Final Cut EdiTing

 Glam Girl T's Pick of the Week with her personal review... Each review will include a rating of 1 through 5; one being good and 5 being the very best.  Purses, lipsticks, pairs of shoes, or some other type of glam will reflect the rating. I hope you enjoy.

FDA by Rick Giernoth

Jack is a journalist who seems to find himself continuously in trouble due to his brutal honesty and obsession with conspiracy theories. He has befriended, Martini, a man with underground connections. Unfortunately, Martini has more knowledge and connections than is good for anyone to have and of the not so good to know kind.

When Jack stumbles into the ultimate conspiracy, he finds himself in a bad position, and people around him begin dropping like flies. Time is running out, and he must turn to a group of strangers for help, as well as an unlikely, recently discovered enemy.

This is an interesting outlook on the possibility that a government could play such a major roll in everyone’s life without anyone being the wiser, costing innocent, unknowing people their lives, all in the name of a dollar.

Very interesting story, good characters, would make a great Sylvester Stallone movie.

2.5 Shoes               

No Place to Run by Thomas B. Sawyer         

          Thomas B. Sawyer took a chance writing this book, and I am glad I took the chance to read it. The backdrop for this book is of a very sensitive nature but given an open mind is very exciting.

          So buckle your seatbelts and hold on tight for the thrill ride Mr. Sawyer is about to take you on with his suspense filled “No Place to Run.”  This story captures your attention from the beginning and keeps it to the very last word.  The action and twists were enough to cause this reader to have to remind herself to breathe! Very well done.

          No Place to Run reads as a kick-butt-Bruce Willis meets suspense-thriller author, John Sandford movie. However, at the same time, Thomas B. Sawyer brings about questions and possibilities for his readers to consider, not all positive or favorable, but all the same, something to ponder. A definite sign of a good author.

          Some readers will love this book for what it is, a good story; others will not, for personal reasons or other, due to it’s existence coming from one of the most horrific, needless loss of innocent lives in recent history: September 11, 2001. To everyone affected by this tragedy, my heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to you daily, and always will.

          I give this read 2.75 shoes; loved the story, characters, and think Mr. Sawyer is a very talented author. 

          The reason for 2.75 shoes is that the beginning is difficult to read as so many characters are thrown at the reader at once, flashing back & forth between them too quickly, and the choppy sentence structure causes the reader to sometimes have to go back and re-read a sentence or paragraph. It does get easier as you read through.

Thomas B. Sawyer Webpage:  www.ThomasBSawyer.com

Purchase No Place to Run here:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0981453546?ie=UTF8&tag=storybasesoft-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0981453546 

Author: Thomas B. Sawyer
ISBN-10: 0981453546 / ISBN-13: 978-0981453545  / Publisher: Sterling & Ross Publishers

The Officers Girl by Leigh Duncan

http://leighduncan.com/home.html

 Stephanie Arlene Bryant, born and raised in Ohio, heads to sunny Cocoa Beach, Florida for the opportunity she’s worked so hard for; the Director of Human Resources for Space Tech. Her ultimate goal is to become the first female CEO of the company. Her life has revolved around nothing else; no real relationship, no desire of motherhood, nothing will stand in her way of reaching her goal. One may even consider her a “me-me” girl.

 Stephanie’s arrival to her new home in the sunshine state is short lived when a local police officer knocks on her door, and she is immediately evacuated due to Hurricane Arlene’s impending arrival. This does not sit well with Stephanie and the demanding, rude, but oh so delicious, Officer Brett Lincoln, didn’t help her mood in the slightest…something she should probably get used to.

Officer Brett Lincoln is so done with women like Stephanie. His track record with the “me-me” women is not a good one, and he wants nothing more to do with them. However, destiny, fate, or just plain bad luck keep his path crossing the path of the ultimate, but very beautiful, me-me woman, Ms. Stephanie Bryant. Cupid must be one warped puppy; one Brett would happily handcuff and throw in jail right now.

 How can one find true love in the type of person one dislikes the most? And if one does, could it really ever last?

 If you are a hopeless romantic and enjoy a good love story, this is the perfect book for you. Leigh Duncan highlights the demands, sacrifices, and independence so often seen in today’s working women along with how a lot of these women are perceived in a self centered, almost cold hearted, bitch manner. It takes a strong, confident, real man to break down the tough exterior, find the real woman inside, and love her unconditionally; even when she causes him to question if it’s what he really wants . Ms. Duncan’s Brett Lincoln is just that man.

 The Officers Girl is beautiful, heart-felt, and a wonderfully written love story. Ms. Duncan reminds us not to judge a book by it’s cover, so to speak, and to follow your heart; your head doesn’t always know what is best for your heart in the matters of love.

Very sweet,

3.75 shoes            

The Last Misunderstanding by R.L. Taylor

An extremely successful, Rita Clark, COO of Jackson & Fitz, relocates for her job. Accustomed to money, luxury lifestyle, and the highest of respect, she still finds herself unfulfilled, lonely.

One evening, while exploring the new city she is to call home, she happens upon a quaint jazz club. As fate would have it, Rita meets a former athlete and local dream man, Lee Johnson. He's confident, handsome, and makes her smile. Though he doesn't hold a glamorous position at a prestigious business firm, Rita is very much interested. It looks as though her luck in the relationship department is changing and her prayers are being answered. She can fix the whole job thing for him... she's COO of Jackson & Fitz, for crying out loud.

Sparks fly from the moment Rita and Lee meet. The relationship seems almost fairy tale like. However, the whirlwind "honeymoon" period of the relationship is not long lived. Lee begins to feel a little inferior, has a slightly bruised ego while Rita isn't as sympathetic or understanding as she maybe should be. To top it all off, there is the tiny problem of skeletons in one of their closets... skeletons that come back to town, skeletons hard to ignore.

Can 2 complete opposites truly live happily ever after, or will little white lies, 1/2 truths, and misunderstandings tear them apart? The odds are stacked against them, tempers flare, and feelings are hurt. What will become of Rita and Lee?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This story highlights real, day-to-day obstacles couples face in todays world as well as how misunderstandings and little white lies can destroy trust, the base of any longlasting relationship, no matter how small or innocent they starts out as.

Taylor also touches on inner strenth, the unfortunate emphasis on outer beauty and social status, and how blind one can become once lost in the need to impress. Bravo!

The Last Misunderstanding is an enjoyable story with wonderful characters full of personality, emotion, and strenghts.

3 shoes!            

Unexpected Lovers - Between the Sheets 2                 18 and OLDER

Professional Liaison - Between the Sheets 1                                             18 and OLDER

4 Lipsticks!!                 

TRUTH OR DARE by SYRELL STARR                                      (18 & older only)

Things are not going Sheray Demsy’s way; she feels as though cupid has it out for her in a bad way. Her boyfriend, full of broken promises, makes her feel unworthy and useless, especially in the bedroom, and they break up. So what is she to do to lift her spirits? Well, an evening with the girls always helps ease the pain...right?

Sheray is a grade school principal required to be proper, politically correct, and has a very public image to uphold. She finds that the social and moral constraints stifle her at times. Inside, she is headstrong, it’s not in her nature to back down no matter what, and she has wants and needs as every woman does. Generally, these are good traits to have, even admirable at times, but sometimes, these can get you in trouble.

So Sheray is feeling sorry for herself and decides to fix that by joining her 2 best friends since grade school for a grown up girls slumber party.

Several adult beverages later and an empty bottle, it’s truth or dare time—the bottle points to Sheray. Now everyone knows you are supposed to pick either truth or dare. However, let’s say your liquid intake takes over and speaks for you...choosing both! Would you trust your BFF’s? Would you follow through with whatever they threw at you? You may want to think twice before answering that, Sheray should have.

Sheray’s two best friends call truth first—ultimate fantasy...in detail. Sheray complies and spills her drunken guts: perfect stranger, no hold bar, anything goes, but he must remain a perfect stranger, never to see again. Then the dare—Sheray must fulfill her fantasy.  Now remember, it’s not in Sheray’s nature to back down from a dare and her friends know that, count on it.

Being the wonderful, caring friends that Candice and Tammy are, they place an ad, conduct interviews, and set up the fantasy weekend; that’s where Marc Trent, pilot and perfect hunk of a man, comes into play, and boy does he ever!

What starts out as a fun filled evening with the girls playing a game of truth or dare, ends with spending a weekend away to fulfill her ultimate, most intimate fantasy, but not all plays out exactly as Sheray imagined. She may end up with more than she bargained for, among other things.

We all have our personal fantasies in one form or another. Given the chance, would you agree to make yours come true? Syrell Starr makes you consider just that, makes you secretly wish Candice and Tammy were your best friends helping make your ultimate fantasy a reality.

With realistic characters and beyond steamy scenes, Ms. Starr worked some seriously hot magic in this story. Make sure you have a fan and ice water when you sit down to read this extremely hot story.

What is your ultimate fantasy?

4 Shoes                     

Find Syrell Starr:  www.sizzlingstories.blogspot.com

Publisher: Carnal Passions

Purchase at: www.carnalpassions.com

My Heart Will Find Yours by Linda LaRogue 

A carefree, fun-loving, young lady named Texana Keith befriends a special lady named Pearl , aka Pearlina Dyson. These 2 ladies hold a very special bond; one Pearl is acutely aware of; one Texana will soon discover and appreciate. 

Pearl is an elderly widow holding an unbelievable secret to her life. Understanding that the time has come; the time to make a unique, almost outlandish, request of her beloved Texana. A request she has been preparing for, for a long time.

Pearl sits Texana down, providing memorabilia and trinkets to accompany the story of her existence in this century. Once finished with her tale, she asks a special favor of Texana. All Texana must do is take a few items Pearl provides her and get on a train, the rest will happen on its own. 

Texana, thinking her elderly friend has completely lost her mind, finally agrees to this ludicrous trip to pacify her fragile friend. All the while thinking she could make a shopping trip out of the whole thing. Never could Texana fathom what would happen next. Her life would never be the same. Waking up half naked, in Waco   Texas , in 1876 was almost more than she could handle, until she realized this was only the beginning...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This time travel romance is a mind blowing journey jam-packed with action, adventure, and every emotion within. The witty, independent Texana makes you laugh and cry while the delicious Royce Dyson has you falling in love with him without even trying; a genuine, sexy, gentlemen that one finds only in the old movies.  

My Heart Will Find Yours is an emotional and heavenly train ride you don't want to miss boarding.

LaRoque works her magic, never ceasing to amaze with her glorious stories and exceptional writing skills. She makes her readers "believe." Her attention to detail, well crafted descriptions, and obvious research makes this, as well as every other, story of hers comes to life on the pages. I just couldn't put this story down. 

I've been a fan of Linda LaRoque from the first book of hers I ever read and will continue to be for a very long time. Please see my other reviews of this truly talented author and check out the rest of her books. She never disappoints!

4.5 Shoes

Little Bitty Lies by Mary Kay Andrews

Ahhh, isn’t life grand? A beautiful home in the suburbs of Atlanta; a successful husband and beautiful teenage daughter; country clubs and neighborhood gatherings, and best of all, not having to work - life is truly perfect… isn’t it?  Mary Bliss McGowen thought so. Completely clueless to any problems in her perfect little world until the morning she found a note left by husband, Parker McGowen, stating he left and took every dime they had… p.s. evil mother-in-law’s nursing home is paid a full year ahead – how thoughtful.

What?! How can this be?

Mary Bliss is in a situation she is unfamiliar with and is having a hard time coming to terms with life. Not wanting to face facts quite yet or admit this could possibly be happening to her, she tells a little bitty lie, claiming Parker is out of town on business. Unfortunately, we all know that one lie, no matter how little or big, always leads to another lie, or two, or three.

Luckily for Mary Bliss, she has the world’s best friend in the beautiful, rich, slight lush, Katherine Weidman who happens to be in the middle of a divorce herself. Katherine, along with her liquid lunch, dinner, and nightcap, helps Mary Bliss devise the brilliant plan of kind of, sort of, defrauding the insurance company by claiming Parker has died. All they need is a death certificate. How hard can that be?

These 2 BFF’s, with a few glasses of liquid brain cells and a shot of common sense, from a bottle of course, come up with a “full proof” plan that only requires a trip to Mexico, an alcohol & herb favoring participant, and a boat ride. No one will truly get hurt. Then Voila, a death certificate in hand and all will be good. At least that’s how it played out in their minds. But nothing ever goes quite as planned, now does it?  Especially when the cards are stacked against you from the get-go. These cards happen to include a very handsome private investigator snooping around; a crotchety and evil mother-in-law that is crazy and has always felt you unworthy of marrying her son; an extremely spoiled daughter that is a “Daddy’s Girl,” and an accomplished lawyer who just so happens to be your BFF’s ex husband! Now tell me, nothing could possibly go wrong. Oh yeah, did I mention that Parker is still out there… somewhere?

It’s been a while since a book made me laugh out loud throughout. Little Bitty Lies is light-hearted, comedic, and just plain fun. A great story of true friendship and finding humor in life’s cruel jokes. Mary Kay Andrews is refreshing in her writings; reminding you to not take things too seriously. Kudos to Ms. Andrews for bringing big smiles to a reader that doesn’t smile all that much.

If you are blessed as I am with a true BFF, you will appreciate this book even more. I have a BFF that would have my  back in anything, even when she knows it’s a Really Bad Idea, and yes, I know she would even get baptized with me in the front yard sprinklers, in our skivvies… glass in hand!! You must read Little Bitty Lies to understand and appreciate that last statement J

3.5 shoes                

‘Scuse Me While I Kill This Guy by Leslie Langtry

http://www.leslielangtry.com/

You know the old saying; you can’t pick your family? Well, imagine if your family was all assassins; at age 5 you are required to take a blood oath and immediately begin your “training;” and at age 15, you must complete your first “assignment.”

Then, imagine trying to have a relationship, be a mom, and lead a Daisy Girl Scout Troop of screaming, out of control 5 year old girls… ok, your “training and career” may come in handy with that last one. J

Virginia Bombay is June Cleaver by day and Poison Princess Assassin by night. She doesn’t think twice about it, it’s life, carrying on the family business, just another day at the office. Mom, brother, cousins, even old granny are all in the business – not that you have a choice, of course.

There is only one problem being a Bombay; you need to be more cautious and watch your back more with family than anyone else. Bombay’s have rules, no one is untouchable. If you break a rule, it’s handled within the family, and there will just be one less burger on the grill come family reunion time. It’s just that simple.

So when the Council calls on Virginia to find the mole within the family, and “deal with him,” she faces the horrible realization that it very well could be the person closest to her… her own brother. Things are not looking good at all.

Oh yeah, and did I mention that her daughter, Romi, is turning 5 years old this month? Talk about having a bad day.

Virginia Bombay is what every woman would love to be, if only for a day.

‘Scuse Me While I Kill This Guy is wonderfully humorous, even with several dead bodies; sarcasm at it’s best and brilliantly unique. Leslie Langtry amazed me with her story telling skills, her sense of humor, and her creation of the very special Bombay Family.

I recommend meeting the Bombay family, you will love them… just watch your back. J

4.5 shoes!!!  

Anywhere She Runs by Debra Webb

http://debrawebb.com/cms2/

9 years ago a tragic event, ending the life of a young man, ran officer Adeline Cooper out of town, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth, resenting everyone – including the love of her life.

Now a successful major crimes detective in Huntsville, Alabama, Adeline has proven herself and has a life and career she is happy with. Never looking back to that horrible place she once called home. Pascagoula, Mississippi, held only limited phone calls with her mother and nothing more…until the letters arrived at her apartment and a high profile lawyer goes missing in her old hometown.

Small towns are generally very close knit communities, most residents never leave, and they remember everything. Time does not necessarily heal all wounds in this neck of the woods.  Needless to say, the fine people of Pascagoula did not hold a welcome home parade down Main Street for Adeline, there were no open arms awaiting her. In fact, her tires are slashed in the police parking lot within an hour of arriving back home.

Adeline expects no less; she is strong and only wants to do her job. Unfortunately, all is not so easy. The now sheriff just happens to be the very yummy, Wyatt Henderson; the former love of her life; the man that threw her under the bus 9 years ago, leaving her no choice but to run.

With hard feelings whirling, tempers flaring, resentment as thick as molasses in this small town, Adeline lifts her chin, determined to find the connection between her and this missing attorney and hopefully bring her home – alive.

No leads, no evidence, another missing woman, more letters, deliberate obstacles, new threats, and now, the fun begins… along with the return of the nightmares. Still, what is the connection to Adeline? Why does this villain keep calling her “princess”, and why, oh why, must all the princesses die? She is running on adrenaline, her life as she once knew it is unraveling at record speeds, and she is quickly running out of time, if she hasn’t already.

Debra Webb grips all of your emotions in the amazing story of Adeline Cooper, right through to the very last sentence, literally. This tale touched every emotion; had tears welling in my eyes, made me giggle, had my heart trying to pump right out of my chest, and had my head spinning like a tornado.

A first rate book written by a first class author. I still have goose bumps!

A definite 5 shoes!!!          

SILVER SERENADE by Nancy J. Cohen

http://nancyjcohen.com/

Silver Malloy is an intergalactic assassin for S.I.N. from earth. Her first assignment is a dream come true – to eliminate Tyrone Bluth, the cruelest, most ruthless outlaw in all of the galaxies. Tyrone is also responsible for the death of her family, which he must pay for with his life.

While implementing her mission, Silver is tackled by a tall, handsome Kurashian named Jace Vernon. Jace is a wanted man on the run with a similar mission; only he needs to capture Tyrone Bluth to clear his name and regain his royalty status on Kurash. The future of his world and the lives of many depend on this.

Jace needs Tyrone alive; Silver needs him dead!

The unlikely duo team up in their efforts to locate Tyrone and the excitement begins! They face Crockers and Weavers; find themselves in the most daring of situations; attend a very strange auction that takes them to the ultimate fantasy land most are unable to ever leave; and even acquire an additional Elusian companion.

Having not been exposed to many sci-fi writings, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first opened this book. I am ecstatically surprised. If all sci-fi futuristic books are written as Ms. Cohen has written Silver Serenade, I would add many more to my shelves.

Amazing Heroine, Sexy Hero, lovable sub-characters that truly complete the ensemble and the attention to detail is remarkable. Furthermore, I was impressed with the way Nancy Cohen incorporated the need for peace among worlds, their politics, and their leadership to this enchanting tale. Silver Serenade is a futuristic romance that holds a lot of worldly realism. Past, present, or future; there will always be war, a need for peace, differences of opinions, good, and evil.

Silver Serenade is strangely captivating and oddly intriguing in an exciting, first-rate way. This is not your 1960’s Star Trek story. This is an exceptional, fast paced, futuristic book that takes you to different worlds and introduces you to a whole new outlook on this genre of writing.

4.25 Shoes

A Thousand Bones by P.J. Parrish

http://www.pjparrish.com/

Miami Police Officer, Joette Frye, started her rookie days in Echo Bay, Michigan, as the only female officer on a force of old school minded men. However, her real initiation to the force would not come in the form of harassment, practical joking, or male chauvinism and would haunt her for many years to come.

Joette, aka Joe, is driven to succeed and prove herself to everyone that she is every bit the police officer as any man on the force. The perfect opportunity to make her mark on the force comes when a couple of boys hiking in the woods of Echo Bay stumble upon a few human bones, not enough to make a full skeleton but just enough to open an investigation.

Continuously disregarded and handed grunt work, Joe concludes that she must do some investigating of her own when fate hands her Detective Rafsky.

Rafsky is a highly regarded detective that is drawn to Joe and her theories. Could she be onto something? And what about the tree carvings in the woods?

With Rafsky’s experience and Joe’s drive and ambition, they begin to uncover more clues, make some horrific discoveries, and may just be getting closer to solving the mystery surrounding the bones… bones they no longer believe belong to just one individual. 

But at what cost will their pursuit of justice and closure have on Echo Bay and their officers? Lives will never be the same. Lives will be lost.

A Thousand Bones tests morals and is slightly disturbing in an almost acceptable manner. The story pushes the envelope on so many levels and you can’t help but question yourself. That is truly the making of a great story and talented author.

Suspenseful, jaw dropping, and nail biting are just a few words to describe this brilliantly written book. Parrish’s writing skills are so astounding; even the gruesome parts seem necessary and acceptable. If you want a book that stirs so many emotions and makes you question your own make up, this is a book for you. What would it take to make you cross a line, to toss aside your morals?

4.5 shoes

His Weekend Proposal by Alexa Grayson  

Junior reporter of London Life Magazine, Lindsay Wyngate, receives the assignment she’s been praying for when Diva Sr. reporter, Melissa Carrington, becomes ill.

The focus of this make or break a career assignment is the one and only Trevor Carlton; oil tycoon of Carlton Petroleum. Trevor has remained a mystery in the media world; an extremely private man. Lindsay has every intention of getting Mr. Mysterious to open up to her, allowing her to write the best article for London Life, and making a real name for herself as a reporter.  She doesn’t realize she is about to open up more than Trevor Carlton or that her dream assignment could effect her personally.

In an innocent attempt to get to know the real Trevor Carlton, Lindsay uncovers secrets that could very well ruin an empire, taking hearts along the way.

The moral struggle Lindsay must tackle is not made any easier with the surprise recovery of Melissa Carrington. You guessed it; Miss Diva invites herself to the weekend long interview at Trevor’s, Hawksgate Estate, only to make matters worse.

This short story has a great base and the hero and heroine are amazing. Scene settings are beautifully written and make you daydream about a place such as Hawksgate Estate. This reader only wishes the book was longer as many of the scenes feel rushed or end a little too abruptly for my taste. With a few more chapters, His Weekend Proposal would be better than it already is.

2.75 shoes                

Return of the Wild Son by Cynthia Thomason

(http://cynthiathomason.com/)

Screenwriter, Nate Shelton, has spent the last 20 years in Los Angeles, making a life and name for himself while living as far away from Finnegan Cove, Michigan, as he can.

Jenna Malloy has spent the last 20 years in Finnegan Cove, working in her mother’s bakery, attending nursing school, and working diligently in an attempt to physically erase a reminder of the most horrific night of her life… the Finnegan Cove Lighthouse Station.

A tragic event from years past, a historic lighthouse, a bag overflowing with lies and secrets, and time served are the force pushing Nate and Jenna to face each other, face their pasts, and face the truth that slaps them in the face. What happens next, you cannot begin to imagine.

Return of the Wild Son is an exhilarating tale with tragedy, emotion, and passion. Two lives are ripped apart at a young age then thrown back together as adults, and by no misdoings of their own. Cynthia Thomason tempts her readers to question forgiveness, giving someone a second chance, and even wondering what secrets may be hidden in your own life.

Enchanting setting, captivating characters, strong storyline, and impressive writing; thank you Cynthia Thomason, for sharing this wonderful story.

4 shoes            

Most Eagerly Yours by Allison Chase

(http://www.allisonchase.com/)

Laurel Sutherland is called upon by Queen Victoria, a close childhood friend with whom her and her sisters swore an oath to be “secret servants” forever. Her mission; to go undercover and unravel the evil a disgruntled member of the royal family is trying to bring upon the Queen, possibly bringing down the entire royal family.

Posing as widow Sanderson, Laurel heads to Bath, London to begin her “spy” mission. Almost immediately, she makes the acquaintance of a very dashing distraction, one which she received warnings about well in advance, making her mission more difficult than previously believed.

Laurel’s distraction is none other than Aidan Phillips, ninth Earl of Barensforth.  With a history of travel, womanizing, gambling, and living life to it’s fullest; Aidan is smitten with the new arrival to Bath, Widow Sanderson. Aidan, on a mission himself, finds a challenge in the widow Sanderson and uncovering the secrets he is sure she holds.

In the wings lay a big pain in the backside, mischievous and sinful George Fitzclarence, Earl of Munster, cousin of the Queen, center of Laurel’s mission, and with whom Aidan is babysitting on behalf of Home Office, the Palace. George is tangled in deceit, stumbling with alcohol, and just smart enough to be a danger to anyone – even his self.

This adventurous, historical romance captures your attention from chapter one. Allison Chase is brilliant in bringing her characters to life, keeping true to the era, and painting a beautiful picture throughout. Most Eagerly Yours is filled with enchantment, elixirs, grand balls, historical figures, and yes, scandal, gentlemen’s clubs, murder, and much more, keeping readers excitedly turning the pages for more. Even the sub-characters are memorable without overshadowing Laurel and Aidan on their quest for the truth. I look forward to more from Allison Chase.

4+ shoes for Allison Chase and the Sutherland sisters of England.

Death Angel by Martha Powers

(www.marthapowers.com)

In close knit Pickard Illinois, 30 miles outside of Chicago, a mother’s worst nightmare becomes a gruesome reality.

Kate Warner; part time librarian, caring wife, and loving mother to beautiful 8 year old Jenny Warner, is living the horror every parent prays will never happen.  In the brief moment it took to turn her back and listen to a quick recorded reminder on her answering machine, her life shattered. Making this nightmare worse, local police work relentlessly to prove her husband, her rock, is guilty of the unspeakable.

Kate reaches deep to find the strength to prove her husband’s innocence, if possible… if he really is.

In her investigation, Kate finds herself with more questions than answers, too many coincidences to justify, and an abundance of closets with skeletons surrounding her. Everyone becomes a suspect; she can trust no one, including her husband, Richard Warner.

Death Angel puts a tight grip on your heart from page one then drags it through Kate’s life of the unthinkable… barely allowing you to breathe.  Emotional, intense, and heart pumping; Death Angel reads like an award winning episode of Criminal Minds. This book is impossible to put down. Just when you think you have everything figured out, you immediately question your answer, never completely sure.

Gripping and powerful, Martha Powers’ remarkable writing shines!

4.75 shoes!               

FLAMES IN THE SKY by LINDA LAROQUE

As legend has it, over 1000 years ago in the time of the Chacon Anasazi Indians, a perfect turquoise stone existed, holding special powers. The stone fell into the hands of evil, and because of this, the gods struck the evil holder of the stone, Nukpana, with lightning, breaking off two small pieces of the stone, now referred to as “the twins.” Nukpana never received a proper burial; his body burned, and the ashes stored and sealed in a clay bottle, trapping his evil essence but never allowing him closure.

Current time: An innocent Rita Santiago accidentally damages Nukpana’s containment bottle, releasing his essence. He is now free, ready to take revenge on the Anasazi people and wipe out any sign they ever existed.

Madison Evans, a fiery red head, substitute violinist in the Houston Symphony with a PhD in art, finds herself on a quest to learn more about her ancestry and the history of the special turquoise locket left to her after her mother’s death.

Since acquiring the locket, Madison has been having dreams, almost nightmarish, and they always include a certain warrior and witch woman. What could these dreams mean? Are they trying to tell her something?

Madison’s journey lands her at the Chaco Canyon in New Mexico where she meets the handsome Lonan Stone; a native, National Park Ranger with important ties to more than one of the local tribes.

After several terrifying mishaps, they soon discover that someone is desperately wants Madison’s locket—but why? Could it be the ancient prophets were right? Are Madison and Lonan truly the chosen ones to reunite the twins with the mother stone and lock Nukpana away once and for all? If so, how can they accomplish this seemingly impossible feat? According to the prophecy, the expectations are high, the sacrifices even greater.

Linda LaRoque does it again! Her true talent as an author shines brilliantly in this mystical adventure of time travel, Native American heritage, urban legend, and love. In addition, Ms. LaRoque’s gift for setting a scene is so well done and precise that you can close your eyes and actually see the vivid colors of this beautiful area, smell and feel the air around you, and hear the faint whispers from times past on the light breeze surrounding you. She has you believing in her characters and wanting to believe the legend, the whole story, is true. I highly recommend this book.

Flames in the Sky will light a flame in you...all the way to the last word.

5 Shoes!!

Find Ms. LaRoque at: www.lindalaroque.com 

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Purchase at: www.thewildrosepress.com

COMBUSTION by REBECCA SAVAGE

Sherri Marconi-Sandoval is a 25 year old, petite red head, brought up in a loving Italian home, and is an only child. She thought she met the man of her dreams in George Sandoval.

George Sandoval is a handsome, filthy rich businessman with major connections throughout the community. He also possesses another side of himself that no one knows about.

After a whirlwind romance, Sherri married George after knowing him only 3 months, but before the ink dried on the marriage license, George began to show his true colors. He began beating Sherri and forcing her to perform her “wifely duties,” all the while threatening to kill her and her family if she ever left him.

The final straw comes with George beating Sherri within inches of her life, leaving her for dead, and setting fire to their home...with Sherri still inside. So, with money Sherri stashed away for months, she leaves George, beginning the true hell of her life.

Bouncing from motel to motel, having alienated everyone she knows and loves, Sherri continues to run from George and his goons. Eventually, she finds herself at a women’s shelter as a volunteer nurse. Upon the recommendations of others at the shelter, she answers an ad for an apartment; the landlord is the owner of the women’s shelter, a downright saint and gentleman, John Tarentino.

John Tarentino is a well off, gorgeous firefighter with a few skeletons of his own. John has an internal need to help and protect everyone around him, especially a particularly beautiful red head with serious trust issues in regards to the male species.

With George’s relentless attempts to get Sherri back, or kill her, John finds himself falling hard for Sherri. But will she ever allow herself to trust him, allow him to love her completely? Better question, will Sherri stay alive long enough for John to try?

Unfortunately, this sort of thing happens every day in the real world. If only every woman had a John Tarentino to care about her, protect her, and prove that not all men are bad. There is a shining knight out there for every girl. Never give up and always believe in yourself.

Rebecca Savage shows a special talent for making you feel as if you are living the hell that Sherri Marconi-Sandoval is living; feeling her pain, both physical and emotional. My eyes even welled up at one point, which is not an easy accomplishment. Her attention to detail, making scenes come alive on the paper, is incredible. This is a remarkably well written story of courage, never giving up on life, and holding onto hope for a real life with real love. A definite recommended read.

4 Shoes!

Find Ms. Savage at:  www.rebeccasavage.com                                                                                                                                            Publisher: Champagne Books                                                                                                                                                                                    Purchase at: www.champagnebooks.com

COWBOY LOVE by SANDY SULLIVAN                                        (18 and older)

Amy Russell, originally from Oregon, relocates to Dallas, Texas to work as a nurse. She has a special gift for breaking horses, and on weekends, she team ropes in rodeos, following her father’s footsteps.

Needing a getaway due to a recent breakup with her cheating, semi-abusive boyfriend, Amy takes a long weekend with her dear friend, Chris. They head to Chris’s parents ranch in the small town of Brenham, Texas. That evening, Chris takes Amy to the local club, hoping to find someone to take Amy’s mind off her ex.  As if sent to answer a prayer, the ultimate cowboy walks in, catching Amy’s eye and taking her breath away.

Tucker Lewis could be the pin-up, poster boy for Sexy Cowboy. He is a local boy, works on the family ranch, and moonlights as the lead singer for an up and coming country band. He is smitten with Amy from the moment he lays eyes on her, losing all control of rational thought and a part his heart.

After spending a long and amazing weekend together, Amy and Tucker attempt a long distance relationship, one Tucker truly gives his heart and soul to making work. Unfortunately, Amy’s low-life ex-boyfriend, Jack, is doing his best to cause problems for Amy and Tucker, in a feeble attempt to win Amy back.

Will Tucker stick it out, or will he cut his losses and walk away, having been burned too many times before? Will Amy’s guilt for leaving Jack, hurting him, and her desperate need to take away the pain Jack has caused the ones she loves, win over, sending her back into Jack’s arms?

This is a love story about a young woman’s trials and tribulations in the world of relationships today; break ups and heartache, finding new love, trying to make a long distance relationship work, confusion and pain within, and even wounded friendships.

I love how Sandy Sullivan makes Amy Russell so versatile, having her more than capable of keeping up with the boys while remaining feminine and beautiful, even in her weakest moments. Moreover, Tucker Lewis—Wow! He is a dream cowboy that any woman would love to have. Ms. Sullivan’s characters are spectacular, right down to Amy’s two good friends and the staff at the hospital where she works.

Cowboy Love includes steamy love scenes, is suspenseful and action packed, in some places a little overwhelmingly so, but this is a good read and a great Cowboy Love story.

3.5 Lipsticks

Find Ms. Sullivan at:  www.sandysullivanauthor.blogspot.com

Publisher: Siren Publishing

Purchase at: www.sirenpublishing.com

Orb World by Andrea Gale 

Ylana has been sick and spent most of her time in hospitals. Eventually, her sickness takes her.

She awakes and finds herself in another world; it’s not heaven or hell as she ever imagined. Here, in this village, you are a slave to another of seniority – wearing no clothes – to learn and grow. This village has no modern conveniences and belonging to a man doesn’t sit well with Ylana.

Ylana soon discovers that she is needed for her librarian background and must help save the village from a dominant, modernized village, much bigger and better equipped for war.

Andrea Gale takes you to a world most have never imagined, stirs in emotion, tension, love, and puzzles to ponder through Ylana’s journey to discover the secrets of the orbs with clues left by the Originators.

I am fascinated with Ms. Gale’s creativity and ability to take the reader into this unimaginable world. Impressive.

3.5 Shoes 

Purchase Orb World here:  http://www.champagnebooks.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_7&products_id=301

Author: Andrea Gale
Science Fiction Romance
ISBN: 978-1-926681-45-0

Publisher: Champagne Books

Witches Anonymous by Misty Evans

Amy, longtime witch and girlfriend of Lucifer, has sworn an oath to herself to become good, never use her witch powers again, and become a normal human after catching Lucifer cheating with her goody-to-shoes sister, Emilia.

Amy knows it won’t be easy being good, so she joins Witches Anonymous. On the way to her first meeting, she meets Adam, a fireman, perfect gentleman, and absolutely gorgeous. Little does she know, Adam has a few secrets himself.  This relationship could quite possibly change the world.

Lucifer relentlessly tries to tempt Amy into her old ways while Emilia is fuming mad and, with the help of Gabriel, tries to destroy Amy.

Can Amy hold true to her oath? Can she find the strength within to beat the evil forces and save Adam, all on Halloween night?

Amy is not a nice girl in the opening scene, but by the end, I found myself cheering for her.

This is a fun short story, especially with Halloween just around the corner. Misty Evans keeps the story light, has a sense of current day humor throughout, but still manages to get a great message across at the end.

3.5 shoes!!

Webpage: http://www.readmistyevans.com/

Purchase at:  http://www.mybookstoreandmore.com/shop/product.da/witches-anonymous

Publisher: Samhain Publishing Ltd.

ISBN: 978-1-60504-397-5

 Nerd in a Wolf Suit by Laine Morgan

 Phoebe Morin, a young widow, takes a new job in a new city, trying to move on with her life after the sudden death of her husband, Steven.

The night before starting her new job, she discovers that there are such things as vampires, and to make the nightmare worse, they want something from her. Phoebe has no idea what that something might be, but they are determined to get it from her by any means necessary.

Drew Montana works with Phoebe, is a handsome social outcast that has a small problem… One evening 3 years ago, while jogging, a wolf attacked him, turning him into a werewolf!

Phoebe must believe and trust Drew if they are going to get out of this alive.

Full of vampires, a sexy werewolf with Asperger’s, a few poltergeists, and enough twists and turns to keep you reading.

This was an enjoyable read. Ms. Morgan kept the action rolling and surprised me even when I thought I had it all figured out.

I loved Laine Morgan’s description of the poltergeists and the way she brings these urban legends to life, in the current era.  Nicely done.

4 Shoes                              

You can find this wonderful book at    http://www.champagnebooks.com/

When The Ocotillo Bloom, by Linda LaRoque, is a very heart warming, relatable story.

Lynn Devry is not your typical, cover model heroine. She is a genuine, middle aged, divorcee, complete with quirks, attitude, hardened shell towards life, a know-it-all daughter, and a little extra to love around the hips. Lynn is in desperate need of a change, so she decides a relaxing summer getaway at a Texas Ranch & Spa might do the trick. Little does she know what awaits her at the Ranch.

Seth Williams is a single father rancher, set in his ways, and believes he is still in love with his ex-wife in an effort to keep from moving on with his life. Seth runs a Texas Dude Ranch for troubled teens in the middle of nowhere. He is clueless as to what he has agreed to when doing a favor for an old friend, resulting in his latest “project”… Ms. Lynn Devry.

The easy to love, supporting characters all play an important roll in bringing this beautiful love story together without taking away from Lynn and Seth stumbling down the path of rediscovering themselves and finding what they both really need.

Linda LaRoque does a fantastic job taking you through the adult growing pains of two people that seem to have hit that rut mid life sometimes brings, as well as touching on the fragile lives of the troubled teens at the ranch.  She brings to life so many of the ups & downs and emotions of growing, proving that whether a teenager or an adult, you continue to grow and learn throughout life.

A great, feel good read. 4 ½ pair of shoes!!  Nicely done Linda.

You can find Linda LaRoque at: www.LindaLaRoque.com or www.myspace.com/lindalaroqueauthor or www.lindalaroqueauthor.blogspot.com

   Whether you prefer time travel, historical romance, or mystery, you will truly enjoy, Melissa Blue’s, Without Regret My Love. This book includes a little bit of everything expertly tied together - making it impossible to put down.

   Marissa McClafferty is a well-educated, current day ER nurse, jilted by her fiancé, and stuck on the side of the road when her car stalls on an old highway late one night. She finds herself with no cell phone service, no service station within walking distance, only an old brick house in a field. Hoping to find help, she runs towards the house, unaware that her life is about to change drastically, forever.

   Dr. Craig Langston is a Confederate Officer and doctor who finds himself in the odd situation of colliding with one beautiful but strangely dressed woman… with a Northern accent!

   Without Regret My Love pulls the reader into the story, as if actually there. Readers will find themselves rooting for Marissa McClafferty and Dr. Craig Langston, feeling distain for the villainous village hussy, Kirsten Jamison, and wishing everyone had a true friend like Mrs. Genie Harris.

   This story will make the reader smile, feel the characters’ every emotion, pull at your heartstrings, and keep you wanting to read more with its surprises and action throughout.

   Melissa Blue does an exceptional job bringing the characters to life in this story. Her ability to take her readers from “Now”; a world of cell phones, automobiles, and penicillin, to 1863’s horse drawn carriages, arranged marriages, and alcohol as a cure-all; throwing in twists and turns, dead bodies, and scandals while never breaking the flow of the story, is sheer brilliance!

   5 pair of shoes for Melissa Blue. I look forward to future releases from this very talented author.

 You can find Melissa on Myspace at myspace.com/melissablueromanceauthor