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Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving from a Reader

I thought I'd make this an author's quotes for Thanksgiving.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! GIVE THANKS!
Have a beautiful day with loved ones.














Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Steal Me (NYPD's Finest) by Lauren Layne

This is an engaging and well done romantic suspense.
Steal Me (NYPD's Finest)
by Lauren Layne

  • File Size: 582 KB
  • Print Length: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Forever (November 24, 2015)
  • ASIN: B00U6DNY7W
Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


IN HOT PURSUIT
Being a cop might be in Anthony Moretti's blood, but protecting and serving the city of New York has always been more than just the family business. If that means his love life stays locked up, well then that's just another sacrifice made in the line of duty. That is, until he sets eyes on the gorgeous new waitress at The Darby Diner and suddenly Anthony's morning coffee is leaving him a whole lot more hot and bothered than usual.
Though waitressing at The Darby isn't exactly Maggie Walker's dream job, it pays the bills and gives her time to work on her novel. Now if only she could stop fantasizing about gorgeous Anthony Moretti every time he sits down at her table, she'd really be in great shape. But when he needs her help identifying a criminal threatening The Darby-and Maggie recognizes her ex-husband-she fears her fresh start might be a pipe dream. Faster than a New York minute, Maggie and Anthony find themselves in one perilous pursuit that only gets hotter with each and every rule-breaking kiss.


Review:
Maggie enjoys serving food to the Moretti family who visit The Darby restaurant. They are warm and friendly towards her – except Anthony. When he isn’t scowling at her for spilling drink or food on him, he is gruffly reminding her to call him “Captain”. Maggie doesn’t want to spend years waitressing, but right now it pays the bills as she writes her first novel. She is recovering from her divorce to her shiftless ex-husband, Eddie. Her efforts to save have also been tapped by her alcoholic father and wastrel brother. Maggie has a history of letting men in her life ‘use her’, leaching money, as well as emotions.

Anthony is focused on following in his father’s footsteps all the way to Police Commissioner. He has recently been promoted to Captain but has run into a stumbling block of a crime spree. A petty thief is roaming town stealing minor items and leaving his calling card – a smiley sticker. Anthony is frustrated by the frequency of the thefts especially as the media hypes up how the robber, known as ‘Smiley’, is eluding the police.

Anthony and Maggie are at arm’s length until she spots a sketch of the thief in the papers he is studying over lunch. Maggie recognizes that face and presents the best lead in the case.

Maggie is the only informant on his top case and Anth knows he should be staying away from her. Besides, Anthony has reason to think his work and a relationship can never mix. Too bad emotions and attraction don’t always stay logically in control. The case heats up and so does their relationship. Maggie wants to help, but doesn’t want to just be used for the case. Is there any way to avoid a crash for Anth and a heartbreak for Maggie?

I enjoyed the tone of this novel from the very beginning. You could tell that Maggie and Anthony are characters who would dance away from each other until something brings them together. Ms. Layne does a great job of mixing the chemistry and building the tension. The mystery develops strength alongside the reluctant relationship. Ultimately there are two pretty heavy sexual encounters but they were nicely done with a lot of steam, and no real crassness.

The large Moretti family make for great secondary characters and I would anticipate stories for each of the other siblings. This is the second book after Frisk Me, the story for Luc.  I would be interested in reading more novels by Ms. Layne. I recommend this title to readers who enjoy sexy romance with great build up and a sound plot as a foundation.

I received this title through NetGalley for tour review and feature for Forever Romance.


Amazon: http://amzn.to/1kbncdn
B&N: http://bit.ly/1RUCX2P
iBooks: http://apple.co/1WwEbry
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1klj9Ls
BAM!: http://bit.ly/1l87YpG
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1NQnHDk


About Lauren Layne
A long-time romance reader, Lauren Layne thinks the only thing better than reading about happy endings is writing them. She now pursues a full-time career in Happily Ever After, a job she's naturally suited for after marrying her high school sweetheart. A bit of a nomad, Lauren's lived everywhere from Orange County to Manhattan, and currently lives in the Seattle-area. Her hobbies include coffee by day, wine by night, and lots of writing in between. She's also a total website nerd and insists you check out laurenlayne.com!

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY:
Ends 11/28/2015.
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Book Review and Giveaways (print and ebook): You Know What I'm Sayin'?: Poetry * Drama by Daniel García Ordaz

I really enjoyed the tempos and cultural experience of this collection.
You Know What I'm Sayin'?: Poetry * Drama
by Daniel García Ordaz


  • Paperback: 80 pages
  • Publisher: El Zarape Press; 2nd edition (August 7, 2011)
  • Language: English, Spanish
    • ISBN-13: 978-0978995416
Genre: Poetry, Drama
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0


El Zarape Press presents its first collection of poetry by the eclectic Daniel García Ordaz, The Poet Mariachi, "the voice of the Rio Grande Valley" (Texas), an emerging voice in Chicano literature. You Know What I'm Sayin'? is a celebration of the common experience of language and culture transfiguring time and place and juxtaposing the politics of urban hip-hop America with the lyricism of rural deep South Texas, a retelling of ancient history sung by a contemporary voice. With an introduction by Fulbright Scholar Dr. Debbie Cole, a linguistic anthropologist. Mainly English; some bilingual (English/Spanish), Tex-Mex and pieces. Hispanic/Latino themes as well as All-American experiences relevant and appropriate for 3rd grade to college-level.


Review:
This is a decidedly different read for me and I greatly enjoyed it. I do like to read poetry – I just haven’t done so for some time. I don’t always think of poetry in a sense of “tempo” but you couldn’t read this collection without feeling the depth of rhythm. I could hear the hip-hop or jazz beat with the rhyme and that made it fun to read. There is even a very Spanish poem, These Are a Few of My Favorite “Che’s”, set to the tune of “A Few of My Favorite Things”.
Chitos, Chalupas
and Chilaquiles,

Cholos and Chukos,
Chales and Chiles,

Chelas and Cha-Chas,
and Chocolate,
These are a few of my favorite “che’s”.
And that is just the first verse!

Another plus in this collection is the sharing of the author’s personal view of a different culture. Yes, there was some Spanish I didn’t understand, but even that made sense in its adjacent context. The majority of pieces share images of a culture very different from my growing up place and yet many of the social themes cross over culture and class. I found it interesting to see poems about Affirmative Action and Mohammad Ali (Ode to a Butterfly II). The works are “rich”in imagery of coming of age, poverty, a young man’s ‘fancy’, racial issues and other expressions of life. Daniel makes beautiful use of language - English and Spanish.

Here is a quick bit of wisdom that any reader can appreciate:
Literary Séance
You don’t have to die
To speak to the dead.

Read instead.
A big thank you goes out to Daniel. I enjoyed meeting him at EPICon 2015 and I appreciate seeing a bit of his Hispanic American culture through this book. I was torn between keeping this personally autographed collection or sharing it with others. The solution: I will gift a print copy to one commenter and gift an ebook to another.

I was gifted this book by the author in March at EPICon 2015.

GIVEAWAY 
ONE new PRINT (US Only) 
and one Kindle eBook (Worldwide)


(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!
I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)
For 3 Extra Bonus entries
(a) comment on the review, OR
(b) Visit the AUTHOR'S QUOTE site and tell me a quote you like there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print; Worldwide for eBook.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) December 1, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after December 1, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Sunday Post November 22, 2015/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 23, 2015




I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.
It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

This was another busy work week - title, law and publishing.   

My reading and listening was fun with three books completed. I finished two audiobooks, and one ebook with a second one started. I posted four reviews and the usual memes.

I enjoyed visiting (but didn't to reply here) other bloggers at the beginning of the week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:
  • Book Review: Power of the Matchmaker by Karey White, Rachael Anderson, Kelly Oram, & 9 more; Romance, Novella; my rating 4.5.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/MP3


Day by Day Armageddon: Beyond Exile
Written by: J. L. Bourne
Narrated by: Jay Snyder
This is entertaining.
My review for this is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.



2. eBook/Kindle


Steal Me (NYPD's Finest)
by Lauren Layne
I really enjoyed this.
My tour review and feature will post 
on November 25 for Forever Romance.
IN HOT PURSUIT
Being a cop might be in Anthony Moretti's blood, but protecting and serving the city of New York has always been more than just the family business. If that means his love life stays locked up, well then that's just another sacrifice made in the line of duty. That is, until he sets eyes on the gorgeous new waitress at The Darby Diner and suddenly Anthony's morning coffee is leaving him a whole lot more hot and bothered than usual.
Though waitressing at The Darby isn't exactly Maggie Walker's dream job, it pays the bills and gives her time to work on her novel. Now if only she could stop fantasizing about gorgeous Anthony Moretti every time he sits down at her table, she'd really be in great shape. But when he needs her help identifying a criminal threatening The Darby-and Maggie recognizes her ex-husband-she fears her fresh start might be a pipe dream. Faster than a New York minute, Maggie and Anthony find themselves in one perilous pursuit that only gets hotter with each and every rule-breaking kiss.



3. Audio/MP3


Special Talents: Goon Squad, Vol. 1
Written by: Jonathan L. Howard
Narrated by: Gabrielle de Cuir
This looked/sounded fun and it was!
I will post a review this coming week.
I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox.

Publisher's Summary
An ongoing, episodic "prose comic" from which the pictures are summoned by the magic of words, Goon Squad is set in a version of modern-day Manchester. Its biggest divergence from the real city is that it - along with most other large urban centers - has a team of superheroes to protect it against unusual threats with which the conventional forces of law and order would have problems.
Goon Squad, Volume 1: Special Talents is composed of six tales: "The New Girl", "Nightclubbing", "By the Water, by the Grave", "Changes", "No-No Dojo", and "Exterminating Angel" as well as an introduction read by the author.
©2015 Jonathan L. Howard (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc., and Skyboat Media, Inc.







Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle


Joy to the Worlds: Mysterious Speculative Fiction for the Holidays
by Maia Chance , Janine A. Southard, Raven Oak,G. Clemans
I am two books into this collection and enjoying it.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/MP3


Omega Rising: Omega Force, Book 1
Written by: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Paul Heitsch
This is another Sci FI that I chose
and received through Audiobook Jukebox.
I just got it today so I have to add it to my player and will start tonight.
Publisher's Summary
Jason Burke was a man hiding from himself in a small cabin high in the American Rocky Mountains when his simple, quiet life was shattered one night by what he first assumed was an aviation mishap. But when he investigates the crash, what he finds will yank him out of his self-imposed exile and thrust him into a world he could have never imagined. He suddenly finds himself trapped on a damaged alien spacecraft and plunged into a universe of interstellar crime lords and government conspiracies, along the way meeting strange new friends… and enemies. As he struggles to find his way back home he is inexorably drawn deeper into a world where one misstep could mean his death. Or worse. He desperately wants to get back to Earth, but it may be the end for him...or is it just the beginning?
©2013, 2014 Joshua Dalzelle (P)2014 Joshua Dalzelle



3. ebook/Kindle


Sheltering Hearts (Virgin River Book 11)
by Robyn Carr
This is Book 9 for my TBR Pile Challenge (three more after this one).
This is a free novella which has been on my Kindle shelf since 2010.
New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr takes readers back to her beloved Virgin River country in this heartwarming tribute to Rhonda Clemons, founder of Zoë Institute and a winner of a Harlequin More Than Words award.
By discovering a seed of compassion and nurturing it to effect real change, the dedicated women selected as Harlequin More Than Words award recipients make our world a better place. To celebrate their accomplishments, bestselling authors have honored the winners by writing short stories inspired by their lives and work.
This special eBook is yours at no charge because Harlequin is committed to celebrating women’s efforts and supporting the causes that are meaningful to them. By sharing Rhonda Clemons's story, we hope to turn awareness into action and mobilize others to make a difference.
To find out more or to nominate a woman you know, please visit www.HarlequinMoreThanWords.com.



4. eBook/Kindle


The 12 Brides of Christmas Collection: 12 Heartwarming 
Historical Romances for the Season of Love
by Mary Connealy (Author), Diana Lesire Brandmeyer (Author), Margaret Brownley (Author), & 9 more
I am looking forward to enjoying these stories.
This is (may be) my last NetGalley title for the year. 
Christmas is the time for love—and weddings—and twelve historical women are on their way to the altar, whether they know it or not. In Nineteenth Century settings across the heartland of America, readers will experience heartfelt gifts, old-fashioned Christmas traditions, sweet romance, and inspiring faith from twelve acclaimed Christian authors, including Mary Connealy, Margaret Brownley, Pam Hillman, Maureen Lang, Michele Ule, Amy Lillard, Miralee Ferrell, Susan Page Davis, Diana Lesire Brandmeyer, Amanda Cabot, Davalynn Spencer, and Vickie McDonough.



October 1, 2015- I am still up to date on Bible reading and greatly enjoying the readings-- It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning. I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online.


I posted four reviews last week which left one plus two new so I remain at three although. again, I hope to post four reviews this coming week. I finished one NetGalley selection and added the last one on my shelf.  There is one other but it has to be read on the computer so I'm not sure if I will get to it so I haven't been counting it.
I have read 8 of my 12 TBR Pile books and added one of the last four this week. The others are full novels so I will have to read one a week after the Netgalley reading is complete. 


Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I received two audio review titles from Audiobook Jukebox.
I purchased four $.99 kindle titles.
And of course I added more free kindle titles to my library.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles
I received two titles through Audiobook Jukebox:

Special Talents: Goon Squad, Vol. 1
Written by: Jonathan L. Howard
Narrated by: Gabrielle de Cuir
This looked/sounded fun and it was!
See the description above under Finished reading.


and
Omega Rising: Omega Force, Book 1
Written by: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Paul Heitsch
This is another Sci FI that I chose.
See full description under Currently Reading above.


Won

NONE

Purchased
I am starting to plan for 2016 Challenges so I am picking books and authors I know I want to read.
I picked up four titles for $.99 each.


My Reckless Heart
(The Thorne Brothers Trilogy, Book 2)
Jo Goodman
I have book 1 and decided to get book 2 while on sale.



(The Reunited Hearts Series Collection (3 Book Series))
Vicki Hinze
I enjoy this author and this set of military and inspirational romances sounds good. 


I finished book 1 last month and decided to pick up these two while they are on sale.


Immune (A Rylee Adamson Novel, Book 2)
Shannon Mayer



Free

Over the past week I added 55 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement November 22, 2015

Pastor shared a message for Thanksgiving.
Governor Bradford sent forth a proclamation for everyone to gather to celebrate and give thanks for the community’s third year, 1623. They gave thanks, just as we can today, for being saved by God’s mercy and grace.
We are reminded that we should give thanks ALWAYS (Ephesians 5:19-20) and in ALL circumstances (Thessalonians 5:16-18). That means we should have an ‘Attitude of gratitude’.
There are three things that can keep us from being thankful:
1. Pride or the attitude of “I deserve it”.
2. Critical spirit - always complaining.
3. Carelessness - we do not respond because we take things for granted.
Thanksgiving needs to be expressed.
See Psalms 100:4 and Psalms 107:1.
In Luke chapter 17 ten lepers were healed but only one returned to thank Jesus. Jesus told that one that he was ‘made whole, not just healed.’
Rudyard Kipling considered the word “thanks” worth a $100.00. [The reporter reached into his pocket and pulled out a one hundred-dollar bill and gave it to Kipling and said, ―Here‘s a one hundred dollar bill, Mr. Kipling. Now you give me one of your hundred dollar words.
Rudyard Kipling looked at the money, put it in his pocket and said, "Thanks!"] 
Gratitude gives stress release. [Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, ranging from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., a leading gratitude researcher, has conducted multiple studies on the link between gratitude and well-being. His research confirms that gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.]
We express thanks when we spend time with Him, share time with others, in service and in ministry (evangelism). God wants us to give the best of our time, treasure and talent.

Thanksgiving needs to be unreserved.

  • For the blessings of life.
  • For the burdens of life. See Romans 8:18 and Philippians 1:12.
  • For the benefits of life. Learn to be grateful...submission helps recognize benefits. Look at what we have, not what we don’t have. We should focus on the eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 17-18.

Thanksgiving is expected.
Continually giving thanks is a mark of a growing Christian, a giving Christian, and a glowing Christian. We can/should sparkle for Jesus.
Shadows are banished by thanks giving. (James 1:17.)

The next time you are struggling - Try Thanksgiving!


I was looking for a different song today - perhaps not a traditional Thanksgiving hymn.
I found this and LOVE the thought of all God's children giving praise at once! It gives me chills.

A Verse for today:
Psalms 100:4 (KJV)
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

I think if I read back on many of my Sunday posts I will see expressions of thanksgiving. There is so much to be thankful for - earthly blessings, yes but more so, an eternal hope!  I am thankful that I have a thankful spirit. :-)

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