Author: Marsha

Review: Reft by Libby Austin

Posted March 31, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 2 Comments

Reft Title: Reft
Series:
Author: Libby Austin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 1, 2015
Publisher: Infinity & Beyond Publishing
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. ~
Newton’s Third Law of Motion

Brandon “Brand” Carmichael’s life was the stuff dreams were made of…too bad it was an illusion. As a guitarist for Inert Motion, Brand traveled the world, performing with his brothers in all but blood. He never stopped moving all the while his mind played in a never ending loop. Now outside influences have changed the band’s course, leaving Brand’s life void of the balance he craved. Once again, his dream had become a recurring nightmare. Brand coped the only way he knew how; retreat into solitude.

Magdalena “Layna” Delacroix had achieved the long sought goal of her Ph.D. in Psychology, but success came at a high cost: over one hundred thousand dollars in debt. After being presented with the opportunity to fulfill her desire to help someone in the aftermath of tragedy, along with earning enough money to clear her debt and start a psychology practice of her own, Layna had to balance the means against the outcome. Could she be the force to stop the downward spiral of someone who refused to seek help?

Neither Brand nor Layna expected the reaction they had to one another. It was the opposite of everything they sought.

Could Layna live a lie while pushing Brand to live in the truth?

Would Brand forgive her for committing one unforgivable sin?

Or was he branded by destiny to be… Reft

Read on for my thoughts on Reft No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Death Falls by Todd Ritter

Posted March 31, 2015 by Marsha in Mystery / 2 Comments

Title: Death Falls
Series:
Author: Todd Ritter
Genre: Mystery
Published: February 9, 2015
Publisher: HarperCollins, Maze
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

When a young boy goes missing, it’s easier to believe the lies than to believe the truth…

On the same night that Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, nine-year-old Charlie Olmstead jumped on his bike to see if he could get a better look. It was the last anyone ever saw of him.

After Perry Hollow Police Chief Jim Campbell found Charlie’s bike caught up above a waterfall, he assumed the worse, and so did everyone else except Charlie’s mother. Years later, Eric Olmstead – and famous author and Charlie’s brother – has come back to bury his mother and fulfill her last request: find his brother.

To do so he goes to the current police chief and his former sweetheart Kat Campbell, and it isn’t long before they discover that finding Charlie was his mother’s secret obsession, and while she never found him she uncovered clues suggesting that he wasn’t the only victim.

Read on for my thoughts on Death Falls. No true spoilers, promise.

My First Bloggiesta Comes to a Close

Posted March 30, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 4 Comments

This was the first year that I took part in the Bloggiesta Spring Clean Up – and I had a blast, learned a lot, found a ton of new blogs to follow and simply enjoyed myself.

I finished all but one item on my To-Do List. And that I’ll get to in the coming weeks.

I will definitely be looking forward to the next event in June.

Just follow either the written link or click on the graphic and go check out the upcoming schedule for yourself. The folks behind the names on “Mr. Linky” are amazing, so willing to offer tips and solutions — please, check this out in June and join in. You will be amazed at how much fun you’ll have while learning neat blogging / website stuff.

Thank you to everyone involved with Bloggiesta – this was an awesome experience.

Review: The Wild One by Janet Gover

Posted March 30, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: The Wild One
Series: Coorah Creek
Author: Janet Gover
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 3, 2015
Publisher: Choc Lit
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

Can four wounded souls find love?

Iraq war veteran Dan Mitchell once disobeyed an order – and it nearly destroyed him. Now a national park ranger in the Australian outback, he’s faced with another order he is unwilling to obey …

Photographer Rachel Quinn seeks out beauty in unlikely places. Her work comforted Dan in his darkest days. But Quinn knows darkness too – and Dan soon realises she needs his help as much as he needs hers.

Carrie Bryant was a talented jockey until a racing accident broke her nerve. Now Dan and Quinn need her expertise, but can she face her fear? And could horse breeder, Justin Fraser, a man fighting to save his own heritage, be the man to help put that fear to rest?

The wounds you can’t see are the hardest to heal…

Read on for my thoughts on The Wild One. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Wolf’s Honor by Ambrielle Kirk

Posted March 30, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

Title: Wolf’s Honor
Series: Caedmon Wolves #6
Author: Ambrielle Kirk
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published: March 30, 2015
Publisher: Obsidian Gem Publishing LLC
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

Wolf shifter Connor Maxim is a law-abiding citizen. His motto: Keep the peace. Protect the Pack. His firm, Maxim Securities, had been created for this purpose. His honor will be tested when he’s called to deliver on his vows.

The homicide rate escalates to an all-time high on Pack territory, and all evidence points to two prevalent wolf Packs: the Caedmon and the Arnou. The Feds give the leaders of both Packs an ultimatum, and a three-day deadline. They must find the source of the murders before the Feds intervene.

When a police raid goes awry, Connor’s world collides with that of Antonia Trudeau’s. Under the guise of a striking spitfire of a woman—who happens to be his mate—is a criminal with a healthy rap sheet. He must decide if love is worth more than duty and honor.

Antonia circumvents more than just the laws…she captures Connor’s heart.

Read on for my thoughts on Wolf’s Honor. No true spoilers, promise.

Review: Amii’s Angel by Natalie-Nicole Bates

Posted March 28, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 0 Comments

Title: Amii’s Angel
Series:
Author: Natalie-Nicole Bates
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: March 17, 2015
Publisher: Books To Go Now
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

For years, Amii Sloan has held a burning grudge against Ryan Maine for his cutting cross examination during her sister’s murder trial. Now, a chance encounter brings Ryan back into her life, along with a very interesting proposition—to work as his personal assistant in the idyllic
town of Unity.

Down on her luck, and supporting a mother with early onset dementia, Amii doesn’t have much of a choice but to accept the job Ryan offers. But can she overlook the past, to possibly open the door to a brighter future?

As she spends time with the handsome, successful lawyer, she realizes that maybe first impressions can be wrong, and that just maybe she and Ryan could share a whole lot more than she ever imagined.

Read on for my thoughts on Amii’s Angel. No true spoilers, promise.

Taking A Day Off

Posted March 27, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

blue eyes Today has been weird. Not to bore anyone with non-book blogging stuff – but it’s just been a weepy, world crashing in kinda day. You ever get those? I hate them – but have learned to just get through them.

So instead of the million things I “should” be doing on my blogs – I’m going to go play World of Warcraft and crush things for a couple hours. Get my mind off of everything family and book related. My non-book version of running away from home for awhile.

The stuff that needs done – for once can wait 24 hours. It’s the first time I tossed in the towel since restarting this in January. I need a day off.

Throwback Thursday Trailers

Posted March 26, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

There are times when words are not the best way to fall into a story. Sometimes seeing what you’ll be reading teases the mind and the senses.

Enjoy these Throwback Thursday Trailers feature. And should you have some favorites of your own ~ link them up in the comments.

For Maggie Shayne fans, over on my Haunted Bookshelf site is another Throwback Thursday Trailer featuring a montage of her Wings in the Night series. I personally think if you like Paranormal, you’ll get a chuckle out of that one. So go on, check it out at Haunted Throwback Thursday Trailers

Thirsty Thursdays & Hungry Hearts #4

Posted March 26, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

There is a fun new meme going on over at (un)Conventional Book Views. Lexxie is hosting the Thirsty Thursday & Hungry Hearts weekly list of food and drink. More specifically what food or drink from a recent read of yours would you like to try or never in a million years touch. You can find details, sorta rules and the sign up linky by clicking on the graphic or on the bold link above.

I have been trying so hard to be aware of food while reading. It is turning into a more difficult habit to cultivate than I thought it would. But, I’m working on it.

“As I sat on the counter watching, Tack slid right into it like we’d known each other years rather than weeks.

Though, he did it while unpacking food and preparing the potatoes, which looked like they were going to be awesome. Sliced super thin, arranged in a casserole dish, layered with salt, pepper, paprika, pats of butter and minced garlic then smothered in cream and milk before he slid them into the oven. ” ~Motorcycle Man by Kristen Ashley

I adore Tack and Tyra as a couple in this novel. Talk about hot, scary, sexy biker dude… I actually want to find Tack and never let him out of my sight. If you’ve never read Motorcyle Man — you need to right now. *fans face and other body parts*

Get ready to ride . . .

Tyra Masters has had enough drama to last a lifetime. Now, she’s back on track and looking forward to her new, quiet life. Until she meets the man of her dreams. The tattooed, muscled biker plies her with tequila-and the best sex of her life. She knows it isn’t the tequila and hot sex talking. He’s the kind of man she’s always wanted. Unfortunately, he’s also her new boss . . .

Kane “Tack” Allen has a rule. He doesn’t employ someone he’s slept with. So when he learns he spent last night in bed with his new office manager, he quickly fires Tyra. Yet when Tyra stands up to him and fights for her job, Tack is intrigued. He tells her she can keep her job on one condition: no more sex. Ever. But as things heat up between them, Tack finds that he’ll be the one breaking all the rules…

This novel also includes my favorite quote of all time – one that is written out and taped on my dressing table’s mirror –

”Life’s a roller coaster. Best damn ride in the park. You don’t close your eyes, hold on and wait for it to be over, babe. You keep your eyes open, lift your hands straight up in the air and enjoy the ride for as long as it lasts.”

I cannot say enough good things about this novel – even when posting about hot food creation. ~ *Grins*

Goal Met for New Author Challenge 2015

Posted March 25, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 0 Comments

New Authors Reading Challenge 2015 ~~~GOAL MET ON MARCH 25, 2015

The New Authors – Seeking New Escapes 2015 Reading Challenge is hosted by Literary Escapism. The rules, suggestions and signup can be found by following the link, either the written or graphic links above.

I set my goal for 25 New Authors to check out this year. That was before I was approved for NetGalley. A fantastic place to begin with and a bonus of having so many debut authors and authors that I haven’t read yet.

I’m not going to change my goal number — but I will continue adding new authors to the sub-page. Just to find out at the end of the year how many new authors I’ve added.

If you’d like to check out some new authors , here’s the link to the Challenge Post with the listing. New Author Challenge Page ~ Completed

Review: Driftwood Cowboy by Lenora Worth

Posted March 25, 2015 by Marsha in Contemporary Romance / 2 Comments

Title: Driftwood Cowboy
Series: Driftwood Bay
Author: Lenora Worth
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: March 31, 2015
Publisher: Tule Publishing
My Rating: 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Synopsis:

Can she heal from a tragedy too great to bear?

When Michelle Lancaster flees her hometown of Spirit, Louisiana to spend time at a beach retreat in Driftwood Bay, Florida, she only wants to run from the tremendous pain of a tragedy that caused her perfect life to shatter into pieces.

But on the day when the memories become too much, a man steps into her path on the beach and causes her beloved horse Coco to almost throw her. Not to mention this is the one man Michelle has tried to avoid. But laid-back boat captain and artist Brodie Stevens has his eye on Michelle and soon, he is pursuing her with a strong-willed determination. He too is haunted, but believes that together they can heal each other. Now the driftwood cowboy must convince Michelle it’s possible to hope… and to love again.

Read on for my thoughts on Driftwood Cowboy. No true spoilers, promise.

Waiting on Wednesday #9

Posted March 25, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 6 Comments

“Waiting on” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating… cannot wait to get our hands on… having hissy fits at having to wait… you know, waiting for the book is exhausting work!

I have made no secret of the fact that Nora Roberts is my favorite author. Many come in at second place (it seems to rotate through all of my favorites) but I will be waiting in line, in the pouring rain to get my hands on a new release by Nora Roberts. So my pick for this week should be no surprise. Since I didn’t get my greedy hands on an ARC – The Liar will be available in a few weeks and I cannot wait.

Shelby Foxworth lost her husband. Then she lost her illusions …

The man who took her from Tennessee to an exclusive Philadelphia suburb left her in crippling debt. He was an adulterer and a liar, and when Shelby tracks down his safe-deposit box, she finds multiple IDs. The man she loved wasn’t just dead. He never really existed.

Shelby takes her three-year-old daughter and heads south to seek comfort in her hometown, where she meets someone new: Griff Lott, a successful contractor. But her husband had secrets she has yet to discover. Even in this small town, surrounded by loved ones, danger is closer than she knows—and threatens Griff, as well. And an attempted murder is only the beginning …

My wait will be over on April 14, 2015.

What are you waiting for?

Confessions of a Bookworm #2

Posted March 25, 2015 by Marsha in Discussion Post / 5 Comments

book confession I love taking part in features and memes. It brings us book lovers and book bloggers a bit closer together, if only in our shared love of reading great books. So today I discovered something new.

There is a new feature over at Parajunkee called Confessions of a Bookworm. Here’s the link to this week’s post. And the information about all of this is located at that link.

This week’s question is: Would you rather go on vacation, or spend the money going to one of your favorite author’s book tour stops?

Hmmmm.

Well I can be quite devious in getting exactly what I want (but shhh.. don’t tell my family). So what I would do is… search over every single detail of my favorite author’s book tour locations – pick one that I’ve always dreamed of visiting, or at least in an interesting location – and book my ideal vacation with a favorite author. I get to meet a favorite author (and I’d have bags of their books for signing, just saying since I’m there 🙂 ) and take a fabulous vacation right there after the book tour visit. Win-Win.

Okay, okay… If I must pick between the two options technically, then there really is no other answer than…going to my favorite author’s book tour stop. I mean, come on it’s my favorite author!

On a side note. Thank you Anila! I actually “squee-ed” when I realized that I had a mention of my bookworm confession in this week’s post. It made my day. *huge grin*

An additional confession: since reading that Vivien pets her books (there is nothing odd in that!) – I have been known to swoop down upon a stack of a new release of an anticipated book, grab one off the stack and tightly hug the book. Yes, right there in the bookstore with people looking on. But, they’re book lovers too so they at least “get” it. 🙂

Until next week – happy reading.

How Have Book Tours or Cover Reveals Helped Your Blog?

Posted March 24, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 2 Comments

book pile No, seriously, I’d really like to know.

While I’ve been blogging for several years, I’ve really only concentrated on reviews. I’d like to take the next step and get involved in a Release Blitz or Book Tours or even just a Cover Reveal to start.

And I’m not ashamed to say that I’m still learning about these parts of book blogging. But, I am starting to get offers and I really don’t want to fall flat on my face. So, I’m asking anyone who wanders by my blog this simple question. How have these things helped your book blogging? And should you feel like giving some tips or additional information… I’m all ears. 🙂

Cover Characteristic #2

Posted March 24, 2015 by Marsha in This one's a Keeper / 4 Comments

Cover Characteristic meme The ladies at Sugar and Snark are hosting a Cover Characteristic meme. Weekly a subject will be chosen and we search for book covers related to that week’s pick. Why not? I certainly have tons of book covers in my files (and I know how to find more *wink*) so this will be my first week joining in.

This week’s choice is Gardens. Show off your favorite book covers with Hair…hmmm. Follow the links above to join in too.

There are so many possibilities – and I toyed with the idea of searching out Fabio’s old book covers *whistles innocently with a wink* – but I was kind.

But I did indeed find some very beautiful covers featuring beautiful, flowing hair. Check these out.

There are 2 covers here that are due out in April. But I find it intriguing to see the beauty and artistry of how hair strands can be woven to create something quite beautiful… even fire hair.

hair 2 firehair 3 purple hair 4 hair 5 hair 6 hair 7