Review: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. SmithPoppy (January 2, 2012)ISBN: 9780316122382Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBookstore, Powells

Book Blurb:

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18B. Hadley's in 18A. 

 Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

Lets introduce the heroine: Hadley Sullivan who's starring in a fluffy cute novel about finding your first love and all that can happen in 24 hours.  Hadley is headed to the airport to attend her father's wedding to a woman she's never met before. She misses her flight by a few minutes and is left wondering what the heck can wrong now. When she meets a boy who makes her feel the fluttering in her tummy as he offers to help with her suitcase. Who knew that in these four minutes would change her life forever.


Hadley and Oliver have so much chemistry that you cannot help yourself and sigh with happiness.  Many times Hadley wondered what would have happened if she hadn't made it in time.  But luckily for her and us.. Fate intervened and gave us a glimpse of a tale of young romance.
 I really would love to say more but that would certainly spoil it for other readers.  But I will leave you with this. . . Even if we are left with the uncertainty of what happens to Hadley and Oliver, Ms. Smith left us a with an uplifting tale of love at first sight.


I give a rating of 4 Stars for The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith




In accordance with the FTC guidelines, I have not recieved in monetary gain with the publication of this article. Any and all materials provided were either provided for free from the publisher, author, or purchased by myself. All opinions expressed are that of my own.

New Review: Within The Flames by Marjorie M. Liu Plus Giveaway!!

A pyrokinetic and former car thief, Eddie cannot refuse an assignment to cross the continent in order to rescue an extraordinary woman in peril…even though he fears losing control of the destructive power of flame at his fingertips. The last of her shape-shifting kind, Lyssa hides in the abandoned tunnels beneath Manhattan. Like Eddie, fire is her weapon, her destiny…and her curse. For beneath Lyssa’s extraordinary beauty are dangerous secrets…and even darker, nearly irresistible urges…

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: November 29th 2011

ISBN: 9780062020178

Order today!
• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Books a Million
• Borders
• Independent Bookstores
• Powells




My Thoughts..


This is one of the best novels I have read this year.. Let me tell you all that I got hooked from the beginning and spent the better part of the night up reading this. And it was worth the loss of sleep. 


Marjorie M. Liu definitely knows how to write angst and know her way to make readers feel so much for her characters. Not your typical prince charming or poor Cinderella tale and yet it is so much more.  Eddie and Lyssa are two damaged souls who manage to find each and work towards to something better for not only themselves but all those around them. 


Sure there are a few characters who are still wary of Lyssa but she certainly has someone to be there for her. Of course.. who doesn't love a happy ending. :)




One of my favorite quotes are:


He hurts, whispered the dragon. Like you, his heart has nowhere to fall.


You could fall together.  * page 110 *


Memorable supporting characters:


Lil Jimmy and Lyssa's dragon. I truly love these two unique characters who are what make me care so much more for Lyssa.. 




I rate Within The Flames (A Dirk & Steele #11) a 4 star rating.






FTC Disclaimer:


I was given the book for reviewing purposes only. Receiving this book doesn't guarantee a positive book review.

New Review: Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione Plus Giveaway!!

Immortal Rider 

Lords of Deliverance #2

by Larissa Ione 

Grand Central Publishing

November 22, 2011
ISBN-10: 0446574473
ISBN-13: 9780446574471

Buy from: Indiebound | Amazon | Powell’s | Borders | B & N

Sexy, powerful, and immortal, Limos is on a crash course with destiny. She’s been marked as Satan’s bride and her jealous fiancé wants her all to himself. The only way this Horseman can keep herself—and everyone else—safe is to keep her distance. 

But not even Limos can save herself from the secrets she’s kept . . . or resist the seductive allure of one very brave human. 

Arik Wagner knows the saying “love hurts” better than most, yet he never thought stealing a kiss from Limos would land him in Hell. Literally. It takes all his military training to survive the demon torture, but once he’s topside, Arik realizes that the agony has just begun. With the Apocalypse looming and Satan demanding his bride, will Arik and Limos surrender to the desire smoldering between them? Or will giving in to their passion unleash hell on earth?

My Thoughts 




Now here is one of my favorite authors. It doesn't surprise just how each new book just gets more and more amazing and downright sinful! Limos, now here is one gutsy heroine who also happens to be the only female among the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Her better half, Arik has been around the Demonica series for quite some time. And I for one am glad he has finally got his book written. 


Unfortunately for Arik, he's is  definitely been put the wringer. But then again once he's reunited with his leading heroine brings sexy back. Their sexy love scenes are scorching hot and its a very good thing the weather is cooling off here because I definitely felt the burn between Limos and Arik.


Like every great book, there can't be love without hate, torture and many obstacles that await these two characters.  I am in awe every time I read a new book from the amazing Larissa Ione. Watch out readers, because once you start reading Immortal Rider, you will get seduced and won't let you go to the very end!




I give Immortal Rider a rating of 4 Stars.




Anya






FTC Disclaimer:


I was given the book for reviewing purposes only. Receiving this book doesn't guarantee a positive book review.




Hey people. I have two copies to giveaway. Its open to all including international .. as long as it can be delivered by Book Depository. It starts to today and will end in seven days. Good luck!


Anya

Review: Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews @ilona_andrews

Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews
(The Edge #2)
Mass Market Paperback, 480 pages
Published September 28th 2010 by Ace
ISBN #9780441019458
Purchase Links
Author website


Book provided by publisher for this review







Book Description:


Cerise Mar and her unruly clan are cash poor but land rich, claiming a large swathe of the Mire, the Edge swamplands between the state of Louisiana and the Weird. When her parents vanish, her clan’s long-time rivals are suspect number one.


But all is not as it seems. Two nations of the Weird are waging a cold war fought by feint and espionage, and their conflict is about to spill over into the Edge—and Cerise’s life. William, a changeling soldier who left behind the politics of the Weird, has been forced back into service to track down a rival nation’s spymaster.


When William and Cerise’s missions lead them to cross paths, sparks fly—but they’ll have to work together if they want to succeed ... and survive.


Book Review:

What can I say that has not already been said.. Not much, except for the fact is that Bayou Moon is my new favorite book. I was lucky (very lucky) to have received a copy of this gift from above for review.

From the very beginning, I was blown away.. Welcome to The Edge.. Where anything and everything can happen. A new world where nothing is what it seems and magic is the way of life.

It has been two years since the first book and readers discover more about William and his future mate, the unknown heroine, Cerise. A war has been brewing for ages between Cerise's family and her neighbors. All hell breaks loose when Cerise's parents are kidnapped and the suspects apparently the clan's rivals, The Sheeriles. Of course nothing and no one is truly what they seem to be.

As much as I enjoy The Edge book #1, William and Cerise story has just became my newest favorite book.  William is a alpha male yet he doesn't come off as an arrogant or jerk. I couldn't help myself but fall for this man just like Cerise. Speaking of Cerise... She is the perfect lady/mate for William..  She doesn't fall for his antics not so much, yet she challenges him like no other woman has ever done before. 

Bayou Moon has the perfect amount of action, suspense, mystery, love and humor.

In Bayou Moon is been expanded greatly compared to On The Edge. Once again, I can help but say how much I love this epic novel. I can just imagine all the wonderful characters that bring magic to Bayou Moon and how it keeps readers like me thoroughly entertained. Each of one of these characters are so dynamic and you can't help but feel all sorts of emotions for the good and the bad guys.

I couldn't help but consider William and Cerise to be the Edge's version of Kate and Curran. The heartfelt drama and romance between them is not something that can be easily denied. Everytime they kissed, it just burned the pages.. so scorching hot!

Be warned.. you will not be able to but Bayou Moon down until very last page.

The wife and husband tag team duo are definitely no one hit writing series wonders...They got a new couple for readers to <3 over. I certainly <3 William.

Hang on to your seats ladies and gentlemen.... It's going to be a bumpy ride!

Only one more thing I can add is... I really, really, really hope that there will be more book added to The Edge series and hear more about William, Cerise and family.


I rate Bayou Moon  - 5 out of 5 Stars

Review by Veronica

Reviewer's note..
It's been awhile since I did a review.. So please forgive me for any mistakes I did here.
Thanks for reading!

Review: Hallowed Circle by Linda Robertson

Hallowed Circle by Linda Robertson

Persephone Alcmedi, #2

Pocket Books

December 29th 2009

Available Formats: Ebook, Mass Market Paperpack

Pages: 384

ISBN10 1439156786 ISBN13: 9781439156780

Purchase Links: Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Author’s website

Paperback book provided by author for this review

　

 

Book Description:

And you think beauty pageants are scary?

 

Persephone Alcmedi has been persuaded to compete for the position of High Priestess of the Cleveland, Ohio, coven -- now that the former priestess, Vivian Diamond, has strangely gone missing. Unfortunately, there are a few small problems with the idea. Not only does Seph know rather more about Vivian's disappearance than the other witches realize, but the epic struggle she's just survived has left her with some highly unusual powers -- ones that could be dangerous to reveal. Despite her reluctance, she agrees to participate, if only to prevent snooty Hunter Hopewell, an obnoxious but talented witch, from ending up in the winner's circle. Can Seph hide her secrets -- including her connection to the master vampire-wizard Menessos -- from the terrifyingly wise judges? Plus, there's her rock 'n' roll werewolf boyfriend, Johnny, and some angry fairies to deal with....

 

Once the competition begins, a finalist turns up dead. It looks as if one of the contestants is willing to do anything -- including murder -- to win. Suddenly Seph has even more on her plate than she thought: from solving a murder to working out what her new powers really are...and exactly why they're creating so much havoc in her love life.

 

 

My thoughts…

 

 

In the sequel of Vicious Circle, Persephone has been persuaded or more like guilt into competing for the new High Priestess of the Cleveland coven. She has not really dealt with the aftermath of receiving the mark from master vampire/wizard Menessos. This certainly has not helped with her budding romance with her boyfriend/werewolf Johnny.

Okay, I went in blind in this new book without having had the chance to read the first book, which has been hard for me finding a copy to buy.  Yet it had not stopped me from enjoying and reading this book. It has been a great pleasure reading this book. It surprised me at how much I loved Hallowed Circle. Persephone is one of a kind character who has everything a reader will love in a heroine. She is not the regular sarcastic strong-willed female characters. She is strong yet has soft and innocent side that has lots of people drawn in when they meet her. Even those who are competition cannot help but find a great ally in Persephone.

 

 

Hallowed Circle has lots of action, suspense, mystery and perfect bits of romance. Persephone could lose everything if her secrets come.. Yet depending on the situation, Murder becomes the main event at the competition. Seph’s wildest dreams can true but could the cost be too high of a price?

 

 

What else can I say that Hallowed Circle is becoming a new favorite of mine. I really hope to find a copy of the first book, Vicious Circle and of course the much anticipated upcoming new Fated Circle. I am debating one who should be with Seph but I am going to wait until I read the other books in this series. Menessos is very mysterious to me, while Johnny is more open, well at least most of the times. I can’t wait to see where Ms. Robertson will go with this love triangle. But I am betting that things can just get only better from now on.

 

Warning: Readers be warned that they too will have trouble putting this book down and why should they? A heroine having to fight her attraction to warm blooded werewolf and cold & mysterious vampire. . .yet again, why should she? And Hallowed Circle has just enough of comedy to mix it up to keep from losing reader’s interest.

I rate Hallowed Circle 4 out of 5 Stars.

 

 

Review by:

Veronica

New Review: Rapture Untamed by Pamela Palmer

Rapture Untamed by Pamela Palmer
Avon Publishing
June 29th 2010
Read Online Excerpt
Available Formats: Mass Market Paperback, Ebook, 384pp
ISBN-13: 9780061794704

ISBN: 0061794708
Purchase Links: Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Author website




Book Description:

They are called Feral Warriors—an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by sorcery and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release . . .

The most combative—and tormented—of all the Ferals, Jag is a predator who hunts alone—until daemons terrorize the human population. To stop them, he partners with Olivia, a flame-haired Therian temptress as strong as she is beautiful. But Olivia is no ordinary immortal. The survivor of a vicious supernatural attack, she possesses a deadly and forbidden skill—one that must remain hidden, especially from the powerful Feral Warriors.

My Thoughts

As Jag and Olivia's sensual dance of dominance and seduction gets wilder and hotter, a dark force sets its sights on Olivia, threatening to destroy everything she has vowed to protect. And the only one who can save her soul is the arrogant jaguar shifter she lusts for but dares not love.

Jag is the most tormented of all the Feral Warriors. Yet that does not stop him from finding pleasure in teasing newcomer, Olivia. Let the games begin.

Olivia is no ordinary Therian; she has the ability to drain people’s energy for her survival. Jag tempts her and at the same time annoys her like no one ever has. She has long had to deal with pain and guilt since she was a young child.

The two are “forced” to be each other’s partner on their combined mission brings out the beast in Jag who is one the hunt out for his “mate.” But the truth about what Olivia really is comes out to the surface. Which of course Jag the tormented or tormenter uses the truth of Olivia to his advantage? Things between Jag and Olivia go from great to worse as the truth about Olivia comes out.

In Rapture Untamed you will find that Jag and Olivia are one of the most dramatic and angst characters of the Feral Warriors novels. Just when I thought things could not get any worse for Olivia, it does as Jag does the unthinkable…hurting her in the most hurtful way. Be sure to keep your box of tissues handy because you are definitely going to need it. If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading Ms. Palmer’s Feral Warriors series than you better start now? You do not know what you are missing out by not having read one of the best paranormal series today. And I am sure I won't be the only one to be on Team Jag.

Definitely can’t wait to read Hunger Untamed. And here’s a little tidbit about it.

Kougar hunts down the only person who can help the Feral Warriors — the woman he once loved and now hates above all others.

I rate Rapture Untamed a 5 out of 5 Stars.

Review by:

Veronica

New Review: Once Bitten by Kalayna Price

Check out my review here at Book Lovers, Inc. Blog

Review: Funeral Pallor by Sean Cummings Plus Giveaway

Funeral Pallor by Sean Cummings
Valerie Stevens #2
Snowbooks Ltd.
July 2010
Urban Fantasy
Available formats Ebook, Paperback
Pages:
ISBN10: 1906727929
ISBN13: 978-1906727925

E-ARC provided by author for this review.








Book Description:

There's a nest of rotting husks in an old Calgary warehouse and they've got a hankering for human flesh, but that's the least of Valerie Stevens' problems. While necromancers are a dime a dozen, these mindless killing machines all share one thing in common: they're former occupants of every funeral home in the city.

The evidence points to the zombie Caroline, especially now that she's been experiencing short term memory loss and an inability to account for her whereabouts. If Valerie plans to clear her best friend's name, she'll have to move fast: someone has dispatched a zombie assassin and Caroline's only hope may rest with a pair of middle-aged head-bangers with a few secrets of their own.

My Thoughts

Things have certainly changed for our kick ass heroine, Valerie Stevens. She's currently without her ever lovin' boyfriend, Dave.  Dave is currently out of the city on a job assignment and has left Valerie in not so good mood. Yet life has a way to keep Valerie distracted from her sorrows of being without Dave.

If things weren't bad enough, Valerie finds herself in the middle of zombie infestation. More and more zombies are rising. Along the way she discovers two zombie killing brothers with a spirit directing them to the locations of all zombies so they can rid the city of them.

Along for this ride sees the return of the Valerie's friends, Caroline the zombie, her ghost Fifty Dollar Bill and DT the mage dwarf troll who is still teaching mage in training Valerie.

But now she is getting help courtesy of her boss Vishesh in the name of a bounty hunter, Tim Reaper. 

With only Caroline and Tim as her backup, Valerie is now in the fight of her life where things just get more dangerous for everyone.

May I say that this sequel of Valerie Stevens series is much better than the first book. It has more action, mystery and drama. No matter how many times I wanted to see her get beat the hell out of Caroline and it did not stop me from enjoying Funeral Pallor.

Sure something was controlling Caroline yet it did not keep me from wanting to see this zombie get beat up by Valerie or anyone else.

Valerie is on the hunt for the mysterious Harold Newby who seems to be the key to everything.

Funeral Pallor is one engrossing and wildly entertaining action packed novel. Valerie Stevens is one kick ass heroine who keeping on ticking even when life and danger is determined to keep her down. I really loved the way things were ended. A Perfect ending for Valerie.

Thank you, Sean for creating another awesome novel!

I give Funeral Pallor a rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.

Bonus part!

To enter to win a copy of Funeral Pallor.

Just tweet with tag #ValerieStevens +4

+ 4 follow Sean on twitter @saskatoonauthor

+ 5 Leave a link annoucing this giveaway/review at any other places, i.e. facebook, blog, myspace, etc..

And leave a comment below. +3

Add up points including this one for +1

Giveaway open only to the residents of Canada and US.
Sorry to everyone else. Giveaway ending July 7th 2010

Review: Texas Tangle by Leah Braemel

Texas Tangle by Leah Braemel
Carina Press
June 28th 2010
Erotica Romance
Ebook
ISBN - 9781426890376
Purchase Links: Carina Press, , Author Website

Ebook Review Copy provided by Netgalley





Book Description:

Thanks to her cheating ex-husband and her thieving brother, all horse breeder Nikki Kimball has left is a bruised heart, an over-drawn bank account and an empty home. When sex-on-legs Dillon Barnett and his brooding foster-brother Brett Anderson start showing more than just neighborly attention, Nikki is intrigued…and a little gun-shy.

Dillon and Brett have a history; back in high school, the two friends fought a bitter battle over Nikki. Now, ten years later, Brett still longs to be the man in Nikki’s life, but he’s determined to stand back and let Dillon win Nikki’s heart.

Society says Nikki must choose between the two men she loves. Is Nikki strong enough to break all the rules in order to find happiness?


My Thoughts…



Nikki is a woman whose luck has ran out. Hell, things haven’t looked good for her in a very long time. And the bad luck keeps on kicking in the ass. On the way home, Nikki’s vehicle dies out on her and who should be savior, one of two men who haunts her very dreams…Dillon Barnett.
Dillon Barnett has wanted to be with Nikki for many years now but life and no good excuse for a man prevented him for claiming her for his own. Opportunity knocks when he finds Nikki stranded and now is the time to win her over once and for all.

Brett answers a call that Nikki’s place has been burglarized. Upon seeing Brett, Nikki practically jumps on him bringing lots of sexy fantasies to his mind. Yet too bad for him duty calls and he has to take account on what happened at Nikki’s home.

Both men have been in love with Nikki however have kept their distance in fear of hurting the other person.

Leah Braemel, you are devil in disguise… You had me pulling out my box of tissues for the pain these characters have had to deal with. However, since I am such fan of angst I can’t help love Texas Tangle even more because of it.

Talk about family drama… Ms. Braemel brings out the big guns on family angst and drama. It runs these characters like a hurricane where no one doesn’t feel the wrath of this storm called family.

Though there is lots of angst and drama… There is plenty of sexy romance going on with this Texas trio’s twosome and threesome.

I so wished Ms. Leah hadn’t end it there…because I really wanted to read more and more. The only thing else I can think to say or ask the author is: Will you write more on Brett, Nikki and Dillon?




I give Texas Tangle by Leah Braemel a rating of 4 Stars.


Veronica
© Strictly Reviews 2010

Review: Insatiable by Meg Cabot

Insatiable by Meg Cabot
William Morrow (Imprint of HarperCollins Publishing)
June 8th 2010
Hardcover, 464pp
ISBN-13: 9780061735066
Purchase Links: Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble 
Author website & Sneak Peak Chapter Excerpts | One | Two | Three

Review Copy provided by Publisher for this review


Book Description:

Sick of vampires? So is Meena Harper.

But her boss is making her write about them anyway, even though Meena doesn’t believe in them.

Not that Meena isn’t familiar with the supernatural. See, Meena Harper knows how you’re going to die (not that you’re going to believe her; no one ever does).

But not even Meena’s precognition can prepare her for what happens when she meets—then makes the mistake of falling in love with—Lucien Antonescu, a modern-day prince with a bit of a dark side . . . a dark side a lot of people, like an ancient society of vampire-hunters, would prefer to see him dead for.

The problem is, he already is dead. Maybe that’s why he’s the first guy Meena’s ever met that she could see herself having a future with. See, while Meena’s always been able to see everyone else’s future, she’s never been able look into her own.

And while Lucien seems like everything Meena has ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, he might turn out to be more like a nightmare.

My Thoughts…


Insatiable will introduce readers and fans of Meg Cabot a whole new way at looking at vampires. Yes, it’s true that vampires are getting kind of old with everyone trying to cash in the vampire fad.

However, Meg Cabot’s Insatiable is quite simply original and a wonderful addition to the vampire genre.

Insatiable brings a whole new way to suck you in … it does take many pages to get the reader interested yet if you continue on reading the action and excitement will be worth the wait.

Meena is a unique human being who’s quite possibly the only one tired of everything ‘vampire.’ And just when she thought escape it--it bites in the rear when management now calls for a new vampire storyline for their show.

Lucien is the modern day prince… that is prince of darkness. He’s come to New York to discover whose killing human women not knowing what fate has in store for him. At a chance encounter, Lucien ‘saves’ Meena from attacked by bats. He certainly brings a whole new meaning to one night stands.

And fate intervenes again when Meena sees Lucien again at her neighbor’s get together. And like plenty of other novels . . . Here there be villains and other obstacles from keeping these two from kissing, making up and hot sexy love moments.

Alaric is a hunter who’s sole mission to destroy all the vermin especially the vampires. He thought he’s seen everything that is until he meets Prince Lucien and his latest victim, Meena.

Lucien and Alaric are very stubborn in their ways and think each other’s way of protecting Meena is the right way.

Meg Cabot has true gift with her new ‘adult’ novel, Insatiable. Of course you have to wait to get the good part but it soo worth it. It even has some giggle worthy scenes.

With the way Insatiable ended, I really hope that Meg Cabot writes more. I long to see more of the love triangle between Meena, Lucien and Alaric because obviously readers like me are going to want to see what will happen next for them. Both of these men have something amazing and I found myself hard to choose between them. Another thing I wish would have been explored more would be on why Meena has this gift and what other powers she might have?


I give Insatiable by Meg Cabot a 4 star rating.


Veronica
© Strictly Reviews 2010

Review - Cheat The Grave by Vicki Pettersson

Cheat the Grave by Vicki Pettersson
Sign of The Zodiac Book #5
EOS Books (Imprint of HarperCollins Publishing)
May 25, 2010
ISBN - 978-0-06-145677-0
Pages: 368
Purchasing Links and Info:
Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble Borders, Author website





Book Blurb:

Las Vegas socialite and otherworldly avenger Joanna Archer gave up everything when she embraced mortality—abandoning her powers and altering her destiny to save a child . . . and a city. Now her former allies are her enemies—and her enemies have nothing to fear.

Yet still she is bound to a prophecy that condemns her to roam a nightmare landscape that ordinary humans cannot see and dare not enter. And a beast is on her trail—an insane killer blinded by bloodlust, who's determined to rip much more from Joanna than merely her now-fragile life.

Survival is no longer an option in this dark realm where good and evil have blurred into confusing shades of gray—unless she can gather together an army of onetime foes and destroy everything she once believed in.


My Thoughts

First, I am kicking myself because I just found this series. And boy, I am so glad I got this copy for review.

Joanna Archer has had plenty to deal with and that was way before she just became another normal mortal human. But now things have changed and her former crew have turned their backs on her while Joanna’s enemies have sort of turned into some would called allies. Joanna not only has to deal with a psycho killer but also has to endure one of the most anticipated wedding.

The suspense and action alone keeps trying to put Joanna down but she is not going to go down without a fight. Readers and fans alike are going to love reading Cheat The Grave. Key characters are still out to kill Joanna but she has new and surprising allies that help her along the way to survival.

I found this to be one of the best books of 2010. Cheat The Grave not only blew me away but is also the best page turner novel I have read this year.

Each page and chapter kept me in suspense and awe. Not to mention also about how awesome each surprising twists and turns that kept me distracted from watching one of my favorite television Sunday night series finale.

The last page alone is well worth the trip to the bookstore. I cannot wait to read the next book in the Sign of The Zodiac saga. Cheat The Grave is my pick for one of my top ten books to read in 2010. Get your copy today!

I give Cheat The Grave a rating of 4 out 5 Stars.


Veronica
© Strictly Reviews 2010

ARC Review - Shut Up and Kiss Me by Christie Craig

Shut Up and Kiss Me by Christie Craig
Dorchester Publishing
June 2010
ISBN: 978-0-5055-2799-8
ARC book received by Publisher for review
Available Format - Trade Paperback, Ebook
Pages 336
Purchasing Links: Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Borders
Author's website







Book Blurb:

WELCOME TO PRECIOUS, TEXAS

Where fistfights serve as dinner theater and fire ants rain from the sky. The locals are usually very friendly, if a bit eccentric. No pictures please, or you may find yourself a guest of the county morgue.

“Christie Craig will crack you up!”
—New York Times Bestselling Author Kerrelyn Sparks

Photojournalist Shala Winters already had her hands full bringing tourism to this backward, podunk little town, but her job just got tougher. Pictures can say a thousand words, and one of Shala’s is screaming bloody murder. Now she has to entrust a macho, infuriating lawman with her life—but she’ll never trust him with her heart.

Trusted or not, Sky Gomez isn’t about to let a killer get his hands on Shala’s Nikon—or any of her more comely assets, for that matter. Her mouth might move faster than a Piney Woods roadrunner, but all he can think about is how good it must taste…and how she’ll never escape true love.

MY THOUGHTS…

All Shala wanted to do is complete her job and return home. Too bad she didn’t count on some madman out to kill Shala for her camera. Luckily she has a few people there for her whether she wants their help or not.

Sky doesn’t believe in love at first sight.. Hell, he doesn’t believe in true love either that is until he meets Shala. And according to his pesky foster father, Redfoot…Shala is Sky’s true soul mate. Now if only he can keep her alive long enough to prove his old man wrong.

(Yeah, like that is really going to happen.)

From the very beginning I fell head over heels in love with Ms. Craig’s Shut Up and Kiss Me. Who wouldn’t love a book with that title alone. I still have a huge kool-aid smile on my face thinking about this book. I knew this was going to be a great book.. What I didn’t count on was how much I was going to love Shut Up and Kiss Me.

The sparks literally fall from the heavens above every time Sky and Shala are in with inches from each other. Hell must be missing their heat ever since Sky and Shala seem to drawn it them.

Okay enough about Sky and Shala not that they weren't a huge part of the reason that drew me into the story.

Matt and Maria… These two are so amazing together! I love how tormented they are and learn how much secrets could destroy the only thing worth fighting for. Eventhough they weren't the main hero/heroine, I happen to love these two characters as well. Their mini storyline just made this book even more addicting read.

Now speaking of one character that need a swift kick in the ass.. Jose. He’s going to realize that he missed out on something wonderful with two of the female characters in this book. I love the emotions and inner turmoil he goes through in his realization of what he really stands to lose, his family and of course love with the right woman.

Redfoot is the glue that holds this family albeit dysfunctional family, but family nonetheless together.

Christie Craig, you just rocked my world with “Shut Up and Kiss Me.” I can’t help the last time a book kept me smiling and the kind of smiles that hurt because one can’t stop smiling kind of smiles. I really, really, really, really, truly hope that you will add more titles to this Precious, Texas world.

Well, I hope I did a good job with review and not embarrassed myself too much. *Grin* Yeah, I know.. too late for that.

I rate “Shut Up and Kiss Me” 5 out 5 Stars!

Book review by:

Veronica

Note: This review has been edited and revised from originally posted review from date: 3/11/2010. And this review will also be post at Book Lovers, Inc. Blog here.