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

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

A Bullet for Carlos by /a PICT VBTour & Give Away

Book Details
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Published by: Inferno Publishing Company
Publication Date: October 2012
Number of Pages: 421
Purchase Links:

Note: Excessive Strong Language, Graphic Violence

 Synopsis: 

Detective Connie Giannelli's life has been torn apart several times. First when her mother died and then years later when she found out her Uncle Dominic was in the mob. Her life is about to be shredded again, and this time it could destroy her.

Connie’s love of family and her badge are both threatened when an undercover drug bust leaves two cops dead and the drugs missing. Internal Affairs is looking for any excuse to take her badge, but she’s not worried about them finding the missing drugs—her secrets could prove to be far worse.

Now Connie’s racing against the clock to figure out who killed her partners and took the drugs—dirty cops or Uncle Dominic’s friends. And she has to do it before IA pins the whole damn thing on her.

My Review: 

I have been reading so many tremendous mystery/suspense/thrillers lately and I am ecstatic to add A Bullet for Carlos to the awesome list!!  I couldn't be more pleased.   The characters  were very well stereo typed in an Italian-esque/ Brooklyn-esque  manner and to my delight, the book included some lines written in Italian.   I love the Italian language and Italian food!   And for the New York mobsters, family played a huge role in the storyline and plot.   The threat to Connie's name and career began in Brooklyn when a drug bust went totally wrong and drugs came up missing.

To remove her from a direct line of fire with the IA investigators, Connie is transferred to Homicide and assigned cold cases for review and ultimately she travels to Houston Texas to partner with Tip Denton, a smart mouthed, good old boy cop who is one of the best officers Texas has to offer, but also a flawed detective--likes his women and his liquor....and also his three dogs.

It's there in Houston, Connie gets a very real encounter with another "family"--this one Mean and Mexican...the one that caused the problems back in Brooklyn.   Now the novel involves two investigations.
Connie wants nothing more than to clear her name and return to her beloved Brooklyn.   She also wants to resolve the case of the individual who removes the lips of his female victims, then severely beats, and rapes them.  The bodies are piling up and Connie is the target of two of society's career criminals!   It becomes increasingly important to get these cases resolved and resolved NOW.

This novel was one of those that you got to a certain point and your brain said, quite loudly, "Continue to read...all night if you must...just do it!"   And I did.    It was a great book to escape in.   My favorite character was Flash and I am so glad, I am not a cop!   Not the life for wussy me, but I sure enjoy a good 
cop story!   Looking forward to next year's release, A Bullet for Dominic! 

  5 winks!   

YES, I SAID 5   ; ) ...my scariness meter ran at 9 due to the gruesome murders and mob punishments.  Language was very strong too!

Author Bio:

Giacomo Giammatteo lives in Texas, where he and his wife run an animal sanctuary and take care of 41 loving rescues. By day, he works as a headhunter in the medical device industry, and at night, he writes.








a Rafflecopter giveaway   One ecopy of A Bullet for Carlos

Tour Host Participants (for alternate perspectives):
Feb 1 Review & Giveaway: Teena @ Teena in Toronto 
Feb 2  Review & Giveaway: Ashley @ Dr. Pepper Diva
Feb 3 Guest Post: Heather @ Books, Books and More Books
Feb 7   Review & Giveaway: Tina @ Smoochiefrog Reviews
Feb 8   Guest Post: Beth @ BethsBookReviews.com
Feb 12  Review & Giveaway: Kate @ Read 2 Review
Feb 26  Review & Giveaway: Beth @ Beth Art From the Heart
Mar 1 Interview, Review & Giveaway: Misty @ The Top Shelf
Mar 3 Review & Giveaway: Mandy @ Literary R&R
Mar 11 Interview Review & Giveaway: Kathleen @ Jersey Girl Book Reviews
Mar 19 Review & Giveaway: Rick @ Rhodes Review
Apr 4 Guest Post, Review & Giveaway: Yvonne @ Socrates' Book Review Blog
Apr 12 Guest Post: J.C. @ J.C. Martin, Fighter Writer
Apr 16 Review & Giveaway: Molly @ Reviews By Molly




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*

Monday, February 25, 2013

Review of Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich

The nineteenth edition in the Stephanie Plum series---I look forward to the  the annual publication of at least one edition.    Ms Evanovich has had me laughing for years at the witty adventures of  her gal, Stephanie.   Sometimes though of late I wonder if my funny bone has taken a wrong turn or if Ms Evanovich is a bit tired of her funny bond agent.    Maybe that just happens after a long run.

It's still a great read and if you are not familiar with this series, you should at least read one or two of the Plum editions  for your own pleasure if nothing else.   Stephanie Plum is an accidental bond agent, who does not like carrying a weapon and she has a propensity for attracting car bombers.   Her sidekick is the well endowed (everywhere) Lulu who used to be a 'Ho' and wears bright colored spandex and high heels.   Their favorite fast food is Cluck in a Bucket.   Stephanie's Grandma Mazur is a hilarious old woman who says anything and everything and wants desperately to be a part of Stephanie's Posse.   In this edition she goes undercover at the hospital to help locate a missing patient that abscounded with millions from the old folks home and skipped out on his bail.

In addition to the missing skip, Lulu and Stephanie apprehend a skip after  disrobing to enter and disrupting at a nude beach.    Stephanie makes off with a Tiki in order to lure another skip to find her so she can maybe (NOT) apprehend him.    As if all this isn't enough, Stephanie is somehow recruited to be the matron of honor for a bride she just met through Ranger.   Ranger and the groom have both received death threats and Stephanie is hired to protect Ranger.....yeah, right!

Ranger is the Hot Cuban Security Co. owning bondsman who has taught Stephanie a lot...both in apprehension and well other things.   He has also rescued her from many a dangerous criminal and in her efforts to keep from walking, (furnishing rides when her cars burn).     Detective Morelli, (Joe) is her on again/off again Italian boyfriend.    And all of this originates from Trenton, New Jersey.

I love this series.   Janet has made characters come to life in the pages of these books and it feels like I know them personally.....don't I just wish!   Her stories are favorites and a quick read and something to look forward to each year.

Much as I sometimes feel I've hit a rut in the road, I will always love Stephanie and friends!    Many of these stories have caused hilarious outbursts of laughter at the oddest times and places. So do yourself a favor and enjoy a Plum mystery for yourself! 

4 winks !!

 

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.  I purchased this book and these words are my thoughts put to text.  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.

Find Janet here:   Instagram: @janetevanovich
                           Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/janetevanovich
                           WEB:  http://www.evanovich.com/
                            Blog:  http://www.evanovich.com/janets-blog/
                            Facebook/JanetEvanovich     

Thursday, February 21, 2013

A Little Bit of Madness by Sheryl Browne/RABT rev & Author interview


 

A Little Bit of Madness

Sheryl Browne

Contemporary Romance/Humor/Women's Fiction


Synopsis:
Celia Summers, intrepid mother of two, loves her work as an art therapist at The Harbour Rest Home.  She’s proud of her elderly independents’ artwork, even if her partner, Martin, is disparaging of their efforts.  But then, Martin is preoccupied, trying to get his hands on his mother’s home, Charlton Hall, to bail himself out of debt.  To which end, he has to get Celia on side with a fabrication of lies.
Meanwhile, Celia fights to keep The Harbour from being closed.  She’s ready to abseil from a church steeple to bring attention to the plight of her old people, no matter that she might fall and end up splattered all over the flagstones.  When she does fall, however, it’s much more painfully.  Police Constable Alex Burrows, son of Colonel Burrows, is considerate, caring and chivalrous.  He has a wicked sense of humour, which makes Celia laugh, though when she learns of the circumstances surrounding his disabled daughter, she wants to cry.  Alex also has a reputation as a womaniser, which Celia tries to ignore.  His trying to influence his father’s Will though, she can’t.  Alex, who little by little has stolen her heart, appears to be just as much a liar as Martin. 
Will Alex be able redeem himself?  Or is evicting Celia from Charlton Hall, which she and her elderlies have laid siege to, the final straw?
 

My Review:

This was the most humorous read and I found myself chuckling throughout the entire book!  Ms Browne's characters were rich and lively and the elderly had much to offer.   Celia knew they had a lot of life left and that they were capable of making decisions about their futures and how they wanted to live out their remaining days.   Her heart was in tune with those of her elderly independentsShe was dedicated to doing everything possible to provide the best care possible for them.   Unfortunately, that would lead her down  the path to a criminal and illegal deeds!!

This was a very heartwarming read with characters who became very real and believable as well as lovable.   There are themes of friendship, romance, heart break, family and values and several surprises along the way.   I mostly enjoyed the witty humour between character conversations and thoughts...not all of which was kind.   The storyline was well thought out and the writing easy to read, flowing smoothly to the ending your heart will desire.   I give this read  5 Winks, it's just a delightful and fun read!


Sheryl Browne

Author Bio:
Now residing in Worcestershire, Sheryl Browne grew up in Birmingham, UK, where she studied Art & Design. She wears many hats: a partner in her own business, a mother, and a foster parent to disabled dogs. Creative in spirit, Sheryl has always had a passion for writing. A member of the Romantic Novelists' Association, she has previously been published in the US and writes Romantic Comedy because, as she puts it, "life is just too short to be miserable."
Sheryl's debut novel, RECIPES FOR DISASTER - combining deliciously different and fun recipes with sexilicious romantic comedy, is garnering some fabulous reviews! Sheryl has also been offered a further three-book contract under the Safkhet Publishing Soul imprint. SOMEBODY TO LOVE, a romantic comedy centring around a single policeman father’s search for love, his autistic little boy and the boy’s Autism Assistance Dog, launched July 1 with an immediate 5* review.  WARRANT FOR LOVE, bringing together three couples in a twisting story that resolves perfectly, released August 1, and A LITTLE BIT OF MADNESS releases on Valentine’s Day 2013.
Twitter: @sherylbrowne

Buy Link



Excerpt:


‘I think I might be able to assist. Excuse me, dears.’ May squeezed between them, potty in hand. ‘There,’ she said, opening the window and chucking the contents out. ‘That should cool their ardour.’
‘Oh my God.’ Celia gawked. ‘May, I can’t believe  you just did that!’
Eleanor laughed. ‘Relax, Celia. He hasn’t been assaulted quite as rudely as you think. It’s tea, not pee.’
‘I’ve been practising.’ May nodded importantly. ‘It’s not as easy as it looks, you know, making huge potfuls and getting it right, especially when it’s orgasmic.’
‘Organic, May.’
‘Oh, don’t be such a baby,’ Celia shouted through the window, as Martin gave an outraged screech and clutched his shirt from his chest. ‘It was tea, not pee.’
‘It was bloody hot!’ Martin looked up, po-faced. Appropriately, Celia thought. ‘She could have seriously injured me, the silly cow. Come on, Celia, see sense and come out before something awful happens.’
‘It already did, Martin. You happened.’
‘Fine. Have it your own way,’ Martin snapped, ‘let’s see if the police can persuade you, shall we?’ With great fanfare, he flicked open his new mobile, and whoosh, in an instant it was gone—swept away on a cloud of fire extinguisher foam.
‘Yessss!’ Celia did a little twirl on the landing. ‘Well done, Eleanor!’
‘That is it!’ Martin shouted through a face-full of suds. ‘I’m going to find a public telephone. The police will be here in minutes, Celia. You’d better get out under your own steam, while you still can!’
‘Do what you like, Martin,’ she called, as the two men in suits climbed from their vehicle, now parked behind Martin’s Jaguar. They’d had the good sense to stay out of the line of fire until now. ‘We’re not budging. We’re not even prepared to talk until we get assurances no contracts have been exchanged!’
Let him chew on that for a while, Celia thought as she turned away. Damn! The bailiffs! She realised they could split up at any moment and bolted downstairs, missing the last step from the bottom to land in a heap.
‘Ooh bloody, bloody Martin.’ Celia crawled up the banister and limped on, sure at least one of the bailiffs would be trying to gain entry at the back by now. ‘Batten down the hatches,’ she shouted, stumbling into the kitchen.
‘All battened m’dear. Blighters won’t get in here,’ the colonel assured her, walking stick ready to thrash any hand that might nudge through the cat-flap.
‘Mum,’ Luke yelled from the front hall, ‘it’s Alex.’
Oh no. Celia’s heart plummeted. Why, why, why, if he cared about any of them, couldn’t he have turned a blind eye, bunked off work, done anything but be involved in their eviction?
‘Where?’ She raced back toward the front hall, ready to dish out the same treatment to him as they had Martin, except, um, it seemed someone already had.
‘Here,’ said Alex, meeting her in the hall looking disarmingly Colin Firth-ish. Shirt plastered to his chest, his new shoes sloshing water as he walked, his expression one of total exasperation.
‘Who let you in?!’ Celia stared at him flabbergasted.
‘Luke,’ Alex supplied. ‘On the condition I told the bailiffs to back off and in the hope I wouldn’t drown, I imagine.’
‘Good God!’ The colonel blinked his monocle-free eye. ‘Not raining is it, lad?’
Alex sighed. ‘Torrentially. You might want to point out to May that hosing down policemen isn’t the best way to proceed if she wants to avoid a visit to the station.’



For additional perspectives, follow the tour below:


February 14- Reading Addiction Blog Tours - Meet and Greet
February 15 - Jen McConnel - PROMO
February 16 - 
February 17 - Reading With Anacrasia - Guest Post/PROMO
February 18 - Laurie's Interviews - Interview/PROMO
February 19 - 
February 20 - Inside BJ's Head - Guest Post/PROMO
February 21 - Beth Art From the Heart - Review/Interview
February 22 - Melina's Book Blog - Review/Interview
February 23 - 
February 24 - A Dream Within a Dream - PROMO
February 25 - 
February 26 - Books Fore Me - Review
February 27 - 
February 28 - Stressed Rach - Review
March 1 - My Cozie Corner - Review
March 2 - Sab the Book Eater - Review/Interview
March 3 - Books For Me - Review
March 4 - Jersey Girl Book Reviews - Review/Guest Post
March 5 - Love in a Book - Review/Guest Post
March 6 - 
March 7 - The Book Diva's Read - Review/Guest Post
March 8 - 
March 9 - Andi's Book Reviews- Guest Post/PROMO
March 10 - Kaisy Daisy's Blog - Review
March 11 - My Devotional Thoughts - Review/Guest Post
March 12 - 
March 13 - My Reading Addiction - Review
March 14 - 
March 15 - RABT Reviews - Review








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, February 19, 2013

My Turn to share!!!! Fiery Hot Reads Blog Hop


  • Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
  • Publisher: Silhouette (May 1, 2006)
  • Romance
  • GoodReads Synopsis
  • Lieutenant Magdalena Cruz had come home . . . And though all she wanted was to be alone, infuriatingly handsome Dr. Jake Dalton-of the enemy Daltons-wouldn't cooperate. And she needed him to, because the walls around her heart were dangerously close to crumbling every time he came near. . . .Jake had spent most of his life trying to get closer to Maggie, with little to show for it. But she was the woman he'd always wanted, and no injury in the world could change that. Now if only he could convince her that the woman who stood before him was beautiful, desirable, whole . . . and meant to be his. . . .

     MY REVIEW:


    I absolutely adored this romantic read involving Lt. Magdalena Cruz and her childhood neighbor, Jake Dalton.   Both of these characters  were well developed and entirely believable and likeable.   Maggie had been wounded during her tour of duty in Afghanistan.   She returned home to the ranch in Pine Gulch with a life altering disability and a suitcase filled with mental anguish.   Jake Dalton was the only doctor in Pine Gulch and for thirty miles around.   He was one of three Dalton boys Maggie grew up with and despised.   There was a lot of story that defined why Maggie hated anything to do with the Dalton's, as well as the anger she incurred due to her injury and the things she feared would never be a part of her life or future.    There was a lot Jake had to overcome in order to win her love.   He was not a marshmallow man, but he was determined and patient and compassionate.   His biggest problem with Maggie was that his perception of who she really was, was a far cry from the self perception she had.   What a challenge.   What a story premise and what a heart warming love prevailed!!    Our biggest battles are sometimes fought between our own  two ears and thank God, love can fight for us when we  need it to the most.    This was a feel good romance story and I rate it four out of five winks!!!
     ; )   ;)  ; )  ; )   4 Winks...it's all good!

    Giveaway:


    At the  time of this writing, Dancing in the Moonlight, on kindle is free.   It is also free on Nook.   Therefore, I am offering a free e-copy of one of  the following books by RaeAnne Thayne through a rafflecopter drawing.   Dalton's Undoing
                                      A Cold Creek Noel
                                      Christmas in Cold Creek  or
                                      A Cold Creek Reunion
    Should Dancing in the Moonlight suddenly be assigned a price other than free, it can be an option as well.    Please complete the Rafflecopter entry below and I wish you all good luck.    I believe you will enjoy RaeAnne Thayne's writings as much as I have!


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.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Sophie's Run by Nicky Wells/ a RABT VBTour


Contemporary Romance
Title: Sophie's Run
2nd Book in the Rockstar Romance Trilogy
Author: Nicky Wells

Synopsis: 

Her famous star remains her rock while life takes her on a little detour…
Who says that the road towards true love is straight and even?  Sophie is certainly discovering that it is anything but.
 So she has finally found the man of her dreams!  Well… she knows who he is, even though she hasn’t actually quite met him yet.  But she misses her opportunity, and then her life goes crazy.  Rock star and ex-fiancé, Dan, keeps getting in the way of her new romance—even if he is just trying to be helpful.  A fire, an impromptu mini-trip with Dan, and a dreaded wedding later, Sophie is still struggling to meet the love of her life.  Then, just as she is getting it together with her perfect man, best friend Rachel commits an act of unspeakable betrayal.
 Sophie has had enough.  Confused and distraught, she decides that it is time for radical change.  Surprising herself and shocking her friends, she embarks on a secret journey eventually gets her life back on track.

My Review:

This was the second in the Rockstar Romance Trilogy and what a fun read it was!  It felt good to reconnect with Sophie Penhalligan and her friends, Rachel and Dan, get to know her thunder and lighning man, Steve, and meet her new friends from the island!

The storyline was well thought out and took us to places I hadn't expected to go....as in the betrayal.   I wasn't expecting that and the weekend excursion that went so wrong?    Wasn't expecting that either!  But it all made for a cohesive plot and a story worth the tell!    I love when characters in a story are humanly flawed and yet forgivable.    Ms Wells definitely provides the reader with well defined characters which reflect human frailties and realities.

And once again, I find myself wishing my life away.   I will be anxious to read the third in the trilogy, Sophie's Encore come September 2013.    Are you going to join me?    Thanks Nicky for such an excellent follow up! 


Virtual Book Tour February 7 - March 7

February 7 - Reading Addiction Blog Tours - Meet and Greet
February 9 - Andi's Book Reviews - Review/Interview
February 11 - Beth Art From the Heart - Review
February 12 - The Boyfriend Bookmark blog - Review
February 13 - What's On the Bookshelf? - Review/Guest Post
February 14 - One Page at a Time - Review/Guest Post
February 18 -  Author Ever Leigh - Review
February 19 - The Adventures Within - Review/Guest Post
February 20 -My Reading Addiction - Review
February 22 - Queen of All She Reads - Review/Guest Post
February 23 - Cocktails and Books - Review/Guest Post
February 24 - Dee's Book Blog - Review
February 26 - Me and Reading - Review/Guest Post
February 27 - Kaisy Daisy Corner - Review/Guest Post
February 28 - Headstrong TomGirl - Review
March 1 - Cozie Corner - Review
March 2 - Jersey Girl Book Reviews - Review/Interview
March 3 - Let's Get Booked - Review/Guest Post
March 4 - Solitary Bookworm - Review
March 5 - Muse Unleashed - Review
March 6 - Musings of a Blodger - Review/Guest Post
March 7 - RABT Reviews - Review
Nicky Wells
Author Bio
Rock On! Nicky Wells writes fun and glamorous contemporary romance featuring a rock star and the girl
next door. She recently signed her work with U.S. publisher, Sapphire Star Publishing. Nicky loves rock
music, dancing, and eating lobsters. When she’s not writing, Nicky is a wife, mother, and occasional
teaching assistant.


Originally born in Germany, Nicky moved to the United Kingdom in 1993, and currently lives in Lincoln
with her husband and their two boys. In a previous professional life, Nicky worked as a researcher and
project manager for an international Human Resources research firm based in London and Washington,
D.C.


Visit Nicky on her blog where you can find articles, interviews, radio interviews and, of course, an
ongoing update on her work in progress, the second and third parts of the Rock Star Romance Trilogy.
You can also follow Nicky on Twitter and find her on Facebook. Nicky is a featured author on the
innovative reader/author project, loveahappyending.com and has joined the Romantic Novelists’
Association. Nicky also has author pages at Sapphire Star Publishing and, of course, Goodreads.

Website
Twitter Handle: @WellsNicky
Facebook 
  
Links to Buy 


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*

Plague by Buzz Bernard....Guest Post & Giveaway


Good Morning Peeps!   Please welcome Buzz Bernard as our guest Blogger this morning!   (Instantaneous, warm applause)!

DON’T BREATHE TOO EASILY

Shortly before Christmas, I was out walking Stormy the Wonder Dog (my wife and I wonder why we got him, an overactive Shih Tzu) on a chilly afternoon.  A neighbor pulled along side me in his car, stopped and reached across the passenger seat to crank--yes, crank--down the window.

“I read your book [meaning my new novel Plague],” he said.  “I loved it.  You did a really great job.”

“Thanks,” I said, pleased the neighbor, a casual acquaintance, felt compelled to stop and tell me.

“At times,” he said, “I couldn’t tell what was real and what was coming from your head.”
Meaning my imagination, I guess. 

I hadn’t thought about it before, but I suppose the blend of fact and fiction is what makes Plague so scary.  A lot of stuff in the book is, in fact, real: the details of the Ebola virus--how and where it kills, how it spreads, how lethal it is; the brief history of biowarfare research; and the description of the Russian Cold War “factory of death,” the Koltsovo Institute of Technology in Siberia.

As you’ll discover when you read the novel, there have been efforts to weaponize the Ebola virus.  But those efforts have had only very limited success in laboratory settings.  (Thank God.) 

Don’t breathe too easily, however.  The brilliant Alnour Barashi in Plague changes all of that!

Thanks for being with us Buzz!    Don't you just love his smile?    Join us again soon!


Synopsis:

Deep in the secret recesses of a Cold War lab, the Russians created tons of deadly bio-weapons.  Now, decades later, a protege of that Russian research is about to release weaponized Ebola into the heart of the South’s most iconic city: Atlanta, where the symbols of American “decadence” range from a happily diverse population to the Coca-Cola museum and CNN headquarters.
A preliminary test of the horrifying virus demonstrates the unspeakable suffering of its victims–and alerts the Centers for Disease Control that a terrible pandemic is in the making.  CDC Virologist Dr. Dwight Butler begins a frantic effort to track down the source of the virus before it’s too late.
For new BioDawn CEO Richard Wainwright, it quickly becomes clear that the “accidental” plane crash that killed the pharmaceutical company’s entire executive hierarchy may have some connection to the evolving threat.  Suddenly, Richard is being stalked by a hit woman.  He and Butler join forces to find the lone terrorist at the center of a plan that could unleash the Black Plague of the 21st century.
240 pp.
Visit his website at www.BuzzBernard.com.

Buzz is graciously offering a free e-copy of his Medical Thriller,  Plague .   To enter, complete the Rafflecopter contest below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Inked By An Angel by Shauna Allen/ a SG VBTour


genre, single title contemporary romance, with a hint of sassiness

Envision Touched by an Angel meets L.A. Ink.
A 300-pound biker angel has been tasked with the mission of pairing up a surly tattoo artist and a mousy little accountant. A simple case of opposites attract, right? Yeah, not so much. They can't stand each other. My hero, Jed, has been burned by a lover who continues to torment him by holding a stake in his business - not to mention he's seen how his father's death has cast a shadow on his mother's fragile heart. He is not willing to go there again. Meanwhile, my heroine, Kyle, is struggling to assert her own independence from beneath her mother's shadow, but not before she finds herself engaged to another man. The “perfect” country-club-mama-approved man. So, their poor cupid is left to pull every trick he knows from under his halo to make sure the Divine Plan doesn't fail.



Author Bio:

 Shauna had the privilege of growing up an only child with two open and loving parents who gave her the freedom to be herself and to explore her creativity.  After traveling several places around the world, they settled in Texas when she was seven years old, where she met and eventually married her high school sweetheart.  (Yes, that still happens these days!)  Now, some 18+ years later, they still live in Texas with their three beautiful children and a few furry creatures to boot.
Shauna graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in nursing and works full-time bringing babies into the world.  In her spare time, between work, chores, and family time, she slips into the worlds of her own making – her precious creative outlet.  This is the place where she feels truly free and she is profoundly grateful for this.  She understands that the joy found in writing is a God-given gift.  If you’re a writer, you understand.  Music also holds a very special place in her writing and heart.  It is a large part of her life, from her worship experience all the way through to her writing journey.  
When she’s not writing, Shauna loves reading, movies, reality dance shows, vacations to the beach, dates with the hubby, and hanging out with the kiddos.  (Seriously.  Even teenagers!)
Shauna would love for you to visit her at her website and blog at: www.shaunaallen.com
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/shauna.allen.12
Twitter : http://tiny.cc/s0dlmw
Pinterest : http://pinterest.com/shaunaallen7/

My Review:

I have wanted to read Inked by an Angel ever since I signed up for this tour and that was some time ago.   Let me just say, this did not disappoint!!!    The premise of the book was quite unique and enjoyable, the characters personable and brilliant and even the less favorable characters were allowed to grow  and redeem themselves.   My favorite character was the angel Michael, big and burly and loveable!   Do you want to read a love story?   How about two or three love stories within a love story?  Do you want a fun and feel good story?  Do you want to read about damaged people who grow in character and trust?   Then this is a must read for you!   I'd rate this as a five out of five winks for just pure pleasure!   Oh yeah!   Thanks Shauna.....can't wait til May and the second in the series!



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.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

GiveAway The Big Exit RAFFLECOPTER

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Friday, February 8, 2013

David Carnoy's The Big Exit----PICT Review


 Synopsis:

 By the acclaimed author of the remarkable debut novel, Knife Music, The Big Exit is a suspenseful crime novel that keeps the surprises coming right up to the end. Richie Forman is freshly out of prison. By night, he makes a living impersonating Frank Sinatra in San Francisco’s lounges and corporate parties. But then his ex-best friend—the man who stole his fiancée while he was in prison—is found hacked to death in his garage, and Richie is the prime suspect. In a murder mystery with the twists and turns of a microchip, Carnoy weaves his characters like a master. He has written an authentic, unputdownable thriller that is sure to chill and delight.

My Review :

 Let me tell you, NOTHING is as it seems in this mystery suspense novel.  This was a fast paced story that circled around very well written characters, although they all seemed to be making fast and sure assumptions as to who was guilty of the murder of Mark MacGregor in the attached garage of his home with an ax-like tomahawk instrument.   Ritchie  Forman was an ex felon, had served his time and additional time for injuring an inmate during an unprovoked assault.   Beth Hill MacGregor was Ritchie's ex fiancee' who ended up married to Mark when Ritchie was sent away for a crime Mark Committed rather than Ritchie.    Carolyn DuPuy was the perfectly groomed and brilliant defense attorney hired by Beth Hill Macgregor and Marty Lowenstein was Ritchie's attorney, both smart and shifty!!  Hank Madden was the point detective on this case and he was certain he had his man in
Ritchie Forman.   Of course Ritchie had a few friends no one else had heard of, Ashley, his co-worker and her boyfriend!   There were contradictions in just about everything they learned in this case and it caused a lot of niggling frustrations to surface and be reconsidered.      I obviously watch too much television for these characters came to life from crime shows I have watched on t.v.    I'm certain I have watched a Marty Lowenstein on Law & Order and that's who I pictured.

I read chapters from Carolyn's point of view and that of Beth and Ritchie too.    Detective Madden spoke to me in his own chapters and I felt like I knew these characters intimately, but I did not have a clue until it was pointed out specifically what was behind it all;  I'm usually better than that, but the author wrapped up all the loose ends and it all made sense in the end.    It was an excellent read, ,mysterious and suspenseful, some rekindling of old feelings and very well developed friendships for Ritchie, the Sinatra Songster!   One of the best mysteries of this year!    Read it for yourself and enjoy! 

 

Author Bio:

While David Carnoy lives in New York City with his wife and children, his novels take place in Silicon Valley, where he grew up and went to high school (Palo Alto). His debut novel, Knife Music (2010), was a Top-10 bestseller on the Kindle and also a bestseller on the Nook. More medical thriller than high-tech thriller, to research the novel Carnoy spent a lot of time talking with doctors, visiting trauma centers, and trailed a surgeon at a hospital in Northern California to help create the book's protagonist, Dr. Ted Cogan.
The Big Exit (2012) isn't a sequel to Knife Music per se. However, a few of the characters from Knife Music figure prominently in the story. His second novel has more of a high-tech slant and reflects Carnoy's experiences as an executive editor at CNET.com, where he currently works and is trying resolve his obsession with consumer electronics products. He went to college at Wesleyan University and has an MFA in creative writing from Columbia University.


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