Trouble in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon might be my favorite new series!

Before the recommendations on my Kindle went wonky, Trouble in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon was a constant suggestion for a book I might be interested in. It took a while for me to bother clicking on it because the premise seemed a bit silly. I'm glad I finally did though, because this was a wonderful book! Full of vibrant characters and an interesting location, I was pulled in by the sample and immediately clicked the "Buy Now" button. 


Trouble in Mudbug is a light, fun read with the hilarious twist of a Mother-in-law haunting. I loved how the characters developed throughout the story. Nothing stagnant in this story aside from the smell of the bayou. I am looking forward to the rest of the books in this delightful series!

Description:

"Scientist Maryse Robicheaux thought that a lot of her problems had gone away with her mother-in-law’s death. The woman was rude, pushy, manipulative and used her considerable wealth to run herd over the entire town of Mudbug, Louisiana. 

Unfortunately, death doesn’t slow down Helena one bit.

DEA Agent Luc LeJeune is wondering what his undercover assignment investigating the sexy scientist has gotten him into – especially as it seems someone wants her dead. Keeping his secrets while protecting Maryse proves to be easier than fighting his attraction for the brainy beauty."

Trouble in Mudbug is currently $0.99 on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You'll spend more for the subsequent books in the series, but they're worth it.

Happy Reading!

~Heidi

**Disclaimer: I am not a professional literary reviewer. I am not being paid or otherwise compensated for this unsolicited review. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

Take the Monkeys and Run by Karen Cantwell - Hilarious Cozy Mystery

Holy cow! Take the Monkeys and Run is a laugh-out-loud treat. Believable? Heck, no! Hysterical? No doubt. Karen Cantwell has written an enormously funny cozy mystery complete with murder, monkeys and the mob. Looking for sentimental and thought-provoking? Look elsewhere. Want to be enormously entertained? Click here! (Have a Nook? try this link) I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it for a fun, silly-good time.

Description:

"Soccer mom, Barbara Marr, just found monkeys in her trees and a severed human head in her neighbor’s basement. Could her day get any worse? When she gets a little too snoopy for her own good . . . you betcha it does!"

Happy Reading!


~Heidi

Amazon: What have you done to your "Also-Bought" feature? An irritated reader's perspective.

I love to read! Books are the one thing I never even think twice about spending money on. Well, I do wait for the price to come down on new releases, but before Kindle I only bought hardbacks for two authors so that's not much of a change. One of the reasons I chose a Kindle over a Nook or iPad, etc. is because of the ease of shopping with Amazon. I suppose the ease hasn't changed (it's still incredibly EASY to purchase an ebook - as evidenced by my smoking bank statements), but Amazon isn't doing a very good job of recommending books to me lately.


I like to try new authors (I already know how to find the bestsellers, thank you very much). And one of the ways I stumbled upon most of the fantastic books I've been blogging about recently is through the "Also-Bought" feature. Yet, when I went to Marie Force's Fatal Destiny page (because I'd downloaded it as a freebie and wanted to BUY the rest) HER OTHER BOOKS weren't on the page. What? I have to know an author's name and search for her books that way? I read A LOT (have I said that already?) and I can't always remember the author's name until I've read several of their books. But I usually remember the name of the last book I read...


I tried it again with another book and what do you know? Nothing but freebies by other authors on the "Also-Boughts". Seriously? If Amazon is trying to get authors to stop giving their work away for free, they should just stop matching free prices. Let's be honest - they're the shiz and by not price-matching to free, they're not going to lose any "sales". But if they are going to allow freebies, as a reader and consumer, I want to be able to easily find an author's other books on their own book pages. Yes, I do enjoy seeing the other books in the same genre/price range, but if I wasn't OCD, Amazon would have just lost several sales because I'm irritated. 


The "Also-Bought" feature should be just that... books that have been purchased by readers who also bought the one I'm looking at. Maybe I'm wrong, but I doubt the only books "also" purchased were all free. I understand why author's give away a first book in a series - it's a loss leader to build readership. For me, it's hit or miss, but when I find one I like, make it easy for me to buy the rest!


Or maybe there is a culture of readers who purchase nothing but free books. If that's the case, show them nothing but freebies. But I know your algorithms are smart enough to recognize that is not the case on my account... show me the good stuff! Impress my with your intuitive technology.


For the record, as a reader I enjoy being able to try out a short story that leads to a series for free. I have discovered MANY new voices it might have taken me years to uncover with these free introductions. As an author? Well, that's another blog post...


So, if anyone from Amazon is listening - I love your "also-bought" recommendations when they are a true picture of what was also bought and for most author's, their own books should be in that category... can we go back to the good old days? Please?


Rant over :-)


Happy Reading!


~Heidi

Fatal Destiny by Marie Force - Hot, Sexy Suspense (and it's another FREEBIE)

I've been a busy little reader lately and grabbing up some free books while I have the time. Fatal Destiny is my first book by Marie Force and I am hooked. Lots of characters and a STRONG female heroine with a STRONG hero to back her up. I really enjoyed Fatal Destiny and am glad to know there is a series of these books (so many characters to delve into!). This is a novella (39,000 words), but there was plenty of character development and a juicy storyline, so I didn't feel cheated by the shorter length. In fact, I had to check Amazon because I knew I'd read it quickly, but it didn't feel like anything other than a full novel. I highly recommend!

Description:

"With the week of their wedding finally upon them, Washington, D.C., Police Lieutenant Sam Holland and her fiancé, Senator Nick Cappuano, are at odds. In the aftermath of a tragic loss, they struggle to reconnect as the big day draws near, but their work keeps pulling them apart. When a new clue into a cold case surfaces, Nick asks Sam not to take any foolish chances before the wedding and to leave it alone for the time being.
Sam agrees, but she can't let it go entirely and winds up trapped in an explosive situation. Then an unwelcome visitor from her past threatens her future happiness… With trouble at every turn, will Sam survive long enough to walk down the aisle?
Book 3.5: a Fatal novella."


Fatal Destiny is currently FREE on Amazon and BN for Nook. And don't miss Fatal Affair, Fatal Justice and Fatal Consequences, I know I won't. 


Happy Reading!


~Heidi

**Disclaimer: I am not a professional literary reviewer. I am not being paid or otherwise compensated for this unsolicited review. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

Ex on the Beach by Lisa Scott - So Cute (and FREE)

Okay, I'm becoming a fairly big fan of Lisa Scott. Ex on the Beach is the perfect break from heavier reading and excellent when you want a sweet, happy story and don't have much spare time. Predictable? Of course, but I don't read Chick-Lit to over-tax my brain...I read it because it's so much darn fun! Well-written and engaging, Ex on the Beach is easy to recommend.

Description:


"She’s trying to forget the fiancé who cancelled their wedding—until she sees her ex on the beach. 

Heather should be celebrating her one year wedding anniversary instead of the first annual Parker Family Reunion. Then she sees her ex on the beach—and he wants her back. Now, their two families will stop at nothing to get them together. But is it too late for love?

10,000 words, or 40 typical book pages

This is one of the stories from the collection, Beach Flirts! 5 Romantic Short Stories. Buy the whole collection for just $2.99 (with fewer calories than your favorite cappuccino and probably cheaper, too! Save money--lose weight!) Read them all, and discover the loose thread that ties them together."


Currently FREE on Amazon and Nook, there is no reason not to immediately download Ex on the Beach. I will warn you that I have become fairly addicted to these stories. Ex on the Beach is part of the Beach Flirts collection (5 short stories - $2.99)... and then there's Flirts! Enjoy!


Happy Reading!


~Heidi

**Disclaimer: I am not a professional literary reviewer. I am not being paid or otherwise compensated for this unsolicited review. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

For Love or Legacy by Ruth Cardello - Another great romantic read!

Somehow between finishing the first book in my new series, cleaning my windows and patio furniture, and washing my car, I managed to also finish reading Book two of Ruth Cardello's Legacy Collection, For Love or Legacy. I didn't expect to be disappointed, and I wasn't. Great story, wonderful characters and *spoiler alert* a happy ending. What was there not to love? My only complaint? Book three won't be out until next year! Hurry up, I'm dying to find out what Jake and Lil's story will be.

Description:

"Book 2: For Love or Legacy (Legacy Collection)

Nicole Corisi will lose her inheritance if she doesn’t find a way around the terms of her father’s will, but she will have to partner up with her estranged brother’s rival to do it. As pretense becomes painfully real, Nicole will have to choose between Stephan and the family he is driven to destroy.

Stephan Andrade has been planning his revenge ever since Dominic Corisi unscrupulously took over his father’s company. With Corisi Enterprises gambling its reputation on the success of a new software network for China, Stephan finally has his chance to take back his legacy. Dominic’s younger sister, Nicole, asks Stephan for his help and provides him with an opportunity to exact his revenge on a personal level.

It all goes smoothly until he falls in love."

If you haven't read Book 1, Maid for the Billionaire, definitely buy and read it first. It is still FREE on Amazon and only $0.99 for Nook (It's only a buck...don't miss out). And definitely don't hesitate to buy For Love or Legacy - $2.99 for Kindle and Nook. Great romance!!!

Happy Reading!

~Heidi

**Disclaimer: I am not a professional literary reviewer. I am not being paid or otherwise compensated for this unsolicited review. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

Author Groupie: Learn More about Romance Author Heidi Hall

Author Groupie: Learn More about Romance Author Heidi Hall: A film that brings tears to your eyes . . . The Notebook! I started crying ten minutes in. My husband had fallen asleep (of course!) and w...

Maid for the Billionaire by Ruth Cardello - LOVED IT!

Yay!!! A really good romance novel - finally! I finished Maid for the Billionaire last night and, like all great stories, I didn't want it to end. I think what I enjoyed most was how well the main characters were written. Both had depth that added so much to the experience - in the end I felt I really knew them! It is easy for me to wholeheartedly recommend this book!

Description:

"Dominic Corisi knew instantly that Abigail Dartley was just the distraction he was looking for, especially since having her took a bit more persuading than he was used to. So when business forces him to fly to China, he decides to take her with him, but on his terms. No promises. No complications. Just sex.


Abby has always been the responsible one. She doesn’t believe in taking risks; especially when it comes to men - until she meets Dominic. He’s both infuriating and intoxicating, a heady combination. Their trip to China revives a long forgotten side of Abby, but also reveals a threat to bring down Dominic’s company. With no time to explain her actions, Abby must either influence the outcome of his latest venture and save his company or accept her role as his mistress and leave his fate to chance. Does she love him enough to risk losing him for good?"

Maid for the Billionaire is currently free on Amazon! For some reason it is $0.99 on Nook, but it's only a buck! Book 2, For Love or Legacy is also available (already loaded on my Kindle) and only $2.99 same for Nook). In the mood for a little romance this weekend? Download Maid for the Billionaire now!


Happy Reading!


~Heidi

**Disclaimer: I am not a professional literary reviewer. I am not being paid or otherwise compensated for this unsolicited review. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

The Hot Girl's Friend by Lisa Scott - Great Lunchtime Read!!!

I usually don't download short stories - I want something I can sink my teeth into. But the title alone made me take a second glance and I'm sure glad I did! The Hot Girl's Friend is fantastically written Chick-Lit! Fun, witty and engrossing. I really enjoyed the dialog/banter in this book - pulled me in as if I was having the conversation myself. Completely relatable and, well, simply an adorable read! These short stories are perfect for a lunch break, or anytime you want to be entertained without too much of a time investment. I'm going back to download the collection of this series (Flirts!) NOW!


Description:
"The stories include:

“The Hot Girl’s Friend”
How can a plain Jane find love when her best friend is a curvy blonde man magnet?

Jane usually busies herself during a night on the town, fending off the men lusting after her gorgeous friend Miranda. When Brady the bartender overhears her inspired, ludicrous excuses, he resolves to hook up Jane with his friends. But Jane would be quite happy with him. Pine along as Jane tries to find her own happily ever after.


“Wrong Place, Right Guy”
She’s in the wrong place at the wrong time. Can the guy who saves her be Mr. Right? Or will his past keep them apart?

When Kristen is jumped in a parking lot, Tony jumps in to save the day. While she thinks her hero could also be her heartthrob, Tony’s worried his past is reason to stay apart. Will the good guy get the girl in the end?

“Not You”
One night with a stranger…gets even stranger the next day.

Single, lonely Carly thinks the best way to handle her mother’s third wedding is by throwing her own bachelorette-party-for-one the night before. What’s the harm in her first one-night stand ever? She’ll find out the next day.

“Desperately Seeking Cupid”
Does she finally have the key for finding love?

Brianna has tried everything to find love—with no luck. So she’s turning to feng shui to bring romance to her world. Too bad the guy she’s after thinks its bunk. Will her formula for love work—or blow up in her face?

“Never Been Dumped”
It’s a relationship with an expiration date and it’s going to go bad.

Rachel hates breaking hearts. She’s never been dumped, and she’s tired of being the one to walk away. But a handsome stranger in town for the summer promises he’ll dump her after their summer fling. Will they be able to say goodbye?"

Currently, The Hot Girl's Friend is FREE on Amazon. Honestly, I would just download the collection because it's only $2.99 and if you love Chick-Lit like I do, you're going to want to read the rest of them! Be prepared... there's also a Beach Flirts! collection!

Happy Reading!

~Heidi

**Disclaimer: I am not a professional literary reviewer. I am not being paid or otherwise compensated for this unsolicited review. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

Impeding Justice by Mel Comely - Great Suspense!

I decided to take a break from Chick-Lit and Romance, and try out something with a little more suspense. Mel Comely's Impeding Justice did the trick. Action-packed and gritty, I was thoroughly impressed with this novel. I enjoyed the main character and the real-life issues she was dealing with in the midst of chaos. It certainly didn't hurt that the author is obviously British (I love everything about London, especially the colloquialisms). A highly recommendable read!

Description:

"Detective Inspector Lorne Simpkins comes up against her long-time nemesis, The Unicorn. After leading Simpkins and her partner into a trap, in which Pete is killed, Lorne comes to the conclusion the criminal is obtaining insider information, enabling him to stay one step ahead of them.

Can Lorne uncover who the mole is before The Unicorn harms her daughter?"

Currently only $0.99 on Amazon (Get it while you can! This is ridiculously low for such a great book!). Book two, Final Justice, is already available in the series and I can't wait to dive in.


Happy Reading!


~Heidi

**Disclaimer: I am not a professional literary reviewer. I am not being paid or otherwise compensated for this unsolicited review. The opinions stated here are mine alone.

HELP! Back-to-back books I didn't enjoy. I need recommendations!

Nobody expects a Romance or Chick-Lit novel to be an extraordinary work of fiction. I read them to escape - I'm easily entertained. I can find something redeeming in almost everything I read. But I'm in a dilemma...I recently read two books that I didn't enjoy. With trying to write a new novel, working full time and a family and house to take care of, I don't have a whole lot of free time. I love reading and also love sharing the great books I find. It's my escape. But what do I do when I get back-to-back stinkers?

I guess it wouldn't be bothering me so much if there had been even the slightest inkling that these books were sub-par. There wasn't. I often base my own book-buying decisions on fellow reader reviews and these were 100% "this is a great book". Maybe that should have been a red flag...not everyone is going to like every book and sometimes it's the dissenting views that lure me to buy. Now, one of them wasn't necessarily a bad book, just tedious and boring. And that one might just be my own reading preference. The other was actually painful to read though - confusing tenses, repeated misuse of words, unbelievable dialog, missing words, poor sentence structure - in addition to being a mediocre storyline. All around, it was a BAD book.

The world doesn't need any more negativity, so I'm going to write them off as a waste of my time and move on. I suppose I'm just disappointed because they both sounded so good from the blurbs and reviews. And they had wonderful covers (I love covers).

My own advice to fellow voracious readers: SAMPLE, SAMPLE, SAMPLE! Amazon makes it so easy. I would have passed on both of these had I taken the time to download a sample or check out the Look Inside feature. Lesson learned.

Now that I've thrown my tantrum, any suggestions on a GREAT book you've read recently? (Not your own, please.) I'm on a Chick-Lit kick, but Romantic Suspense could be fun as well. I'm also trying to keep within a budget, so the latest Janet Evanovich is going to have to wait. I hope the rest of you are reading something fabulous! If you are, I want to know what it is...

~Heidi