Alibi by Teri Woods

Alibi by Teri Woods

Two men think they've found the perfect opportunity--a chance to rob the stash house of Simon Shuller, one of Philadelphia's biggest drug lords. But their plans are spoiled when one of Shuller's men catches them as they break into the stash house. Temperatures flare as the men capture Shuller's worker, Poncho, and force him to show them the goods. What they didn't expect was for Poncho's partner to be armed and very dangerous. An altercation breaks out and when the smoke clears, Nard, Poncho's accomplice, is the only one left standing. Thinking quickly, Nard cleans shop and makes his escape, but not before being spotted by a few neighbors. Not wanting to kill anyone else, he makes a mad dash for the streets but wonders if the witnesses will give up his identity. What he needs now is a plausible alibi. If he doesn't come up with one fast, it could mean life in prison, or death on the streets.
Daisy Fothergill needs money-fast. Life as a stripper and barmaid isn’t paying the bills, so when her boyfriend offers her cash to provide an alibi for his friend, Daisy is more than happy to oblige. Once Daisy realizes she is aiding and abetting a cold-blooded killer- and that the FBI is on to her- she decides to bolt…from both Nard and the government agents. But someone is watching Daisy, and her time is about to run out.


I love Teri Woods and enjoyed this crime thriller as much as all of her other books. This novel was a quick read with 239 pages. I am looking forward to read Alibi II and wonder if we hear more about Daisy.


Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pub. Date: August 2009
ISBN-13: 9780446581691

Italian for Beginners by Kristin Harmel

Italian for Beginners by Kristin Harmel

Thirty-four-year-old Manhattan accountant Cat Connelly has always lived life on the safe side. But after her little sister gets married, Cat wonders if she has condemned herself to a life of boredom by playing by the rules. She decides to take a chance for once, accepting an invitation to spend a month with an old flame in Italy. But her reunion with the slick and gorgeous Francesco is short-lived, and she finds herself suddenly alone in Rome. Now, she must see if she has the courage to live outside the lines for the first time - and to face a past she never understood. It will take an unexpected friendship with a fiery Italian waitress, a whirlwind Vespa tour of the Eternal City with a handsome stranger, and a surprise encounter with an old acquaintance to show Cat that life doesn't always work out the way you expect, but sometimes you have to have fall in order to fly.


This is a cute fun book to read. This novel brought back lots of memories for me. I was thinking of all the good times and the crazy things I did as a teenager on my many vacations in Italy. Oh do I want to go back and ride the countryside on a Vespa again and eat all that delicious food.
If you like romance and adventures this is the book for you to read.

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: 5 Spot (August 13, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446538302
ISBN-13: 978-0446538305

I can see you by Karen Rose

I CAN SEE YOU by Karen Rose

Evie Wilson was the victim of the villain in DON'T TELL, an assault which resulted in paralysis on one side of her face. After her injury, Evie retreated into the virtual realm, seeking refuge from the public eye by interacting with online friends. Now, with the help of a surgeon, Evie's face is restored and she is ready to return to the real world. However, she remains connected to the Internet for her graduate thesis on using the virtual world as therapy to improve self-esteem. She has become an online shopkeeper who sells faces and bodies to users interested in building a new avatar on a website called "Shadowland." In her new role, Evie maintains "surveillance" over her test subjects to ensure they don't become too caught up in the intoxicating virtual realm.

Meanwhile, homicide detective Noah Webster has been investigating a string of suspicious suicides that he believes are connected murders. Noah's investigation leads him to Evie when one of her online test subjects is found dead of apparent suicide, but Evie believes otherwise.

Evie is shocked to find herself drawn to someone for the first time in many years and she's reluctant to trust Noah. However, he's the only one who believes her story about the suspicious death of her test subject, and he soon discovers that many of the apparent suicides in his case had avatars in "Shadowland."

As murder victims connected to the website begin to appear more frequently, Noah asks Evie to be his virtual guide in the investigation. However, they don't realize that the killer is closer than they think--and that he holds a special grudge against Evie.



Excellent romantic thriller with lots of mystery. Well developed characters. This novel kept me on the edge of the seat and I could not figure out who the killer was until the very end. I would recommend this novel to anyone who likes a great suspense.


Publisher: Grand Central
Hardcover: 496 pages
Publishing (August 5, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446538345
ISBN-13: 978-0446538343

Book Giveaway July 23- August 2" easy on the eyes"

Congrats to GwendolynB, the winner of our giveaway


easy on the eyes by Jane Porter

At 38, Tiana Tomlinson has made it. America adores her as one of the anchors of America Tonight, a top-rated nightly entertainment and news program. But even with the trappings that come with her elite lifestyle, she feels empty. Tina desperately misses her late husband Keith, who died several years before. And in a business that thrives on youth, Tina is getting the message that her age is starting to show and certain measures must be taken if she wants to remain in the spotlight. It doesn't help that at every turn she has to deal with her adversary--the devilishly handsome, plastic surgeon to the stars, Michael Sullivan. But a trip away from the Hollywood madness has consequences that could affect the rest of her life.


Thanks to Miriam and Hachette Book Group, I have 1 copy of this book to give away.

Rules:

To enter the giveaway you must leave a comment. Please leave your email address otherwise we will not be able to get in touch with the winners.

Winners will be drawn Sunday, August 2nd at Noon Eastern Time and posted August 3rd. Winners will be contacted by email and have until Wednesday, August 5th to contact us via email with their mailing addresses. If the winner has not contacted us by the due date, we will randomly choose another winner as this is only fair to the other participants.

Alternate winners will be drawn Friday at Noon.


Ways to earn extra entries:

+1 for commenting on the giveaway post

+3 for being a follower of my blog
(Please indicate this in your comment)

+2 for comments on my other book reviews
(Please indicate this in your comment)

+2 More Entry: Post this Giveaway on your blog
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*Feel free to contact me via email at barras31063(at)yahoo(dot)com should you have any questions*

HOW TO SCORE by Robin Wells

HOW TO SCORE by Robin Wells

HER LIFE COACH
Museum curator Sammi Matthews isn't just in a dating slump, she's putting men on the injured list. After giving one date a black eye and cracking another's rib, Sammi decides she needs professional help. Enter life coach Luke Jones, who advises Sammi on how to overcome her klutziness. And their phone sessions work! Sammi soon meets a sexy FBI agent who seems to know just what she needs.

IS CHANGING HER LIFE
When his brother Luke goes into federal protection, FBI Special Agent Chase Jones agrees to cover for him. Then Sammi's hot voice sizzles down the line, and the usual "phone only" rule is out. With "Luke" coaching her by day, and Chase dating her by night, Sammi's confidence soars, along with her appeal. Chase falls hard, but how will Sammi feel if and when he comes clean? Chase would rather she break all his bones than risk breaking her heart.



This is a great book, an easy to read, romantic, funny novel. I was laughing so hard wondering what Sammi is doing next to this poor guy. Sammi is just one big klutz since she left her ex boyfriend and is doing lots of damage to every guy she meets. I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance and likes a few good laughs.


Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Forever (June 1, 2009)
Language: English ISBN-10: 044661842X
ISBN-13: 978-0446618427

Finger Lickin’ Fifteen by Janet Evanovich

UNBUCKLE YOUR BELT AND PULL UP A CHAIR. IT'S THE SPICIEST, SAUCIEST, MOST RIB-STICKING PLUM YET.

Recipe for disaster:
Celebrity chef Stanley Chipotle comes to Trenton to participate in a barbecue cook-off and loses his head —literally.

Throw in some spice:
Bail bonds office worker Lula is witness to the crime, and the only one she'll talk to is Trenton cop, Joe Morelli.

Pump up the heat:
Chipotle's sponsor is offering a million dollar reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the capture of the killers.

Stir the pot:
Lula recruits bounty hunter Stephanie Plum to help her find the killers and collect the moolah.

Add a secret ingredient:
Stephanie Plum's Grandma Mazur. Enough said.

Bring to a boil:
Stephanie Plum is working overtime tracking felons for the bonds office at night and snooping for security expert Carlos Manoso, A.K.A. Ranger, during the day. Can Stephanie hunt down two killers, a traitor, five skips, keep her grandmother out of the sauce, solve Ranger's problems and not jump his bones?

Warning:
Habanero hot. So good you'll want seconds.


I have read all the Stephanie Plum novels and enjoyed every one of them. This novel as all of the Stephanie Plum books is a light, fast read and I laughed out loud a few times. You can’t help but love the characters, especially Lula and Grandma Mazur. I admit it is not one of JE’s best novel but it did the job for me.



Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pub. Date: June 2009
ISBN-13: 9780312383282
320pp

A CIRCLE of SOULS by Preetham Grandhi

Following the senseless and brutal murder of a ten-year-old girl in a small Connecticut town, a tenacious doctor and a brilliant FBI agent uncover a disturbing paranormal phenomenon linking the victim with a child in a psychiatric ward.

This is a must read if you like thrillers.
A CIRCLE OF SOULS is a very well written, fantastic thriller with well developed characters, many unexpected twists and suspense. This novel had me captivated from start to finish. The author has done an outstanding job of keeping the reader guessing and entertained right to the end.
I am looking forward to read more of this talented author’s work.



Publisher: Cedar Fort, Incorporated/C F I Distribution
Pub. Date: June 2009
ISBN-13: 9781599552354
Sales Rank: 587,180
342pp

Sold by Patricia McCormick

Lakshmi is a thirteen-year-old girl who lives with her family in a small hut on a mountain in Nepal. Though she is desperately poor, her life is full of simple pleasures, like playing hopscotch with her best friend from school, and having her mother brush her hair by the light of an oil lamp. But when the harsh Himalayan monsoons wash away all that remains of the family's crops, Lakshmi's stepfather says she must leave home and take a job to support her family.

He introduces her to a glamorous stranger who tells her she will find her a job as a maid in the city. Glad to be able to help, Lakshmi journeys to India and arrives at "Happiness House" full of hope. But she soon learns the unthinkable truth: she has been sold into prostitution.

An old woman named Mumtaz rules the brothel with cruelty and cunning. She tells Lakshmi that she is trapped there until she can pay off her family's debt-then cheats Lakshmi of her meager earnings so that she can never leave.
Lakshmi's life becomes a nightmare from which she cannot escape. Still, she lives by her mother's words-Simply to endure is to triumph-and gradually, she forms friendships with the other girls that enable her to survive in this terrifying new world. Then the day comes when she must make a decision-will she risk everything for a chance to reclaim her life?


Sold is an excellent quick read but also very deep. This book is very powerful and well written. It is a true, very sad story about child prostitution in Nepal. Unfortunately these things still happen in other countries and it will open the minds of many people.


Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (April 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786851724
ISBN-13: 978-0786851720

easy on the eyes by Jane Porter

At 38, Tiana Tomlinson has made it. America adores her as one of the anchors of America Tonight, a top-rated nightly entertainment and news program. But even with the trappings that come with her elite lifestyle, she feels empty. Tina desperately misses her late husband Keith, who died several years before. And in a business that thrives on youth, Tina is getting the message that her age is starting to show and certain measures must be taken if she wants to remain in the spotlight. It doesn't help that at every turn she has to deal with her adversary--the devilishly handsome, plastic surgeon to the stars, Michael Sullivan. But a trip away from the Hollywood madness has consequences that could affect the rest of her life.


I was not able to put this book down, great characters, I fell in love with Tiana and rooted for her throughout the book. I would recommend this novel to anyone who likes to read a great chick lit.



Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: 5 Spot (July 22, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 044650940X
ISBN-13: 978-0446509404

Book Giveaway July 10-July 17

CONGRATS TO jennilovevirgo, OUR WINNER OF THIS GIVEAWAY
FACES BY MARTINA COLE

Just before Danny Cadogan's fourteenth birthday, his father leaves. Having drunkenly run up a gambling debt he cannot pay, Big Dan Cadogan takes the wrath of the men sent to collect the debt. Determined to protect his mother, brother and sister, something changes in Danny and, overnight, he turns into a young man set on making his way in a violent and dangerous world. And so, with his childhood friend, Michael Miles, providing the brains behind the operation, Danny Cadogan becomes a Face. Not just a Face, but the most feared Face in the Smoke. Out for all he can get. At any cost. But Danny's ruthlessness on the streets of London doesn't stop at his front door. He rules his wife, Mary, and children with an iron will -- and his fists. But if Mary breaks her silence, it could shake Danny's criminal empire; right to the very core. And for a Face at the top of his game, there's only one way to go. Down. Because, after all, debts can be paid even without money.
　
Thanks to Miriam and Hachette Book Group, I have 1 copy of this book to give away.

Rules:

To enter the giveaway you must leave a comment. Please leave your email address otherwise we will not be able to get in touch with the winners.

Winners will be drawn Saturday, July 18th at Noon Eastern Time and posted July 19th. Winners will be contacted by email and have until Tuesday, July 21st to contact us via email with their mailing addresses. If the winner has not contacted us by the due date, we will randomly choose another winner as this is only fair to the other participants.

Alternate winners will be drawn Wednesday at Noon.


Ways to earn extra entries:

+1 for commenting on the giveaway post

+3 for being a follower of my blog
(Please indicate this in your comment)

+2 for comments on my other book reviews
(Please indicate this in your comment)

+2 More Entry: Post this Giveaway on your blog
(Please indicate this in your comment)


*Feel free to contact me via email at barras31063(at)yahoo(dot)com should you have any questions*

Faces by Martina Cole

Just before Danny Cadogan's fourteenth birthday, his father leaves. Having drunkenly run up a gambling debt he cannot pay, Big Dan Cadogan takes the wrath of the men sent to collect the debt. Determined to protect his mother, brother and sister, something changes in Danny and, overnight, he turns into a young man set on making his way in a violent and dangerous world.

And so, with his childhood friend, Michael Miles, providing the brains behind the operation, Danny Cadogan becomes a Face. Not just a Face, but the most feared Face in the Smoke. Out for all he can get. At any cost.

But Danny's ruthlessness on the streets of London doesn't stop at his front door. He rules his wife, Mary, and children with an iron will -- and his fists. But if Mary breaks her silence, it could shake Danny's criminal empire; right to the very core. And for a Face at the top of his game, there's only one way to go. Down. Because, after all, debts can be paid even without money.


Excellent novel. I am fascinated with any books that have to do with the Mafia or Mobsters and this book was a great read for me. This is not an easy read, has lots of violence. I will be looking for more books from this author.


Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pub. Date: July 21, 2009
ISBN-13: 9780446179973
512pp

The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand

Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who count each other as best friends. As pillars of their close-knit community, the MacAvoys, Kapenashes, Drakes, and Wheelers are important to their friends and neighbors, and especially to each other. But just before the beginning of another idyllic summer, Greg and Tess are killed when their boat capsizes during an anniversary sail. As the warm weather approaches and the island mourns their loss, nothing can prepare the MacAvoy's closest friends for what will be revealed.

Once again, Hilderbrand masterfully weaves an intense tale of love and loyalty set against the backdrop of endless summer island life.


Quick and fast read. A great mystery and the ending is so unexpected. I recommend this book as a great beach read.

• Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
• Pub. Date: July 07, 2009
• ISBN-13: 9780316043892

Ravens by George Dawes Green

The Boatwrights just won 318 million dollars in the GeorgiaState lottery. It's going to be the worst day of their lives.

When Shaw McBride and Romeo Zderko pull up at a convenience store off I-95 in Georgia, their only thought is to fix a leaky tire and be on their way again to Florida-away from their dull Ohio tech-support jobs. But this happens to be the store from which a 318,000,000 million dollar Jackpot ticket has just been sold -- and when a pretty clerk accidentally reveals to Shaw the identity of the winning family, he hatches a ferociously audacious scheme: He and Romeo will squeeze the family for half their prize.

That night, he visits the Boatwright home and takes the family hostage, while Romeo patrols the streets nearby, prepared to murder the Boatwrights' loved ones at any sign of resistance. At first, the family offers none. But Shaw's plot depends on maintaining constant fear-merciless, unfaltering terror-and soon, under the pressure, everyone's sanity begins to unravel . . .


This is one book I couldn’t put down once I got started reading. This novel is a page turner from start to finish with many twist and turns. I really enjoyed reading this novel and look to read more from this author.

• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Pub. Date: July 2009
• ISBN-13: 9780446538961

Daniel X Watch the Skies by James Patterson & Ned Rust

All's quiet in the small town of Holliswood, the television sets a-glow in every home. But not all is as perfect as it seems.

A terrifying outlaw has just arrived in town, with the goal of throwing it into chaos--and filming the pandemonium for the fellas back home.

Only one person can stop him and his thugs from destroying the city and everyone living there. Daniel X assembles an all-star team of his own creation, but not even he could imagine the enormity of this made-for-TV-villain's powers.


I am a huge James Patterson Fan but this book kind of disappointed me. I expected more from one of my favorite authors. Maybe it is that I am just not that much of a sci-fi fan. If someone likes sci-fi you may like this book.



• Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
• Pub. Date: July 27, 2009
• ISBN-13: 9780316036184

Hollywood is like High School with Money by Zoey Dean

Twenty-four-year old Taylor Henning has just landed her dream job as an assistant at a major movie studio. But when her catty coworkers trick her into almost getting fired, she realizes that the old saying "Hollywood is like school with money" just may be true. The thing is, Taylor wasn't exactly a social butterfly in high school-how is she supposed to do any better the second time around?

That's when she meets her boss's popular sixteen-year-old daughter Quinn, and has an epiphany: maybe this teenager can teach her how to use her queen bee tactics to succeed in the Hollywood popularity contest. Quinn comes up with a plan to teach Taylor one lesson a week-everything from "Fake it 'til you make it" to "It's *never* your fault"--and soon Taylor finds herself winning the war against rival assistant Kylie. Until, that is, she's directed to steal Kylie's boyfriend, and something happens that's not in the game plan: Taylor falls for the guy. Now she must do the impossible-- harness her inner mean girl while staying true to herself.

Quick, fun to read novel. I was laughing out a few times when I read this book. This is a good beach read. I am looking forward to read more from this author.



• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Pub. Date: July 23, 2009
• ISBN-13: 9780446697194

I’m so happy for you by Lucinda Rosenfeld

What if your best friend, whom you've always counted on to flounder in life and love (making your own modest accomplishments look not so bad), suddenly starts to surpass you in every way?

Wendy's best friend, Daphne, has always been dependably prone to catastrophe. And Wendy has always been there to help. If Daphne veers from suicidal to madly in love, Wendy offers encouragement. But when Daphne is suddenly engaged, pregnant, and decorating a fabulous town house in no time at all, Wendy is...not so happy for her. Caught between wanting to be the best friend she prides herself on being and crippling jealousy of flighty Daphne, Wendy takes things to the extreme, waging a full-scale attack on her best friend-all the while wearing her best, I'm-so-happy-for-you smile-and ends up in way over her head.

Rosenfeld has a knack for exposing the not-always-pretty side of being best friends--in writing that is glittering and diamond-sharp. I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU is a smart, darkly humorous, and uncannily dead-on novel about female friendship.


This is a fast paced, easy book to read. This is the story about two best friends and what happens when your best friend starts getting everything you desire. I would recommend this book.


Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Pub. Date: July 29, 2009
ISBN-13: 9780316044509
288pages