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Friday, May 22, 2015

Blog Tour: Review & Excerpt - Falling for His Best Friend by Katee Robert



Author: Katee Robert
Series: Out of Uniform #2
Release Date: May 19, 2015
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Avery Yeung’s biological clock just went off early. Thanks to her family’s medical history, she’s running out of time to get knocked up. And the only guy within donating distance? Her overprotective—and irritatingly hot—best friend. So clearly she needs an anonymous donor…
Anonymous donor? Over Sheriff Drew Flannery’s dead body. While daddyhood will never be in the cards for a man with his past, Drew won’t let Avery shop for a “popsicle pop.” He’ll do what’s right for his best friend by doing his best friend. But only if they do it properly.
But there’s nothing “proper” about it. Between the bed, the kitchen counter, and against his squad car, Avery and Drew are having the hottest sex ever. They can’t get enough of it—or each other. And without knowing it, they’ve crossed the one line that could ruin their friendship forever…

See where it all began with book 1 of the Out of Uniform series, In Bed with Mr. Wrong.

Friends to lovers stories always make for a good read.  I love that moment when they finally realize their best friend in the whole world is the one that they want forever and in all ways.  In Falling for His Best Friend, Drew and Avery have been best friends since the firs grade.  Avery wants to have a baby but she is missing one key ingredient...a man.  When Drew hears she is going to use someone else to have a baby, he volunteers for the job.

We all know how it goes; once you go there, can you over really go back to being just friends? When these two finally get together, they set the room on fire! I was really rooting for this couple.  Clearly they were made for each other.  The biggest problem that Drew struggles with is the possibility that he could end up like his father.  When his mother died, his father couldn't handle losing her and became the town drunk.  He doesn't want to risk his heart.  It takes him a bit, but I love when he finally realizes that his heart is already all in.

I haven't read the other book in the series, In Bed with Mr. Wrong, but I know it's has to be as good as this one.  I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves a good romance with a great HEA!




Enjoy this excerpt:


She glanced up when he got out of his car. “We’re going to be late.”

“Late?” He hadn’t been aware he was on a timetable. Some things weren’t meant to be rushed. Drew wiped his palms on his slacks, trying not to fidget when she pinned him with a look.

“Yeah, late. Come on. I’ll drive.” She practically herded him into the passenger seat of the Beast and then climbed into the driver’s side.What the hell was going on?He didn’t get his explanation until ten minutes later when she pulled into the parking lot of a fertility clinic. Drew stared at the tasteful sign above the door. Why the fuck were they here? “My swimmers are fine.”

“What?” She shut off her Jeep.

“My swimmers.” He gestured at his lap, wanting to growl when her eyes went wide. “They’re fine. More than able to get the job done.”

“Uh... I have no doubt of that.” She looked like she wanted to be doing anything else but having this conversation. “This is just one of the necessary steps. It’s not because I think your, ah, swimmers aren’t up to snuff.”

Necessary steps. So she must want him to get some tests done or some shit. Drew took a deep breath. He’d said he was down for this, and that meant doing whatever so- called necessary steps Avery needed. Even though it was not necessary as far as he was concerned. He was thirty, not even past his prime.

Whatever. He’d go through whatever tests she needed. Then they’d go back to her place and get this baby-making business started.


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About the author:


New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. She found romance novels at age twelve and it changed her life. When not writing sexy contemporary and speculative fiction romance novels, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her wee ones, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.  Connect with Katee at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google + | GoodReads | Instagram | Tumblr | Youtube

Get More information at: Goodreads  | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Schedule

Monday 5/18
Pretty Sassy Cool            
Becky on Books               
Jen's Reading Obsession              
mignon mykel : reviews               
The Lusty Literate           
Talking Books Blog          
Romance Junkies            

Tuesday 5/19
Feeling Fictional               
Four Chicks Flipping Pages          
Monlatable Book Reviews          
The Literary Gossip        
Adria's Romance Reviews           
Kitty's Blog Spot!             
Smut Book Junkie Book Reviews              
Read, Write, Ripley        
Southern Yankee Book Reviews               
               
Wednesday 5/20
BJ's Reviews      
Life With Two Boys         
Joyfully reviewed           
               
Thursday 5/21
Sapphyria's Book Reviews           
Read Your Writes Book Reviews               
Southern Yankee Book Reviews               

Friday 5/22        
My Reading Reality        
Once Upon An Alpha     
From the TBR Pile           
Twin Sisters Rockin' Book Reviews          
Those Crazy Book Chicks              
As the Pages Turn            

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Throwback Thursday: Overload by Linda Howard


Author: Linda Howard
First published in the anthology 'Silhouette Summer Sizzles '93" (Silhouette, 1993)
Reissued on audio by Dreamscape Media April 2015

Blackout! The entire Southeast was without power ~ but there was still more than enough electricity between Elizabeth Major and Tom Quinlan! They were stranded together in a Dallas high rise for the duration ~ and setting off enough sparks to light up the darkest night.

Overload is one of Ms. Howard's early-ish short stories that first appeared in the anthlogy, Silhouette Summer Sizzles '93.  I got it recently on audio. It was a very quick listen and for the most part enjoyable. Elizabeth and Tom both have businesses on the same floor.  They had dated previously, but Elizabeth suddenly pulled away and refused to speak to Tom again.  He never found out why.  When the entire Southeast loses power and two of them are locked in the building overnight, Tom is determined to find out the truth.


I have to admit, I kind of felt badly for Tom.  I thought it was kind of rude for Elizabeth to not tell him why she just walked away.  Even after hearing her story and reasons, I didn't think she was being fair to him.  Maybe if she has gone through therapy, she would have been able to be more adult about his behavior and tell him why she felt he was too possessive.  They would have saved 6 months of wasted time.  Also, with the ease at which he revealed stuff about his life before owning his business, he probably would have told her sooner about it all. But she never told him not knowing made her uncomfortable.  So, one conversation could have cleared up a lot.  But then we wouldn't get steamy loves scenes and a very sweet HEA, right?.


Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Blog Tour: LA Rotten by Jeff Kilma

Author: Jeff Kilma
Publisher: Alibi
Date of publication: May 2015

For fans of Dexter and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Jeff Klima’s debut thriller is a chillingly suspenseful novel set in a world of violence and chaos—where one man finds himself right at home.

As an expert crime-scene cleaner, Thomas Tanner charges big money to carve out bullets, mop up fluids, disinfect walls, and dispose of whatever’s left of whomever was unlucky enough to require his services. For a handsome young ex-con determined to stay out of trouble, it’s practically a dream job—until he discovers a grisly pattern to his work: a string of gruesome murders at a cheap motel chain, always in Room 236.


While prying into a serial killer’s nasty scheme, Thomas finds himself with a sharp-witted strip-bar waitress plastered to his side—and his conscience. Even more surprising, the killer starts prying into his life, luring Thomas into a twisted friendship. As Thomas struggles against his adversary’s wicked whims, risking the lives of the few people he holds dear, bodies pile up everywhere he turns. With a psychopath calling the shots, Thomas has little choice but to clean house once and for all.

You guys know me, I am always wiling to give a book a shot.  I was intrigued by the synopsis for this L. A. Rotten. Honestly, I have always found the idea of being a crime scene cleaner fascinating.  Not sure it would be a job I could do, but  I give props to anyone who could do the job.  Also, I loved Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, so I figured I would like this book, right?  Unfortunately, I didn't finish it.  If I had been writing the synopsis, I would have just stuck with "fans of Dexter" and left it at that.

Thomas is an ex-con (which I can forgive) who is a crime scene cleaner.  He starts to realize that some of his crime scenes follow a certain pattern and must be the work of a serial killer.  I was hoping that this would be a good msytery, you know reformed guy does good.  But, Thomas was not a likable character.  He is a heroine addict and frequents a strip club where the dancer will give him more than just a lap dance for a little extra money on the side. Um, ew.  I was willing to give him a shot, but then he takes a job for a gang as an extra special "cleaner".  Meaning he cuts up the body of someone they killed and disposes of it for money.  Honestly, I stopped there.  I knew for me, the book wasn't going to get better.

I will say that the book was well written.  I know there is an audience for this book.  I really never got into Dexter, so that could be why I didn't like the main character.  I do urge you to give this one a shot though and see for yourself.



Purchase Links

 About Jeff Klima
Jeff Klima is the author of The Dead Janitors Club and the cofounder of Orange County Crime Scene Cleanup.

Jeff Klima’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:
Monday, May 11th: Priscilla and Her Books
Tuesday, May 12th: The World As I See It
Thursday, May 14th: It’s a Mad Mad World
Monday, May 18th: Drey’s Library
Tuesday, May 19th: Patricia’s Wisdom
Wednesday, May 20th: From the TBR Pile
Wednesday, May 20th: Bell, Book & Candle
Friday, May 22nd: FictionZeal
Tuesday, May 26th: Booksie’s Blog
Monday, June 1st: A Chick Who Reads
Tuesday, June 2nd: Crime Fiction Lover
Tuesday, June 2nd: Lazy Day Books
Wednesday, June 3rd: Dwell in Possibility
Thursday, June 4th: Kay’s Reading Life
Monday, June 8th: Buried Under Books
Tuesday, June 9th: Queen of All She Reads
Wednesday, June 10th: No More Grumpy Bookseller

Thursday, June 11th: Rhodes Review

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Blog Tour: Dark Screams Vol.3 anthology

Authors: Peter Straub, Jack Ketchum, Darynda Jones, Jacquelyn Frank, and Brian Hodge
Publisher: Hydra (Random House)
Date of publication: May 2015

Peter Straub, Jack Ketchum, Darynda Jones, Jacquelyn Frank, and Brian Hodge contribute five gloomy, disturbing tales of madness and horror to Dark Screams: Volume Three,edited by Brian James Freeman and Richard Chizmar of the celebrated Cemetery Dance Publications.

THE COLLECTED SHORT STORIES OF FREDDIE PROTHERO by Peter Straub
A mere child yet a precocious writer, young Freddie records a series of terrifying encounters with an inhuman being that haunts his life . . . and seems to predict his death.

GROUP OF THIRTY by Jack Ketchum
When an award-winning horror writer on the downward slope of a long career receives an invitation to address the Essex County Science Fiction Group, he figures he’s got nothing to lose. He couldn’t be more wrong.

NANCY by Darynda Jones
Though she’s adopted by the cool kids, the new girl at Renfield High School is most drawn to Nancy Wilhoit, who claims to be haunted. But it soon becomes apparent that poltergeists—and people—are seldom what they seem.
I LOVE YOU, CHARLIE PEARSON by Jacquelyn Frank
Charlie Pearson has a crush on Stacey Wheeler. She has no idea. Charlie will make Stacey see that he loves her, and that she loves him—even if he has to kill her to make her say it.

THE LONE AND LEVEL SANDS STRETCH FAR AWAY by Brian Hodge
When Marni moves in next door, the stale marriage of Tara and Aidan gets a jolt of adrenaline. Whether it’s tonic or toxic is another matter.

Dark Screams 2 was a mixed bag for me, so I had high hopes for this volume.  It has one of my favorite authors in it, so I knew it had to be good.  Unfortunately, this anthology was a pretty big let down.  That happens sometimes with anthologies.

Peter Straub is one of my all time favorite authors.  I can't even tell you what his story was about.  It made absolutely no sense to me.  I felt like I was reading gibberish and it gave me a headache.  I really don't like having to work to understand what I'm reading.  It wasn't worth it.  "Group of Thirty" had a lot of potential to be a good story.  But, honestly, the ending was dumb and a huge let down. I have read other works by Jack Ketchum, so I was surprised it was so bad.  The last story by Brian Hodge was boring and confusing.

There were two stories that stood out as being pretty OK and had they been longer, I might have been wowed by them.  "Nancy" reminded me of an R. L Stine book from the Fear Street series.  If I had to pick, it was my favorite out of the five stories.  It was spooky and would have made a good longer ghost story.  "I Love You, Charlie Pearson" had an interesting twist at the end and I would have loved for it to be longer.

Even though I was underwhelmed by this volume, I will keep reading them.  You never know when you will find a gem in the pile!

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Purchase Links

Praise for Dark Screams: Volume One

“A wicked treat [featuring] some of the genre’s best . . . Dark Screams: Volume One is a strong start to what looks to be an outstanding series.”—Hellnotes

“A solid collection of quick reads, a nice selection of appetizers that represent the horror genre and many of its incarnations well.”—October Country
“These tales are well written, fun to read, and a great way to kill a winter afternoon. Recommended for fans of short-story collections and dark fiction!”—Horror After Dark
“If Volume One is any indication of quality, I’m all in for the rest of the series.”—Not Too Terrible

“The editors have set themselves a high bar to meet in future volumes. . . . It’s going to be a solid series.”—Adventures Fantastic

TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS for Dark Screams:

Monday, April 27th: A Fantastical Librarian – Volume 2
Wednesday, April 29th: No More Grumpy Bookseller – Volumes 2 and 3
Monday, May 4th: Bell, Book & Candle – Volume 2
Tuesday, May 5th: From the TBR Pile – Volume 2
Wednesday, May 6th: Wag the Fox – Volume 2
Friday, May 8th: The Reader’s Hollow – Volume 2
Monday, May 11th: Bibliophilia, Please – Volume 2
Tuesday, May 12th: In Bed with Books – Volume 3
Thursday, May 14th: Bell, Book & Candle – Volume 3
Friday, May 15th: Wag the Fox – Volume 3
Monday, May 18th: Bibliotica – Volume 3
Tuesday, May 19th: From the TBR Pile – Volume 3
Wednesday, May 20th: Sweet Southern Home – Volume 3
Thursday, May 21st: The Reader’s Hollow – Volume 3
Tuesday, May 26th: Kahakai Kitchen – Volumes 2 and 3
TBD: Bewitched Bookworms – Volumes 2 and 3

TBD: Bibliotica – Volume 2

Monday, May 18, 2015

Vivian Apple at the End of the World by Katie Coyle

by:  Katie Coyle
published by:  HMH Books for Young Readers
publish date:  January 6, 2015

Seventeen-year-old Vivian Apple never believed in the evangelical Church of America, unlike her recently devout parents. But when Vivian returns home the night after the supposed "Rapture," all that’s left of her parents are two holes in the roof. Suddenly, she doesn't know who or what to believe. With her best friend Harp and a mysterious ally, Peter, Vivian embarks on a desperate cross-country roadtrip through a paranoid and panic-stricken America to find answers. Because at the end of the world, Vivan Apple isn't looking for a savior. She's looking for the truth.

Vivian Apple lives in a United States where evangelicalism and capitolism have united in a common cause.   The Church of America touts the greatness of America and it's saints are the Founding Fathers.  The faithful must visit all the historical landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Liberty Bell to pay homage to our country's greatness.  The Founder of the Religion prophesied a Rapture of the most faithful.  When it actually comes to pass the United States citizens are more fearful and zealous than ever.

Vivian's parents were devoted to the Church of America.  She wasn't completely surprised that they were "Raptured" but she isn't ready to be on her own.  After spending time with her Grandparents, she is convinced that the answers to her questions are in California.  So she gathers up her friends to embark on a road trip across the country.

I had a lot of questions about this book.  So Vivian and her friends are traveling across America and it seems like they find a lot of unoccupied towns/houses etc.  Only 5,000 people were raptured, this wouldn't account for all the emptiness.   It seemed like everything was existing in the post-apocalyptic phase and I couldn't really understand it.  Frankly, I'm surprised a religion like this hasn't popped up.  It seems like something that would catch on like wildfire.

There is a second book in this series, Vivian Versus America (September 2015).  I think I will be reading it.  This book was interesting and thought-provoking.  I hope the second one is just as good.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Blog Tour: Interview with Jade Lee, Author of 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake

Author: Jade Lee
Series: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Pubdate: May 5th, 2015

Mellie Smithson has a plan…
Mellie Smithson is trapped in the country with no suitors and no prospects on the horizon except, perhaps, the exasperating—although admittedly handsome—guest of her father. Unwilling to settle, Mellie will do anything to escape to London...

Trevor Anaedsley has a problem…
Trevor Anaedsley’s grandfather has cut off his funds until he gets engaged. Beset by creditors, Trevor escapes to the country—ostensibly to visit his old tutor Mr. Smithson—where he meets Smithson’s lovely daughter Mellie. The obvious solution is suddenly before him—but will this fake engagement go as Trevor and Mellie plan? Or will they find that even the best laid plans often go awry?

***

Today we are excited to welcome Jade Lee to the blog! Jade’s latest title, 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake, is out May 5th and marks the beginning of her hilarious new Rakes & Rogues series. To celebrate her new release, Jade is here for a “mini-interview” and has answered a set of three questions for us!


1.       Who is your favorite literary character and why?  King Arthur in The Once and Future King by TH White. The pain of being caught between love and duty is so poignant. Especially since the woman he loves is in love with someone else.  Arthur needs Guinevere and Lancelot. They’re his best friends and the triangle always gets to me. Add in the magic of Merlin, and I’m hooked.
2.       If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? Well, it’s not an animal, but I’m trying to be more tree like. Seriously. Rooted, growing, giving oxygen and beauty to the world. It sounds like an odd thing to say, but that’s where my brain is right now. Tomorrow, I might be a hummingbird. Or an ant. Anything but a dog because, you know, I’m really a cat person.
3.       In three words, how would you describe 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake? FUNNY, SEXY, A REALLY GOOD TIME (okay, that last one wasn’t a word, but I can’t seem to follow the rules to save my life)


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About the author:

USA Today bestselling author Jade Lee has been scripting love stories since she first picked up a set of paper dolls. Ball gowns and rakish lords caught her attention early (thank you, Georgette Heyer), and her fascination with the Regency began. An author of more than thirty romance novels and winner of dozens of industry awards, Lee lives in Champaign, Illinois.

Buy Links:
Indiebound: http://bit.ly/1ILWvVQ

Saturday, May 16, 2015

The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

by:  Victoria Aveyard
published by:  Orion
publish date:  February 10, 2015

The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers.  To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change.  Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre of those she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control.

In this book the world is divided in to Reds and Silvers.  The Silvers are the ruling elite and the Reds exist basically to serve them.  The Silver Prince likes to survey his future holdings so he goes into the Red territory undercover and meets Mare.  He's so moved by the story of her life that he gets her a job in the palace.  Through a series of crazy events Mare finds out that she is of both Red and Silver blood and maybe be the most powerful of all.

So this book is kind of your typical YA.  The somewhat unwilling female lead of a revolution.  There was a love triangle of sorts.  The beginning of the book had a lot of scenes that I felt were unnecessary to the overall story.  They kind of bogged things down in the first quarter of the book and unless they were set up for other books in the series, they should have been taken out.   And very much like a typical YA, it's part of a series/trilogy.

I liked this book alright.  Kari didn't like it.  I can see arguments on both side of the case.  The first book was ok, but I doubt I'll continue with this series.  

Friday, May 15, 2015

Book Tour: Moonlight on Butternut Lake by Mary McNear

Author: Mary McNear
Publisher: William Morrow
Date of publication: May 2015

From the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Up at Butternut Lake comes the third novel in the Butternut Lake series—a dazzling story of two wounded souls seizing a second chance at life and love.

On the run from her abusive husband, Mila Jones flees Minneapolis for the safety and serenity of Butternut Lake. Ready to forge a new life, Mila’s position as home health aide to Reid Ford is more than a job. It’s a chance at a fresh start. Though her sullen patient seems determined to make her quit, she refuses to give up on him.

Haunted by the car accident that nearly killed him, Reid retreats to his brother’s cabin on Butternut Lake and lashes out at anyone who tries to help. Reid wishes Mila would just go away. . .until he notices the strength, and the secrets, behind her sad, brown eyes.

Against all odds, Mila slowly draws Reid out. Soon they form a tentative, yet increasingly deeper, bond as Mila lowers her guard and begins to trust again, and Reid learns how to let this woman who has managed to crack through his protective shell into his life. While the seemingly endless days of summer unfold, Reid and Mila take the first steps to healing as they discover love can be more than just a dream.

I am always amazed when I read a series at how I can think I love the latest book, only to be blown away by the next one.  Moonlight in Butternut Lake definitely fits the bill this time.  I loved this book.  This is Reid's story.  He is Walker's brother, the workaholic who never had a serious relationship.  After a bad car accident, he has retreated to Butternut Lake to recover.  They hire Mila to be his third and hopefully final home health card aid.  Mila is running from her own abusive husband and hopes to find a fresh start.

What I loved about this book was the slow build to Reid and Mila's relationship.  It isn't insta love or attraction.  In fact, Reid does everything he can to drive Mila away.  He spends his day swallowing in self pity and depression.  It was just heart warming watching Mila slowly draw Reid out of his cocoon. To realize that it is great to be alive and still have a chance at a future.  In Reid, Mila is able to finally find a home and someone to love her.  

As the story progresses, we learn about Mila's childhood and how she went from a determined young woman to a timid abused housewife desperate to get away.  It's scary how easily it happened.  I was really rooting for her to break free for good.

This definitely could be read as a stand alone book.  While characters from the other books show up, I didn't think anyone would be lost coming into this book not having read the first two.  I highly recommend this series!


About Mary McNear


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Mary McNear is a writer living in San Francisco with her husband, two teenage children, and a high-strung, minuscule white dog named Macaroon. She writes her novels in a local donut shop where she sips Diet Pepsi, observes the hubbub of neighborhood life, and tries to resist the constant temptation of freshly made donuts. She bases her novels on a lifetime of summers spent in a small town on a lake in the northern Midwest.
Connect with Mary on Facebook.

Purchase Links

Mary’s Tour Stops
Tuesday, May 12th: A Chick Who Reads
Tuesday, May 12th: Lesa’s Book Critiques
Wednesday, May 13th: Fuelled by Fiction
Thursday, May 14th: Raven Haired Girl
Friday, May 15th: From the TBR Pile
Monday, May 18th: Always With a Book
Wednesday, May 20th: Walking With Nora
Wednesday, May 20th: Peeking Between the Pages
Thursday, May 21st: Svetlana’s Reads and Views
Monday, May 25th: Bibliotica
Wednesday, June 3rd: Reading Reality


Thursday, May 14, 2015

Throwback Thursday: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier


Author:  Daphne du Maurier
First published in 1938 by Victor Gollancz

The novel begins in Monte Carlo, where our heroine is swept off her feet by the dashing widower Maxim de Winter and his sudden proposal of marriage. Orphaned and working as a lady's maid, she can barely believe her luck. It is only when they arrive at his massive country estate that she realizes how large a shadow his late wife will cast over their lives--presenting her with a lingering evil that threatens to destroy their marriage from beyond the grave.

After reading The First Wife (our joint review), I decided to give Rebecca try.  I knew I had seen the movie a long time ago, but had never read the book.  It's one of those classic books that you know you should read at some point, but never get around to it.  After finishing the book, I know why I should have avoided it.  I didn't really like it.  I have seen rave reviews over this book, but I just don't get it.  It's like me and Gone with the Wind.  I hated the movie and have no desire to read the book ever.  I didn't understand the appeal and thought Scarlett O'Hara got what she deserved.  But, I digress.

The main character in the book is never named, except as Mrs. de Winter.  She is the second wife of Maxim.  She marries him after knowing him for a couple of weeks and is swept off to Manderley, his estate. There she meets the formidable Mrs. Danvers who was devoted to the first Mrs. de Winter, Rebecca. Honestly, the first 80% of the book drags.  I found the narrator to be whiny and annoying.  I was a bit taken aback at her reaction to what happened to Rebecca.  I won't spoil it just in case you haven't read it or seen the movie.  Let's just say, I would be running for the hills.  

I think this is one of those books that you either like or you don't.  I can see why it would have been a popular book in its time.  It is kind of scandalous.  Today, not so much.


Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Blog Tour: The Case of the Invisible Dog by Diane Stingley

Author: Diane Stingley
Published by : Alibi
Date of publication: May 19, 2015

In the start of a charmingly imaginative cozy series sure to delight fans of Carolyn Hart and Diane Mott Davidson, Diane Stingley introduces a blundering detective who believes herself to be the great-great-granddaughter of the legendary Sherlock Holmes.

After failing to launch her career as a Hollywood actress, Tammy Norman returns home to North Carolina, desperate for a regular paycheck and a new lease on life. So she accepts a position assisting Shirley Homes, an exceptionally odd personage who styles herself after her celebrated “ancestor”–right down to the ridiculous hat. Tammy isn’t sure how long she can go on indulging the delusional Shirley (who honestly believes Sherlock Holmes was a real person!), but with the prospect of unemployment looming, she decides to give it a shot.

Tammy’s impression of her eccentric boss does not improve when their first case involves midnight romps through strangers’ yards in pursuit of a phantom dog—that only their client can hear. But when the case takes a sudden and sinister turn, Tammy has to admit that Shirley Homes might actually be on to something. . . .

The Case of the Invisible Dog is supposed to be a take off on a Sherlock Holmes mystery.  I love Sherlock Holmes, so I was eager to read this one.  I do enjoy a good cozy and quirky mystery, but unfortunately, this wasn't one for me.  It ended up being a DNF.

The book is told from Tammy's point of view.  I had a hard time liking Tammy.  She seemed lazy and immature.  I couldn't imagine taking a job not knowing who I really worked for.  Shirley clearly is not right in the head and thinks she is a descendant of Sherlock Holmes. She lives above a bakery and has a sister named Myra.  I imagine this could be funny, but I got tired of her long-winded explanations for everything.  It was almost too quirky/spoofy. I stopped reading when Shirley's doctor approached Tammy to talk about Shirley's issues.  Ethically, no doctor would do that.

I'll have to chalk this as another one not for me.  I think for the right reader, this will be a hit.



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About Diane Stingley

Diane Stingley is the author of Dress You Up in My Love and I’m With Cupid. She was also a columnist for The Charlotte Observer and received e-mails from around the country in response to her columns. She currently resides in North Carolina and is hard at work on the next Shirley Homes mystery.

Purchase Links


Diane Stingley’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Monday, May 11th: Kahakai Kitchen
Monday, May 11th: A Chick Who Reads
Tuesday, May 12th: Bibliotica
Wednesday, May 13th: From the TBR Pile
Thursday, May 14th: Mama Vicky Says
Monday, May 18th: Priscilla and Her Books
Monday, May 18th: Bell, Book & Candle
Tuesday, May 19th: Book Babe
Wednesday, May 20th: Reading Reality
Monday, May 25th: Patricia’s Wisdom
Tuesday, May 26th: Open Book Society
Wednesday, May 27th: Mom in Love with Fiction
Thursday, May 28th: For the Love of Fictional Worlds
Monday, June 1st: A Book Geek
Wednesday, June 3rd: Dwell in Possibility
Monday, June 8th: Staircase Wit
Thursday, June 11th: Joyfully Retired


Book Spotlight: The Day Before by Liana Brooks


Author: Liana Brooks
Publisher: Harper Voyage Impulse
Date of publication: April 2015

A body is found in the Alabama wilderness. The question is:

Is it a human corpse … or is it just a piece of discarded property?

Agent Samantha Rose has been exiled to a backwater assignment for the Commonwealth Bureau of Investigation, a death knell for her career. But then Sam catches a break—a murder—that could give her the boost she needs to get her life back on track. There’s a snag, though: the body is a clone, and technically that means it’s not a homicide. And yet, something about the body raises questions, not only for her, but for coroner Linsey Mackenzie.

The more they dig, the more they realize nothing about this case is what it seems … and for Sam, nothing about Mac is what it seems, either.

This case might be the way out for her, but that way could be in a bodybag.

A thrilling new mystery from Liana Brooks, The Day Before will have you looking over your shoulder and questioning what it means to be human.

To Purchase The Day Before


About the author:


I was born in San Diego. I’ve lived in Chicago, Denver, Florida, Kentucky, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Kansas.  Mother always said there was a touch of gypsy in the blood. I write science fiction and SFR in a variety of forms. Sometimes I dabble in comic fantasy. I have a superhero romance series with Breathless Press and am represented by Marlene Stringer of Stringer Literary Agency.

For More Information
Visit Liana at her website

Tour Dates:
April 28
Book featured at Carti Cu Colti
Book featured at Undercover Book Reviews
Book featured at 3 Partners in Shopping
April 29
Book featured at Tea Talks
Book featured at Gothic Moms
April 30
Book reviewed at A Word at a Time
May 1
Book featured at FUOnlyKnew
May 4
Book featured at Confessions of a Reader
May 5
Book featured at Mikky’s World of Books
May 6
Book featured at Review From Here
May 7
Guest blogging at I’m Shelf-ish
May 8
Book featured at Bent Over Bookwords
May 11
Guest blogging at Lover of Literature
May 12
Book featured at Celticlady’s Reviews
May 13
Book reviewed at Booked on a Feeling
Book featured at From the TBR Pile
May 14
Book reviewed at Taking it One Book at a Time
Book reviewed at Owl Always Be Reading
May 15
Book reviewed and Guest blogging at Queen of All She Reads