitzgerald knows who she’s supposed to be. She’s a rising-star-workaholic at a global consulting firm. She’s the fiancée of a well-connected man who’s won the approval of her parents. People know that she’s reliable, serious, proper, cautious, pragmatic, and yes, a little predictable. She’s who Dave and her family want her to be.

But as her thirtieth birthday looms, buried feelings begin to resurrect. Her friend takes her to Vegas for one last wild and crazy night. In a dress much shorter and sexier than anything she has ever dared to wear before, she hits the blackjack tables. And meets him. Under the tailored clothes it’s clear that this is a man who is intense, powerful, and maybe even a little dangerous. With a touch of trepidation she accepts his invitation to get a drink, and before long, she’s in his hotel room.

She never gets his full name. Perhaps his anonymity is one of the reasons she’s able to give herself over to him and to the moment so completely. Perhaps it’s why she’s just had the most exquisite and passionate sex of her life. Shaken by her own behavior, Kasie tries to chalk it up to one crazy night. But when the mysterious gentleman she’s just had a fling with shows up in her office—as the CEO of a firm her company does a billion dollars of business with a year, demanding that she handle his account, and so much more—things will never be the same again. And there’s no telling where this will go…
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This novel was interesting because it had a few twists that I didn't see coming. Kasie is a smart woman, but after she meets Robert Dade, he turns her life around, and she has to learn how to push back and also how to stand on her own two feet and be more independent.

This book was MUCH better written than Fifty Shades, and is a good read if you like "the genre" (erotica) or want an interesting story that's more R-rated. Some of the characters managed to surprise me by doing things I didn't foresee, and we see the aftermath of Kasie's one-night stand (or what was supposed to be only a one-night stand) on her boyfriend of six years, Dave. There's also a backstory with Kasie's sister, Melody, who had a history of mental illness.

3.5 stars out of 5.

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this novel for reviewing purposes. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own.

GIVEAWAY:

Thanks to Gallery Books, I have two paperback copies of Just One Night for my readers to win. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Contest will end on Tuesday, February 18th at 11:59pm EST, and winners will be notified via email on February 19th, and must respond within 24 hours or alternate winner(s) will be chosen. U.S. and Canada residents only, please.

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GIVEAWAY: $30 Amazon gift card, ends 2/15

*I'm teaming up with a few other bloggers for a $30 Amazon gift card giveaway! That could buy you a lot of books or e-books. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.

Do you want to learn how to make money online? Are you seeking new and interesting ways to bring in some extra money while you're at home? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, Write From Home is the book for you. In this Kindle exclusive eBook, you'll find everything that you need to know to get started writing from home. If that's not enough, check out the author's freelancing class on Udemy. Write Fast, Write Now: How to Become a Freelance Writer will show you everything that you need to know to become a freelance writer. This class normally costs $99, but enroll today using promo code BLOGGER to take it for just $20!

To celebrate the launch of both the book and the course, The Hungry Freelancer and Beth Jones are happy to announce a $30 Amazon gift card giveaway! Enter using the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win $30 to spend on anything you want!

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Disclaimer: This blog is not responsible for prize fulfillment. The gift card will be issued by The Hungry Freelancer upon selection of the winner.

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Book Review and GIVEAWAY: Tangled, ends 1/17

Tangled, by Emma Chase.

It's the hottest club in New York City. Well, at least tonight it is. By next week it will be some other club. But the location doesn't matter. The script is always the same. Every weekend my friends and I come here together but leave separately - and never alone.

Don't look at me like that. I'm not a bad guy. I don't lie; I don't sandbag women with flowery words about a future together and love at first sight. I'm a straight shooter. I'm looking for a good time - for one night - and I tell them so. That's better than ninety percent of the other guys in here, believe me. And most of the girls in here are looking for the same thing I am.

Okay. maybe that's not exactly true.

This book is one of the first I've read in a long time where it's "chick lit" - written by a woman, and the type of book that women usually like to read - but the narrator is a guy. A very smug, entitled guy, for the most part, but he makes this novel funny and hard to put down ... and he learns from his mistakes throughout the novel, as well.

Official synopsis:
Drew Evans is a winner. Handsome and arrogant, he makes multimillion dollar business deals and seduces New York’s most beautiful women with just a smile. He has loyal friends and an indulgent family. So why has he been shuttered in his apartment for seven days, miserable and depressed?

He’ll tell you he has the flu.

But we all know that’s not really true.

Katherine Brooks is brilliant, beautiful and ambitious. She refuses to let anything - or anyone - derail her path to success. When Kate is hired as the new associate at Drew’s father’s investment banking firm, every aspect of the dashing playboy’s life is thrown into a tailspin. The professional competition she brings is unnerving, his attraction to her is distracting, his failure to entice her into his bed is exasperating.

Then, just when Drew is on the cusp of having everything he wants, his overblown confidence threatens to ruin it all. Will he be able untangle his feelings of lust and tenderness, frustration and fulfillment? Will he rise to the most important challenge of his life?

Can Drew Evans win at love?

Tangled is not your mother’s romance novel. It is an outrageous, passionate, witty narrative about a man who knows a lot about women…just not as much as he thinks he knows. As he tells his story, Drew learns the one thing he never wanted in life, is the only thing he can’t live without.
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Drew was a pretty funny narrator, and I found myself laughing at some of his "Drew-isms." He talks about cuddling after sex as such:

Typically, after a woman and I are done, there is no spooning, no snuggling, no frigging pillow talk. I might, on occasion, have a nap before I head out the door. But I can't stand when a girl braids herself around me like some mutant octopus. It's annoying and uncomfortable.

When he meets Kate, however - first at a bar, and later when she's introduced as the newest employee at his office - the old rules go out the window, and he finds himself actually struggling to get the girl, for once, instead of having her come to him.

Tangled is the first of three books, technically three and a half, in a series, and the next book in it, Twisted, will continue Kate and Drew's story, but be from Kate's point-of-view, which should be interesting. There's a 40-page novella (#1.5 in the series) that is also from Drew's POV.

I'd recommend this book for anyone who likes chick lit, especially from a guy's POV, or anyone looking for a light, funny story.

4 stars out of 5.

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this novel for reviewing purposes. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own.


^ fan made trailer for Tangled - a bit NSFW. Creator made a great choice of Chris Evans for Drew!


GIVEAWAY:

I have two paperback copies of this novel for some of my lucky readers to win!

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Contest will end on Friday, January 17th, and winners will be notified on January 18th, and have 24 hours to respond, or an alternate winner(s) will be chosen. U.S. & Canada residents only, please.

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CONTEST: win a copy of Theirs to Keep (Tangled Hearts trilogy, #1) by Maya Banks, ends 11/11

Maya Banks, the author of the Breathless trilogy, is self-publishing her new book, Theirs to Keep, and it's currently available online as an e-book and in print-on-demand. I have a copy for one of my lucky readers to win - read on to see how!

Official synopsis:
While the Breathless trilogy chronicled the lives and loves of Gabe, Jace, and Ash, three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country, the Tangled Hearts trilogy follows the mysterious appearance of Elle and the impact she has on friends Cade Walker and Merrick Sullivan, who are both determined to keep her safe and loved when they find her. When a battered Elle appears in the cabinet of a gun store with no recollection of how she arrived or who she ran from, Cade and Merrick immediately feel a need to make sure she is taken care of and protected. Their protection ultimately grows to love, and the two men must face the ultimate test of friendship when it becomes clear that Elle is coming between them and neither of them is willing to back down.

In the provocative and thrilling Tangled Hearts trilogy, Banks explores the secrecy of one woman’s explosive past and the hope for her unique and challenging happily ever after with both of the men who love her.

Some interesting facts about Banks's Breathless trilogy:

• Rush Debuted at #3 on The New York Times Combined Print and eBook bestseller list (February 24, 2013)
• Fever landed at #2 on the USA Today bestseller list (April 7, 2013)
• Fever debuted at #2 on The New York Times Paperback Trade Fiction bestseller list (April 21, 2013)
• Burn debuted at #1 on the USA Today bestseller list (August 15, 2013)
• Burn debuted at #1 on 3 New York Times bestseller lists: Combined Print & E-book Fiction, Paperback Trade Fiction AND E-book Fiction (August 25, 2013)

GIVEAWAY:

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway ends on Monday, November 11th, at 11:59pm EST, and winner will be notified on November 12th and have 24 hours to respond, or an alternate winner will be chosen. U.S./Canada only, please.

Good luck!

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Review + Double Giveaway: S.E.C.R.E.T. and S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared, ends 10/28

S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared, by L. Marie Adeline.

Walking towards Magazine Street, I marveled at the fact that I had just made contact with two incredibly sexy men whose own fantasies S.E.C.R.E.T. might unlock. And if they were amenable and discreet, they'd be trained by one of the Committee members. Then they'd be lined up with a lucky candidate, perhaps Dauphine. I glanced around the park, now packed and buzzing with fit joggers, cute dads and hot cyclists. Had these men always been here and I'd never noticed them before? Or were they noticing something in me for the first time?

Matilda's words rang in my mind: You're coming into your own. I see it.

Recently, I was able to read both S.E.C.R.E.T, and S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared, its sequel, and I think I might have a favorite new series. The series is in the erotica genre but is not just sex - the story itself is compelling, as well - and I was glad I had the sequel to start reading immediately after I finished the first one.

Synopsis for S.E.C.R.E.T:
Cassie Robichaud’s life is filled with regret and loneliness after the sudden death of her husband. She waits tables at the rundown Café Rose in New Orleans, and every night she heads home to her solitary one-bedroom apartment. But when she discovers a notebook left behind by a mysterious woman at the café, Cassie’s world is forever changed.

The notebook’s stunningly explicit confessions shock and fascinate Cassie, and eventually lead her to S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T, an underground society dedicated to helping women realize their wildest, most intimate sexual fantasies. Cassie soon immerses herself in an electrifying journey through a series of ten rapturous fantasies with gorgeous men who awaken and satisfy her like never before. As she is set free from her inhibitions, she discovers a new confidence that transforms her, giving her the courage to live passionately. Equal parts enticing, liberating and emotionally powerful, S∙E∙C∙R∙E∙T is a world where fantasy becomes reality.

Synopsis for S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared:
(Warning: contains some spoilers if you haven't read the first book)

"I, Cassie Robichaud, solemnly swear to serve S.E.C.R.E.T. to the best of my abilities. I will do what is necessary, what is right and what is within my power to assist in the execution of sexual fantasies for our participant(s)..."

And so begins S.E.C.R.E.T. II, which opens with Cassie's initiation into this mysterious organization, one that helps women experience their most potent sexual fantasies. Cassie spends the next year as a "S.E.C.R.E.T. member-at-large," not quite a guide, she'll assist Committee members (including two new ones, Kit DeMarco and Angela Rejean) in recruiting men and helping to execute a new inductee's fantasies.

After a false start with the first potential inductee, Cassie makes the acquaintance of Dauphine Gray, a 31-year old who works at the Funky Monkey vintage clothing store on Magazine Street in New Orleans. Geeky, gawky and easily distracted, Dauphine has no idea how attractive she really is because her face is forever in a book. Reading is her passion, music is her pleasure, and Dauphine's all but given up on sex, especially after a painful rejection that still haunts her. Then Cassie and the women from S.E.C.R.E.T. show her it's possible to reignite that flame.

Meanwhile, Cassie must work through her resentment over losing Will to Tracina and their future baby. But when paternity questions surface, Tracina threatens to expose Cassie's S.E.C.R.E.T. membership to the one man both women love. Will Tracina expose Cassie to Will, and if she does, what will he make of his secret love's S.E.C.R.E.T. life?

This is a review of S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared, so you may want to just skip to the bottom if you are planning to read both - and I definitely recommend reading the first book before the second!

In the first novel, we meet Cassie Robichaud, who has been lonely for a first time. Her first husband was not a nice man, and they split up; soon after that, he died in a car accident. She's approached by a woman who tells her about S.E.C.R.E.T., a group that fulfills women's fantasies - specifically, women like Cassie, who have been unloved or lonely for quite a while. Cassie finds herself immersed in the group, but still harbors a crush on her boss, Will, who is dating Tracina, her coworker at the diner.

In S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared, Cassie and Will's relationship has turned tenuous, and Cassie decides to stay in the group to be a mentor to a new recruit, Dauphine, whom is much like how Cassie used to be with men. The book is told in the first person, same as S.E.C.R.E.T., but Cassie and Dauphine alternate chapters.

The first book was great, and I wanted to know more! The series is going to be three books, as well, so I still have a mini cliffhanger on my hands after finishing S.E.C.R.E.T. Shared. The story was very well told and it's easy to relate to Cassie and also Dauphine.

In case you're wondering, S.E.C.R.E.T. stands for how the fantasies should go - at the end of each fantasy, each woman gets a charm to add to her S.E.C.R.E.T. bracelet, and you will have nine charms total at the end:

Safe, in that the participant feels no danger.
Erotic, in that the fantasy is sexual in nature, not just imaginary.
Compelling, in that the participant truly wants to complete the fantasy.
Romantic, in that the participant feels wanted and desired.
Ecstatic, in that the participant experiences joy in the act.
Transformative, in that something int he participant changes in a fundamental way.

Fans of erotica novels or really any novels that tell a good story and are a little sexier than usual will enjoy these books. I would give both novels 4.5 out of 5 stars.

*Disclosure: I received copies of these novels for reviewing purposes. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own.

GIVEAWAY:

I have both S.E.C.R.E.T. novels to give away to one of my lucky readers! Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Contest will end on Monday, October 28th, at 11:59pm EST, and the winner will be notified via email on October 29th. Winner will have 24 hours to respond, or an alternate winner will be chosen. U.S./Canada only, please.

Good luck!

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Book Review and GIVEAWAY: Swimming with Maya, ends 10/23

Swimming with Maya, by Eleanor Vincent.

"Am I crazy? I ask. "I've never felt like this before ..."

"You are crazy, he says calmly, "and you will be for a while. But that is normal when you lose a child." I stare at him, wild with fear over my own suicidal impulses.

"Were you like this?"

"Yes, on and off for a long time."

He must see the fear in my eyes.

"One thing I can promise you," he says, squeezing my hand, is that this feeling will come again, but it will never be as intense as it is now. Each time you go down, you go a little less deep."

You're going to need some tissues for this book, a memoir, but it is a great read. It focuses on Eleanor Vincent, who lost her daughter Maya in the early '90s due to a freak accident - Maya gets thrown off a horse, and hits her head - and how she and her other daughter, Meghan, cope with the aftermath. It's written simply but elegantly, and some parts will make you cry, while others will make you smile.

Official synopsis:
Swimming with Maya demonstrates the remarkable process of healing after the traumatic death of a loved one. Eleanor Vincent raised her two daughters, Maya and Meghan, virtually as a single parent. Maya, the eldest, was a high-spirited and gifted young woman. As a toddler, Maya was an angelic tow-head, full of life and curiosity. As a teenager, Maya was energetic and independent - and often butted heads with her mother. But Eleanor and Maya were always close and connected, like best friends or sisters, but always also mother and daughter.

Then at age 19, Maya mounts a horse bareback as a dare and, in a crushing cantilever fall, is left in a coma from which she will never recover. Eleanor's life is turned upside down as she struggles to make the painful decision about Maya's fate.

Ultimately Eleanor chooses to donate Maya's organs. Years later, she is able to hear Maya's heart beat in the chest of the heart recipient. Along the way, Eleanor re-examines her relationship with her daughter, as well as Eleanor's traumatic life as a child and young woman. In a story that has been called "heartbreaking and heart-healing," Eleanor Vincent illuminates the kind of courage, creativity, faith, and sheer tenacity it takes to find one's balance after unthinkable tragedy.
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I was in the midst of reading this book on October 4th, when I came across a part in a chapter saying Maya's birthday: also October 4th. In a fiction book, one might not think anything about this, but my heart contracted then for the author, Eleanor, because she was no doubt missing Maya that day - as this book is a real story, with little or no embellishments, about her daughter's life and, ultimately, her death.

This book was originally published in 2004, but now is available in Kindle format, with an Afterword. The Afterword details events from 2005 through 2011, and I was glad to read about them, as they pertained to Meghan's life and also others who are mentioned in the story.

Eleanor Vincent has an MFA, and you could see this while reading the book: the writing flows very easily, yet she never loses sight of the purpose of the story - illustrating Maya's life and also giving a bit of Eleanor's own background. Eleanor had a hard childhood but this made her determined to be a good mother, and she and Maya had a very close relationship. We know what this book is about before even reading it, based on the synopsis, but it doesn't make it this any less difficult after Maya suffers from her debilitating fall; while reading this memoir, the reader will go through the emotions that Vincent herself goes through.

4 stars out of 5.

*Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book for reviewing purposes. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own.

GIVEAWAY:

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. I have two copies of Swimming with Maya to give away to my lucky readers!

The contest will end on Wednesday, October 23rd, at 11:59pm EST, and the winners will be emailed on October 24th and have 24 hours to respond, or an alternate winner(s) will be chosen. Giveaway is open to all but U.S. residents will receive print copies of the book and non-U.S. residents (including Canada) will receive e-book copies.

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Book Review and GIVEAWAY: Audrey Bunny, ends 10/21

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Audrey Bunny is a children's book that deals with uniqueness, and one scared little bunny who believes that no one will "take her home" because she has a mark on her. She then meets a little girl who names her Audrey and loves her unconditionally, although Audrey still tries to cover up her mark, at first.

Official synopsis:

From best-selling women’s author Angie Smith (I Will Carry You, Mended) comes this sweet children’s book about a stuffed animal named Audrey Bunny who fears her imperfections make her unworthy of a little girl’s love. She'll learn the truth soon enough, and young readers will learn that everyone is special and wonderfully made by God.




I thought this was a wonderful book, especially for children, as it talks about how you shouldn't be afraid to be yourself. It does have religious tones, including a "more discussion" section at the end, but overall I didn't think it was very religious - anyone regardless of your religion would enjoy this book, and enjoy sharing it with your child or grandchild.

The pictures were also very well-drawn in this book, and it's a hardcover children's book that would make a great addition to any collection.

You can win a copy of Audrey Bunny by entering via the Rafflecopter below! Contest ends on Monday, October 21st, at 11:59pm EST, and winner will be notified via email on October 22nd and have 24 hours to respond, or an alternate winner will be chosen. U.S./Canada only, please.

Good luck!

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Guest Post and Giveaway: Klout Score, by Susan Gilbert

Susan Gilbert

Susan Gilbert is the author of Klout Score: Social Media Influence, How to Gain Exposure and Increase Your Klout, and has graciously agreed to do a guest post about Klout and social media. You can also win an e-copy of her book below. 


Over the last ten years social media has exploded at a phenomenal rate, and has become the dominant force on the Internet today for authors, brands, and businesses. Social networks like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, and YouTube are now essential to be a part of. But with so many people congregating in one place how do you distinguish credible and high influencing users? The answer is simple: social measurement.

In 2008 Klout was born in San Francisco, and has become the standard for showing an individual or company’s social influence. With its unique algorithm, the service has had its share of debate, but has seen a restructuring of its measurement along with added services over the last three years.

What Klout does is that it takes into account your online activity through your social media accounts. Klout scores are calculated on a 90 day running average, and range from 0 to 100. The value of interactions with your social community directly affects your influence and credibility.

Currently the top sources of Klout score measurement include Twitter, Facebook, Google+ profiles, LinkedIn, and Instagram. It is important to connect all of your social networks as this will factor into increasing that number.

Klout pays specific attention to your interaction with people, especially those who are high influencers in your area of expertise. Depending on your industry, Klout allows you to list topics of influence like the example here:

The growth and expansion of Klout and the number of users is growing, and with recent changes to user profiles this makes them even more prominent. And in just the last two years Business pages have been integrated along with the addition of Klout Experts, which is posted to Bing, and allows individuals and brands to showcase their expertise. Klout is becoming more important not just for marketers, but also for employers looking for potential new team members, authors establishing credibility, and brand building.

Klout has demanded our attention, and like it or not we must pay attention to its measurement of influence. I explain much more about how to get started, what Klout can do for your brand or business, and much more in my new eBook, KLOUT SCORE: Social Media Influence, How to Gain Exposure and Expand Your Klout Score.

With KLOUT SCORE you will see social measurement as a way to build your own reputation, which will help open new doors of opportunity and influence.

-

Book Synopsis:

Klout is a social media measurement tool and KLOUT SCORE: Social Media Influence will explain in easy to follow steps why it is important to be aware of Klout and how to use it effectively.

What this book will do for you:
● Understand what Klout is and how to get started

The Beginner Guide approach:
● Clear step by step instructions
● Learn by doing, start working right away
● Leave out the boring bits
● Inspiring, realistic examples give you ideas for your own social media


Enter to win your own copy of Klout Score! Entries accepted via the Rafflecopter form below. The contest will end on Sunday, October 20th, at 11:59pm EST, and the winner will be emailed on October 21st and have 24 hours to respond, or a new winner will be chosen. Book is an e-book and is available in ePub, Mobi, or PDF form.

Good luck!

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Review and GIVEAWAY: How to Discipline Your Vampire

How to Discipline Your Vampire, by Mina Vaughn.

"I think I have one you'll like, if I may," he said politely.

I must be dreaming. "Proceed," I said, both anticipating and dreading what was going to come from his lips next. Please don't be a student scene ...

"I'm a vampire who has endured decades of loneliness. All I want is a woman who I can worship - who will look past my flaws. I need a fearless Domme who will punish me for all my past misdeeds.

This guy was either insane, or a fucking genius.

And to be perfectly honest, I didn't care.

I received a pitch email for this book while I was at BlogHer back in July, and the title of the novel immediately intrigued me. The novel turned out to be a 50 Shades "lite" type book, except there's a Domme (female dominatrix) instead of a Dom (male, like Christian Grey), and the story was very cute and a good read.

Official synopsis:
Cerise Norrel, Type A substitute teacher by day, is ready to quit being a domme. Despite her best intentions, none of her partners can keep up with her scene fetish and attention to detail—let alone her demand that they have a costume and set waiting every afternoon by the time she’s home from school.

Over a dozen potential subs have left her in the past year, but just when Cerise thinks it’s impossible—that she’ll have to go back to vanilla relationships, or be alone forever—she meets William, who wants to make all her fantasies come true. He turns her home into a geisha’s dream apartment, a concert hall with a grand piano (which he uses to play an original composition while wearing a tuxedo), and even rents an abandoned loft for a zombie apocalypse scene—complete with canned goods.

But there’s something strange about William. Well, a lot of strange things. He must be absurdly rich, since he can afford to provide extravagant costumes and props on a daily basis without having to leave work early. He must be insane, since he puts up with Cerise’s over-the-top demands. And most importantly, he doesn’t redden when he’s spanked, and his skin is as cool as satin sheets. When Cerise discovers she’s become dome to the infamous “Chilly Willy,” as he’s known throughout the BDSM urban lore, she begins to find out there’s a whole lot more to her handsome submissive than a creative mind and a hard body.

And when it’s William, ironically, who starts pressing Cerise to give him the kind of commitment she’s never given anyone, it’ll take everything she has to work through her issues, confront her past, and learn to be vulnerable.
-

Both Cerise and William have interesting backstories, which is why this novel works so well. He's a vampire who turns out to be a virgin, until he meets Cerise, and he's a sub (submissive, as in Dominant and submissive) who is looking for the right "mistress." Cerise is a substitute teacher who could be full-time if she wanted, but lacks initiative, and is a Domme who had issues with her last sub and is looking for a new one. They meet at a "speed dating" type event, and later she find out he has the nickname "Chilly Willy," because he's always cold ... which she later finds out is because he's a vampire, but that only turns her on more/fascinates her instead.

I liked both of the main characters in this story, and it was interesting to learn more about Cerise's lifestyle. She's very demanding of her subs but William, being extremely rich (and also a vampire who can do things at lightning speed ...), is able to please her, but when they start to get emotionally closer she has to decide if she just wants to be his Domme or if they can engage in a normal relationship as well.

The one thing that I did find a little weird in the book is that Cerise nicknamed her, um, "lady parts" - her name is Bizzy. I know that in movies and whatnot, guys sometimes do this, or women do this to guys, but this is the first I've stumbled upon it with a woman giving herself a nickname, and it was definitely strange. It did inspire a funny conversation between Cerise and William but I feel that it could have been left out of the book.

Make sure to check out the book's trailer below to get a sense of the novel, and enter my giveaway too to receive an e-copy of the novel.

3.5 stars out of 5.

*Disclosure: I was given an e-copy of this book for reviewing purposes. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own.

GIVEAWAY:

I have two e-copies of How to Discipline Your Vampire to give away to my lucky readers.

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. The contest ends Monday, September 23rd at 11:59pm - winner will be notified on September 24th and have 24 hours to respond or an alternate winner(s) will be chosen.

Open to all (including international) since they're e-books.

Good luck!

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Review and GIVEAWAY: Hallows Haven, ends 9/21

Hallows Haven, by Melissa Brodsky and Nicole Madison.

When she was finally able to gain control of the erratic shifting by envisioning and holding onto a mental picture of who she was, she reemerged. But not really, not completely. Her Drivel 11th-grade self would never be sitting up in this tree, perched so high from the ground. She was a different Gwen now, one with magic abilities. She could fly. She could shift. She was Magick.

Before you ask, no, I didn't misspell "magic" in that above blurb - the authors decided to spell it "magick" throughout, which has been done before but is a little jarring. This is the second book by Melissa Brodsky (whom I know in real life) that I've read, and it was just as entertaining as the first - I love paranormal stories and YA books, so when you combine them the result is often great.

Official synopsis:
Captain of the cheerleading team, 16 year old Gwen Valiente has it all--the best of friends, a loving home, and a bright future. Little does she know that the people she loves the most have been keeping secrets--life-altering secrets.

When strange things start to happen to Gwen, she is thrust into a magickal new realm called Hallows Haven. Leaving the ordinary behind, she discovers that she can do things beyond her wildest dreams. As Hallows Haven begins to feel more like home, Gwen wonders how she ever felt satisfied with everyday life in Michigan.

Too late, Gwen realizes that even in this realm full of light and magick, danger lurks. Someone close to her is not what he seems and someone will do anything to draw her out of Hallows Haven and into the darkness. Even worse, some of that darkness may already exist within her, threatening her chance to make Hallows Haven her permanent home.

Have Gwen's loved ones continued to keep dangerous secrets? Can Gwen resist the call of darkness?
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Gwen was originally from Michigan in the book, which I of course liked (I'm from metro Detroit), and it was interesting to see how she adapted to Hallows Haven from the Drivel (non-magical) world. I definitely saw a lot of Harry Potter influences throughout, from when she first goes shopping with her grandmother (Diagon Alley) to when she starts learning about all of the cool stuff she can actually do (Hogwarts year 1) but there were some unique things thrown in as well.

The ending of the book is very abrupt/open-ended, and the authors have said that, at minimum, Hallows Haven will be a trilogy, with the second book coming out this December 2013, so keep a lookout for it then. I definitely want to read it so I know what happens to Gwen! Until then, you can follow Hallows Haven on Facebook, or buy a copy on Amazon (and make sure to enter my below contest, too).

3.5 stars out of 5.

*Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this novel from the authors to read. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own.

GIVEAWAY:

I have two e-copies of Hallows Haven for some of my lucky readers.

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. The contest ends Saturday, September 21st at 11:59pm - winner will be notified on September 22nd and have 24 hours to respond or an alternate winner(s) will be chosen. Open to all (international too) since they're e-books.

Good luck!

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Review and Giveaway: Alone Yet Not Alone

Alone Yet Not Alone, by Tracy Leininger Craven.

Outside, the tall figure, who just hours before had stood still as a statue watching the family, had long since sneaked back into the slumbering forest just as quickly as he had come. He now sat in front of his own campfire, his eyes burning as bright as the light that flickered before him. His face did not soften in the gleam, but instead the dancing reflection highlighted his hardened features and accentuated the furrows in his brow. Soon his companions joined him, engaging in deep and agitated conversation until, at last, all was settled and they too fell asleep. Only, their dreams were of a different sort than Barbara's; they were not of peace and tranquility.

Alone Yet Not Alone is a faith-based book that focuses on the true story of the Leininger family's abduction (the relatives of the author, as you may have guessed) during the French and Indian War. I myself am not very religious, and I think this book is definitely geared more towards those who have a strong Christian faith; however, the story was interesting and it's a quick read, which is good for kids.

Official synopsis:
Settled in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania, deep within America's new frontier, the Leininger family celebrates the blessings of a beautiful homestead and bountiful harvest. That is, until tragedy strikes with the beginning of the French and Indian War and the devastating raid known as the Penn's Creek Massacre.

The lives of this simple, God-fearing family are forever altered when Barbara and Regina, two young sisters, are carried away by the Delaware tribe. Driven by their faith in God and the powerful bonds of family, Barbara and Regina hold firmly to the belief that they are never alone, even in their darkest hour, and that they will be reunited again.

Rich in historical details, Alone Yet Not Alone is an inspirational, true story of a family caught in the cross fire of the French and Indian War.
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The book is actually being made into a film, which will be out on September 27th, and the trailer does look interesting. One of the main problems I have with the book is that it didn't go into much depth - at about 150 pages there's not a lot of time to do that - but a feature-length film looks like it can adding more to the story.

Also be aware, as I mentioned above, that this is an extremely faith-based book. In one scene, Barbara, the oldest girl who was captured, asked one of her Native American captors how his world was created, and he talks about a god of sorts that created everything. Barbara wishes he could "know" Jesus Christ and how Jesus looks out for everyone, as she puts it. In another scene, Barbara is in love with a good friend of her brothers, but declines his marriage proposal because he's not religious; it's only after he "accepts Jesus into his heart" that she agrees to marry him. I myself am not Christian or religious, so to me this was a little jarring, but I believe that someone like me was not the intended audience for this sort of book to begin with.

I also would have liked to have known more about the true Leininger story, to see how closely this book captures the sisters' experiences - it took place in the 1700s, so obviously the author can't know everything about the experience, but I assume that the gist of their adventure that took place in real life takes place in the book, too.

2.5 stars out of 5.

*Disclosure: I received a copy of this novel for reviewing purposes. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own.

You can view the movie trailer here:

GIVEAWAY:

I have one copy of Alone Yet Not Alone to give away. U.S. and Canada only, please. Enter to win via the Rafflecopter below. The contest ends Thursday, September 5th at 11:59pm - winner will be notified September 6th and have 24 hours to respond or an alternate winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

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Review and Giveaway: A Southern Place, ends 9/3

A Southern Place, by Elaine Drennon Little.

How did Calvin know these guns?

"But your daddy's favorites are these two: The Webley Mark IV and Mark 5. These here was officers' guns in World War I that his daddy brought back from the war, hidden in a box of silverware."

Later, Phil couldn't remember when Cal had left, and knew he must have drunk three bottles by himself. That night he dreamed of bears and wars and guns, and fathers who treasure beautiful old things.

Not their sons.

This novel starts in the present - late 1980s - where Mary Jane "Mojo" Mullinax is in the hospital, badly beaten up. It then spools us back so that we can learn about her mother and her family history, and it's interesting to know the story behind the stories. I was also surprised to learn that this is the author's debut novel, as it was written beautifully and will keep you captivated throughout its entirety.

Official synopsis:
Mary Jane Hatcher--everyone calls her Mojo--is beat up bad. She's in the ICU of Phoebe Putney, the largest hospital in South Georgia, barely able to talk. How Mojo goes from being that skinny little girl in Nolan, a small forgotten town along the Flint River, to the young woman now fighting for her life is where this story begins and ends.

Mojo, her mama Delores and her Uncle Calvin Mullinax, like most folks in Nolan, have just tried to make the best of it. Of course, people aren't always what they seem and Phil Foster--the handsome, spoiled son of the richest man in the county--is no exception.

As the story of the Mullinax family unfolds, Mojo discovers a family's legacy can be many things: a piece of earth, a familiar dwelling, a shared bond. And although she doesn't know why she feels such a bond with Phil Foster, it is there all the same, family or not. And she likes to think we all have us a fresh start. Like her mama always said, the past is all just water under the bridge. Mojo, after going to hell and back, finally comes to understand what that means.
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The reader will learn about Mojo's mother, Delores, and how she ended up pregnant with Mojo, as well as her uncle, Cal, and how everyone's stories are entertwined. Mojo's father, Phil, never knew that he was her father, as well, because Delores kept it a secret; Phil's father was Cal's former employer, and he threatened Delores to break off her relationship with Phil, otherwise he would revoke the money that Cal had received in a settlement from his company for disability.

The decision to start at the end, for the most part, and slowly bring the story back up to the present was an interesting one by the author. I believe that overall it did work, but I found myself wanting to flip back to the front of the book (which I unfortunately couldn't, since I had it in PDF form and it would have taken forever) throughout the novel to re-read the beginning and see if I could try and connect the dots. I think A Southern Place would make a great movie, too, because it's one of those "epic" tales that span centuries and generations; it would be interesting to think of my ideal casting for it, too.

4 stars out of 5.

*Disclosure: I was given an e-copy of this novel for reviewing purposes. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own.

GIVEAWAY:

I have TWO e-copies of A Southern Place for some of my lucky readers. Enter to win via the Rafflecopter below. Two winners will be chosen, and the contest ends Tuesday, September 3rd at 11:59pm - winners will be notified September 4th and have 24 hours to respond or an alternate winner(s) will be chosen. No international restrictions for this one, also, since they're e-books and not print copies!

Good luck!

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Contest: You Are Cordially Invited ... to win a book, plus other great prizes!

Love is in the Air.. And weddings are all around. The MI Savings Mama family is getting married!!!!
 And Guess What....!
You Are Cordially Invited...
Hosted by MI Savings Mama
Co-Hosted by This Mama Loves, Children Teaching Mama, A Safe Haven,Woven By Words and Joy Of Momma Joyner.

This giveaway wouldn't be possible with out these AMAZING Sponsors:

Brilliant Earth - Heart Shaped Pendant with Conflict Free Diamond ($125 Value)


Brian Brundage Designs - BB Pendant ($495 Value)


Wedding Paper Diva's - 2 Packs Cocktail Napkins ($45.00 Value)


ABS - 50 of the Best Core Exercises (book)


Natures Notebook Name in Sand Photo - ($30.00 Value)

*One Lucky Reader will receive the items shown above ( $700.00 Value)
*Giveaway starts August 11, 2013 at Noon est.
*Giveaway will end at 11:59pm est on September 1, 2013
*Giveaway is open to US only
* You must be 18 or over to enter
* Winner will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter
* Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen.
* The lucky winner will be notified by email at the end of the Giveaway.
* MI Savings Mama and the other participating blogs are not responsible for prize shipment or fulfillment

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Review and GIVEAWAY: Wink

Wink, by Eric Trant.

You pour kerosene over the Dead-Eye. You rub it clean. You put it in your mouth and suck off the kerosene, then spit it into your palm. You hold open the lid of your left eye, and you shove the Dead-Eye into the empty socket.

Something is released inside you. The pain of losing your eye is gone in a breath. You are filled with electricity, and when you open your Dead-Eye, you see the world for the first time. You see a Boogerbear with such detail that you could count its feathers.

Wink has been compared to a Stephen King novel, but I've read Carrie and The Shining and this is a bit more "tame." However, it's definitely one of the weirdest/most "unique" books I've read lately, and because of that, it might be geared towards a specific audience.

Official synopsis:
In this thriller set in a rural Gulf Coast town, twelve-year-old Marty Jameson finds refuge in the attic from his mother’s abusive rages. But only during the day. At night the attic holds terrors even beyond what he witnesses in his home. With a family made up of a psychotic mother, a drug-dealing father and a comatose older brother withering away in the spare bedroom, Marty feels trapped.

Next door, wheel-chair bound Sadie Marsh obsessively watches Marty’s comings and goings from her bedroom window, despite her mother’s warning about the evil in that house. Evil which appears to Sadie as huge black-winged creatures.

Marty, emotionally torn by the violence and dysfunction in his family, is drawn to Sadie and her kindly mother. But if he is to save his new friend from the supernatural horror threatening them all, Marty must transform himself from victim to hero. And to do so, he must first confront what lurks hidden in the shadows of his attic.
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This novel reminded me a LOT of Betty's Child, which I recently reviewed, at least before it got more in to the supernatural side of the book. Marty lives in an abusive household, and his mother doesn't really care about him; his father knows his mother is a wacko, basically, but keeps her around for sex. He had a brother, Gerald, who he accidentally shot when he was younger, and who lives in the house but is barely alive - he's on a breathing machine and is fed via tube. Marty's neighbor, Sadie, who is in a wheelchair, likes to watch Marty from her house, as he's always up to something interesting.

One of the things I liked about this book is that it let us see different POVs (points-of-view) throughout. Marty used to be close to his Uncle Cooper, and even though Cooper is now deceased, we get a few excerpts from his POV. In addition, we get to peer inside his crazy mother's head too - I thought this passage was especially poignant, about Marty's shooting:

Your youngest son, the mistake, the goddamned stupid mistake from one night of careless sex that wasn't even that great is sitting in a chair on his knees, holding that .38 pistol your husband calls Mad Annie because it is a woman's gun with a woman's one-pound pull on the trigger. The smoke from the shot lingers around the mistake like a gray, smoldering halo.

On the floor beneath the mistake is your oldest son. He is eighteen. He is beautiful. He is a god in a god's body. He rests on the floor beside the chair the way a puppet might fall if you cut his strings and let him drop, arms flayed with his chest on his knees.

"I didn't mean it," your mistake says.  

The ending and also an incident in the middle of this book were especially crazy, and the author (Eric Trant) must have an especially vivid imagination in order to have written it.

3.5 stars out of 5.

*Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of this novel for reviewing purposes. The opinions expressed here, however, are my own.

GIVEAWAY:

I have one copy of Wink to give to a lucky reader. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. The contest will end next Monday, August 12th, at 11:59pm EST, and the winner will be emailed on August 13th and have 24 hours to respond, or an alternate winner will be chosen.

Open to all countries but U.S/Canada winners will receive a print copy; all other residents will receive an e-book copy.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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