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Thursday, December 27, 2012
Delay in Friday Pick Giveaway Post
Hi blogger friends! I just wanted to let you know that the Friday Pick post will probably not publish until mid-day on Friday instead of early morning.
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We will be boarding late this afternoon in Hawaii, probably before the time for entries to close. Unless I can pick winners and post from the Atlanta airport in the morning, I will not be back to the office and computer internet until mid-day.
Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Double Danger by Dee Davis
This is solid romantic suspense from one of my favorite authors.
Double Danger (An A-Tac Novel)
by Dee Davis
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
Review:
Simon is glad to be part of the A-Tac undercover team. He was once a Seal until a leg injury sidelined him. While a Seal he led a mission that resulted in the death of his best friend, Ryan. His guilt and his long time attraction to Ryan’s wife, J.J., has kept him away from her.
Now J.J., as Jillian, shows up as a Homeland Security agent assigned to the A-Tac team to investigate several terrorist suspected attacks. J.J. had fallen in love with Simon back in college but Simon turned away because she was Ryan’s girlfriend. J.J. married Ryan, more as a second choice, only to discover that Ryan had anger control issues. J.J. suffered through an abusive marriage because she had no where else to turn, especially when Simon refused to take her last resort call. But Ryan died and J.J. reformed herself as Jillian, a strong, self reliant security agent who wouldn’t have to rely on any man.
The chemistry and draw between Simon and Jillian still burns high but he tries to resist out of guilt for the death of Ryan and she resists out of fear of rejection and fear of another violent relationship. The attacks keep throwing them together in dangerous situations until they finally break down and face their past and fears. Meanwhile the team is feeling like they are one step behind a bomber and a target that they have to figure out before they are too late.
I do enjoy the action and intensity of Dee Davis’ romantic suspense novels. There is always a lot of background activity to add to the romantic conflict and ultimate romantic passion. The writing is well paced. I have to say I felt there was a bit of repetition on this one as it took half of the book before Simon and Jillian finally talked about their past. Still, I enjoyed the whole story.
Although this is a part of a series, it could be read alone. However I enjoy knowing the stories of some of the other team members. If you like action-packed romantic suspense this is a book you would enjoy and an author you can rely on to deliver!
TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy.
For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.
* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 4, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on January 5, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.
Double Danger (An A-Tac Novel)
by Dee Davis
- File Size: 530 KB Print
- Length: 359 pages
- Page Numbers Source ISBN: 044658293X
- Publisher: Forever (December 18, 2012)
- Sold by: Hachette Book Group
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
Book Description Publication Date: December 18, 2012 Ignoring his instincts once cost Simon a vital op-and the life of his best friend, Ryan. Now as escalating, violent attacks hit A-Tac, another person he loves is in danger. Homeland Security agent Jillian Montgomery's investigation has suddenly brought her back into Simon's life, and unless they can learn to trust each other, their dangerous mission will fail. After her husband Ryan's death, Jillian dedicates herself to saving others. She can't afford to be tempted by Simon, even though his every touch reignites the desire they once shared. But in the last desperate minutes before disaster strikes, their second chance at love might be the most lethal trap of all . . .
Review:
Simon is glad to be part of the A-Tac undercover team. He was once a Seal until a leg injury sidelined him. While a Seal he led a mission that resulted in the death of his best friend, Ryan. His guilt and his long time attraction to Ryan’s wife, J.J., has kept him away from her.
Now J.J., as Jillian, shows up as a Homeland Security agent assigned to the A-Tac team to investigate several terrorist suspected attacks. J.J. had fallen in love with Simon back in college but Simon turned away because she was Ryan’s girlfriend. J.J. married Ryan, more as a second choice, only to discover that Ryan had anger control issues. J.J. suffered through an abusive marriage because she had no where else to turn, especially when Simon refused to take her last resort call. But Ryan died and J.J. reformed herself as Jillian, a strong, self reliant security agent who wouldn’t have to rely on any man.
The chemistry and draw between Simon and Jillian still burns high but he tries to resist out of guilt for the death of Ryan and she resists out of fear of rejection and fear of another violent relationship. The attacks keep throwing them together in dangerous situations until they finally break down and face their past and fears. Meanwhile the team is feeling like they are one step behind a bomber and a target that they have to figure out before they are too late.
I do enjoy the action and intensity of Dee Davis’ romantic suspense novels. There is always a lot of background activity to add to the romantic conflict and ultimate romantic passion. The writing is well paced. I have to say I felt there was a bit of repetition on this one as it took half of the book before Simon and Jillian finally talked about their past. Still, I enjoyed the whole story.
Although this is a part of a series, it could be read alone. However I enjoy knowing the stories of some of the other team members. If you like action-packed romantic suspense this is a book you would enjoy and an author you can rely on to deliver!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Simon's reaction to a stolen kiss:And yet, truth be told, he wasn't actually sorry he'd done it. She tasted just exactly the way he'd remembered. Her lifts soft and pliant. And if things were different.... Page 119.Jillian's decision:
So maybe she was being foolish to try to keep him at arm's length. Maybe it was time to let go of the past and grab on to the future. That is if they had one. Page 271.
I received this title, for an honest review, from Forever division of Grand Central Station, Hachette.
This is set in New York for my Where Are You Reading Challenge.TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for the ARC Copy.
For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.
* This contest is open US and Canada.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on January 4, 2013.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on January 5, 2013.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Book Review: Godspeed: a Love Story by Dan Chabot
This story is rich with sorrow survived by uplifting encouragement. Well worth reading!
Review:
The story begins with a prologue set in 2012 and then flashes back in time to tell “how it all happened." The first Chapter presents a view of a funeral in 1974. Other chapters of vignettes covering funerals are scattered through the story of Derry and his romance. Each one the funeral services is winding down when an older gentleman stands up and shares some remarkable things that the deceased did that encouraged or helped others. These special deeds were not known by the community, the closest friends or even the family. After several of these testimonies it is clear that each life had a tragic error or wrong in the past but there was a later heroic behavior or good, kind deeds that made a difference and redeemed the past. Each family was left with a wonderful, warm memory of their loved one.
Between the funeral eulogies we meet Derry, a younger newspaperman surrounded by other eccentric newspeople, consisting of some unique friends and a few curmudgeon and not so nice co-workers. One day a beautiful young woman walks in as the new copy editor and Derry falls in love. The romance between Derry and Amedee is passionately and wonderfully developed with humor and warmth. They share the joys of new love, new passion, comfortable companionship, and the excitement and anticipation of a wedding and birth. Then tragedy strikes.
The reader is swept along with Derry’s sorrow, grief, dark depression and guilt. Derry is so devastated by Amedee’s death that he is unable to properly plan her funeral which turns out to be a disaster. It takes some time, but finally Derry discovers a way to begin to pull himself from the bleakness of his despair and guilt. It still takes a confrontation by a stranger and the support of family and friends to push Derry beyond his grief and by then the reader realizes “how it all happened.”
This is an emotional love story that experiences great, happy highs and a deep, sad low. But it is also a story that affirms love and life for 'ordinary', every-day people. Although there is tragedy and sadness the author entertains with passion, humor and a very uplifting and positive message. The story is very well written with good characters, strong descriptions and great empathy shared in the funeral testimonies. I especially enjoyed the newsroom input since I have a journalism degree.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes warm emotional stories and especially to anyone who might need encouragement. If you think that your life, or others around you, are not each of great individual worth and importance, please read this book.
I loved this closing phrase that is perfect:
by Dan Chabot
- File Size: 419 KB
- Print Length: 307 pages
- Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1477435360
- Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
- Publisher: Babop/Dan Chabot; 1 edition (September 28, 2012)
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Genre: Inspirational Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: September 28, 2012
How far will a man go to atone for guilt?
When Derry and Amedee meet during her first day on the job at the Milwaukee Ledger, it is a collision of destinies. Their love affair is so intense and perfect and pure that they are certain it will be eternal. But when it ends in heartbreak, compounded by the ignominy of a disastrously mismanaged funeral service, Derry descends into an abyss of devastation and remorse and despair.
In his overpowering grief this tormented newspaperman embarks on an obsessive crusade for redemption, an astonishing twist that will leave readers tearful yet smiling in sympathetic admiration. His improbable, tender quest eventually will lead him to peace of mind, and to someone who will help him build a new life from the ashes of the past.
"Godspeed" is a bittersweet story of laughter and tears, irrepressible humor, reckless devotion, the value of true friendship, and unimaginable longing for the "forever" that can no longer be. And as the story and its astonishing twists unfold, a poignant question lingers: How can a lie be wrong if it makes so many people feel so good?
Review:
The story begins with a prologue set in 2012 and then flashes back in time to tell “how it all happened." The first Chapter presents a view of a funeral in 1974. Other chapters of vignettes covering funerals are scattered through the story of Derry and his romance. Each one the funeral services is winding down when an older gentleman stands up and shares some remarkable things that the deceased did that encouraged or helped others. These special deeds were not known by the community, the closest friends or even the family. After several of these testimonies it is clear that each life had a tragic error or wrong in the past but there was a later heroic behavior or good, kind deeds that made a difference and redeemed the past. Each family was left with a wonderful, warm memory of their loved one.
Between the funeral eulogies we meet Derry, a younger newspaperman surrounded by other eccentric newspeople, consisting of some unique friends and a few curmudgeon and not so nice co-workers. One day a beautiful young woman walks in as the new copy editor and Derry falls in love. The romance between Derry and Amedee is passionately and wonderfully developed with humor and warmth. They share the joys of new love, new passion, comfortable companionship, and the excitement and anticipation of a wedding and birth. Then tragedy strikes.
The reader is swept along with Derry’s sorrow, grief, dark depression and guilt. Derry is so devastated by Amedee’s death that he is unable to properly plan her funeral which turns out to be a disaster. It takes some time, but finally Derry discovers a way to begin to pull himself from the bleakness of his despair and guilt. It still takes a confrontation by a stranger and the support of family and friends to push Derry beyond his grief and by then the reader realizes “how it all happened.”
This is an emotional love story that experiences great, happy highs and a deep, sad low. But it is also a story that affirms love and life for 'ordinary', every-day people. Although there is tragedy and sadness the author entertains with passion, humor and a very uplifting and positive message. The story is very well written with good characters, strong descriptions and great empathy shared in the funeral testimonies. I especially enjoyed the newsroom input since I have a journalism degree.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes warm emotional stories and especially to anyone who might need encouragement. If you think that your life, or others around you, are not each of great individual worth and importance, please read this book.
I loved this closing phrase that is perfect:
“A pebble, once cast into the pond, cannot be retrieved. The ripples spread ever outward.”My note thoughts: Beautiful, touching, poignant.
I received this from the Author for an honest review.
This is set in Milwaukee for my Where Are You Reading Challenge and I will also add it to my New Author challenge list.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Merry Christmas - Welcome Baby Jesus!
Merry Christmas to all!
I hope you have welcomed the child of Christmas today!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Mailbox Monday December 24, 2012
Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR DECEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Suko's Notebook!
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) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I didn't get to post while on the cruise and I was too late for last week. So this covers several weeks during which I added more review books as well as holiday gifts from authors and publishers AND I even purchased a number of eBooks (too much free time on the computer during vacation!)
How are your mailbox and TBR piles doing?
Audio from Creative Content through Audiobook Jukebox.
The Broken Token
by Chris Nickson
From Thomas Nelson, Publisher - the gifted title has four books, including a new title from Kelly Long, but this one online is an older version with only three titles included:
An Amish Christmas: December in Lancaster County Barbara Cameron (Author), Beth Wiseman (Author), Kathleen Fuller (Author) (12/4)
Three Apocalyptic tales from Publisher Night Shade Books
Wastelands: Stories of the Apocalypse by John Joseph Adams (Author, Editor)
Osiris: Book One of the Osiris Project by E.J. Swift
Seed by Rob Ziegler
From Author: The Snitch Who Stole Christmas 2012 by Jon F. Merz
Audio Books from DownPour:
The Soul of the Ships by Brian Freeman
Romance by Chuck Palahniuk
Gift from Audible.com
The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Arthur Conan Doyle
Generous gift From Author Karen Cioffi:
Fiction Writing for Children
Book Marketing 101
Article Marketing - Increase Your Website Traffic with Properly Formatted and Optimized Content
Write That ebook and Design Your Own Cover in 10 Easy Steps Using Microsoft Office 2010
None
The Innocents Abroad: Or, The New Pilgrim’s Progress by Mark Twain (for my DH)
Into the Woods: Tales from the Hollows and Beyond by Kim Harrison
I purchased about twenty .99 cent Kindle titles that caught my fancy. :-)
Featured Contemporary Romance
Here Comes the Bride by Rita Herron
Light the Hidden Things by Don McQuinn
Smooth Irish by Jennifer Saints
Featured Romantic Suspense
Must Love Santa by Nina Bruhns
Pushed to the Limit by Patricia Rosemoor
Three Days in Seattle by Debra Burroughs
Courage Dares by Nancy Radke
Lost and Found by Lorhainne Eckhart
The Huntress by Dorothy McFalls
Dark Moon by Rebecca York
Featured Mystery/Horror
Dance of the Winnebagos by Ann Charles
Preta's Realm by J. Thorn
The Spia Family Presses On by Mary Leo
Featured Historical Romance
If Love Dares Enough by Anna Markland
Much Ado About Madams by Jacquie Rogers
The Last Honest Seamstress by Gina Robinson
Featured Paranormal Romance
Fated by Carolyn McCray
His Devious Angel by Mimi Barbour
I downloaded about 120 free Kindle Titles. Yikes!
FOR DECEMBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Suko's Notebook!
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) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I didn't get to post while on the cruise and I was too late for last week. So this covers several weeks during which I added more review books as well as holiday gifts from authors and publishers AND I even purchased a number of eBooks (too much free time on the computer during vacation!)
How are your mailbox and TBR piles doing?
Review Titles
This week I received three review books:Audio from Creative Content through Audiobook Jukebox.
The Broken Token
by Chris Nickson
From Random House through NetGalley:
For January Review:
by Juliet Rosetti (Author)
and
by Ashlyn Macnamara
Holiday Gifts
Through Newsletters/Subscription
From Author: The Grey Tier (Essence # 1) by Michele ScottThrough Newsletters/Subscription
From Thomas Nelson, Publisher - the gifted title has four books, including a new title from Kelly Long, but this one online is an older version with only three titles included:
An Amish Christmas: December in Lancaster County Barbara Cameron (Author), Beth Wiseman (Author), Kathleen Fuller (Author) (12/4)
Three Apocalyptic tales from Publisher Night Shade Books
Wastelands: Stories of the Apocalypse by John Joseph Adams (Author, Editor)
Osiris: Book One of the Osiris Project by E.J. Swift
Seed by Rob Ziegler
From Author: The Snitch Who Stole Christmas 2012 by Jon F. Merz
Audio Books from DownPour:
The Soul of the Ships by Brian Freeman
Romance by Chuck Palahniuk
Gift from Audible.com
The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Arthur Conan Doyle
Generous gift From Author Karen Cioffi:
Fiction Writing for Children
Book Marketing 101
Article Marketing - Increase Your Website Traffic with Properly Formatted and Optimized Content
Write That ebook and Design Your Own Cover in 10 Easy Steps Using Microsoft Office 2010
Wins
None
Purchased
Purchased with $10.00 gift credit and on sale at Audible (I haven't used my December 2 credits yet):The Innocents Abroad: Or, The New Pilgrim’s Progress by Mark Twain (for my DH)
Into the Woods: Tales from the Hollows and Beyond by Kim Harrison
I purchased about twenty .99 cent Kindle titles that caught my fancy. :-)
Free
From Free Book Partay 12/13:Featured Contemporary Romance
Here Comes the Bride by Rita Herron
Light the Hidden Things by Don McQuinn
Smooth Irish by Jennifer Saints
Featured Romantic Suspense
Must Love Santa by Nina Bruhns
Pushed to the Limit by Patricia Rosemoor
Three Days in Seattle by Debra Burroughs
Courage Dares by Nancy Radke
Lost and Found by Lorhainne Eckhart
The Huntress by Dorothy McFalls
Dark Moon by Rebecca York
Featured Mystery/Horror
Dance of the Winnebagos by Ann Charles
Preta's Realm by J. Thorn
The Spia Family Presses On by Mary Leo
Featured Historical Romance
If Love Dares Enough by Anna Markland
Much Ado About Madams by Jacquie Rogers
The Last Honest Seamstress by Gina Robinson
Featured Paranormal Romance
Fated by Carolyn McCray
His Devious Angel by Mimi Barbour
I downloaded about 120 free Kindle Titles. Yikes!
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