Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” —Groucho Marx

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Dateline: Atlantis by Lynn Voedich/ Pict VBTour

 SYNOPSIS:


DATELINE: ATLANTIS is a contemporary fantasy featuring a female Indiana Jones who dives underwater and accidentally discovers what just might be the lost world of Atlantis. After she and her photographer document fabulous pyramids and other structures under the Caribbean sea, they return to their newspaper in the Los Angeles area, only to have all their evidence stolen. The sea rolls back and reclaims the buildings, and the photographer is kidnapped by unknown criminals.
The simple news assignment becomes more complicated with each turn and takes the Amaryllis Lang (pen name: Amy Quigley) to Chicago, Florida, Mexico and the Bahamas.
An ever-skeptical reporter, the Amaryllis Lang finds that her search for humanity's first family (in the possible Atlantis) dovetails with her own search for her own lost roots. Long ago someone murdered her archeologist parents—and they may be the same villains who are working against her own efforts to bring the Caribbean discovery to light. 
In the midst of the tension, a testy romantic triangle develops. Plus, the pressure never stops as editor Noel Wright III keeps badgering her for a Pulitzer Prize-winning story. After escaping the villains' traps with her life intact, Amaryllis emerges a more open-minded adventurer, a better journalist, and an adventurer who is never afraid to let a historical find change written history.

Author Bio:

 Lynn Voedisch is a Chicago writer who had a long career as a newspaper reporter and worked for 17 years at the Chicago Sun-Times. She also freelanced for many other publications, both in print and online. She lives with her husband and pet cat three blocks from the Chicago border. Her son, a new attorney, lives in the city. Her hobbies are tennis, tai ch, an promoting the appreciation of literature.

Catch Up With the Author:



From My Perspective:

 Dateline Atlantis was an interesting read.   It was an adventure from start to finish.   Amaryllis Lang was a journalist whose byline was Amy Quiggley.   She was orphaned at a young age, when her archaelogical parents met with a an untimely death.   Years later, she is building a story about some pyramids found under the Caribean Sea and encounters enemies of the free press and anything that would threaten history as we know it.   At that point she begins to wonder whether her parents' deaths were truly accidental.  Wouldn't you like to know the truth if it were you?

I liked the premise of the book as it was something I'd never really thought a thing about.   What evidence is science finding that could stand us all on our heads as far as our values and belief systems are concerned?   Would we accept and embrace a change of that nature?   Is any truth of that nature, worth killing someone over?   It was a great novel to read and I enjoyed it very much.   The author really instilled a fevered pitch toward the mid through latter part of the book as everything culminated to the climactic ending.  It included a lot of characters, both good and bad, a lot of theory, lots of adventure and a little bit of romance for Amaryllis.   A definite Sci-Fi fantasy, but very thought provoking.

I rate it  4 WINKS!   Quite an enjoyable read.





Every eBook received for review on the tours for Partners In Crime are given in exchange for an honest review. The eBooks are sole property (copyrighted) of the author and should not be sold, distributed to, or exchanged among other people not part of the tours, nor should they be listed on file sharing sites. Failure to comply with this disclaimer, will result in removal from all future tours.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Crashing the Congressman's Wedding by Elley Arden/ RABT VBTour



Contemporary Romance
Date Published: 7/15/2013

Alice Cramer is tired of being pitied for her family’s transgressions, so she resolves to break out of the gutter and into the spotlight. As long as her local congressman can forget about their checkered past and help her secure a federal grant to open Harmony Falls Little Theatre, she’ll be the brightest star in town. But when Alice stands up in church and stops the congressman’s wedding, she dives headfirst into fresh scandal.
Why is Harmony Fall’s golden boy, Justin Mitchell, speeding down the interstate sans a new wife but with the local drama queen he’s been trying his whole life to avoid? Alice Cramer may have saved him the hassle of an arranged marriage to a woman he didn’t love, but she’s put a business transaction big enough to save an entire town in jeopardy–not to mention his reputation.
Soon Alice and Justin are dredging up and indulging in an attraction that threatens all their dreams and aspirations. But what if life together is the dream that matters most?

Elley Arden

Author Bio
Elley Arden is a born and bred Pennsylvanian who has lived as far west as Utah and as far north as Wisconsin. She drinks wine like it’s water (a slight exaggeration), prefers a night at the ballpark to a night on the town, and believes almond English toffee is the key to happiness.
Elley has been reading romance novels since she was a sixteen-year-old babysitter, sneaking Judith McNaught and Danielle Steele novels off the bookshelves of the women who employed her. She started her first manuscript when she was twenty-five, writing during babies’ naps. A total of three children and ten years later, the manuscript was complete. Little did she know, her journey to publication was only beginning…
Elley writes provocative contemporary romances for Crimson Romance.


LINKS TO BUY
Amazon

My Review:

This was a sassy tale about a young woman with low expectations, loving Prince Charming, from the right side of town and finding out whether or not her dreams could come true.   The handsome congressman had always done the "right thing" and lived up to the expectations of his class and supporters.   When he finally realizes who holds his heart and his future, he becomes the man he was meant to be, his own man.

This was a fun story with strong characters and a good storyline and reads very quickly.   I enjoyed Alice's character as I could empathize with her and her dilemma of reaching out beyond her comfort zone to be noticed, accepted and approved.    Very well written and very much enjoyed.   I rate this 4 winks!!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*

Friday, July 26, 2013

My Highland Lord by Tarah Scott/ Gliterary Media VBTour




ABOUT My Highland Lord

London Heiress kidnapped by the Marquess of Ashlund, read the headlines. Yet no one tried to save her.
Phoebe Wallington was seven years old when a mass assassination attempt rocked Regency England. Her father was the only accused traitor to elude capture. Now as a grown woman and a British spy, she is no closer to learning what really happened that day.
Phoebe’s quest for the truth takes a sudden turn when she’s kidnapped by a suspected traitor.ButKiernan MacGregor, the Marquess of Ashlund, may not live long enough to stand trial. Someone wants him dead. And Phoebe stands in the killer’s way.

 

 AUTHOR Tarah Scott
Award winning author Tarah Scott cut her teeth on authors such as Georgette Heyer, Zane Grey, and Amanda Quick. Her favorite book is a Tale of Two Cities, with Gone With the Wind as a close second. She writes modern classical romance, and paranormal and romantic suspense. Tarah grew up in Texas and currently resides in Westchester County, New York with her daughter.

 

LINKS:
Blog: http://tarahscott.tarahscott.com/
@TarahScott

EXCERPT:


“Forgive me for laughing,” he said.
“I can forgive the mistaken identity—as inconvenient as it is—but tying me up goes beyond the pale.”
“I'm pleased to have your forgiveness, regardless of the reason.”
“When this escapade is finished, you will find yourself at a disadvantage.”
“Heddy,” he said with resignation, “I find myself at a disadvantage now.”
She gave him a dry look. “I doubt that. When do you plan on sending word to the authorities of the murder plot against the duchess—or have you already done so?”
“No need to concern yourself with that.”
"But—my God, you don't intend to report them. You will stand idly by while a murder is planned and executed?”
“What is one murder in exchange for fifteen thousand?" he replied. "Or do fifteen thousand Highlanders hold less value to you than a single noblewoman?” He paused. "Perhaps, the gratitude of the duchess' male relatives interests you more?”
Phoebe shot to her feet. “Even Heddy wouldn't lower herself to such debased actions.”
“Lower herself?” Kiernan laughed, although the sound held none of his characteristic humor. “Heddy, I have seen—”
“By heavens," she burst out. "I am not Heddy.”
“No?” he murmured. When she gave a frustrated growl, he rose. “Well then—" He yanked her against him.
His mouth crashed down on hers and she froze. One arm slipped around her waist while the other cupped her neck. She gasped, but he hugged her closer. His tongue invaded her mouth, the taste of him, shocking and intoxicating. His arm tightened, but the kiss, the thrust of his tongue, softened to a feathery touch. He shuddered, and her heart leapt into a furious rhythm.
His mouth moved slowly against her lips. She became aware of the hard bulge pressing against her abdomen and clutched at his shoulders. Heat streaked from the unexpected throb in her breasts to her stomach, then lower. He abruptly tore his mouth from hers and buried his face in her neck. Phoebe swayed. His low laugh washed warm across her ear and she shivered.
“You temptress,” he breathed. “I understand what Regan sees in you.”
“Just because I borrowed Heddy's coach doesn't mean I am her,” she said through a gulp of air.
Kiernan straightened away from her and stared down at her, eyes intense. “I wonder if Regan would believe me if I swore I didn’t know you're his lover." His gaze slid down her body, and she couldn't find the will to turn away as his eyes lifted again to her face. "You make testing the theory tempting. In fact—"
His fingers tightened on her arms and she realized he intended to test the theory that instant.


From My Perspective:

Quick, someone bring me a bowl of flour to submerge my hands into....This book is Hot!  

This book really was amazing in my opinion.   From the very beginning I loved the characters of Phoebe Wallington and that of her abductor, Kiernan  MacGregor!   These two strong and independent thinkers, each with their own agenda, unfold a story of  fiery romance,  political treachery, and non stop adventure.   Phoebe's quest to find the truth about her father, draws her to actions that place her in grave danger which thoroughly aggravates the bigger than life man who loves her.   They are surrounded by a multitude of characters who love them and by others who seek to destroy them.   It is a well researched period piece, a well thought out plot and a story told with depth and perception, as well as unbelievable passion.   I loved every exciting moment while reading! I might also add,this should be a read for those over age 18 due to the steamy sexual content. 

I give this read 5 blushing  WINKS!!!!!


                                                                  5 X








a Rafflecopter giveaway







Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I received a complimentary copy from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.



Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Birthdays of a Princess by Helga Zeiner/ PICT VBTour

Birthdays of a Princess by Helga Zeiner on Tour June 1st - July 31st 2013

Book Details:

Genre:  Psychological Thriller Published by: POW WOW Books Publication Date: May/June 2013 Number of Pages: 290 ISBN: 978-0-9868798-7-6 Purchase Links: Coming Soon

Synopsis:

To be famous and be admired by total strangers can be very dangerous. Her little girl has always been her princess. In fact, she was so lovely, Melissa entered her toddler into child beauty pageants, making her a star from an early age. But her dreams and hopes are shattered one October morning, when Melissa watches a breaking news story on television. A young girl has been filmed by bystanders, committing a brutal assault in broad daylight in a downtown Vancouver Starbucks…and it looks like the girl is her daughter. From this moment on, a story unfolds, so shocking, that it will hold you captive and you will find yourself reading faster and faster into the night.

Endorsement: 
In Birthdays of a Princess, Helga Zeiner has captured the inner thoughts of an abused teen with amazing sensitivity. From my own experiences in 25 years of Forensic Psychiatry both in private practice and at Youth Forensic Services the psychopathology of the characters is accurate and realistic.
Dr. Paul JankeForensic Psychiatrist, M.D., F.R.C.P., Vancouver, BC

Birthdays of a Princess is available at these links:


Author info:

Born and educated in Germany, Helga left her home country when she was 18 to travel the world and experience the magic of life she was passionately reading about. She spent the next 15 years in exotic places like India, Thailand, Australia and Hong Kong, where she worked her way up into excellent managerial positions in large international companies. To achieve this she had to further her education and enrolled at night classes at the 'Chinese University of Hong Kong' for her Diploma in Management Studies. Love eluded her for many years. She was nearly 40 when she finally met her dream man and settled in Canada, where she now lives, neatly tucked away in the wilderness. She has previously written several suspense novels which have been published in Germany. Her first novel written and published in English is called. ‘Section 132”. A thrilling fact-based page-turner about a young girl forced into a polygamous marriage that has received countless 5-star reviews. Birthdays of a Princess’ is her second novel and will be published in June 2013.

Catch Up With Ms. Zeiner:



My Review:

I enjoyed this dark psychological thriller, although I found no joy whatsoever in the dark events that up to the attack of a woman in Starbucks.  Chapter by chapter we read what led up to the attack, what the police do to untangle the violent trail, and how the mom and grandmother define themselves and Tiara, the princess.  The story is a shocking revelation of sexual abuse and child exploitation.   Be aware it is a very dark read and even the ending is somewhat of a shock.  The story is well executed, characters well defined...some you  will love and others, you love to hate them!  It's an eye opener for sure.   I don't want to share anything else about the read except it is interesting.   I rate it a 4 out of 5 Winks!!    If you want to read this, the author is offering a free E-Copy of the book and all you need to do is sign up for the Rafflecopter drawing below:       Rafflecopter giveaway



Every eBook received for review on the tours for Partners In Crime are given in exchange for an honest review. The eBooks are sole property (copyrighted) of the author and should not be sold, distributed to, or exchanged among other people not part of the tours, nor should they be listed on file sharing sites. Failure to comply with this disclaimer, will result in removal from all future tours.

 

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Just My Luck -- RABT Release Day Blitz

Morning Peeps!   I don't normally do Promo spots, but I wanted to make an exception today as I have read several of Ms James New Zealand/Rugby series books and they are so romantic and clever!    So here's the Scoop on her newest....Feast your eyes on this!


 (Escape to New Zealand #5)
Contemporary Romance
Date Published: 7/13/2013

A little distraction can be a wonderful thing.
Nate Torrance has a job to do, and the biggest rugby boots in the world to fill. He can’t afford to lose his focus, especially not to a brown-eyed Canadian who pushes all his buttons and looks much too good in a climbing harness. 
Allison Villiers may not know what she wants to do with her life, but she’s clear about one thing. She’s not impressed by the new captain of the All Blacks, however big a deal he is to the rest of New Zealand. If only her unfortunate taste for adventure didn’t keep leading her astray . . . 

EXCERPT
“How are you finding Wellington so far?” Nate asked when they were out on the water. He’d managed to launch them from the beach with a shove, and even climb in again behind her without any mishaps. Ally was actually a little sorry. She’d been half-anticipating going over, and enjoying the prospect of teasing him about it. He definitely needed it.
“I love it,” she said, keeping up a steady stroke and feeling the calm that always came over her when she was surrounded by sea and sky, enjoying the effort, the rhythmic motion. She was going to be out here with him for a while, so she might as well keep this pleasant. She didn’t even have to look at him, after all. You couldn’t really turn around in a double kayak without tipping the thing, which was probably for the best in this case. “I’ve been wandering around getting happily lost, and finding my way home again. It’s a lively place, isn’t it? Lots of outdoor stuff to do too, and as you know, that’s my favorite thing.”
“It can get a bit wet and windy,” he cautioned.
“I’ve heard,” she said, unable to keep the amusement from her voice. “I’ve had a few discussions about the weather already, you see.”
She heard him groan. “I’m rubbish at chatting girls up,” he admitted, surprising a laugh from her. “I never know what to say. Everything’s either dull, or it sounds like a pickup line. I generally end up opting for dull.”
“Honesty works, though,” she told him. “That was pretty good right there.”
“Really.” He sounded surprised. “I should throw myself on your mercy, you think?”
“Definitely. A strong man being endearingly awkward . . . I like it. It’s an approach, anyway.”
“Better than spilling a beer on her, I reckon,” he said.
“Much better." She realized that she was paddling along with a smile on her face. Why hadn’t she met this guy before? She liked him.
“I’ll try again, then,” he said. “Did you spend Christmas here as well, on the Coromandel?”
“No, in Auckland. And it rained one day, but otherwise the weather was good. Just to anticipate you.”
He laughed. “Do anything special?”
“I did, actually. I bungy jumped off the Sky Tower. Kristen’s Christmas present.”
“Crikey. This is me shuddering back here."
“No, really?” she asked in surprise. “It was amazing. You should try it.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” he decided.
“You don’t like thrills?”
“I love thrills. Know how to get them, too. And it’s not by jumping off buildings.”
Wow. She didn’t think she’d pursue that one. Maybe he meant rugby. Yeah, right. He hadn’t meant rugby.

Author Bio:
Rosalind James is the author of the bestselling “Escape to New Zealand” series, as well as "Welcome to Paradise," her first book in the new U.S.-based "Kincaids" series.

Rosalind divides her time between California and New Zealand.

Rosalind’s website: http://www.rosalindjames.com

On Facebook: rosalindjamesbooks




Thursday, July 18, 2013

The Granite Key by Nancy Wikarski/ RABT VBTour--Review


Archaeological Thriller
Date Published: 2/12/2011

"Think 'MEDIUM meets THE LOST SYMBOL' and it only begins to describe the pleasures of THE GRANITE KEY - 5 Stars." (Kindle Nation)

A Wake-Up Call 

In a nightmare, nineteen year old Cassie Forsythe sees her sister attacked by a man in a cowboy hat who demands something called "the key." Her nightmare mutates into reality before the night is over. Cassie is called to identify her sister's body--murdered exactly as her dream foretold. Cassie dismisses her vision as a fluke and fights to get on with her life. Disconnected and aimless now that her only family is gone, she drifts until the evening when she catches the man in the cowboy hat ransacking her sister's apartment. He bolts with an odd-looking stone cylinder--the granite key. From that moment, Cassie's normal world evaporates. 

A Secret Society 

She learns that her sister led a double life--retrieving artifacts for a secret organization called the Arkana. The Arkana's leader, an elder named Faye, explains that her group performs a controversial kind of archaeology. They scour the globe for evidence of ancient pre-patriarchal civilizations in hopes of salvaging the lost history of the world. Their network of troves safeguards artifacts from highly sophisticated goddess-worshipping cultures on every continent. Cassie's sister had the psychic ability to touch an artifact and relive its past. Cassie has now inherited this gift. Faye wants the girl to take over her sister's role in the organization. Cassie doubts her powers but agrees. Now an insider, she is transported to the Arkana's mysterious underground vault in the countryside outside Chicago where the group tackles the mystery of her sister's murder.

A Dangerous Cult 

The Arkana learns that the man in the cowboy hat is a hired mercenary named Leroy Hunt and that he is working for a fundamentalist religious cult known as the Blessed Nephilim. He takes his orders directly from the cult's domineering prophet--Abraham Metcalf. The granite key which Leroy stole is inscribed with hieroglyphics revealing the location of a mythological artifact reputed to have mystical powers--the Sage Stone. Although skeptical of its legendary capabilities, the Arkana is still afraid to allow the relic to fall into the cult's hands. Abraham's fanatical belief in the power of the Sage Stone could be the catalyst to start a war of religious genocide.

Unlocking The Key 

Before she died, Cassie's sister took photos of the strange markings on the granite key. The Arkana decodes the hieroglyphics which point to the ancient ruins of Minoan Crete as the hiding place of the Sage Stone. Faye hastily assembles a retrieval team including Cassie, her newly-appointed bodyguard Erik, and a British researcher named Griffin. The band of treasure hunters is mismatched and wildly dysfunctional from the start. Griffin has never gone on a field mission, Erik treats his inexperienced colleagues with contempt, and Cassie second-guesses her psychic hunches. She battles to prove herself to Erik at every turn. Their internal clashes rival the bigger crisis of what to do when they come face to face with their enemies.

A Matter Of Life Or Death 

Even as they rake through megalithic tombs and Minoan palaces for clues, Abraham dispatches his son Daniel and hired gun Leroy Hunt to recover the Sage Stone. The Nephilim operatives won't hesitate to kill anyone standing in their way. Will Cassie and her teammates avert global disaster or find themselves casualties of Abraham's mania to exterminate the world of unbelievers? The Granite Key holds the answer.

From My Perspective:

I found this  book to be interesting and thought provoking.   I went into it with an open mind and I expected it to challenge my belief system.   And it did.  I have not taken the time to verify the bibliography information the author used as reference material.   The author however, referenced a lot of resources to support the historic evidence that society began much earlier than history teaches us and that it was a matriarchal society.  This is definitely an empowering read for women, which defies everything we have previously been taught about a world dominated by men.  

With that said, the  new Pythia that the Arkana has accepted, (Cassie), is virtually thrown into this new thought/theory realm with no long term introduction or investment.   She is a strong character, mourning the loss of her sister, grasping the friendship of strangers, and seeking her own place in the Arkana society.  She experiences great antagonism for Erik, the chief security officer for the Arkana, and a fond friendship for Griffin, the official scrivener.   Together the three of them travel to Crete in search of the Bones of the Mother.  It's an interesting storyline that sets up additional books in this 7 book series.   They encounter the enemy repeatedly, which only furthers their collective resolve to obtain their treasure!

I'm rating this a 4 WINK read.   I like a book that can make me stop and think.  I do believe that a theory like this could indeed cause a reaction from those who may want this bit of history to be forgotten--forever.
If you get a chance to read it and want to discuss it, let me know.   I'd be curious to know your thoughts!


Nancy Wikarski

"There's a 52% chance that the next Dan Brown will be a woman ... or should we just make that 100% now?"
--Kindle Nation
Nancy Wikarski is a fugitive from academia. After earning her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, she became a computer consultant and then turned to mystery and historical fiction writing. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, the Society Of Midland Authors, and has served as vice president of Sisters In Crime - Twin Cities and on the programming board of the Chicago chapter. Her short stories have appeared in Futures Magazine and DIME Anthology, while her book reviews have been featured in Murder: Past Tense and Deadly
She has written the Gilded Age Chicago History Mysteries series set in 1890s Chicago. Titles include The Fall Of White City (2002) and Shrouded In Thought (2005). The series has received People's Choice Award nominations for Best First Novel and Best Historical as well as a Lovey Award for Best Traditional Amateur Sleuth.
She is currently writing the seven book Arkana Archaeology Thriller Mystery series. Titles include The Granite Key (2011), The Mountain Mother Cipher (2011), and The Dragon’s WingEnigma (2012). The fourth volume in the series, The Riddle Of The Diamond Dove, is scheduled for publication in December of 2013. Ms. Wikarski’s work on the Arkana books has prompted Kindle Nation to call her one of its favorite authors.


BUY LINKS




Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Protecting Katie by H D Thompson--Review

Synopsis:

Morgan Stone will do anything to keep his daughter, Katie. But would he steal? Yes. Lie? Absolutely. Cheat? Most definitely.

When Jeff, Katie’s biological father, threatens to file for paternity, Morgan, blind to anything but the need to protect Katie, strikes back with photographs of Jeff with one woman while engaged to another. With evidence of his ex-partner’s infidelity, he meets Jeff’s fiancée, Kristen St. John. In less than thirty seconds, he destroys her dreams with damning photographs of Jeff in the arms of another woman.

Can Kristin believe the evidence of her fiancés’ infidelity? Caught in the middle of a battle between two men, Kristin doesn’t know who to believe or trust, especially her heart when it comes to Morgan. She finds herself falling for this fierce, loyal man. But when it comes to loving Kristen, will Morgan find it within himself to give up everything, even Katie?

From My Perspective :

I can not think of one fault in this story.  I'm seriously trying to think through my reviews with a more critical eye here of late, but for the life of me, I absolutely enjoyed reading Protecting Katie by H D Thompson.   Characters were well developed, the Storyline smooth and intriguing, and the writing was paced really well.

The book is a suspenseful romance.  This reader became instantly involved in the motivation behind the characters' behavior and I couldn't read fast enough to figure it all out.   In the end, it was Kristin who sought and found the resolution to young Katie's protection and that was one of those Aha moments!   The story is short, but well worth the read!  5 WINKS! 



Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I received a complimentary copy from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Precious Embrace by Dana Mason--RABT VBTOUR

Synopsis:



Romantic Suspense
Date Published: 7/11/2013


A second divorce and a new baby wasn’t the vision Alison Hayes had for her future. Now a single mother with two young boys, she wants to focus on her kids and what’s left of her stagnant career.
When Detective Johnny Rhay Bennett breezes into her life with his country-boy accent, she wants to run. She doesn’t need another man in her life, or another reason to make people talk. But when her worst nightmare becomes a reality, Johnny is the only person who can pull Ali out of her despair, forcing her to stay strong and not give up hope of finding her missing child.
***
Who falls in love after a one-night stand? Johnny Rhay doesn’t believe it’s possible until it happens to him. With Nashville in his rear-view mirror, he’s determined to convince Alison she loves him too, even if it means moving to the West Coast.
Ali’s not easy, and she’s living on just this side of bitter after her divorce, but Johnny doesn’t care. He’s up for the challenge. At least, he believes he’s up for it until baby Micah is stolen right out from under his nose. Now Johnny has to keep it together and get that sweet little boy home safe before his dreams of having a family vanish too.


Dana Mason
Dana Mason started writing to prove to her computer geek husband and her math & science geek kids that she actually has a brain; it’s just a right functioning brain instead of a left. She’s lived all over the country and uses that experience in her writing and character studies. Her debut novel, Dangerous Embrace, is the first in a contemporary romance series about a group of friends from Northern California who learn just how short life can be when you don’t hold on to what’s important. Second chances don’t come easy…but sometimes love is worth the risk.
When not writing, Dana specializes in professional development and training. She’s also a board member on the local Art's Council and does what she can to support the art community.
As an avid reader and movie watcher, she always requires a happily ever after ending.

Twitter - @danamason06

From my Perspective:

Precious Embrace was an  experience.    The author had an intense storyline, filled with angst and suspense as well as a deeply romantic relationship between the heroine and our hero.   Alison Hayes was going through her second divorce which had dropped her self esteem to below zero.   She was now the mother of two small boys, struggling to make it on her own and trying ever so hard to avoid making a third mistake by being dependent on another man.    She saw herself as a total failure in the area of relationships and love.   And thanks to her mother, knew she was the talk of the town.

Johnny Rhay Bennett had moved from down south to California, accepting a position of detective with the local police department.     He and Alison shared one night together months ago when they attended Mark, the first ex-hubby's second wedding.   When he arrives in town his main desire was to contact Alison.   She was his reason for accepting his new position.

They always say you hate in others what you see as bad in yourself and I couldn't stand Alison's non existent self esteem.   It was down right irksome.  And although she didn't want to make another mistake, she let Johnny into her home and into her heart pretty darned fast.   But it certainly wasn't a smooth ride for Johnny to assimilate into this new family he so desired.  It was a chilling read, and the romance certainly grabbed my interest as both main characters struggled to learn one another's ways during a most difficult situation.

All in all, I rate the book a 4 wink read.   My computer crashed halfway through the book and I was beside myself until we recaptured my on line kindle function!   My husband discovered he had to move faster than a snail's pace to recover my beloved reading materials!  Lol...what a good guy he is!  Thumbs up for Dana Mason!

 

 

 

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I received a complimentary copy from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.