{September 18, 2014} {Blog Tour: Review} Full of Grace by Misty Provencher (Crossed and Bared #2)

From Goodreads: Landon Grace is a stand-up guy, but running about 7-bananas-strong, from tequila shots at Oscar and Hale’s wedding reception, what happened between him and Sher was supposed to be a one time thing. A quickie, between the Best Man and Maid of Honor, at their best friends’ wedding.

But some one-night-stands refuse to be finished in one night.

Especially when they return with a hard shot of morning sickness.

Now, Landon is faced with a problem he never thought he’d have to consider…

Just how much sway does a guy really have, regarding a woman’s choice to pursue or terminate the pregnancy of his child?

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Full of Grace is my third Misty Provencher book, and let me tell you, she’s got a fan for life. Every single one of her novels is expertly crafted, with prose that lifts right off the page making readers feel as if they’re part of the story, as if the characters are real-life friends. And for an author to be able to do that takes immense talent. Talent that Provencher is blessed with; talent I adore as I read her novels.

In Hale Maree, readers are introduced to Landon Grace and Sher Traifere , but as side characters, their story remains untold, until now. I absolutely love companion novels that continue a storyline through someone else’s eyes, and that’s exactly what Provencher gives us as she focuses on Landon and Sher–making this novel just as amazing as the first, though vastly different. Perhaps what I love about this book is that it not only stands alone, but it also looks at deep topics while captivating the reader from the get go. While Sher is full of nonstop giggles, it seems, her personality really shines through as she struggles with her choices concerning her pregnancy after a one night stand, and Landon’s choice to man up and do what’s right, even though Sher fights him every step of the way, really makes for an intense, yet lovely read.

And of course, our beloved Hale and Oscar are in this novel as well, though this time they’re the side characters, which I really enjoyed because their story continues as well in this novel, and it’s just amazing how Provencher is able to go so indepth with all her characters’ lives, keeping us abreast of what’s happening while focusing more so on others.

If you read no other series this fall, make sure you pick up Crossed and Bared–these novels are true gems that you just must read. Trust me. Five stars.

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Only $2.99 for a limited time!

And make sure you pick up Full of Grace’s amazing companion novel, Hale Maree, for FREE!!!

Hale Simmons dreams of getting herself a titanium crash helmet, so she can bust through the welfare-cycle of her crappy life. But for now, she’s just a 18-year-old girl stuck with the responsibility of looking after her alcoholic father, Jerry.

But for Hale, ‘crappy’ suddenly takes a nosedive, when Jerry and his old friend, Otto Maree, go for a drink one night. A horrible accident occurs and Jerry is the sole witness. Otto, who is also a prominent business man, stands to lose everything, if news of the accident goes public.

Out of mutual moments of desperation, the two fathers forge a deal.

Otto offers the finances that can lift Jerry out of the poverty cycle. In exchange, Jerry agrees to an alliance cemented with family bonds; an arranged marriage between Hale and Otto’s playboy son, Oscar.

As the mystery surrounding the accident continues to grow, Hale has to figure out if this situation is something she wants to escape or if it is an amazing twist of fate that has just been waiting around for this particular accident to happen.

Read it now for FREE!

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GIVEAWAY:

US Only

1st prize 1 autographed copy of Hale Maree by Misty Provencher

2nd prize 1 autographed copy of Full of Grace by Misty Provencher

International Only

Winner will receive 1 ebook copy of any Misty Provencher book – winner’s choice

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway Here!

{September 17, 2014} {Blog Tour: Review} Hale Maree by Misty Provencher (Crossed and Bared #1)

From Goodreads: Hale Simmons dreams of getting herself a titanium crash helmet, so she can bust through the welfare-cycle of her crappy life. But for now, she’s just a 18-year-old girl stuck with the responsibility of looking after her alcoholic father, Jerry.

But for Hale, ‘crappy’ suddenly takes a nosedive, when Jerry and his old friend, Otto Maree, go for a drink one night. A horrible accident occurs and Jerry is the sole witness. Otto, who is also a prominent business man, stands to lose everything, if news of the accident goes public.

Out of mutual moments of desperation, the two fathers forge a deal.

Otto offers the finances that can lift Jerry out of the poverty cycle. In exchange, Jerry agrees to an alliance cemented with family bonds; an arranged marriage between Hale and Otto’s playboy son, Oscar.

As the mystery surrounding the accident continues to grow, Hale has to figure out if this situation is something she wants to escape or if it is an amazing twist of fate that has just been waiting around for this particular accident to happen.

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Sometimes you read a book and the story is so intriguing, the characters so realistic, and the events so vivid that, when all is said and done, you feel like a piece of yourself is missing. That book, for me, is Provencher’s beautifully written Hale Maree. Captivating from the get go, I found myself so engrossed in the story that I truly feel like I know Hale and Oscar—they’re more than just characters in a story—they’ve become friends. I truly feel like I know them as well as I know myself, and while the going was tough and their relationship was touch and go in the beginning, watching them grow together and fall irrevocably in love with one another was absolute beauty.

Provencher is a master storyteller, enchanting readers with her words and characters, and I absolutely adored everything about Hale Maree, with its realistic portrayal of humanity and its swoon-worthy, often humorous events. Of course, Oscar is my absolute favorite, and I found myself wishing numerous times that he’d pick me since Hale was so dead set against him. And yet, I am no match for Hale. She, too, swept me off my feet with her level head, fierce determination, and all around good soul. This is a beautiful happily-ever-after that has remained with me since I read the very last page; and I already cannot wait to read it again.

Filled with romance, snark, and even a little bit of mystery, this novel is indeed a must read for those who love contemporary romance. While a little hot and heavy in some scenes, overall it is a beautiful testament to human nature and love at its finest. Hale Maree is a gem that I highly recommend for those looking for a lighthearted, fun read. Five amazing stars.

Read it now for FREE!

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And be sure to read the companion novel, Full of Grace as well–another gem in the Crossed and Bared series. Only $2.99 for a limited time!

Landon Grace is a stand-up guy, but running about 7-bananas-strong, from tequila shots at Oscar and Hale’s wedding reception, what happened between him and Sher was supposed to be a one time thing. A quickie, between the Best Man and Maid of Honor, at their best friends’ wedding.

But some one-night-stands refuse to be finished in one night.

Especially when they return with a hard shot of morning sickness.

Now, Landon is faced with a problem he never thought he’d have to consider…

Just how much sway does a guy really have, regarding a woman’s choice to pursue or terminate the pregnancy of his child?

Kindle | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Paperback

_______________________________________________________________________________________

GIVEAWAY:

US Only

1st prize 1 autographed copy of Hale Maree by Misty Provencher

2nd prize 1 autographed copy of Full of Grace by Misty Provencher

International Only

Winner will receive 1 ebook copy of any Misty Provencher book – winner’s choice

Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway Here!

{August 26, 2014} {ARC Review} How to Fall by Jane Casey

From Goodreads: Sixteen-year-old Jess Tennant has never met any of her relatives, until her mom suddenly drags her out of London to spend the summer in the tiny English town where her family’s from. Her mom’s decision is surprising, but even more surprising is the town’s reaction to Jess. Everywhere she goes, people look at her like they’ve seen a ghost. In a way, they have—she looks just like her cousin Freya, who died shortly before Jess came to town.

Jess immediately feels a strange connection to Freya, whom she never got to meet alive. But the more Jess learns about the secrets Freya was keeping while she was alive, the more suspicious Freya’s death starts to look. One thing is for sure: this will be anything but the safe, boring summer in the country Jess was expecting.

Beloved author Jane Casey breaks new ground with How to Fall, a thrilling and insightfully written mystery.

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This novel is actually about two separate things: How Freya died, and the truth about Dan Henderson. However, only one aspect is actually answered in the novel, which left me a bit frustrated since the mystery surrounding the police officer is definitely a key point in novel, even though it does not really relate to what happened to Freya.

Jess Tennant has an uncanny resemblance to her deceased cousin, Freya, a person she never met due to her mother’s estrangement from her twin sister. Because of her looks, and Freya’s apparent accident, she’s the talk of the town, it seems, which spurs Jess on to find out the truth about Freya’s death. I agree with Jess, I’d be determined to find out the truth, too, and I love Jess’ spunk. She has some crazy ideas and awesome comebacks throughout the novel, and I really enjoyed that about her. I loved the end too—the way Jess finally learns the truth–while a bit far-fetched (or, not something I would ever consider) it works well with the storyline and I was glad that this aspect of the novel had a conclusion.

But I am left unsatisfied. What do I need to know? More about Dan and Jess’ mother’s relationship. Is Dan a real creeper, like he seems? Why is he so rude and aggressive towards everyone? What is he hiding? Was he coming on to Jess, or was she just overreacting? What is the relationship between Dan and his son really about? What’s going on there? Why do people seem to fear Dan? While we’re given a small paragraphish glimpse into the story behind Dan and Jess’ mother, it’s not enough to answer any of my questions, and I really felt like the novel set itself up to tell this story, but then didn’t. Which left me confused. I have one thought about Jess and Will’s relationship and why Dan might not want it, but I can’t go into specifics because, A. I’m probably wrong and, B. it’d be a bit spoilery to state it.

Dan aside, I did love the language of this novel. It is so very British in its colloquialisms, and I enjoyed them very much, having spent some time abroad when I was in college. There are some terms that some may need to look up, but overall they translate easily enough for readers outside Britain, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Three stars.

I received this novel from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. This title releases today.

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{August 19, 2014} {ARC Review} One Kick by Chelsea Cain

From Goodreads: Kick Lannigan, 21, is a survivor. Abducted at age six in broad daylight, the police, the public, perhaps even her family assumed the worst had occurred. And then Kathleen Lannigan was found, alive, six years later. In the early months following her freedom, as Kick struggled with PTSD, her parents put her through a litany of therapies, but nothing helped until the detective who rescued her suggested Kick learn to fight. Before she was thirteen, Kick learned marksmanship, martial arts, boxing, archery, and knife throwing. She excelled at every one, vowing she would never be victimized again. But when two children in the Portland area go missing in the same month, Kick goes into a tailspin. Then an enigmatic man Bishop approaches her with a proposition: he is convinced Kick’s experiences and expertise can be used to help rescue the abductees. Little does Kick know the case will lead directly into her terrifying past…

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First and foremost, I want to assure readers that, while this novel does deal with child abduction and pornography, there are no descriptions. This is not a graphic story—allusions are made, but readers never learn what Kick herself experienced, and there are no descriptions of the photos or pornography sites the characters reference. This, for me, was a godsend. I was interested in the story, but I knew going in that I couldn’t stomach any graphic imagery at all, and as this is a very sensitive subject, I was very happy that Cain tread lightly here. However, I must admit that I still didn’t really enjoy the story. Honestly, I’m a bit disappointed in the main character, Kick. Said to be the new Lisbeth Salander by the editor in the introduction of the novel, I was expecting great things, but Kick falls bit too flat for me. There is what I consider a lack of action in this novel—with all the hype surround Kick, such as her ability to kill a man 571 ways with just her left hand, I expected to actually see her fight. She rarely does, and, in most instances that she does, she’s actually bested by her opponent. For all the time and training she put in to the arts, self-defense, knife throwing, and the like, I was really looking forward to seeing her skills. But they were not noteworthy, and for me, that’s somewhat of the opposite of what I expect when a character is compared to another kick-butt character, such as Lisbeth Salander.

Kick is still in a fragile state of mind, though she tries to put on a tough front. Abducted and used in child porn for five years of her young life, this is expected. She does have a good handle on herself in most situations, and I admire her perseverance; I find her realistic, though she wasn’t essentially deep or fleshed out in the story. Perhaps one of the reasons Kick is bested time and time again as she hunts for the missing children from Portland is because of her background; freezing up in situations when action is key and she must push herself to survive. Thank goodness she has Bishop there to help her when the going gets tough.

Then again, Bishop is a jerk. The main reason that Kick continually freezes is because Bishop has thrust her back into the world of abducted children. Kick seems to function relatively well in the real world, but once Bishop comes charging in, her entire world shifts, and Bishop is none to kind in his treatment of Kick. In fact, he doesn’t do anything within the novel that redeems him in my eyes. So while the mystery aspect of the novel was indeed intriguing, I did not connect with any of the characters and I wasn’t spurred on to read the novel as much as I’d hoped I’d be, based on the hype surrounding this story.

The first chapter is indeed an attention grabber, but as the novel unfolds, much of the intensity tapered off for me. Overall, I’d say it’s an okay read for me, but it’s really just not my speed. Two stars.

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{August 17, 2014} {Review} The Deep by Jen Minkman (The Island #3)

From Goodreads:

‘The world is never-ending.
I never realized just how much space there is – how far and wide the water around our island stretches out. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I may have believed that a second Wall ran around Tresco, containing the infinite waters so we wouldn’t all wash over the edge and plummet down into the depths.’

Leia and Walt are on their way to the Other Side, where the legendary land of Cornwall awaits them. Tony, their new friend, has told them that all wars of the past have been forgotten and the citizens of Bodmin and Dartmoor live in peace. People adhere to the tenets of an old religion that preaches forgiveness and non-violence.

However, Walt and Leia soon discover that even a peace-loving, ideal society like this one may have its flaws. While on a forbidden trip to Exeter, the old city of their ancestors, the two Islanders discover more about the new world than they ever bargained for.

Secrets run dark and passions run deep in this thrilling conclusion to the Island novella series.

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This third and final installment of Minkman’s Island series is just as good as those that come before it, and as Leia, Walt, and their family and friends leave the island to see what is beyond their horizons, the novel takes a more sinister turn. I really enjoyed this final conclusion, and the ante is definitely way up in this novel as evil lurks within Bodmin and Dartmoor.

Leia and Walt continue to be my two favorite characters of the series, though I truly enjoyed Alisa and Saul as well. And as they all get themselves into trouble, they must find a way to flee back to their own settlement across the water before it’s too late. Greed and power are a very real threat in the real world, and as Leia and Walt find out, the grass is not always greener on the other side. Though some of the adventures of the characters seems a little far-fetched to me, I also have a limited imagination and sometimes can’t pictures events within my head well enough for them to compute. Regardless, this fantastical novel definitely kept my attention and I enjoyed it very much.

This is a very innovative story, and it liked it very much, especially whereas the other installment in the series are novella length, and this final installment is that of novel length, adding more depth to the story and giving readers a broader scope of the world as it exists within the pages of this fun series. Four and a half stars.

I was given this novel by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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{July 31, 2014} {Release Day Blitz: ARC Review and Giveaway} The Mechanic by Tim O’Rourke

From Goodreads: The Mechanics were built to help people. They looked and behaved just like humans. But when the Mechanics malfunctioned and started to kill those who had given them life, they were hunted down and destroyed, until only one remained.

When twenty-two-year-old, Hope Last, has a chance encounter with a mysterious man named Aidan Croix, an immediate and intense attraction forms between them.

…
Hope soon fears that Aidan is keeping a terrible secret and begins to suspect that he might not be human after all but the last of the Mechanic’s the world has been hunting for. But Hope knows that it isn’t just her heart but her very life, Aidan holds in his hands.

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Tim O’Rourke’s latest release, The Mechanic, whisks readers away to a future where the world’s technology has advanced so far that the creation of seamless robots, those that look and feel like humans, is in the past. Welcome to a world where robots walk among us, but beware your neighbor; it’s impossible to tell who’s human and who’s not, a feat that now has society in an uproar because something’s gone wrong… the “mechanics” are turning on those they love, on those they’ve sworn to protect, and, in fits of stress and emotional overrides, they kill. Perhaps it’s unintentional, but murder is murder just the same, and as society works to rid itself of the mechanics once and for all, only one threat remains, hidden.

But who is the mechanic? O’Rourke sends readers on a rollercoaster ride as this novel unfolds. While I am quite proud of myself for actually having figured out the truth of this novel before the fact, O’Rourke does a wonderful job keeping readers on their toes concerning the identity of The Mechanic and all s/he holds in the balance as the world desperately attempts to find him/her.

Meet Hope. She’s lonely, fragile, and on the hunt for love. As the novel unfolds, we learn of her past abuse and her trepidation when it comes to relationships, and we feel her angst as she meets Aiden, only to become smitten with him almost immediately. And oh how lovely he is! O’Rourke has created some awesome characters in this story, and knowing his penchant for the strange and darkness of his novels, I knew that whatever happened, it wouldn’t end well for some of the characters I’d come to love, and I was right. But it’s such a perfect ending that I’m not even upset by the twisted inner workings of it all. In fact, I love them. Another perfect revelation.

O’Rourke has once again written a most enticing piece that you just must read. Five stars.

5 stars

I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Available Now:

Amazon

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And now for the GIVEAWAY!

Tim O’Rourke is giving away a SIGNED PAPERBACK of The Mechanic to one lucky winner! Good luck!

To enter you must:

-Be 18 years or older (or have parent/guardian permission)

-Fill in the mandatory questions on rafflecopter (extra entries optional)

Click here to go to the Rafflecopter Entry Form!

This contest is open internationally and will end at 12:01am EST on August 20th. The winner will receive email notification! Please read my giveaway policy and leave me a comment!

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And don’t forget to enter my other epic giveaways:

Win a signed hardcover of Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater, an exclusive book wrapper of Sinner, and tons of signed swag–ENDS August 10

Win a Signed Paperback of The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay plus tons of signed swag–ENDS August 17

{July 20, 2014} {ARC Review} Witch Hunter Olivia by T.A. Kunz

From Goodreads: In the town of Piedmont Pointe, where paranormal is the norm, a girl can easily get herself in over her head with a single wrong move. Unfortunately for Olivia Adams, she’s about to make several.

Starting over is never easy, but it seemed like the only option to Olivia. The decision to turn her back on the Guild of Witch Hunters, the very group she devoted her entire life to, was one of the hardest things she ever did. It meant leaving her family, her friends, and her old identity behind forever. Coming to terms with what caused her to abandon her duties in the first place was even harder.

While trying to lay low and stay off the Guild’s radar, Olivia finds herself thrust back into her old ways after unknowingly interrupting an assassination hit on a powerful witch. What follows is the last thing she ever thought she’d agree to do—protect the very thing she was groomed to hunt.

To complicate things even further, Olivia begins to develop feelings for a tattoo artist who also happens to be half warlock, and no matter how hard she tries to fight it, she can’t resist her inescapable draw to him. Olivia’s forbidden relationship isn’t her only issue though, because once the mystery behind the assassination attempt starts to unravel, she’s forced to choose sides when the loyalties still tied to her past life are tested again.

So much for the idea of a fresh start.

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I was lucky enough to have a chance to beta this novel as it was being written—and let me just tell you, it’s a bangin’ story! Kunz is a wonderful storyteller, and the world of Piedmont Pointe, complete with witches, witch hunters, and other magical beings, is one you just can’t miss. If you like the world of the paranormal even just a bit, then this is definitely a novel you need to pick up.

Olivia Adams is a very real character—in fact, they all are, from their mannerisms to their emotions, I truly felt like I knew these characters on a deeper level. Even though they have magical capabilities, they are true to life and real; though the story revolves around magic, should it be removed, the story would still thrive on as it deals with so much more: betrayal, heartache, romance, mystery, intrigue, doing what’s right, and the list goes on. Kunz has weaved in some amazing themes, and as the story unfolds, one cannot help but fall in love with all things Olivia as she struggles to make sense of the world she left behind—a world that just won’t let go of her—as she attempts to fit into this new one.

Full of action, this novel will keep you on your toes as you read, and I already can’t wait for the next installment in this amazing series. Five stars.

I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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{July 18, 2014} {Review} Two Little Lies by T.A. Kunz

From Goodreads: Lies can be very dangerous and deadly little things.

Almost four years after Laney Matthews survived a brush with death at the hands of Robbie Jameson, she has finally picked up the pieces of her life and started over. She’s made new friends, began dating again, attended countless therapy sessions, and is about to graduate in the spring from Blackburn University. Ever since that fateful night, Laney has tried to surround herself with positivity, and so far it’s been successful … but that’s all about to come crashing down.

When Laney receives news of Robbie’s release from prison, her bubble of security bursts and she begins to withdraw from everyday life. Her friends come to the rescue with a fun winter break getaway in order to clear their heads and shake off the end of semester finals. It’s here that Laney comes face to face again with Brent Lyles, the one true love that got away, and she begins to realize maybe he’s the exact thing that’s been missing in her crazy life.

Something’s amiss at the sprawling rental property though, and when things take a deadly turn, Laney and her friends are forced to fight for their lives. Has Robbie returned to finish what he started years ago? And is Laney prepared to stand up to her past demons once and for all?

The key to her survival this time though will be trust—a feeling she hasn’t embraced in quite some time.

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Two Little Lies is a heartpounding psychological thriller by the ever talented T.A. Kunz; one you seriously don’t want to miss. This novel pulled me in from the very first page and left me breathless at the end. Juxtaposing lighthearted banter with deadly intent, this mystery novel will leave you on the edge of your seat, waiting for the shoe to drop as Laney and her friends seclude themselves on a rental property in the dead of winter. Not all are going to survive the weekend…

I really enjoyed this novel! Kunz’s characterization was spot on, and I found myself seeing a bit of myself in Laney. Although I’ve never experienced anything to the extent that she has, the connection was there as I read of her insecurities and fear that the past might come back to haunt her. A survivor by nature, Laney is a strong-willed character that is forced to face her demons head on in a game of cat and mouse as the weekend unfolds, and as she learns through the many harrowing trials and tribulations, not everyone is who they profess to be.

I loved the characters, and the climax of the story really did have me on the edge of my seat, fretting about the characters and what would happen next. Kunz has created an extremely realistic and, therefore, scary world where evil pursues good, and I loved not knowing who to trust and waiting on pins and needles for the climax and the revelation that I never saw coming. This is a must read for sure. Five stars.

I purchased this novel from Amazon.

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{June 16, 2014} {ARC Review} The Body in the Woods by April Henry

From Goodreads: In this new series told from multiple perspectives, teen members of a search and rescue team discover a dead body in the woods. Alexis, Nick, and Ruby have very different backgrounds: Alexis has spent her life covering for her mom’s mental illness, Nick’s bravado hides his fear of not being good enough, and Ruby just wants to pursue her eccentric interests in a world that doesn’t understand her. When the three teens join Portland County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, they are teamed up to search for a autistic man lost in the woods. What they find instead is a dead body. In a friendship that will be forged in danger, fear, and courage, the three team up to find the girl’s killer—before he can strike one of their own. This first book in April Henry’s Point Last Seen YA mystery series is full of riveting suspense, putting readers in the middle of harrowing rescues and crime scene investigations.

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This was an intriguing story that follows the lives of three teen members of a search and rescue crew—three teens who have nothing else in common and, truth be told, want nothing to do with one another. Through their third-person stories, readers learn of their own lives and personal idiosyncrasies, and as the novel takes shape, they begin to depend on one another, forming a friendship of sorts that will bring a smile to readers’ faces.

This was an intriguing mystery novel that I found highly engaging, especially with the quirky main characters. This is somewhat of a classic whodunit, with teens as sleuths, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised how difficult it was for me to pinpoint the murdered. I did eventually figure it out prior to the big reveal, but Henry had me going to quite a while, and I just loved the continual tension between the characters and their inner demons. If you like mystery novels, definitely give this book a read.

I received this novel from the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

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{June 15, 2014} {ARC Review} Real Murder by Lauren Carr

From Goodreads: When Homicide Detective Cameron Gates befriends Dolly, the little old lady who lives across the street, she is warned not to get lured into helping the elderly woman by investigating the unsolved murder of one of her girls. “She’s senile,” Cameron is warned. “It’s not a real murder.”

Such is not the case. After Dolly is brutally murdered, Cameron discovers that the sweet blue-haired lady’s “girl” was a call girl, who had been killed in a mysterious double homicide.

Meanwhile, Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Thornton is looking for answers to the murder of a childhood friend, a sheriff deputy whose cruiser is found at the bottom of a lake. The deputy had disappeared almost twenty years ago while privately investigating the murder of a local prostitute.

It doesn’t take long for the Lovers in Crime to put their cases together to reveal a long-kept secret that some believe is worth killing to keep undercover.
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Expertly crafted characters and a seamless plotline grace the pages of Lauren Carr’s latest mystery novel, Real Murder, a whodunit featuring Joshua Thornton and Cameron Gates from the riveting Lovers in Crime series; lovers of all things mystery will not want to miss this gem.

Carr does a phenomenal job keeping readers on their toes in this fast-paced novel, especially as Joshua and Cameron begin to uncover the truth behind an 18-year-old cold-case. While at times I was certain Carr was making the truth much to obvious for readers, time and time again she threw me for a loop with the revelation of new evidence and motives, causing me to continually point the finger in multiple directions. And once again, though I tried very hard, Carr remained one step ahead of me and floored me with her final reveal of the killer’s identity.

Of course, I love how strong-willed Cameron is, and the fact that she’s just as smart and capable as her husband, Joshua, makes them a great team. And Irving? The fat cat that looks like a skunk? Priceless. Carr always adds amazing, fun animal companions to her novels, and it might just be true that Irving and his antics make him one of my favorites of the novel—and series—as it were.

Complete with many layers, including a little romance, familial grudges, humor, and of course, sleuthing, Carr has created a great read that will leave readers satisfied in all aspects. If you love mysteries, I highly suggest you pick up a copy of Real Murder by Lauren Carr. Though part of a series, each novel stands alone, and if you’ve never picked up one of Carr’s novels, then this is definitely one with which to start. Four stars.

I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon

Only 99 cents

{June 11, 2014} {Review} Flashes: Tom by Tim O’Rourke (Flashes Part 2)

From Goodreads: Risking his reputation and career, Detective Constable Tom Henson takes Charley to the scene of Kerry Underwood’s death. Charley is still convinced that what she has seen in her flashes proves that Kerry’s death was no accident but the work of a serial killer.

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In this second part of O’Rourke’s serial, the focus shifts from Charley, the girl who can see past events through a succession of flashes, to Tom, the young police recruit intent on finding the truth in time to stop a killer. Struggling to fit in and make the higher ups believe him, Tom makes a series of rash decisions, which costs him both his credibility and his standing within the police force, and as the story unfold, readers once again find themselves wrapped up in the mystery of it all. While all evidence seems to point to a single suspect, knowing O’Rourke’s writing, it’s safe to say that all bets are off when it comes to the truth, and while it may seem like certain people are guilty, I know O’Rourke is going to drop a bombshell on readers in the third and final installment, and I can’t wait. This second portion of the serial was indeed great fun, and I’m beyond ready to find out what happens next. Five stars.

I purchased this novella from Amazon.

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The full length novel encompassing all portions of this three part serial should be releasing soon.

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{May 22, 2014} {Review} Next Time We Steal The Carillon by Louie Flann

From Goodreads: College life and crime detection are seen through the eyes of our student investigators. These contemporary temporary sleuths live through a cozy mystery set at a Midwestern college during the 1990s. Missing: a valuable antiquity. Suspicious occult occurrences, a séance, car troubles, another séance, injury in the forest, strange people not a part of the campus community are roaming the campus, pleasant fall weather, and, someone is following our Veronica. Is he some rejected suitor or someone harboring bad thoughts about our investigators? Holy smoke! What’s she going to do? What are they going to do? Will the ancient bowl return? Will our detectors find who done it? Are Veronica and Monica, who are cute as kittens, affecting the objectivity and efficiency of Ralphy and Jason? I can’t tell! Who won the game, and what happened at the dance? All these questions—and more—will be answered before you put this book down. This is a story about good kids with a devil of a job.

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This was an interesting whodunit type mystery dealing with college aged students, though it reads more as a YA or MG novel. It’s easy to understand prose and characters draw the reader in from the get go, and it’s definitely a fun ride. There are a bit more characters involved in this story than I’m used to, and so as a reader I had more people to try and keep track of, but overall Flann does a good job keeping the reader on track. I will say that I didn’t really connect with any of the characters due to the vast amount of them—they were spread a little thin in terms of characterization for me—but overall, they were likable and intriguing, spurred on by different motivations that cast them in different lighting as the novel progresses.

While I found some of the events within the novel to be a little far-fetched, the premise was on point and I thought the search for the missing artifact to be actually quite enjoyable. From crazy sleuthing in the dead of night to false antics, the characters and events kept me on my toes as it all came to a head. This is a clean novel with a somewhat humorous take on the “whodunit” mystery, and if you’re in the mood for something a bit light, then I suggest taking this novel for a spin. Three and a half stars.

I was given this novel by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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{April 15, 2014} {Release Day Launch: 5 Star ARC Review and Excerpt} Don’t Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I am extremely excited that Jennifer L. Armentrout’s DON’T LOOK BACK releases today!!

DON’T LOOK BACK is a young adult suspense being published by Disney Hyperion!

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From Goodreads: Samantha is a stranger in her own life. Until the night she disappeared with her best friend, Cassie, everyone said Sam had it all—popularity, wealth, and a dream boyfriend.

Sam has resurfaced, but she has no recollection of who she was or what happened to her that night. As she tries to piece together her life from before, she realizes it’s one she no longer wants any part of. The old Sam took “mean girl” to a whole new level, and it’s clear she and Cassie were more like best enemies. Sam is pretty sure that losing her memories is like winning the lottery. She’s getting a second chance at being a better daughter, sister, and friend, and she’s falling hard for Carson Ortiz, a boy who has always looked out for her-even if the old Sam treated him like trash.

But Cassie is still missing, and the facts about what happened to her that night isn’t just buried deep inside of Sam’s memory-someone else knows, someone who wants to make sure Sam stays quiet. All Sam wants is the truth, and if she can unlock her clouded memories of that fateful night, she can finally move on. But what if not remembering is the only thing keeping Sam alive?
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Armentrout is quickly proving to be one of my “go-to” authors—everything I’ve read of hers over the past two months has been riveting, and I’ve really enjoyed them all, Don’t Look Back included.

I loved the suspense of this novel. Though Amnesia stories seems to be cropping up more and more in the YA genre, I found Don’t Look Back to be different enough that it really sparked my interest… plus, Armentrout is just an all around great writer. I could feel Sam’s fear, disdain, and confusion as I read, and the fact that I was able to connect with her made it all the more fun.

The characterization was amazing, and I loved watching Sam struggle to fit in, but ultimately deciding against it—choosing to make waves and change for the better instead. I also really liked the mystery involved in the disappearance of Cassie, especially because Armentrout opens up many doors in terms of what might have happened and whether a murder even occurred at all… and I really enjoyed the suspense of it all. I never suspected the ending, though I thought I had it pegged at least three times. Truth be told, I never saw the revelation coming until it was upon me, and by that point I was overwhelmed with tension! You think you know a person…

If you’re a fan of suspense novels, if you’ve enjoyed any novels that deal with amnesia stories lately, then I think you’ll really love Don’t Look Back. It has just the right amount of creepy and it definitely keeps you guessing, especially in terms of whether or not Sam is truly insane. Five stars.

I received a free ARC of this novel from Disney-Hyperion during NCTE 2013.

This awesome novel releases today!!

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | iTunes

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EXCERPT:

I didn’t recognize the name on the street sign. Nothing about the rural road looked familiar or friendly. Tall, imposing trees and overgrown weeds choked the front of the dilapidated home. Windows were boarded up. There was a gaping hole where the front door had been. I shivered, wanting to be far away from here…wherever here was.

Walking felt harder than it should be, and I stumbled off the chilly asphalt, wincing as sharp gravel dug into my feet.

My bare feet?

I stopped and looked down. Chipped pink nail polish peeked through the dirt…and blood. Mud caked the legs of my pants, leaving the hems stiff. It made sense, seeing as how I wasn’t wearing any shoes, but the blood…I didn’t understand why there was blood staining the knees of my jeans.

My vision clouded and dulled, as if a gray film had been dropped over my eyes. As I stared at the weathered asphalt under my feet, large and smooth rocks replaced the tiny stones. Something dark and oily seeped over the rocks, slipping through the cracks.

Sucking in a sharp gasp, I blinked and the image was gone.

Hands trembling, I raised them. They were also covered with dirt and scratches. My nails were broken, bloodied. A silver ring wrapped, encased in soil, around my thumb. Air froze in my chest as my gaze crawled over my arms. The sleeves of my sweater were torn, revealing pale flesh covered in bruises and gashes. My legs started to shake as I swayed forward. I tried to remember how this had happened, but my head was empty—a black void where nothing existed.

A car drove by, coasting to a stop a few feet in front of me. Somewhere in the trenches of my subconscious, I recognized the flashing red and blue lights as a source of safety. Elegantly scrawled along the black-and-gray side of the cruiser were the words ADAMS COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT.

Adams County? A flash of familiarity came and went.

The driver’s door opened, and a deputy stepped out. He said something into the radio on his shoulder before he looked at me.

“Miss?” He started around the cruiser, taking tentative steps. He looked young for a deputy. Barely out of high school and able to carry a gun seemed wrong somehow. Was I in high school? I didn’t know. “We’ve received some calls into dispatch concerning you,” he said gently. “Are you okay?”

I tried to respond, but only a hoarse squeak came out. Clearing my throat, I winced as the motion scratched and pulled. “I…I don’t know.”

“Okay.” The deputy held up his hands as he approached me, as if I were a skittish deer about to bolt. “My name is Deputy Rhode. I’m here to help you. Do you know what you’re doing out here?”

“No.” Knots formed in my belly. I didn’t even know where here was.

His smile strained. “What’s your name?”

My name? Everyone knew their name, but as I stared at the deputy, I couldn’t answer his question. The knots started twisting more. “I don’t…I don’t know what my name is.”

He blinked, and the smile was completely gone. “You don’t remember anything?”

I tried again, concentrating on the empty space between my ears. That was how it felt. And I knew that wasn’t good. My eyes started to tear up.

“Miss, it’s okay. We’ll get you taken care of.” He reached out, lightly taking hold of my arm.

“We’ll get this sorted.” Deputy Rhode led me around the back of his cruiser. I didn’t want to sit behind the Plexiglas, because I knew that wasn’t good. Only bad people sat behind the glass in police cruisers. I wanted to object, but before I could say anything, he settled me into the seat and wrapped a coarse blanket around my shoulders. Before he locked me in the bad part of the car, he knelt and smiled reassuringly.

“Everything’s going to be okay.”

But I knew he was lying, trying to make me feel better. It didn’t work. How could everything be okay when I didn’t know my own name?

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING:

“This engrossing thriller packs a heady atmospheric punch with plenty of theatrical scares,” Kirkus Reviews

“Armentrout has written another winner. From the first page to the last, she builds both terror and confusion to the point where readers will be hooked and on the edge of their seat. This standalone contains all of Armentrout’s usual trademarks– a strong and determined heroine, witty comments and hot guys–but she adds in an extra layer by ratcheting up the suspense to the highest degree and follows it up with an ending no one will see coming.” RT BOOK REVIEWS 4 1/2 Stars TOP PICK

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About Jennifer L. Armentrout:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

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DON’T LOOK BACK Goodreads

{April 9, 2014} {Review} Flashes: Charley by Tim O’Rourke (Flashes Part 1)

From Goodreads: Charley has flashes in her mind, psychic snapshots of terrifying events. After the death of her best friend, Charley’s flashes become more intense as she sees images of the murder of a teenage girl. But how will Charley ever convince Tom Henson, the new detective in the town of Marsh Bay, to believe she can help him solve the case?

** Part Two releases 1st May, 2014 **

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Flashes is Tim O’Rourke’s latest serial, sectioned into three parts that are set to release over the next two months. In this first installment, we meet seventeen-year-old Charley, a young woman who suffers from intense headaches, followed by flashes of murders in the act. Because this has plagued her for much of her life, Charley is a loner with just one friend, a friend who recently died in a train accident. But was it really an accident?

Tom Henson is new to the CDC, and as the newest addition to the police force, he feels he has something to prove. When another young woman is torn apart in a train accident, Tom’s suspicions are raised when he stumbles upon Charley near the scene of the crime. Together, they must learn to trust one another and put their differences aside if they’re going to solve the mounting train murders before both of them wind up dead.

For those who have read The Kiera Hudson Prequels, both one and two, Tom Henson is someone we already know a little bit about, but in O’Rourke’s serial, Flashes, readers now get to see him at the forefront of his very own series. I have liked Tom since the get go, and now seeing him interact with a new cast of characters has been extremely fun. Though I wish Flashes was released all at once and not in a serial format, it’s definitely worth the wait. Tim is a master storyteller and I’m on pins and needles waiting for part 2, which releases May 1. Five stars.

I purchased this serial from Amazon.

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The full length novel encompassing all portions of this three part serial should be releasing in June

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{February 12, 2014} {ARC Review} Cold Mourning by Brenda Chapman (A Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery)

From Goodreads: It’s a week before Christmas when wealthy businessman Tom Underwood disappears into thin air — with more than enough people wanting him dead.

New police recruit Kala Stonechild, who has left her northern Ontario detachment to join a specialized Ottawa crime unit, is tasked with returning Underwood home in time for the holidays. Stonechild, who is from a First Nations reserve, is a lone wolf who is used to surviving on her wits. Her new boss, Detective Jacques Rouleau, has his hands full controlling her, his team, and an investigation that keeps threatening to go off track.

Old betrayals and complicated family relationships brutally collide when love turns to hate and murder stalks a family.

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I was immediately pulled into this story by the prologue as it focuses on two young girls as they battle a man who lured them into his van–it piqued my interest and pulled me right into the story. Then the novel jumps ahead a decade or so, and we meet new characters. Although it is obvious that Kala Stonechild is one of the little girls from the prologue, using a different name, the text doesn’t come out and say it, and so it keeps readers guessing. In fact, the novel actually keeps readers guessing throughout much of it, especially with the revelations that keep popping up in regards to Tom’s Underwood’s murder, the main focus of the novel.

Kala Stonechild is a hard character to get to know. She keeps herself closed off from everyone, including the reader, but she’s a hard worker, quick on her feet, and she’s admirable. I really enjoyed her aloofness, even though that meant I didn’t really connect with her on the deeper level. Usually that is bothersome to me in a novel, but in this case, it worked perfectly because I don’t think readers were really supposed to bond with her, but rather watch her unfold and slowly solve a murder mystery.

A mystery that kept me guessing. I didn’t know who the murdered was until Stonechild figured it out. I had my guesses, but since the novel was pointing in those directions, I was sure I was wrong (and I was). The actual killer never crossed my mind as a suspect, and that’s what made it really intriguing, because once it came out, everything fit–I just didn’t see it in the beginning.

If you enjoy murder mysteries and piecing together the puzzle alongside characters in your novel, then this is definitely a novel for you. Four stars.

Dundurn has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this full novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on February 17, 2014, in exchange for an honest review.

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{January 31, 2014} {ARC Review} Doing Harm by Kelly Parsons

From Goodreads: “It’s amazing that there are so many different ways to die in a hospital that have nothing to do with being sick…”

Steve Mitchell, happily married with a wife and two kids, is in line for a coveted position at Boston’s University Hospital when his world goes awry. His over-reaching ambition causes him to botch a major surgery, and another of his patients mysteriously dies. Steve’s nightmare goes from bad to worse when he learns that the mysterious death was no accident but the act of a sociopath. A sociopath he knows and who has information that could destroy Steve’s career and marriage. A sociopath for whom killing is more than a means to an end: it’s a game. Because he is under a cloud of suspicion and has no evidence, he knows that any accusations he makes won’t be believed. So he must struggle to turn the tables, even as the killer skillfully blocks his every move. Detailing the politics of hospitals, the hierarchy among doctors and the life and death decisions that are made by flawed human beings, Doing Harm marks the debut of a major fiction career.

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This was a good mystery novel, but it takes a while for it to really get going. From the get go we are immersed in Steve Mitchell’s life, learning about his daily routine, his hopes and fears, and his extreme talent for surgery. He has a great life, though perhaps he’s a little too cocky about his abilities, which in turn causes him to begin making mistakes–mistakes that cost lives and put him under intense scrutiny and his job on the line. It’s very interesting tale of espionage and betrayal, but the reader really has to wait for it to begin.

The first 30% or so of the novel focuses on Steve and his surgeries, and there are many gritty detailed descriptions as he cuts into people and feels around in their abdomens… cutting through fat, slicing apart muscle, and really digging his fingers in there. If that makes your squeamish, then you may want to skim those parts, because there are quite a few in the beginning, and they’re somewhat long. I also recommend reading this the old fashion way and not listening to it on tape. I was listening to the novel on my Kindle using the text-to-speech feather when I was blindsided by these gory descriptions and had to nix that straight away. Perhaps it’s just me, but there was something exceptionally creepy and nerve-wracking about a mechanical voice reading off the details… so this would be a book that I definitely recommend you read as opposed to listen to…

Detailed descriptions and long introduction aside, though, this novel really begins to take off as the Steve begins making bad decisions in terms of his family due to the pressures at work. Thus, he and soon finds himself in a race against time to save people’s lives within the hospital, especially once the truth comes out about who has been sabotaging him and the rules are set on the table. As the novel progresses, it becomes apparent that Parsons really knows his way around the medical field and, apparently, around special opts as well. He did a great job fleshing out the scenes, explaining procedures, and putting into play some key special opts scenes that really made the novel an intriguing read, and I highly suggest it if you like murder mystery novels. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read before. Four stars.

St. Martin’s Press has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on February 4, 2014.

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{January 28, 2014} {ARC Review} Vengeance by Megan Miranda (Fracture #2)

From Goodreads: Falcon Lake wants vengeance. And so, it seems, does someone else . . . An intense, heart-rending psychological thriller to accompany the chilling and seductive Fracture

When Decker drags his best friend Delaney’s lifeless body out of the frozen lake, he makes a deal: Anyone but her. Everyone but her. The lake releases her. It takes another . . .

All their friends blame Delaney for Carson’s death. But Decker knows the truth: Delaney is drawn to those who are dying, and she would have tried to help Carson.

Or so Decker believes until a body lies in front of him in a pool of water on his kitchen floor. Until he sees in Delaney’s eyes that she knew this would happen too – and she said nothing. Until he realizes it isn’t the lake that is looking for revenge – Delaney is part of someone else’s plan.

This powerful and emotionally charged psychological thriller follows Megan Miranda’s stunning debut Fracture.

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I haven’t read the first novel in this series, but Miranda does a great job keeping the reader on track, giving just enough information that we understand what went on in the first novel so we’re able to stay on top of everything in this second novel. I never felt like I was missing information and, while I do plan to go back and read book one eventually, I don’t feel like it is a prerequisite in order to read this second installment.

Whereas the first novel details the budding relationship between Decker and Delaney, Vengeance does just the opposite. With the death of an immediate loved one at the start of this novel, Decker begins to harbor an extreme hatred for Delaney, thus, breaking up their perfect relationship. Quickly dropped by the only person who really understands what happened to her on the ice at the end of book one, Delaney forges on, trying to find her place in the world while Decker trys to forgive and get over this monumental “betrayal,” as he sees it. And if the demise of Decker and Delaney is not difficult enough for the pair to endure, someone or something is terrorizing Decker and his group of friends—and won’t stop until more lives are claimed.

I really liked the mystery within this novel, and I never saw the truth coming. I think Miranda did a great job pulling it all together, and I loved the ending. But, I did find the novel a bit slow towards the middle of the book. While I understand Decker’s hang ups and feelings after an immediate family member dies, I felt like there was a little too much time spent on his and Delaney’s relationship and less on the action sequence that entices the reader forward. Suddenly, the actions seems to stop and it’s touch and go in the relationship department, and while I do understand that Decker and Delaney need to clear the air in terms of their relationship, I found myself wishing more was happening in terms of the mystery. I wasn’t a fan of Decker’s obsessiveness and his indecision, and I would have liked that section to be paired down so there was a little more focus on the mystery aspect of it all. But that might just be me. Overall, this was a very good read, and I can’t wait to read the prequel. Three and a half stars.

Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books and Walker Childrens have been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on February 4, 2014.

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{December 9, 2013} {Review} Poor Little Dead Girls by Lizzie Friend

From Goodreads: Perfect people aren’t just born. They’re made.

The first time she is blindfolded and kidnapped, star-athlete and posh boarding school newbie Sadie is terrified. She wakes up in a dark room surrounded by hushed whispers, hooded strangers, and a mysterious voice whispering not-so-sweet nothings in her ear.

But once the robes come off, she realizes it’s just an elaborate prank designed to induct her into the group that’s been pulling the strings at Keating Hall for generations. The circle has it all–incredible connections; fabulous parties; and, of course, an in with the brother society’s gorgeous pledges.

The instant popularity is enough to make Sadie forget about the unexplained marks on her body, the creepy ceremonial rituals, and the incident that befell one of her teammates the year before. So the next time Sadie is kidnapped, she isn’t scared, but she should be. The worst of Keating Hall is yet to come.

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Sadie has just received a scholarship to the prestigious Keating Hall, the boarding school of the elite. It sounds innocent enough, but the real reason behind the scholarship has yet to be revealed, and Sadie has no idea what she’s about to get herself into as she accepts the lavish gifts bestowed upon her, or how it all relates back to her dead mother…

I went in to this novel thinking that it would be similar to other novels I’ve read that have to do with secret societies, and while it is, in a way, it’s also vastly different. I can’t say much more than that without giving away pieces of the plotline, but know that this society delves deep in its sinister plans, especially when it comes to the lives of its members.

I really like Sadie, though she drove me a bit nuts at times. I do understand being sworn to secrecy, but I also understand gut feelings, and if something just doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. In other words, it’s better to tell someone than to try and go it alone. Sadie struggles with this throughout the entire novel, which actually makes her extremely real. Working with high school students, I see this often—many teens would rather go it alone or tell someone their age than deal with an adult, which fits Sadie’s M.O. exactly. I loved that she was snarky and real, but as the story went on, some of it did seem a bit far-fetched to me. Now, I’m also not rolling in money and I’m not famous, so it is quite possible that the people Sadie runs with do have the means to do much of what they do in the novel, but as a regular everyday person, I still feel like some of it is just beyond real. I mean, if I was Sadie, I wouldn’t have been able to do some of those things… but that’s okay, because regardless, the story itself was extremely interesting and I enjoyed it overall. And if you’re even the tiniest bit interested in secret societies, mystery, and suspense, then this is a novel that I highly suggest you read. Four stars.

F+W/Adams Media and Merit Press have been extremely gracious in allowing me to read this novel, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

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{November 28, 2013} {ARC Review} Silent Echo by J.R. Rain

From Goodreads: Not much could drag Jim Booker out of a peaceful, if lonely, retirement and back to late nights, crime scenes, and chases. Jim Booker is done with detective work and would just like to enjoy a cup of coffee on a sunny day. But when an old friend shows up with a case about an old flame, Booker can’t say no.

What starts as a missing persons case soon delivers more than he bargained for, and when Booker’s own past offers clues, it’s clear that no one else can solve this mystery. But there’s a catch: Booker was given six months to live eight months ago.

Author J.R. Rain shows us that when it seems there’s nothing left to live for, there’s also nothing left to lose. His characters will take a chance on danger, doubt, even an unlikely romance—as long as they get a cup of coffee first.

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I think this novel had a lot of potential, but I was highly annoyed by the main character, which made reading it rather anticlimactic for me. Jim Booker is dying, and I do understand that, but it seemed that every other page found him talking about his impending death, and not in a way that readers are able to sympathize with him, either. Truth be told, he was a jerk to everyone around him, so he never really endeared himself to me, and in the end, I couldn’t have cared less what happened to him, which is unfortunate.

The mystery itself was well done, and it took me a while to figure out who the murderer was, though looking back I think I should have picked up on it a lot sooner than I did. In this respect, I think Rain did a good job presenting his murder mystery, and having a main character willing to take any and all chances due to their own impending death was a great idea. Overall, I was highly interested in the mystery aspect of the novel, but I really would have liked to have been able to care about the main character a little in order for this to be truly enjoyable. Two stars.

Kindle First was extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel for free, prior to its release December 1, in exchange for an honest review.

{November 3, 2013} {Review} Unscathed by Tim O’Rourke and C.J. Pinard

From Goodreads: Mina Porter’s mother sent her away because of a terrible secret. When Mina meets tattooed bad boy Jax McElvoy, she’s immediately drawn to him, but not for the reasons he might think.

Jax falls for Mina too, but quickly figures out she’s hiding something. He’s determined to break down her walls and find out her secret. But Jax soon realizes he should have just let hidden secrets stay buried, because this one will cost him his dearly.

Unscathed is a contemporary romance with a deadly twist by bestselling author Tim O’Rourke and author C.J. Pinard.

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One. Crazy. Lady. That’s what I kept thinking as I read this novel. Mina seems harmless enough in the beginning, but as readers learn small snippets about her past, mainly her love for her phone and taking pictures of others without their knowledge, it becomes quite clear that something is up, and the more that’s revealed, the more sinister and insane it all seems to be. However, there’s a rhyme and a reason behind it all, as I’ve learned is always the case with novels by Tim O’Rourke, and together with C.J. Pinard, another gem has been created with a twist so shocking that I didn’t see it coming (not even a little bit).

Of course, this novel has some aspects of the paranormal intertwined, but as the synopsis doesn’t reveal this, I imagine most readers will be thrown for quiet a loop, as I was, especially if they’re looking for a straight contemporary romance. Romance there is, and this novel is definitely full of swoon worthy scenes between Mina and Jax, but be pre-warned, nothing is as it seems. Four stars.

4 stars I received this novel from the authors in exchange for an honest review.

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And make sure you pick up Full of Grace’s amazing companion novel, Hale Maree, for FREE!!!

Hale Simmons dreams of getting herself a titanium crash helmet, so she can bust through the welfare-cycle of her crappy life. But for now, she’s just a 18-year-old girl stuck with the responsibility of looking after her alcoholic father, Jerry.

But for Hale, ‘crappy’ suddenly takes a nosedive, when Jerry and his old friend, Otto Maree, go for a drink one night. A horrible accident occurs and Jerry is the sole witness. Otto, who is also a prominent business man, stands to lose everything, if news of the accident goes public.

Out of mutual moments of desperation, the two fathers forge a deal.

Otto offers the finances that can lift Jerry out of the poverty cycle. In exchange, Jerry agrees to an alliance cemented with family bonds; an arranged marriage between Hale and Otto’s playboy son, Oscar.

As the mystery surrounding the accident continues to grow, Hale has to figure out if this situation is something she wants to escape or if it is an amazing twist of fate that has just been waiting around for this particular accident to happen.

Read it now for FREE!

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GIVEAWAY:

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1st prize 1 autographed copy of Hale Maree by Misty Provencher

2nd prize 1 autographed copy of Full of Grace by Misty Provencher

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Winner will receive 1 ebook copy of any Misty Provencher book – winner’s choice

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And be sure to read the companion novel, Full of Grace as well–another gem in the Crossed and Bared series. Only $2.99 for a limited time!

Landon Grace is a stand-up guy, but running about 7-bananas-strong, from tequila shots at Oscar and Hale’s wedding reception, what happened between him and Sher was supposed to be a one time thing. A quickie, between the Best Man and Maid of Honor, at their best friends’ wedding.

But some one-night-stands refuse to be finished in one night.

Especially when they return with a hard shot of morning sickness.

Now, Landon is faced with a problem he never thought he’d have to consider…

Just how much sway does a guy really have, regarding a woman’s choice to pursue or terminate the pregnancy of his child?

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GIVEAWAY:

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1st prize 1 autographed copy of Hale Maree by Misty Provencher

2nd prize 1 autographed copy of Full of Grace by Misty Provencher

International Only

Winner will receive 1 ebook copy of any Misty Provencher book – winner’s choice

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And now for the GIVEAWAY!

Tim O’Rourke is giving away a SIGNED PAPERBACK of The Mechanic to one lucky winner! Good luck!

Click here to go to the Rafflecopter Entry Form!

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I am extremely excited that Jennifer L. Armentrout’s DON’T LOOK BACK releases today!!

DON’T LOOK BACK is a young adult suspense being published by Disney Hyperion!

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble | iTunes

About Jennifer L. Armentrout:

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

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Kindle | Barnes and Noble

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