Book Review and Giveaway: R Is for Rebel: ...and Royalty, Relatives, Reality, and Running from love... (Unruly Royals) by Megan Mulry

This is a sassy, nicely written British style romance. 

R Is for Rebel: ...and Royalty, Relatives, Reality, and Running from love... (Unruly Royals)
by Megan Mulry

• Series: Unruly Royals
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (February 4, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-1402270031

Genre:  Contemporary Romance, British
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 4, 2014
Being royal isn't all it's cracked up to be...
Abigail Heyworth, youngest daughter of the 18th Duke of Northrop, is not your typical British royal—she'll take a recycling drive over a charity ball any day. She can't stand hats and heels. Abby's not getting much sympathy, of course, because everyone thinks the life of royalty is so charmed.

But to Abigail, keeping up appearances is unbearable, while running away doesn't seem to work either. Just when she feels like she's getting whiplash from swinging between flat-out rebellion to miserable capitulation, Abigail meets an all-American self-made millionaire who challenges her on every level.

It may turn out that what Abigail is searching for kind of resembles the American Dream...

Review:
Abigail is a mid-twenties modern day daughter of a Duke and considered British Royalty. She hasn’t flaunted her wealth at all but in fact has been a rebel to her family life-style, enjoying a long term relationship with her beloved friend, Tully. The two of them set off on good deed adventures, living with tribes and communes along the way. Even Abby’s own family members are not sure if their relationship was real or one of rebellion to spite her cold and proper mother.

Now Abby and Tully have parted ways and Abby decides it is time for her to find a meaningful purpose - job or career - for her life. As she contemplates that dilemma, and the fears it brings, she also realizes that for the first time she is attracted to a man. Not just any man, but a super powerful American fashion business entrepreneur who is surrounded by high fashion and powerful and poised women.

Eliot and Abigail have developed an easy going friendship over the past many months since they met. Eliot adores and is intrigued by Abigail=s natural enthusiasm for life. He convinces her to give them a chance and they have a wonderful visit with his parents in Idaho. They finally get together but when Abby thinks it is a quick fling, Eliot goes overboard and professes the level of his interest scaring her away.

A year later Abby is busy getting her new foundation properly established as it funds grants for worthy women’s interests. Her loving older brothers and brash sister-in-laws are worried about her especially when an engagement announcement for Eliot appears in the post. Even her stiff mother has softened finding a new love that has changed her perspective on love and motherhood. Can Abby face her fears and reach Eliot before it is too late to acknowledge their love?
I have to admit that I was turned off by the very beginning of the book. I don’t mean to be prissy or prejudiced but I don’t approve of lesbian life styles and I choose not to read about them. This is not a book about that but the beginning starts off with a lead that made it harder for me to warm to Abigail. I was also negative about the fact that she was leading a pretty purposeful life when there was much she could have been doing.

On the other hand, I liked Eliot a lot as a strong, warm, confident male character with grace and charm. I truly enjoyed the style of writing which has a very nice, real flow and a warm strength of description. There is some “British brashness” which is perfectly fitting for the characters. The supporting family members add their own spark, sass and charm to the story. The sex scenes get a bit steamy but are manageable.

Ultimately I enjoyed the love story as it ran through difficulties and then a second chance. The addition of the fiancé added some needed conflict that enriched the story. I had not read any part of the series so this works fine as a stand alone. Read past the opening passages and you will find a rather fun, charming romance.

I received this book from Sourcebooks for an honest review.

ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the gently used ARC Copy.

ENTRY FORM HERE

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I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.  

For 3 Extra Bonus entries comment on the review OR

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* This contest is open to U.S. address only.
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WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after March 14, 2014.
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Audible Book Review: Four Blood Moons: Something Is About to Change by John Hagee

This tells of 'signs in the heavens' that will occur in 2014 and 2015! Are these "end time" warnings?
Four Blood Moons: Something Is About to Change
by John Hagee
Narrated by Dean Gallagher

Length: 5 hrs and 12 mins
Format: Unabridged
Release Date:11-06-13
Publisher: Oasis Audio

Genre: Christianity, Spirituality

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary.
Over the last 500 years, blood-red moons have fallen on the first day of Passover three separate times. These occurrences were connected to some of the most significant days in Jewish history: 1492 (the final year of the Spanish Inquisition when Jews were expelled from Spain), 1948 (statehood for Israel and the War of Independence) and 1967 (the Six-Day War). Every heavenly body is controlled by the unseen hand of God, which signals coming events to humanity. There are no solar or lunar accidents.
The next series of four blood moons occurs at Passover and Sukkot in 2014 and 2015. In this riveting book, Hagee explores what these blood moons mean and why Christians must understand these signs and what they bode both for Israel and the world. Joel 2 and Acts 2 both state: "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness [eclipse] and the moon into blood [eclipse] before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes."
Download the accompanying reference guide.
©2013 Worthy Publishing (P)2013 Oasis Audio

Review:
John Hagee is a well known Christian author who has studied and written quite a bit on Biblical prophesy. He founded a national organization called Christians United for Israel which is to bring Christians and Jews together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and brotherly love, emphasizing our common interests that outweigh any differences. Although this book is designed to discuss the importance of four blood moons, or total lunar eclipses, coming in 2014 and 2015, Hagee builds first a Biblical basis for acknowledging ‘signs in the heavens’ and why it is important for Christians to support the nation of Israel. The book is laid out in the form of an outline that is easy to follow.

Hagee was encouraged by a Pastor with strong Jewish scholarship to study the sun, moon and stars as a source of prophetic revelation. He began to study the importance of blood moons as referenced in the Bible and as they relate to ‘signs in the heavens’ and the Jewish nation.

Hagee discusses Biblical events shown by signs in the heaven, including the Star in the East and God’s ability to control time by stopping the Sun (Joshua 10:1-13). In discussing the importance of blood moons, Hagee explains that it is important to understand the Jewish calendar and the Jewish Feasts. These are events that are rarely studied by everyday Christians so it is wonderful to have this resource to bring a better understanding to lay people like myself. Hagee also covers chapters on The Spine of Prophecy and Concerning the Rapture in a direct, outlined manner that is easy to absorb.

Hagee reviews the last three series of four blood moons, called a Tetrad, and the important events that happened to Israel in those years: 1493-94, 1949-50, 1967-68. Each series had a solar eclipse that occurred within the span and had significant events relating to Jewish Festival days. Hagee does not try to predict precisely what will happen during this coming Tetrad, although he notes its connection to the Feast of Trumpets. He makes an excellent point for being aware and being prepared for something extremely important. This is full of excellent supporting references which I enjoyed following.

As Hagee notes near his conclusion: a series of four blood moons, a Tetrad, is rare; a Tetrad with a solar eclipse within its series is very rare; a Tetrad with a total solar eclipse that is significant to Israel’s history and the Jewish Feasts is very, very rare; “a Tetrad with a total solar eclipse historically significant to Israel and Jewish Feasts that includes a Shemittah year within its series is very, very, very rare”; “but a Tetrad with a total solar eclipse, historically significant to Israel and falling on the Jewish Feasts with a Shemittah year that corresponds with the Feast of Trumpets (the Jewish New Year) within its series is astronomically rare!” [Emphasis supplied.]  Hagee has concluded that history is about to change forever, that "God is sending us messages but the question is: are we listening?"

Audio Notes: I enjoyed the audio version and it was an easy, quick listen. There is a summary pdf Guide for the history of the last sets of Tetrads that was provided with the audio book that is helpful. However, I am inclined to think this is a book better read in print so that the reader can go back to references more easily. Still if you find this topic of interest, I highly recommend that you listen or read in print!

I selected this from Audible for my own library although I also purchased the Kindle version. 

It's Monday What are You Reading? March 3, 2014.

This meme starts at Book Journey!

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.

I had a fairly good week even though I only finished two books; one I am reading is really long. I did post four reviews, three with giveaways! Got most of the usual memes. :-)

Sadly, as I worked through my week trying to keep up and prepare for another lost weekend I did not get to do any visiting. :-(
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? February 24, 2014.

• Mailbox Monday February 24, 2014.

• Audible Book Review: Conspiracy in Death, Book 8 by J.D. Robb; Mystery, Suspense; my rating 4.75.

• Audible Book Review: Ghost Hunter by Jayne Castle, Paranormal Romance; my rating 3.75. 

• Audible Book Review: Going Home, Survivalist Series Book 1 by A. American; End of The World, Sci Fi, my rating 4.5. 

• Book Review: Surviving Home, Survivalist Series Book 2 by A. American, End of the World, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.  

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway February 28, 2014. Open Worldwide. Ends 3/6/14.

• Sharing Beyond Books #140 Comment Giveaway 3/1/14; Open Worldwide. Ends 3/8/14.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 2, 2014.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio

Of Poseidon
by Anna Banks
Published by AudioGO
I received this and The Tempest from SYNC YA May 30 – June 5, 2013.
So far I am enjoying this audio a little more than The Tempest. :-)
Click on book title for full description.

2. Print

R Is for Rebel: ...and Royalty, Relatives, Reality, and Running from love... (Unruly Royals)
by Megan Mulry
I am mid-way on this. Still mixed feelings. :-)
Reading for Sourcebooks.
Click on book title for full description.

Line Edits/Releases:
Working on several releases.

Enter the bi-monthly drawings at eTreasures Publishing Facebook page.
This week's giveaway link:  The Way She Makes Me Feel by Pembroke Sinclair.
Check for the new giveaway every two weeks.

Currently reading:
1. eBook/Kindle

The Memory of Sky: A Great Ship Trilogy
by Robert Reed
This is a fascinating, imaginative tale! 624 pages makes it a longer read but I was hooked quickly. Reading through Net Galley.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio

Silver City Massacre
by Charles G. West
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen
This reminds of the old time western movies my DH likes to watch. :-)
I picked this up at Audiobook Jukebox
Publisher's Summary
A treacherous journey…
Joel McAllister is a lieutenant in the Confederate Army – or at least he was, until Lee surrendered. Now he's determined to get as far away from war as possible, somewhere beyond North and South…and maybe somewhere with some gold: Idaho Territory.
Accompanied by his steadfast sergeant, Riley, the two former soldiers travel westward from Texas. But the trail to Silver City is littered with peril - including a band of notoriously merciless Comanche warriors.
When his traveling party expands to include two women survivors of a Comanche raid and a Bannock Indian, Joel will need to rely on what soldier's instinct he has left in him to deliver everyone to Silver City alive - and keep them alive once they're there.
©2014 Charles G. West (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

3. Print

The Gunsmith's Gallantry, Ladies Shooting Club Series #2
By: Susan Page Davis
More in Ladies Shooting Club Series
I'm enjoying this second book which I am reading for Ladies Book Club.
Product Description
Widowed gunsmith Hiram Dooley is in a fix. His widowed sister-in-law believes Hiram's duty is to marry her, and shopkeeper Libby Adams has no idea that he loves her. When the schoolteacher's uncle is murdered, Libby and Hiram team up to solve the crime. Will Hiram be able to tell Libby his true feelings?

I am a day and a half ahead with my daily Bible reading. :-)

Line Edits: We are now finalizing formatting for two ebook re-releases, as well as working on a new children's release.

I am still enjoying reading books from my own TBR. :-) My reading/listening is going along well but I have fallen behind in reviews due to being out of commission for several days. 
My backlog for review is now five so I hope to do a couple doubles this week then I'll be caught up next week.

March Schedule - to be posted later.

Sourcebooks:

NetGalley:
  The Memory of Sky: A Great Ship Trilogy by Robert Reed (reading)

Authors
 Many requests to field and reply to.

AudioBook Jukebox 
   A Blind Goddess by James R. Benn

From TBR Collection - 
Won Book - TBD
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: 

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 2, 2014

I prepared this a week ago expecting that I wouldn't feel so good during this weekend after treatment #3.
Last weekend our women's ministry leader announced that the Assemblies Womens' Ministry Theme this year is based on Psalm 34:8. - the verse is below the video.

Verse for Today.
Psalm 34:8 (King James)
8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

It is likely that I will not be tasting food today so I plan to focus on God's goodness and grace to pull me through the weekend. I give him Praise for He is faithful.

Sharing Beyond Books #140 Comment Giveaway March 1, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

Well a large group, nine, either don't watch much TV at all or don't watch cooking shows so no favs for them. Several shows got mentioned twice, including Master Chef, Hell's Kitchen, The Chew, Chopped, and Lidia's Kitchen.  Several mentioned they prefer the food shows more than the cooking ones.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #139 comments is: #2 Ricki who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WEEK #140 (One Question.)

Q1. Di asked a follow-up question a week or so ago to how many ereaders we have: What reader do you have and what do you like about it?? I would add - if you don't have one yet what ereader do you think you would like>?

A: I still have a generation 2 Kindle. It is my third one since I first got one in Spring 2009. The first was replaced under warranty and the third I bought when the second died. I like that it can read to me while I do chores, make-up etc. Also I can make notes in the book to refer back to for reviewing. I haven't tried this on the tablet so I don't know if that works on other ereaders.  One disadvantage - it clicks on each page change which drives my DH crazy. I have to plugin the earphones so he doesn't have to hear that.

Image found at Maria La Chica.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We still have a supply of questions but from the same people so hopefully others will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

February contributors:  Liss, Margaret and Marjorie. Random Pick Winner = Marjorie.
Your turn to share:

Q1. Di asked a follow-up question a week or so ago to how many ereaders we have: What reader do you have and what do you like about it?? I would add - if you don't have one yet what ereader do you think you would like??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books, the Christmas Giveaway Books (this is the new link), or the June 2013 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday March 8, 2014 at 5 PM  central.