The Rock Star

I will confess I am not much for Halloween but Christmas yea I go nuts decorating! So this year Doug has dressed up as one of my favorite Rock Stars from the 90's can you guess Who?

Happy Halloween

Product Review: Mediderm Extrait De Caviar Luxury Hydra Cream 1.7 ozFacial Moisturizer for Daily Use on Dry Skin

Product Review: I received this product free for my honest review. When this product arrived I was extremely excited because it didn't have any strange smells that I associate with Moisturizing Creams. I spent the next week using this product but every day around the same time I seem to start itching mainly where my skin is extremely dry. However I kept using this product and watched as I skin seem to gain back some of its soft youthful look. The packaging is beautiful giving a very expensive look. The cream doesn't leave you feeling like you are coated in a thick cream but in something soft. I still have my dry patches but they are disappearing slowly every day I use this cream. I am giving it 4 Stars due to the itching I get whenever I use this product. This product was sent to me for my personal and honesty thoughts of this product. #CaviarMosturizer

Product Review Luxury Vintage Style Feather Wool Lady Beret Hat Airline Stewardess Hat

Product Review: I received this Product for my honest review. It took almost three weeks for this product to arrive and when it arrived I was super excited because I love Vintage Hats. In fact I have about a dozen vintage hats from the 1930-1960's all different and all different quality. This hat while is beautiful doesn't even come close to the quality these hats have almost 50 years later. The glue used to hold the fathers on was caught all over the hat as well as one of the feathers is no long attached with the glue. The fabric used is really heavy making the hat look heavy. I am giving this product 3 Stars it is nice and pretty but it has its flaws. #VintageBeret

Book Review: A Pain in the Tuchis by Mark Reutlinger‏

Title:A Pain in the Tuchis Author: Mark Reutlinger‏ Stars:4 out of 5 Review: A delightful murder mystery set in a facility for elderly Jewish individuals. The murder was at first undetected and hinted at, by the sister of the deceased, to Mrs Kaplan and her good friend. After getting the police involved they conduct their own investigation and were able to piece together the truth so that justice could be served. I enjoyed the manner in which the story was told and liked the main characters. I thought too many little Jewish expressions and words were used, not all with explanations, but then the story takes place in a Jewish old people's home so who am I to kvetch. I have given this book a four star rating and would recommend it to anyone seeking a light, violence free, mystery to read. Synopsis: Yom Kippur is a day of reflection and soul searching. But at the Julius and Rebecca Cohen Home for Jewish Seniors, Vera Gold misses this opportunity to atone for her many sins when she up and dies. Indeed, Vera was such a pain in the tuchis to all those around her that when her sister claims Vera was deliberately poisoned, the tough question isn’t who would want to kill her—but who wouldn’t? Having already solved one murder with her dear friend Ida, Rose Kaplan has a sleuthing reputation that precedes her. It’s only natural that Vera’s sister turns to Mrs. K for help. So do the police, but when her conclusions conflict with theirs, they tell her to butt out! This case has more twists than a loaf of challah. And with a homicidal scoundrel on the loose, Mrs. K has to act fast—or she might be the guest of honor at the Home’s next memorial service. Kindle Edition Expected publication: November 17th 2015 by Alibi About the Author: Mark Reutlinger is the author of the novel Made in China and the "Mrs. Kaplan" mystery series. He is a professor of law emeritus at Seattle University. Born in San Francisco, Mark graduated from UC Berkeley and now lives with his wife, Analee, in University Place, Washington. When not reading or at his computer writing, Mark enjoys tennis, biking, playing the clarinet (in the Tacoma Concert Band), sports cars, and various arts and crafts. He wishes he had time for it all.

What are you reading?

The next two weeks are full of books I am so excited to read as well as several others I am still reading and enjoying. From Netgalley: I am reading or will be reading 1. She can Kill By one of my favorite author Melinda Leigh Synopsis: Reformed assassin Cristan Rojas just wants to raise his daughter in peace. But after twelve years on the run, he learns that even the quiet little town of Westbury, Pennsylvania, has many hidden dangers. Although he can’t shake the feeling he’s under surveillance, Cristan’s attraction to Sarah Mitchell continues to grow, as do his concerns that his secret past could jeopardize anyone who gets too close to him. Sarah is ready to start her life over with her children, a new job, and a budding romance. Her newfound happiness is threatened when her ex-husband becomes increasingly violent—and she soon learns her ex isn’t the only person stalking her. Cristan fears someone from his past has arrived in town, someone far worse than a jealous ex. Someone who may be responsible for a brutal—and unsolved—murder a dozen years ago. To protect Sarah and his daughter, he must shine a light into the darkest recesses of his nightmarish past. 2. Wither Amy Miles Synopsis:After an epidemic swept across America like a biblical plague, the government leapt into the fray with the release of the MONE vaccine. What was meant to bring salvation to the remaining survivors instead brought damnation. Human mutations began within days of the drug’s release and the Withered Ones were born. People not alive but not entirely dead either. They walked the streets, unblinking and unaware. A zombie, for all intents and purposes, but nothing like anyone anticipated. Growing up on the streets taught Avery how to care for herself, but no amount of self defense classes at the Y could have prepared her for the outbreak of deadly gangs, a corrupt government bent on using her blood for experiments and the depths to which desperate people would go to survive. She soon discovered that it was not the Withered Ones that she needed to fear, but those still human. The ones who knew how to put a gun to her head when they wanted something from her. 3.No Room for Error: A Lexi Carmichael Mystery, Book Seven Julie Moffett Again another Author I love! Synopsis: Trouble follows me, Lexi Carmichael, like a little black cloud. At least according to my boyfriend, Slash: brilliant hacker, national treasure and vault of secrets. Even I have to admit he could be right. After a series of high-profile cases at my cyberintelligence firm, I was looking forward to a simple job. All I had to do was personally deliver a revolutionary microchip to a manufacturing plant in Indonesia. Easy, right? Wrong. Someone else wants the design and is willing to kill to get it. A failed hijacking attempt lands me, my best friend Basia and our boss, Finn, in the middle of the jungle. Our mission is clear: protect the microchip design from the hijackers on our tail…and survive. But how can a geek girl like me survive without access to my beloved technology? I'm about to find out. And this time, there's no room for error. 4.Out of the Shadows Tiffany Snow Synopsis: Ivy Mason is no stranger to trouble—though so far she’s always managed to outrun or outsmart it. Now a nasty man-made virus and an FBI manhunt have her desperate for a cure and on the run for her freedom. Even her romance with British secret agent Devon Clay may have deadly consequences, placing her squarely in the crosshairs of a shadowy international assassin, Vega. Devon is determined to take Vega out, but first he must make sure beautiful Ivy is out of danger. When she escapes FBI custody, the couple rekindles their passion and sets off on a pulse-pounding adventure across the United States and around the globe. En route, Ivy and Devon discover new truths about their nemeses—revelations that will test the limits of their love. In this thrilling conclusion to the Tangled Ivy trilogy, Ivy Mason learns that the path to justice—and love—is more complicated and fraught with danger than she ever could have imagined. I love Indie authors because you can discover such great writers 1. Along Came a Wolf (The Yellow Hoods #1) By Adam Dreece Synopsis: A deadly threat comes to a small mountain town hunting for the first ever steam engine plans. Only a trio of twelve year olds (Tee, Elly and Richy) and a few friends stand in the way, unaware of the legends they would one day become. Before they’d learn of secret societies, cross paths with the Ginger Lady, or see airships rain down fiery destruction, they had to come together as the Yellow Hoods. This seemingly innocent prequel to the darker Pieman Saga (The Yellow Hoods books 2-5) introduces the reader to a world on the verge of a Steampunk revolution (i.e. Emergent Steampunk). Our classic fairy tales are based on their real events and people, including master inventor and loving grandfather, Nikolas Klaus - part Santa Klaus, part Nikola Tesla. A tale of gripping adventure, whimsical humor and fun. Great for kids (9+) and adults alike. 2. Dangerous Games (O’Connor & Kincaid #1) By Tess Diamond Synopsis: A thirteen year-old girl has been taken - and Special Agent Maggie Kincaid is the only one who can get her back. When a Senator’s daughter goes missing, every minute counts. The FBI’s best hostage negotiator, Agent Kincaid, knows what it’s like to be a terrified victim. Kidnapped as a child, those memories haunt her every day - and give her an insight into the evil mind behind this deadly crime. But the Senator’s family has other plans, and have brought in ex-forces security expert Jake O’Connor to oversee negotiations. He’s got secrets of his own, and doesn’t play by the same rule book. With time running out, Maggie and O’Connor will have to overcome their differences to keep this case from ending in tragedy 3.As well as a Christmas Tale from Ritter Ames!! Please be patience with me I have to balance big Kids books with the Cat In The Hat, Fancy Nancy and Magic Tree House. My 9 year old son will start writing reviews as well because he is reading everything from magic Tree house to his sisters to Indian in the cupboard. Now What are you reading??

Throwback Thursday!

Naked Heat - Richard Castle Title: Naked Heat Author: Richard Castle Publisher: New York : Hyperion, 2010. ISBN: 9781401324025 Copyright: 2010 Pages: 290 Quick Review: 3 stars (out of 5) Why I Read It: I love the TV series, so I thought I’d give the books a try. Where I Obtained the Book: Got it at my local library. Synopsis: In the thrilling sequel to the "New York Times" bestseller "Heat Wave," Richard Castle--from the hit ABC show "Castle"--continues the story of NYPD homicide detective Nikki Heat. Readers will once again follow Nikki and hotshot reporter Jameson Rook as they trade barbs and innuendos, all while on the trail of a murderer. Review: Reading this is like watching one of the episodes, a very long episode. It was funny and cute, mixed with murder and deceit. Nikki and Jameson have great chemistry, much like Castle and Beckett . The book ties in with what Castle does on the show. Roach is the best. Nothing was naked in this book, it was just a clever title. I hope the writers are having fun with the TV series and the books. I would love to watch more seasons and read more books. Author Biography: Richard Castle is the author of numerous bestsellers, including the critically acclaimed Derrick Storm series. His first novel, In a Hail of Bullets, published while he was still in college, received the Nom DePlume Society's prestigious Tom Straw Award for Mystery Literature. Castle currently lives in Manhattan with his daughter and mother, both of whom infuse his life with humor and inspiration. Note: Richard Castle is a fictional character from the ABC television show, Castle, played by Nathan Fillion. The biography below is of this character. His name is being used as a pseudonym for tie-in novels to the TV show. The actual author of the novels is currently unknown.

Product Review

Product Review:  Exercise Running Belt with Two Expandable Pockets
Stars 5 out of 5
 

When I received this product I thought NO way will it fir my Windows phones, ID, Cash and Headphone. I couldn't have been more surprised that it not only fit everything but there was still room. No to mention he never once slipped while I was running.
Lesson Learned never judge a product until you try it out.
‪#‎exercisebelt‬

Book Review Mojave Incident

Title: Mojave Incident

Author: Ron Felber

Stars: 4 out of 5


Review:

I will start off with I am on the fence when it comes to Aliens life. Yes I believe that if another planet does exist in the in the Goldie lock Zone than I can only assume so does other life forms.
 I have no problem believing that Elise and Tom Gifford had something horrible happen to them in the Mojave desert. After all there is really no reason for Elisa and Tom to tell the world of their torture they endured in the desert over 20 years if it wasn't what they truly experienced.

Author Ron Felber paints such a frightening portrait of the night the Giffords met with something or someone terrifying. From the mist to the description of the "Aliens" the readers feel they are in the same small camper as the Giffords enduring the mental pain.

Elisa was raised Mormon so she is able to describe things that happened in a more spiritual nature but it still doesn't bring the reader peace.

How would you feel to relive you more terrifying moments in life? To feel those pains all over again in a matter of hours? Those are the questions I came away with and less whether Aliens exist.

 This book is great for those who believe in UFO sightings and also a good read for those who do not believe in UFO because than it makes you question what really happened to the Gifford in the desert.
To be honest I am not sure I will ever be able to go camping in the desert now without thinking of this book and what the Giffords when though.

Thank you to the publishing company for supplying me a copy of Mojave Incident for my honest review.

Synopsis:
On the night of October 21, 1989, nine glowing objects appeared over an empty stretch of the Mojave desert—and turned a couple’s quiet weekend into an unearthly nightmare of terror.

Elise and Tom Gifford say they were held captive in their camper by nonhuman creatures—and through love and prayer were able to live through psychological torment as their captors manipulated their minds with telepathic power.

The Watchers hovered over them for a day and a night, they say, stealing their thoughts and emotions, making them relive their most painful and intimate memories, bringing them to the brink of madness. Hours later they were alone again—alive but the visits continued
and the nightmare wasn’t over.

Called "The most frightening UFO book ever written", The Mojave Incident touches the subconscious fears deep in all of us.
 

Paperback, 288 pages

Published September 7th 2015 by Barricade Books

About The Author:
 
RON FELBER is the author of seven novels and five non-fiction books including Mojave Incident and Il Dottore The Double Life of a Mafia Doctor, the basis for the television series The Mob Doctor, and the Jack Madson crime thriller series. The recipient of the UPI Award for fiction, Felber was educated at Georgetown University, Loyola University of Chicago, and Drew University, where he earned his Doctorate. He lives in New Jersey with his wife.

Felber began his writing career with articles based on his experiences for True Detective magazine, and went on to write three books in the classic Nick Carter series. Like his thriller trilogy protagonist Jack Madson in Dark Angel, The Kafka Society, and A Man of Indeterminate Value, Felber has worked as a deputy sheriff, transporting federal criminals, and has fought Golden Gloves. 

Product Review: Fruit Water Bottle

Product:Fruit Infuser Water Bottle - Premium Borosilicate Glass - BPA Free - Leak Resistant Design 

Stars 4 out of 5

Review:
When the bottle arrived I realized it really isn't more than a water glass water bottle with a "filter" in the middle to hold the fruit.  I quickly bought lots of fruit and tested out the water bottle but soon found that the seeds did make it out the the filter. I wish that it came with a little of ideas of what fruits to mix together.
As a Bottle the green grip holder is really nice when the bottle sweats. It is a heavy bottle but it gives you the idea it won't break easy if dropped.  I love the lid! I can't say it enough I love the lid! Everything washes perfectly in the diswasher.

I am giving this product a 4 out of 5 because the fruit filter didn't do as I had hoped keep seeds from finding there way into the physical bottle. The bottle has a sleek design and the green grip takes it from a glass bottle to something attractive and interesting.


I have receive this product in exchange of my honest and unbiased review but all opinions are completely my own based on my experience with the product

Book Review The Wicked Wager by Anya Wylde‏

Title: The Wicked Wager

Author: Anya Wylde

Stars: 4 out of 5

Review:

A regency romance with a comedic flair. The Honorable Earl of Hamilton and Emma Grey are both smitten and wish to marry posthaste. However her Uncle (the Duke) contrives to have them wait a year and summons her to his country seat for an extended visit. The Earl also goes in disguise and obtains employment as the head Gardner. While they plot and conspire they become aware of blackmail in the Dukes household. It is then topped off with the murder of the blackmailer. Who is guilty and does love overcome the odds. To find the answer you will have to read the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed the light relief provided by the author and commend her for being able to write a story without including any sex scenes.

I rated this book at 4 stars.

Synopsis:

  The infamous rake, Lord Richard Hamilton, has finally chosen his bride—the very appropriate Miss Emma Grey.

The ton approves, Lord Grey is pleased, Lady Grey delighted, and Emma is over the moon, but her uncle, (the blasted) Duke of Arden opposes the match, and Emma is ordered to move to the duke’s estate to think things over.

Richard Hamilton refuses to take things lying down and concocts a plan. A plan that should have brought the lovers together and had them married within a month. It was a simple matter of masquerading as the duke’s gardener, compromising the lady, and then having the duke rush them off to Gretna Green.

Alas, he underestimates the duke’s intelligence and the tangled situation on the estate—never had he imagined that compromising a lady could be so difficult.

His endeavours lead to a comedy of errors, charades, and knotty love affairs. Yet he forges ahead in spite of pesky house guests, a flea bitten mattress, his lovesick best friend, and a blackmailer.

Just when things seem to be going well, someone is murdered (very inconvenient), and he happens to be one of the suspects (extremely inconvenient).

Kindle Edition, 233 pages

Published August 7th 2012 by Kindle

About The Author:

 
Anya Wylde lives in Ireland along with her husband and a fat French poodle (now on a diet). She can cook a mean curry, and her idea of exercise is occasionally stretching her toes. She holds a degree in English literature and adores reading and writing.

Book Review: Sinclair Justice (Texas Rangers 2)

Title: Sinclair Justice (Texas Rangers 2)

Author: Colleen Shannon

Stars: 3 1\2 out of 5
 
Review:
This book had everything I love about Romantic Suspense however it was also lacking something as well. What that is I am not sure all I know is I went from caring to speed reading to end the book.

The story was perfectly detailed the horrors women and children face when it comes to Human Trafficking. Which could put off many readers.

Ross and Emm were great characters that feed off each other well however the way they spoke to one another was a little off and would take me out of the story. I get they are both from old money but sometimes it made the characters sound like their were in their 90's and no 40-50 years old.
The writing is good, I really enjoyed the banter between Em and Ross as well as she brought in other characters from a different book which she blended in perfectly as well as updating readers without taking away from Ross and Em's story.

This is a good summer read that takes on a heavy subject that is covered in a enlighten and terrifying way.

Synopsis:
 Texas Rangers swear to uphold the law to the letter. But Captain Ross Sinclair isn't about to play by the rules to destroy a major human trafficking cartel—especially now that the only chance to break this case just strode into his life with attitude as long as her gorgeous legs. Heiress Emm Rothschild is taking names and raising hell as she searches for her abducted sister and niece. And the evidence this wild-child turns up sets off a lethal chain of events—challenging Ross to keep her reckless determination and seductive daring up close and dangerously personal.

Now a blindsiding betrayal has Emm heading straight into harm's way. And Ross will have to put his badge and career on the line to get justice—and prove to the woman he loves that a Ranger's word is a forever bond.

Paperback

Published July 21st 2015

About The Author:
 
Colleen Shannon's ancestor signed the Texas Declaration of Independence and her West Texas roots give her the optimistic yet inquiring viewpoint that she tries to reflect in her books. Believing in the redeeming power of love, the benefits of knowledge, with a bit of sprituality included, are the elements she most enjoys in books and that's what she tries to write. With a bit of humor thrown in for spice!

The strength of her first book for Berkley many years ago led to her nomination by Romantic Times as Best New Historical Author. She went on to win and/or be nominated for numerous other awards, including a Kiss Award for all three heroes of her Fairy Tale trilogy which she wrote for Dorchester Books.

She recently sold three Ranger series books to Lyrical Press. #16 Foster Justice debuted December 2014, and its stand alone sequel #17, Sinclair Justice, will be released in July 2015. The third series book will be released sometime in 2016, tentatively titled Austin Justice. They are her first published romantic suspense-- contemporaries about Texas Rangers. 

Book Review Redemption River (Men of Mercy #1)

Title: Redemption River (Men of Mercy #1) 

Author: Lindsay Cross

Stars: 3 1\2


Review:
I totally struggled with this book because it reminded me of another series by Lynn Raye Harris but lacked something to completely pull me into the book. I felt the story was written around Hunter and Evie having sex, thinking of sex or her beautiful mouth wrapped around his cock.
Hunter was too good to be true and Evie was just sometimes to damaged for my taste
The bad guys were bad and the readers cheer for their demise.I think I might have cheered a little at certain points in the book.
A lot and I mean A LOT of characters were introduced because it is the first in a series but man their is a lot that pop in and out of the book. Not really having a purpose other than to let the readers know they would have a book later down the road.
There were a few grammars errors with the yours and You're but hey we all make that mistake. This isn't the official published copy.
The author also uses a lot of Metaphors to describe things like "...voice rolled with enough menace to make Ted Bundy cringe"
I wasn't in love with this book but I didn't hate it either. I personal like a little less think of sex and having sex in my military romance novels.
If you like the H.O.T. series by Lynn Raye Harris you will enjoy this series as well.
Received Advance from Netgalley for my honest review

Synopsis:
Hunter James didn’t want or need redemption.

Until one mission turns his world upside down.

He left Mercy to fight for his country and escape a broken heart. Years later, he is hard. Cold. A man without mercy. Part of an elite Task Force, he tracks a brutal terrorist to his home town. And runs into the woman who betrayed him…

Evangeline Videl was destroyed when Hunter left. Determined to move on, she finds another man, but discovers too late the monster hidden beneath his smooth smile. Struggling to find the conviction to live, Evie finds her life spinning out of control.

Then Hunter returns…

Forced to band together to find the terrorist before its too late, Hunter and Evie must learn to forgive or risk losing the promise of redemption and their lives…

Kindle Edition, 320 pages

Published October 2015 by Cypress Bend Publishing, LLC

About The Author:
 
Lindsay Cross is the award-winning author of the Men of Mercy series. She is the fun loving mom of two beautiful daughters and one precocious Great Dane. Lindsay is happily married to the man of her dreams – a soldier and veteran. During one of her husband’s deployments from home, writing became her escape and motivation.

An avid reader since childhood, reading and writing is in her blood. After years of reading, she discovered her true passion – writing. Her alpha military men are damaged, drop-dead gorgeous and determined to win the heart of the woman of their dreams. 

Book Review Undercover with the Enemy by Sharron McClellan

Title Undercover with the Enemy
Author: Sharron McClellan
Stars 4 out of 5

Review:
Undercover with the Enemy is a very memorable first read with all the makes of a fun romantic mystery. With spice, action, suspense tough Alpha males and a feisty heroine who isn’t afraid to put the alpha in his place.
Holly Milano is a high risk securities operative who has the ability to find whatever she is looking for however she doesn’t like to follow rules
Kane MacMillsn is her current boss on the assignment where they need to recover a priceless diamond necklace. But when Holly makes a mistake he goes from being her boss\assistant to being her fiancé. Now they must work together to stay alive long enough to find out why everyone wants the ugly priceless necklace.
The book will pull readers in from first page as Holly Milano is walking a tight rope across buildings to the clown at the very end. Sharron wrote great banter between the two lead Holly and Kane. I wouldn’t say I loved the characters but I liked them and at the end I was happy for the ending. The basic of the story is simple but when they add several more colorful characters it changes giving it a bit more punch. Holly’s background to me was skimmed over but the reader gets the idea fast.
Nothing is left hanging. Do you love action backed romance novels with enough heat this book will not disappoint. Insta romance isn’t for everyone but I found it just enough believe able to enjoy the story.

ARC requested through NetGalley by Entangled Publishing in exchange for a honest and unbiased review!

Synopsis:
High-risk securities operative Holly Milano usually prefers to work alone. Having a partner is, well, annoying. Case in point-her current assignment with Kane MacMillan. They're working undercover in high society to retrieve a priceless diamond necklace.

And Mr. Plan Everything is seriously cramping Holly's fly-by-the-seat-of-her-sexy-pants style.

Kane takes his job seriously, and he knows from experience that working with Holly usually ends in disaster. Their conflicting approaches could destroy their cover-or worse, get them killed. But when they're forced to pose as an engaged couple, neither Holly nor Kane are prepared for the possibility of an unexpected attraction...or that they're now putting their lives and their hearts on the line

Paperback

Published August 17th 2015 by Entangled Publishing, LLC

About the Author:
  
  I always planned to be a writer of some sort. However, when I went to college, I took journalism and creative writing and sadly, had the love of writing sucked out of me. So I turned to my next love--science. At first, I wanted to be a marine biologist, but there was the whole shark issue. Frankly, they freak me out.

Instead, I discovered the joys of playing in the dirt-a profession more commonly known as archaeology. For years, I focused on excavating ancient sites that included projectile points, burn pits and the occasional burial.

My focus returned to writing when I took a position during the archaeological off-season and ended up answering phones for Princess cruise line AKA The Love Boat. Which, when you consider I write romance, is somewhat ironic. It was during that time that I took to reading romance. It wasn't long before I fell in love with the genre and returned to my first love-writing.

Five years later, I sold to Silhouette.

Today, I live in San Diego, also known as the City of Perfect Weather. I write every morning (okay, most mornings), butcher the Spanish language whenever I can, and blog about my travels. I believe in hard work, having fun whenever posible, learning a new skill every year (this year, it's surfing) that Thrill of Brazil is the best pedicure color in the entire world, and I swear that my Muse spends most of her time in the bar down the street drinking gin and tonic with extra lime.

Book Review Mightnight Reckoning

Title Midnight Reckoing

Author: Rebecca Deel

Stars: 5 out of 5

Review:
Midnight Reckoning is a action pack romantic suspense that will keep the readers on their toe from page one to page 267 and waiting for more. Sophie Valero has spent her life dealing with the effects of her families life choices as con artist, thieve and murderers. Sophie is the black sheep owning her own businesses.  When someone attacks her she goes to the only person she hopes will help her. Secret Service Agent Micah Winters who brother was no only married to Sophie sister but was killed in the same car accident. Sophie begs for Micah's help which turns into one awesome adventure.
 Rebecca Deel is a christian author who keeps the languages and sex out of her books but still keeps a reader hooked.  The characters are solid and you can almost predict how each will act in certain scenes. The plot is solid as well as complex but not enough to lost the reader.
If you want a solid romantic suspense read with no sex but enough chemistry to keep the book sizzling this for you. 

Synopsis:
Her sister was a world-class jewel thief. But she crossed the wrong person and now Sophie's baby may pay the price.

Sophie Valero has spent her life living down her last name. In a family of murderers, thieves, and con artists, she's the black sheep. As the owner of a legitimate business, the toughest challenge she faces is helping customers find the right herbal supplements to enhance their health. But when she's attacked in her home, Sophie is given 72 hours to find what her sister stole. The price of failure? Her son's life. Since the retired cat burglar can't go to the local police, she turns to the one man who might help her. If he can forget she's a Valero.

Secret Service Agent Micah Winter stopped for a cup of coffee and left with a bullet in his leg. The gangbanger who shot him left in a body bag. Now Micah is home on medical leave with a contract on his head. The last thing he wants is to protect a beautiful jewel thief. Yet within minutes of seeing Sophie again, he has no choice but to offer his protection.

Micah and Sophie team up to locate the items her sister stole while staying one step ahead of the gang determined to kill Micah and the local law committed to pinning jewel thefts on Sophie. Micah vows to neutralize the threats to Sophie because the federal agent has fallen hard for his cat burglar. But the deadline is hours away and a killer is closer than he thinks

Kindle Edition, 267 pages

Published January 23rd 2015 by Rebecca Deel 

 

About The Author:

Rebecca Deel is a preacher's kid with a black belt in karate. She teaches business classes at a private four-year college in Nashville, Tennessee. She plays the piano at church, writes freelance articles, and runs interference for the family Westies. She's been married to her amazing husband for more than 20 years and is the proud mom of two grown sons. She delivers monthly devotions to the women's group at her church and conducts seminars in personal safety, money management, and writing. Her articles have been published in ONE Magazine, Contact, and Co-Laborer, and she was profiled in the June 2010 Williamson edition of Nashville Christian Family magazine. Rebecca completed her Doctor of Arts degree in Economics and wears her favorite Dallas Cowboys sweatshirt when life turns ugly.

Wind Catcher, A Chosen Novel, by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef‏

Title: Wind Catcher (A Chosen Novel)

Author: Jeff And Erynn Altabef

Stars 4 out of 5

Review:

Although not a genre I would normally read I was captivated by this story of Juliet Wildfire Stone. A 16 year old girl of Native American and Irish background who is a reluctant chosen one. It is set in Arizona and details the time period when as she becomes aware and what actions  she take when faced with adversity. Written for teens and young adults it is a mystery with magical elements which is sure to encourage any young reader.

I rated it four stars and would recommend it to anyone with young readers in the house.

I obtained the book from Amazon in Kindle format.

Thanks Frank for this review.

Synopsis:

Juliet Wildfire Stone hears voices and sees visions, but she can’t make out what they mean. Her eccentric grandfather tells her stories about the Great Wind Spirit and Coyote, but he might as well be speaking another language. None of it makes any sense.

When she stumbles upon a series of murders she can't help but worry her grandfather might be involved. To discover the truth, Juliet must choose between her new life at an elite private school and her Native American heritage. Once she uncovers an ancient secret society formed over two hundred years ago to keep her safe, she starts to wonder whether there’s some truth to those old stories her grandfather has been telling her.

All she wants is to be an average sixteen-year-old girl, but she has never been average—could never be average.

Betrayed by those she loves, she must decide whether to run or risk everything by fulfilling her destiny as the Chosen.

Paperback, 325 pages

Published March 21st 2015 by Evolved Publishing, LLC (first published March 1st 2015)

About the Author:

 

Jeff Altabef lives in New York with his wife, two daughters, and Charlie the dog. He spends time volunteering at the writing center in the local community college. After years of being accused of "telling stories," he thought he would make it official. He writes in both the thriller and young adult genres. Fourteenth Colony, a political thriller, is his debut novel. Jeff has a blog designed to encourage writing by those that like telling stories. You can find his blog, The Accidental Writers Workshop, on The Patch. Jeff also rights a column for The Examiner under the byline - The Accidental Writer.   

Book Review: Open Season by Linda Howard

 
Title: Open Season

Author: Linda Howard

Stars 5 out of 5

Review:
Who doesn't love Linda Howard with her quick fun writing that will have you laughing one minute to biting your nails the next. Open season follows the line of Mr. Perfect with the perfect amount of humor, romance action and more.  Every time I reread Open Season I can't help but fall in love with Daisy Minor and she sweet southern charm and how she only sees the best in people. Jack Russo is funny, charming alpha male without being one sided or bland. 
I miss Linda Howard fun romantic suspense novels where the dialogue is fun, the sex doesn't go into massive details and the mystery is exciting and some times you wonder who the killer or killers are. Don't get me wrong you know everything in Open Season from beginning to end but the dialogue is what keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end.
I am not sure I can pick just one Linda Howard novel as my favorite but this is very close to the top.

Synopsis:
On her thirty-fourth birthday, Daisy Minor decides to make over her entire life. The small-town librarian has had it with her boring clothes, her ordinary looks, and nearly a decade without so much as a date. It's time to get a life—and a sex life. The perennial good girl, Daisy transforms herself into a party girl extraordinaire—dancing the night away at clubs, laughing and flirting with abandon—and she's declared open season for manhunting. But her free-spirited fun turns to shattering danger when she witnesses something she shouldn't—and becomes the target of a killer. Now, before she can meet the one man who can share her life, first she may need him to save it.  

About the Author:
 
Linda S. Howington is an American best-selling romance author writing under the pseudonym Linda Howard. After 21 years of penning stories for her own enjoyment, she submitted a novel for publication which was very successful. Her first work was published by Silhouette in 1982. She is a charter member of Romance Writers of America and in 2005 Howard was awarded their Career Achievement Award.

Linda Howard lives in Gadsden, Alabama with her husband, Gary F. Howington, and two golden retrievers. She has three grown stepchildren and three grandchildren. 

Review: A Beautiful Blue Death by Chares Finch‏

 

Title: A Beautiful Blue Death

Author: Charles Finch

Stars: 4 out of 5

Review:

A delightful murder mystery set in London in 1865. The amateur detective (Charles Lenox) is a gentleman and man of leisure as he is the second son and his brother has already inherited the title. This is a character who gently enfolds you in a warm cozy feeling. Think of him as a laid back Sherlock Holmes who manages to solve the two murders while still maintaining his social calendar and standing within his circle. But he is also not afraid to get his hands dirty doing the nitty gritty basic investigative steps.

I enjoyed this book immensely and gave it a four star rating and look forward to reading other offerings by this author.

I received this ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review

Synopsis:

On any given day in London, all Charles Lenox, Victorian gentleman and armchair explorer, wants to do is relax in his private study with a cup of tea, a roaring fire and a good book. But when his lifelong friend Lady Jane asks for his help, Lenox cannot resist another chance to unravel a mystery, even if it means trudging through the snow to her townhouse next door.

One of Jane's former servants, Prudence Smith, is dead -- an apparent suicide. But Lenox suspects something far more sinister: murder, by a rare and deadly poison. The house where the girl worked is full of suspects, and though Prudence dabbled with the hearts of more than a few men, Lenox is baffled by an elusive lack of motive in the girl's death.

When another body turns up during the London season's most fashionable ball, Lenox must untangle a web of loyalties and animosities. Was it jealousy that killed Prudence? Or was it something else entirely, something that Lenox alone can uncover before the killer strikes again -- disturbingly close to home?

 

Hardcover, 309 pages

Published June 26th 2007 by Minotaur Books

 

 

About the Author:

 

My name is Charles Finch - welcome! I'm the author of the Charles Lenox series of historical mysteries, as well as a recent novel about expatriate life in Oxford, THE LAST ENCHANTMENTS. I also write book reviews for the New York Times, USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune and essays in many different places.

Like most people on this website, I'm a huge reader. My taste is all over the place, though I tend to really like literary and mystery fiction. Some of my favorite writers: George Orwell, Henry Green, Dick Francis, Anthony Trollope, David Lodge, PG Wodehouse, Bill Bryson, Roberto Bolano, Jonathan Franzen, Shirley Hazzard, Leo Tolstoy, AR Ammons, Philip Larkin, Edgar Bowers, Laurent Binet, Laurie Colwin, Jane Austen, Arthur Conan Doyle, Philip Roth, Henrik Ibsen, Geoff Dyer, the list could go forever...

A bit about myself: I was born in New York City, and since then I've lived all over the place, in America, England, France...at the moment I'm in Chicago, where I just recently moved. I spend most of my time here writing, reading, walking my dog, and trying not to let my ears freeze off.

You can find me on Facebook (facebook.com/charlesfinchauthor) where my reader are always giving fantastic book reviews, or Twitter (twitter.com/charlesfinch) which I don't like quite as much, though it's okay. I'll also try to blog here. Please let me know what I'm doing wrong, since I have remedial goodreads skills.

 

What Am I Reading?

Not in any order

Movie Review: The Martian

 
Stars: 5 out of 5
This weekend my husband and I went to see The Martian staring Matt Damon and I can't tell you how much I loved this film. 
The Martian is a screen adaption of the book with the same title by Andy Weir.  When the Ares III manned mission to mars is hit by an intense storm everyone is sent back to the ship. However Mark Watney goes missing and is presumed dead. When Mark wakes up to find himself alone he realize he has two choices to give up and die or survive until a rescue mission can be sent.
Matt Damon give an amazing performance where he is able to keep the audience laughing while he is trying to figure out way to survive on a plant that nothing grows on. I found myself laughing and finding a deeper meaning to this movie then I realized.
 I hope this film helps revitalize the American space program and that space travel will once again become important. 
Please so see this film it is worth ever penny.
Since watching this film I plan to read The Martian the book. 

Book Review: In Search Of Scandal by Susanne Lord‏

 
Title: In Search Of Scandal 

Author: Susanne Lord
‏
Stars: 4 out of 5

Review:

A well written work which was easy to read and with a good plot. The characters were well developed and gave the impression they could have been real people. I read the book over two days enjoyed the experience very much.  The descriptions of events, for the time period, seemed spot on. I found nothing over the top which would have distracted from an excellent book.

I rated this book at four stars and would read other offerings by this author.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Thanks Frank for this review

Synopsis:
All of London is abuzz with the tale of Will Repton. The lone survivor of a massacre in Tibet has returned to England a hero, but the traumatized explorer has no time for glory. Another dangerous expedition awaits. Nothing will deter him from his quest, and no one will unearth his secret—until Will meets Charlotte Baker.

About the Author:

Susanne Lord is a writer of Victorian-era romance and author of the London Explorer series published by Sourcebooks.
Originally from Okinawa, off-base and on, she now makes her home in Chicago where she is an active member of Chicago North RWA. When not writing, attending theater or reading, she enjoys hiking the English countryside and visiting historic homes and gardens.
IN SEARCH OF SCANDAL is Susanne’s debut novel.
Representation
Nelson Literary Agency (Kristen Nelson)

  

Review Natural History Museum Mesa AZ

5 fun Stars
Being on a two week fall break I am trying to find time to be filled with adeventures and one such adventure we go to all the time but find something new. Its Arizona Museum of Natural Hisorty and my kids love going here.
When you first arrive your are greeted to the Creation of earth 4.5 billion years ago to the present. With different interactive stations kids and adutls get to see the cycle of earth as well as touch meteorites and exlore the different minreals found all over Arizona.
Next stop is Dinosaur hall where the kids get to discover the biggest dinos as well as Dino Mountian where you can watch waterfall of rushing water.
As you go towards the basement you find cretaceruos Sea creatures all the while putting together puzzels, and the exploration room.
The Exploration room is the best room for parents because we get to sit down while the kids learn about magnets, rocks, art, history and cuddle with stuff animals as they read about Dinosaurs.

That is just the beginning you can tour an old jail, go panning for old, dig for dino bones and enjoy the history of movies in Arizona. Parents can enjoy a Visit to a Hohokam village with pithouses and above ground strucatures as well as real artifacts.

There is even a section on the Lost Dutchmen lost Gold as well as the infamous map.

If you have several hours or just need to get away from the AZ heat this museum is worth a ticket.


http://www.azmnh.org/About.aspx

Book Review Down the Rabiit Hole

Title: Down The Rabbit Hole

Author: Holly Madison

Stars: 4 out of 5

Review:
I can't really tell you why I picked this book up at the library but once I started reading I couldn't put the book down. Holly Madison write as she talks so it feels extremely personal as she tells her story of life as a Playboy Property. Nothing in this book surprised me and in fact I almost felt sorry for the girls who choose and chose this lifestyle and how destructive it is not only to their physical but their emotional well being.
Holly threw open the doors of a not so secretive lifestyle and how a man pitted women against each other to make himself feel better. This book has the reader seeing Hugh Hefner as the dirty old man everyone avoids but because he has millions women instead flock to him

Even though I think Holly made a lot of terrible choice in life she choose that life style so it hard to feel sorry for her. However I do find she has a strong backbone in the fact she gave up easy life
.
No one is going to read this book for its heart warming tales lets face it everyone is reading this out of morbid curiosity. Holly Madison talks about very personal details, cat fights and the crazy things that happened at the mansion as well as life after the mansion
. 
Overall this book is a inside look of one persons life in the playboy world. If nothing else this book has we wanting to lock my daughters up and never allow them to leave the house.  Playboy people deserve each other, they are all cut from the same cloth. Appearances means everything!

Synopsis:
A former girlfriend of Hugh Hefner describes how her years inside the Playboy Mansion went from a fairytale of A-list celebrity parties to an oppressive regime of strict rules, scheduled sex, and a total loss of identity, so much so that she even contemplated suicide.

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published June 23rd 2015 by Dey Street Books 

 

About The Author:

 Holly Madison spent five seasons on the #1 rated E! hit reality show The Girls Next Door before landing the leading role in the Las Vegas Strip's smash hit, Peepshow. She also starred in two seasons of her own hit E! series Holly's World.

Madison divides her time between Las Vegas and Los Angeles with her husband and daughter.