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Dead Peasants by Larry Thompson Virtual Book Tour (Giveaway too!)

Giveaways, Guest Posts, Mystery & Suspense Challenge, Read - A - Latte 150 Challenge, Reviews 2013, Virtual Blog Tour 21 Responses »

Apr 052013

I am thrilled this awesome author had time to
give us a little insight on what made him write books like this one!

Dolly asks about my becoming a writer later in life, my brother and the family tradition:

I think I always knew I would eventually become a writer. I dabbled in journalism in college, but by then my brother, Thomas (Tommy) Thompson was well on his way to a successful writing career, first as a reporter and then with LIFE magazine in its heyday. I chose not to follow in his footsteps and went to law school at The University of Texas.

From there I moved to Houston, married and started the law firm that I still head. With three kids and a full time law practice there were not enough hours in the day to write; so, I shoved the idea aside.

When my youngest son graduated from SMU, I decided to see if I could write a novel. Having had my last formal training in freshman English, I was brazen enough to forego writing seminars and just sat down at the computer. That led to my first novel, So Help Me God.

My brother, by the way, left LIFE and published his first book when he was thirty-seven. He went on to become an internationally famous best-selling author who died way to young with liver cancer.

It was twenty years after his death that I began So Help Me God. So, I suppose that it is something in our DNA that leads us into writing. Whatever it is, I find I enjoy the creative process and look forward to my time at the computer (usually a couple of hours early in the morning before I head off to a full day as a trial lawyer).

~Larry

Dead Peasants: A Thriller
Suspense Thriller
Thomas Dunne Books (October 2, 2012)
St. Martin’s Press
Hardcover: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1250009494
E-Book File Size: 465 KB
ASIN: B008VA736K

Synopsis: Lawyer Jack Bryant retires early to Fort Worth to kick back, relax and watch his son play football at TCU. Bored with retirement he opens a pro bono office in his RV. When Jack finds an elderly widow at his doorstep, clutching a check for life insurance proceeds on her husband but payable to his former employer, Jack files a civil suit to collect the benefits rightfully due the widow. A seemingly accidental death of his client’s husband thrusts Jack into a vortex of serial killings. He and his new love interest find themselves targets in the same murder for hire scheme. To stop the killings Jack must unravel what in their past makes certain people worth more dead than alive.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

RIVETING!!!

I loved this book! I sat down on a Sunday afternoon and started this book and hardly moved until I reached the last word.

I wish I knew an attorney like Jack Bryant. He has enough money to live comfortably forever and retires to put his son first. Something he hasn’t been able to do before because of his career. But his son is grown and while it is great having him around and watching him play ball, Jack needs more. He decides to give back to his community by helping those who need legal help but could never afford proper representation. An added bonus is his son being able to work with him.

I was personally touched by the man he helped with his mortgage foreclosure. This is happening all over the U.S. and the banks are winning because people can’t get help or get scammed by the wrong help. Scary to think the home you have had for years could be gone and you could be homeless.

The real meat of the story is the case he takes on for June Davis. Her husband Willie passed away and like always she is struggling to just get by. Then she receives a surprise from the U.S. Postal Service that in Jack Bryant’s hands could change her life forever. It will also open up a huge can of worms that will start to link together several unexplained deaths and will put his own life in danger.

Thompson has created fantastic well rounded characters and writes their stories in such a way that you are right there with them in the courtroom, on the streets and in his office RV. It also felt has if I was watching a movie, the pages were turning so fast.

A legal thriller that packs quite a punch!! This is one I would shout about from the rooftops if I could!!

Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent

Amazon.com Widgets

I am thrilled to be able to give away a e-copy of this book!!

You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find
something you like here and become a follower.

Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow.
Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Liking My Facebook Fan Page.

Leave a comment for Larry Thompson for 5 Bonus Entries !

If you publicize the giveaway on Twitter or Facebook or anywhere you will receive
5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.

Contest Will End April 19, 2013 at 11:59 PM CST
Winner Will Be Chosen By Random.org
Winner Will Be Notified By Email
and Will Be Posted Here In The Sidebar.

CLICK HERE FOR ENTRY FORM

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the book tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Luring Murder by Stacy Verdick Case Virtual Book Tour with Giveaway

A - Z Cozy Mystery Challenge, Giveaways, Mystery & Suspense Challenge, Read - A - Latte 150 Challenge, Reviews 2013, Virtual Blog Tour 9 Responses »

Mar 182013

A Luring Murder
A Catherine O’Brien Mystery
2nd in Series
Cozy Mystery
Before The Fall Books (December 4, 2012)
Trade Paperback: 286 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0983713746
E-Book File Size: 524 KB
ASIN: B00ATTC9JC

The irreverent detective is back, and this time she’s on vacation.

God help us all.

Catherine O’Brien is a petite St. Paul Detective whose hair is never right, wears clothes that are more masculine than feminine, lives on Starbucks coffee, thinks laundry, cooking and housework are punishments to be avoided at all times, and has a husband who loves her just the way she is.

Louise Montgomery is her partner who never goes home yet her hair and clothes are always perfect. She is tech savvy and hell on wheels literally. Every time Catherine gets in the car with Louise behind the wheel she braces herself against the dash and says a prayer.

Catherine and Louise have been given a little time off work. Louise is supposed to be recovering from a gunshot wound to her leg and Catherine is going on a little vacation with her hubby off of one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes. But there is no rest for Catherine. A local is found murdered and the Sheriff asks for her help until the Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrives to take over the case.

Surprise, Surprise – instead of the BCA, forensic pathologist Digs shows up with Louise riding shotgun. It doesn’t take long before Catherine and Louise discover the dark side of this sleepy little town and realize they need to catch the killer before they wind up swimming with the fishes.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

I have described Catherine and Louise as the Lucy and Ethel of police detectives and these ladies lived up to that description in the follow up to A Grand Murder.

The other characters the author has created are wonderful as well. Catherine’s husband Gavin is a real gem. Digs is totally head of heels for Louise. Sheriff Anderson is a true small town guy that sees good in all the folks he protects. He is having a difficult time believing one of them can be responsible for this crime. Mrs. Peterman is someone I wouldn’t want to mess with. Even a little canine is quite a character.

The setting at the by the lake resort adds all kinds of flavor including a Fish Fry Feeding Frenzy!

This book picks up where A Grand Murder leaves off without missing a beat. I devoured it in one sitting. Stacy Verdick Case had me hook, line and sinker from the first word until the very last!

Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent

Stacy Verdick Case was born in Willmar, Minnesota. After a brief stint as a military brat, where she lived in Fort Sill Oklahoma and Fort Campbell, Kentucky, her family moved back to Minnesota. Stacy currently lives in a suburb of St. Paul with her husband and her daughter.

A Luring Murder was not supposed to be the second book in this series. A Grand Murder ended with Catherine stating, “I’m on vacation. The author noticed many reviewers posting “I can’t wait to see what happens on vacation.” She was also receiving emails saying the same thing and when she replied she hadn’t written about the vacation people seemed disappointed so even though it upset the publishing schedule for the series, A Luring Murder was written and published aand available for everyone to enjoy. The third in the series should be out soon.

You can visit Stacy on her website, Twitter, and on her blog. Also check out the book’s Facebook page and on Goodreads!

I am giving my gently read review copy away!

U.S. and CANADIAN RESIDENTS
You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find
something you like here and become a follower.

Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow.
Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Liking My Facebook Fan Page.

If you publicize the giveaway on Twitter or Facebook or anywhere you will receive
5 Bonus Entries For Each Link.

Contest Will End April 1, 2013 at 11:59 PM CST
Winner Will Be Chosen By Random.org
Winner Will Be Notified By Email
and Will Be Posted Here In The Sidebar.

CLICK HERE FOR ENTRY FORM

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Bullet For Carlos by Giacomo Giammatteo Virtual Book Tour with Giveaway

E-Book Challenge, Giveaways, Mystery & Suspense Challenge, Read - A - Latte 150 Challenge, Reviews 2013, Virtual Blog Tour, Where Are You Reading Challenge 7 Responses »

Mar 142013

This is my second tour for Giacomo Giammatteo.
He is definitely an author I am keeping my eye on.

A Bullet For Carlos:
Blood Flows South, Book 1
Mystery/Thriller
Inferno Publishing Company (October 18, 2012)
Paperback: 420 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0985030247
E-Book File Size: 713 KB
ASIN: B009SYML7Y

Detective Connie Giannelli’s life has been torn apart several times. First when her mother died and then years later when she found out her Uncle Dominic was in the mob. Her life is about to be shredded again, and this time it could destroy her.

Connie’s love of family and her badge are both threatened when an undercover drug bust leaves two cops dead and the drugs missing. Internal Affairs is looking for any excuse to take her badge, but she’s not worried about them finding the missing drugs—her secrets could prove to be far worse.

Now Connie’s racing against the clock to figure out who killed her partners and took the drugs—dirty cops or Uncle Dominic’s friends. And she has to do it before IA pins the whole damn thing on her.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

I am so impressed with the strong female character that Giammatteo has written. Connie Giannelli is formidable woman you don’t want to mess with. Even when sent away from New York to Texas she is determined to get her man or men and bring them to justice. What a crazy life she has had and continues to lead!

He has also written some dynamo supporting characters from her uncles to the cops she works with both in New York and Houston to the cartel in Mexico. They are so fully developed and well described that you feel like you are watching a movie or television drama instead of reading a book.

I reviewed another book my this author last September, Murder Takes Time: Friendship & Honor Series, Book One (Volume 1), so I knew he created fabulous characters. In fact one crosses over to this book. The author tells his story from multiple points of view and while a tad confusing in that book he has ironed out all the issues in this one with clever icons to start each chapter and better transitions.

The story is full of action, suspense, and has engaging dialogue giving you that hold on tight/edge of your seat feeling. The book is graphic and does have some strong language that would be expected in a book of this type.

I am thrilled this book is the first in a series because I want to know more about Connie and her unconventional family and the choices she makes going forward. I hated to see this book end. I anxiously await A Bullet For Dominic. Murder Has Consequences (Friendship & Honor, Book 2) is available now in E-book (Kindle) format. Giacomo Giammatteo is definitely an author to watch. I expect to see his books on bestseller lists everywhere very soon!

Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Giacomo Giammatteo lives in Texas, where he and his wife run an animal sanctuary and take care of 41 loving rescues. By day, he works as a headhunter in the medical device industry, and at night, he writes.

Visit Giacomo on his website:

or:

The author is giving 1 e-book copy away!!

Enter using Rafflecopter below!

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Contest Ends March 29 at 12:00 a.m.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Cross The Line by Jack Patterson Virtual Book Tour Special Super Bowl Edition

Mystery & Suspense Challenge, Read - A - Latte 150 Challenge, Reviews 2013, Virtual Blog Tour, Where Are You Reading Challenge 4 Responses »

Jan 312013

Cross the Line
Genre: Suspense Thriller
Publisher: Hangman Books
Paperback: 256 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1938848148
E-Book File Size: 481 KB
ASIN: B00AA49Y2Q

The Seattle Seahawks are going to the Super Bowl. For quarterback Noah Larson it is dream come true. The perfect way to end his NFL career would be with a Super Bowl win and all the glory that goes with it. Then he gets the call that stops his heart — his 6 year old son has been kidnapped. If he wants to get his son back alive all he has to do is throw the game and let the Miami Dolphins win.

Sports reporter Cal Murphy, who has covered Larson for years, knows something isn’t right. He knows how the quarterback prepares for games and he is not following his normal routine at all. This is the biggest game of his life, why would he change his prep now? He has an interview scheduled with Larson and is going to find out what is going on.

Cal quickly gets involved over his head and takes friend and photographer Kelly Mendoza with him as they try to save Larson’s son, the Super Bowl and themselves.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

I did not know this was the second book in the series when I agreed to take part in this tour and my regular readers know I am a stickler for reading books in order. The book held up well as a stand alone but I missed the build up of Cal and Kelly’s history. Putting that aside it was the perfect time of year to read this book and I am a huge football fan.

The premise of the story was very interesting although you need to suspend reality a bit to think Cal and Kelly could do what they did. Jack Patterson makes this easy to do as the reader is drawn right into the drama especially in Mexico along the desolate roads and to the scary cartel compound. There is also a very surprising twist or two as the story plays out.

The book is a very fast read. Like another author with the same last name the short chapters just keep those pages turning. You still have a couple of days to pick up your copy to enjoy before the Super Bowl. It may change the way you watch the game.

Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent

About This Author
The first signs that I might like writing about sports — and be slightly competitive — appeared when my year two (or first grade) teacher, Mrs. Holland, asked my class to write and illustrate our day. Mine read like this: “The Red team beat the Blue team, 1 to nil. And I won.” The next 47 entries covered my exploits on the soccer pitch while growing up in Ipswich, England.

In South Carolina as a teenager, my dad told me that I could get paid to watch sports provided I could write about it. Sounded easy enough and by the time I was 16, I landed a job at my town’s daily newspaper and had a column on Major League Baseball players from our area. I also covered my first riot there at a sporting event — and it’s safe to say I was smitten with journalism.

After graduating from one of the best journalism schools in the country, I took a job as a sports editor in South Georgia and learned firsthand about the passion of high school sports in rural America. I thought I knew before, but I didn’t. This was another world.

I also had the opportunity to cover major sporting events like the Olympic Games, the World Series, the Super Bowl, and the Final Four. It was a thrill!

But nothing was as thrilling to me as uncovering the truth in investigative assignments. I once broke a story about a prominent southern football team’s NCAA violation — and found out the violating coach had committed suicide only a few months earlier. The story won a national writing award and stoked my desire to write about these issues. It made me realize that the sports world was just another fantastic backdrop for drama.

After writing non-fiction books with athletes, for athletes, and ghost writing for many others, I decided to enter the world of fiction writing. It had been something I wanted to do but never found the time. So, I made the time–and am now having a blast. I hope you enjoy reading my novels as much as I enjoy writing them!

Find Jack Patterson on Facebook, Twitter or on his website.

Amazon.com Widgets

There are 3 more stops on the Special Super Bowl Edition Tour
Feb 1st – Review by Teena in Toronto

Feb 2nd — Interview by Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews

Feb 2nd — Nicole @ Bless their Hearts Mom

Then the tour returns in March:

Mar 15th — Guest Post by Jersey Girl Book Reviews

Mar 16th — Review by Gina @ Hott Books

Mar 18th — Guest Post & Review with Beth Art From The Heart

Mar 19th Review with Krystal @ Live To Read

Mar 26th — Review by Fenny @ Hotchpotch

Mar 27th — Review & Interview at Martha’s Bookshelf

Mar 29th –Review & Interview @ Kimberly’s Bookshelf

Mar 30th — Review by Wendy @ The Minding Spot

Apr 1st — Review by Mary’s Cup of Tea

Apr 2nd — Review by Suzie @ My Cozie Corner

Apr 3rd — Review at Vic’s Media Room

Apr 4th — Teview by Tina @ Smoochiefrog Reviews

Apr 5th — Guest Post @ Writers and Authors

Apr 8th — Review by Carrie @ Sweet Southern Home

Apr 15th — Review by True Media Solutions LLC

Apr 17th — Review by Yvonne @ Socrates’ Book Review Blog

Apr 18th — Review by Vicky @ Deal Sharing Aunt

May 1 — Review by Heather @ Proud Book Nerd

May 10th — Review by Ashna @ Wanted Readers

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the tour host. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Prophet by Ethan Cross Virtual Book Tour

Reviews 2012, Virtual Blog Tour 7 Responses »

Dec 062012

When a fireman or a policeman would visit his school, most of his classmates’ heads would swim with aspirations of growing up and catching bad guys or saving someone from a blazing inferno. When these moments came for Ethan Cross, however, his dreams weren’t to someday be a cop or put out fires; he just wanted to write about it. His dream of telling stories on a grand scale came to fruition with the release of his first novel, the international bestseller, The Shepherd.

Ethan Cross is the pen name of a thriller author living and writing in Illinois with his wife, two daughters, and two Shih Tzus. In addition to The Shepherd and The Prophet, he has published two novellas––Callsign: Knight – Book 1 (A Shin Dae-jung – Chess Team Novella) and The Cage.

2012dollycas favorite mystery suspense

The Prophet: A Shepherd Thriller
Suspense Thriller
Published by The Story Plant (October 16, 2012)
Trade Paperback: 414 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1611880458

OLD ENEMIES… Francis Ackerman Jr. is one of America’s most prolific serial killers. Having kept a low profile for the past year, he is ready to return to work – and he’s more brutal, cunning, and dangerous than ever.

NEW THREATS… Scarred from their past battles, Special Agent Marcus Williams cannot shake Ackerman from his mind. But now Marcus must focus on catching the Anarchist, a new killer who drugs and kidnaps women before burning them alive.

HIDDEN TERRORS… Marcus knows the Anarchist will strike again soon. And Ackerman is still free. But worse than this is a mysterious figure, unknown to the authorities, who controls the actions of the Anarchist and many like him. He is the Prophet – and his plans are more terrible than even his own disciples can imagine.

With attacks coming from every side, Marcus faces a race against time to save the lives of a group of innocent people chosen as sacrifices in the Prophet’s final dark ritual.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

BAM! WHAM! KAPOW! Ethan Cross has thrown a knockout punch with The Prophet. I stayed up late in the night to finish this one and then had nightmares. Wow!!

Riveting, thrilling, gritty, gripping, enthralling, chilling, edgy, okay you get the idea. Cross’s books tend to make me get a little carried away. The detail of the descriptions will make you shiver and shake. Cross is a very compelling writer. He PULLS you right into the drama and the mind of a serial killer. Scary!! and not for the squeamish! The way the characters connect is spellbinding on many levels.

Special Agent Marcus Williams worked for a covert agency overseen by the Department of Justice, The Shepherd. Agents don’t come to the group through normal channels. Each is fighting their own demons and is specially selected to become part of the group. Williams story continues to build slowly and soon you will be on the edge of your seat and the tempo reaches breakneck speed.

In a previous review for the The Shepherd I told James Patterson he had competition. This story surpasses Patterson. Ethan Cross is the new author to watch in thrilling suspense fiction! If you haven’t read The Shepherd I recommend reading that first. I also wish I would have read the novella The Cage before reading this as I am a stickler for reading series in order. But the author has brought forth the necessary facts to allow this to be read as a stand alone.

Ethan, give me a little tine to recover and I will be ready for your next installment. The rest of you need to get reading!!!

Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Curveball by Jen Estes Virtual Book Tour (Giveaway too!)

Giveaways, Reviews 2012, Virtual Blog Tour, Where Are You Reading Challenge 17 Responses »

Nov 082012

Curveball
A Cat McDaniel Mystery #2 (The Foul Ball Series)
Cozy Mystery
Published by Camel Press (October 1, 2012)
Paperback: 312 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1603818957
E-book File Size: 2516 KB
ASIN: B009K8AL5W

Cat McDaniel is a baseball journalist and she specializes in exposing the truth. These exposes are not always well received. The last one left her unemployed.

Desperate to get off the bench and back into the lineup, she is thrilled to land an interview with the Buffalo Soldiers’ General Manager Roger “Rakin’” Aiken–Baseball legend, eight-time All Star … and oblivious father to a Major League bratty co-ed named Paige. Cat gets a job offer but with a curveball. She can be the team reporter in the Spring if she spends the next few weeks chaperoning Paige during her internship in Latin America. Of course she can write a few blog posts as well, but her main job is to keep Paige out of trouble. This is easier said than done. When an aspiring player is found dead and his mother blames Paige’s new love, Chance Hayward, Cat decides to do a little snooping of her own. Will she hit it out of the park and catch the killer or will she strike out and loose everything?

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Cat is quite a sleuth and a smart woman that you don’t want to mess with. She loves baseball and everything that goes with it. The game, the players, training camp, the beer and the hot dogs. She also likes to right wrongs and get to the bottom of the story which makes her an excellent reporter.

The other characters are good as well. Paige is something else. Her closet and shopping trips and her critique of Cat’s wardrobe had me in stitches. She does go through a life changing experience that will have fans rooting for her by the end of the story.

The story is full of twists and turns and the ending was a bit of surprise. A solid mystery.

I really enjoyed this book. I had not read the first story in the series Big Leagues, but have downloaded to my Kindle to read soon! I had no trouble following this story but definitely want to go back to read how everything started. A story baseball fans will love!

Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent

About This Author
Born and raised in Illinois, Jen Estes started her writing career as a baseball blogger in 2007 and expanded to freelance sports writing in 2009. She is an active member of the Society of American Baseball Research (SABR), Springfield Poets & Writers and the National Writers Union (NWU). Curveball is the second in a series featuring sassy sports writer Cat McDaniel. When Jen isn’t writing, she enjoys running, yoga, traveling and watching baseball with her husband and cat.
Check out her Website
Follow her on Facebook and Twitter

The Publisher is allowing me to give 1 e-book copy away!
International Giveaway/E-Version Winner’s Choice
Contest Ends at November 22 12:01 A.M. EST
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Terminal Ambition Virtual Blog Tour!

Giveaways, Reviews 2012, Virtual Blog Tour 2 Responses »

Oct 252012

Sweeny, Owens & Boyle sits at the top of Wall Street law firms. Brilliant and beautiful, Maggie Mahoney became a partner and the trophy wife of its managing attorney. Her husband’s death renders Maggie an outsider with the firm’s male establishment and creates a power vacuum.

Obsessed with his dream of becoming the next Attorney General, firm chairman, Andy Anderson, chooses a surprising replacement: Jack Slattery, a reputed sexist. Jack’s background hardly qualifies him for such a prominent position. Maggie suspects Jack has something on Andy, but what is it? Forced to become a sleuth, she stages a break-in to gather evidence.

Andy’s ambition drives him to desperate measures. With proof of misconduct in hand, Maggie demands justice, but it comes at a high price.

Terminal Ambition:
A Maggie Mahoney Novel
New Series
Two XX Press (March 24, 2012)
Contemporary Fiction/Legal
Paperback: 308 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0984990177

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Losing her husband in an avalanche that she survived has given Maggie Mahoney a new view on life in general and her life as a lawyer/partner at Sweeny, Owens & Boyle. She loses her biggest client so when asked to be on Gender Equity Committee she agrees knowing the committee is just a smokescreen by Andy Anderson to make him look good as he vies for the office of Attorney General but it makes her look good to the firm. Unfortunately Sweeny, Owens & Boyle really does have a problem with sexual harassment of women and the new and improved Maggie can’t just turn a blind eye.

To think this kind of discrimination and harassment is still prevalent in 2012 just makes me sick. In the political arena of 2012 Republicans are waging a “war on women” as well. Equal pay for equal work and safety in the workplace should be paramount. The battles have been fought and already won. McGuinness’s story shines a light on situations sadly still happening in the workplace today and that even a firm chairman with eyes on public office could attain his dream job while sweeping actionable offenses under the rug.

This is a powerful story with a powerful protagonist fighting corruption in the workplace. The author’s knowledge of legal and woman’s issues makes this book an extremely credible read. The story evolves at pace that keeps the reader very engaged and those pages turning. The characters are sharp and the dialogue is smart. As a book dealing with sexual harassment there are a few explicit scenes.

This is an excellent debut. I look forward to Erotic Capital, the next book in this series.

Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent

About This Author

After leaving the corporate world, Kate was determined to master writing and riding, pastimes that often led to confusion in the telling. Her studies of creative writing proved to be more successful than her horseback adventures which included a broken leg! However, her love of horses remains. Kate also took the opportunity to be more fully involved with her son’s life – too involved, he would say. She enjoyed watching scores of soccer games and cheering his team on to a divisional state championship. All grown up now, her son lives in Eastern Europe and teaches English as a second language.

In addition to Terminal Ambition, Kate writes on women’s issues for a number of online sites. Her essays have appeared in Role/Reboot, Jezebel, Fem2pt0, Women’s Media Center and Ms. JD.

You can follow her on Twitter @womnsrightswrtr. Kate lives in a utopian community in the Midwest with her husband, dogs and innumerable squirrels. To learn more about Kate, visit her website: www.womensrightswriter.com You can also find out more about Terminal Ambition at http://www.terminal-ambition.com. You can follow her on Twitter @womnsrightswrtr.

Codes FINALLY received Saturday!
Sorry for the confusion.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Missing Rebecca Virtual Book Tour

E-Book Challenge, Reviews 2012, Virtual Blog Tour 4 Responses »

Oct 182012

Death and deception. After a whirlwind romance, Liam and Rebecca marry, knowing almost nothing of each other’s backgrounds. Only months later, on an afternoon shopping trip to a mall in the Buffalo, New York, suburb of Cheektowaga, Rebecca vanishes, seemingly abducted. Or did she make herself disappear? Was the marriage a sham? Was Liam a dupe? This is a novel of high crimes and dark shadows, involving the immensely profitable drug industry in which exclusive access to the market for a medication can mean billions of dollars, and holding on to that exclusivity might lead to lies, deceit, corruption, payoffs, and even murder.

Missing Rebecca:
A mystery of high crimes and dark shadows
Crime Fiction
Publisher: CreateSpace (May 29, 2012)
Paperback: 220 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1475266603
E-Book File Size: 356 KB
ASIN: B007QLK8DU

Dollycas’s Thoughts

No one is who they seem to be! Nothing is as it appears! I get that but…

More, I wanted more. The premise of this story is very sound and very intriguing and this could have been an awesome story. As is it’s o.k. but it needs to really be expanded. The characters need to be better developed. There is no one to root for in this story. No one the reader becomes invested in.

Also everything seems to happen at a frantic pace from Liam and Rebecca’s wedding to the search and the traveling hither and yon. At times this pace adds to the suspense but it clearly draws away from it in others. The whole thing needed more detail and back story, the why so the reader can understand the journey.

This story has a short story feel. A quick mystery with twists that will keep you guessing past the final page. But like me you will be wanting MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent

About This Author

JOHN WORSLEY SIMPSON is a crime-fiction writer. John was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, emigrated to Canada at the age of four and grew up in Toronto, He has been a reporter and editor in major newspapers and news services in North America, England and Ireland. He is married and lives in Newmarket, Ontario. Connect with John Worsley Simpson at his website, Facebook and Twitter.

Tears Water the Seeds of Hope Virtual Blog Tour With Giveaway!

Reviews 2012, Virtual Blog Tour 8 Responses »

Oct 012012

It has been such an honor for me to organize this Virtual Blog Tour for Kim. God placed us in each other’s path several years ago and she is the most amazing person with a heart as big as all outdoors. Back in 2001 she visited me often while I was hospitalized after my accident. She read to me, prayed with me and her daughters filled my room with their precious artwork. I knew then God had a plan for Kim but I never imagined where he would send her or the extraordinary work she and Randy would come to do. They rallied the troops and started on this wonderful journey of mission. I wish I could travel with them and do so much more. God may have me sidelined from traveling with them but his journey for me has put me in a place where I can share this wonderful book with you.

2012 non-fiction memoir

Tears Water the Seeds of Hope
CrossHouse Publishing (September 6, 2012)
Hardcover or Paperback: 232 pages
E-Book File Size: 626 KB
Non-Fiction/Memoir

This true story of selfless endeavor is so inspiring. Have a tissue handy because you will shed a few tears of your own. But there are funny parts too and places were I shook my head in disbelief and then cheered for the amazing things that were accomplished.

I just want to tell you a little bit about a 16 year old girl’s story that reached me on a more personal level.

Alma was diagnosed with scoliosis but not the usual C or S two dimensional curvature. Alma’s curvature is three dimensional like a cork screw. Without the terribly high risk surgery Alma was going to die. Her family had begged for help from anyone with U.S. connections to help Alma but no one could help them. Kim dreaded giving them the same answer, the surgery would cost more than Outreach For World Hope could afford. Trying not to give them false hope Kim told them she would see what she could do.

My back and spinal cord issues pale in comparison to what this child has suffered. To find out what happened you are going to have to read the book.

The book is filled with adventure and heartwarming occurrences that prove ordinary people can make extraordinary things happen. Kim has a very descriptive writing voice that will draw you in and hold you from the first page to the last. It is a book that will stick with you forever. The pictures will touch your hearts and the stories will touch your soul.

If you purchase just one non-fiction memoir type book this year it should be this book. It will be a book you will want to share with your family and friends. A book for your keeper shelf as well.

I have one copy to give away.

U.S. and CANADIAN RESIDENTS
Contest Ends October 16 at 12:01 a.m. CST
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Murder Takes Time by Giacomo Giammatteo Virtual Book Tour (Giveaway too!)

Reviews 2012, Virtual Blog Tour 15 Responses »

Sep 272012

About This Author In His Own Words
I live in Texas now, but I grew up in Cleland Heights, a mixed ethnic neighborhood in Wilmington, Delaware that sat on the fringes of the Italian, Irish and Polish neighborhoods. The main characters of Murder Takes Time grew up in Cleland Heights and many of the scenes in the book were taken from real-life experiences.

Somehow I survived the transition to adulthood, but when my kids were young I left the Northeast and settled in Texas, where my wife suggested we get a few animals. I should have known better; we now have a full-blown animal sanctuary with rescues from all over. At last count we had 41 animals—12 dogs, a horse, a three-legged cat and 26 pigs.

Oh, and one crazy—and very large—wild boar, who takes walks with me every day and happens to also be my best buddy.

Since this is a bio some of you might wonder what I do. By day I am a headhunter, scouring the country for top talent to fill jobs in the biotech and medical device industry. In the evening I help my wife tend the animals, and at night—late at night—I turn into a writer.

Murder Takes Time:
Friendship & Honor Series, Book One (Volume 1)
Mystery-Suspense-Thriller
Inferno Publishing Company (April 12, 2012)
Paperback: 438 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0985030209
File Size: 648 KB
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0985030208

Synopsis
A string of brutal murders has bodies piling up in Brooklyn, and Detective Frankie Donovan knows what is going on. Clues left at the crime scenes point to someone from the old neighborhood, and that isn’t good.

Frankie has taken two oaths in his life–the one he took to uphold the law when he became a cop, and the one he took with his two best friends when they were eight years old and inseparable. Those relationships have forced Frankie to make many tough decisions, but now he faces the toughest one of his life; he has five murders to solve and one of those two friends is responsible. If Frankie lets him go, he breaks the oath he took as a cop and risks losing his job. But if he tries to bring him in, he breaks the oath he kept for twenty-five years–and risks losing his life.

In the neighborhood where Frankie Donovan grew up, you never broke an oath.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

I have a hard time classifying this very unique book. It is a crime, detective, psychological, mob, life journey, suspense thriller, love story.

The author created and developed wonderful characters and we follow them throughout their lives. We they were young they made a pact: Friendship and Honor.

“Friendship means we look out for each other. Nobody ever rats or betrays us.”

“Honor means nobody f***** with one of us and not the others. We stick up for each other. And it means we don’t run, unless we all run.”

Some can keep the pact throughout life – others just can’t! That’s when the story takes off at breakneck speed and the Rules of Murder come into play.

I was drawn into this story quickly. The story is told from several characters point of view and my only complaint of the book was that this was a little confusing at times. But they were all real and engaging – even the bad guys! It is very hard for an author to accomplish this, let alone in the debut novel of what appears to be a series. According to his bio many of the scenes in this book were taken from real life experiences. A fantastic way of writing what you know. Kudos to Mr. Giammatteo. I await your next installment!!

Your Escape With A Good Book Travel Agent

The author is allowing me to give away 3 e-copies.
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*Book would have a strong R rating.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”