Book Review- Puppy Love by the Sea

BOOK REVIEW- PUPPY LOVE BY THE SEA- Sarah Murphy champions the underdog in her shelter by the sea, fighting against designer puppy mills and greedy breeders. Franco de Silva is a wealthy single dad looking for a place to heal. He invests in a puppy store, which comes with Sarah, a blonde animal control officer hell bent on shutting him down. Sarah sees suave and entitled Franco as everything she despises in a man. It’s only through his daughter that she discovers who he really is. His generous nature dares her to reach for her dreams while Franco realizes that Sarah’s genuine heart is what he and his daughter need most.  AMAZON

Charming, flirty story.  Franco and Sarah got off to a rough start; adversaries and hostile after a misunderstanding of sorts.  She had just outsed a puppy mill type business after a six  month fight.  When Franco bought the space and opened up a designer dog business, she thought he was just more of the same.  Not a good way to start; looking for trouble and issuing a citation right off the bat.  Franco was gorgeous, rich and hot; all things that made Sarah distrust him even more.  Now his daughter, Bella was a totally different story; they hit off right away.  After a Thank you dinner that Franco begrudging offered, he began to see Sarah in a whole different light.  He began to want what he saw was the true Sarah.  She considered herself "Just Sarah", what you see is what you get.  He began to desire her because she just began to light up his life even when she was all independent and all.   Sarah's passion was rescuing unwanted animals and Franco's passion was cooking as a chef and his daughter Bella.  But as more time went on he wanted to include Sarah as his passion.  She kept saying, only friends but he wanted so much more.  Sarah figured he was waaaay out of her league.  

Sarah's mom is an interesting addition to the story as is her employee/friend Martin.  There is a HEA for them of course but before that there is food, laughter, animals and some fighting.  Can they work as a team?   The HEA says they can, but Franco has his work cut out for him.  

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW-Bound to the Sheikh (HOT)

BOOK REVIEW- BOUND TO THE SHEIKH-Sheikh Ashim Al Raquar, Crown Prince of Alzaquan, knows he must return to his country and leave his playboy reputation far behind him. It will be a wild journey home, though—he intends to party on his yacht right to the edge of the desert. And then he meets Emily, a corporate flight attendant who’s in the south of France hoping to find herself after years of taking care of her husband.  A sensual, charismatic lover with a reputed dark edge to his bedroom skills is the very last thing Emily needs.  Or is it the first?  AMAZON LINK

After reading the book blurb, it gives you a pretty good idea that there is going to be some hot things going on between Ashim and Emily.  He was kind of drawn to Emily because she was different but I think he still thought she would be another one night stand.   She went into it also thinking she wanted to be brave and go for what she wanted for a change; but also thought it would be for just one night.   Their wild night turns into two with both of them trying to deny that they wanted more.  Of course there is a huge blowup of misunderstanding that causes things to change in an unpleasant way.   They have plenty of challenges awaiting them.  One of those is his formidible old-fashioned rigid father, The King.  The King wants rules and the old ways, not wanting to budge one bit and his plans do NOT include Emily.   Ashim wants not only Emily but a blending of the Old Ways with some of the more modern ways, to benefit his beloved country.  
There is a HEA and an epilogue (which I always like).  

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

BOOK REVIEW- RING OF TRUTH

BOOK REVIEW- RING OF TRUTH-  A man in the shadows… As the infamous thief known as the Jeweler lay dying, he gave his son, Cortez Jones, a puzzle piece that will lead to a cache of crown jewels. Recovering the loot could finally get the FBI off Cort’s back, but the only person who can help him is a DSF researcher who blames the Jeweler for destroying her family. Forming an uneasy alliance with her, Cort finds her courage and tender heart make him want more than riches or redemption. 
A woman in the light… When Mara Marton’s insurance investigator father was accused of conspiring with the Jeweler, the scandal ruined him and led to his death. Now the jewel thief’s son wants her help. Although sharing her research expertise and her father’s files with this sexy ex-con could prove her father’s innocence, how can she trust that Cort doesn’t want the treasure for himself? 
Time is running out… The puzzle piece brings Cort and Mara together, but danger and secrets threaten to tear them apart. Sparks fly as they struggle to trust one another and recover the jewels before they are claimed by the deadly black-market syndicate Centaur. But with their lives—and their hearts—on the line, there’s no turning back.  AMAZON

This story draws you in pretty quickly.  I really liked both of the MC's, they were gutsy, smart, lovable and persistent.  You could also see the hurts that they had dealt with in their life up to this point.  It was written in such a way that it was pretty easy to relate to.  This book gets a really good mystery going. With a fair amount of players, all with their own agendas.  Sleazy, murderous and greedy ones, that make the story even better without getting confusing.  
I was so into the story.   I actually got mad at Mara when she told her sister something she promised Cort she wouldn't.   I called her an Idiot !!!! and shut my Kindle and tossed it down.  Geez, it was for their own safety!  What didn't she get about that?    Ok, I finally calmed down and forgave her long enough to go back to the story. Because honestly I couldn't stay away; I just needed to know what happened next.   I enjoyed every minute of this book; well except for my meltdown at that one point.  Lots of twists and turns and at the end I was very satisfied with the final outcome.  

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW- Diamond Duplicity (Hot Story)

BOOK REVIEW- DIAMOND DUPLICITY- FYI: Adult language, situations, and explicit sex scenes.
Lucy Matthews can’t believe her crazy luck. While she’s on a date with Mr. Wrong, her evening tilts from merely unfortunate to downright surreal when his attempt to sneak them into a club lands them in the middle of a diamond heist.
When gorgeous Max Callaghan discovers a hot and disheveled Lucy clutching his bag of diamonds at the crime scene, he brands her with a fiery kiss. His gang wants her dead, so Max rescues her by claiming her as his girlfriend. Lucy soon realizes with sudden, pulse-pounding clarity that she needs Max for another reason entirely, but their passionate ruse might not survive the intense pressure of a high-stakes mob war.  AMAZON
It wasn't exactly what I was expecting.  That is good and not so good.   It is a short story, which I knew.  But even in those short amount of pages, there sure was a whole lot of sex packed into it.  Yes, there was a connection between the two main characters, something I guess I would call an "Insta Attraction".  Lucy was all but actually drooling, when she first met Max in a rather unusual way.   Max's gang were a cast of unusual people whose language was off the charts of course; lots of swearing.   Of course Lucy," the Princess" threw in a few zingers too. They also were very scary in the beginning.   As the story went on, all in all it was hard not to like them all except the villain of course.  There was humor and friendships quickly fleshed out which is always a plus.  For me, it just felt like there seemed to be something missing in the story, when it came to explaining a few things. But there will be an interesting twist at the end.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK REVIEW- How to Marry a Royal Highlander

BOOK- How to Marry a Royal Highlander-   Illegitimate yet thoroughly irresistible, the Renegade Royals are leaving behind their careers as daring spies for the greatest adventure of all…At sixteen, Alasdair Gilbride, heir to a Scottish earldom, fled the Highlands and an arranged betrothal. Ten years later, Alasdair must travel home to face his responsibilities. It's a task that would be much easier without the distracting presence of the most enticing woman he's ever met…
After one escapade too many, Eden Whitney has been snubbed by the ton. The solution: rusticating in the Scottish wilderness, miles from all temptation. Except, of course, for brawny, charming Alasdair. The man is so exasperating she'd likely kill him before they reach the border—if someone else weren't trying to do just that. Now Eden and Alasdair are plunging into a scandalous affair with his life and her reputation.  AMAZON

I enjoyed this story immensely.  I think it has to do a lot with the Main Characters. Alec and Edie and some of the side characters as well.   Alec ran away at the age of sixteen from an arranged marriage, he fled from Scotland and the marriage he had NOT agreed to  Although he loved Scotland and the castle he lived in, it began to become more and more of a prison as pressure is placed on him and his fiancee to marry.  Of course its been presented as a promise to the clan but there are more secrets involved, making it so  much more than that.    He finds himself forced to return to Scotland  after 10 years but his decision about his supposed fiancee has not changed. He has spent years in dangerous situations and has grown larger not only in body but determination as well.  To make it even worse, he finds himself trying to woo Edie, who gives him the cold shoulder when she discovers he is engaged.  That makes things even more difficult because Eden and her mother have gone into a form of temporary "exile".   WITH Alec in Scotland of all places.   Edie has  been sent away until things cool down in London from her recent disgrace.   Alec's grandfather, the current Laird is resistant to anything English; which Edie and her mother most definitely are.  Too bad for grandfather, that Alec is head over heels about Edie, even if he's not sure exactly how she feels about him. Alec enjoys the fact that she is lively, curious, smart, beautiful and more fun than a barrel of monkeys.  Nothing boring about her at all.  Most of the time he doesn't even mind that she calls him a big "Scottish Oaf" when she gets mad at him.   She just thinks he likes to tease and torment her, so she's not sure of his feelings for quite a while either.  Many of the seconday characters are pretty interesting as well.  Edie's mother being one of those, formidable in her own way; she's a force to be reckonded with.  She does love her children and is looking out for them to make good marriages,  One's that place them in even higher positions than what they came from.    I liked her, she sure came up with some help solve to problems when it was needed.  She also increased a few too, at least at first when she went head to head with the old Laird.  Fergus, was the steward who loves the land and some think he should have inherited it according to a secret.  He is also the angry brother of Alec's fiancee, Donella, who wants to kill Alec for dishonoring his sister by not marrying her.  Some things have been happening  that look like someone has murder on their mind.  Is it Fergus or is it someone else trying to take steps to change lives or take them?  
Just to let you know there are at least 2 scenes involving sex in this book.  


That promised novella? 
Its called, "Tall, Dark and Royal".  It was a complete novella that I also enjoyed quite a bit.  Dominic Hunter and his long lost friend (and love)  Chloe Steele were very well portrayed in this novella.  So was the the anguish of Chloe being parted from her son Griffin for so many years.     After she got past a certain part of her life, she went into hiding to protect those she loved and to hide her shame.    Sir Dominic has been searching for her for a very long time and he's not planning on letting anything stand in his way when it comes to Chloe; not even herself.  

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

BOOK REVIEW- The Reluctant Empath

BOOK-THE RELUCTANT EMPATH- Have you spent your life feeling everyone’s emotions? Have you been bombarded with every thought, every feeling from those around you and from the world itself? Are you ready to scream? You are not crazy; you are an empath. There is a reason you feel all that you do. This valuable guide will help you understand what it means to be an empath, why you feel what you feel, and how to share the wonderful opportunities the gift of empathy offers you to heal yourself, those around you, and the world. With this book, readers learn to discern the truth when people’s words do not match their emotions, to use fearlessness to protect yourself, and to tap into the vibrational energy of love. You will also learn to discern how energy works and how it can be used for healing, accessing the past, present, and future, manifesting responsibly, and much more. If you suspect you are an empath or know someone who may be struggling with that gift, this book is a must read.   Schiffer Publishing Ltd Book Link

I want to say right off the bat that I am a Christian and so of course I already know that there was going to be some things that I wasn't going to agree with.  So why did I read this book?    Because I felt like there was some truth that I COULD draw from it.  Although there is some information in the Christian community,  on how discernment works , there really doesn't seem to be all that much.  
An Empath was described as A Human Sponge. From a believers lens, I see this as discernment in action.    I don't agree with the authors statement about picking up on the emotions from the dead though.  I do think that you can pick up emotions from the atmosphere that "demonic spirits" can cause, or atmospheres where something bad has happened.  So if I look at it from that point of view I can see what the authors meant. 
The statement about it being too much sometimes being that human sponge of emotions I have experienced.  I especially agree with the statement about people sometimes shutting down emotionally in order to cope with the overloads. 
I like that in this book, it talks about the physical feelings that you could feel in your body; like an uneasiness, discomfort or pain in your stomach or chest.  When someones words and there true intent don't match up it,  doesn't feel good to you.  Love and joy have a higher vibration that feels good. Depression and lies have a lower vibration.   Yes, I do think that everything that God has made has a vibration; a sound/music if you will.   There was a really good definition of depression making you feel heavy like your trying to move through sludge.  Something to think about. Also mentioned is that empaths often need to find a place of solace.  It could be into nature or books, art, a fantasy world  or music to name a few.  All of the different ways  to feel happy/good again.  It made me think of escapism in a way that I hadn't thought of it before.  

If other fellow Christians are thinking of reading this book, I guess one thing I would say is be well grounded in the Bible, in order to not get involved in anything that goes against what Jesus taught.   
I can't go along with the past lives view that is offered in this book for one thing.  But I could identify with the idea of unconditional love; that we have 2 choices, love or fear.  I did find some gems among the different points made in this book.  So I guess like I said earlier about the Bible, I would read but with caution also.  

Also available at  AMAZON LINK

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

KneeMail (p)

BOOK REVIEW- DANCE FOR A DEAD PRINCESS

BOOK- DANCE FOR A DEAD PRINCESS- The people Nicholas Carey has loved are all ghosts: his mother, the world-famous concert pianist; his wife, Deborah, the most beautiful woman in England; and Diana, Princess of Wales, his most trusted friend and confident. How many nights has he spent talking to Diana about his marriage, about her marriage, about his guilt over Deborah, and about the impossibility of being in love? Too many to count. He aches to tell Diana how empty his life has become without her and without Deborah, but he can do nothing to bring them back. Yet he can expose Diana’s killer. Taylor Collins, a Wall Street lawyer, has the tape Diana made naming her assassin, and he is determined to get it. 
Taylor does not want to spend Christmas at Burnham Abbey overseeing the sale of the Carey’s ancestral home to her client, an American school for girls. Nicholas Carey, the Eighteenth Duke of Burnham, holder of a five-hundred-year-old title, is a spoiled selfish international financier; and Taylor would far rather be in New York, pursuing her high-powered legal career and hoping her fiancé, who left her at the alter months earlier, will return. 
But night after night, Taylor hears Nicholas at the piano playing the haunting pavane for all the lost princesses in his life because his broken heart will not let him sleep. By day, she reads the tragic love story of Thomas, the First Duke, knight and liegeman to Henry VIII, who founded the Carey family but who never recovered from the loss of his beloved wife. Just as Taylor realizes Thomas’s unmeasurable capacity to love is hidden beneath Nicholas’s shallow public facade, Lucy, Nicholas’s mysterious ward, turns up dead. Taylor’s heart is stretched to its limits as she searches for the truth about Nicholas and comes face to face with Diana’s assassins.  AMAZON 

A flight on fancy involving Princess Diana and her murder as part of the story.

There are several different dramas going on at the same time that cause you to wonder about the Duke,  Nicholas and his past life.  Not only if he was guilty of harming his now dead wife, Deborah but also if he was the good guy in this present time.  Of course as the reader we get to see some of what  Nicholas and Taylor were thinking and feeling.    Their POV's were done in a way that wasn't confusing or repetitive. There were a couple issues that were repeated because it was part of the mystery.  The old diaries that Taylor found were an interesting addition and at the end of the story you end up finding they also figure into the whole story .  The romance dance between  Nicholas and Taylor was a good one; each one wanting to move forward but both afraid to be hurt by loving again.   Nicholas wasn't the only one with a tragic history; Taylor had a lot of pain that she was hiding inside of herself.   There were plenty of twists and turns to satisfy any sleuth aficionado.    The story also managed to pull on the heartstrings quite often. Especially the music that Nicholas played on the piano; the dance for a dead princess.  I really liked that touch.  And Lucy, who was Nicholas' ward made plenty of trouble all on her own; she was one piece of work.  

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

"Purposes for Tongues!" Richard Crisco

Because of a Soldier (p)

Cold Dead Hands
If a picture is worth a thousand words, how many words is a life worth?

For our men and women of the Armed Forces, I have two words, Thank you. 

Our newest offering is the; 'Cold Dead Hands' Bust out design: http://bit.ly/1eO7bPj

Find our new vinyl decals here: http://store.colddeadhands.us/collections/vinyl-stickers

Follow us on twitter: @colddeadhands1

Fight for your rights today so that your children don't have to fight for their lives tomorrow.

-AC-

BOOK REVIEW- LADY OF THE FLAMES

BOOK- LADY OF THE FLAMES- Perfect lady, disgraced lord, traitor, spies, magic with fire, magic with blades and love (of course!). Magic with is fraught with peril—but so is love. 
Lord Fenimore Trent’s uncanny affinity for knives and other sharp blades led to knife fights, duels, and murderous brawls. Five years ago, he faced a choice: marry Andromeda Gibbons, the woman he loved, or find a safe, peaceful use for his blades by opening a furniture shop—an unacceptable occupation for a man of noble birth. The choice made itself when Andromeda turned to another man. The furniture shop prospered, but now Fen’s partner has been accused of treason. In order to root out the real traitor, he may face another unpalatable choice—to resort to the violent use of his blades once again.   Once upon a time, Andromeda Gibbons believed in magic. That belief faded after her mother’s death and vanished completely when Lord Fenimore, the man she loved, spurned her. Five years later, Andromeda has molded herself into a perfect—and perfectly unhappy—lady. When she overhears her haughty betrothed, the Earl of Slough, plotting treason, she flees into the London night—to Fen, the one man she knows she can trust. But taking refuge with Fen proves to mean far more than getting help—it means learning to believe in love, magic, and the real Andromeda once again. AMAZON

Loved this book!  What a good story, a fun romp. I enjoyed every minute of this story.  Yes a fun romp even amidst two lovers who were separated by a misunderstanding and magic.  Yes, there is magic, betrayal, spies, upper class nobility and those considered to be of the  lower class (by being tradesmen).   Andromeda was only days away from her wedding and she was liking her fiancee less and less as time goes on.  Then she overheard that treasonous conversation by the Earl of Slough (what a great name for such an evil guy).  Andromeda was a smart, likeable person and true to the times that this story is set, unfortunately  no one would listen to just a woman. She needed to get to safety, and get help.  She needed proof and to put a stop to what is being planned against her beloved country. 
Okay so normally I probably wouldn't be into reading stories that included hobgoblin's and etc., but what a charming story.  Even Cuff, was charming and protective in his own way.   It also took us on the journey that Andromeda made to begin to believe in magic again and to find out what her skills were and to learn to control them.    When Fen, (Lord Fenimore ) finally stopped shunning Andromeda, he realized that he believed a lie, for 5 years.  He also realized he never really stopped loving her.   I loved Fen's business partner, Harry Wellcome, he was unique to the core.  Fen's father at times had such a cavalier attitude towards the life and safety of others although a point in his favor was that he did love his son.  He didn't understand him but he did love him.  The romance between Fen and Andromeda was sweet and at times fierce too.  They had known and trusted each other since childhood before things went so wrong.  There is a HEA to their story though. 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Keep on Getting Your Healing (p)

LINK- Rev. Barbara Williams

KEEP ON GETTING YOUR HEALING!
"My son, pay attention to my words, and listen closely to what I say. Do not let them out of your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body." Proverbs 4:20-22 (ISV)
http://revbarbarawilliams.sermon.net/20349180 
(testimony in song from brother stone)

Intercessors will U Pray?

Rev. Barbara A. Williams

FAITH FOR FRIDAY: God looks for intercessors...will you pray? In Ezekiel 22 God looks for one to stand in the gap to plead that He not destroy the land, but He found no one. Intercessors are rare. They must bridge that gap continually and without ceasing between a holy God and a sinful world. People will pray for their needs but not so much for what God wants. The intercessor is a supplicant...one who bears and olive branch and brings peace between a holy God and sinful man. God wants peace and reconciliation between Him and mankind. The intercessor is necessary to bring the two sides together. This is God's will. If you will pray, He will answer.  LINK

BOOK REVIEW- LOVE BURNS

BOOK- LOVE BURNS- Smokejumper Dave Knight lives by two simple rules--play hard, work harder. Heartache taught him love and commitment don't mix with his high-intensity lifestyle. That hot kiss with the classy Olivia Benedetti-Harper was a mistake, but he walked away in time. Too bad he can't run from the memories. Then a plane crash shatters his future, forcing him to face the ashes of his past, the woman he can't forget, and the toughest challenge of his life: Stop running.  The right man broke her heart. How could the wrong man heal it? Obedient daughter and dutiful wife, Olivia always followed the rules--only to be abandoned by her unfaithful husband. As she rebuilds her life, bad-boy Dave is a sizzling temptation she can't afford. However, breaking the rules with the wrong man might be the best mistake this good girl's ever made for love. AMAZON


I liked both of the main characters, Dave and Olivia and they sure did come from different backgrounds.  They each had their own different pain and insecurities. They at first meet in a pretty dramatic way and just kept slipping back and forth into each others life.  This book had a slower pace, probably a bit slower than I would have liked.  It was like you got to see into each of their lives slowly, then they would re-connect and there would be sex, sex, sex.  Then because of all the baggage Dave (in particular) had, they would separate.  I did like that Olivia went from trying to please everyone else to trying to build a life that pleased her. Her father thought he knew what was best for her, her just didn't seem to understand what he thought was so polar opposite of what she wanted.  Her new mantra became, "Be brave, bold and honest".

I loved Olivia's Uncle Jake, while her father was a bit harder to like.  Two brothers who loved Olivia but put it into practise in totally different ways.  Royce Maguire turned out to be quite a good friend even with all the family problems he seemed to be having.  He sounds like his life would also be a good story to read.


"I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review."

Is Your Chair Killing you? (p)

AMAZON LINK
Sitting for extended periods of time is as bad for your health as smoking cigarettes. And doing your workout plan for 30-60 minutes a day is not enough to undo the damage from extended periods of sitting. Is Your Chair Killing You? reveals shocking new research showing that sitting for long periods greatly increases your risk of developing obesity, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer and other lifestyle diseases. Your body was designed to move constantly over the course of the day, but most of us sit for hours a day at work and at home! What you really need is to exercise at work! Fitness and wellness expert and award-winning author Kent Burden has created brief, simple movements that allow you to workout at work daily to combat the damaging effects of sitting. This simple program of exercise for weight loss done for 1-5 minutes each hour will burn calories, energize and refresh you, and you won’t even break a sweat. Includes tips and practical tools: 

-Simple tools like a fitness ball instead of a regular chair can help you burn calories 
-How to exercise while you work 
-How to get rid of back pain by moving just a few minutes every hour 
-How reducing your body weight will give you more energy and help you live longer 

Read this book—you’ll be healthier in as little as 8 minutes a day. 



MY NOTE-- I haven't read this book but found the title and the first Paragrah about it interesting.  

BOOK REVIEW- BRIDE BY MISTAKE

BOOK- BRIDE BY MISTAKE-  Kaitlin Shuller’s groom is marrying someone else.  Worst day ever. The man of her dreams is making vows to another woman. Her heart is broken, and all her carefully laid plans destroyed. Enter Beckett Larson, her older brother’s best friend and a very good bad decision. 
Beckett has spent his life trying to outrun his bad reputation, but everyone already thinks the worst of him, so when Kaitlin offers herself to him — virginity and all— he just can’t say no. 
But one night together has permanent consequences, and this time Beckett knows he can’t outrun his bad boy reputation. He’s determined to make Kaitlin his bride…even if he has to seduce her down the aisle.    AMAZON

Kaitlin is a planner.  She always has a plan and she's usually busy working it; like a heat seeking missile.  In some ways I really liked Kaitlin, she had quite the unique personality.  She's unrealistic in some ways too. When she makes up her mind she is determined and like the author said with "zero beating around the bush".  Beckett is a bad boy that the town loves to hate, they have already decided if there is trouble then he must have started it or was involved in some way.   Its no surprise then that he hates the town as well, and has run more often times than not.  The only person who valued him was his grandmother who loved him unconditionally.    But she has passed away and only his longtime friend Luke Shuller remains.  That friend who all of a sudden isn't.  I got to say I really hated Luke, he was such a jerk.  It also sounded like other things were going on in his life as well 
(it was hinted at).   If he gets his own book some of his behavior will get explained but I really didn't like that he wouldn't even believe in his former friend.  He should have know that what he accused  Beckett of wasn't true.   Beckett knew that Kaitlin hated him too but he always sensed that it was different from her.  That it was more about her than it was about him.  He was right about that, he made her feel things that didn't fit in with her plan.   Because of that Beckett loved riling her up; he got a kick out of needling her and waiting for the explosion.  Kaitlin gets confused when she learns she is pregnant and that's not a pretty sight.  When she's trying to come up with a plan about Beckett and what they should do, she hurts him right and left.  That was painful to read because he laid himself out there a few times and she wasn't there for him at all.  It made me like Beckett even more.  He didn't want to be treated like gum on the bottom of her shoe and that's what he told her at one point. I liked the truth of those words and that Beckett said them to her as part of the story.  

I like the descriptive way that the author wrote like, " she knew she resembled a bullet toward its mark, once Kaitlin had an idea she went for it full-throttle."   One thing I didn't care for was the *F word; never a favorite of mine.  At least it was only used a couple of times and wasn't peppered throughout the book.  By the way, I thought the picture on the ebook cover was attractive. 


I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Thrifty Thursday: Let’s Make an eBook Deal

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Administrators

Free & .99 books from Indy Authors on Thrifty Thursday's

Link

AUTHORS

• A.C. Flory
• Big Al
• Bob Hammond
• Carol Wyer
• Carolyn Steele
• Cathy Speight
• Chris James
• D.V. Berkom
• David Antrobus
• Dick C. Waters
• Gordon Long
• JD Mader
• Jim Devitt
• John Barlow
• K.D. Rush
• K.S. Brooks
• Kathy Rowe
• Krista Tibbs
• L. A. Lewandowski
• Laurie Boris
• Lin Robinson
• Lynne Cantwell
• M. Edward McNally
• Mark Jacobs
• Martin Crosbie
• Melinda Clayton
• Melissa Bowersock
• Melissa Pearl
• RJ Crayton
• Rosanne Dingli
• Shawn Inmon
• Stephen Hise
• T.D. McKinnon
• Valerie Douglas
• Yvonne Hertzberger

BOOK REVIEW- A WORTHY PURSUIT

 
BOOK- A WORTHY PURSUIT-A teacher on the run. A tracker in pursuit. Can Charlotte and Stone learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?  Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts. 
Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the orphaned girl entrusted to her care. Charlotte promised Lily's mother she'd keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.
When Miss Atherton produces documentation that shows her to be Lily's legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he's been led to believe. Is she villain or victim? Then a new danger forces Charlotte to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone vows to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he's ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte's heart. 
AMAZON LINK

BRAVO!  What a great story; I enjoyed every  minute of it.  Not only are Stone and Charlotte outstanding people all on their own but Lily, Stephen and John as well. They are children but  each one had such unique personalities and skills.   There are interesting people who surround both Charlotte and Stone.  They add to the story without adding  any confusion.  There was also adventure to be found as Charlotte and the children fight to outwit their enemies.  When Stone finally realizes Charlotte is telling the truth, he comes on board to help them.  He is not only drawn to Charlotte but the children as well.  Both Stone and Charlotte lean on their faith in God as Charlotte tries to find out if she can really count on Stone.  She's had a long history of hurts and betrayals and she has a long way to go before she can really open her heart to another man.  She loves those kids though; freely and fiercely and will do just about anything to protect them.  She'd do just about anything she needed to do to protect Lily; even learn to trust Stone.  Some of the coping skills that Charlotte used were easy to believe. I love the cameo touching  and skirt smoothing to name a few.  He just keeps chasing her (pursuing) gently breaking down the barriers. She also managed to be quite helpful in many different dangerous situations even when she often thought that there was little she could do.   The kids and Charlotte worked so well together as a team.  Something that made me smile was Lily and her enthusiastic relish for the novels about Dead-Eye Dan. The romance between Stone and Charlotte was charming, as I watched it develop.  A clean story, with faith in God, romance and plenty chances of good to overcome evil.  


I received a copy of this book via  NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

BOOK REVIEW- A Highland Knight to Remember

BOOK-  A Highland Knight to Remember-  In 15th century Scotland, Gyllis Campbell arrives at the Beltane festival with one thing on her mind—to win the heart of Sir Sean MacDougall once and for all. Astonishingly, Sir Sean would like nothing more than to oblige the lovely lass. But when news of his father’s death arrives, Sean races for Dunollie Castle. Unaware of Sean’s tragedy, Gyllis departs the festival thwarted. Worse, a terrible illness strikes her down, and she’s sent to the cloisters of Ardchattan Priory for healing. Plagued by raids on his lands and deception in his ranks, Sean is embroiled in a battle to regain control. Pulled in a myriad of directions, adversity runs rampant as Gyllis struggles to regain her health and Sean battles the very demon who covets his title. Fighting for their lives, both must prevail before their love can blossom.   AMAZON

A story of of care and attraction between Sir Sean MacDougall and Gyllis Campbell,   Like the book information  says there is so much that stands between them getting together.  But of course, the story also includes the different clans and their feuds and loyalties;and the treachery against Sean.  There are battles and some deaths and even though you know who the enemy is, for awhile it seems like he is winning.

Although I can't say that this one is my favorite, it was enjoyable especially when it came to both main characters overcoming spirit.  Both Sean and Gyllis were fighters in their own ways.  They also had each been in love with each other for so long and time and experiences only strengthened that bond.  If ony her brother Duncan wasn't so against the friendship let alone anything more between the two.   The story line about Gyllis illness is something a bit different from what I have read before when it comes to stories of this kind.  Its what also helped drew my attention to it and caused me  to want to read it.  Just to let you know there are some sex scenes included in the book; so no not a totally clean reading story.  
There is also an Excerpt for" Highland Knight Of  Rapture" included at the end of this book.  The story has to do with Helen and her life with her husband by an arranged marriage.  


I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

PAINTBRUSH WORDS

Be specific in your prayers;

 as if your words are the paintbrush 

on the canvas of the spiritual that manifests in the natural!

JAMES BRANDT

BOOK REVIEW- KNOWING YOURSELF

 or this cover 
BOOK- KNOWING YOURSELF- Kay is entranced with the possibilities which lie before her. Five handsome, willing men are vying for her hand in marriage. The stakes are ownership of a medieval keep perched on the rocky edge of a stormy ocean. Each man seems more stunning than the last, and it is her choice which will reward the prize. 
To make the game even more interesting, Kay is disguised as a handmaiden to her sister, Em, so that she might more freely mingle with the suitors. In this way she can learn their strengths and catch them in their most unguarded moments. 
As the threat of border reivers approaches the keep, Kay finds that her pleasurable pasttime takes on a far more serious overtone. Knowing who to trust and who to depend on becomes a matter of life and death! AMAZON  (When I first read it, the ebook picture was the first one shown)

Five Stars Please  *****

This one is a Keeper as far as I am concerned. I so enjoyed this book; it kept me riveted the whole time. I hate to admit it but one night I stayed up till 1 a.m. reading it. I didn't finish it then and had to continue the next day. I enjoyed the sister's relationship, and the "game" of finding out the truth of the realness of the young men that came a courting. It had such a cat and mouse feel it it at times. I'm not going to put out anything that would ruin it for anyone (spoilers) who hasn't read it yet, because the twists and turns were done so well! For those that think its only a romance novel; it was that and so much more. There was humor,adventure and mysteries as well. The MC, Kay had such courage, spunk, resonsibility and love for not only her family but those of her kingdom. P.S. As a side note, I liked the cover picture but the title kind of threw me. Would be interesting to know why the author picked that particular title. Maybe the story explained but I guess I didnt get it if it did.

Give.org- BBB

BBB Wise Giving Alliance
Have you been to the new give.org website? Search for charities you are interested and find tons of information and tips on making sure your donations this giving season go toward trustworthy organizations.

BOOK REVIEW- Reclaiming Love

BOOK- RECLAIMING LOVE- Note: Book One is a 36,000 word Novella-Adam Monroe has seen his share of setbacks. Now he’s back in Peregrine Bay, looking for a new life and second chance. 
Julia Kerrigan’s life rebounded after the sudden betrayal of the one man she ever loved. As president of a successful real estate company, she’s built a new life and future, pushing the painful past behind her. Adam’s reason for accepting the job as the town’s new Police Chief can be explained in one word—Julia. He wants her back and will do whatever is necessary to achieve his goal, even knowing his biggest hurdle is the woman he still loves. 
As they begin to reconnect, a terrible scandal breaks loose with Julia and Adam at the center. 
Will the threat to their lives and reputations destroy their fledgling romance? Can Adam identify and eliminate the danger to Julia before he’s had a chance to reclaim her love?  AMAZON

A decision that Adam made as a young man ended up being more permanent than he desired.  Both Adam and Julia had been so in love, they had known each other for forever it seemed.   But he began to feel like they were too young and needed to date others to make sure what they had would last.  He had a young woman pursuing him but he didn't get to explain very much to Julia.  The night he broke the news of them needing to date others; was the night he broke her heart and she stopped listening.  The door shut between them and it  took years to even attempt to re-open it.  But Julia is anything but co-operative when it comes to seeing Adam again. Its the last thing that she wants to do; see him or even be around him.  She's out of luck on that account since he has been hired as the new Chief of Police for their town.  And between her successful business and functions of the town, there was no way she could totally avoid him.   Her sisters although they knew her pain also felt like she needed to settle this and move on.    After all she doesn't date much and the ones she has have been "duds" as far as they were concerned.   She has been dating Mark casually but he doesn't really cause any sparks for her and he's just a convenient friend.    Adam has his work cut out for him but he doesn't give up easily.  I do have to agree with what Julia had to say about it seemed like her relationship with Adam seemed to be moving pretty fast.  It was interesting hearing Julia saying what I was thinking.  It felt like she went from the ice age to thawing out  fairly quickly.  Adam just kind of wore her resistance down in a gentle way.   There is a HEA for them but there is also that possessive stalker who is getting more dangerous as time goes on.  The closer Adam and Julia get, the more dangerous the stalker's rage becomes.  There is a couple of red herrings when it comes to finding out who the culprit is.  
I really enjoyed the relationship between Julia and her sisters too.  It might be fun to read about what they get up to as well.   While there is romance in this book there is no explict sex scenes. 


I really liked the dedication that the author put in the book.  She  said her fans requested a series featuring sisters as heroines and this was her answer to that cry.  

"I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review."

Monday- A Positive Day (p)

DeVon Franklin

Put your Monday on notice! #motivation

Be a Servant King (p)

GOD TV

'We are to rule with

 a heart of a servant,

 and 

serve with a heart of a king' - Bill Johnson

www.god.tv/missionpossible

BOOK REVIEW- To Win Her Heart

BOOK- TO WIN HER HEART-Do They Have a Fighting Chance at Love? After completing his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father's knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past.
Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs in the town her father founded. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she's reluctant to trust him. Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.
Eden believes she's finally found a man of honor and integrity. But when the truth about Levi's prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian's affections?   AMAZON

I have to say that after reading this book it has quickly become a favorite of mine.   I quickly fell in love with Levi within just the first few chapters.  The author did a good job of drawing you into feeling his failures and his longing to make his life over into something good.  He was humongous in size, and has suffered so much for the mistakes that he has made.  He wants to be the man he was meant to be and after turning his life over to God he hopes he gets that chance to prove himself.  He has a speech impediment that often causes people to wonder if he is just a big man who just might not be that smart.  He keeps his words slow, careful and few.   Even Eden wonders at first about his intelligence.    
The sheriff of the town was a swaggering bully, written just perfect to make you hate him.  He's also trouble just waiting to happen.  He has his eye on Eden and seems to think he has the right to push her around like he owns her.  She has refused his marriage proposal time and again, but he just refuses to hear it.  He continues to act jealous and possessive and that puts Levi right in his sights as a rival; a dangerous place for Levi to be.    Levi has a past that had violence in it and Eden has an aversion to violence which it makes another difference between them.  They were already two unlikely people to get together.  A refined well to do petite librarian and a massive, unrefined, works with his hands blacksmith.   Loved the two of them anyway and was rooting for a HEA for them.  
God and their faith played an important part of the story and I give the story the highest rating I can.