Dead Running Series/Cami Checketts

Synopsis:

    1. Dead Running "Cassidy Christensen is running. Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents. Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable. Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness. With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she'll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future."
    2. Dying To Run "Cassidy Christensen wants to run.Captured by the traffickers who killed her mother, her only hope is Dr. Tattoo, a man she loves but nobody trusts. When she finally gets a chance to run, someone else she cares about is taken. Running might be her only chance at survival, but she won’t allow another family member to be killed in her place." 
    3. Running Home "Cassidy's humanitarian mission takes an ugly turn when human traffickers attack. Cassidy doesn’t know where to run—home to America, into Jesse’s arms, or any direction she can to escape the traffickers. Innocent families are being ripped apart and Cassidy must decide if she’s brave enough to stop running and join the fight."

Review: 

    I loved this series! The first book was my favorite of all three. Cassie has lost a lot in her life, but moves forward with a positive attitude. The books all start out bringing the reader in with mystery and drama in the first few pages and doesn't let up through all the books. I love Cassie's sense of humor and her clumsiness. It makes her real and enjoyable. She always makes up names for people she doesn't know, usually by the way they look or smell. Cassie starts training for running marathons and meets Damon who is a fellow runner and Jesse who is a doctor.
    I don't enjoy reading books that have love triangles, and try to stay clear of them, but these books are well worth it! Each of the characters brings mystery, drama, romance, action, and definitely comedy! I don't think I would have gotten very far if it wasn't for the funny moments that happened to appear around every corner. These books had me laughing one minute and tearing up the next. Very well balanced. 
    I don't know if Cami plans to write another one after Running Home, it kind of left it in an either way scenario. I don't want to give too much away, but one of my favorite parts of the books is when Cassie and her best friend decide to go to the gym to run on the treadmills. I laughed so hard! Read the books and find out who Cassie ends up with and what happens in the gym!
   

Timeless Romance Anthology:European Collection/Author's names in review.....

Synopsis:

    "Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: European Collection. Readers will love this collection of six historical romance novellas set in Europe, all with one thing in common: Romance."

Review:

    *Annette Lyon's War of Hearts: After Pete dumps Anna, and trying to get far away from each other, they both take assignments over in war torn Finland. When Pete comes upon Anna he is already having regrets about breaking up with her. But will they both make it through the war to start over?

    *G.G. Vandagriff 's The Earl of Oaksey Takes a Wife: Melissa and Tomas elope against others wishes. Soon Melissa finds out love may have not been the factor for their marriage, but money. Does Tomas even love his wife like she does him?

    *Michele Paige Holmes Gift of Love: Ethan needs an heir, and someone to be a mother to his 3 year old daughter. The problem is all of his other wives have died in accidents around the property. When Amelia takes this task of marriage, she doesn't realize her life is now on the line. Is Ethan the one who kills his wives? Or is it just freak accidents?

    *Sarah M. Eden's A Lesson in Love: Lucy and Reed are newlyweds. Lucy dreams of returning to town and enjoying the season and all the Balls and Opera's she can attend, now that she has Reed she can enjoy it more without having to impress any male suiters. Reed has other plans, like staying home and relaxing. Will Lucy and Reed meet halfway, or will Lucy walk away?

    *Heather B. Moore's An Ocean Away: Gina's Father has an enemy, who happens to be rooming in the room right next to Gina's. When they end up meeting (in a very entertaining way) Edmund is smitten. But when they go back to their normal lives back in New York, will they stay in contact, or will Gina's Father keep them apart?

    *Nancy Campbell Allen's What Happens in Venice: Evangeline is a great artist who is stuck living with her evil Step Father and Step Sisters. When they travel to Italy for an art exhibit to showcase her Step Father's paintings she meets Matteo the most eligible bachelor in Italy. He gives her hope for a new future, away from the cruelty she has put up with. What does her future hold? Can she ever break free?

    These European Romances were lots of fun! I wanted more! I have read the Winter Collection and enjoyed them as well. I hope there will be more in the future. If you are looking for clean short stories then pick up these Timeless Romance Anthologies.

Break it Up/E.M. Tippetts

Synopsis:

    "Kyra Armijo is making a few changes in her life. One of them being, she's no longer going to give it up to every guy who looks at her twice. And she's putting her hopes and dreams for her future first. When the aspiring photojournalist gets the opportunity of a lifetime to tag along with international boy band sensation, Triple Cross, she can't pass up the chance.

The only problem is that she's in love with one band member, dodging the unwanted attention of another, and desperate to keep her turbulent past under wraps. Triple Cross have "nice guy" appeal, approved of by parents the world over, but have just let go their longtime manager, who controlled their clean image and media exposure with an iron fist. When Zach Wechsler, the object of Kyra's affection, begins to show interest, she has to be careful.

Surely one girl can't destroy a band that's been together for ten years... only what if she can? Kyra knows she's one bad decision away from ruining everything she's worked for, and taking the hottest act of her generation down with her."

Review: 

    If you have read Someone Else's Fairytale and it's sequel Nobody's Damsel and you want to know Kyra's story (Jason and Chloe's niece) then you will want to pick up this book.
   Kyra was the wild child causing her parents extreme anxiety. Ever since Chloe came into Jason's life, Kyra has seen the changes in her Uncle. It seems Chloe is meant to be the glue that brings the family closer together.
    Zach the oldest of the boy band Triple Cross, is lonely and finds in Kyra someone he can talk to, and trust. The only problem with that is he doesn't know Kyra's past. If he found out, or anyone for that matter it could be the end of Zach's good boy image, and take the rest of his band down with him at the height of their career.
    Are Kyra and Zach meant to be when all is said and done? I guess you will have to read this book to find out!
    Right now you can get this book on Amazon for .99 cents. If you haven't read any of her other books, or your looking for some books for birthday's or holiday's, most of her books are only 3.99 or lower on kindle. 
    It always amazes me on how Emily's mind works and how she portrays each character she writes about. So many different personalities, yet they all seem to work when put together!

Christmas Collection/Carla Kelly

Synopsis:

    "Come explore Regency London with Carla Kelly! This collection features four stories that will warm your heart with Christmas cheer: "The Christmas Ornament," "Make a Joyful Noise," "An Object of Charity," and "The Three Kings." Filled with romance and a touch of humor, these stories are sure to find a place in your heart and remind you that Christmas is a time for love."

Review: 

    A moving collection of Christmas novella's that you don't want to miss out on! In the first story we find James and Olivia, who grew up down the road from each other, but didn't think of each other romantically, that is until their Father's come up with a plan that involved them getting together by Christmas. 
    The second story we find Chard (Pete) and Rosie. Chard ends up having to take over his mother's assignment in finding singers for their church choir. Rosie having an angelic singing voice is recruited by Chard, who wonders why this beautiful women is always out walking, even in bad weather in ratty clothes, when she lives with a somewhat wealthy family. 
    The third story you meet Captain Micheal Lynch and Sally. Captain Lynch just returning from the blockade lost his first mate, who happened to be the last living relative to Sally and her younger brother Tom. Now both orphaned, Lynch decides to take Sally and Tom back to his childhood home, where he hasn't been since he was a youth and was run off by his Father and older brother.
    In the last story we have Sarah and Luis. Sarah is trying to get out of Spain, after her brother is shot and killed while on vacation. She starts her journey on her own then meets up with Luis, who is put in charge of her until she can get to safety. Is the enemy after her and some writings she and her brother found and confiscated from a Library in Spain? Or is Luis the one they are after, and what is it that he is hiding?
    The first three stories are told by the male point of view, and the last one is the women's point of view. All these stories revolve around Christmas and family.

A Good-Lookin' Man/Marcia Lynn McClure

Synopsis:

    "However, in an instant—in less than a breath or the bat of an eyelid—the elusive pepper spray hiding somewhere in her purse was all but forgotten. For standing before her—right there before her, not three feet away—was the best-looking, most gorgeous, handsomest man she had ever seen in all her life!

“No, seriously,” she thought out loud with lingering bewilderment at how perfectly stunning the man standing before her was, wearing a worn pair of Levi’s, dusty cowboy boots, and a short-sleeved, plaid-print, snap-up shirt that hung open, revealing a bronzed, perfectly sculpted torso that was simply a mass of muscles. She was so unsettled by the man’s appearance that she wasn’t sure whether she was whispering aloud to herself or her car.

Either way, the man asked, “Beg your pardon, ma’am?”

“Oh…oh, nothing,” Fairlee said as she began rummaging in her purse again. But the man’s presence and appearance had entirely rattled her. As her awe-inspired brain obviously quit sending out instructions to the rest of her body, Fairlee felt her purse slip from her hands—watched in humiliated dismay as its contents tumbled out and scattered over the shoulder of the road."

Review: 

    This is a fun little novella. I think it is hilarious how Fairlee is always talking to herself, and not just in her head, but out loud for anyone to hear. She can get into serious trouble with that little trait. Lash is of course the cowboy hunk that all women dream of. Uncle Bean (Ben) is a prankster (even if he didn't intend for a prank) and Aunt Pearl is the matchmaker who makes delicious deserts to stick around for. 
    I am a fan of Marcia's books and have read quite a few, but still have quite a few to read as well. This book doesn't have much peril in it and is fast paced. So if your in the mood for a funny/corny romance, then this is your book. I use the word "corny" because the Author used that as one of her words to describe this novella herself.
    The only complaint I have, and this is not with just this book of Marcia's but most of them, she has the main characters stuttering a lot. It just gets old after the first couple times. But if you can overlook those parts the books are usually 4-5 star worthy for me. I enjoy finding out the names of her characters, they are so out of the box, its kind of like opening a present.
    Here is the Amazon Url for the book:

http://www.amazon.com/A-Good-Lookin-Man-ebook/dp/B00ENSM9Z4?tag=tourblasts-20

Heroes of Faith/Marlene Sullivan

Synopsis:

   " Our fast-paced society loves adventure and it loves a hero—but what about Latter-day Saint heroes? Are there any? There are plenty!
     Heroes of Faith, True Stories of Faith and Courage, is a collection of twenty-four riveting stories about people who rose above difficulties and impossible odds to emerge triumphant. You’ll read about stalwart men and women who stood firm and valiant in the gospel in spite of dangerous mobs, flying bullets, physical handicaps, extreme hardships, and dictatorial regimes.
    It's fascinating to read about the exploits of real heroes and when that hero is acting in accordance with the principles of the gospel, the adventure is not only thrilling, but inspiring as well. In these days of increasing trials and tribulation, we can all use some worthy role models, especially those that strengthen our faith and increase our testimonies. "

Review:

    There are definitely heroes to be found in this book. The Gospel shines through, which gives the people in these stories strength and courage to overcome the trials in their lives. Some end up even being martyrs because of their convictions, and blessed are they!
    Some of these true stories I have heard before, but was amazed at how many I did not.I look back in history, especially in my own, and how many life experiences from ancestors have been swept under the rug. Thanks to Marlene she has brought some great stories to light.
    There were quite a few that dealt with war. Some about the pioneers, and not just the ones who walked across the plains, but pioneers in their own lands. Also Missionary stories. I really enjoyed the Women of Faith in this book, and watching them overcome the trials of there time and culture.
    The heroes in this book would not have become that way without the Gospel in their lives. Most people are heroes to somebody. Who knows what those around you have written down in their journals to make you one.
    Here are some sites if you want to buy the book or check out the Author:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Heroes-Faith-Stories-Courage-Strength/dp/1462111289/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375911655&sr=1-1&keywords=heroes+of+faith+by+marlene+bateman+sullivan

Barnes and Noble:   http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heroes-of-faith-marlene-bateman-sullivan/1114333313?ean=9781462111282

Books & Things:  http://booksandthings.com/heroes-of-faith-true-stories-of-courage-and-strength.html#.UgLJn20hXAw

Marlene's website is: www.marlenebateman.info

Lair of the Serpent/T. Lynn Adams

Synopsis:

    "Jonathon cant wait to surprise Delia for her birthday. With a little help from Delia's brother, Severino, he plans to visit her in Cambodia where she's working as a humanitarian volunteer.
    But Jonathon arrives only to find a panicked Severino and no Delia.
    Jonathon and Severino are determined to find Delia before it's too late-but it might not be that easy. Now, with the orphan Chey and their friend Juan, Jonathon and Severino must fight their way through human trafficking rings, a dense jungle, and a radical group bent on using Delia as a human sacrifice in order to find the Naga Mani, a sacred and powerful stone."

Review:

    When Delia is kidnapped and Severino fails to rescue his sister from her captors, there is nothing or no one who is going to get in his way even if it is going against the police to get his sister back. When Jonathon finds out his friend is missing, he will stop at nothing to get her back, even if he ends up dying in the process.
    I didn't read the book before this one, but I don't think that you really need to to understand it's own plot. This is a Y.A. novel that keeps you on your toes. The only problems I had with it was it was a bit too busy. I am usually a fast reader and can finish a book pretty quick, but with this one it took me a few sittings to get through it.
    Jonathon's temper always got the better of him and got him in trouble, so when the consequences came around I felt like he earned them.I don't know if the author had that in mind or not when writing this character, but that is what I got out of it.
    I would have loved to see more of Delia's point of view and of Keo's. I loved Chey. He seemed more level headed then anyone else in his company. Over all, I did enjoy the story line and the myths that seemed to come to life. It had adventure, intrigue, and lots of drama and mystery. If that is what you are looking for in a book, then you found it!