Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Promises :)



Life as a mermaid can be suffocating.


Sometimes following your heart can end up destroying the ones you love.
When seventeen-year-old Eviana Dumahl is faced with the responsibility of an arranged marriage and clan leadership, she is forced to choose between the life required of a mermaid and one of a teenage girl simply infatuated with the wrong guy. Kain, her devoted fiancĂ© would make a wonderful husband except that she’s been in love with Brendan, a shape-shifting selkie, ever since they were kids. Choosing to abandon her family, her clan, and her life with Kain will have dire consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined.
A war is brewing amongst the clans and Eviana unwittingly becomes a pawn in the intricate schemes of a twisted mastermind. With Brendan’s life on the line, she has no choice but to involve those who she once considered friends. Amidst encountering senseless tragedies and immense loss, Eviana discovers that she is more valuable as a clan leader than anyone ever suspected. Her survival is not only dependent upon the loyalty of her friends, but also on her acceptance of a life that she had so adamantly tried to escape.
Promises is the first book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends through the perils of growing up in a discrete world that inherently threatens human society.



About Amber Garr

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Amber Garr spends her days as a scientist and nights writing about other worlds. Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Maryland with her husband and their furry kids. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a multiple Royal Palm Literary Award winner, author of Waterproof, The Syrenka Series, The Leila Marx Novels, and the upcoming Death Warden Series. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie. 

Monday, October 21, 2013

HUGE FAVOR!!!

Join me in helping a truly amazing author!!

Alright guys I need my fellow reviewers help at the moment!! Please do me a big favor and read the amazing novel, 'The Book of Paul' by Richard Long. READ THE WHOLE BOOK!!! And then please post a review, it doesn't have to be a huge ordeal just a little opinion of this book!! PLEASE if I get enough people to do this I will host a giveaway!!



Thursday, October 10, 2013

Waterproof Book Review, Guest Post and Giveaway!!!




I am so very excited to be a part of this amazing book tour hosted by Mystical Muse!! This tour we are featuring the exciting and gut-wrenching novel Waterproof by one of my favorite authors Amber Garr. Not only do you get a sneak peek at the book and my opinion on it but you get a chance to win stuff too. What more you could ask for. So keep scrolling because we have plenty along the way for you :) Buckle your seatbelts ladies and gents this book is a bumpy ride.



 
 
 
 
Now for a little sneaky peak for all my lovely readers!

Waterproof Excerpt 1 (Zach’s POV)

Ten more steps.

My legs ached with every jarring move, growing heavier the closer I got to my destination. The weight of my bounty pulled against me like a prisoner’s chain. If I dropped it, I would be safe. The idea taunted me as I ran through the abandoned junk yard, dodging large pieces of scrap metal and sliding over the rusty hoods of skeletal cars.

“Drop them or I’ll shoot you dead,” a gruff voice yelled behind me.

I didn’t dare turn back. Something whizzed past my ear and slammed into the side of an old van blocking the path in front of me. A reddish dust full of steel splinters exploded in my face as the unmistakable sound of tearing metal pierced the dusk air. I’d gravely misjudged this group of deserters.

Heart hammering in my chest, I slid to a stop before crashing into the bullet hole meant for my head. Two bottles slipped from my arms and rolled underneath the van before I could stop them. Shit. There wasn’t enough time but I couldn’t go back with only those left in my hands.

 I braved a look behind at my pursuers. The three men tearing after me had nothing but revenge in their eyes. If the two sawed-off shotguns didn’t represent their intentions, then the man firing the military rifle at my head made it very clear.

Another bullet slammed into the van just as I ducked down to retrieve the bottles. Footsteps pounded against the broken pavement and dead leaves, sounding more like an army than a handful of survivors like me. I reached as far as my shoulder would allow, ignoring the pain searing through my tired muscles. My fingertips brushed the plastic container just before it rolled further under the van.

“Where’d he go?” one of the men called out. He sounded close.

Dropping to my stomach, I nestled the remaining bottles under my left arm, while trying to retrieve the others with my right. After squeezing half my body underneath the van, I finally grabbed the first, then the second. Another shot ricocheted off the ground in front of me. They were trying to flush out my position and if they found me now, I was dead.

Scooping up the prized possessions I’d risked my life for, I prepared to run. Trapped between two vehicles, only one option presented itself - I’d have to get to the old cargo containers. This particular group of deserters set up their camp inside a metal scrap yard. Smart and resourceful. The dilapidated containers had been pushed to the sides, creating a barrier and providing some semblance of safety. Although I’d slipped through them easily on my way in, my arms were now full of water bottles that slowed me down.

Water. Wars were fought and lost over it. People died. Billions of humans perished in the days leading up to the end. And now I risked my life for a mere eight liters because we’d used the last natural drop of clean water on the planet five years ago.

Metal cracked above my head. Dust fell into my eyes and tiny pellets showered over my back like a swarm of bees.

“I’ve got him!”

I looked up in fear, only to see that I still had a clear path to my escape. Shotgun man had his sights somewhere else. Now was my chance.

Sucking in a deep breath, I scrambled to my feet and ran as hard as I could toward the narrow crevice between the containers. Forcing myself not to turn and look where they were, I ignored the shouting and distinct sound of shells hitting the ground.

Five more steps.

 

 Intense right? Wait until you read the whole book!! Now for my review my loves!
 
 
My Thoughts
“Waterproof” was definitely an eye opener kind of read for me. It’s scary to think that one day our world could become like that if such a tragedy struck because let’s be honest our world is full of savages and we have been taught all of our lives to survive sometimes at the expense of the greater good. “Waterproof” really brings that to a head. It makes you face your fears head on. Zach and Vee really represent the good left in humanity and they are fighting against all odds in this book. The government is even more corrupt than you could possibly imagine. They are harvesting water from people’s blood, sick thought but I could totally see our government doing something like that if it came down to it.
This book was truly a masterpiece. It was not only a brilliant dystopian read but it also scared the hell out of me and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, terrified of what was beyond the next page! I am not even a big dystopian fan, mainly because I am terrified that all of this will happen while I am still on this planet, but I devoured this book. It is a true survival story with friendship, loyalty, and love at the center. It was beautifully written, and gave me plenty of chills, and well of course the ending totally left me hanging!
Amber’s books are always amazing but she truly blew me out of the water with this one. It’s a definite must read dystopian book! It will get you mind working overtime. I highly recommend it!
 
 
 
 
 
Guest Post
 

The Story Behind Waterproof

 

As you probably already know, I work as a scientist in my other life. Over the years, my research has often focused on the conservation and restoration of aquatic species. And a lot of that time, their issues have stemmed from contaminated water or excess pollution in the environment.

 

For several years, I’ve wanted to write a book about what would happen to the world when humans began fighting over drinking water. And I say began, but really, it has already begun. Do you know you have to purchase water rights in some states out west when you buy property?



 
Have you ever experienced water restrictions in your neighborhood? Or did you know that several countries are already considered water-stressed? It’s happening, and just to show you how scary it is, here are some facts to consider:
 
1)      1 billion people currently don’t have access to clean drinking water.
2)      3.4 million people die from water related diseases each year.
3)      By 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population will live in a water-stressed county.
4)      An American taking a 5 minute shower uses more water than the average person living in a developing country uses in an entire day.
5)      Over 260 river basins are shared by two or more countries without adequate legal or institutional arrangements regarding water utilization.
6)      By 2020, California will face a water shortage as great as the amount they consume today.



Worried yet? I know I am. So anyway…back to Waterproof.  What will happen when the water disappears? How will society react? What unique science may evolve out of this type of tragedy? All questions I’ve asked myself for years and then had a chance to answer (or hint at) in this book.

 

I also wanted to highlight the idea of friendship and romance rising up out of the chaos. At a time when the survivors have to fight for every second of their life, I thought it would be nice for them to find some type of comfort in their closest friends. No time for love triangles or petty games when you’re being hunted!

 

So as you read this book and start thinking more about the water shortages (as I did!), check out these sites to see what little things you can do so that some day we aren’t deserters running for our lives!

 



 

 


 

 

 

Definitely gives you something to think about right guys? I know I did!



Now the moment you all have been anxiously awaiting the GIVEAWAY!!


Please refer to my giveaway guideline for terms and conditions. Good luck to all of you and don't forget to go and grab a copy of Waterproof now!!!




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, September 29, 2013

The Damned Book Review

The Damned
L.A. Banks
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Publishing Date: April 1, 2010
Genre: Paranormal/ Romance

 

Book Description

 

Lilith, the consort of the Unnamed One, has released the Damned, tortured souls from all levels of Hell, to walk the streets as the living dead. A dark chaos leaks onto Earth, taking the form of a deadly contagion that not even the Neteru team can handle. One touch from these deadly creatures infects a human, driving him to madness, death…and worse.

This time, Damali Richards, the Vampire Huntress (aka the millennium Neteru), Carlos, and the Guardians cannot effectively close ranks. The infection spreads to key team members and threatens to wipe out the entire squad. Even the Covenant is infected. They must track down the Chairman before members of the Neteru-Guardian team are lost and the team implodes. The only antidote is to behead Lilith. But first they must find her.

 

My Thoughts


I am such a huge fan of L.A. Banks and all of her books, her writing is amazing. She creates such an amazingly dark paranormal world. ‘The Damned’ is the sixth book in the Vampire Huntress Legend novels and I am hooked. Carlos and Damali are such fierce characters that have been to hell and back, literally, in these books and yet somehow in the sixth installment the story is still fresh and entertaining.

I just think the details and descriptions in this book were phenomenal, I can clearly see everything in my head that she writes. This book really threw all her characters for a loop and I really think that’s a huge part of what keeps it so interesting. This is a series that you want to take the time out to read.

It’s a great book and she is definitely one of my favorite authors and has been for a long time. She never disappoints!

 
* I bought this book of my own accord and decided to review it. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I did not receive compensation for this review.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Waterproof by Amber Garr Release Day!!!!



I am so pleased to be a part of this amazing release day!!!! What a wonderful book this is and you should all go and get it right now. Stay tuned for my review on October 10!!





It's September 24th and that means that Waterproof has finally arrived!

 

Buy Now at Amazon or Smashwords

 



Dying of thirst is the new reality.

Five years after the last drop of clean water disappeared, global societies collapsed and nuclear war shattered all hope of recovery. In a place now only a skeleton of its former self, survivors fight to avoid capture by the government. Forced to work in factories that produce the only drinking water available, those who go in, never come out.

Zach and Vivienne have lived as deserters since they were teenagers. Fighting amongst their own and scrounging for the necessities of life, they’ve learned to rely on each other in every way. Yet when tragedy strikes and the true objectives of the government facility are revealed, their world is ripped apart.

A fate once thought to hold their demise may be the sole answer to their survival. Who can they trust? Who can they believe?

In this life, it pays to be waterproof.

 

Link to Trailer: http://youtu.be/lmS51MLf4pM

 


Amber Garr spends her days as a scientist and nights writing about other worlds. Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Maryland with her husband and their furry kids. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a multiple Royal Palm Literary Award winner, author of Waterproof,  The Syrenka Series, The Leila Marx Novels, and the upcoming Death Warden Series. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.

 

 

 

Stalk Amber Online:






 

 

Excerpt From the Book

Ten more steps.

My legs ached with every jarring move, growing heavier the closer I got to my destination. The weight of my bounty pulled against me like a prisoner’s chain. If I dropped it, I would be safe. The idea taunted me as I ran through the abandoned junk yard, dodging large pieces of scrap metal and sliding over the rusty hoods of skeletal cars.

“Drop them or I’ll shoot you dead,” a gruff voice yelled behind me.

I didn’t dare turn back. Something whizzed past my ear and slammed into the side of an old van blocking the path in front of me. A reddish dust full of steel splinters exploded in my face as the unmistakable sound of tearing metal pierced the dusk air. I’d gravely misjudged this group of deserters.

Heart hammering in my chest, I slid to a stop before crashing into the bullet hole meant for my head. Two bottles slipped from my arms and rolled underneath the van before I could stop them. Shit. There wasn’t enough time but I couldn’t go back with only those left in my hands.

 I braved a look behind at my pursuers. The three men tearing after me had nothing but revenge in their eyes. If the two sawed-off shotguns didn’t represent their intentions, then the man firing the military rifle at my head made it very clear.

Another bullet slammed into the van just as I ducked down to retrieve the bottles. Footsteps pounded against the broken pavement and dead leaves, sounding more like an army than a handful of survivors like me. I reached as far as my shoulder would allow, ignoring the pain searing through my tired muscles. My fingertips brushed the plastic container just before it rolled further under the van.

“Where’d he go?” one of the men called out. He sounded close.

Dropping to my stomach, I nestled the remaining bottles under my left arm, while trying to retrieve the others with my right. After squeezing half my body underneath the van, I finally grabbed the first, then the second. Another shot ricocheted off the ground in front of me. They were trying to flush out my position and if they found me now, I was dead.

Scooping up the prized possessions I’d risked my life for, I prepared to run. Trapped between two vehicles, only one option presented itself - I’d have to get to the old cargo containers. This particular group of deserters set up their camp inside a metal scrap yard. Smart and resourceful. The dilapidated containers had been pushed to the sides, creating a barrier and providing some semblance of safety. Although I’d slipped through them easily on my way in, my arms were now full of water bottles that slowed me down.

Water. Wars were fought and lost over it. People died. Billions of humans perished in the days leading up to the end. And now I risked my life for a mere eight liters because we’d used the last natural drop of clean water on the planet five years ago.

Metal cracked above my head. Dust fell into my eyes and tiny pellets showered over my back like a swarm of bees.

“I’ve got him!”

I looked up in fear, only to see that I still had a clear path to my escape. Shotgun man had his sights somewhere else. Now was my chance.

Sucking in a deep breath, I scrambled to my feet and ran as hard as I could toward the narrow crevice between the containers. Forcing myself not to turn and look where they were, I ignored the shouting and distinct sound of shells hitting the ground.

Five more steps.


Sunday, August 25, 2013

Speak Book Review

Speak
Laurie Halse Anderson
Publisher: Square Fish


 

Book Description
 

Since the beginning of the school year, high school freshman Melinda has found that it's been getting harder and harder for her to speak out loud: "My throat is always sore, my lips raw.... Every time I try to talk to my parents or a teacher, I sputter or freeze.... It's like I have some kind of spastic laryngitis." What could have caused Melinda to suddenly fall mute? Could it be due to the fact that no one at school is speaking to her because she called the cops and got everyone busted at the seniors' big end-of-summer party? Or maybe it's because her parents' only form of communication is Post-It notes written on their way out the door to their nine-to-whenever jobs. While Melinda is bothered by these things, deep down she knows the real reason why she's been struck mute...
 

My Thoughts
 

This book was so phenomenal. The writing in it was so unique.  I loved that it was written from the main characters point of view, it added so much more depth to the story because when authors write from a specific perspective I find you get much more details that are actually vital to the story than when it is written in third person.
 

‘Speak’ touches on a very sensitive subject, rape; however I am very glad that this book was written. I think it can and has helped a lot of people. A lot of people that go through traumatic experiences like rape don’t know how to feel after. Or they just lock everything up inside, everyone handles it differently but one thing is for sure they all feel cut off from the world. I definitely think this book was done brilliantly, it told the story of a girl who was practically mute because of what had happened to her and no one ever knew why.


I loved the writing, I loved Melinda, and she represents so many lost souls out there and gives them the guidance on how to get back to life. This book teaches you to overcome the tough things in life and live through them. I give it a phenomenal and mind blowing rating that I can’t even properly put into words.


* I bought this book of my own accord and decided to review it. All opinions are my own. I did not receive any compensation for this review.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Do They Wear High Heels in Heaven Book Review

Do They Wear High Heels in Heaven
Erica Orloff
Publishing Date: October 1, 2005
Publisher: Red Dress Ink
ISBN: 978-0373895359

 

 
Book Description

 

I'm Lily, a New York newspaper columnist, mother of two, divorcee of one and partner in crime to Michael, English professor, novelist and best friend extraordinaire. We've been friends forever -- well, since I nearly burned down our apartment building while trying to cook. Michael and I have weathered disco, bad fashion, bad perms, bad boyfriends -- for both of us -- my failed marriage, parenthood and writer's block. Laughter has helped -- and so have the martinis.

But now we face our biggest challenge: the C word. And if I have my way, Michael will be giving up his freewheeling bachelor ways and settling down once and for all. Because I have some very specific wishes for who should take over parental duty when I'm gone. Of course, I refuse to take this lying down -- even when the doctors tell me to lie down and shut up. Because although I'm sick, I'm determined to wear my high heels and lipstick. I'm gonna look good or die trying, dammit.

 

My Thoughts

 

Talk about a good book, wow ‘Do They Wear High Heels in Heaven’ was such an amazing story. After the past few years I have had, watching my mother who is also my best friend go through cancer treatment and going through the fear of losing her and everything else that goes with stage four ovarian cancer that had spread to her cervix, stomach, uterus, and bladder, I can definitely say this book touched me on a personal level.

 

There were plenty of tears shed while reading this book. She writes such an amazing, inspirational character in Lily, she never ever gave up. She lived her life to the fullest and that is really inspirational. I really enjoyed reading this book and think that everyone no matter what their personal situation is should take the time to read this book there are a lot of life lessons in it. It was beautifully written, emotionally touching, motivational book. I would definitely highly recommend it to anyone.


* I bought this book of my own accord and decided to review it. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I did not receive any compensation for this review.

Extremely Hot Book Review

Extremely Hot
Jennifer Apodaca
Publisher: Brava
Publishing date: November 4, 2007

 

 
 

Book Description

 

The rules according to Ivy York: never trust a bad boy; never make decisions with your libido; and, disregard rules no. 1 and 2.Ivy York became an accountant because numbers don't lie and cheat. Too bad the same can't be said of the men she's met. Now, as the wildly successful host of the radio show, "The Economic Sex Hex," she advises women to take control of their money and to spot the bad boys before they get too close. And the ultimate bad boy Sex Hex is the Urban Legend, a man known for lovin' women (exquisitely) and leavin' while chasing down stolen property for a hefty fee. No one knows who he really is...but every woman he's ever pleasured would happily take him back for more...Luke Sterling likes being the Urban Legend almost as much as he likes bringing thieves to justice. And right now, he's on the trail of two stolen figurines famous for conferring sexual prowess - and the trail leads straight to Ivy. Posing as her personal assistant should be a piece of cake, but Luke didn't count on Ivy's own brand of Sex Hex. That good girl game coupled with fierce smarts wrapped around one luscious, curvy body is making him want to prove to Ivy that the Urban Legend more than lives up to his top billing. Suddenly, the hottest show in town isn't on the air - it's between the sheets...

 

My Thoughts


‘Extremely Hot’ was a very intriguing story. No matter what Jennifer always seems to capture my heart and my attention. This story was one I couldn’t put down although I would have liked to see Ivy resist the Urban Legend just a tad bit more considering his reputation but then again at first she didn’t really know of it. I really liked how her talk show was about everything she was against and everything she was against turned out to be the man she fell in love with. It was a truly amazing story.
 

The murder mystery plot really twisted the story up so much that it had me on edge for the whole book! I was just sucked into the book. I had to know who was doing it. Everyone was a suspect in this plot with the way Jennifer wrote it. It was a killer story, pun intended, and I loved it. I would highly recommend it. Frankly at this point I would highly recommend any of Jennifer’s book’s!
 
* I bought this book of my own accord and decided to review it. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I did not receive compensation for this review.
 

Colorado Mandala Book Review

Colorado Mandala
Brian Francis Heffron
Little House Books
ISBN: 978-0615760407

 

 


Book Description

With refreshing depth, distinct literary merit, and highly original poetic phrasings that spill from the pages like paint, Colorado Mandala is poet Brian Heffron's debut work of literary fiction. It mines the complex landscape of post-Vietnam America to unearth the deep connections that bind individuals together, and also ferociously rip them asunder. Illustrative, luscious, seductive, and engaging, this rare piece of craftsmanship will stir the senses of any one who thirsts for artistic expression, or who longs for an era in our country now utterly, irretrievably gone.

 

In the heady, hippie backdrop of Pike's Peak, Colorado, in the tumultuous 1970s, three souls swirl together in an explosive supernova. Michael is the flinty-eyed, volatile former Green Beret, whose tour in Vietnam has left unbridgeable chasms in his psyche and secrets that can never find light. Sarah is his fair-haired paramour, the ethereal Earth Mother widow of a fallen soldier and single mother to a ten-year-old son Stuart. Paul is a young wanderer, who is drawn in by Michael and soon bears the mantle of both minister and scourge. As they are drawn together, and torn apart, each is changed forever. And our hearts race along with them, through the rocky, raw Colorado terrain amidst the blood sport of man and beast.
 

Laying bare the loss and acceptance of a pioneering age, Colorado Mandala shines revelatory light on the crazy, glorious, and romantic notion that each generation conceives anew: that love can be a spiritual gift shared openly rather than coveted, or hidden, or hoarded. If you wish to go barefoot again and climb an unspoiled Colorado trail, look no further. If you long for something to wake you up in simple, clean language, a shimmering story awaits. Awaken to what you have always known: simple truths show you the way home. With his gripping and unforgettable Colorado Mandala, it is clear that Brian Heffron knows the way. 

*Portion of proceeds to benefit clients of PTSD charitable organizations.

 

My Thoughts
 

‘Colorado Mandala’ was a beautifully written book. I thought Brian’s descriptions of the Colorado landscape was done perfectly. Colorado came alive before my eyes. Brian’s also captured the emotions of these three friends so well. The characters were so different and yet he captured them so beautifully.

 

I definitely think his background as a poet really helped him in writing this very descriptive novel. The way the words flowed right off the page with such artistic talent, you can tell this man has some serious writing talents.

 

I also really enjoyed the fact that Brian addressed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. If you have read some of my other reviews you already know how I feel about soldiers and the sacrifice they make for us. PTSD is one major drawback of that sacrifice. I think it is always honorable and courageous when an author addresses issues such as PTSD head on, when a lot of others shy away from such daunting topics.
 

Brian’s characters paint a realistic portrait of how their lives go on after war has damaged them forever.

It is a truly moving, touching, beautiful story that was written perfectly in my opinion. I would recommend this book to everyone.

 
* I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I did not receive compensation for this review.
 

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Grum Book Review

Grum
Robyn Hill
Publishing Date: August 9, 2011

 

 

Book Description

 

Grum is a chapter book for grades 3-6. It is a story of two girls who discover magical bubble gum. The gum takes them on a series of magical and hilarious mishaps, such as sleeping with slugs, a magic pizzaria in the middle of the desert, a troll who needs help fixing his bridge. Children love this book. One reader commented about her favorite part of this book,  "It is as adventurous as "Coraline", as delicious as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", and funnier than "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" Enjoy!

 

My Thoughts

 

‘Grum’ was one of the most creative grade school stories I have read yet. The story was written very clearly and simple so that the kids can understand it but yet, it has so much creativity and will take the children’s minds to a new magical world. ‘Grum’ is definitely a new idea and I really thought it was a cute book.

 

I think Robyn’s writing is really good and she has great potential. I would love to read more from her, I think her books will only get better and better.  I think plenty of children will enjoy this book. Great job Robyn! I can’t wait to read more of her work in the future and I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to go on a great adventure.
 
 
 
 
* I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I did not receive compensation for this review.
 

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Dating Can Be Murder (A Samantha Shaw Mystery) Book Review

Dating Can Be Murder
A Samantha Shaw Mystery
Jennifer Apodaca
Publisher: Kensington
Publishing Date: April 1, 2003
ISBN: 978-0758200754

 

 

Book Description

Samantha Shaw remembers a time when she believed in true love. When buying Heart Mates - the dating service her now deceased husband did business with - seemed like a good idea. But her romantic reveries ended the day she found a stash of sexy panties (not hers) hidden in his car. Leaving Sam with one question: What else was the cheating creep hiding? Try an illegal drug trade and a whole lot of money. That's just some of what surfaces after a man walks into Heart Mates and promises to kill Sam - and her kids - if she doesn't come up with the cash her spouse stole.

 

My Thoughts

Samantha Shaw is one kick butt kind of character. I really enjoyed reading about this character. I really like how she reinvented herself after she found out what a pig her husband was. It was a really funny, witty, and rare find for a mystery. I really loved this book.

Jennifer Apodaca creates such great characters and they always have flaws that they need to work out through the book but yet they always kick butt. I really love that fact that she writes her heroines like that. They aren’t flawless but they don’t let the bad guys win either.  

Samantha got the cruddy end of the stick in this one. She had the nice perfect marriage, two beautiful sons, and was a soccer mom. Her husband suddenly dies from a peanut allergy after eating some homemade candy. Turns out she didn’t have such a perfect marriage. Not only did her husband cheat on her all the time but he was also involved in the drug dealing business and someone wanted him dead. Problem is he stiffed someone out of a lot of money and now everyone thinks Samantha has it. Now she has criminals tracking her and her family’s every move, threatening their lives for that very money.


Problem is Sam has no idea what they are talking about and she definitely doesn’t have that kind of money.  

I think this book was the perfect beginning to a series. It definitely pulled me in, I fell in love with these characters.

Sam is a strong heroine but yet she is so much like an everyday woman. She will do anything for her kids and this story was totally solid and amazing. Her sons were too cute. They were very supportive and quirky from the beginning and they stole my heart from the beginning. I do have to say I think my favorite character was Grandpa though he was the coolest; he was witty and just kept surprising me throughout the whole book.

 

This is only the second book I have read from Jennifer Apodaca and let me tell you I am impressed. I love her attention to detail when she is writing. I cannot tell you how many romance novels I have read that are nothing but repetitive. Jennifer Apodaca is far from it. She is such a great writer her stories just pull you in. She writes characters you easily fall in love with.

 
This was just a great book and I can’t wait to read more about Samantha Shaw. I would recommend this book to everyone.


* I bought this book of my own accord and decided to review it. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I did not receive compensation for this review.