Owning Violet by Monica Murphy - Review by Cat

Owning Violet by  Monica Murphy

Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Synopsis

I’ve moved through life doing what’s expected of me. I’m the middle daughter, the dutiful daughter. The one who braved a vicious attack and survived. The one who devoted herself to her family’s business empire. The one who met an ambitious man and fell in love. We were going to run Fleur Cosmetics together, Zachary and I.

Until he got a promotion and left me in the dust. Maybe it’s for the best, between his disloyalty and his wandering eye. But another man was waiting for me. Wanting me. He too has an overwhelming thirst for success, just like Zachary—perhaps even more so. He’s also ruthless. And mysterious. I know nothing about Ryder McKay beyond that he makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.

One stolen moment, a kiss, a touch . . . and I’m hooked. Ryder’s like a powerful drug, and I’m an addict who doesn’t want to be cured. He tells me his intentions aren’t pure, and I believe him. For once, I don’t care. I’m willing to risk everything just to be with him. Including my heart. My soul.

My everything.

Review

Grade: A (5 Stars)

I knew from the first couple of pages this one would cause all kinds of feelings.  While reading I was angry, hurt, sad and happy.  This is one of those stories that will invoke all kinds of emotions from the reader.  I absolutely loved this book and would definitely be rereading this one.  At first I didn't like Ryder, but as the story goes on his grows on you and you can see the major ways he changes throughout the whole book.  Violet was a little mousey at the beginning, but as the story went on she came into her own and is one amazing character.  This is one of the best books I've read all year and really look forward to the next book in this series.

I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Jackie by Sam Newsome, MD - Book Blitz

Jackie

A novel by Sam Newsome, MD

As a child Jackie is abused at home and bullied at school. He is judged autistic and relegated to home bound teaching that fails him. His only solace is TV cable news. Years later he is reunited with one of his classmates, Jimmie. Together they discover Jackie’s ability to read closed-captioned broadcasts and ads so clearly that he creates a psychic connection with the viewer. This talent enables Jackie to fulfill his destiny.

“Jackie” By Sam Newsome Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 264 pages | ISBN 9781483403236 E-Book | 264 pages | ISBN 9781483403229 Available at Lulu.com, Amazon and Barnes and Noble web sites

General/ Inspirational/ Humorous Fiction

  KING, N.C. – A young man born to misfortune discovers a secret ability and enormous untapped potential in the novel “Jackie” (published by Lulu) by Sam Newsome, who is doing a new marketing push for the 2013 publication. As a child, Jackie is labeled as mentally challenged. He is bullied at school and abused at home. Deemed uneducable, he is kicked out of school in the third grade. Thirteen years later he is reunited with one of his old bullies, Jimmie. A friendship is fostered and Jimmie helps Jackie discover a hidden talent. Friendship, luck and Jackie’s special talent are the springboard that propels him on a journey to fulfill his destiny. “Even the most disadvantaged of us may have unfound abilities,” Newsome says. “Ignored, these talents lay dormant and wither. When discovered and fostered, they can lead to amazing outcomes.” “Jackie” deals with serious issues in a humorous manner. The inspirational story of an unexpected hero defying odds and achieving fame and good fortune shows the positive resolution that can come when a person struggles, evolves, interacts and, ultimately, grows. “I tried to make the story of a disadvantaged child continually positive,” Newsome says. “A positive or a humorous scene minimizes any depressing moment as soon as possible. I want to entertain the reader and give a positive feeling after reading the book.”  

AWARDS

Honorable Mention at JM Northern Media 2014 Beach Book Festival, New York Book Festival, Hollywood Book Festival

Second Place in Contemporary Fiction in Colorado Independent Publisher Association 2014 awards

Finalist in 2014 Reader’s Favorite Humorous Fiction Category

What people are saying about 'Jackie'

5 Stars - A book to open one's eyes and speak to the heart By R. Jones, Amazon Reviewer

4 Stars - Food for thought By Gmont, Amazon Reviewer

4 Stars - Jackie is an inspiring story of love and friendship involving a person with a disability. Author Sam Newsome certainly knows his subject and he absolutely has his heart in it. Reviewed by Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

5 Stars - The author of Jackie, Dr. Sam Newsome, does a marvelous job of describing the title character’s disability and his gift. I highly recommend this book. The story line keeps you turning the pages and the characters make you cheer at times and cry at others. It is a wonderful read. Reviewed by Michael McManus for Readers' Favorite

5 Stars - Every chapter was written exquisitely and the story was fascinating. A lot of new scenes and characters were introduced in the beginning, but it all came together beautifully. Reviewed by Lorena Sanqui for Readers' Favorite

4 Stars - The book has interesting twists and turns and also a good dose of triumphs and tragedy, with an end that I never saw coming. Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite

About the Author

Sam Newsome is a physician in rural North Carolina. His 35 years of practice have allowed him to hear a treasure trove of stories and hone his own storytelling abilities. Website: www.jackiebysnewsome.com | Email: snewsome@phscorporate.com Available at Lulu.com, Amazon and Barnes and Noble web sites  

Queen of Hearts by Kristen Painter - Review Blitz

Welcome to Las Vegas, home of the Sin City Collectors. The job description is easy: Bring the offending supernatural in to the Boss and don’t ask any questions.

Feline shifter Claudette Marchon traded life as a showgirl to become a Sin City Collector, giving up the glamour to earn some serious cash in order to buy her own business. Mission accomplished, she now runs a pawn shop specializing in gems and jewelry.

Life is good until a Collection job requiring her specific skill set lures her back in. The Queen of Hearts, a museum-worthy ruby and diamond necklace has been stolen from the Boss’s private collection and she’s his last hope to do what two other Collectors have already failed to do. Bring in the necklace. And the thief.

But gargoyle Jason Tennant isn’t quite the dangerous criminal Claudette expects. In fact, he’s not a thief at all. He’s former Special Ops and being set up by the real mastermind, forcing her to decide between the man she’s falling for and the man she works for. Proving Jason innocent may risk the Boss’s wrath, but Claudette’s heart says it’s a gamble worth taking.

What’s Collected in Vegas, stays in Vegas...

My Review

Grade: B (4 stars)

I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Claudette is a cat shifter, former show girl, and a retired Collector.  She's enjoying her new career as the owner of a pawnshop in Las Vegas.  She is called back to duty and given the job of collecting a ruby necklace and the man who stole it, Jason.  He is a gargoyle and one of the toughest species to catch.  It's not an easy assignment as she thought and all is not as it seems.

I enjoyed this novella, it's a short novella packed full of action and a sweet romance.  The verbal exchanges between Claudette and Jason were great, they were great together.  I am looking forward to reading more of this series.

Review done in conjunction with Sunshine and Mountains Reviews.

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About The Author

When the characters in Kristen Painter’s head started to take over, she decided to put them on paper and share them with the world. She writes paranormal romance and the gothic fantasy vampire series, House of Comarre, for Orbit Books. She has also been published in non-fiction, poetry and short stories. The former college English teacher can often be found online at Romance Divas, the award-winning writers’ forum she co-founded. She’s represented by Elaine Spencer of The Knight Agency.

Sign up for her newsletter – HERE

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Join The Sin City Collectors Facebook Page And Keep Up With News & Releases!  

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King Tomb by Scarlett Dawn - Just an powerful, but so much more then before!

From Scarlett Dawn comes the stunning, sexy, sensual, surprising, spell-binding conclusion to the best-selling first Forever Evermore trilogy.

Queen Shifter, Lily Ruckler, has found solace in brutal warfare. Her bloodied fists and bared fangs fill the holes left in her memory, the blank spaces that leave her soul aching and empty. Her only pleasure is in blood; her only salvation is the relationship she has with her infant child, the baby of unknown origins who brings her solace and stability.

When Elder Harcourt summons Lily and her protector Antonio back to the United States, Lily thinks nothing unusual about the change of location. But a standard reconnaissance mission leaves her trapped inside King Zeller’s private quarters, and at his mercy. Surprise attraction rapidly turns to a battle of wills and an intense power struggle that leaves no clear victor but plenty of resentment.

They are not allowed to nurse their wounds. In order to win the war against the Commoners, the King Vampire and Queen Shifter must work together. It should be easy. The war is turning, the battle is deadly, and both Lily and Ezra love the cold cleanliness of combat. But their chance meeting has led to more than an unlikely alliance. Secrets have a way of surfacing, especially on a torn-up battlefield, and Lily and Ezra are about to re-learn all they cannot remember. If they can’t control their emotions and responses, it will be to their own ruin and the destruction of everything around them.

Links:

Amazon

B&N

Goodreads

Review:

5 Star!

Amazing!!! I don't think I can even say enough about this book! I feel terrible for taking so slow to write by review up, as I got this book early, but Scarlett Dawn doesn't disappoint! This book pull all the emotional strings you think she already snapped at the end of King Hall. You are pulled in every direction and you don't know how to feel! It's amazing. She writes in such a humorous, vivid, and enthralling manner that you can't put the book down. You'll read it without sleep, and if you do sleep, you'll dream about it. The war is on between mystical and humans, and it's all about camps and battles and strategy and the King and Queens are all trying to keep the tide moving in mysticals favor. If you like Harry Potter, Twilight, The Mortal Instruments, any of those fantasy books, and you'd like a bit more romance, more humor, most adult content, these books are where it's at! Perfect, amazing and I cannot wait til the next one in March!!! :)

*I was given an ARC for review.

About The Author:

Scarlett Dawn is drawn to all things quirky and off-beat. She believes there are no boundaries for an imaginative soul. Her love of the written word started at an early age, when her grandmother would take her to bookstores every weekend. Dreams came alive within the books she found there, and now, she is thrilled to share her stories with others who have fallen under the spell of taking fantastical journeys. Scarlett resides in the Midwest with her husband, three children, and two dogs.

website

http://scarlettdawn.net/

twitter username

ScarlettDawnUSA

Facebook                                  Author Scarlett Dawn

Van Laven Chronicles by Tyler Chase - Book Review

**Review done in conjunction with Say What Savannah Mae**

Blurb:
An action-packed, psychological thriller that explores the depths of obsession and betrayal, and the shocking lengths a man will go to hold on to what he desires most... 

Sometimes the enemy within is worse than the enemy without… 

Lord Comron Van Laven is the brave but deeply troubled heir to throne. Lady Vaush Bastionli, is the spirited daughter of his mortal enemy, the one woman he should never love. But when a cruel twist of fate forces them to rely upon each other for their very survival, old hatreds are supplanted by something far too powerful for them to resist. 

But a startling revelation about Vaush’s true origins threatens to destroy Comron’s kingdom. Meanwhile, his own deeply disturbing family history may prove to be his undoing. Possessed by his fiery passion for Vaush, yet compelled to protect his realm, Comron embarks on a thrilling, inter-planetary odyssey that plunges the couple into the midst of epic battles and raging political power struggles. 

Those seeking to kill or control Vaush relentlessly hunt the two as they race to Novoxos where Comron can help Vaush fulfill her destiny and save the Empire from a horrible, apocalyptic fate. If only Comron’s internal chaos doesn't destroy them first…

Review:
5 Stars

Wonderful Adventure novel! :)
Wow! I love adventure novels. I've read the classics and the mainstream novels, and I loved this one just the same. This author can grab you in a few pages, read the quick look on amazon, and if you aren't hooked, then I'm going to vote that this is not the genre for you. Chase develops a main character you love to hate, and really develops him well. He's strong, flawed, and in love. When your an heir to the throne, you have to be careful, everyone is making moves, and so many people want to use you.

I felt like fans of Game of Thrones would really enjoy this novel. There's action, adventure, suspense, love, and a really well thought out storyline. What do you do for love? Is love actually real? Chase does an outstanding job in this novel of showing and not telling. Some indie authors always feel the need to tell us everything going on, when in reality to connect to the story and the character, we need to see it, we need to see it in the movements, and the actions, and the sighs. It's something that takes practice but this story did an amazing job of this.

This novel flowed well, it had me hooked a couple of pages in, and I didn't want to put it down. This is the type of book you call into work sick for! Outstanding and can't wait to read other things by him! 

*I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Check out the book for yourself!

Amazon
Goodreads

Review: Caged in Winter by Brighton Walsh! 5 star read!

Caged in Winter 
Brighton Walsh

Blurb:
Aspiring chef Cade Maxwell is immediately, viscerally attracted to Winter Jacobson. But it's not her mouthwatering curves he's drawn to--it's the strange emptiness in her eyes. When Cade saves her from a drunken customer with grabby hands, he's shocked at her response...

Winter doesn't need Cade's help. After a lifetime of getting by on her own, she's happy to rely on herself. She's exactly seventy-six days away from graduating college, and if she can hold it together that long, she'll finally be able to rise above the crappy hand she was dealt.

But now, every time she turns around, Cade is there, ready to push her, smile at her, distract her from her plans. Winter knows she can't afford to open up--especially to a man she's terrified to actually want...

Review:
Grade: A
by Catherine for Sunshine & Mountains
I absolutely loved the dual points of view, I love knowing what both characters are feeling and thinking. This is one amazing book. The emotions you feel from both characters will leave you breathless.

Winter is closed off and a bit stubborn. She doesn't want or need anyone's help. She's been on her own for a long time and until she met Cade she preferred it that way. She doesn't want to feel hope but Cade has a way about him that she just can't help it. Cade is awesome. He is fiercely protective about those he cares about and loves. He's determined to break down Winter's walls and make her see she doesn't have to be alone anymore.

This is one emotional rollercoaster of a ride, with laughs and heartbreak, but so worth the ride. Its real and heartfelt and one amazing story. The author has a way of writing that pulls you in and won't let you go until your finished.

I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Unstoppable by Melody Grace - Release Day! :)

 

Book Title: Unstoppable

Author: Melody Grace

Genre: New Adult

Release Date: September 19, 2014

“My daddy always told me, you could never run out of second chances…”

Tegan Callahan has sworn off bad boys for good. Growing up on tour with her rock star brother, she knows first-hand the damage they can do. She’s looking for a nice, safe, stable guy – until a chance encounter with a devastatingly sexy stranger makes her question everything she thought she wanted.

A troubled soul…

Ryland James arrives in Beachwood Bay on the run from his mistakes. He knows he’s the last thing Tegan needs, but somehow, he can’t stay away. There’s something about her fierce beauty that draws him in – and makes him vow to protect her, whatever the cost.

A passionate destiny…

Their bond is undeniable; the stakes, higher than ever. But the past won’t stay gone forever, and soon, Ryland must make the ultimate choice: will he risk everything he treasures in the world, or keep Tegan safe – and sacrifice her love forever?

*This book contains adult situations and explicit content. 17+*

Purchase on Amazon: amzn.to/1xGpci

Purchase on iBooks: http://bit.ly/1ntWCXj

   

Review:

by Catherine for Sunshine & Mountains
Grade: B

Tegan and Ryland met in Las Vegas the first time and there was an immediate spark between them. But Tegan has sworn off bad boys and she thinks Ryland has trouble written all over him. So she walks away but can't stop thinking about him, Ryland can't stop thinking about her either. They meet again in a small town in North Carolina. She's stuck on the side of the road and he offers to help her out. She tries to fight her desire for him but struggles with it. When he backs off, she finds ways to see him.

She's fighting demons from her past, she's had a roughness and is trying to make it on her own. She writes to help deal with all that she's feeling, she turns them into songs. She's ready to move on and do something with her life. Ryland has come back home after being gone for seven years. He's back and ready to settle down and rebuild his bonds with his family. He struggles with his past and guilt and just when he thinks it's all behind him it comes back and bites him on the butt.

Melody is such a talented writer. Both characters have to deal with the past and their pain. It's such a good book. You feel their anguish, sadness and finally the happiness they both find. I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to reading more from this series.

I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

About Melody Grace

Melody Grace is the New York Times bestselling author of the Beachwood Bay series. A small-town girl turned SoCal beach lover, after spending her life with her nose in a book, she decided it was time she wrote one herself. She loves steamy romance novels, happily-ever-afters, and lusting after fictional menfolk. She is author of USA Today & international bestselling Beachwood Bay series.

Website      Facebook       Twitter

Book Review: Naughty Bits Part 1

The Lingerie Shop

Joey W. Hill

5 of 5 stars

A sensual journey with life lessons

The first of the Naughty Bits novellas introduces us to Madison. She has come at the request of her dying sister, Alice, to take over the lingerie shop after she passed away. Madison is a complex character that the author has written extremely well. The conflicting thoughts and emotions and her struggles to accept her own desires as being normal are captivating. The emotions over her desires and indecision about what she really wanted was palpable. I could really feel her frustration at just not knowing herself and trying to conform to what others wanted versus what she needs. Logan, the hardware store owner next door, has a dominating personality and has made a promise to the now gone Alice to watch over Madison. I'm excited to see how the dynamics between these two will progress throughout the series. This story is an erotic journey about discovering and accepting yourself for who you are inside. Becoming brave enough to explore and take the step forward in your own life either in work or in the bedroom.

by Shelley for Sunshine & Mountains

#SweatPink - AMRAP Review!

#Sweat Pink - AMRAP Bar Review!

So, as a part of #SweatPink, I got the option to check out some new products that AMRAP Nutrition is coming out with. I got to try three new bars! I love bars. I am always on the go and LOVE something I can grab when I go.

That's where these bars came in! 

Almond & Honey! This bar was quite tasty, and I can really see the benefit of these of athletes! My workouts are generally much more low key, but if I planned for a higher paced day, these bars would be in my bag. I'll be telling my mountain climbing friends about these!

Fig & Cacao - Different but good. I got a chocolately feel from this one! 

Lastly, Cashew & Vanilla. Vanilla is my favorite flavor, and cashews are so tasty, so I was super excited for this one. It tied with Almond & Honey for me. It's tasty, effective and easy to grab and go! Loved it!

Nutritional Facts! - Check them out!

Here's a look at the Almond & Honey's nutritional facts!

Some more info on AMRAP Bars!

Who is This Bar Designed For? 

AMRAP Nutrition’s focus is on CrossFit athletes primarily. We’ll explain why and how
AMRAP bars are uniquely created with high-intensity athletes in mind.

Why Focus Mainly on CrossFit? 

CrossFit is creating a tidal wave affect with their educated viral workout principles. It
focuses on teaching the theories and methodologies that are producing some of the fittest
people in the world.

Athletes love CrossFit’s amazing methods that not only change your body, but your life
as well. From the physical results, improved health, and the passion and camaraderie
shared among fellow CrossFitters, it is a training regimen that pushes athletes to be the
best version of themselves.

There are certainly arguments against the training style, but the industry has
demonstrated tremendous progress in the United States and internationally.
 In 2005, 13 gyms were open. In 2014, 7,000 affiliate gyms operate.
 The CrossFit Games have a 166% year over year growth rate.
 The estimated failure rate of opening a CrossFit gym is 2%
 2 Billion is the estimated net of just the CrossFit affiliates in 2013
 CrossFit has taken the lead with consumer searches on Google while other big
name brand gyms have remained relatively flat-lined.
(Reference: By the Numbers: The Growth of CrossFit (channelsignal.com))

Clearly with that much development and newfound focus on high-caliber training,
responsible nutrition is in high demand.

AMRAP Nutrition arose from CrossFit athletes looking to replace toxic supplements with
a clean appetizing energy bar. The AMRAP Bar (100% Paleo) was born from the vision
of athletes.

Is the AMRAP Bar Ideal for Other Athletes? 

One thing to keep in mind is that CrossFit was originally started as supplemental training
to enhance your overall fitness performance. It is not meant to take the place of your
sport or recreational activities. Instead, you can use CrossFit to enhance your
performance through improved strength, stamina, and endurance.
AMRAP Nutrition designed their bars with cutting-edge Crossfitters in mind, based on
the fundamental principle that CrossFit is used by a broad spectrum of athletes looking or solutions to their fitness shortcomings. From that standpoint, multi-sport athletes will
manifest the performance benefits of these bars.

Should You Eat It?

Aside from CrossFitters, AMRAP bars are a highly effective source of energy for other
intense athletics. If you are a:
 Runner
 Cyclist
 Skiier
 Mountaineer
 Climber
 Surfer
 Martial Artist
 Dancer
These bar will enhance your performance the same way it elevates the CrossFit athletes
that swear by them. They provide athletes with the whole ingredients, unprocessed
nutrients, and clean fuel to power their workouts.

(Info provided by AMRAP)

Final thoughts!

Overall, I really liked these bars! I'm a picky eater, and the flavor was good. The ingredients are quality, and they are perfect for heavy activity and refueling on the go! I'd definately recommend these bars!

Giveaway!

One lucky winner will win a AMRAP bar sample pack! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway