Loving Roxie by G. G. Vandagriff

Roxie Castro comes to Florence, Italy to help her friend Georgia heal after the death of her husband. While there she decides to chase her dream of being an author, collaborating with the gorgeous Professor Stefano Nae in researching the murder of Princess Isabela di Medici. However, when they begin to delve into her history, strange things start happening to Roxie: panic attacks, the resurfacing of buried memories, and a fear that something from her past has come forward to haunt her future.

The professor's help triggers her powerful attraction to him, and this in turn worsens the attacks.The closer they get to solving the mystery surrounding her past, the more tangled her emotions become. Will discovering Roxie’s secret finally free them to explore their newfound feelings or will it snatch away the one chance they have for a lasting love?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

This book wasn't exactly what I was expecting.  But now, going back and reading the blurb, I guess it is exactly what it said it was going to be.  I must have just got the wrong first impression when I read it.  I thought this was going to be more of a mystery/suspense kind of book with some romance thrown in but it was more of a tangled web of emotional and mental trauma that the main character had to work through.

Roxie is an unusual and very confusing character.  I honestly didn't know if I liked her for most of the book but I knew I could if the understanding were there.  It took a long time to get to that point, but it did happen and once I understood where Roxie was coming from, I liked her better.  

Stefano is a saint among men.  I didn't really understand his connection with Roxie or what he saw in her, but I did love his patience and the devotion he had to his mother and family.  He is a steady, kind man and he kept this book anchored amidst the emotional turmoil that was everywhere.

I loved the Italian setting. The descriptions of the places there were fantastic and made me long to be there too.

Content:  Mention of abuse, nothing descriptive.  Death, depression, dysfunctional families, PTSD

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

My Wicked Half Sister (Someone Else's Fairytale #4) by E.M. Tippetts

Chloe never set out to be famous, but her marriage to Hollywood A-lister, Jason Vanderholt, has made her a celebrity by association. Jealous and nosy fans heckle her in public and the tabloids portray her as cold, arrogant, and unworthy of her husband. As bad as that is, it’s about to get a whole lot worse.

Her brother, Chris, is being paroled from prison, where he has been serving a time for shooting and nearly killing Chloe when she was a child. This is not a situation that she wants splashed all over the headlines, especially because this could incite her brother to try to finish the job.

While her movie star husband and in-laws do their best to be understanding, the only people who really know Chloe’s situation are her scatterbrained mother and her half-sister, Beth. Chloe’s mother has made a mess of her personal life again and is in no condition to help her daughter. Beth is Chris’s full sister, and family loyalty dictates that she side with him.

But when a string of crimes occurs all across town that appear tied to Chris, Beth sets out to hunt him down and bring him to justice. Chloe isn’t the only one in mortal danger, now, and if Beth comes to harm while fighting for her, Chloe doesn’t know how she’ll ever forgive herself.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * iBooks * B&N * Kobo *

I love this series.  It's one of my favorites because it is engaging and keeps up an even pace.  The characters are familiar to me now and I'm invested in them and their happiness.  I think you probably could read this book as a stand alone, but I don't think it will be as good as if you started from the beginning.

Chloe and Jason are good together.  They've been through a lot of things and they work hard at taking care of each other.  That's what I like best about them.  They are figuring things out together.  Jason especially really steps up in this book and works hard to put Chloe first and be there for her.  Chloe has a lot of big life things happening and she is trying hard to take care of the people she loves but honestly, she has a pretty messed up family and it's sort of crazy!  Chloe is strong even in her moments of weakness- and she does have those- which helps me to relate and empathize with her.

This series sort of reminds me of a soap opera.  Especially this episode.  :)  It has a hint of danger and suspense, tons of family drama- who do you trust?  Old enemies, new allies, and behind it all a sweet continuing romance between a girl and her famous husband.  

This book was easy to read.  I read through it quickly and enjoyed all my minutes with these characters.  I'm glad to be a part of the review team for this book and I thank WordSmith Publicity for the review copy.  

Emily Mah Tippetts writes science fiction as Emily Mah and sweet romance as E.M. Tippetts. A lifelong New Mexican, she lives with her family in Santa Fe, though she's been known to spend years at a time in the UK, her second home. Aside from being a writer, she's been a lawyer and jeweler, and is currently a stay at home mother, polymer clay artist, book designer/formatter, and owner of E.M. Tippetts Book Designs.

Links:

Mailing list: eepurl.com/vS_wz

Website: www.emtippetts.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emtippetts

Twitter: twitter.com/emtippetts (@EMTippetts)

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3 signed copies of My Wicked Half-Sister (US)

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By the River by Jennie Hansen + $25 and Book Giveaway!

It was supposed to be a relaxing early morning run, but the path along the river trail quickly turns into the scene of a nightmare for recent college graduate Kira Paxton. An unintended exploration of a secluded riverbank leads to a gruesome discovery that sets her on a collision course with danger: it is the body of a young woman. In shock, all Kira can manage to do is scream . . . From the moment Ford Kettering hears the cries for help along the trail, he is drawn irrevocably into a mystery in which he plays a shocking role. Ford, a local high school teacher, had a recent classroom clash with the victim—now, he’s a person of interest. As Ford and Kira bond over their shared ordeal, they work together to prove Ford’s innocence—and soon, their attraction is undeniable. But it seems that Kira’s nightmare is far from over. What begins as a series of close calls and acts of vandalism soon escalates, putting Kira’s own life in jeopardy. It appears that Kira saw something that day along the trail, something that has made her a target. With Ford’s help, she is determined to track down the killer—before she becomes the next victim.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

Jennie Hansen is an author I always look to for a good romantic suspense story.  She knows how to weave in the perfect balance of suspense and romance.  

This book jumps right into the thick of things.  I love that.  I open the book and immediately I am sucked right into the mystery and suspense.  Consequently, I read through this book quickly (in one day!) because I just didn't want to put it down.

I liked Ford.  He saw Kira, was interested in her, and asked her out.  Just like that.  He saw something he was interested in pursuing and just went for it.  He is a guy any girl would love to have on her side.  Solid.  Honest.

Kira is small but mighty.  Being independent is so important to her and she struggles with the tight hold her father tries to keep on her.  Kira is a thinker though, and a doer.  She doesn't just sit around and let things happen.  I liked that.

I enjoyed my day reading this book.  It was perfect for the mood I was in.

Content:  Clean.  No swearing or sexual content beyond kissing.  LDS fiction although nothing preachy or particularly religious.  

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Nov 23rd: http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/index.html, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/ 

Nov 24th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/ 

Nov 25th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/,http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/

Nov 26th: http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/

Nov 27th: http://www.littlelightdesigncollective.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ 

Light Unshaken (Unveiled #2) by Crystal Walton

It’s real. It has to be. Twenty-two-year-old college student Emma Matthews gained too much ground last year for it all to be a dream. She has an engagement ring on her finger to prove it. Not to mention an internship she’s made for.

After a summer of overcoming her fears, Emma can’t afford for the news she just received to shake her. Not when it might jeopardize her future with Riley. And not when the kids in downtown Portland are counting on her to keep the center’s doors open. With the added strain of a broken relationship and an unexpected friendship reminding her what’s at stake, what other choice does she have?

But as mounting danger compromises her safety, friction intensifies until the risk of keeping her promise threatens all she’s fought to believe. Caught in a moment when every light in her life goes out, Emma must find the courage to lead her heart no matter what it costs her.

Falling in love is as easy as falling asleep. Holding on to that love is like trying to hold on to a dream. Even when it feels more real than life. Join Emma in this inspiring story about real love, costly choices, and the courage to fight for what you believe in.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Not long ago I reviewed the first book in this series, Eyes Unveiled.  (You can read my review HERE.)  Light Unshaken is the second book in this series and I would really recommend reading Eyes Unveiled before starting this book.  The emotional back history is something you need to understand.

What I love about this series is the emotional pull it has.  I am drawn into Emma's world and I see and feel things with her.  Emma is a character people can relate to- her emotions, her desire to make a difference, her vulnerability, and even her mistakes.  

Emma and Riley are engaged in this book and fully in love but then Riley is made an offer he cannot refuse and suddenly they are worlds apart and fighting for the love they thought was so strong.  Emma feels far away and left out of Riley's busy world.  She fights loneliness and doubt.  Emma keeps herself busy though and tries not to wallow.  She has a goal, a place and people that need her.  She wants to make a difference but it is hard work and the danger that surrounds her seems to be escalating.  The emotions are high in this book for sure.

Falling in love is easy to do.  Staying in love and fighting for that love when things get hard is something else entirely.  I enjoyed this book and I read through it quickly.  It has a fantastic forward momentum with that emotional pull that I love when reading.  This book left off in a place that surely cannot be the end so I am assuming that means another book is to come.  I hope.  :)

Content:  Clean

Polarity in Motion by Brenda Vicars + Giveaway!

Fifteen-year-old Polarity Weeks just wants to live a normal life, but with a mother diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, that’s rarely easy. Her life gets exponentially more disastrous when her sixth-period history classmates start ogling a nude picture of her on the Internet. Polarity would never have struck such a shameless pose, but the photo is definitely of her, and she’s at a complete loss to explain its existence.

Child Protective Services yanks her from her home, suspecting her parents. The kids at school mock her, assuming she took it herself. And Ethan, the boy she was really starting to like, backpedals and joins the taunting chorus. Surrounded by disbelief and derision on all sides, Polarity desperately seeks the truth among her friends. Only then does she learn that everyone has dark secrets, and no one’s life is anywhere near normal.

 * Goodreads * Amazon * Kobo  * B&N *

This is an interesting book that encompasses a lot of current issues facing young high school students today- bullying, social media, mental illness and racial discrimination, drugs and relationships.  It will make you stop and think.  I have two teenage daughters and the dangers of social media are a reality.

Polarity is a character you will root for from the beginning.  Her home life is, at times, heartbreaking.  She is bullied at school.  But the climax comes when kids start looking at a nude photo of Polarity on the Internet.  Polarity has no idea where the photo came from or who took it but it's there.  Nobody believes her when she says she has no idea how the photo came to be.  She is accused, pulled from her home and from her school.  It's awful and as a mother I cannot even imagine.  

Polarity's mother is anything but "normal" which makes the situation even more difficult to deal with.  Polarity has a lot responsibility on her shoulders.  I think she was forced to grow up faster than many other kids her age.  But I love that the book points out that really, there is no such thing as normal.  Everyone, everywhere, has things that are hard and everyone struggles at some point or another.

I love Polarity's grandmother.  She is solid and surrounds Polarity with love and safety.  She is perfect.  Polarity wants to uncover the truth of the photo and is working hard to do that.  There are some people who help her out along the way and it was good to see.

I was interested in this book from the beginning.  There were many times I felt like the book was sort of spinning in the same place and I wanted it to more forward more quickly.  A lot of the thoughts and feelings were reiterated many times.  Aside from that I found this to be a compelling read.  

Content:  Obviously, this story is about a nude photo gone viral.  Aside from that there is a couple instances of kissing but no other sexual content.  I cannot remember any swearing or profanity but I forgot to take notes so I'm not 100% sure.  oops.

Brenda Vicars has worked in Texas public education for many years. Her jobs have included teaching, serving as a principal, and directing student support programs. For three years, she also taught college English to prison inmates, and outside of her job, she mentors children of incarcerated parents.

She entered education because she felt called to teach, but her students taught her the biggest lesson: the playing field is not even for all kids. Through her work, she became increasingly compelled to bring their unheard voices to the page. The heartbeat of her fiction emanates from the courage and resiliency of her students.

Brenda’s hobbies include reading, woodworking, gardening, and Zumba.

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The Hunt for the Big Bad Wolf by E.M. Tippetts + Book Giveaway

Chloe knew she was giving up the quiet life when she married Hollywood A-lister, Jason Vanderholt. She expected harassment from paparazzi but not from the writers of Blood Ritual, a television crime drama that brought national attention to a tough case she is trying to solve as a forensic scientist. While she and the rest of the Albuquerque Police Department once collaborated with the show, now relations have gone sour, and details that the police are trying to keep secret in the investigation are cropping up in episodes watched by millions.

If that weren’t enough, everyone in Chloe’s life seems to be going through a rough patch, from her best friend, Lori, who is trying to plan a wedding, to her niece Kyra who is upset about Jason’s choice of television roles, to Jason himself who is inexplicably moody and withdrawn. None of this drama is the type of thing Chloe knows how to resolve.

She is trained to do one thing: hunt down the big bad wolves of the world. But with her connections to fame compromising her work, she may not even be allowed to stay on the case. The clock is ticking as law enforcement agencies across the country try to find a serial killer before he strikes again. Chloe is faced with a choice, to help catch one of the most evil criminals in history, or provide support to the friends and family who have always been there for her. Either way, she feels she might make the mistake of a lifetime.

* Amazon * Goodreads *

I've been following this series from the beginning so I was excited to get my hands on this, the third book.  You really should read this series in order because it will make much more sense.  I don't think this is a stand alone book.  

Chloe carries the weight of the world on her shoulders.  So many things are pressing down on her in this book and even I could feel the weight of it as a reader.  It seemed so overwhelming for poor Chloe.  She really is a trooper.  Her life has been difficult but it also taught her to put her head down and keep pushing through and that is exactly what she does.  I really like Chloe.  She is patient and she doesn't give up.  One thing that I really love about Chloe is that she doesn't let her insecurities rule her.  I wish I were more like that.

This book has a great forward movement.  It wasn't all action or danger but had a nice balance of personal interactions and scene shifts.  I really enjoyed it and I read through it like a speedster.  It was so satisfying to see and feel some resolution for Chloe by the end.  As a reader, I needed that.

Content:  mild swearing, some talk about and some scenes involving marital intimacies although nothing too detailed.

Emily Mah Tippetts writes science fiction as Emily Mah and sweet romance as E.M. Tippetts. A lifelong New Mexican, she lives with her family in Santa Fe, though she's been known to spend years at a time in the UK, her second home.  Aside from being a writer, she's been a lawyer and jeweler, and is currently a stay at home mother, polymer clay artist, book designer/formatter, and owner of E.M. Tippetts Book Designs.

Links:
Mailing list: eepurl.com/vS_wz
Website: www.emtippetts.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/emtippetts
Twitter: twitter.com/emtippetts (@EMTippetts)

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On Tour with True Colors by Krysten Hager + a $25 Giveaway

True Colors Landry Albright enters a modeling competition with her two best friends, but runs into jealousy when she advances to the next level without them. Enter the gorgeous Devon, who also makes the first cut of the modeling contest. Devon seems like the perfect new best friend, but can their friendship survive the competition? Throw in a new boy, jealousy and loyalty issues, and insults from hair stylists. How’s a girl to deal?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Smashwords

This book felt just like a soap opera to me.  Only geared to 13 year olds.  As an adult, it was really hard to stay focused and invested but I think this book might appeal to a lot of young 13 year old girls who are in to these sort of things.

The story is all about Landry who feels all the typical insecurities of this age group, and they are many.  It's a tough age and most early teen girls will be able to relate.  Throw in those boy crushes, the friend drama and some family issues and you have this book in a nutshell.  

Landry has self esteem issues.  She never feels pretty or good enough.  Friends come and go in a love-hate sort of way as many friends do at that age.  Landry is always trying to figure out where she fits in while trying to please everyone.  The mean girls were nailed in this book.  They reminded me of a couple girls I knew at this age.

Landry and friends go to the mall a LOT.  And the movies and basketball games.  They have sleep over's and gossip about everyone.  To me, if felt very repetative (oh, they are at the mall.  Again. ) but I realize I'm not the target audience for this book.  I guess for me, the book didn't really go anywhere.  It just kept spinning in the same place.  I didn't see much growth in Landry.  I really wanted it to move forward and progress and it just didn't.

Content:  It was clean.  No swearing or sexual situations to report.

Enjoy the following excerpt:

A lot of girls at school were talking about trying out, but most of the girls at Hillcrest were jocks. Yasmin McCarty, the most popular girl in our class with one thousand-three people on her social media friends list, could win a modeling competition, but she would never enter because it would be beneath her to stand in line and wait to be judged on her looks. She was always saying modeling and stuff was so superficial, but she was also the same girl who walked around school pretending she was freezing so the teachers would let her wear her designer hoodie over her uniform.

I dunno, maybe some girls just knew they were hot and didn’t need some TV show to confirm it. I loved watching the show, but the thought of going up there to be judged on how I looked scared me. I was afraid of the judges but even more afraid of Ericka. I knew she’d get mad at me if I didn’t try out. So while some girls were secure enough not to need strangers to tell them they were pretty, I spent the whole day trying to figure out the right outfit for my audition (and my dad wondered why my math grades sucked). I mentally went through my closet, and nothing seemed right. My clothes said American Couch Potato, not American Ingénue.

  

Author Biography Krysten Lindsay Hager is an author and book addict who has never met a bookstore she didn’t like. She’s worked as a journalist and also writes middle grade, YA, humor essays, and adult fiction. Her debut novel, TRUE COLORS, will be out June 17th from Astraea Press. She is originally from Michigan and has lived in South Dakota, Portugal, and currently resides in Southern Ohio where you can find her reading and writing when she’s not catching up on her favorite shows.

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      Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/15/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  
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