Thursday, August 30, 2018

"Another Five Minutes" by Destiny Booze

REVIEW and GIVEAWAY
Another Five Minutes
by Destiny Booze

Another Five Minutes by Destiny Booze

Another Five Minutes is currently on tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. The tour stops here today for my review, an excerpt, and a giveaway. Please be sure to visit the other participating blogs as well.


Description
Loving him is easy.
Fearing him is necessary.
Trusting him could be a deadly mistake.
Born deaf and living with an anxiety disorder, Brooke Hartley manages life in five-minute intervals. It’s all she can do to get out of bed each morning. She’s hidden inside her sister’s apartment for over a year.
Everything changes when Brooke’s sister goes missing. Her fragile world crashes. She is desperate to find her, and she’ll need help.
Haunted by a past he needs to forget, Scott Derrico keeps to himself until his gallery manager, Autumn Hartley, suddenly disappears. He is forced out of his isolation to help a woman that needs him with a terrifying intensity.
Scott tries to deny his attraction to Brooke. He doesn’t want to get emotionally involved but he craves her like nothing else. And, for her, he is a dark and sexy diversion to overcome her fear.
With a genuinely flawed and relatable heroine and a mysterious and protective hero, you won’t want this love story to end. You’ll beg … for another five minutes …

Excerpt
Scott stopped so he could stare at Autumn’s sister. He’d forgotten—again—that she was coming. Maybe if he’d remembered, he would have been more prepared.
Brooke was absolutely beautiful.
Her eyes met his, and he couldn’t look away. Those large, gorgeous eyes held him in place better than steel bars could have. He could stare at those eyes for the rest of the day, or week, or longer.
He suddenly remembered his manners. He’d told Autumn he would make this easier for her. He forced a polite smile, completely aware his behavior was not going unnoticed.
With a pointed stare, Autumn stepped toward him. “What’s wrong? And don’t answer where she can see you. She reads lips.”
He turned sideways, away from Brooke, opened his mouth to respond, and shrugged instead.
“Did you change your mind about her working here?”
“No, of course not.”
“Okay. So why are you looking at her like that?”
Again, he shrugged. What was he supposed to say? Sorry, but I don’t want to have the hots for your sister. You should have told me she was so beautiful.
“Oh,” she said, her eyebrows lifting.
Oh? What the heck did she mean by that?
“You realize I have a picture of my sister on my desk, right? It shouldn’t be a surprise to you that she’s pretty.”
He hadn’t noticed the picture. Obviously. And, she was way more than pretty.
Her look of surprise suddenly changed. “Scott, don’t you dare make a move on my sister. I mean it. That’s the last thing she needs right now.”
“That won’t happen.”
“Good. Now, please turn back around and say hello. I want her to feel welcome.”
Right. He turned back, shoved his hair away from his face, and instantly went right on staring. “Hey. Welcome to the team.”
Was that his voice? It was much softer than normal. He had to snap out of this.
She gave such a small smile that he wondered if he imagined it.
Had she understood what he’d said? Maybe he hadn’t spoken slowly enough?
He looked back to Autumn to make sure she wasn’t still glaring at him. She was. Oh hell. He walked away to his studio. This day was not going to get any easier.
[Want more? Click below to read a longer excerpt.]


Praise for the Book
“This is a stunningly original novel, well written and tense enough to satisfy the most finicky suspense story lovers. Highly recommended.” ~ Grady Harp
“This story caught me and would not let go! The instant attraction between Brooke and Scott was great but not the only pull in this story. I had to know what happened, who did it, and could not stop turning pages. […] From Brooke's past tragedies to the current situation, I enjoyed the entire package. I highly recommend this story.” ~ Christine Woinich

My Review
I received this book in return for an honest review.


By Lynda Dickson
Brooke is deaf and suffers from anxiety - to the point where she can’t leave the apartment she shares with her twin sister Autumn. Scott is an artist who employs Autumn as his gallery manager and who struggles with his own internal demons. When Autumn disappears suddenly, Brooke and Scott team up to find her. In the process, two damaged people might just become whole again.
The story is told alternately from the points of view of Brooke and Scott in the third person. I had trouble keeping up with whose head I was inside and would have preferred if the story was told in the first person. The author vividly evokes Brooke’s feelings of anxiety with descriptions such as this one: “She drowned in the fear. That was what it felt like. There was no air, no escape, no help, no hope.” Her inability to speak is handled skillfully, although her thoughts and signing become confused towards the end, as they are both italicized.
Brooke’s and Scott’s sudden, intense attraction to each other may sound unbelievable to some, but I know from experience that feelings can develop that quickly. The thing I did find unbelievable – especially given her anxiety disorder - was that Brooke was willing to become intimate with Scott while she was so worried about her missing sister. I was disappointed that Scott admits he fell in love with Brooke because she’s so beautiful. I also wasn’t a fan of his nickname for Brooke: “little girl”. While the quick pace will keep you turning the pages, it feels like everything is wrapped up a little too quickly in the end.
A real page-turner.
Warnings: domestic violence, sexual references, sex scenes, graphic violence.

About the Author
Destiny Booze
Destiny Booze is an interesting name, true? Destiny’s mom found her first name in a romance book. Her last name was a gift from the man she loves.
She writes novels with intense conflicts, ongoing suspense, romance, and happy endings. She grew up at a campground where she spent her summers working long hours mowing, cleaning bathrooms, lifeguarding, and leading activities.
Destiny resides in Botetourt County, Virginia where she strives to be the best wife, mother, and writer that she can be. Her family is always priority number one. Other things of great importance to her are friends and her readers!

Giveaway
Enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon or B&N gift card.

Links

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

"Single and Looking: Daisy" by Belinda Austin

EXCERPT and GIVEAWAY
Single and Looking: Daisy
(Secret Lives of Sisters Book 1)
by Belinda Austin

Single and Looking: Daisy (Secret Lives of Sisters Book 1) by Belinda Austin

Single and Looking: Daisy by Belinda Austin is currently on tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. The tour stops here today for an excerpt and a giveaway. Please be sure to visit the other participating blogs as well.


Description
A HEARTWARMING TALE OF A 39-YEAR-OLD SCREW-UP, HER SEARCH FOR LOVE & HER TALKING CAT.
Daisy is turning 40. To make the crises worse, her five sisters pray over her unmarried status, and then her cat begins speaking English with a British accent! Well, no wonder the cat quotes William Shakespeare sometimes! Daisy did name the cat Shakespeare after all.
The mess of Daisy's life is even kookier because the cat is cursing and smoking now like a Downton-Abbey criminal, and the cat is drinking more alcoholic beverages, even though booze makes his whiskers wrinkle. Mm, there must be a connection to all this flowing alcohol, which may explain the bubbly in Daisy's brain. Even her blind dates, men referred by her meddling sisters, are named after liquor.
Even with her cat's dating advice, Daisy has been looking for love in all the wrong places. Darn! When God texted Daisy, after she parked in a church handicapped spot, she forgot to text back, “Where is my soulmate on my phone's map app?”
A laugh-out-loud, feel-good book. ONE OF THE FUNNIEST BOOKS EVER! QUIRKY, WITTY and CLEVER.

Book Video


Excerpt
Her heart stopped at the sound of claws coming down the hallway.
What is that rolling sound?
There was the sound of heavy breathing at the door followed by, “I brought you a bottle of wine, dearie,” the cat said, cackling like an old witch.
She tiptoed over to the door. “I suppose you have a poisoned apple, too, in that filthy paw of yours.”
“I didn’t bring a wormy apple. Would you like a nice unopened bottle of Pinot Noir instead?”
Daisy twisted a fist in her yellow Adult Cinderella nightgown. Her big toe stuck out of her slippers. She did not drink this early in the day or was even up on a Saturday morning, but her sisters had banged on the bedroom window. Aunt Davina slammed a picture of Jesus against the window and screamed, “Pray to God, Daisy, that The Man watching football from the clouds will toss you a husband as good as my John! Maybe you will catch a Matthew or a Peter!”
“I dated a Peter once and he was really a dick,” Daisy yelled back.
Given the day she was having, a morning drink could hit the I-feel-good-about-myself spot right on.
Daisy should act strong and tell the cat to go catch a mouse.
On the other hand, a stiff drink would calm the lizards jogging around her brain. The mind racing was due to her new mad-as-a-hatter relationship with her cat.
“Uh, a glass of wine would be good,” she squeaked.
[Want more? Click below to read a longer excerpt.]


Praise for the Book
“I needed this book right now in my life, it’s been a tough year full of illness and the loss of a beloved aunt, whom might I add was a cat lover. Books find us, I promise you that. I was a giggling nuisance in bed while reading Austin’s story. Sometimes we just need something fun and wacky to escape from the drudgery of life.” ~ Lolly
“This may be the funniest book that has ever been written - my book club has no idea what is about to come into their reading pile. PLEASE WRITE MORE.” ~ Janet Cousineau
“This is book is laugh out loud funny, and I couldn't stop reading it. […] This book is thoroughly enjoyable, with great characters and a refreshingly enjoyable story.” ~ RobynKFLNJ
“This book was hilarious from start to finish!! I was laughing, giggling, verbally agreeing and comparing my past relationship fails throughout this book. […] Read it for a good laugh and an enjoyable happily ever after.” ~ Tonia T. Amet
“I feel like this book is a hidden gem, thankfully I came across it. I love Shakespeare! He is so funny. I've never laughed so much throughout a book. Very amusing story. It seems like Daisy is always looking for love in all the wrong places but she always has her talking cat Shakespeare to pick up the broken pieces. Great Book. First time reading a book by this Author.” ~ Carla

About the Author
Belinda Austin
Belinda Austin writes Women's Fiction, Romanic Comedy, Humor, Psychological Thrillers and Suspense. She has a degree in Applied Mathematics and once worked as a Software Engineer. She was born in the Los Angeles Area and is an award-winning author. She is a Zumbaholic.
Belinda, also, writes Science Fiction and Fantasy under the name of B. Austin. She writes Historical Fiction under the name of Belinda Vasquez Garcia, along with Middle Grade Fiction.
She has occasionally dreamt or her cat, Shakespeare, talking to her in English. She once had a cat named Whiskey who used to sit like a human in a chair for half an hour or more with an empty beer can on his head, which proves that life often emulates fiction.

Giveaway
Enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon or B&N gift card.

Links

Monday, August 27, 2018

"Finders, Not Keepers" by D. E. Haggerty

EXCERPT and GIVEAWAY
Finders, Not Keepers
(The Not So Reluctant Detectives Book 1)
by D. E. Haggerty

Finders, Not Keepers (The Not So Reluctant Detectives Book 1) by D. E. Haggerty

Finders, Not Keepers by D. E. Haggerty is currently on tour with Reading Addiction Book Tours. The tour stops here today for an excerpt and a giveaway. Please be sure to visit the other tour stops as well.


Make sure you grab your copy, ON SALE for only $0.99 for a limited time.



Description
What do you do with a diamond no one wants? You can’t keep it. Or can you?
While cleaning her ex-husband’s effects out of the attic, Terri finds an exquisite diamond pendant necklace. She’s determined to return the necklace to its proper owner, but the owner was brutally killed, a murder which remains unsolved, and her heirs want nothing to do with the diamond. Terri embarks upon a journey researching charities to which she can donate the diamond. When her research becomes dangerous, Terri contemplates solving the murder herself. Her best friend, Melanie, jumps feet first into investigating the murder, but her neighbor, Ryder, doesn’t want Terri exposed to any danger. Ryder, to Terri’s surprise, also wants to be more than neighbors with Terri. Luckily, he’s prepared to take any measure necessary to keep her safe because someone is determined to stop her inquiries.  
Join Terri on her quest to find a home for the diamond, which may result in the unveiling of a murderer – if she survives long enough.


Excerpt
“We’re totally on to something.” Terri barely had a chance to close her door before Melanie made her proclamation.
Terri’s mouth dropped open, and her bag fell to the floor at Melanie’s words. “Are you out of your mind? We are done playing detective,” she shouted at her friend’s retreating back. When Melanie didn’t respond, she rushed to follow her through the hallway to the kitchen. 
“Oh, please.” Melanie grabbed a beer out of the refrigerator and took a deep drink before continuing, “Your man candy got a bit bent out of shape. Big whoop.”
She could not believe her ears. They had been followed by some thugs and then interrogated by the police as if they were the thugs, and her best friend thought it was all some big adventure. “Don’t you get it? We’re actually in danger. Someone was murdered.”
“I figured it all out.” Terri rolled her eyes and couldn’t wait to hear what exactly Melanie had figured out. “They won’t kill us because we don’t know anything.” 
“Mel,” Terri gritted her teeth and waited for her friend to look at her before explaining, “those men who followed us don’t know we have no clue what’s going on. In fact, they probably think we do know something since they were following us and all.”
“Huh. I hadn’t thought of that.”
Terri fisted her hands before she throttled her friend, although any jury would let her off if they heard the rubbish Melanie was spouting. “Perhaps it’s time to leave the detecting to the professionals?” Terri held her breath as she waited for Melanie to acquiesce.
Melanie shrugged. “Let’s order pizza.” Terri sighed. Her friend hadn’t agreed to stop sticking her nose into police business, but if she was cheating on her diet to eat pizza, then she was more shook up than she let on. Surely, she wouldn’t want to continue nosing around now? Terri could only hope.
[Want more? Click below to read a longer excerpt.]


Praise for the Book
“Who knew that one necklace could lead to such adventure. From trying to find its owner to landing herself smack dab in the midst of an unsolved murder, Terri sure had her hands full. And I was entertained the entire time. […] Fingers crossed hers is the next book!” ~ ShannonVM
“This is for you if you like female amateur sleuths, stubborn and determined women, hilarious situations as well as a great combination of cosy suspense, humour, and romance. A funny and suspenseful book to read again; it is the very promising first in a new series.” ~ Karen

 

My Review
I received this book in return for an honest review.


By Lynda Dickson
When Terri finds a valuable diamond necklace in her attic, instead of keeping it for herself, she decides to solve the mystery and find the owner. Because … what would Nancy Drew do? Throw in a hot neighbor - who also happens to be a private investigator - and a pushy friend, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a humorous mystery. As Terri investigates, she finds herself getting deeper and deeper into trouble and has to keep reminding herself that she’s “not in a John Grisham novel.”
I love the cute librarian-related quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the bookish references throughout. Unfortunately, both the characters and the plotline are unbelievable, and there are numerous editing errors and problems with the writing: too many physical descriptions and descriptions of actions; too much telling, not showing; extremely repetitive, monotonous storyline, with everyone constantly telling the other characters what has happened; too much similarity in names, e.g., the accountancy firm Schumacher and Scribner and the jeweler Schreibner; insights into other people’s minds even though the story is told wholly from Terri’s point of view.
While this mystery is solved, the author leaves Terri’s story on a cliffhanger, to be continued in the next book in the series.
Warnings: sexual references, violence.

Some of My Favorite Lines
“No way was Terri giving up chocolate, ice cream, or wine. Life was too short to be obsessed with yoga classes.”
“How come all her friends could read her like a book? It was flipping annoying.”
“Her life had suddenly turned into a suspense novel. Surely, things like this didn’t happen in real-life.”
“We’re not in a John Grisham novel.”
“She hadn’t managed to spend more than an hour alone with a book on Sunday. Who could live like that?”
“Judging by the looks other drivers were giving her, they weren’t as excited about the arrival of Monday morning. She grinned at their grumpy faces. To be fair, they didn’t get to work all day surrounded by books. Sucks for them!”
“Please stop creating more drama. We have enough drama without you creating some.”
“Terri put choking her friend at the top of her to-do list. Her friend obviously had a serious problem, and Terri was willing to choke that problem right out of her.”

About the Author
D. E. Haggerty
I grew up reading everything I could get my hands on from my mom's Harlequin romances to Nancy Drew to Little Women. When I wasn't flipping pages in a library book, I was penning horrendous poems, writing songs no one should ever sing, or drafting stories which have thankfully been destroyed.
College and a stint in the U.S. Army came along, robbing me of free time to write and read, although on the odd occasion I did manage to sneak a book into my rucksack between rolled up socks, MRIs, t-shirts, and cold weather gear.
After surviving the army experience, I went back to school and got my law degree. I jumped ship and joined the hubby in the Netherlands before the graduation ceremony could even begin. A few years into my legal career, I was exhausted, fed up, and just plain done. I quit my job and sat down to write a manuscript, which I promptly hid in the attic after returning to the law.
But being a lawyer really wasn’t my thing, so I quit (again!) and went off to Germany to start a B&B. Turns out being a B&B owner wasn’t my thing either. I polished off that manuscript languishing in the attic before following the husband to Istanbul, where I decided to give the whole writer-thing a go.
But ten years was too many to stay away from my adopted home. I packed up again and moved to The Hague where I’m currently working on my next book. I hope I’ll always be working on my next book.
Finders, Not Keepers is my thirteenth book.


Giveaway
Enter the tour-wide giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card.

Links