Wren by Rachel Rossano, Book Review

Blurb:

A bounty hunter meets a denounced nobleman.

In her world, Wren Romany is as unconventional as they come. Born to a large, devout family and then forced out to fend on her own, she earns her living as a bounty hunter. As her second winter alone looms, she decides to stay in one place for the season. Seeking shelter, she offers her hunting skills in exchange.

Tourth Mynth, the master of the ruined fortress in the valley, needs help. His small household faces a hard winter. As son of a disenfranchised noble, he has plenty of space beneath his roof, but not much to eat. Wren’s offer seems a good fit.

Wren soon learns the residents of Iselyn need more than simply meat on their table. The valley’s residents squirm beneath a harsh master. Unsolved murder and betrayal lurk in the Mynths’ not so distant past. And Tourth’s battle with his emotional scars from the recent civil war will determine the fate of the whole valley.


My Review:

I was literally hooked from the first chapter of this book!  At no time during the book did the pace lag or did I feel like I needed to take a break or put it down.  In fact, just the opposite was true!  I didn't want to put it down and read it continuously!  Wren is a fast-paced action-packed novel full of intriguing characters and a great story-line!  I loved Wren and she became real to me; an amazing woman with no fear of being out of the ordinary! This novel comes full circle and answered almost every question that I had during the book!  That is amazing itself since normally I am always left with many questions.   I promise that if you just give Wren a try, you will be hooked and won't put it down until you are finished!  I am hopeful that this is a start to a new series, hint hint!  Great cover, great story, great characters, great writing!!!


You can pick up your own copy of Wren via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Smashwords.


To learn more about author Rachel Rossano you can check out her websites here:

 Blog

Twitter

Facebook

YouTube

Goodreads


Happy Reading!!!


Source:  Author for review

This review first posted on Books Are Sanity!!!

King of Bad Book Blast

 

King of Bad
Jeff Mean would rather set fires than follow rules or observe curfew. He wears his bad boy image like a favorite old hoodie; that is until he learns he has superpowers and is recruited by Super Villain Academy – where you learn to be good at being bad. In a school where one kid can evaporate all the water from your body and the girl you hang around with can perform psychic sex in your head, bad takes on a whole new meaning. Jeff wonders if he’s bad enough for SVA. He may never find out. Classmates vilify him when he develops good manners. Then he’s kidnapped by those closest to him and left to wonder who is good and who is bad. His rescue is the climactic episode that balances good and evil in the super world. The catalyst – the girl he’s crushing on. A girlfriend and balancing the Supers is good, right? Or is it…bad?  

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Goodreads * Whiskey Creek Press

 

Author Kai Stand 

When the electricity winked out, Kai Strand gathered her family around the fire and they told stories, one sentence at a time. Her boys were rather fond of the ending, “And then everybody died, the end.” Now an award winning children’s author, Kai crafts fiction for kids and teens to provide an escape hatch from their reality. With a selection of novels for young adult and middle grade readers and short stories for younger children Kai entertains children of all ages, and their adults.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Blog

      

  BookBlast Giveaway $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/15/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Truth or Date (Better Date than Never #2) by Susan Hatler, Book Review

Blurb:

Better Date than Never Series, Book 2

Gina Hall is done with men who won’t commit. Ten years waiting for her ex to propose wasted her time. Never again. When her friend Kristen starts a game of Truth or Dare, she dares Gina to go on a date with Ethan, who’s amazing and total marriage material.

As Gina plans the going away party for office playboy Chris Bradley, she spontaneously initiates a game of Truth or Dare with him. When his turn comes around, he dares Gina to pose as his girlfriend to help get a flirty colleague off his back. Gina finds playing couple with Chris way too much fun.

Even though Gina and Chris are pretending, their relationship begins to feel painfully real. Fearing she might be falling for another fly-by man, Gina must focus on Ethan so she doesn’t make the same dating mistakes all over again.


CJz Review:

Susan Hatler has done it again! Truth or Date is an easy read and the characters grabbed my attention from the beginning! Gina has had bad luck in love and her new best friend ice cream is fine for her, but not for her friends. A simple game of Truth or Dare has Gina going out with a handsome man. Will this be the one for her? 

I love Gina's story so much because she didn't try to change or be someone that she wasn't to find love. I really appreciated her love for ice cream that she refused to give up ( a girl after my own heart)! A great installment in the Better Date than Never Series, Truth or Date will have you laughing and smiling the whole way through! I love Susan Hatler's books because they are always easy to read, full of love and life and never fail to leave me with a smile on my face! You can't go wrong with a Susan Hatler book! Five stars and I am anxious to read Kristen's story next!

(This review was first posted on Books Are Sanity!!!)


Tifferz Take:

What a well written story that captured me. I think this is such a sweet story with humor! Gina writes off men after a 10 year dead end relationship. But, her friend Ellen is getting married and Gina needs a date for the occasion. What unfolds is a story that had my cracking up! But also has some hot moments with Gina and Chris!! The tension is thick as a malt shake!! Yummy! Truth or Date has stuck with my like ice cream! If you love a sweet romance Truth or Date is not to be missed. Pick it up! Ms. Hatler I hope you are writing Kristen's book as I need it!!
This book stands alone nicely but I think it is better when you read book one first!


You can pick up your own copy of Truth or Date via Amazon.


Happy Reading!!!


Source:  Author for review

Summer Kindle Fire Giveaway! Through August 15th

This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT! Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HD 7".

Kindle Fire HD 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HD (US Only)

  Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

  Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)

 

Sponsoring Bloggers & Authors

1. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
2. Feed Your Reader
3. New Adult Addiction
4. Jessabella Reads
5. The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Somthing Year Old Girl
6. Books Unhinged by StacyHgg
7. S.A. Larsen - Writer's Ally
8. Author Inger Iverson
9. The Geeky Gamers
10. annakyss
11. Everyday Word Magic
12. Candance's Book Blog
13. Page Flipperz
14. SMI Book Club
15. Laurie Here
16. Feed Your Fiction Addiction
17. Phantasmic Reads
18. The Book Bellas
19. Please Don't Remove MarGreat's Glasses
20. Author Jennifer Laurens
21. J.C. Valentine
22. Holly Hood
23. Young Adult Novel Reader
24. Author Heather Bixler
25. Literary Meanderings
26. Suspense Author Kim Cresswell
27. Mother Daughter & Son Book Review
28. Meredith's Musings
29. Auggie Talk
30. Author Camelia Miron Skiba
31. Author Lena Sledge
32. LoriTheAuthor
33. Author Dianne Venetta
34. Curling Up with A Good Book
35. MyLadyWeb
36. Fae Books
37. Bea's Book Nook
38. Girls with Books
39. Ketch's Book Nook
40. Turning Pages
41. Bookhounds
42. Karey White
43. My Devotional Thoughts
44. Author Talia Jager
45. Author Helen Smith
46. Sher A Hart: Written Art
47. Author MK McClintock
48. Word to Dreams
49. Buku-Buku Didi
50. Tasty Book Tours
51. Readerlicious
52. Romance Bookworm's Reviews

  Giveaway Details 1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7" HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire. Sponsor a future Kindle Fire Giveaway by signing up HERE. Ends 8/15/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

NEW RELEASE - Romance at the Royal Menagerie by Ruth Hartman

 Life is wild when you live with lions

Francesca Hartwell adores cats of every kind. Lions, leopards, tigers. And they all love her. Good thing she gets to see them every day, since her father is their caregiver in the Tower of London’s Royal Menagerie. She’d love to find a man with whom she could share her love of animals, but so far, no one has stolen her heart. And there’s the added snag that whoever she marries must not have anything to do with nobility, as her mother had left her and her father for an earl.

John Fairgate has three rules given to him by his uncle. Inherit the title of baron upon his uncle’s death. Give up ornithology. And marry a childhood acquaintance. The first two, John will abide by, but won’t like. But the third, marrying a shrew who makes his skin crawl, he simply cannot do. Meeting Miss Francesca Hartwell at the zoo, however, has given him other ideas for a wife. But she’s not titled or wealthy. How will he be able to convince his uncle that she’s the woman of his heart?

Buy From Amazon

Buy From Astraea Press

new release and giveaway till the 25th cheree alsop

Blurbs:

Book One:

Small Town Superhero is about a boy whose life is turned upside down after a horrible accident tears apart his family and forces him to live with his relatives. Kelson struggles with the move to a small farming town where he becomes the target of the town’s gang. When circumstances turn dangerous, Kelson is forced to risk everything to save the town and the girl who changed his life and captured his heart.

Small Town Superhero has a fresh voice and frank point of view that draws you into Kelson’s life and helps you understand the boy who is fighting to overcome challenges made by both his decisions and the circumstances of a town struggling to face its past.

Book Two:

Book two in the series, The Small Town Superheroes follows Kelson and his new partner as they fight to protect their town under the guise of the Black Rider. Kelson struggles against the demons of his past and the pain of new heartache as he fights to hold onto the simple life he has come to treasure. But when his school and the town he bled for are endangered, Kelson is forced to race against time and put his life on the line to protect his partner and those he cares about.

Social Media Links:
website: www.chereealsop.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorchereealsop
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chereealsop
Amazon for paperback & ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Cheree-Alsop/e/B006NPWD2Y/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1372913544&sr=8-2-ent
Barnes&Noble for ebook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/cheree-alsop?store=allproducts&keyword=cheree+alsop
Smashwords for all ebook formats: http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=cheree+alsop


a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Officer and the Bostoner by Rose Gordon

BLURB:

Allison Pierson is a well-to-do young lady traveling by stagecoach from her home in Boston to meet her intended in Santa Fe, but instead finds herself stranded in a military fort in the middle of Indian Territory when her stagecoach leaves without her.

Given the choice to either temporarily marry an officer until her intended can come rescue her or take her chances with the Indians, she marries the glib Captain Wes Tucker, who unbeknownst to her, grew up in a wealthy Charleston family and despises everything she represents.

But when it's time for her beau to reclaim her and for Allison and Wes to annul their marriage, will she want to go with him, and more importantly, will Wes let her?

This is the first in a series of three Historical Westerns set in Indian Territory (modern day Oklahoma) in the mid 1840s.

Jewelz Review:
I have read several of Rose Gordon's novels and she continues to impress with this newest release. Her refreshing approach to historical romance serves her well in this new "western" setting. She has the reader laughing out loud, frustrated, and then swooning all within a matter of mere pages.

Allison and Wes have a dynamic relationship. You can't help but fall in love with both of them. Not only is Wes our ruggedly strong and handsome Captain in the US Army, but he's witty, sweet, thoughtful, and fiercely loyal. Allison is a perfect complement to our hero. She is a beautiful, refined Bostonian - a true "damsel-in-distress" stranded in a fort in the middle of Indian Territory. She matches Wes in wits and selflessness. Yet, their consideration for one another may , in fact, be the ruin of their fragile relationship.

I truly loved reading "The Officer and the Bostoner". Ms Gordon's characters capture your interest and your heart. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!

FYI: does contain some results of violence & language appropriate for the setting. There are also a couple open-door scenes, but the couple is married.

Received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Cover Reveal for The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson!!!

Look at this gorgeous cover for newest release by Melanie Dickerson, The Captive Maiden!  All of Melanie's books are beautifully written and captivating!  The Captive Maiden is set to be released October 22nd, so be sure to mark it on your calendars or you can pre-order it now, via Amazon!


Here is the blurb:

Happily Ever After …Or Happily Nevermore?

Gisela’s childhood was filled with laughter and visits from nobles such as the duke and his young son. But since her father’s death, each day has been filled with nothing but servitude to her stepmother. So when Gisela learns the duke’s son, Valten---the boy she has daydreamed about for years---is throwing a ball in hopes of finding a wife, she vows to find a way to attend, even if it’s only for a taste of a life she’ll never have. To her surprise, she catches Valten’s eye. Though he is rough around the edges, Gisela finds Valten has completely captured her heart. But other forces are bent on keeping the two from falling further in love, putting Gisela in more danger than she ever imagined.

I can't wait to get my hands on this book!  Make sure you pre-order your own copy today!

Happy Reading!!!

Ashes, Ashes by Julie Coulter Bellon

Blurb:

Are you ever really innocent until proven guilty?

Sophia Naziri is wanted for questioning in the murder of a U.S. senator. She’s worried the police will show up on her doorstep any moment, but when Detective Colby Black appears, it’s to help her put 
out a kitchen fire, not take her in. Yet. His easy smile and persistence in getting to know her pushes 
all her troubles to the back of her mind, until a hit man tracks her down. Getting arrested becomes the least of her worries and the handsome detective could be her only way out---if she tells him the truth.

Colby Black’s sniper skills have been a blessing and a curse to him. As a member of a Hostage Negotiation Team, he can use them to save people, but sometimes he can’t protect the innocent despite his best efforts. When a hostage situation goes bad, he tries to put it behind him by helping out his mysterious next-door neighbor, Sophia Naziri. But she pulls Colby into a web of lies and conspiracy that will force him to use every skill he has in order to survive. Faced with the moment of truth, can he trust anyone around him---including the woman at the center of it all?

Jewelz Review:
This is the first book I have read by Julie Coulter Bellon and I must say I will be checking out her other books soon. Her writing has a way of engaging you right from the beginning and never letting
up until the very end.

"Ashes, Ashes" is the second book in the Hostage Negotiation Team series, but it reads as a stand-alone (in my opinion). Colby Black is a retired marine currently working as a detective in Hartford, CT as part of their Hostage Negotiation Team. His new neighbor, Sophia Naziri, is a bit of a conundrum to Colby. The two meet when he rescues her from a kitchen fire in her house. She sends him mixed signals, letting him in and then pushing him back, and something definitely feels a little "off. But he certainly didn't expect to be told she was wanted for questioning in the investigation of the murder of a US senator!

Ms Bellon has crafted a suspenseful and intriguing story in "Ashes, Ashes". Colby is a hero that the reader can easily fall in love with. He's a tough marine, who's easy on the eyes, but he has some fun quirks that make him more "human" and even more likeable. I love that he can bake and I can totally relate to his habit of cleaning to help relieve stress. When we meet Sophia she is a bit of a "damsel in distress", but she has spirit and, like Colby, the reader doesn't know all of her secrets. As the reader gets to know her, you can't help but have great admiration for her strong character. Even though
Sophia has to rely on Colby, she is not passive nor does she expect him to come rescue her at first
sign of difficulty. It's very refreshing to read a book with a strong female paired with a strong male. Neither are perfect, but they are both independent and strong-willed, making for a nicely balanced relationship. 

If you enjoy a good dose of suspense with your romance, I highly recommend "Ashes, Ashes" by Julie Coulter Bellon!

CJz Review:
Ashes, Ashes is a great suspense/action novel with a little bit of romance too! I was intrigued from the beginning of the book when you meet Colby, who is a sniper on a hostage negotiations team. He loves to bake and clean?!? What??? How could I not fall in love with his character? Colby can come over to my house any time he feels stressed :) I really enjoyed the suspense and mystery of the novel. It wasn't one of those where you know what is going to happen and who did what. I was on the edge of my proverbial chair throughout the book until the end. If you are a fan of suspense novels then I highly recommend Ashes Ashes by Julie Coulter Bellon! Five stars!

FYI: contains some violence and sexual intimations. 

FYI: We received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for our honest review

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Coulter Bellon loves to write international romantic suspense novels because she gets to travel to distant lands to research and add an authentic feel to all of her books. Her favorite cities so far are Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She taught journalism at BYU for fourteen years and that kept her on the cutting edge of current events and world news¾which is where she gets her story ideas.

Julie offers writing and publishing tips, as well as her take on life on her bloghttp://ldswritermom.blogspot.com You can also find out about all her upcoming projects at her website www.juliebellon.com or you can follow her on Twitter @juliebellon 

-- 

Find me on my blog http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com

Follow me on Twitter @juliebellon

Book Blast - Heaven's Just a Prayer Away by Diony George

  Heaven's Just a Prayer Away Before we came to earth, we lived in heavenly realms. We knew our Heavenly Father. We walked and talked with Him. We heard His voice. We felt His love. In Heaven’s Just a Prayer Away, beloved author Diony George teaches us how to reestablish that relationship with Him here on earth. With the help of this book you will   • Learn that nothing is too small or unimportant to discuss with Heavenly Father   • Find peace and contentment through daily communication with God   • Gain a better understanding of why some prayers seem to go unanswered   • Develop a greater knowledge of the power of prayer   The inspirational and enlightening experiences found within these pages will change your life forever by strengthening your relationship with God and filling your life with peace, teaching us that heaven really is just a prayer away.   Praise for Heaven’s Just A Prayer Away: “I found myself either smiling or teary-eyed as I immersed myself in these stories. I was reminded that prayer is healing and sanctifying, can bring inspiration, can ease burdens, and lets us feel the love of God for ourselves and those around us —Heather B. Moore, author of Christ’s Gifts to Women   “In Heaven’s Just A Prayer Away, Diony provides a comprehensive discussion on prayer through inspiring stories, basic principles, and heartfelt testimony. Her personal approach makes answers to prayer and divine blessings seem more within reach. —John McConkie, Stake President  

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

  Author Diony George Diony George is a wife, full-time mom of seven, grandmother of three, and a published author of uplifting women’s fiction and inspiring nonfiction. She is also a regular contributing writer for Deseret Connect and FamilyHow. Originally from Alaska, she currently lives in Salt Lake City with her family. Besides writing she loves to read, especially romantic suspense, bake, sew and craft. Her current fiction WIP, Inside the Heart, is based around the kidnapping and disappearance of four-year-old Emma. Her newest nonfiction book, Heaven’s Just a Prayer Away was just released by Cedar Fort, Inc.  

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Goodreads * Amazon

 

      BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/1/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Late for the Ball? by Heather Gray

Back Cover Blurb:

Fulfilling one's destiny has never been so…compelling.

Myra is cast aside by her parents, betrothed to a man she's never met, and forced into a life she never wanted. In the midst of it all, she finds herself strangely drawn into something she doesn't entirely understand.

The earl is mocking, demanding and entirely unwilling to break the betrothal.  He speaks in riddles, but by night's end, one thing is clear: He is not who he seems.

Follow Myra into a world of intrigue and hidden meaning. Will she unravel the mystery before time runs out?

CJz Review:
The cover is gorgeous and if I had to pick whether or not to read this book based on the cover then I would definitely read it! Heather Gray writes an intriguing tale about Myra who is late to the ball where she is to meet her betrothed. He is mysterious and a bit unnerving, yet she finds herself drawn to his company. I really loved the first half of the book, but the last half of the book I felt did not correlate to the first half. I expected something different, and while it is fine that it was different from my expectations, it just did not go together for me. I was left with a confused and "Huh?" feeling. This is the best way I can describe it. That said, I really enjoyed the entire ball scene.


Tifferz Take:
Okay, I liked this short story about Myra and thought her meeting her betrothed was very different than any other book I have read. It stood out to me. I enjoyed the connection that Myra and Earl of
Allegory developed. I also loved the dialogue throughout the story. 

This story does have an unexpected twist and I didn't really care for it. It really made me go huh? I guess the second half was not my cup of tea. Some may say it is a cool analogy. I was thinking things would end differently.

Chelz' Review:
I fell in love with the amazing cover of Heather Gray's 'Late for the Ball?'  It is a cute, short story.  I enjoyed the dialogue between Myra and the earl.  The way he seemed to know so much about her was fortelling.  I got the twist at the end however, I will admit I was expecting, and perhaps hoping, for something different.

Guest Review by Britt:

I really thought 'Late for the Ball?' by Heather Gray was quite cool. It's not every day that I read a romantic story that I can relate to so well. I guess I have a unique perspective because I happen to have the same "love-hate" relationship that Myra has with "the Earl of Allegory". Kudos to Ms. Gray for marrying two seemingly incompatible subjects in a fun, and compelling story. 

Just FYI~ This does not contain any swearing or sexual situations.

We received free copies for our honest review.

NEW RELEASE & Review: Sweet Contradiction by Peggy Martinez

Book Blurb-

***FAIR WARNING: If you are easily offended by books that happen to mention things concerning God, Religion, Etc., in a favorable or unfavorable light, then this book might not be for you.*** 

When Beth Michaels high tailed it out of the hole-in-the-road town she grew up in, she only had two goals. One—get as far away as quickly as possible, and two—never set foot in her parent’s home again. But when she receives a heart breaking call from her childhood best friend, Jen, she has no choice but to turn her ’56 Ford pickup back in the direction of Salem, Missouri to attend a funeral. 

There’s a new local in town when Beth arrives, and suddenly, it ain’t all that easy for her to remember her rules for dating. #1. Cookie-cutter-perfect guys ain’t her type. #2. Tie wearin’ and church frequentin’ is an automatic dismissal. #3. Most importantly, never date anyone from small minded, conservative, Bible-thumping towns like Salem. Unfortunately, Matthew Wright breaks all her rules and then some. 

Matt might be from a small town and have small town values, but that doesn’t mean he fits into a little slot of Beth’s preconceived notions. After all, ever so often good guys are good. Now if he could just convince Beth to let go of her past and give him a chance, he’s pretty sure there’s a whole lotta sweet under that prickly exterior. His own … Sweet Contradiction.

Peggy S. Martinez

YA Author & Homeschooling Mom of 5 

Jewelz Review:

Sweet Contradiction is the story of Beth Michaels, a girl who was raised by parents who were extremely religious. They weren't your typical church-going, love-your-fellow-man type of religious. No, Beth was raised in a home where she was required to return a birthday gift because a charm bracelet is vain and vanity is a sin. She was not only required to return said birthday gift, but to recite and write out applicable Bible verses after her hands were swatted with a ruler (multiple times) for accepting the gift in the first place.

Needless to say, Beth resented her parents and the way they raised her. So, when she turned 18 she left home and spent the next 4 years traveling across the United States. The only thing that brought her back was the death of her best friend's mother. 

When she first arrives back in town, she meets Matt Wright. He's easy on the eyes, but she can tell he's not her type. When her best friend, Jen, informs her that he's a pastor's son Beth KNOWS he's not her type. But, Matt is persistent and Beth can't deny the attraction. And thus the two learn from one another that oftentimes, preconceived notions aren't necessarily accurate.

I enjoyed reading Sweet Contradiction. It was a love story, a story of friendship, and a story of personal growth. Everyone has tough things they go through in life - those experiences have the ability to shape us. However, we are free to choose how we let those experiences influence us. Beth chose to rebel from her parents' oppressive lifestyle to find her own way. But she also passed judgment on all religious people. Matt gave her the opportunity to learn that her judgment wasn't fair or accurate, thus giving her an opportunity to grow beyond her original choice to turn her back completely on her upbringing. Through her friendship with Jen, Beth has other experiences that give her the opportunity to further grow and develop into a better friend and more compassionate and understanding person.

I appreciated the dynamics between Beth and Matt as their relationship developed. It wasn't a simple "love at first sight" and then "happily ever after". There was pushing and pulling, there were ups and downs. There were opportunities to learn about trust and to rely on one another. This is a love story where the couple grows together and learns that a relationship is a partnership and that together they can be more than they would ever be on their own.

FYI: does contain premarital sex, one scene is "open door" but not overly descriptive.

FYI: we received copies from the author in exchange for our honest review

buy on Amazon

buy on B&N

Chick lit author Michele Gorman has a YA alter-ego

Chick lit author Michele Gorman has a YA alter-ego
Known for her best-selling chick lit (the Single in the City series and Bella Summer Takes a Chance), Michele also writes coming-of-age fiction under the name Jamie Scott and today sees the re-launch of her first novel, Little Sacrifices. This atmospheric, evocative depiction of the American South may just be the perfect summer read for fans of The Secret Life of Bees or To Kill A Mockingbird.
ABOUT THE BOOK
How much would you risk to stand up for your beliefs?

When the Powell family moves to Savannah Georgia in the late 1940s, they hope against hope that they'll be welcomed. But they're Northerners and worse, they're civil rights advocates almost a decade too early. The American South is deeply segregated.

At first their daughter, May, can pretend they're the same as everyone else. It means keeping quiet when she knows she should speak up, but it's worth the sacrifice to win friends. Unfortunately her parents are soon putting their beliefs into action. And when they wake to find that they're the only family on the block with a Ku Klux Klan cross blazing on their front lawn, the time comes for them to finally decide between what's easy and what's right.
HOW IT BEGINS

“Fifty–five years has made me a Savannahian by inclination if not origin. Everyone who meets me hears the taffy pull drawl of a native and feels the Southern hospitality for which we are known. They are surprised to find that I was once a Yankee, so well have I acclimated. The process began when we moved, but will never really be complete.”
 
Click here to download the free mini-book: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4js7yFveZLdNm9Jd0tOVThLckk/edit?usp=sharing


www.michelegorman.co.uk
Blog: http://michelegormanwriter.blogspot.com
Twitter: @expatdiaries
Facebook: www.facebook.com/michelegorman3

Knight of the Dead by Jennifer Gravely

Blurb~
Persephone Richards is in a pinch. With a wrecked car and bills stacking up, the income from her job at the daycare isn’t enough. Mark Lawrence needs a sitter for his little girl and Persephone is perfect for the job. What begins as an employment opportunity leads to romance. However, a secret Persephone hides threatens the happy ever after and puts the three of them in danger.


Tifferz Take~
I really loved this story. It was well written and the character development was good. I also liked the unexpected and the mystery that developed. I think that Persephone learned many things and grew the most. I was surprised at how many bad and good things happened to her. Mark is a great guy and has the sweetest little girl Rose. I think Rose was enchanting and added so much to the story. Rose kinda stole my heart. Cheryl is a piece of work. I don't need to say anymore about her. One of my favorite parts was the zoo. It was just special and fun. The ending to this story was absolutely perfect! It was not rushed, it left me so happy and I felt complete! I will be reading this one again. I can't wait to read more by Jennifer Gravely. I would highly recommend this sweet romance with a sprinkling of mystery and the unexpected!


The one thing that bothered me was that Mark's divorce was not final. I personally would have loved if his divorce was final so the relationship was not tainted with him cheating.

Chelz' Review:
Jennifer Rae Gravely's debut "Knight of the Dead" is an enjoyable read. Persephone seems to have nothing but bad luck until she meets Mark. The relationship between them moves very quickly. The story flows well and there is a lot going on, not just the romance between Persephone and Mark. My favorite part is after Persephone is fired from the daycare center. Put "Knight of the Dead" on your summer reading list. I look forward to more from Jennifer Rae Gravely.


CJz' Review:
I have to admit that I thought this was a vampire book from the title! However, it turns out that I was wrong because Knight of the Dead is a romantic suspense novel sans vampires! I thoroughly enjoyed Persephone's character with all of her flaws, I was able to relate to her more that way. Rose was probably one of my favorite aspects of the book, she was so sweet and endearing. Overall this is a nice read but a bit predictable for me. The action and suspense part seemed too short and easily resolved to me. I felt like I kept waiting for something to happen and when it finally did, it was short-lived. Yet the book kept my interest the entire way through and I was satisfied with the ending. If you like romance with some action, you will probably like Knight of the Dead.

Just FYI~ This book does not have any swearing or sex.

We received a copy of this book for free in exchange for our honest reviews.

you can pick up the kindle bookhere

Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop July 2-9

Welcome to the Freedom to Read Giveaway Hop!

We are giving away a signed paperback copy of Stephanie Taylor's book "The Unexpected Choice".

Blurb: Joey McCrary needs a wife and someone to help him raise his daughter after he made some poor choices in college. Stacey has always been his friend, and even though she’s a sweet girl, nothing can compare to the feelings he has for his ex.

Joey realizes that he and Stacey can benefit one another. Joey can provide Stacey with all she’s ever wanted: a family. But can Stacey teach him a few things along the way, too?

buy from Amazon

Giveaway open to US mailing addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rancher to the Rescue by Jennifer Faye

 Blurb~
Damsel in a wedding dress!

Jilted at the altar, celebrity chef Meghan Finnegan flees the scene—and the baying press—only to run straight into the muscled torso of Cash Sullivan.

The former rodeo champion knows what it's like to have your life crumble in the spotlight, so he offers Meghan a place to lie low at his ranch.

Fresh air, no paparazzi and the brooding rancher's lazy smile are making Meghan not want to leave her sanctuary. But she and her unborn baby can't stay here forever...can they


Tifferz Take~
Rancher to the Rescue is a very sweet romance and I  felt that Cash was a goner from the moment he saw Meghan but he fights it. He honestly thinks it is for the best. I liked how cash is tough but a big softy and takes care of Meghan.  I also liked the unique backgrounds that Meghan and Cash have. Meghan is a Cook on a local TV station and Cash is a Rancher.

Though this story is  a bit predictable I still really enjoyed watching Cash and Meghan work through the past that they don't want to deal with. I loved Grandma! She added a lot to the story.  I did feel the end was a bit rushed. I do wish she would have given an epilogue so I could see a bit more. But that is me just wanting more.  Will the past hinder the intense attraction they feel for each other? I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance! I will be watching for more from Jennifer Faye! I hope she write Ella's story!  I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did!

Just FYI~ This story does not contain any sex or swearing!