Blogger & Author Sponsored Kindle Fire Giveaway April 2013

Kindle Fire HD 7" Giveaway
The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HD (US Only)

Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)

Sponsoring Bloggers & Authors

1. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
2. Author Jennifer Laurens
3. Author Lena Sledge
4. Kelly's Lucky You
5. Author Lori Verni-Fogarsi
6. Phantasmic Reads
7. Author Rebecca Talley
8. Author Ednah Walter
9. Author Heather Bixler
10. Girls With Books
11. My Life With Books
12. Author Rae Z. Ryans
13. All Fantasy Worlds
14. Author Michael Young
15. Book Angel Booktopia
16. Lori's Reading Corner
17. Books R Us
18. Books 4 Tomorrow
19. Author T. Lynne Tolles
20. Good Choice Reading
21. Curling Up With A Good Book
22. Auggie-Talk
23. A Bookish Escape
24. Paranormal Book Club
25. Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf
26. Amethyst Daydreams
27. Pink Fluffy Hearts
28. Love. Without You
29. Books, Books, the Magical Fruit
30. Author Lisa Voison
31. Tasty Book Tours
32. Fae Books
33. Author Cindy C. Bennett
34. Author Emma Michaels
35. Author Lia Fairchild
36. Fade Into Fantasy
37. Pieces of Whimsy
38. Author Rachael Renee Anderson
39. Feed Your Reader
40. Lovely Reads

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7" HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International). Ends 4/30/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Prize value $199 US.

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Audio Book Review: Did You Miss Me? By Karen Rose

I really liked this strong, intense thriller with a warm romance.
Did You Miss Me [Audiobook, Unabridged]
Karen Rose (Author),
Marguerite Gavin (Reader)

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.; Unabridged edition (February 5, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1470842572
• ISBN-13: 978-1470842574

LENGTH: 20 hrs and 46 mins

Genre: Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: February 5, 2013
New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose is back with her fourteenth pulse-pounding thriller.
Best be nimble, best be quick, I'm right here and you're my pick . . .
The last thing Ford Elkhart remembers is walking his girlfriend back to her car. Now he's lying tied and gagged on a cold, dark floor, with only one chance to escape before he ends up like the bones surrounding him.
Assistant State's Attorney Daphne Montgomery is devastated by her son's disappearance and is immediately convinced that his kidnapping is connected to the white supremacist she's just had jailed for murder. FBI Special Agent Joseph Carter isn't so sure -- especially when he learns that Ford's girlfriend is also missing. Is Ford's abduction payback for Daphne's courtroom victory, or is he a pawn in an even more dangerous game?

Review:
State Attorney Daphne Montgomery is involved in an intense trial bringing a young, white supremacist to justice. At completion of the trial other family members attack. That is scare enough but what really has Daphne trembling is the kidnapping of her teenage son, Ford. At first it is thought that the supremacist group is involved, but the listener learns more about the killer’s motives while bit by bit the clues reveal his personal vendetta against Daphne. She will have to acknowledge a horrifying kidnapping from her own childhood and uncover a terrible betrayal before she is released from this nightmare.

This is a story that pulled me in quickly with a murder and kidnappings. It leads the reader through Ford’s struggle to escape and survive, and then along a dark, chilling race by Daphne and investigators to save other innocent girls.  Woven within the danger is a strong love story. FBI Special Agent, Joseph Carter, fights his own memories as he fights to protect Daphne from a killer and from the pain of losing her son.

There was some unnecessary repetition and some drawn out sections that slowed the pacing a time or two. I was not pleased that Daphne, a strong career professional, became a whining mess when her son was kidnapped. But those issues didn’t stop my enjoyment of the twisting mystery and dark suspense. I also enjoyed the interaction with characters from earlier stories and I was impressed that Ms. Rose incorporated a battle with cancer as part of Daphne's history.

I have only read a couple of Ms. Rose’s works but I really appreciate her ability to develop a good, twisting mystery and twine in a believable and warm romance. ( I hope Clay gets a story for himself.) I recommend this book and this author to readers who love a good romantic suspense and those who love a solid, dark thriller.

Audio Notes: The narrator for this is Marguerite Gavin who is familiar to me from another series I really like. Although I recognized her voice when I first started listening, I was quickly caught up in the story after that first recognition. Ms. Gavin does a good job of distinguishing characters by their voices and conveying their many emotions. She even managed the ugly whininess of Daphne - a character flaw I attribute to the author as it was repeated several times. The truly creepy rendition of “I’m baa-aack. Did you miss me?” adds to the suspense. There were a couple of bad editing breaks that were just a shame and momentarily startled me but for the most part the audio added to the story for me. This would no doubt be a good suspense read but it was wonderful to listen to.

I received this Audio download for review from Blackstone Audio, Inc. through Audiobook Jukebox.

This story is set in West Virgina for my 2013 Where Are You Reading Challenge.

NO JOKE - Win Big April Fools Giveaway Kindle Fire HD 7" Giveaway

No Joke - Win Big April Fools Giveaway

Kindle Fire HD 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HD (US Only)

Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)

Sponsoring Authors

The Breeders by Katie French

"The Breeders is a YA dystopian read that's as gritty and dark as the cover and title suggest. It takes a look at how society might devolve if females were commodities: bought, sold, stolen, and traded to keep the dwindling human race going. Frightening concept. I loved it." --A.G. Henley, author of The Scourge

 Facebook * Twitter * Blog * Purchase

Dissidence by Jamie Canosa

"An amazingly snarky protagonist, two hot boys, a mass rebellion, and an ending that will blow your mind are the perfect ingredients that will make Dissidence the next big thing in YA." --Beth, YA Sisterhood

Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Purchase

The Moon Dwellers and Fire Country 

by David Estes

“Fire Country is an epic start to the Country saga and left me with my heart pounding and totally breathless. Phenomenal" --K-booksxo.blogspot.com

Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Purchase

Blue Hearts of Mars by Nicole Grotepas

Love between humans and androids is forbidden, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen...

Twitter * Facebook * Website * Purchase

The Tale of Mally Biddle by M.L. LeGette

"To say I loved this book is an understatement." --April Holgate

 Facebook * Twitter * Blog * Purchase

Terra by Gretchen Powell

"This could be your world... but it's definitely Terra's, and she navigates it with determination, and a longing for answers that makes her story engrossing and entertaining." -- abookobsession.com

Twitter * Facebook * Website * Purchase

After the Fear by Rosanne Rivers

"The book is just breathtaking from the moment you start till the moment you put it down." -- Amazon review

Twitter * Website * Facebook * Purchase

Entanglement by Dan Rix

A YA Dystopian Romance where every human is born with a soulmate, whom they meet on their 18th birthday...and the one boy who's the exception.

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Purchase

daynight by Megan Thomason

“Sure to win over YA readers looking for a dangerous, dystopian adventure story” --Kirkus Reviews

 “Gripping; page-turner” --BlueInk Review (starred review)

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Purchase

Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan

"The novel's take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans." - Kirkus Reviews

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Purchase

Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).

Ends 4/15/13


Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mailbox Monday April 1, 2013

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
For APRIL: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Mari at MariReads!
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 received several review titles last week plus one win!
How are your mailbox and TBR piles doing?

Review Titles

I received this print title for review:

Haven Creek (A Cavanaugh Island Novel)

by Rochelle Alers

I received three Audio titles through Audiobook Jukebox:

CIVIL WAR (MARVEL)
Author: Mark Millar, Steve McNiven
from GraphicAudio

 

That Night on Thistle Lane

by Carla Neggers

from AudioGo 

 

 

Hunter: A Thriller 
by Robert Bidinotto
from Bidinotto

Wins
Won at CMash Reads

The Best Man
by Kristan Higgins

Thank you to CMash and Muscle Media!

Still waiting for one previous win that is still due.

Purchased

None this week.

Free

I did download a few free Kindle Titles linked through Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink and Kindle Review.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? April 1, 2013

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 another busy week at work but good reading week. I finished five books. I posted four reviews, two with ARC Giveaways.  I also posted the Mailbox Monday meme, Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Snapshot, Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words.

I didn't get to visit last week. I will try harder this week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday What are You Reading? March 25, 2013.

• Mailbox Monday March 25, 2013
  

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway: Free Fall by Catherine Mann; Military Romance; my rating 3.75. Ends 4/5/13.
  

• Book Review and Feature: Cross the Line by Jack Patterson; Thriller; my rating 4.0. 
  

• Book Review: Girl vs. Earl by Phillipa Ashley; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.25. 
  

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 29, 2013. Open Worldwide. Ends 4/4/13.
  

• Saturday Snapshot (3/30/13) March Flowers
  

• Book Review and ARC Giveaway:  Last Chance Book Club by Hope Ramsay; Contemporary Romance (series); my rating 4.5.  Ends 4/5/13.
  

• Sharing Beyond Books #93 Comment Giveaway 3/30/13. Ends 4/5/13.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 31, 2013.
  

Finished Reading:

1. ebook/Kindle

Girl v. Earl
by Phillipa Ashley
Fun, British romance. 
Review linked above. 
US edition Published March 26th 2013.
Click on title for Book Description

2. Audio Book/MP3

Did You Miss Me [Audiobook, Unabridged]
Karen Rose (Author),
Marguerite Gavin (Reader)
I really enjoyed this. I will post the review this week; for Blackstone Audio, Inc. through Audiobook Jukebox.
Click on title for Book Description

3. eBook/Kindle

Sportsman’s Bet

by Judy Nichols

I enjoyed this mystery with its internet element
and different PI lead.
I will post a review this week.

Read for review at request of the Author.

Click on title for Book Description

4. Print

A Shot of Sultry
by Macy Beckett
Another fun romance series;
Read from Sourcebooks;
I will be post a review and ARC Giveaway this week.
Book Description
Release date: March 5, 2013 | Series: Sultry Springs
Click on title for Book Description

5. eBook/Kindle

In the Year 2889
by Jules Verne (Author), Michel Verne (Author)
I had this in my Kindle library since 2010.
I picked it as my Just For Fun read in March.
It is a short story showing what life might be like in 2889,
following a rich journalist through a day in his life.
Jules Verne has an absolutely wonderful imagination!
There is a tube transportation system,
telephoto connections (quite similar to Skype), animated housing features like the dining table and bathtub that appear in the bedroom.
This is a very quick read and I highly recommend it particularly to Vernes and Sci Fi buffs!

Line Edits/Releases:
We released another children's title last week:
Rudy Finds a Home by Lynne Bendoly

When Rudy decides to  leave the farm where he has lived all his life, to seek out a place to call his very own home, he encounters many disappointments and finally learns that the very best place to be was back on the farm with all his other cat friends.

Genre: Children's, 5-9 years

Pages: 36 with illustrations

Tomorrow we will release a Venetian Romance: Love is Not Proud by Monica Spense.

Currently reading:

1. Audio

CIVIL WAR (MARVEL)
Author: Mark Millar, Steve McNiven
I enjoy these Graphic Audios. 
I have just started this.
Reviewing for GraphicAudio
through Audiobook Jukebox.
The epic story that blows the Marvel Universe apart!
Iron Man and Captain America: two core members of the Avengers, the world's greatest super hero team.
After a tragic battle in Stamford Connecticut, the U.S. government demands that all super heroes unmask and register their powers.
To Tony Stark—Iron Man—it's a regrettable but necessary step.
To Captain America, it's an unbearable assault on civil liberties.
So begins the Civil War.

© Marvel

2. eBook/Kindle

Hammer of Angels: A Novel of Shadowstorm
by G. T. Almasi
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and am excited to read this.
I am reviewing this through NetGalley.

Book Description
Publication Date: November 25, 2014
In G. T. Almasi’s thrilling alternate reality, the United States, the USSR, and the Republic of China share a fragile balance of power with Greater Germany, which emerged from World War II in control of Europe and half of the Middle East. To avoid nuclear Armageddon, the four superpowers pursue their ambitions with elite spies known as Levels, who are modified with mechanical and chemical enhancements.

Nineteen-year-old Alix Nico, code-named Scarlet, is a kick-ass superheroine with killer Mods and an attitude to match. She’s considered one of America’s top Levels, even though her last mission nearly precipitated World War III. So now Scarlet and her new partner, Darwin, have been sent to Greater Germany to help sow the seeds of anarchy and prevent Germany’s defection to Russia and China.

But where Scarlet goes, chaos follows—and when her mission takes an unexpected turn, she and Darwin must go ever deeper into enemy territory. As Scarlet grapples with a troubling attraction to her new partner, explosive information comes to light about the German cloning program and one of its prisoners—a legendary American Level who just happens to be Scarlet’s father.

“First-rate . . . a hell-bent-for-leather mash-up of spy novel and SF.”—Eric Van Lustbader, on Blades of Winter.

3. Print

Jake (A Wyoming Sky Novel)
by R.C. Ryan
I just started a few pages and like the style so far.
Reviewing for Hachette.
Book Description
Release date: February 26, 2013 | Series: A Wyoming Sky Novel

Wild at Heart . . .
Jake Conway is good with his hands. A veterinarian known for his gentle touch, he's also the most eligible bachelor in Wyoming. But like any wild animal, Jake longs to roam free . . . until a sultry redhead with a smile from here to heaven turns up in town.
When her estranged father dies, Meg Stanford inherits his rustic ranch-and all the painful memories that come with it. She's determined to settle the estate and face down the ghosts of her past. But a series of midnight break-ins have Meg running from the ranch-and into the arms of the sexy cowboy next door. As their passion grows hotter, the attacks grow bolder. Can Jake keep her safe, or will he lose the only woman he's ever loved?

I continue to listen to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. [Reading and listening on MP3.] I am studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year, hoping to read daily along with my DH.

Line Edits: We are doing well with several more releases being prepared. I am also doing more Smashword conversions.

I completed 15 books in March and several have been moved to April.  Now I have only lined up 13 + two TBR for April so I can add others if I have time. There are five print books, three audios and five eBooks on the list.

Three Reviews carried over from March.

April Scheduled: 
4/1 No Joke April Fools Kindle Fire Giveaway
4/7 April Author/Blogger Kindle Fire Giveaway
4/16 Review: Scorned Justice: The Men of the Texas Rangers by Margaret Daley (PUYB)
4/22 Review: The Forever Knight by John Marco (TLC)

Sourcebooks
Jack Absolute by C.C. Humphreys

Hachette
Jake by R.C. Ryan
Cowboy Take Me Away by Jane Graves

Audios:
For Audiobook Jukebox
    Civil War - Graphic Audio
    That Night on Thistle Lane - AudioGo (now Blackstone)
    Hunter: A Thriller - Robert Bidinotto

NetGalley:
     Hammer of Angels by G.T. Almasi
     An Angel by Her Side by Ruth Reid 
     The Sword in the Stars (Book1) in The Dark Sea Annals Series by Wayne Thomas Batson
     The Wolf of Tebron by C. S. Lakin


From TBR Collection - TBD
Won Book - Lady of Devices, a steampunk adventure novel (Magnificent Devices) by Shelley Adina
Free Kindle/Nook or Smashwords: TBD