tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82336936565368086932024-03-13T07:26:49.142-07:00Heidi Hall - WriterGurl1Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-10499447727127226222013-08-06T21:38:00.001-07:002013-08-06T21:38:51.134-07:00In Celebration of Summer Reading - Jenna Bennett<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517cblHOT-L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA318_PIkin4,BottomRight,-18,-11_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517cblHOT-L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA318_PIkin4,BottomRight,-18,-11_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Yes, I know - I've been addicted to series this summer. I can't help myself! I hate when a book ends... I almost always want to know "what happens next?" That was certainly the case with Jenna Bennett's <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cutthroat-Business-Mysteries-Savannah-ebook/dp/B009JW2AXK/ref=pd_sim_kstore_5" target="_blank">Savannah Martin Mysteries</a></i></b> series. Murder, mystery, drama and... Rafe. Oh, Rafe. The bad boy. Don't you just love a bad boy with a mushy center? Of course, there's also Todd, the man Savannah "should" want to be with. But what fun is there in doing what you're supposed to do? Being who everyone thinks you should be?<br />
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Not much fun at all, am I right?<br />
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I highly recommend this series! It's fun and addictive. And I'd go ahead and buy the bundle if I were you ($9.99 for the first <b>five </b>books). There's also <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Contingent-Approval-Savannah-Christmas-ebook/dp/B00A9N9MAM/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1" target="_blank"><b><i>Contingent on Approval</i></b></a> (Savannah Martin Christmas Novella 5½ - only $0.99) and <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Change-Savannah-Martin-mystery-ebook/dp/B00CPOWT6W/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1" target="_blank">Change of Heart</a></i></b> (#6) available in the series. I can't wait to see what happens next!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Description (From Amazon product page):</span></b><br />
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Savannah Martin has always been a good girl, doing what was expected and fully expecting life to fall into place in its turn. But when her perfect husband turns out to be a lying, cheating slimeball - and bad in bed to boot - Savannah kicks the jerk to the curb and embarks on life on her own terms. With a new apartment, a new career, and a brand new outlook on life, she's all set to take the world by storm. If only the world would stop throwing her curveballs...<br />
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A CUTTHROAT BUSINESS - book #1<br />
Everyone has warned Savannah that real estate is a cutthroat business, but she doesn't think she's supposed to take the warning literally... until she finds herself standing over the butchered body of a competitor, face to face with the man her mother always warned her about.<br />
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HOT PROPERTY - book #2<br />
When Savannah’s friend Lila Vaughn turns up dead, tied to her bed and strangled, Savannah's old school mate Rafe Collier becomes a suspect. It's up to Savannah to figure out what really happened before Detective Grimaldi can arrest the wrong man.<br />
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CONTRACT PENDING - book #3<br />
Savannah has to make the choice between staying safe by accepting Todd Satterfield’s proposal, or taking a chance on losing her life - and her heart - by trying to help Rafe, when the term ‘contract pending’ takes on a whole new meaning.<br />
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CLOSE TO HOME - book #4<br />
Between the murder of Savannah's sister-in-law Sheila, the trial of Sheila's friend Marley, and the disappearance of Rafe's twelve year old son David, Savannah has her hands full... and that's before she realizes she's pregnant.<br />
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A DONE DEAL - book #5<br />
When Alexandra Puckett asks Savannah's help in getting rid of her father's fianceé, Savannah jumps at the opportunity to get her mind off Rafe Collier and the new woman in his life. But when someone starts gunning for Savannah, all bets are off.<br />
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CONTINGENT ON APPROVAL - book #5.5<br />
It's the morning after the events of A DONE DEAL, and Savannah is looking at Rafe Collier, a pair of fuzzy handcuffs, a economy sized box of condoms (one of which plays Christmas carols), and the rest of her life... but first, there's Christmas dinner with the Martins to get through. Between Margaret Anne at her most poisonous, the ugliest Christmas sweater the world has ever seen, and yet another engagement ring under the tree, Savannah has plenty to worry about, not the least of which is whether Rafe will still want to stick around after dessert.<br />
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CHANGE OF HEART - book #6<br />
It’s late February, just two months after Savannah Martin and Rafael Collier finally worked things out between them, and Rafe is already sneaking out of bed in the wee hours. Catching fellow realtor Tim Briggs rinsing blood from his hands in the office sink makes for a welcome distraction, and when Tim disappears just as one of his clients is found dead in a nearby park, Savannah throws herself into the investigation with abandon. But even the murder mystery taking place right under her nose can’t completely distract her from worrying about personal problems. Has Rafe changed his mind about their relationship, or is something else going on? And what are the chances of Savannah coming out of this latest debacle with her life – and her heart – intact?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Reading!</span><br />
<br />
~Heidi<br />
<br />Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-57030206969474130992013-07-17T19:49:00.003-07:002013-07-17T19:49:54.425-07:00In Celebration of Summer Reading - Ann Charles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Post number two in my Celebration of Summer Reading series is dedicated to Ann Charles and her <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_11?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ann%20charles&sprefix=ann+charles%2Caps%2C123&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aann%20charles" target="_blank">Deadwood & Jackrabbit Junction Series'</a></b></i>, who now has another fan -- ME!<br />
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My love affair with this author (okay, I may be overstating a tad... I haven't actually <i>met </i>the author. But I am in love with her books) began with the Deadwood Humorous Mystery Series, so I'll focus on those books first.<br />
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I started with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Departed-Deadwood-Humorous-Mystery-ebook/dp/B004JF4MME/" target="_blank"><i><b>Nearly Departed in Deadwood</b></i></a> and read the entire series (to date) in a weekend. Fun, well-written and the characters simply come alive! There's mystery and romance, humor and heartwarming moments and... ghosts. I love ghosts!<br />
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And the setting was original (at least, it was for me) and brought to life vividly. Now I want to visit South Dakota (words I never considered saying before). I liked the fledgling Realtor angle as well... I spend many weekends poking around model homes and open houses (I'm nosy), so it was fun to do it without leaving the my back patio.<br />
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There are four books in the series so far (in order): <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Departed-Deadwood-Humorous-Mystery-ebook/dp/B004JF4MME/" target="_blank">Nearly Departed in Deadwood</a></b></i>, <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Optical-Delusions-Deadwood-Humorous-ebook/dp/B005007HQ0/" target="_blank"><i>Optical Delusions in Deadwood</i></a></b>, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Deadwood-Humorous-Mystery-ebook/dp/B007IZY1S2/" target="_blank">Dead Case in Deadwood</a></i></b>, <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Better-Deadwood-Humorous-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00BEXVHW2/" target="_blank"><i>Better off Dead in Deadwood</i></a></b>, as well as <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Better-Deadwood-Humorous-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00BEXVHW2/" target="_blank"><b>Seeing Trouble</b></a></i> and <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Points-Deadwood-Mystery-Series-ebook/dp/B00D494J2O/" target="_blank">Boot Points</a></i></b> - both short stories. I can't wait for more! Go - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_11?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ann%20charles&sprefix=ann+charles%2Caps%2C123&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aann%20charles" target="_blank">buy them all now</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CZsC82N9L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CZsC82N9L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Miss Charles also has another series set in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_11?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ann%20charles&sprefix=ann+charles%2Caps%2C123&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aann%20charles" target="_blank">Jackrabbit Junction</a>, Arizona. As an Arizonan, it was fun to read about an area of the state I haven't spent much time in. And the characters, mystery and romance in these books were just as addicting!<br />
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The saga begins with <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winnebagos-Jackrabbit-Junction-Humorous-ebook/dp/B005VKQIUK/" target="_blank">Dance of the Winnegabos</a></i></b> and Claire being assigned to keep her grandfather out of trouble when he and his posse visit the Arizona desert to find new wives... with an intro like that, how can you resist finding out what happens next?<br />
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But then she finds a human leg bone and a partner in crime solving (and maybe romance) with a sexy geotechnician related to the owner of the struggling RV park she is temporarily calling home... and the fun really begins.<br />
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There are two books in the series so far (in order): <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winnebagos-Jackrabbit-Junction-Humorous-ebook/dp/B005VKQIUK/" target="_blank">Dance of the Winnebagos</a></b></i> and <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jackrabbit-Junction-Jitters-Humorous-ebook/dp/B008IY6M9S/" target="_blank">Jackrabbit Junction Jitters</a></i></b>, with a promise of a mid-2013 release of <i><b>The Great Jackalope Stampede</b></i>. I can't wait! And I guarantee you'll be hooked, too.<br />
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Happy Summer Reading!<br />
<br />
~HeidiHeidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-81559905879694143332013-07-08T13:59:00.000-07:002013-07-08T14:01:54.016-07:00In Celebration of Summer Reading - Terri Reid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have been neglecting my blog recently, but now that my latest book is done I wanted to do a series of recommendations for summer reading. Throughout the next few weeks, I will be highlighting some of the fantastic books I've read in between edits and rewrites (and when I'm just procrastinating). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm kicking off the celebration with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Terri%20Reid's%20Mary%20O'Reilly%20Paranormal%20Mysteries" target="_blank">Terri Reid's Mary O'Reilly Paranormal Mysteries</a>. From the first page of this awesome series, I was hooked. I read what was available back-to-back and can't even begin to express how impressed I was: with the writing, with the characters and, especially, with the fun plots. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As a word of caution, I must state that these books are HIGHLY addictive -- and there are TEN of them so far -- so be prepared. I missed more than one deadline of my own because I had to know what would happen next. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">BTW, these are clean books - no gratuitous sex or curse words. Just thought I'd mention it, in case that's what you're looking for. I usually shop in the sinner's section, but clean can be a nice change of pace -- not that you notice it with these books, you're too caught up in the story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, go download <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Loose-Ends-OReilly-Paranormal-ebook/dp/B003Y5H8IK/" target="_blank">Loose Ends (Book One) for only $0.99</a> and enjoy hours of wonderful entertainment!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Loose-Ends-OReilly-Paranormal-ebook/dp/B003Y5H8IK/" target="_blank"><b>Loose Ends (book One)</b></a></i> Description from Amazon product page:</span><br />
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Dying is what changed Mary O’Reilly’s life. Well, actually, coming back from the dead and having the ability to communicate with ghosts is really what did it.<br />
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Now, a private investigator in rural Freeport, Illinois, Mary’s trying to learn how to incorporate her experience as a Chicago cop and new-found talent into a real job. Her challenge is to solve the mysteries, get real evidence (a ghost’s word just doesn’t hold up in court), and be sure the folks in town, especially the handsome new police chief, doesn’t think she’s nuts.<br />
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Twenty-four years ago, a young woman drowned in the swimming pool of a newly elected State Senator. It was ruled an accident. But now, as the Senator prepares to move on to higher positions, the ghost of the woman is appearing to the Senator’s wife.<br />
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Mary is hired to discover the truth behind the death. She unearths a connection between the murder and the disappearance of five little girls whose cases, twenty-four years later, are still all unsolved. As she digs further she becomes the next target for serial killers’ quest to tie up all his loose ends.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other books in the Mary O'Reilly Mysteries Series (descriptions from <a href="http://terrireid.com/">terrireid.com</a>):</span><br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Good-Tidings-OReilly-Paranormal-ebook/dp/B004DI7JZO/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2" target="_blank">Good Tidings (Book Two)</a></i></b><br />
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Black Friday – the official opening of the Holiday Shopping Season and Patrice Marcum is stuck in the middle of her local superstore with a crying infant, a near hysterical desire to just abandon the diapers and milk she desperately needs, and the snowstorm of the century dumping a half-foot of snow on the parking lot outside. She needs a miracle.<br />
The little old lady seemed sweet, but there was no way Patrice was going to leave three-month old Jeremy with a stranger. She looked outside at the snow-covered parking lot and saw yet another distressed shopper’s cart topple over in the drifts. The old lady sensed her distress and volunteered to call a store employee to help watch over Jeremy while Patrice got her car. The older gentleman, wearing a store badge with the name “Ron,” seemed too good to be true. What could be safer?<br />
Less than five minutes later, after brushing the snow off the van and driving across the crowded and snow-packed parking lot, Patrice pulls up in front of the store. Jeremy is not there. Pushing back panic, she rushes into the store and looks around. Jeremy is not inside either. She pushes through the line at Customer Service, the associate calls Ron on the intercom, and issues a Code Adam. When Ron appears and he’s only seventeen years old, Patrice realizes the worst. “Oh God! They’ve taken my baby!”<br />
Mary O’Reilly, Private Investigator, is decorating her office for the holiday season when the newly installed bell over her door jingles. She looks over to see a six year-old boy standing next to her desk. His name is Joey Marcum and he wants to hire Mary to find his baby brother.<br />
Mary nodded. “Okay, Joey, but I’ll want to work with the police on this one. Do you have any problems with that?”<br />
Joey paused. “No, I guess you can talk to them.” <br />
“That’ll be helpful.”<br />
“But you can’t tell my mom you’re working for me,” he said, “Promise?”<br />
“Yes, I promise.”<br />
Joey shrugged. “I don’t think she’d understand, seeing that I’m dead, you know.”<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Never-Forgotten-OReilly-Paranormal-ebook/dp/B004SBNAPY/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2" target="_blank">Never Forgotten (Book Three)</a></i></b><br />
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Bradley crept forward between the tall narrow aisles created by the shelves. Just before he reached the corner he heard a thump, the sound of a body hitting the floor. He rushed forward into the corner of the room.<br />
The desk was empty. The chair was pushed up against it, neatly awaiting its usual occupant. No one was in the corner. No one was there to make the sound. No one…alive.<br />
A cold chill ran down his back. He really wanted to leave the room. Instead, he moved closer.<br />
He walked to the window and looked outside. Snow fell softly on the rooftops in the city of Freeport. It was Christmas Eve, a night of peace and miracles.<br />
“Go home.”<br />
He jumped around. The voice was just behind him.<br />
Even before he turned, he knew no one would be there.<br />
He rubbed the back of his neck, still cold from the breath that carried those words.<br />
The curse had killed another Law Enforcement Officer in Stephenson County, this time it struck on Christmas Eve. Nearly a dozen good men had died in the past four years and they all had the same unexplained symptoms. And Mary knew Bradley was next.<br />
Click here to buy Never Forgotten<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Final-Call-OReilly-Paranormal-ebook/dp/B00584UT68/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2" target="_blank">Final Call (Book Four)</a></i></b><br />
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Stanley peered up into the shadows above the stage. There was a colorful blaze of fabric amidst the burgundy curtains and canvas backdrops. He moved closer, trying to get a better view from a different angle.<br />
“Hey, what’s this play about anyway?” Stanley asked. “Is it a Western?”<br />
“No, it’s a drama,” Rosie replied.<br />
“How come you need a dummy hanging from a rope?”<br />
She looked over quickly. “No one gets hanged in the play.”<br />
“Sure looks like it. Up there.”<br />
Rosie looked up to where he directed and saw the caftan and silk pants ruffling in the slight breeze of the theater twenty feet over the stage.<br />
“Oh, sweet heavens! Stanley,” she screamed. “That’s Faye!”<br />
Faye McMullen was murdered in cold blood at Winneshiek Theater and Mary O’Reilly and Police Chief Bradley Alden have to discover who done it before the murderer gets the chance to get rid of the prime witness… Mary O’Reilly.<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Darkness-Exposed-OReilly-Paranormal-ebook/dp/B005OR3B2I/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1" target="_blank">Darkness Exposed (Book Five)</a></i></b><br />
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Jeannine appeared in the room across from Mary. Her face was streaked with tears and she was visibly trembling. “Mary, I remembered,” she cried. “I remembered and it was awful.”<br />
The time has finally come for Mary to investigate Jeannine’s murder. As all clues point to someone in Bradley’s old neighborhood, Mary and Ian move in to the former Alden residence and pose as newlyweds to set Mary up as bait for the killer. With Stanley and Rosie at their side, they expose the darkness hidden in the depths of Bradley’s old neighborhood.<br />
Click here to buy Darkness Exposed<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Reaction-OReilly-Paranormal-ebook/dp/B006O544SO/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2" target="_blank">Natural Reaction (Book Six)</a></i></b><br />
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The last few students climbed through windows, black smoke billowing out of them. The teacher turned to his student. “I’ll let you down first.”<br />
“But Coach, whose going to help you?”<br />
“Hey, you’re my best fielder, I expect to jump right into your arms,” he said. “Just promise not to whip me over to Smith for a double play.”<br />
The young man, his face streaked with soot, grinned at his coach. “Yeah, Coach, I promise.”<br />
He took the young man’s hands in a tight grip and slowly lowered him out the window. When he had extended his reach as far as he could, he let him go.<br />
The student fell into the evergreen boughs, the prickly needles scraped his arms, but the branches kept him from hitting the ground. He rolled off the bushes and jumped up as fast as he could. He turned his eager face up to the window. “Okay, Coach,” he called.<br />
The explosion violently blew the windows out of the building. Screaming students darted across the lawn, barely escaping the shards of glass raining down on them. All of the students except Stevo, who still stood below the gaping hole in the wall, oblivious to the blood running down his face and arms. “Coach, Coach,” he screamed. “I’m here, Coach. Coach, I’m here.”<br />
Mary O’Reilly investigates the death of a beloved high school coach while she tries to overcome the repercussion of solving Jeannine’s murder.<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Hollows-OReilly-Paranormal-ebook/dp/B007S7LKFM/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2" target="_blank">Secret Hollows (Book Seven)</a></i></b><br />
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The man smiled at Timmy. “That would be nice of you. Why don’t you lead the way?”<br />
Timmy moved past the man and started back up the hill. He heard the whoosh of something moving quickly through the air, but it hit him before he had time to react. He felt the impact against his head and his whole body flew sideways through the air. Landing in the dense ground cover, his face was momentarily buried in loose dirt, pine needles, dried leaves and twigs. Lifting his head, he took a deep breath and started to scramble away on his hands and knees. A strong hand caught him by the neck and pushed him back into the dirt.<br />
“Sorry, Timmy, I can’t let you go now,” the man whispered. “You’d tell.”<br />
Timmy Beck, Fireman Mike Richards’ boyhood friend, was killed twenty years ago, but everyone in the town is sure they caught the right man…or did they? Why is Timmy’s ghost still haunting Lake Le-Aqua-Na?<br />
Mary, Bradley, Ian and Mike investigate and find the true murderer may be much closer than they had ever expected.<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Promises-OReilly-Paranormal-ebook/dp/B0091K78NC/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1" target="_blank">Broken Promises (Book Eight)</a></i></b><br />
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Clarissa yawned and rubbed her eyes. “Will I ever meet an angel, Daddy?” she asked, as she snuggled into her pillow.<br />
He leaned over and kissed her on her forehead. “I’m sure you will, sweetheart,” he said. “You just have to watch for them.”<br />
She nodded sleepily. “Night Daddy, I love you.”<br />
“I love you too,” he whispered, to the already sleeping child.<br />
A fierce feeling of protectiveness struck him as he watched her sleep from the doorway. There is no way anyone is going to take her from us, he vowed silently. Not while I’m alive.<br />
The trial for Gary Copper has begun, but was there another murder in his past? One that would change the future for Bradley’s daughter? And as Rosie and Stanley prepare for their wedding, they both have some ghosts in their own closets they will have to deal with.<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Paths-Paranormal-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00APOR7U2/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1" target="_blank">Twisted Paths (Book Nine)</a></i></b><br />
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Gloria Foley turned off the light in the hallway and made her way slowly upstairs to bed. She paused at the doorway of her daughter’s bedroom and shook her head. It had been such an emotional day for all of them. She prayed she would have the strength to get them both through these treacherous teenaged years.<br />
Slowly turning the knob on the bedroom door, she quietly opened it to check on her sleeping child. Through the narrow opening, she could see the bed was still made and no one was sleeping on it. She opened the door wider and saw the shadow on the far wall and her heart clenched. Screaming, she flung the door open and ran to the figure hanging from the thick electric cord suspended from the ceiling fan. “No,” she screamed, as she tried to lift the inert body up to relieve the pressure against her neck. “Nooooooo!”<br />
The ghost of a teenager who committed suicide twenty years ago is haunting her family’s home. Can Mary link that death to the serial suicides of the girls who bullied her when she was alive?<br />
And with Gary Copper still on the loose, Mary and Bradley are faced with the challenge of keeping the newest member of their family safe and sound.<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Irish-Mist-Seans-OReilly-ebook/dp/B00B7PBN4E/" target="_blank">Irish Mist – Sean’s Story (A Mary O’Reilly Short Story)</a></i></b><br />
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What would you do to win a game of hide and seek? After all, as the oldest child in the family, Sean O’Reilly had a reputation to uphold. Besides, the things his grandmother said about the woods beyond her fence line were just fairy tales. Stories to frighten children into doing what’s right. Or were they?<br />
Author’s note: As I was working on Book 10, I realized that there was a story I needed to tell that would be important, not only to Book 10, but to the next series I’m planning on writing.<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Veiled-Passages-Paranormal-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00CHJA99Y/" target="_blank">Veiled Passages (Book Ten)</a></i></b><br />
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A famous mystery writer drowns in a hotel bathtub… an accident or foul play? His ghost thinks it was murder. His mystery writer colleagues want to help Mary solve the case. Gary Copper is still on the loose and gunning for both Bradley and Mary. And, in between all of the murder and mayhem, Mary and Bradley are trying desperately to finally walk up the aisle. Will they ever become husband and wife?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">~Heidi</span><br />
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<br />Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-72992838961345628442013-07-06T10:36:00.000-07:002013-07-06T10:36:32.771-07:00New Release - Flirting With Secrets - Assassins Anonymous - Step Three!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ll6-K4BmhtI/UPZhwVR8gAI/AAAAAAAAAN4/FQ8p61SmFqM/s1600/AA-Step-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ll6-K4BmhtI/UPZhwVR8gAI/AAAAAAAAAN4/FQ8p61SmFqM/s320/AA-Step-3.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
It's here...<br />
<br />
FINALLY!<br />
<br />
After more edits and rewrites than any author wants to admit to,<b><i> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flirting-Secrets-Assassins-Anonymous-ebook/dp/B00DSUREJO/" target="_blank">Flirting With Secrets</a></i></b> is out in the world. A huge<b><i> thank you</i></b> to everyone who has been patiently waiting for the finished book... thank goodness this is a series, because I had a really hard time putting this one to bed -- Kayla's story is far from over and she's been taking me in a million directions lately. Luckily, I'm having a blast bringing her adventures to life and <b><i>Flirting With Fame</i></b> is well on its way! <br />
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Happy Reading!<br />
~Heidi<br />
<br />
Read on for a short sample of <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flirting-Secrets-Assassins-Anonymous-ebook/dp/B00DSUREJO/" target="_blank">Flirting With Secrets:</a></i></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Loose ends.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> The words bounced around relentlessly inside my throbbing skull. The pain was worse than a Slurpee brain freeze and only slightly better than an exploding aneurism. And through it all I was contemplating loose ends. Why was the phrase so frigging important?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> Ugh, who cared? I hadn’t felt this brutalized since waking up in a hospital with few memories and a hole in my chest. What the hell was going on?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> I pried open my crusty eyes, confused and disoriented when they revealed nothing but more blackness. Oh, God! Was I blind? My hands flailed at my sides, trying to discern my surroundings by touch. I was in a bed – that much was for certain. A pretty comfortable one, too. So I was definitely </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">not</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> in a hospital – or a coffin, which had been my second thought and the cause of a minor panic attack.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> I felt something warm and soft beside me and experienced a slightly naughty thrill of anticipation, temporarily overriding my distress.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> Dmitri?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> Further exploration determined the body next to mine was not that of the sexy Greek arms dealer I had hoped it would be. That is unless he’d shrunk to half his size and grown boobs since abandoning me. </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Tying up loose ends</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">… that’s why the words were running through my brain. Dmitri’s cryptic note had been our last communication in… months. I didn’t even know if I should be concerned or angry. There was no “normal” for an ex-assassin who falls for a semi-reformed criminal.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> On second thought, normal didn’t matter. Over three months without even a text? He was damn lucky he wasn’t beside me right now or else he’d be in for an unwelcome awakening of the getting-the-shit-beaten-out-of-him variety. Schmuck.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> “Claire?” Even the soft, questioning whisper made the brittle synapses firing pain missives throughout my skull revolt. I needed drugs. Or a machete to cut my head off with.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> I gave the body beside me another shake when I received no response. “Claire? What’s going on?”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> The sheets rustled as the body stirred. “Are you up, honey?”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> Even stranger. That sound a bit like… “Mom?”</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> What was my mother doing in bed with me? I tried to pull my thoughts together, to remember the events leading up to what was either an on-going brain hemorrhage or the queen bitch of all hangovers. Hmmm. My last memory </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">was</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> of a going away party...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1494857594"></span>BUY NOW!<span id="goog_1494857595"></span></a></span><br />
<br />Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-79786708616456034412013-02-14T11:20:00.003-08:002013-02-14T11:22:07.765-08:00It's Official, Liliana Hart Rocks! Whiskey Rebellion & Whiskey Sour were Incredible Reads!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZDnRbT0rL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZDnRbT0rL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
I'm starting to sound like a bit of a fan-girl here, but I love finding a go-to author for reliably fabulous reads! After finishing the first two books in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=j.j.%20graves%20mysteries" target="_blank">J.J. Graves Mysteries</a> series, I decided to check out Ms. Hart's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whiskey-Rebellion-Romantic-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0053HWAWQ" target="_blank">Addison Holmes Series</a>. Yay! LOVED <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whiskey-Rebellion-Romantic-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0053HWAWQ" target="_blank">Whiskey Rebellion</a></i></b>. Humorous romantic suspense is the ultimate escape from reality in my opinion and this book hit all the sweet spots! Devoured it at the expense of my own writing... which I tend to do anyway as I'm wrapping things up, so I can't actually blame her.<br />
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Addison Holmes is my favorite type of heroine - self-deprecating, intelligent, irreverent and real. She's an every-woman type of gal and I was completely wrapped up in the events of her fictional life as I read this book.<br />
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And then there's Nick... yummy!<br />
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Read it! I can guarantee if you normally like my recommendations that this one will soon be a favorite of yours, too.<br />
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<b>Description from Amazon:</b><br />
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<br />
My name is Addison Holmes, and I teach history at James Madison High School in Whiskey Bayou, Georgia. You might be under the assumption that my life went to the dogs when my fiancé left me at the altar for the home economics teacher, or when I got notice that my apartment building was going to be condemned, or even when I was desperate enough to strip to my unmentionables to earn some extra cash. The truth is that I'm pretty much used to disasters following me around on a daily basis, but I could have gone without finding my principal dead in the parking lot of a seedy gentlemen's club.<br />
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After the initial shock of finding my first dead body, which included throwing back shots of Jack Daniels like it was water, I decided to take stock of my life. I was in a desperate situation and if the school board ever found out I'd been a stripper, even a bad stripper, I'd be jobless as well as fiancé-less and homeless. Fortunately, I had a friend who felt sorry enough for me to give me a job doing some surveillance work at her detective agency. Not to mention the fact that I was now able to stick my nose into other people's business for a good cause, find a murderer, and pick up helpful tips from an incredibly attractive detective.<br />
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Of course, as soon as I realized there was a second book in this series, I immediately downloaded it. And... <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whiskey-Romantic-Mystery-Addison-ebook/dp/B008CI3ONM" target="_blank">Whiskey Sour</a></i></b> is another home run! Only this time Addison is intentionally solving crimes instead of stumbling across them (oh, she still stumbles - wouldn't be Addison if she didn't, but she's getting better:)).<br />
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And to ratchet up the OH, YEAH factor, we get to meet Matt Savage. Can I get a HALLELUJAH? Yummy factor times ten. Addison can have Nick... I want Matt. The new love triangle is expertly handled and I loved every minute of it.<br />
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Again, read it! A great continuation of a fabulous story. Either can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading them both, in order - I'm obsessive like that.<br />
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<b>Description from Amazon:</b><br />
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Addison Holmes is at it again. When priceless Russian gems are stolen on their way to Savannah and the courier is murdered, all the clues lead back to an escort service that seems above reproach. But looks can be deceiving.<br />
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Throw in a sexy detective and a dangerous FBI agent, and Addison finds out very quickly that she's in way over her head. But nothing is going to stop her from getting her man.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Happy Reading!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>~Heidi</b></span>Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-37777653937753750772013-01-26T14:14:00.000-08:002013-01-26T14:19:06.503-08:00Need Something to Read While Waiting for Flirting with Secrets -- Assassins Anonymous Step Three? Try The Housewife Assassin's Handbook by Josie Brown...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51+0MnTkqdL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51+0MnTkqdL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
Okay, as an author of humorous assassin stories, I admit when I bought this book I'd hoped it would suck... I'm twisted that way... **said tongue-firmly-in-cheek** But it didn't so I have no option but to recommend :-).<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Housewife-Assassins-Handbook-mystery-ebook/dp/B0050PJZLK" target="_blank"><b><i>The Housewife Assassin's Handbook</i></b></a> by Josie Brown is an entertaining read! I was surprised when I stumbled across this book because I really didn't think there was anything similar to my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flirting-Death-Assassins-Anonymous-ebook/dp/B0063WQRTW" target="_blank"><i>Assassin's Anonymous</i></a> series (naive, I know). Fortunately, Josie Brown's character comes at the dilemma from the opposite angle (thank goodness!) -- a housewife who becomes an assassin, not an ex-assassin exiled to suburbia and trying <i>not </i>to kill anyone. Phew - Different, but just as fun.<br />
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I love the idea of a housewife trying to keep her secret life, well, a secret. Not easy to do while being a single mom to three, what with keeping up appearances and all! I love the mix of action, romance and reality woven throughout this story. I feel confident that if you're a fan of the AA series, you'll want to read these books, too. I stopped at book one (because I didn't want to subconsciously plagiarize anything), but I have a feeling you will want to read all of them. And since the first in the series is only $0.99, it's a bargain for full-length entertainment! Try it and be sure to let me know what you think!<br />
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<b>Description (From Amazon):</b><br />
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Murder, suspense, sex--and some handy household tips.<br />
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"Secrets, sex, money and scandal! Josie Brown is truly entertaining reading." -- Jackie Collins<br />
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IN BOOK 1: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Housewife-Assassins-Handbook-mystery-ebook/dp/B0050PJZLK" target="_blank">THE HOUSEWIFE ASSASSIN'S HANDBOOK</a>:<br />
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- EVERY DESPERATE HOUSEWIFE WANTS AN ALIAS: Donna Stone has one...and it happens to be government-sanctioned.<br />
- BUT DONNA EARNED IT THE HARD WAY: Her husband was killed the day she delivered their third child.<br />
- TO AVENGE HER HUSBAND'S MURDER: Donna leads a secret life: as an assassin.<br />
- BUT ESPIONAGE MAKES FOR STRANGE BEDFELLOWS: And brings new meaning to that old adage, "Honey, I'm home..."<br />
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<b>Also in this series:</b><br />
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<b>Happy Reading!</b><br />
<b>~Heidi</b>Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-90786160058730523292013-01-24T12:00:00.000-08:002013-01-26T13:13:34.553-08:00**UPDATED** LOVE THIS SERIES!!! The J.J. Grave Mysteries by Liliana Hart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41HoPJ9JerL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oea="true" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41HoPJ9JerL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
**UPDATED TO INCLUDE BOOK 2**<br />
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Wow! I mean, I really enjoyed this book! Loved the main character, J.J. Graves. Adored the love interests. Got wrapped up in the mystery and thrills... <br />
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Plain and simply, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Secrets-Romantic-Mystery-ebook/dp/B005FA749A" target="_blank"><strong><em>Dirty Little Secrets</em></strong></a> is a fabulous read! I could wax poetic about all the little details, but really, you should just buy it! And quick -- as it is currently only $0.99!!! <br />
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Seriously, if you are a fan of mystery, romance, humor and suspense, you will not be disappointed in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Secrets-Romantic-Mystery-ebook/dp/B005FA749A" target="_blank"><strong><em>Dirty Little Secrets</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong> I'm already on to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Romantic-Mystery-Graves-Series-ebook/dp/B009XU68FE" target="_blank"><strong><em>A Dirty Shame</em></strong></a>, Book 2 in the J.J. Graves series and I can't read fast enough. Love it!!! (Finished! See below.)<br />
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<strong>Description (From Amazon):</strong><br />
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J.J. Graves has seen a lot of dead bodies in her line of work...<br />
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She's not only in the mortuary business, but she's also the coroner for King George County, Virginia. When a grisly murder is discovered in the small town of Bloody Mary, it's up to J.J. and her best friend, Detective Jack Lawson, to bring the victim justice.<br />
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The murders are piling up...<br />
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When a popular mystery writer shows up on J.J.'s doorstep with plans of writing his new book about the Bloody Mary Serial Killer, J.J. has to decide if he might be going above and beyond the call of duty to create the spine tinglers he's so well known for. <br />
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Passions are rising...<br />
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J.J and Jack discover each victim had a shocking secret, and the very foundation of J.J.'s life is in danger of crumbling when it turns out she’s harboring secrets of her own—secrets that make her a perfect target in a deadly game.<br />
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I just finished reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Romantic-Mystery-Graves-Series-ebook/dp/B009XU68FE" target="_blank">A Dirty Shame</a>, the 2nd book in the J.J. Graves Mystery Series and just had to add it to this post. Another fantastic read!<br />
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Jaye is back, a little worse for wear but getting her life on track. I don't think I can say whether I enjoyed the mystery or the romance better in this book because they work so well together. And, once again, Liliana Hart kept me guessing until the final pages in regard to the true identity of the enemy. Great plot!<br />
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My only complaint -- Book 3 isn't out yet! And the cliffhanger is just... mean ;-). Get writing, woman! I need to know ASAP how this is going to play out! What happens next? All I know is book three is on my auto-buy list!!!<br />
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Read this series! You won't be disappointed.<br />
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<strong>Description (From Amazon):</strong><br />
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J.J. Graves is back in Bloody Mary, but she's a long way from feeling at home. Between her physical scars from being the target of a murderer and the emotional scars left by her parents, she doesn't know who she can trust. But death doesn't stop for anyone.<br />
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The first murder is grisly. The second even more so. And though things are shaky between them, she and her best friend, Jack, have no choice but to join forces and find the killer. Because the life of someone they love dearly hangs in the balance.<br />
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<strong>Happy Reading!</strong><br />
<strong>~Heidi</strong>Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-3913718613492661692013-01-21T14:33:00.000-08:002013-01-21T14:40:01.587-08:00Looking for a Free Romantic Read That's Actually Good?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Uvledb8sL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-69,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Uvledb8sL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-69,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
I don't read too much romance anymore, but something about the cover of <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Waking-Up-Married-ebook/dp/B009YP9L7U" target="_blank">Waking up Married</a></i></b> caught my eye. Oh, it might have also been the price - FREE... but probably not. I've pretty much given up on the virtual freebie aisle. The good ones are too far and few between. <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Waking-Up-Married-ebook/dp/B009YP9L7U" target="_blank">Waking up Married</a></i></b>, on the other hand, was actually a very cute read.<br />
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I had my doubts. But a few pages in and I was hooked. Actually, a few pages in, I thought, "No wonder it was free - it's only the first few pages." But I was wrong. Whoever put the ebook edition together made it appear it was nothing more than a sample. Not true. Swipe a few more pages forward and, what do you know, the actual book appears. Yay!<br />
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And then I couldn't put it down. The premise is actually kind of eye-rolling -- a handsome, successful guy does a favor for a stranger and the next thing you know, they're married... and he wants it to stay that way. I know, right? But somehow it works. And then some. I really enjoyed these characters. Found them extremely well rounded and likable. A highly recommended read by me -- even if I'd had to pay for it.<br />
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<b>Description (From Amazon Product Page):</b><br />
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From USA TODAY bestselling author Mira Lyn Kelly comes <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Waking-Up-Married-ebook/dp/B009YP9L7U" target="_blank">WAKING UP MARRIED</a>, a free book in Harlequin's brand-new contemporary romance collection—Harlequin KISS.<br />
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Her first thought: "Who are you?"<br />
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It's the morning after her cousin's bachelorette party in Vegas and Megan Scott wakes up with the mother of all hangovers. Even worse, she's in a stranger's penthouse having woken up with something else as well—a funny, arrogant, sexy…husband!<br />
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Up until now, finding even a boyfriend had seemed impossible—been there, got the broken heart, sworn off men for good. Then a few martinis with Carter…no, Connor Reed and she's gone from first meet to marriage in one night!<br />
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Megan wants a lawyer. But Connor's shocking bombshell?<br />
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"I don't want a divorce."<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">~ ~ ~</span></b></div>
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Happy Reading!<br />
~HeidiHeidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-61658306467483411232013-01-19T12:17:00.000-08:002013-01-19T12:19:02.920-08:00Reviewing the latest by the Queen of Chick-Lit - Notorious Nineteen <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Okay, don't get me wrong - I'm a huge fan of the Stephanie Plum books. HUGE! But... I really want something new to happen. Although it does appear Stephanie is leaning toward a life with Joe Morelli, (not my choice, but I'm a rebel) <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Notorious-Nineteen-Stephanie-Novel-ebook/dp/B0086N7AV0" target="_blank">Notorious Nineteen</a></b></i> is just another frustrating look at Stephanie fumbling along trying to scare up some cash with petty criminal bounties. If there isn't some movement in the storyline, I may eventually give up as so many of her other reviewers have stated.<br />
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Fine. That's a lie. I'm no quitter, but wouldn't it be nice to have an end in sight? Just tell us - how many more books do we have to buy until the end? I always enjoy the stories. They're funny. Comfortable - like catching up with an old friend. But if Stephanie <i>was </i>my friend I would have slapped her silly by now. And, has anyone kept a running total of how many cars she's destroyed? Like I said, I love this series, but having something new happen would probably give me an instant orgasm after nineteen books of foreplay - and that's not even counting the "Between the Numbers" that have come out.<br />
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<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Notorious-Nineteen-Stephanie-Novel-ebook/dp/B0086N7AV0" target="_blank">Notorious Nineteen</a></i></b> is actually an improvement since the last few. A little more "meat" to the story, in my opinion. And when Twenty <i>whatever </i>comes out, I'll be first in line. But I'm not holding my breath for a resolution...<br />
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In conclusion - as ever, I highly recommend <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Notorious-Nineteen-Stephanie-Novel-ebook/dp/B0086N7AV0" target="_blank">Notorious Nineteen</a></i></b>. Janet Evanovich always delivers on a nice break from reality. At $12.99 a pop, they're not cheap entertainment if you're a voracious reader, but it's nice to have the collection to fall back on while waiting for the next installment. If you enjoy chick-lit, anything by JE is a solid choice.<br />
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<b>Description (from Amazon Product Page):</b><br />
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New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is certain of three truths: People don’t just vanish into thin air. Never anger old people. And don’t do what Tiki tells you to do.<br />
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After a slow summer of chasing low-level skips for her cousin Vinnie’s bail bonds agency, Stephanie Plum finally lands an assignment that could put her checkbook back in the black. Geoffrey Cubbin, facing trial for embezzling millions from Trenton’s premier assisted-living facility, has mysteriously vanished from the hospital after an emergency appendectomy. Now it’s on Stephanie to track down the con man. Unfortunately, Cubbin has disappeared without a trace, a witness, or his money-hungry wife. Rumors are stirring that he must have had help with the daring escape . . . or that maybe he never made it out of his room alive. Since the hospital staff’s lips seem to be tighter than the security, and it’s hard for Stephanie to blend in to assisted living, Stephanie’s Grandma Mazur goes in undercover. But when a second felon goes missing from the same hospital, Stephanie is forced into working side by side with Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, in order to crack the case.<br />
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The real problem is, no Cubbin also means no way to pay the rent. Desperate for money—or maybe just desperate—Stephanie accepts a secondary job guarding her secretive and mouthwatering mentor Ranger from a deadly Special Forces adversary. While Stephanie is notorious for finding trouble, she may have found a little more than she bargained for this time around. Then again—a little food poisoning, some threatening notes, and a bridesmaid’s dress with an excess of taffeta never killed anyone . . . or did they? If Stephanie Plum wants to bring in a paycheck, she’ll have to remember: No guts, no glory. . . .<br />
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<b>Happy Reading!</b><br />
<b>~Heidi</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I am not a professional reviewer. The opinions expressed here are my own and given from a reader's perspective.</span>Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-22733418271190567052013-01-13T12:28:00.000-08:002013-01-13T12:28:17.149-08:00Magical Mysteries! The Stacy Justice Mysteries by Barbra Annino<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BMOLJSJgL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51BMOLJSJgL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I actually read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Opal-Stacy-Justice-Mystery-ebook/dp/B008BU6YBK" target="_blank"><em><b>Opal Fire</b></em></a> by Barbra Annino over a year ago (you can read my original blog post/review <a href="http://writergurl1.blogspot.com/2011/10/witchy-halloween-reads-post-15-opal.html" target="_blank">here</a>, but I'll copy/paste below, edited for current pricing, etc., to save you some clicks). I remember enjoying the book very much and don't know why it's taken me so long to get back to the series. Now that I have, I'm anxious to read the rest... even though I have to wait for the fourth one to be released... get writing! I want more ;-)<br />
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What a fun, witchy series!!!<br />
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<strong>Original review of Opal Fire:</strong><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">If you love Cozy Mysteries and Paranormal, you will love this book. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Opal-Stacy-Justice-Mystery-ebook/dp/B008BU6YBK" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0033;"><em>Opal Fire</em></span></a> is the debut novel in a new series by Barbra Annino and I'm so glad I found it. It has a little bit of all my favorites: Paranormal, Romance, Mystery, the humor of Chick-Lit, and, of course, WITCHES. Another great addition to my witchy library.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Opal Fire is currently $4.99 on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Opal-Stacy-Justice-Mystery-ebook/dp/B008BU6YBK" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0033;">Amazon</span></a>. Have fun!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><strong>Description: (from Amazon's product page)</strong></span><span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"></span><br />
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Stacy Justice is just your average green-eyed, redheaded, twenty-something witch who would rather focus on her job as a reporter than practice the crazy magic her grandmother and great-aunts are into. She’s perfectly content to spend her free time hanging with her cop boyfriend and her gassy Great Dane and helping her cousin Cinnamon run the Black Opal bar. But when the Opal goes up in flames, Stacy may need that magic after all.<br />
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The blaze was arson—and Cinnamon is the prime suspect. Determined to clear her cousin’s name, Stacy digs deep into the crime and makes a shocking discovery amid the rubble. It’s clear someone wants her dead—and she’ll have to dodge everything from angry motorists to exploding chickens to survive. It’s time to dust off her so-called magic skills. But will they be there when she needs them?<br />
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With its strong, sexy heroine and her razor-sharp wit, and its collection of eccentric small-town characters, <i>Opal Fire</i> introduces a bewitching new mystery series.<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tdt1P54YL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tdt1P54YL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bloodstone-Stacy-Justice-Mystery-ebook/dp/B008BU76PS" target="_blank"><i><b>Bloodstone</b></i></a> is book 2 in The Stacy Justice Mysteries series and I loved it! Some of the highlights: Ivy - I absolutely adored her spunk and the journal entries were HILARIOUS (especially her ever-changing signature line). Thor - who wouldn't love Thor though - he's awesome! The Geraghty Girls - especially Lolly... having to ply her with liquor to get her to function somewhat normally? Fantastic! <br />
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What could I live without? Some of the history was a bit tedious and kind of dumped all at once. Pet peeve? No, but I'm trying to be <em>impartial</em> here, so I don't get accused of being a sock puppet ;-) - I had to come up with <em>something</em> I didn't love! <br />
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Bottom line: Read it! You won't be disappointed!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><strong>Description: (from Amazon's product page)</strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"></span><span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"></span><br />
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<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small">All Stacy Justice wants to do is recover from the bizarre couple of weeks she’s had—a whirlwind kicked off by the arson attack on her cousin’s bar, the Black Opal. But just when life should be settling down, a fourteen-year-old girl named Ivy appears on Stacy’s doorstep, claiming to be her sister. Ivy says their mother’s life is in danger and insists that the family’s magic is crucial to saving her. Sure, Ivy has Stacy’s fiery red hair and green eyes—but is she <i>really </i>her sister? And can the secretive teen be trusted with magic?</span><br />
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"><br /></span>
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small">Then a man is found dead at Stacy’s grandmother’s bed-and-breakfast, and she has no choice but to see where Ivy’s story leads. Strange warnings appear at every turn, including the disappearance of the family’s Blessed Book, and it seems someone is out to kill Stacy—<i>again</i>. </span><br />
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"><br /></span>
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small">Picking up where <i>Opal Fire</i> left off, the second book in the spellbinding Stacy Justice series dazzles with even more magic, mystery, and mayhem—revealing the dark secrets of the Geraghty clan.</span><br />
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51pKtESq0UL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51pKtESq0UL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small">Now we're almost up-to-date. The final book of the series <b>so far</b> is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tigers-Stacy-Justice-Mystery-ebook/dp/B008BU72PW" target="_blank"><i><b>Tiger's Eye</b></i></a>. I really enjoyed the twists in this book. Never saw them coming and yet, when they were revealed I went, "Aha! That makes sense." I'm also glad the spirit animals were continued in <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tigers-Stacy-Justice-Mystery-ebook/dp/B008BU72PW" target="_blank">Tiger's Eye</a></i> as they add new life to a theme that is expected - ghosts. And the introduction to "mini Thor" was a fun and interesting twist. I highly recommend this book and the others that come before. </span><br />
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"><br /></span>
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small">Great job!</span><br />
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"><br /></span>
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"><strong>Description: (from Amazon's product page)</strong></span><br />
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"></span><br />
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small">Stacy Justice is looking forward to a lazy summer of hot dogs and beer; swims in the lake with her Great Dane, Thor; and hanging with her rekindled old flame, Chance. But when she gets a creepy anonymous call hinting that her father’s “accidental” death fourteen years ago was actually a murder, she’s too unsettled to relax. Stacy has blamed herself for his death all along—in fact, it’s the reason she’s fought so hard against being a witch. But who’d want to kill an innocent small-time newspaperman?</span><br />
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"><br /></span>
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small">That’s the question on Stacy’s mind when she casts a spell that goes horribly wrong. And between the white tiger that keeps appearing out of thin air, the body in the lake, the feisty razor-toothed Chihuahua, and the gun-toting maniac, she suddenly has her hands full once again. But solving the mystery of her father’s death is Stacy’s number-one priority…and avenging it, if necessary, is a very close second.</span><br />
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"><br /></span>
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small">Continuing the thrilling Stacy Justice saga, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tigers-Stacy-Justice-Mystery-ebook/dp/B008BU72PW" target="_blank">Tiger’s Ey</a>e drives the reluctant witch deeper into the mysteries of her family’s past…and the darker regions of her soul.</span><br />
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"><br /></span>
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<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small">~ ~ ~</span></div>
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"><br /></span>
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"><b>The wrap-up</b>: The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Stacy+Justice+Mysteries" target="_blank"><i><b>Stacy Justice Mysteries</b></i></a> are an auto-buy for me. While the price has gone up since the debut of the first novel (which I'm only mentioning because I'm sure a few of you will notice, as I did), it is still less than I would have been paying when bookstores and grocery store checkout aisles were my only options for the latest reads. </span><br />
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"><br /></span>
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small">**Tiny side rant**<span style="font-size: x-small;"> In fact, I may be digressing here, but even though I'm thrilled to find a great book in the freebie section or even one priced at $0.99, there is simply too much sludge at those prices to risk wasting my time. </span>**End of rant**</span><br />
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"><br /></span>
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small">If you're up for a series with hours of entertainment at a great price, don't hesitate to pick up this series. I, for one, am anxiously awaiting book four and you will be too. Pinky-swear.</span><br />
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small"><br /></span>
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small">Happy Reading!</span><br />
<span arial="arial" class="Apple-style-span" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" sans-serif="sans-serif" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small">~Heidi</span><br />
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Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-804403642982724062013-01-02T13:41:00.001-08:002013-01-02T13:41:52.699-08:00Fun Read - A Fine How-De-Do by Lisa Scott<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NjNpODV0L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NjNpODV0L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Light and fun, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-De-Do-Willowdale-Romance-Stories-ebook/dp/B007MSWT6G" target="_blank"><em><strong>A Fine How-De-Do</strong></em></a> by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Scott/e/B00547TCX0/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0" target="_blank">Lisa Scott</a> is a great beginning to the new Willowdale Romance Short Stories collection! Perfect for those of us who crave a great story, but don't have much time in our busy schedules for a full-length novel. If a quick shot of romance is what you're after... read Lisa Scott!<br />
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<strong><em>Amazon Book Description:</em></strong><br />
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It’s been a bad month for Tonya Garcia. After her beloved nonna died, her boyfriend's only sympathy involved big plans for spending her inheritance. What was she doing with that skinny-legged jerk, anyway? Now that he’s out of the picture, Tonya needs a new start and with the help of a dartboard decides Willowdale, North Carolina is the place. <br />
<br />The move from the Big Apple to this hole in the wall isn’t as easy as she figured, though. On her first day in the tiny town, she gets a speeding ticket from a hot cop and a warning from the locals not to open a new beauty salon like she’d planned. The only saving grace is the chicken and biscuits at The Jelly Jar diner, a new friend desperate for a decent 'do, and the police chief who might be interested in her for all the wrong reasons.<br />
<br />Can Tonya find new love and a new life? Or was her ex right—that she’ll be running back to him in New York?<br /><br />This is the first short story in the Willowdale Romance series. Try short story #2, "A Little Hanky-Panky," and #3, "A Perfect Setup." Lisa's first novel in the series, No Foolin', is now available.<br />
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I really enjoyed this book and wouldn't hesitate to recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-De-Do-Willowdale-Romance-Stories-ebook/dp/B007MSWT6G" target="_blank"><strong><em>A Fine How-De-Do</em></strong></a>, or anything else <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lisa-Scott/e/B00547TCX0/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0" target="_blank">Lisa Scott</a> writes, to romance readers everywhere. Besides, at $0.99 how can you pass it up?<br />
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Happy Reading!<br />
~HeidiHeidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-42610493155896161442012-12-31T21:32:00.002-08:002012-12-31T22:15:14.832-08:00A Fantastic Read... Secrets in the Shadows by T.L. Haddix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jbdjeXjuL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-67,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jbdjeXjuL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-67,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Title edited above... oops - like I say below, I read these out of order... Secrets in the Shadows is <b>not </b>the sequel! Doh!*</span><br />
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I just finished reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-In-The-Shadows-ebook/dp/B003ES5S7U" target="_blank">Secrets in the Shadows</a> by T.L. Haddix and realized I had to share this great book with all of you. I've been MIA of late, between life, new book releases and... life, I, well, it doesn't matter - I'm back to doing the things I love... writing and reading great stories (well, at least reading them;-) I'll let the you be the judge of the former part of that statement).<br />
<br />
I'm planning on doing a post about my recent reading dilemma, but don't want to derail this review because T.L. deserves a major round of applause for fantastic first book in her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-In-The-Shadows-ebook/dp/B003ES5S7U" target="_blank">Shadows</a> series (I actually read these out of order, but it didn't matter - they were that good). - And I'm getting picky lately. Life really is too short to read bad books, but this one is well worth the time invested to surround yourself with this wonderful cast of characters.<br />
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I think the most inspiring part (and, yes, I may shop in the sinner's section on occasion but I do enjoy being uplifted) is the amazing portrayal of a the Taylor family. Interwoven with this fun mystery is a heartwarming look into a family that <i>works</i>! How often do we get to see that anymore? Mom, dad, daughter, son, granddaughter and even an ex-husband written in a way that isn't tragic or unbelievable, but simply... inspiring. I loved this family. I aspire to be this family! Really well done, so... Bravo! If you haven't read T.L. Haddix before, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-In-The-Shadows-ebook/dp/B003ES5S7U" target="_blank">start now</a>! My only regret with this book is that it sat so long on my Kindle before I got around to reading it!<br />
<br />
<b>Description from Amazon Product Page:</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Life can go on after tragedy...<br />
<br />
After surviving a traumatic attack as a teenager, as well as a disastrous first marriage, Lauren Taylor Grant is content with her life. So what if she gets lonely from time to time? With a healthy, beautiful daughter, and a successful coffee shop-cafe, the divorced single mother convinces herself she doesn't have time for love. When she gets her first glimpse at her parents' handsome new neighbor, though, she starts reconsidering her stance. Once Charlie Clark begins breaking through her defensive walls, Lauren finds him hard to resist.<br />
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Nothing stays hidden forever...<br />
<br />
Just as Lauren is learning to let go of the past and embrace the future, her personal demons rear their ugly heads in the guise of a vandal hell-bent on destroying Lauren's happiness. When another local businesswoman is brutally murdered, the investigation into the crime reveals an unexpected connection to Lauren's past. The message is clear--the past has come calling, and it's out for blood.<br />
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Note for Readers: This book does deal with the issues of incest and sexual abuse, more with the effects on the victims than the abuse itself. Reader Discretion Advised.<br />
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"Secrets in the Shadows" is the first book in the Shadows Collection, Romantic Suspense novels set in small-town Indiana. Other titles include "Under the Moon's Shadow," "Shadows from the Grave,""Hidden in the Shadows," and "In the Heart's Shadow."<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Reading!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;">~Heidi</span></div>
Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-19792597827693712162012-12-31T20:31:00.002-08:002013-01-22T19:09:19.803-08:00It's Here!!! Flirting With Murder, Assassins Anonymous - Step Two... FINALLY!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JAOFsjIpL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-67,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JAOFsjIpL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-67,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
Okay, okay... I know it took longer than anticipated. Mea Culpa! But... the next (<i>Flirting With Secrets</i>) is halfway written, so I can promise the wait will be very brief for Kayla's next adventure. Anyway - for those who have waited patiently, I can't express enough how much your encouraging words and support meant! You all rock and I'm so lucky to have people who actually want to read these crazy stories that have become so much a part of me. Sometimes I have to remember that<i> I'm not</i> a recovering assassin (I might share a teensy tiny bit of Kayla's road rage). I swear, I only fictionally plot out their deaths ;-)<br />
<br />
Soooo... back on topic. Kayla really is trying to be a good girl in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flirting-Murder-Assassins-Anonymous-ebook/dp/B00AT8EZM2" target="_blank"><b><i>Flirting With Murder</i></b></a>, but between her chaotic love life, rogue assassins on her tail, crazy psychics and a family with more secrets than the Pentagon, it's HARD!!! So, she may occasionally fall off the wagon during her road to recovery, but what a ride. And really, do we want her to be an angel? Where's the fun in that? Karma may have a few things to say about it, but for now being bad is just a little too irresistible. Want a taste? Read on for the first chapter of Step Two:<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Murder
is always a mistake. One should never do anything that one cannot talk about
after dinner.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">-Oscar
Wilde</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b><i>Chapter 1</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Kill
me.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Those
two little words haunted my dreams.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dammit!
They were ruining everything.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bryan
had surprised me with an impromptu road trip down to Rocky Point, Mexico and I
was actually starting to view my exile to suburbia as something other than the
death sentence it had started out as. Four days of salt-scented air, tangy
margaritas and extended naked romps with my yummy lawyer-boy was a definite
shove in the right direction for my recovery. I was relaxed and tan. Loud
noises didn’t make me immediately reach for the gun I no longer carried. The
message icon blinking incessantly on my cell sparked zero desire to find out
what was going on outside my cocoon.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
my neighbor had parked her minivan in front of my house with a brand new
pedophile’s deli menu on the back window (AKA ridiculous stick figures of her
ever-expanding brood, complete with names and ages), did I search for my
crowbar? Nope. It barely even caused a blip in my pulse.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hell,
I hadn’t caused any accidents on the freeway in weeks. I was practically cured.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
then, in a moment of boredom and weakness I had opened the envelope I’d
carelessly tossed aside such a short time ago. Big mistake. Two little words,
six letters, two syllables had thrown me right back into the past – <i>kill me</i>.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What
was that even supposed to mean? </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dmitri
wasn’t prone to theatrics, but even without a signature there was no mistaking
the sender. Was he suggesting I figuratively kill him? As if I’d been pining
away, wallowing in sorrow since his abrupt departure from my life? As if!
Seriously. Pinky-swear.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Liar.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Whatever.
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was enjoying normalcy as much as an assassin could. A <i>former</i> assassin
with the hots for her most recent target, that is. I never claimed to be
brilliant, so suck it. The thought of him made my panties too tight… and I
wasn’t currently wearing panties. Ex-assassin problems.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
that didn’t mean I was going to let this little game he was playing continue.
If it was a game. Why did I insist on overanalyzing everything? My sanity
was tenuous at best. I didn’t need someone in my life who kept me constantly on
the edge. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Couldn’t
I just enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the pool without my past rearing up to bite
me in the ass? I mean, I’d resorted to making freaking crafts. Crafts! How much
more ‘suburban’ could I get? <i>Damn that Pinterest</i>, I silently cursed,
swishing the strips of multi-colored tulle I’d somehow fashioned into a
gloriously full, adult-sized tutu around me. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
promise, the silly skirt <i>had</i> been destined for the dump. But as I’d
slipped off my wet swimsuit in preparation for going inside to clean up, I had
spied it resting forlornly atop the trash bins and couldn’t seem to stop myself
from trying it on one last time.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Okay,
so I missed my make-believe world sometimes. It happens. It didn’t mean I was
going to shoulder my rifle and start picking off arms dealers.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tank
waddled over and flopped on my foot with an exhausted sigh as I rinsed my
bikini off with the hose and hung it over a chair to dry. “Yeah, you guys
really have it rough. I need to wash the chlorine off,” I told him, bending to
rub his chubby belly. “Then, the four of you are getting a bath.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">See
– I was completely adapting to “normal”.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
cell started ringing as I walked to the bathroom. Another blocked number. If it
was Dmitri I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of knowing what he was
doing to me. If it was the CIA, well, I was done with the CIA, too.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was adjusting the taps to attain the perfect temperature for my intended bubble
bath when it sounded like a nuclear bomb exploded in my living room. Momma and
the puppies immediately hid behind the toilet. I went into Zen-mode as I spied
men in full combat gear file into the tiny hallway.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Close-quarters
battle wasn’t my specialty – especially without my trusty knife, or better yet,
my gun handy – but they only thought they had the element of surprise. Even
outnumbered and underdressed, I had exposed ta-tas on my side.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
gave them a flirty finger wave. “Can I help you boys?”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Men
are so easy. Armed and armored, yet the sight of a nice rack stunned them
stupid. Or maybe it was the vision of a grown woman wearing nothing but a tutu.
Either way, I knew it wouldn’t last long and used the respite to my advantage.
The first one went down with my famous roundhouse kick. Not easy in a bathroom
the size of an outhouse, I assure you. The second charged, but an uppercut to
the chin had his eyes showing nothing but white. Macho or not, the third didn’t
stand a chance when my knee connected with his nuts. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Jesus!
How many were there? It was like a game of Whack-a-Mole where you knocked them
down and yet they just kept coming. My best bet was to run in the opposite
direction – to my bedroom – where the reinforced door would hold them off until
I could lock and load. But I’d gone soft. I hesitated over leaving my babies
alone, and in that instant of indecision was tackled and brought down. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">By
now, it’s probably obvious I’m not shy. But I wasn’t comfortable with the fact
my boob had landed smack dab in the middle of number two’s face. He had better
not be enjoying this, or I’d kill him for real.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
wrists were quickly and expertly secured behind my back before rough hands
lifted me to my feet. I was waiting for my cue, and when it came I tossed my
head back as forcefully as I could. I heard a satisfying crunch and fled for
the bedroom. I wasn’t any good to the puppies if I was dead, after all.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
awkwardly maneuvered the lock into place, took two steps forward and came to a
halt. “Shit.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Charles,
my former handler, stood serenely at the foot of my bed. His military posture
made me wonder how he could look so comfortable with a stick lodged firmly up
his ass. I mean, it had to be at least mildly annoying, right? “I’d be
impressed if I wasn’t so pissed that you’ve just taken down some of the best
recruits we’ve had in years.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Shouldn’t
that make you more impressed?” I countered.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Charles
just shook his head, but I would swear there was a smile in his eyes. “Turn
around and let me get you out of those zip ties.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As
soon as I was free, I ran to the door. “My dogs,” I explained over my shoulder.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Kayla!”
His commanding voice still held the power to stop me in my tracks. “Why don’t
you put some clothes on?”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
couldn’t help myself. Batting my eyelashes, I said, “Am I making you nervous?”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Just
do it.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Maybe
you shouldn’t barge into people’s houses if you’re afraid of a little nudity,”
I mumbled as I hopped into a pair of Bryan’s boxers that had been tossed on the
floor, shimmied out of my do-it-yourself ballerina-at-the-ball project and
threw a t-shirt over my head. “Satisfied?”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
gave a curt nod.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">All
of the men except the uppercut victim were on their feet. “Get out of my way.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was surprised when they complied – until, out of the corner of my eye I saw
Charles give them the same nod he had given me. I did my best to ignore them
all as I raced into the bathroom and dropped to my knees. My little family was
huddled in a tiny ball of quivering fear. I forced my fists to relax as I
coaxed them into my arms.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With
the brood safely, if awkwardly, bundled, I pushed through the firing squad and
settled the babies next to me on the couch. “It’s okay,” I assured them. “I’ll
always protect you.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Charles
stepped into the room from the hallway, instructing his men to guard the
perimeter. As soon as the area cleared of extra bodies he sat in the chair
opposite me and expelled a long breath. “At least this little fiasco answered
one question I had.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Do
you want me to guess what it was?”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Don’t
be insubordinate.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Since
I don’t work for you, that’s not possible.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Jesus,
Kayla.” He rubbed his hands over his weary face. “I’m here to protect you. Can
you cut me some slack?”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was already shaking my head. “No, Charles, I don’t think I can. You broke into
my home and had five men attempt to assault me. My dogs are scared to death and
I need a bath. So rewind and try again.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“David
escaped custody.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That’s
not good.” I surprised myself with how calm my voice sounded. I was even more
surprised by how calm I actually was. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No,
it’s definitely not good.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Why
are you here? Shouldn’t you be tracking him?”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We
are. Our last sighting had him about a mile away… and that was three days ago.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
started to jump up to pace, but Boo whimpered and I immediately drew them all
closer to me. “Why am I just hearing about this now? How long has he been on
the run? Do you have a team on my family?” The thought of them in danger caused
a sick feeling to rise up from the pit of my belly. “Please tell me you haven’t
orchestrated an echo performance of what happened here a few minutes ago. My
grandfather has Alzheimer’s and the stress could be very detrimental to his
disease.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Don’t
worry, we thought it best to watch and wait where they’re concerned. But a team
is in place to extract them as soon as you give the okay.” He hesitated, but
then forged ahead. “And back to your original query, David slipped custody a
few days after he was brought in, which you would have known if you’d ever
answer your goddamned phone. We weren’t overly concerned at first because he
seemed to be continuing his original mission, but then everything changed.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What?
What changed?”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Our
sources were tracking both David and Dmitri – and their movements were
identical. But then David changed course, straight to Phoenix. As far as we
know, Dmitri is somewhere in Egypt. The only thing that makes sense is he
decided to go for a stationary target first.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Me.”
It wasn’t a question.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
need to make a few phone calls.” Claire and her family needed to be warned, as
well as Bryan. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What
you need to do is pack a bag and come with me now. We’ll take you to your
family and get all of you somewhere safe until we can reel David back in.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Please
tell me you’re joking.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What
other option do we have? With the way David slipped away, he has to be getting
help from inside the CIA. It only makes sense to take you and your family out
of the equation until we have a lock on him.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
all sounded reasonable. And, if I were anyone other than a former assassin I
would have jumped at the opportunity to let the almighty federal government
keep my loved ones safe. But I knew The Agency and there was one really big
hole in Charles’s plan…</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Are
you calling in the Marshals? The FBI?”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“David
is one of ours. We clean up our own messes.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Yeah,
except the CIA didn’t have authority to run an op on domestic soil. “So if all
this goes to shit, you don’t have any backup. Or, witnesses,” I added.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We
can handle one rogue agent – as long as you’re willing to cooperate.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“And
cooperation means allowing you to hide us all away while you mop up the mess
David’s sure to create? What about friends, acquaintances, hell, the teller at
my bank? You know he’ll use whoever he can get his hands on to accomplish his goal.”
Not even the CIA could protect every person I’d ever come in contact with. And
Charles knew I was adamant about my family not knowing who I’d been – which
meant he had another plan he was angling for and was counting on me offering up
the alternative.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’ll
admit, we might have some collateral damage,” he hedged.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Stop,
Charles. Just stop. You and I both know the best way to get David is to leave
me out in the open. He might be the world’s biggest asshole, but he’s not a
stupid asshole. He’ll sniff out any agent within a ten mile radius of me. So,
the only way this would work is if he thinks he can get to me directly. Leave
me unprotected and he’ll have no reason to harm anyone else,” I concluded.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Charles
smiled, then frowned. “Except there’s one flaw in your reasoning – you’ve been
unprotected this entire time and David hasn’t made a move to eliminate you.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“He’s
waiting for something.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Or,
some<i>one</i>.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
there was the truth I’d been avoiding. “Dmitri,” I whispered, leaving the name
of David’s other target unspoken. Charles couldn’t know about Claire and I
wasn’t going to be the one to give away her secret. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
David knew. And we had thwarted him once already. He wouldn’t stop with me and
Dmitri. No, his ego would demand total vindication from all parties involved in
his downfall.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It’s
no secret the two of you developed a particularly close bond over the course of
your last mission,” Charles continued. “If Dmitri were to discover you were in
danger there’s every reason to believe he would attempt to come to your
rescue.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Charles
couldn’t know how true those words were. He was fishing for confirmation. But
it would be a cold day in hell before I’d take the bait and admit the full
extent of my treasonous affair. “I think you’re wrong. And even if by some
twist of fate our Greek arms dealer is harboring even a remote deep, dark
affection for me, I have absolutely no way of contacting him to set the trap.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We
don’t just gather information, Kayla. We’re pretty good at releasing it, too.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Like
so much in my life, I was bored with the conversation. And there was another
truth I’d been loath to admit. There was little doubt I would go along with the
plan to protect both my true identity and the lives of everyone important to
me. What no one needed to know was that I also longed for the excitement. “Do
what you have to do to set the wheels in motion. I’m perfectly capable of
watching my own six, but I’m counting on you to do everything in your power to
keep my family safe.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
have my word,” he vowed. Charles stood and began walking toward the door. At
the last moment he turned and said, “Do everything in your power to keep
yourself safe. <i>Everything</i>. Got it?”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">His
eye contact was mesmerizing. He knew something he wasn’t telling me – I just
needed to figure out which of my many secrets I had to get better at burying.
“I will, Charles. I always look out for number one.” He was in the process of
quietly shutting the door when I added, “And if you or anyone else ever breaks
into my home again, I’ll kill every last one of you. Got it?”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">His
barely perceptible nod and fleeting half smile was the only indication he had
heard my parting threat.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Momma
let out a muted growl and I rubbed her back reassuringly. “That’s right. Us
momma bears don’t mess around when it comes to protecting our own, do we?”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Momma
planted her feet on my chest and gave my chin a quick laving before herding her
brood to the kitchen for some post-trauma nourishment. Her unconditional love
and support reminded me that not every part of my suburban exile had been a
waste.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
also reminded me that I really needed a bath – because things were about to get
dirty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Get the entire story <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flirting-Murder-Assassins-Anonymous-ebook/dp/B00AT8EZM2" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Reading!</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right; text-indent: 23.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">~Heidi</span></b></span></div>
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Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-11172787150935244282012-05-21T12:14:00.000-07:002012-05-21T12:14:58.497-07:00Chick Lit Author Blog Hop 2012 - Winners Announced!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jfYqclMHiWU/T61Q8aF5NvI/AAAAAAAAALY/q_129xecw9Y/s1600/Chicklitbloghop-v7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jfYqclMHiWU/T61Q8aF5NvI/AAAAAAAAALY/q_129xecw9Y/s1600/Chicklitbloghop-v7.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Chick Lit Author
Blog Hop 2012...</span></b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">is officially over and I want to thank my fellow Chick Lit
Authors who participated, Tracie Bannister (author extraordinaire and the brainchild of CLA 2012) for all her tireless efforts to make the hop a success, and, especially, the Chick Lit readers who hopped around
and left comments on each of our blogs. So
much fun! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">BIG
NEWS!!!</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> The Grand
Prize Winner of the $150 Sephora gift card is <drum roll please> . . . <b>Tiffany White</b>! Have fun shopping!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The winner of my e-book,
Flirting with Death, Assassins Anonymous – Step One, is . . . <b>Patricia W</b>! Congrats, Patricia, and Happy Reading!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2ba2-zmIfM/TrWkOTuYlDI/AAAAAAAAAGY/58ypHmZuBhg/s1600/FWD+Kindle+Cover+11-5-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2ba2-zmIfM/TrWkOTuYlDI/AAAAAAAAAGY/58ypHmZuBhg/s200/FWD+Kindle+Cover+11-5-11.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Each of the 34 authors
involved in the blog hop will be announcing the winner of their e-books on
their respective blogs, so please check in with them to see if you won. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A huge <b>THANK YOU</b> to all
the other Chick Lit authors, readers, and bloggers who made the <i>Chick Lit Author Blog Hop 2012</i> a
smashing success! I don’t know about all of you, but I can’t wait for the next
one</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As ever, Happy Reading!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">~Heidi</span></div>Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-19230068744076397972012-05-11T10:32:00.000-07:002012-05-13T23:01:34.417-07:00Chick Lit Author Blog Hop 2012 - The Love Triangle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WCzzXsSvnD8/T61QYd4j7xI/AAAAAAAAALM/-7hmtECLLuk/s1600/Chicklitbloghop-v7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WCzzXsSvnD8/T61QYd4j7xI/AAAAAAAAALM/-7hmtECLLuk/s1600/Chicklitbloghop-v7.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even in Chick Lit, two-timing is practically a four letter word. But a love triangle, ah, now that's just good, juicy dessert for the brain! I believe my addiction to this concept started about a decade ago when I got hooked on the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. JE makes the love triangle a treat I simply can't deny myself (solidly team Ranger here). I've been giving a lot of thought to why I enjoy this scenario so much and have come to a startling conclusion. (Okay, it's not exactly earth shattering, but it's pretty good.) There is no such thing as the perfect man. Nope, he simply doesn't exist. There is only perfection in the eye of the beholder... h</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ence, the love triangle. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-iMhiVxKcA/T61MIetzbNI/AAAAAAAAALA/Kq-B-U_V0DU/s1600/Love_Triangle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-iMhiVxKcA/T61MIetzbNI/AAAAAAAAALA/Kq-B-U_V0DU/s200/Love_Triangle.jpg" width="196" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">When two men are fighting (knowingly, or more often, unknowingly) for the affection of a woman, it gives us a chance to reflect on not so much the ideal, but what we can live with for the rest of our lives. Do we want a strong, handsome brute who will drag us to his cave and have his way with us? (Yes, please). Or is that quiet, shy, cerebrally sexy nerd who woos us with emotions and depth the man we want? (Oh, yeah, a little of that, too).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">So the love triangle gives us a glimpse into two distinctly different versions of maleness while challenging us with making a choice of what's really important. There has been much discussion lately over the phenomenon of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fifty-Shades-Grey-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B007J4T2G8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1336974002&sr=1-1" target="_blank">50 Shades of Grey</a> (and, really, if you're looking for an adult fantasy read after Twilight, I'd personally recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unexpected-Obsession-Hot-Romance-ebook/dp/B0041KKM2G/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2" target="_blank">An Unexpected Obsession</a> ;-) *end of shameless plug*) and the idea of mommy porn. I know, you're thinking, "What does this have to do with Chick Lit and Love Triangles?" I'm getting there...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">A few fabulously snarky and dead-on commentators have pointed out that true mommy porn is watching your significant other *insert most despised chore here*. For me, it's the laundry. If my hubs would ever deign to do one load from start to finish I would surely be transported to a tantric state of wanting non-stop sex for the next decade. But I don't want to read about it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Nix the true mommy porn and we're back to the delicious dis-dat-deli (I'll take a little bit of dis with a large side of dat). Great Chick Lit transports us into the life of the heroine and allows us to judge her choices and options from that lovely 30,000 foot viewpoint. (And, oh how I love to judge these fictional others from the privacy of my own snarky mind). What would we do in her shoes given our personal life experiences? (you know you have an opinion). If we had the chance, would we go back and risk forever with the bad boy who made our heart race as fast and loud as the engine on his Harley? Or, do we wish we would have forgone the dangerous path and chosen the slow and steady beau who made our heart pitter-patter with his talk of family and white picket fences?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sometimes the choice isn't always so extreme, but the excitement and nail-biting of the decision still makes us fly through the pages to see what the outcome will be. Chick Lit is the wonderful outlet for these fantasies where our heroines don't need to have <em><strong>bodacious</strong></em> ta-tas and be able to cook a gourmet meal after working a twenty hour day at the law office where she makes a seven-figure salary and yet still caters to every whimsical fantasy of her man. Not just no, but HELL NO. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In Chick Lit we get to meet women who we relate to in fun, frustrating, quirky and fantastical ways - Where dating two (or more? hmmm) men isn't taboo but a necessary evil along the road to bliss. Hopefully the love triangle will never go away because reading about them is just too much fun! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: lime; font-family: Arial;">So, how do you feel about a love triangle? Ever had the uncomfortable pleasure of experiencing one for yourself? In fiction, do you always root for the boy-next-door or the boy-your-mama-warned-you-about? Leave a comment below with your name and email address and you'll be entered to win a copy of my e-book, <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flirting-Death-Assassins-Anonymous-ebook/dp/B0063WQRTW" target="_blank">Flirting with Death</a></strong>, where Kayla is stuck between wanting the man her conscience tells her she should and the dangerous criminal her heart can't forget.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0iY75gBLyI/TrYzEmqJjiI/AAAAAAAAAGk/M2wXDkoR4D4/s1600/FWD+Kindle+Cover+11-5-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j0iY75gBLyI/TrYzEmqJjiI/AAAAAAAAAGk/M2wXDkoR4D4/s200/FWD+Kindle+Cover+11-5-11.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">BOOK BLURB:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Is there a twelve-step
program for recovering assassins? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Kayla McKenna is a
covert assassin—and she likes it. After her father was murdered by terrorists,
she was consumed by the need for retribution. But landing her dream job as a
CIA assassin turns out to be merely a stepping stone in her plot to avenge the
heartaches of the past... and present. One botched mission earns Kayla a burn
notice, a bullet hole and a one-way ticket back to suburbia. Banished to her
childhood stomping grounds with a meddling, shopping-addicted mother intent on
grandkids, three overprotective cop brothers, a sexy criminal who can’t decide
whether he wants to shoot her or date her, and a new boyfriend even her family
loves, Kayla may finally get the chance to find out what really matters in
life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That is, if living a
"normal" life doesn’t kill her first. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">With a delicious
combination of mystery, suspense, romance, edgy chick-lit, and a dash of
paranormal, the first installment of the new Assassins Anonymous series is a
wickedly fun treat.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a chance to win the <span style="background-color: lime;">Chick Lit Author Blog Hop Grand Prize of a <strong>$150
Sephora gift card</strong></span>, simply do the following:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Collect all 34 of the secret words (you will find a secret word in each
of the blog posts on the hop.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The word
will be italicized, so it will be easy to locate.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
2) </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: lime;">Submit your list of 34 secret words to CLABlogHop@aol.com</span> before
midnight on Sunday, May 20th and you will be entered into the Grand Prize
Drawing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Grand Prize winner will be announced on Monday, May 21st, and the
$150 Sephora gift card can be redeemed online, or at any Sephora store in the
US. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Chick Lit Author Blog Hop contests are open to residents of the United
States only.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: lime;"> Please see the top of the sidebar to the right of this post (beneath the Chick Lit Authors Blog Hop 2012 badge) for a Linky list with all 34 participating authors/blogs</span>. You will have an opportunity to win a different e-book at each blog hop stop. Good luck and happy reading!</span></div>Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-35645669467417091772012-05-02T19:17:00.000-07:002012-05-02T19:17:12.299-07:00A New Release from a Fabulous Paranormal Fantasy Author - Kill Me by Alex Owens!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OqusSWQ1PRI/T6Hmg2THnTI/AAAAAAAAAK0/sb8C02fhwl8/s1600/Blood+Chord+Kill+Me+Cover+(april+2012+CS).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OqusSWQ1PRI/T6Hmg2THnTI/AAAAAAAAAK0/sb8C02fhwl8/s320/Blood+Chord+Kill+Me+Cover+(april+2012+CS).jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Need something to read? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hot off the virtual press is Alex Owens' debut novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007UPOLR6" target="_blank">Kill Me</a>.</span> </span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Three days ago, Claire was a wife, a mother, and very much
alive... then the music called for her.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Claire has one goal for the conference-- to land a few
whales so that her boss will give her a badly needed raise. She pitches and
prays while courting the music industry elite until her plans are derailed by
hotness-in-high-heels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bette is at the conference on a mission--to find a human
with untapped talents that she can mold and control. Bette uses her cursed
violin to lure Claire in with a haunting song, which unravels Claire's life as
her new talents emerge. To make matters worse, Claire is attracted to two
unlikely people-- Bette and her hunky associate, Gregor. Both can light
Claire's fire, but is either of them the only one?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately for Claire, life isn't all song lyrics and
seduction. Tied to darkness by blood and power, Claire must harness her
abilities if she has any hope of returning home to her daughter and regaining
her former life... if that's what she really wants. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007UPOLR6" target="_blank">Kill Me</a>, the debut novel from author Alex Owens, is a quirky
paranormal fantasy complete with music, magic, fangs and freaks. It is also the
first in a planned series, with the second book due out by the Fall of 2012. Be
forewarned, this is not your daughter's paranormal.</strong></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You know you can't wait to read more... so why bother trying? <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007UPOLR6" target="_blank">Kill Me</a> is available TODAY for Kindle on Amazon for the special debut price of $3.99! Find out more about Alex Owens, Kill Me, and the Blood Chord Series here:</span></div>
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</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="http://bloodchordseries.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Blood Chord Series Site</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.quirkygurl.com/" target="_blank">Publisher Site</a></div>
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<a href="http://wwwtwitter.com/imaquirkygurl" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/quirkygurlmedia" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Reading!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">~Heidi</span></div>
<br />Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-24582348975128862802012-04-26T14:05:00.000-07:002012-04-26T14:05:46.734-07:00Fantastic Read - The Baby Thief by L.J. Sellers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51+Uml0+SQL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-70,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51+Uml0+SQL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-70,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Thief-Romantic-Thriller-ebook/dp/B00408AOB8" target="_blank">The Baby Thief</a> is yet another book by an author I stumbled upon and am now addicted to. With a delicious blend of warped morals, twisted motives and thrilling turns, L.J. Sellers has hit the mark when it comes to the ultimate in suspense.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Thief-Romantic-Thriller-ebook/dp/B00408AOB8" target="_blank">Description</a> (from Amazon product page):<br />
<br />
"Thirty-two and still single, Jenna wants a baby before it's too late so she visits a fertility clinic. Soon after she meets Eric, a charming reporter, and their attraction is powerful. Meanwhile the clinic doctor, after one look at Jenna, makes other plans. The doctor and her lover kidnap Jenna and steal one of her eggs—a simple procedure that the “donor” should no have memory of. But from the beginning, things go terribly wrong. When Jenna disappears, Eric is confused and heartbroken—but can he find her in time to save her?"<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Thief-Romantic-Thriller-ebook/dp/B00408AOB8" target="_blank">The Baby Thief</a> is incredibly engrossing and I highly recommend. Normally, I'm all about chick-lit, but every once in a while I just need a break and this was the perfect detour! Currently only $2.99 on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Thief-Romantic-Thriller-ebook/dp/B00408AOB8" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, there is absolutely no reason not to give it a try.<br />
<br />
Happy Reading!<br />
~HeidiHeidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-3281402386678472912012-04-23T22:48:00.000-07:002012-04-23T22:48:05.181-07:00She's Baaaack! Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xE+mei14L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xE+mei14L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-65,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Okay, so this always happens when I'm nearly finished with a project... I start procrastinating! What is my favorite way to pass the time when I'm in procrastination mode? Read, of course! <br />
<br />
I've been hemming and hawing over reading J.E.'s latest because the reviews are so mixed. I mean, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Explosive-Eighteen-Stephanie-Novels-ebook/dp/B004UI0NVE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1335244748&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Explosive Eighteen</a> actually has more 1-star ratings than 5-star, which I find mind boggling. I can understand the complaints about price. $13.99 for an ebook that was released nearly six months ago? Ridiculous. Sorry, I love Miss Evanovich, but the pricing by the big publishers really ticks me off. So what did I do? Bought the damn thing. <br />
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And I loved it! Reviewers have been dead on with the past few books in that they were getting a bit repetitive and lacking in the surprising bursts of laugh-out-loud humor J.E. is famous for. Not <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Explosive-Eighteen-Stephanie-Novels-ebook/dp/B004UI0NVE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1335244748&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Explosive Eighteen</a>! Usually when I have a written LOL moment, it's really more of a small grin, maybe a slight chuckle. Yet, finally, I can write that I seriously laughed, deep belly chuckles, more than once while reading this book. Do I wish Stephanie would make up her mind? Yes! Well, only if she picks Ranger, but that's a personal preference. <br />
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Then again, if <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Explosive-Eighteen-Stephanie-Novels-ebook/dp/B004UI0NVE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1335244748&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Explosive Eighteen</a> is any indication of a return to the former glory of the Stephanie Plum series, I don't want her to make a difinitive choice... because then it would be over. And it can't be over. I need a go-to author who keeps me turning the pages and inspires me to new heights.<br />
<br />
I won't rehash the plot, because if you're a fan you know what you're getting here. But I will say all those 1-star reviews are misguided in my opinion. If you're holding out for the same reasons I was, don't. Well worth the read. (Even more worth it if you can get your hands on the paperback or a used copy... $13.99? Really? Okay, enough said. I'm over it now. Promise.) <br />
<br />
Bitching aside, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Explosive-Eighteen-Stephanie-Novels-ebook/dp/B004UI0NVE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1335244748&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Explosive Eighteen</a>. Fun, fun, fun read!!!<br />
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Happy Page Turning!<br />
~HeidiHeidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-42955790596174429372012-04-15T12:56:00.000-07:002012-04-15T12:56:32.114-07:00Blood Orchids by Toby Neal - Aloha!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51g0i29sgdL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-63,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51g0i29sgdL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-63,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I was first drawn to this book because it has nearly the same title as one of my all-time faves by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Orchid-Holly-Barker-ebook/dp/B000OCXHCW/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1334518183&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Stuart Woods</a>. I'm so glad I took a chance and actually read it! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Orchids-Crime-Series-ebook/dp/B006FBDHG2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1334518183&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Blood Orchids</a> by Toby Neal is a fantastic book! I'll start with the scenery - The Big Island of Hawaii is one of my favorite places on this earth. And while I've only been to the Kona Coast portion of the island, I really enjoyed the imagery of Hilo and the surrounding parks and and beaches.<br />
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Lei, the main character of this novel is an interesting and engaging heroine. Her background is vivid and compelling. There were times I almost felt like a voyeur because her history was so well-written and fleshed out. The mystery? Wonderful, and, as the book description says, "un-putdownable."<br />
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Then there's her faithful companion - Keiki. I love animals and it seems I always fall in love with books where I fall in love with the animal/s portrayed in them. Keiki can come live with me any day!<br />
<br />
Romance is definitely an important element in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Orchids-Crime-Series-ebook/dp/B006FBDHG2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1334518183&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Blood Orchids</a>, but it's not overpowering or mushy. Toby Neal put just the right amount in to make it true to the story and, especially, to the characters. Bravo! I also love series, so I can't wait to find out what happens to Lei next. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Orchids-Crime-Series-ebook/dp/B006FBDHG2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1334518183&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Blood Orchids</a> is currently $2.99 on Amazon and worth every penny. If you enjoy mystery, suspense, and romance all wrapped up into one fabulous read - this is the book for you. I highly recommend!<br />
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Happy Reading!<br />
~HeidiHeidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-50845322708921521272012-04-15T12:24:00.000-07:002012-04-15T12:24:03.259-07:00Golden Lies by Barbara Freethy is... Golden!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51GkSMv-ODL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-55,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51GkSMv-ODL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-55,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Lies-ebook/dp/B004Q9TI54/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334516494&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Golden Lies</a> is the second book I've read by Barbara Freethy. And this one is definitely my favorite of the two! Let me start with the cover, because I absolutely love it - although after reading the book, other than the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, I didn't find it really suited the content. But it is a beautiful image and was definitely a deciding factor when I downloaded the book. <br />
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The story revolves around three central main characters who are drawn together when a mysterious dragon statue is found. I really enjoyed the Asian culture in the book and found it original and refreshing.<br />
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The romance and chemistry between Riley and Paige sparked and drew me in. Theirs was a romance I could get behind and root for. Every character was well drawn and their histories were portrayed with depth and realism. What I really liked was how quickly the pace moved and how, with so many different threads being woven together, I never felt like I missed anything, or something wasn't explained. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Lies-ebook/dp/B004Q9TI54/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334516494&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Golden Lies</a> is the epitome of romantic suspense. You won't be able to put it down.<br />
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(Possible spoiler?) The ending is what I expected, but I wouldn't have had it any other way... happy endings are always a must-have for me. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Lies-ebook/dp/B004Q9TI54/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334516494&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Golden Lies</a> is ridiculously inexpensive, too. I actually downloaded it as a freebie, but when I went to Amazon to check on the price just now I saw it is only $1.99. BARGAIN! For romance and romantic suspense lovers, you won't want to miss <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Lies-ebook/dp/B004Q9TI54/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334516494&sr=8-1" target="_blank">this one</a>.<br />
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Happy Reading!<br />
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~HeidiHeidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-36048988018619279092012-04-03T20:24:00.002-07:002012-04-03T20:24:14.988-07:00The Hunger Games Trilogy - A Review by a Chick-Lit Lover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41B9tVfXdJL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-57,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41B9tVfXdJL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-57,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41B9tVfXdJL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-57,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a>I was late to this party, but I'm glad I finally gave in. Definitely not my normal reading fare, but the story really is quite engrossing. I have to admit it took quite a while to get used to the first-person present-tense style. I actually like first person... it was the present tense that threw me. I did become accustomed to it after a brief period, that might have been shortened if I had connected more with Katniss from the beginning. I didn't. In fact, I never really fell in love with this character.<br />
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After <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Twilight-Saga-Collection-ebook/dp/B001FA0PIQ/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333509711&sr=1-1" target="_blank">The Twilight Saga</a> madness (and, yes, I fell under Edward's spell quite quickly), and when the media made such a big deal about how <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XJRQUQ/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb" target="_blank">this series</a> was going to be even bigger, I had to see what all the hoopla was about. I had high expectations for this story and I can't say it necessarily disappointed me, but while I'm sure it was intended to be a character-driven plot, I found them (the characters) to be a far second to the world-building that went on. In this, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Suzanne-Collins/e/B001H6V7I0/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0" target="_blank">Suzanne Collins</a> did a wonderful job of painting the imagery quite vividly with her words. Throughout all three books, I never had difficulty picturing where the story was taking place.</div>
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But... I still never fell in love with the characters. The antiwar message came through loud and clear, and was an enjoyable ride, but I felt let down that Katniss never aspired to greatness. For a heroine, she was a disappointment to me. Every accomplishment was more luck than skill, and I saw very little growth in her throughout the series until the very, very end - which was a little rushed, in my opinion, after all the buildup and still painted her as flat and rather emotionless. I realize this is due to the emotional damage she'd suffered and is probably a more apt demeanor for someone who has lived the life she has, but it left so much to be desired. Where was the hope? I didn't necessarily need a happy ending, but I felt nearly depressed after it ended. In one word - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XJRQUQ/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb" target="_blank">The Hunger Games</a> is: Sad!</div>
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*Possible Spoiler Alert*</div>
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Speaking of the ending... I wish there had been more about what happened to the country in the aftermath. From others, I went into these books believing I was going to be swept up in a love triangle, which, okay, maybe it was... kinda, sorta. But since I never felt a connection to any of the trio (other than feeling a bit sorry for Peeta), and since there was more action than drama, I felt the lack of details, lack of a vivid picture of what happened, was sorely lacking.</div>
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*End Possible Spoiler*</div>
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Now, I know I compared the two series before, so I will elaborate a bit more. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Twilight-Saga-Collection-ebook/dp/B001FA0PIQ/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333509711&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Twilight</a> was all drama. You felt more than the mechanics of the characters - even though I did not overly enjoy all the redundant musings found in the books and skimmed through about 50% of the stories. In contrast, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XJRQUQ/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb" target="_blank">The Hunger Games</a> had a much better plot and was far superior in the writing style, but it lacked passion. It lacked emotion. Well, emotions other than fear, hatred, and violence. It was brutal and dark. </div>
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One must take into account that I am truly a lover of Chick Lit. I need light and happy. I definitely enjoyed this foray into the dark side, but I am at a loss as to why these books are so incredibly popular. They're actually quite depressing - especially considering that they're written for a YA audience. Maybe as someone who is several years past "young" I just don't get it. I know many YA books that spread like wildfire are popular because of a certain theme, which, in my estimation is young children doing things that are more "adult": fighting wars, torid romances, grand adventures without parental oversight, etc. So, maybe in this instance I didn't connect because I know the real life consequences of what was occurring. </div>
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In the end, I'll watch the movies. I'd recommend the books to a friend as something interesting to read. But when it comes down to it, I wouldn't re-read the series. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XJRQUQ/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb" target="_blank">The Hunger Games</a> is definitely a unique experience, but when it comes to all the hysteria - I'll take a pass. I am not team Gale or team Peeta (whose name makes me hungry for Greek food). I don't suddenly feel the need to visit an archery range. I'm glad I spent the time to read the series so I can speak intelligently when the topic comes up in conversation, because the avalanche has begun and there's no getting out of the way. But as I watch it unfold, all I'm inspired to add to the pile is a careless shrug and a noncommittal, "Meh."</div>
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Let me know what your thoughts are on the subject. And, "May the odds be <em>ever</em> in your favor." ;-)</div>
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Happy Reading!</div>
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~Heidi</div>
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</div>Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-45133807108597473902012-03-27T12:31:00.000-07:002012-03-27T12:31:39.895-07:00Vacation Love - Escape by M.K. Elliott<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51sqqT81xIL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51sqqT81xIL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-64,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Need to get away? <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Escape-ebook/dp/B004ZH3CXQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Escape</a></i></b> by M.K. Elliott takes you to a fabulous island resort in Thailand and fills the days with romance and beautiful tropical scenery. I think many of us can relate to the need to run away from our stressful jobs and lackluster relationships. Lucy does just that when she leaves behind a stagnant live-in boyfriend to seek a little spice.<br />
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Putting aside disbelief that, at a glance, a handsome man can know you're different without more that a few words exchanged, I rooted Lucy on as she pursued a relationship with the sexy dive instructor. The romantic in me wanted to see these two together - even with the moral grey area they were entering. I've never been a fan of settling for what you know, when it doesn't make you happy, just because it's easy and familiar. I really wanted Rudy (the dive instructor) and Lucy to find their bliss, which made me keep turning the pages long after my bedtime.<br />
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<b>*Spoiler Alert*</b> The only problem I had was the ability on both their parts to hide who they really were professionally - it just seemed silly and even the explanations given barely made sense. Maybe if the reasons had been explored deeper, I wouldn't have had a problem with it. But in this case, the secrets just made unnecessary drama... and I like drama. The ending also seemed rushed. Everything was tied up nicely, but I would have liked at least a glimpse of their happily ever after. This is just me though and expectations may vary greatly. <b><i>*End Spoiler*</i></b><br />
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But even with a few nit-picks, I enjoyed this story. It is an easy, quick read and is perfect for a lazy day or vacation. I also enjoy books written by Brits... the colloquialisms are so fun in England! I definitely recommend. Check it out on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Escape-ebook/dp/B004ZH3CXQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and let me know what you think!<br />
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Happy Reading!<br />
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~HeidiHeidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-46823468834257338452012-03-27T11:38:00.000-07:002012-03-27T11:38:14.324-07:00Romance South of the Border - Cinderella in Overalls by Carol Grace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jLpQAYfAL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-68,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jLpQAYfAL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-68,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cinderella-in-Overalls-ebook/dp/B005HJ6QZW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332872110&sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cinderella in Overalls</a></i></b> by Carol Grace took me a while to get into. The premise is interesting and original... and also timely with Catherine's family losing their farm during these hard times. But the plot was very slow and difficult to stay interested in (for me). I liked both of the main characters, but had to skip pages of unnecessary reminiscences and inner turmoil to get to the good stuff.<br />
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Now, the scenery was vivid and I enjoyed it immensely. There were also two possible fun mysteries that were glossed over.<br />
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<b>*Possible Spoiler Alert*</b> The visit to the fishing village and the woman in the reeds could have been a neat tangent, but was wrapped up too soon. Also, the silver mine - what could have been an exciting adventure was also cut short after page upon page of describing the trip to get there and the building excitement of discovery. At least there was a happy ending (I love happy endings), but even this seemed rushed. <b>*End Spoiler*</b><br />
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Many of my impressions of this book may stem from a change in my reading preferences. I used to devour romance books with relish (not the pickle kind). But more and more frequently I find I would rather laugh with a good chick lit book or hold on for the ride inside the pages of a romantic suspense. A happy ending alone just doesn't cut it for me anymore. Now, if you are a die-hard romance fan - BUY THIS BOOK. It has everything a romance should have, it just wasn't for me. Take a look for yourself at Amazon, as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cinderella-in-Overalls-ebook/dp/B005HJ6QZW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332872110&sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><i>Cinderella in Overalls</i></b></a> is only $2.99.<br />
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Happy Reading!<br />
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~Heidi<br />
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<b><br /></b>Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-40695985150712822932012-03-22T12:07:00.001-07:002012-03-22T12:07:46.457-07:00A Modern Day Fairy Tale - Three Wishes by Stephanie Bond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51y2dP1diKL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51y2dP1diKL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-52,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Three-Wishes-ebook/dp/B0064H0TWC" target="_blank"><i>Three Wishes</i></a> by Stephanie Bond is a cute take on Aladdin and his magic lamp. If you love fairy tales, this book will be right up your alley. As a warning, this is a very light read. And by light, I don't mean short, but... fluffy. That sounds negative, but that's not the way I intend it. It's simply a whimsical read and I don't want to mislead anyone into thinking it's something that it's not.<br />
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I'm a fan of Stephanie Bond and have been for years - her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Body-Movers-books-1-3-ebook/dp/B0023SDQKS" target="_blank">Body Movers</a> series is the essence of Chick-Lit and I devoured them in short order. I wouldn't necessarily call <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Three-Wishes-ebook/dp/B0064H0TWC" target="_blank"><i>Three Wishes</i></a> Chick-Lit though as it's light, but not humorous in my opinion.<br />
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Overall, I <i>liked</i> this book, but never completely fell in love with the characters. As for recommendations for fellow Chick-Lit lovers... Try one of the books in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Body-Movers-books-1-3-ebook/dp/B0023SDQKS" target="_blank">Body Movers</a> series. <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Three-Wishes-ebook/dp/B0064H0TWC" target="_blank">Three Wishes</a></i> is currently $0.99 on Amazon, so if you're looking for a bit of reading entertainment this weekend on the cheap - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Three-Wishes-ebook/dp/B0064H0TWC" target="_blank">hop on over</a> and try a sample. And as always, let me know what you think!<br />
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Happy Reading!<br />
~HeidiHeidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8233693656536808693.post-3804302389335784702012-03-19T12:16:00.000-07:002012-03-19T12:16:11.531-07:00Free and Fabulous - Falling for You by Julie Ortolon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515-l-CD5VL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-68,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/515-l-CD5VL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-68,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I'm a sucker for a beach setting and Galveston is one of those places I've always wanted to visit. Add in local lore, potential hauntings, likable characters and a happy ending and I am definitely going to rave about the book. Julie Ortolon is quickly becoming a favorite of mine for romance and she didn't miss the mark in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Falling-Pearl-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B003VIWUOC" target="_blank"><b><i>Falling for You</i></b></a>.<br />
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I got frustrated by some of the preconceived ideas held by Chance, the hero in this story. But in the end I felt they added to his character by showing the depth of his breeding and how what we are brought up thinking is expected of us isn't always what is best... or even actually expected. Aurora St.Claire (Rory) is a perfect heroine in that she is easy to relate to and her actions are real instead of being contrived. Her tenacity is inspiring and you want these two to be together, rooting for them until the very last page.<br />
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I downloaded this book a while ago, and was surprised to see it is still free on Amazon. I completely recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Falling-Pearl-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B003VIWUOC" target="_blank"><b><i>Falling for You</i></b></a> to those who love a great romance that is also an easy and engrossing read. And for the price, what do you have to lose?<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51WMR2k-Z-L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-70,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51WMR2k-Z-L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-70,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Besides, the fun doesn't stop after <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Falling-Pearl-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B003VIWUOC" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Falling for You</a>, which is the first book in Julie Ortolon's Pearl Island Trilogy. You won't want to miss reading Allison's story in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lead-Pearl-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B004EHZTA6" target="_blank"><i><b>Lead Me On</b></i></a>, or Adrian's story in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tempt-Pearl-Island-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B004LLIWN6" target="_blank"><b><i>Don't Tempt Me</i></b></a>! With so many great books, I suggest you get started reading right now!<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51bG9foDBTL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-70,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51bG9foDBTL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-70,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Happy Reading!</div>
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~Heidi</div>Heidi Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08195353956874010053noreply@blogger.com0